bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural mechanism of proton conduction in otopetrin proton channel
Authors: Gan Ninghai , Zeng Weizhong , Han Yan , Chen Qingfeng , Jiang Youxing 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe otopetrin (OTOP) proteins were recently characterized as extracellular proton-activated proton channels. Several recent OTOP channel structures demonstrated that the channels form a dimer with each subunit adopting a double-barrel architecture. However, the structural mechanisms underlying some basic functional properties of the OTOP channels remain unresolved, including extracellular pH activation, proton conducting pathway, and rapid desensitization. In this study, we performed structural and functional characterization of the Caenorhabditis elegans OTOP8 (CeOTOP8) and mouse OTOP2 (mOTOP2) and illuminated a set of conformational changes related to the proton-conducting process in OTOP. The structures of CeOTOP8 reveal the conformational change at the N-terminal part of TM12 that renders the channel in a transiently proton-transferring state, elucidating an inter-barrel, Glu/His-bridged proton passage within each subunit. The structures of mOTOP2 reveal the conformational change at the N-terminal part of TM6 that exposes the central glutamate to the extracellular solution for protonation. In addition, the structural comparison between CeOTOP8 and mOTOP2, along with the structure-based mutagenesis, demonstrates that an inter-subunit movement at the OTOP channel dimer interface plays a central role in regulating channel activity. Combining the structural information from both channels, we propose a working model describing the multi-step conformational changes during the proton conducting process.
Metabolites profiling, in-vitro and molecular docking studies of five legume seeds for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ibrahim Rana M. , Abdel-Baki Passent M. , Mohamed Osama G. , Al-Karmalawy Ahmed A. , Tripathi Ashootosh , El-Shiekh Riham A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEven though legumes are valuable medicinal plants with edible seeds that are extensively consumed worldwide, there is little information available on the metabolic variations between different dietary beans and their influence as potential anti-cholinesterase agents. High-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry in positive and negative ionization modes combined with multivariate analysis were used to explore differences in the metabolic profiles of five commonly edible seeds, fava bean, black-eyed pea, kidney bean, red lentil, and chickpea. A total of 139 metabolites from various classes were identified including saponins, alkaloids, phenolic acids, iridoids, and terpenes. Chickpea showed the highest antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase effects, followed by kidney beans. Supervised and unsupervised chemometric analysis determined that species could be distinguished by their different discriminatory metabolites. The major metabolic pathways in legumes were also studied. Glycerophospholipid metabolism was the most significantly enriched KEGG pathway. Pearson’s correlation analysis pinpointed 18 metabolites that were positively correlated with the anti-cholinesterase activity. Molecular docking of the biomarkers to the active sites of acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase enzymes revealed promising binding scores, validating the correlation results. The present study will add to the metabolomic analysis of legumes and their nutritional value and advocate their inclusion in anti-Alzheimer’s formulations.
Extraction of typical operating scenarios of new power system based on deep time series aggregation
Authors: Qu Zhaoyang , Zhang Zhenming , Qu Nan , Zhou Yuguang , Li Yang , Jiang Tao , Li Min , Long Chao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractExtracting typical operational scenarios is essential for making flexible decisions in the dispatch of a new power system. A novel deep time series aggregation scheme (DTSAs) is proposed to generate typical operational scenarios, considering the large amount of historical operational snapshot data. Specifically, DTSAs analyse the intrinsic mechanisms of different scheduling operational scenario switching to mathematically represent typical operational scenarios. A Gramian angular summation field‐based operational scenario image encoder was designed to convert operational scenario sequences into high‐dimensional spaces. This enables DTSAs to fully capture the spatiotemporal characteristics of new power systems using deep feature iterative aggregation models. The encoder also facilitates the generation of typical operational scenarios that conform to historical data distributions while ensuring the integrity of grid operational snapshots. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed method extracted new fine‐grained power system dispatch schemes and outperformed the latest high‐dimensional feature‐screening methods. In addition, experiments with different new energy access ratios were conducted to verify the robustness of the proposed method. DTSAs enable dispatchers to master the operation experience of the power system in advance, and actively respond to the dynamic changes of the operation scenarios under the high access rate of new energy.
YOLODCC: Improved YOLOv8 combined with dynamic confidence compensation for lightweight moving object detection
Authors: Zhang Dongting , Ma Hongbin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMost multiple object tracking algorithms depend on the output of the detector. Aiming at the problem that the higher detection quality model is restricted by the computing power, and the robustness of the lightweight detection model is easily affected by motion blur, this paper proposes a lightweight moving object detector based on improved YOLOv8 combined with dynamic confidence compensation algorithm. The algorithm combines various technical means such as network structure optimization, lightweight design, self‐knowledge distillation, loss function improvement and dynamic confidence compensation. ByteTrack is used as a tracker to conduct experiments on PASCAL VOC07+12 data set and UA‐DETRAC test sequence. Compared with the baseline YOLOv8n+ByteTrack, the proposed algorithm improves the HOTA by 1.3% when the single frame tracking delay is reduced by 1.1%. Mostly tracked target is improved by 79.7%, mostly lost target is reduced by 10.9%, and the detection effect is better than the original detector and other popular object detectors. The YOLODCC model achieves a balance between lightweight and multi‐object motion blur.
Making Assessment Real: Audrey Holland's Contributions to the Assessment of Aphasia and Cognitive-Communication Disorders in Clinical and Research Settings
Authors: Milman Lisa H. , Murray Laura L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFor half a century, Dr. Audrey Holland investigated, developed, and implemented ways to extend the assessment of adult language and cognitive-communication disorders beyond traditional impairment-based approaches. This article summarizes Dr. Holland's many groundbreaking contributions to assessment practices by describing and exemplifying major conceptual and measurement innovations that have emerged from her research of both formal and informal assessment techniques. Dr. Holland's assessment contributions encompass the development of many widely used measures of functional communication, discourse, and cognitive-communication abilities. She also contributed to the development of assessment principles that have become part of best-practice standards of care. Some of her most significant contributions include: Drawing attention to assessment within authentic functional contexts; highlighting connections between language, communication, related cognitive abilities, and broader aspects of health including quality of life; raising psychometric standards; and emphasizing the value of implementing multiple person-centered measurement techniques spanning formal and informal as well as quantitative and qualitative approaches. Dr. Holland's career-long commitment and contributions to developing more meaningful and authentic assessment practices have transformed our field and substantively elevated the quality of care and services that we are able to provide to all persons who are impacted by language and cognitive-communication disorders.
Foreign divestment: the missing piece in international business scholarship
Authors: Sethuram Shyamala , Gaur Ajai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAs international business (IB) scholars seek to invigorate the field and steer it away from what some deem a “research coma” resulting from a narrowing scope, the significance of foreign divestment (FD) has once again been relegated amidst other pressing topics. We advocate for elevating FD to the same level of importance as foreign direct investment (FDI). Despite emerging a decade after seminal contributions on FDI, FD has suffered from a notable lack of attention in IB research and educational curricula. However, FD, like FDI, is a common practice among firms and is gaining prominence in light of recent disruptions such as geopolitical conflicts, economic decoupling, digital transformation, and growing skepticism towards globalization. We identify two main setbacks to overcome: the persistent view of FD as merely a misstep in firms' internationalization strategies, and its perception as a subordinate aspect within broader themes of internationalization, including emerging topics such as deglobalization and decoupling. As we elaborate in this commentary, delving into FD at a more granular level can uncover disruptive spillovers that require pushing the boundaries of extant theorizing in IB; neglecting FD leaves the field incomplete and hampers its ability to fully grasp the complexities of global business dynamics.
O04 UKHSA Start Smart Then Focus antimicrobial stewardship: effective implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic at an NHS Foundation Trust in the UK
Authors: Elshenawy Rasha Abdelsalam , Umaru Nkiruka , Aslanpour Zoe 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major global public health threat that has caused 1.2 million deaths, calls for immediate action. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) promotes judicious antibiotic use, but the COVID-19 pandemic increased AMR by 15%.1

Objectives
To investigate the AMS implementation prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
This cross-sectional retrospective study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, focusing on adult patients treated for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). It investigates antibiotic prescribing practices for RTI conditions such as pneumonia and COVID-19-related RTIs in 2020. A total of 640 patient records, 320 in each year, were retrospectively analysed using the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) ‘Start Smart, Then Focus’ (SSTF) AMS toolkit at one NHS Foundation Trust.2 Ethical approval was secured and public and patient involvement through the Citizens Senate was integral, with registration in ISRCTN related to WHO criteria and Octopus.

Results
During the pandemic, the ‘Start Smart’ antibiotic approach involved a retrospective analysis of 640 patient records from a Trust, showing stable prescription appropriateness with a marginal age increase from an average of 74.3 to 76.2 years (P=0.127). The predominant age group remained 66–85 years, with a slight decrease from 48.8% to 46.3%. The length of hospital stay decreased from 13.7% to 12.3% on average. Mortality rates were constant at 15%. Notably, ‘side effects’ as an antibiotic allergy classification changed significantly (P=0.023). Community-acquired pneumonia was the primary diagnosis, with uncertain admission diagnoses influencing antibiotic choice. Significant comorbidity shifts were noted; heart failure increased (P=0.007) while kidney diseases decreased (P=0.008). Antimicrobial stewardship interventions showed a notable rise in ‘De-escalation’ (P=0.005), with guideline adherence dropping from 64% to 36% during the pandemic (Figure 1).

Conclusions
The study highlights how AMS practices, such as ‘De-escalation’, have been pivotal in antimicrobial management during the pandemic. The resilience of AMS in this crisis indicates that sustainable, adaptable AMS measures are essential in the post-pandemic era to continue saving lives. The impact of this research study is significant, offering insights that enrich the global conversation on antimicrobial stewardship. It delves into the core aspects of AMS, emphasizing its vital role in everyday healthcare and its increased importance during public health crises, demonstrating the potential to save lives by reducing antimicrobial resistance.
P07 Study of Prescribing patterns and Effectiveness of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam Real-world Analysis (SPECTRA): results on critical care patients from a multinational, multicentre, observational analysis
Authors: Soriano Alejandro , Paterson David L , Thalhalmmer Florian , Kluge Stefan , Viale Pierluigi , Akrich Brune , Allen Mike , Wirbel Stephanie , Obi Engels N , Kaul Sunny 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T) is indicated for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI),1 complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis,2 and hospital-acquired bacterial and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia.3 Information on real-world use and outcomes of patients treated with C/T in critical care settings is important to help inform disease management and clinical practice.

Objectives
This study presents findings on patient/treatment characteristics and outcomes associated with C/T use in patients managed in the critical care setting.

Methods
Data were collected from the SPECTRA study, a multinational, multicentre, retrospective, inpatient, observational study of patients treated with C/T across hospitals in seven countries (Spain, the UK, Germany, Italy, Austria, Australia and Mexico) from 2016–2020. All adult patients admitted to the ICU during the index hospitalization and treated with C/T for ≥48 h were included. Demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment management patterns and outcomes were assessed.

Results
The study sample included 298 critical care patients receiving C/T (mean age 57.0 years; 68.8% male), 41.9% of which had an infection-related ICU admission. Sites of infection were respiratory (50.0%), skin/wound/tissue (21.1%), blood (13.7%), urine (10.3%), pleural fluid/cerebrospinal fluid/other fluid (9.3%), line/device (2.9%), abdominal (1.0%), bone/joint (0.5%) and stool (0.5%). The most common pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (89.7%) and Escherichia coli (6.4%). Most patients (81.5%) had at least one comorbidity, with the most common being immunocompromised state (44.6%), sepsis (41.6%), heart disease (29.2%) and chronic pulmonary disease (27.2%). Renal replacement therapy was initiated in 21.5% of patients during index hospitalization, with 14.4% on continuous renal replacement therapy. The most common C/T regimen was 1.5 g every 8 h (36.9% of patients). About 51.6% of patients received C/T as third line or salvage (24.8% and 23.5% received C/T as first or second line, respectively). Median C/T treatment duration was 11.0 days (Q1, Q3: 7.0, 16.5 days). Clinical success was 53.4%. All-cause in-hospital mortality was 35.6% overall, and 13.8% infection related. Thirty-day all-cause readmission was 3.4% overall, and 1.7% infection related.

Conclusions
This multinational real-world study included a high number of critical care patients and reported outcomes associated with C/T use. In this very high-risk cohort presenting with severe Gram-negative infections, most C/T patients had beneficial outcomes despite their clinical complexity and late intervention with C/T.
P09 Genomic characterization of nasal Enterococcus faecalis carrying linezolid resistance in healthy hosts identifies zoonotic transmission
Authors: Abdullahi Idris Nasir , Lozano Carmen , Zarazaga Myriam , Latorre-Fernández Javier , Hallstrøm Søren , Rasmussen Astrid , Stegger Marc , Torres Carmen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Linezolid resistance in Enterococcus faecalis (a normal gut bacterium) is increasingly considered a critical public health concern, hence the need to understand their genomic contents and dissemination patterns.

Methods
Illumina-based sequencing was used to characterize seven linezolid-resistant (LZDR) E. faecalis strains obtained from the nares of healthy humans and animals in Spain. Also, the relatedness of the strains with publicly available genomes of E. faecalis with similar lineages and AMR determinants was accessed by core-genome SNP analysis.

Results
E. faecalis was identified in 32.5% of 40 pigs, 30% of 10 pig farmers, 5.9% of 34 dogs and 4.9% of the 41 dog owners. Of the E. faecalis strains, only five, one and one strains from pigs, a pig farmer and a dog, respectively, were optrA-positive. All the optrA were chromosomally located and variants (types 5, 7 and 15) except one that was a WT strain (from a pig). All the strains carried between 16 and 35 virulence genes associated with ≥1 intact prophage. All the enterococci carried ≥1 plasmid replicon (1–5) carrying tetracycline and chloramphenicol resistance genes. SNP-based analyses identified closely related E. faecalis strains from a pig and pig farmer on the same farm (SNP=4). Moreover, E. faecalis ST32, ST59 and ST474 strains from pigs were related to those previously described from humans (sick and healthy) and cattle in Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland (SNP range 43–86).

Conclusions
These findings strongly suggest the zoonotic transmission of LZDRE. faecalis and potential international dissemination. These highlight the need to strengthen molecular surveillance of linezolid-resistant enterococci in all ecological niches and body parts to direct appropriate control strategies.
P14 Knowledge, attitude and practices on antibiotic usage and resistance among people attending primary healthcare in Rwanda
Authors: Ndayisenga Jerome , Tuyishimire Obed , Sibomana Olivier , Kwizera Philemon , Niyompano Hosee , Hakizayezu François , Fitch Margaret I 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to public health, with Sub-Sahara African countries facing a substantial burden. Our study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and awareness of antibiotic usage and resistance among people attending primary healthcare facilities in Rwanda.

Methods
The study was descriptive cross-sectional and proportionate stratified sampling was used to recruit 246 individuals who attended health centres in Kigali during October 2023. The study assessed the level of knowledge on antibiotic usage, knowledge on antimicrobial resistance, attitudes toward antibiotic accessibility and practices regarding the patient-prescriber relationship and infection prevention. The levels were calculated as proportions of correct answers and were grouped as poor (below 40%), moderate (from 40 and less than 70%) and high, good or positive (70% and higher). χ2 test was used find significance of associations between levels and age, gender and education.

Results
Most participants (87.40%) correctly identified Amoxicillin as an antibiotic while 57.72% wrongly identified Paracetamol as an antibiotic. Among participants, 3.2% had high knowledge on antibiotic usage, 20.7% had high knowledge on antimicrobial resistance, 32.9% had a positive attitude toward antibiotic accessibility and 39.4% had good practices regarding the patient-prescriber relationship and infection control. Male participants had significantly higher levels of positive attitude (P=0.003) and knowledge on antimicrobial resistance (P=0.047). Individuals with university education had significantly higher levels of positive attitude (P=0.007).

Conclusions
Limited levels of knowledge, attitude and practices on antibiotic usage and resistance were found, with women having lower levels in multiple aspects. Strategies to promote rational use of antibiotics ought to address social inequities.
P19 Impact of the introduction of the EUCAST 2020 susceptibility interpretation rules for Pseudomonas aeruginosa on selection of antibiotic therapy
Authors: Chan Chai Feng Benjamin , Sule Jumoke , Gouliouris Theodore 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
In 2020, EUCAST changed the interpretation of WT Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility to the first-line agents ciprofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam and ceftazidime from susceptible (S) to susceptible, increased exposure (I). The breakpoint changes were implemented at Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) in March 2020, initially with no explanatory notes, and from June 2020 with the addition of an interpretative comment.

Objectives
To study the impact of implementing the EUCAST susceptibility interpretation of WT P. aeruginosa on carbapenem prescribing at CUH.

Methods
In this service evaluation, we analysed all clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa between 1 January 2020 and 30 September 2020. Only WT (fully susceptible isolates) were included. We retrospectively collected epidemiological data, clinical background, treatment information and Microbiology involvement and analysed this data to identify prescription rates and factors influencing meropenem prescription in P. aeruginosa infections, comparing three periods: Period 1 (pre-transition), Period 2 (transition) and Period 3 (post-transition).

Results
In total, 104 patients were included in the study. Meropenem use across all three periods was similar (17.6%, 18.4% and 12.5%, P=.799). Selective susceptibility reporting of meropenem susceptibility differed between periods, with a transient increase in reporting during period 2 (11.8%, 36.1% and 6.3%, respectively [P=.004]). Reporting of susceptibility to meropenem was associated with increased odds of meropenem prescribing (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.40–13.7, P=.011).

Conclusions
The changes to the EUCAST breakpoints for P. aeruginosa did not have a significant impact on carbapenem prescription at CUH. This in part could be explained by selective susceptibility reporting of results.