bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prebiotic galactooligosaccharide feed modifies the chicken gut microbiota to efficiently clear
Salmonella
Authors: Richards Philip J. , Almutrafy Abeer , Liang Lu , Flaujac Lafontaine Geraldine M. , King Elizabeth , Fish Neville M. , Connerton Amber J. , Connerton Phillippa L. , Connerton Ian F. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Chicken meat is contaminated with
Salmonella
from the gut of infected chickens during slaughter. Eradication of
Salmonella
from broiler chickens through hygiene measures and/or vaccination is not cost-effective; complementary approaches are required. A mature gut microbiota obstructs
Salmonella
infection in chickens, and deliberate fortification of colonization resistance through prebiotic feed formulations would benefit public health and poultry production. Prebiotic galactooligosaccharides hastens
Salmonella
clearance from the gut of infected chickens. To better understand the role of galactooligosaccharides in colonization resistance, broiler chickens were raised on a wheat-soybean meal-based feed, with or without galactooligosaccharides for the first 24 days of life. Chickens were orally challenged with
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis at 20 days and the effect of supplementary galactooligosaccharides characterized by profiling
Salmonella
colonization, gut microbiota, innate immune response, and cecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations. Exposure to dietary galactooligosaccharides shortened the time to clear
S
. Enteritidis from the ceca. Differential abundance analysis of the cecal microbiota associated
Salmonella
challenge with a bacterial taxon belonging to the Acidaminococcaceae family (
P
< 0.005). Increased cecal concentrations of the short-chain fatty acids propionate and valerate were measured in
Salmonella
-challenged chickens sustained on either control or galactooligosaccharide-supplemented feed relative to mock-challenged controls; but far greater concentrations were detected in chickens fed a galactooligosaccharide-supplemented diet in early life. The abundance of the Acidaminococcaceae taxon exhibited a positive correlation with the cecal concentrations of propionate (ρ = 0.724,
P
= 0.008) and valerate (ρ = 0.71,
P
= 0.013). The absence of cecal pro-inflammatory transcriptional responses suggest that the rapid
Salmonella
clearance observed for the galactooligosaccharide-supplemented diet was not linked to innate immune function.

IMPORTANCE

Work presented here identifies bacterial taxa responsible for colonization resistance to
Salmonella
in broiler chickens. Deliberate cultivation of these taxa with prebiotic galactooligosaccharide has potential as a straight-forward, safe, and cost-effective intervention against
Salmonella
. We hypothesize that catabolism of galactooligosaccharide and its breakdown products by indigenous microorganisms colonizing the chicken gut produce excess levels of propionate. In the absence of gross inflammation, propionate is inimical to
Salmonella
and hastens intestinal clearance.
Exploring synergistic and antagonistic interactions in phage-antibiotic combinations against ESKAPE pathogens
Authors: Kunz Coyne Ashlan J. , Eshaya Mirna , Bleick Callan , Vader Samantha , Biswas Biswajit , Wilson Melanie , Deschenes Michael V. , Alexander Jose , Lehman Susan M. , Rybak Michael J. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

In the era of antimicrobial resistance, phage-antibiotic combinations offer a promising therapeutic option, yet research on their synergy and antagonism is limited. This study aims to assess these interactions, focusing on protein synthesis inhibitors and cell envelope-active agents against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. We evaluated synergistic and antagonistic interactions in multidrug-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Enterococcus faecium
, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains. Phages were combined with protein synthesis inhibitors [linezolid (LZD), minocycline (MIN), gentamicin (GEN), and azithromycin (AZM)] or cell envelope-active agents [daptomycin (DAP), ceftaroline (CPT), and cefepime (FEP)]. Modified checkerboard minimum inhibitory concentration assays and 24-h time-kill analyses were conducted, alongside one-step growth curves to analyze phage growth kinetics. Statistical comparisons used one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test (
P
< 0.05). In the checkerboard and 24-h time-kill analyses (TKA) of
S. aureus
and
E. faecium
, phage-LZD and phage-MIN combinations were antagonistic (FIC > 4) while phage-DAP and phage-CPT were synergistic (FIC 0.5) (ANOVA range of mean differences 0.52–2.59 log
10
CFU/mL;
P
< 0.001). For
P. aeruginosa
, phage-AZM was antagonistic (FIC > 4), phage-GEN was additive (FIC = 1), and phage-FEP was synergistic (ANOVA range of mean differences 1.04–1.95 log
10
CFU/mL;
P
< 0.001). Phage growth kinetics were altered in the presence of LZD and MIN against
S. aureus
and in the presence of LZD against a single
E. faecium
strain (HOU503). Our findings indicate that select protein synthesis inhibitors may induce phage-antibiotic antagonism. However, this antagonism may not solely stem from changes in phage growth kinetics, warranting further investigation into the complex interplay among strains, phage attributes, and antibiotic mechanisms affecting bacterial inhibition.

IMPORTANCE
In the face of escalating antimicrobial resistance, combining phages with antibiotics offers a promising avenue for treating infections unresponsive to traditional antibiotics. However, while studies have explored synergistic interactions, less attention has been given to potential antagonism and its impact on phage growth kinetics. This research evaluates the interplay between phages and antibiotics, revealing both synergistic and antagonistic patterns across various bacterial strains and shedding light on the complex dynamics that influence treatment efficacy. Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing combination therapies and advancing phage therapy as a viable solution for combating antimicrobial resistance.
Allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics in children: predictors for a positive oral challenge test
Authors: Wilkins Amanda L , Pittet Laure F , Kyriakou Sophie , Walker Kimberly , Donath Susan , Choo Sharon , Cranswick Noel , Gwee Amanda 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveBeta-lactam antibiotic allergies are reported in 5%–10% of children; however, up to 90% do not have any reaction at oral challenge test (OCT). This study aimed to determine the frequency and identify predictors of positive in-hospital graded beta-lactam OCTs in children with a beta-lactam antibiotic allergy label (AAL).DesignThis is a retrospective study conducted over 7 years, including children aged 0–19 years who underwent a beta-lactam OCT. The OCT comprised an in-hospital graded challenge followed by a 5-day outpatient antibiotic course. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of a positive in-hospital graded OCT.ResultsOverall, 1259 beta-lactam OCTs were included: median age at time of OCT was 6.3 years (range 8.8 months to 19.2 years). Of these, 18 (1.4%) in-hospital graded OCTs were positive and 10 (0.8%) were equivocal, with only 4 children (0.3%) having an immediate, severe reaction to their in-hospital graded OCT. Factors associated with a positive in-hospital graded OCT on univariate analysis were: history of other drug allergy (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 7.2; p 0.05), an index reaction which was severe (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 7.6; p 0.035), immediate and severe (OR 5.85, 95% CI 1.7 to 20.0; p 0.005) or that required epinephrine (OR 9.65, 95% CI 1.7 to 53.6; p 0.01).ConclusionOf the children referred with a beta-lactam AAL, only 1.4% had a positive in-hospital graded OCT. Risk factors for a positive in-hospital graded OCT were history of other drug allergy, an index reaction which was severe, immediate and severe or required epinephrine.
Efficacy, acceptability and tolerability of second-generation antipsychotics for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Lü Wenqi , Liu Fangzhou , Zhang Yuwei , He Xiance , Hu Yongbo , Xu Huifang , Yang Xin , Li Jin , Kuang Weihong 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundBehavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are highly prevalent in people living with dementia. Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are commonly used to treat BPSD, but their comparative efficacy and acceptability are unknown.MethodsThe standard mean difference (SMD) was used to pool the fixed effects of continuous outcomes. We calculated ORs with corresponding 95% credible intervals (CI) for the categorical variable. Efficacy was defined as the scores improved on the standardised scales. Acceptability was defined as the all-cause dropout rate. Tolerability was defined as the discontinuation rate due to adverse effects (AEs). The relative treatment rankings were reported with the surface under the cumulative curve. The AE outcomes included mortality, cerebrovascular adverse events (CVAEs), falls, sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms and urinary symptoms.ResultsTwenty randomised controlled trials with a total of 6374 individuals containing 5 types of SGAs (quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, brexpiprazole and aripiprazole) with intervention lengths ranging from 6 weeks to 36 weeks were included in this network meta-analysis. For the efficacy outcome, compared with the placebo, brexpiprazole (SMD=−1.77, 95% CI −2.80 to −0.74) was more efficacious, and brexpiprazole was better than quetiapine, olanzapine and aripiprazole. Regarding acceptability, only aripiprazole (OR=0.72, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.96) was better than the placebo, and aripiprazole was also better than brexpiprazole (OR=0.61, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.99). In terms of tolerability, olanzapine was worse than placebo (OR=6.02, 95% CI 2.87 to 12.66), risperidone (OR=3.67, 95% CI 1.66 to 8.11) and quetiapine (OR=3.71, 95% CI 1.46 to 9.42), while aripiprazole was better than olanzapine (OR=0.25, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.78). Quetiapine presented good safety in CVAE. Brexpiprazole has better safety in terms of falls and showed related safety in sedation among included SGAs.ConclusionBrexpiprazole showing great efficacy in the treatment of BPSD, with aripiprazole showing the highest acceptability and olanzapine showing the worst tolerability. The results of this study may be used to guide decision-making.
Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis on intention to screen for cervical cancer and predictors among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia
Authors: Lahole Begetayinoral Kussia , Simon Tesfahun , Ewunetu Wondimu , Kussia Wondafrash 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe incidence and fatality rates associated with cervical cancer are continuously decreased by cervical cancer screening. However, in underdeveloped nations such as Ethiopia, very few women have undergone cervical cancer screening. There is a scarcity of nationally summarised data in Ethiopia on women’s intention to use cervical cancer screening and its determinants. Therefore, this protocol describes a planned systematic review and meta-analysis that will evaluate the intention to use cervical cancer screening and its predictors among women of childbearing age in Ethiopia.Methods and materialsThe online databases of EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, HINARI, Google Scholar, and African Journals online databases will be comprehensively searched from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality rating instrument will be used to assess the quality of the included studies. The STATA V.17 statistical software will be used for data analysis. The inverse variance (I2) and Cochran Q statistics will be used to examine the heterogeneity between studies. A random effects model will be used to calculate the pooled prevalence of intention towards cervical cancer screening with a 95% CI. To determine publication bias, a funnel plot, the Egger and Begg test, and a 5% significance level will be used.Ethics and disseminationThere is no need for ethical approval. The results will be disseminated to academic beneficiaries and the public.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023440970.
Efficacy of intra-arterial carboplatin and bevacizumab in the C6 rat glioma model of glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Lim Jaims , Santo Briana A , Baig Ammad A , Ciecierska Shiau-Sing K , Donnelly Brianna , Balghonaim Sarah , Levy Bennett R , Jaikumar Vinay , Levy Elad I , Tutino Vincent M , Siddiqui Adnan H 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundUtilizing an endovascular rat glioma model, this study aimed to analyze the efficacy of intra-arterial (IA) carboplatin and bevacizumab delivery with blood-brain barrier breakdown (BBBB) for glioblastoma treatment.MethodsC6-glioma cells were stereotactically injected into the left frontal lobe of Wistar rats. Tumor growth was confirmed on day 8 via MRI. On day 9, a microcatheter was navigated under fluoroscopy from the left femoral artery to the left internal carotid artery. A volume of 2.25 mL of 25% mannitol was administered, followed by either 10 mg/kg of bevacizumab or 2.4 mg/kg of carboplatin. Serial MRI was obtained post-treatment to assess tumor response via analysis of tumor size and radiomics. Histology was analyzed after termination.ResultsControl tumor rats and IA mannitol treated tumor rats had fatal tumor growths, with survival until 19.75±2.21 and 36.3±15.1 days, respectively. Carboplatin and bevacizumab treated rats lived >40 days, after which they were euthanized. From serial MRI and histology, IA carboplatin treated rats exhibited tumor regression and resolution by day 35. In IA bevacizumab treated rats, there was tumor regression near the basal ganglia of the brain, closer to the IA chemotherapy injection site, which had reorganized growth patterns. From MRI, 29 unique radiomic features were significantly different between control and treated tumors (notably for total energy and skewness), and treatment responders had a distinct, early manifesting radiomic profile.ConclusionIA carboplatin and bevacizumab treatment resulted in varying degrees of tumor suppression, validating the first endovascular C6 glioma model as a reliable method to assess new IA therapies.
Development and validation of a nomogram for cerebral hemorrhage in patients with carotid stenosis undergoing stenting: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Xianjun , Wang Xiaoliang , Ma Teng , Gong Wentao , Zhang Yong , Wang Naidong 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundHyperperfusion-induced cerebral hemorrhage (HICH) is a rare but severe complication in patients with carotid stenosis undergoing stent placement for which predictive models are lacking. Our objective was to develop a nomogram to predict such risk.MethodsWe included a total of 1226 patients with carotid stenosis who underwent stenting between June 2015 and December 2022 from three medical centers, divided into a development cohort of 883 patients and a validation cohort of 343 patients. The model used LASSO regression for feature optimization and multivariable logistic regression to develop the predictive model. Model accuracy was assessed via the receiver operating characteristic curve, with further evaluation of calibration and clinical utility through calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). The model underwent internal validation using bootstrapping and external validation with the validation cohort.ResultsOlder age (OR 1.07, p=0.005), higher degrees of carotid stenosis (OR 1.07, p=0.006), poor collateral circulation (OR 6.26, p<0.001), elevated preoperative triglyceride levels (OR 1.27, p=0.041) and neutrophil counts (OR 1.36, p<0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for HICH during hospitalization. The nomogram constructed based on these predictive factors demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.817. The AUCs for internal and external validation were 0.809 and 0.783, respectively. Calibration curves indicated good model fit, and DCA confirmed substantial clinical net benefit in both cohorts.ConclusionWe developed and validated a nomogram to predict HICH in patients with carotid stenosis post-stenting, facilitating early identification and preventive intervention in high-risk individuals.
Relationship of Ketosis With Myocardial Glucose Uptake Among Patients Undergoing FDG PET/CT for Evaluation of Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Authors: Vidula Mahesh K. , Selvaraj Senthil , Rojulpote Chaitanya , Bhattaru Abhijit , Kc Wumesh , Hansbury Mary , Schubert Erin , Clancy Caitlin B. , Rossman Milton , Goldberg Lee R. , Farwell Michael , Pryma Daniel , Bravo Paco E. 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) with positron emission tomography (PET) is the standard for detecting myocardial inflammation in cardiac sarcoidosis, requiring preparation with the ketogenic diet (KD) to achieve myocardial glucose suppression. Despite this, incomplete myocardial glucose suppression remains a significant issue, and strategies to reduce myocardial glucose uptake (MGU) and identify incomplete myocardial glucose suppression are required. This study sought to understand the relationship between point-of-care beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and different patterns of MGU and between KD and fasting duration with MGU in patients undergoing evaluation for cardiac sarcoidosis.

METHODS:
We prospectively included 471 outpatients who underwent FDG-PET for cardiac sarcoidosis evaluation, followed the KD for 1 (n=100), 2 (n=29), and ≥3 days (n=342), fasted for at least 12 hours, and had BHB levels measured immediately before FDG injection. Images were classified as (1) no MGU (negative), (2) focal/multifocal (positive), (3) diffuse (nondiagnostic), or (4) nonspecific uptake (NS-MGU).

RESULTS:

Cardiac FDG-PET scans were interpreted as the following: 376 (79.83%) negative; 61 (12.95%) positive; 14 (2.97%) diffuse; and 20 (4.25%) NS-MGU. There was a strong negative relationship between BHB levels and MGU (
P
<0.0001). BHB levels increased significantly with KD duration (
P
<0.0001) and fasting time (
P
=0.0067). The combined rate of diffuse, NS-MGU, and positive scans (34%, 28%, 16%) decreased inversely with KD duration (1, 2, and ≥3 days, respectively). However, MGU was not different across different fasting times (
P
=0.6). Blood glucose levels were not associated with MGU (
P
=0.17) and only weakly associated with BHB levels (R
2
=0.03;
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:
We observed a strong inverse relationship between ketosis and patterns of MGU. Longer KD and fasting durations are associated with higher ketosis. However, only KD duration was associated with lower rates of MGU. Measurement of BHB levels before FDG-PET using point-of-care testing is feasible and may facilitate the management of patients referred for myocardial inflammation.
Association Between Caregiver Strain and Self‐Care Among Caregivers With Hypertension: Findings From the REGARDS Study
Authors: Gobourne Asia , Ringel Joanna Bryan , King Alexandra , Safford Monika , Riffin Catherine , Adelman Ronal , Bress Adam , Paul Tracy K. , Durant Raegan W. , Roth David L. , Sterling Madeline R. 
Published: July 2024

Background
Self‐care for adults with hypertension includes adherence to lifestyle behaviors and medication. For unpaid caregivers with hypertension, the burden of family caregiving may adversely impact self‐care. We examined the association between caregiver strain and hypertension self‐care among caregivers with hypertension.

Methods and Results

We included participants of the REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study who identified as caregivers and had hypertension. Caregiver strain, assessed by self‐report, was categorized as “none/some” or “high.” Hypertension self‐care was assessed individually across 5 domains (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH] diet, physical activity, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, and medication adherence) and a composite self‐care score summing performance across them. The association between caregiver strain and hypertension self‐care was examined with multivariable linear regression. Among the 2128 caregivers with hypertension, 18.1% reported high caregiver strain. Caregivers with high strain versus those with none/some were less adherent to the DASH diet (50.8% versus 38.9%,
P
<0.002), physically inactive (44.4% versus 36.2%,
P
<0.009), current smokers (19.7% versus 13.9%,
P
<0.004), and had lower overall self‐care scores (6.6 [SD 1.7] versus 7.0 [SD 1.7],
P
<0.001). In an age‐adjusted model, high caregiver strain was associated with worse hypertension self‐care (β=−0.37 [95% CI, −0.61 to −0.13]); this remained significant but was reduced in magnitude after adjustment for sociodemographics (β=−0.35 [−0.59 to −0.11]), comorbidities (β=−0.34 [−0.57 to −0.10]), caregiving intensity (β=−0.34 [−0.59 to 0.10]), and psychological factors (β=−0.26 [−0.51 to 0.00]).

Conclusions
High caregiver strain was associated with worse hypertension self‐care overall and across individual domains. Increased awareness of caregiver strain and its potential impact on hypertension self‐care is warranted.
Reduced Capacity of High‐Density Lipoprotein to Acquire Free Cholesterol From Triglyceride‐Rich Lipoproteins Is Associated With Elevated Postprandial Hypertriglyceridemia in Healthy Men
Authors: Galier Sophie , Darabi Maryam , Ma Feng , Materne Clément , Guillas Isabelle , Le Goff Wilfried , Kontush Anatol , Guerin Maryse 
Published: July 2024

Background
The capacity of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) to acquire free cholesterol (FC) from triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins during lipoprotein lipase–dependent lipolysis in a process of reverse remnant cholesterol transport, has been proposed as a key biological function of HDL particles that underlies the U‐shaped relationship between HDLcholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. Although reverse remnant cholesterol transport has been evaluated in a fasting state, it has never been explored under nonfasting conditions.

Methods and Results

FC transfer was evaluated in healthy men (n=78) before and throughout the postprandial phase up to 8 hours after consumption of a test meal. Postprandially, the capacity of HDL to acquire FC increased progressively, reaching a maximal mean value of 98.5%±22.5% 6 hours after meal intake (
P
<0.05). Analysis of the study population according to tertiles of postprandial variation of FC transfer identified subjects exhibiting reduced capacity of HDL to acquire FC (tertile 1), those for whom the capacity of HDL to acquire FC remained unchanged (tertile 2), and subjects characterized by an enhanced FC transfer during the postprandial phase (tertile 3). Across the tertiles, we found an inverse relationship between the maximal postprandial change in FC transfer to HDL and the degree of postprandial triglyceride response.

Conclusions
Healthy individuals exhibiting exacerbated postprandial triglyceride response and reduced HDL cholesterol levels feature reduced FC transfer to HDL during the postprandial state. These data suggest that to normalize postprandial triglyceride response, 2 conditions need to be fulfilled: notably elevated FC transfer to HDL in the postprandial phase and increased levels of acceptor HDL particles.