bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P17 Characteristics of pathogens and their susceptibility to the main groups of antibiotics in purulent-inflammatory diseases of soft tissues and post-operative purulent complications
Authors: Viltsaniuk Oleksandr , Belyaev Pavlo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The problem of purulent-inflammatory diseases of soft tissues and post-operative purulent complications remains one of the most pressing problems of modern medicine. Despite the advances in the improvement of methods for fighting infectious complications, mortality in patients with suppurative and inflammatory processes remains high, which is primarily due to inadequate antimicrobial therapy and high antibiotic resistance of microorganisms. Therefore, the study of the nature of the microflora and its susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs remains an urgent problem.

Objectives
To investigate the nature of pathogens and their susceptibility to the main groups of antibiotics in the patients of a general surgical hospital with purulent inflammatory diseases of soft tissues and post-operative purulent complications.

Materials and methods
A retrospective review of the pathogens of purulent inflammatory processes of soft tissues and post-operative purulent complications, their susceptibility to the main groups of antibiotics in 704 patients who were treated in the surgical department for abscesses, phlegmon, post-operative wound suppuration and other purulent inflammatory processes were performed.

Results
The analysis revealed that aerobic microflora was isolated in 560 patients (79.5%) and anaerobic microflora in 144 (20.5%). Among the isolated microflora, Staphylococcus aureus prevailed, which was isolated in 286 (40.6%) cases, Staphylococcus epidermidis in 115 (16.3%), Escherichia coli in 69 (9.8%) was in third place in terms of frequency of isolation, Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated in 16 cases (2.3%), Enterococcus faecalis and P. aeruginosa in 26 (3.7%), and P. vulgaris in 6 (0.9%). Candida spp. were isolated in 15 (2.1%) patients and did not significantly affect the structure of pathogens of purulent inflammatory processes. Susceptibility testing of S. aureus, as the main causative agent of purulent inflammatory processes, showed its resistance to penicillin, aminoglycosides and macrolides. Third and fourth generation cephalosporins (63.1%), fluoroquinolones (76.3%) and lincosamides (70.8%) showed the highest activity against the isolated Staphylococcus strains.

Conclusions
The main causes of purulent inflammatory diseases of soft tissues and post-operative purulent complications were S. aureus in 40.6% of cases, S. epidermidis in 16.3%, and intestinal bacteria. Third and fourth generation cephalosporins showed highest activity against the isolated S. aureus strains (63.1% of susceptible strains), followed by fluoroquinolones (76.3% of susceptible strains) and lincosamides (70.8%). Empirical therapy for purulent inflammation should take into account the microbial landscape of pathogens and their susceptibility to antibiotics in a particular general surgical hospital.
P33 Improving compliance with early IV-to-oral switch of antibiotics using quality improvement methodology
Authors: Khan Muhammad Sami , May Sarah 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) refers to a coherent set of interventions which promote responsible use of antimicrobials.1 Timely IV-to-oral switch (IVOS) of antibiotics is one of the interventions which has several clinical benefits,2 but unfortunately frequent non-compliance has been observed in clinical practice. To address this, we aim to improve IVOS of antibiotics in the respiratory department of our hospital using quality improvement (QI) methodology.

Methods
A QI project was conducted at the respiratory department of Calderdale Royal Hospital, West Yorkshire. A total of 82 adult inpatients (42 retrospective, 40 prospective), aged 18 years and over, with active prescriptions of IV antibiotics at the time of project, were elected. We excluded patients with known deep-seated infections, in the ICU or high dependency unit and those treated with IV antifungals or antivirals. UKHSA National IVOS criteria for adults3 was utilized as standard of care. Baseline data were collected retrospectively in November–December 2023 which was compared with post-intervention prospective re-audit in February–March 2024. Interventions included: e-mail correspondence and IVOS decision aid poster exhibition in wards; education sessions in weekly departmental teaching and board rounds; distributing lanyard cards with ACED tool, consistent with National IVOS criteria3, among doctors; and twice weekly pharmacist IVOS rounds. Outcome measures consisted of antibiotic(s) review within 24 h of prescription; eligible patients switched when met criteria; time to switch; and duration of IV therapy.

Results
Post-intervention phase revealed substantial improvement in outcome measures compared with baseline: antibiotic(s) review within 24 h of prescription (from 10% to 94%); eligible patients switched when met criteria (from 33.3% to 90%); median time to switch (from 22 h 34 min to 06 h 22 min); and median duration of IV therapy (from 96 h to 48 h). We found unawareness of existence of national criteria as significant factor contributing to local non-compliance at baseline which improved with QI interventions.

Conclusions
QI methodology helped significantly in promoting local antimicrobial stewardship by bridging the knowledge gaps regarding IVOS standards among doctors and empowering them for prompt IVOS decisions, where appropriate. This small AMS intervention, when implemented appropriately, has a big impact in reducing antimicrobial resistance and healthcare costs with better clinical outcomes. We recommend encouragement of such QI projects to implement standards and optimize the antimicrobial prescribing practice.
P38 Re-assessment of the primary efficacy outcomes of cefepime/enmetazobactam versus piperacillin/tazobactam in adult patients with complicated urinary tract infections or acute pyelonephritis using updated EUCAST piperacillin/tazobactam susceptibility breakpoints
Authors: Ward Jon , Belley Adam , Quevedo Juan , Dunkel Nathalie , Velicitat Patrick 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
In a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of adult patients with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) or acute pyelonephritis (AP), the β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination of cefepime and enmetazobactam administered by 2 h infusion demonstrated non-inferiority and met criteria for superiority compared with piperacillin/tazobactam at the primary efficacy endpoint. In this study, efficacy outcomes were reassessed when applying the updated 2021 EUCAST piperacillin/tazobactam MIC breakpoints of susceptible ≤8 mg/L and resistant ≥16 mg/L to the primary efficacy population.

Methods
The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients in the microbiological modified ITT population (m-MITT) who achieved overall success (a composite of clinical cure and microbiological eradication [urine counts &lt;103 cfu/mL]) at test-of-cure. In the revised m-MITT population post-hoc analysis, patients were included who had a Gram-negative baseline pathogen with a cefepime/enmetazobactam MIC ≤8 mg/L and a piperacillin/tazobactam MIC ≤8 mg/L, which differed from the original analysis of including piperacillin/tazobactam MICs ≤64 mg/L. Two-sided 95% CI were computed using the stratified Newcombe method. The prespecified non-inferiority margin was −10% with superiority determined (when the lower bound of the 95% CI &gt;0) in the event of confirmed non-inferiority.

Results
In the revised m-MITT population, 27/345 (7.8%) patients in the cefepime/enmetazobactam group and 29/333 (8.7%) patients in the piperacillin/tazobactam group were excluded due to piperacillin/tazobactam MICs that exceeded the updated EUCAST piperacillin/tazobactam MIC breakpoints of susceptible ≤8 mg/L. Overall success occurred in 78.9% (251/318) of patients receiving cefepime/enmetazobactam compared with 60.2% (183/304) receiving piperacillin/tazobactam, with an adjusted treatment difference of 19.1% (95% CI, 11.9% to 26.1%). As clinical cure rates were similar amongst the two treatment groups, overall success in the revised cefepime/enmetazobactam group was mainly due to improved microbiological eradication.

Conclusions
When applying the updated 2021 EUCAST piperacillin/tazobactam susceptibility breakpoints to primary efficacy population, cefepime/enmetazobactam was non-inferior and met criteria for superiority compared with piperacillin/tazobactam in adult patients with cUTI/AP.
Evaluation of inhibitory activity of essential oils and natural extracts on foodborne viruses
Authors: Amri Mariem , Jubinville Éric , Goulet-Beaulieu Valérie , Fliss Ismail , Jean Julie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aims
Enteric viruses are recognized as a major concern in health care and in the food sector in Canada. Novel clean-label strategies for controlling enteric viruses are sought in the food industry. In this study, we examined the antiviral potential of plant extracts and essential oils on murine norovirus 1 (MNV-1), hepatitis A virus (HAV), and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1).

Methods and results
Inactivation of the viruses by grape seed, blueberry, green tea, and cranberry extracts and by rosemary and thyme essential oils was measured using plaque formation assay. Concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 000 ppm with a contact time of 90 min were tested. Grape seed extract at 10 000 ppm was the most effective (P &lt; 0.05) at reducing MNV-1 and HAV infectious titers, respectively, by 2.85 ± 0.44 log10 and 1.94 ± 0.17 log10. HSV-1 titer was reduced by 3.81 ± 0.40 log10 at 1000 ppm grape seed extract.

Conclusions
Among the plant products tested, grape seed extract was found the most effective at reducing the infectious titers of MNV-1, HAV, and HSV.
A window on remarkable cryptic diversity of the Merodon planifacies subgroup (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the Afrotropical Region
Authors: Vujić Ante , Djan Mihajla , Radenković Snežana , Likov Laura , Ačanski Jelena , Vujanović Dušanka , Veličković Nevena , Pérez-Bañón Celeste , Rojo Santos , Aracil Andrea , Jordaens Kurt , Ståhls Gunilla 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The genus Merodon Meigen (Diptera: Syrphidae) is one of the most species-rich hoverfly genera distributed across the Palaearctic and Afrotropical regions. In the Palaearctic, the genus Merodon boasts 195 described species, while its Afrotropical region pales in comparison, with a mere 17 species documented thus far. As a result of 8 years of fieldwork conducted in the Republic of South Africa, in this paper, we present the description of 11 new species for science with a description of immature stages for 2 species, which increases the diversity of this genus in the Afrotropical region by remarkable 39%. These revelations are based on integrating morphology, molecular analysis (COI gene and 28S rRNA) and geometric morphometry. All described species belong to the Merodon planifacies subgroup, the Merodon desuturinus lineage and, within that, to the Afrotropical Merodon melanocerus group. Additionally, we provide an illustrated key to 15 species belonging to the subgroup, a detailed discussion on relevant taxonomic characters, a morphological diagnosis, a distribution map and clarification of the association between M. capi complex and host plants from the genus Merwilla.
Identifying the electromagnetic counterparts of LISA massive black hole binaries in archival LSST data
Authors: Xin Chengcheng , Haiman Zoltán 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
LSST will catalogue the light curves of up to 100 million quasars. Among these there can be $\sim$100 ultra-compact massive black hole (MBH) binaries, whose gravitational waves (GWs) can be detected 5–15 yr later by LISA. Here, we assume such a LISA detection occurred, and assess whether or not its electromagnetic (EM) counterpart can be identified as a periodic quasar in archival LSST data. We use the binary’s properties derived from the LISA waveform, including the evolution of its orbital frequency, its total mass, distance, and sky localization, to predict the redshift, magnitude, and historical periodicity of the quasar expected in the LSST data. We then use Monte Carlo simulations to compute the false alarm probability (FAP), i.e. the number of quasars in the LSST catalogue matching these properties by chance, based on the (extrapolated) quasar luminosity function, the cadence of LSST, and intrinsic ‘damped random walk’ quasar variability. We analyse four fiducial LISA binaries, with masses and redshifts of $(M_{\rm bin}/{\rm M_{\odot }},z) = (3\times 10^5,0.3)$, $(3\times 10^6,0.3)$, $(10^7,0.3)$, and $(10^7,1)$. While noise and aliasing due to LSST’s cadence produces false periodicities by chance, we find that the frequency chirp of the LISA source during the LSST observations washes out these noise peaks and allows the genuine source to stand out in appropriately scaled Lomb–Scargle periodograms. We find that all four fiducial binaries can be uniquely identified, with ${\rm FAP}\lt 10^{-5}$, a week or more before merger. This should enable follow-up EM observations targeting individual EM counterparts during their inspiral stage.
Detection and localization of the highly active FRB 20240114A with MeerKAT
Authors: Tian J , Rajwade K M , Pastor-Marazuela I , Stappers B W , Bezuidenhout M C , Caleb M , Jankowski F , Barr E D , Kramer M 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
We report observations of the highly active FRB 20240114A with MeerKAT using the ultra-high frequency (UHF; $544\!-\!1088$ MHz) and L band ($856\!-\!1712$ MHz) receivers. A total of 62 bursts were detected in coherent tied-array beams using the MeerTRAP real-time transient detection pipeline. We measure a structure-optimizing dispersion measure of $527.65\pm 0.01\, \text{pc}\, \text{cm}^{-3}$ using the brightest burst in the sample. We find the bursts of FRB 20240114A are generally detected in part of the broad-band of MeerKAT, $\sim 40~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in the UHF and $\sim 30~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in the L band, indicating the band limited nature. We analyse the fluence distribution of the 44 bursts detected at UHF, constraining the fluence completeness limit to $\sim 1$ Jy ms, above which the cumulative burst rate follows a power law $R (\gt F)\propto (F/1\, \text{Jy}\, \text{ms})^\gamma$ with $\gamma =-1.8\pm 0.2$. Using channelized telescope data captured in our transient buffer we localize FRB 20240114A in the image domain to RA = 21h27m39.86s, Dec. = +04d19m45.01s with an uncertainty of 1.4 arcsec. This localization allows us to confidently identify the host galaxy of FRB 20240114A. Also using the transient buffer data, we perform a polarimetric study and demonstrate that most of the bursts have $\sim 100~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ linear polarization fractions and up to $\sim 20~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ circular polarization fractions. Finally, we predict the flux density of a potential persistent radio source (PRS) associated with FRB 20240114A is $\backsimeq [0.6\!-\!60]\, \mu \text{Jy}$ based on the simple relation between the luminosity of the PRS and the rotation measure arising from the FRB local environment.
How Machine Learning Is Reviving Sociological Theorization
Authors: Santana Jessica J. , Nelson Laura K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
As machine learning (ML) algorithms get more sophisticated, ML enhances the role of theory in sociology. ML, despite its capacity to process data in complex ways, by definition only draws on limited representations of social systems. Humans have direct observational and experiential access to these systems, along with broad worldviews and tacit knowledge that make it possible to translate models of systems into knowledge of systems. The integration of the limited representational view of ML and the expansive human worldview is transforming sociological knowledge production. ML revitalizes theory in sociology in two key ways: by shifting the focus of theorizing from a priori to a posteriori and by necessitating ongoing interpretation and theorizing by scholars at every stage of the research process, thus integrating theory throughout research design. A creole computational social science can blend knowledge from multiple disciplines to enhance the knowledge-generating process overall.
Limited content overlap between commonly used self-report instruments for central (pain) sensitization in rheumatology
Authors: ten Klooster Peter M , Simoes Jorge P , Vonkeman Harald E 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Central pain mechanisms may be prominent in a considerable subset of rheumatology patients with persistent pain. Several self-report instruments have been used in previous research to infer the presence and severity of central sensitization (CS) that stem from different definitions or approaches of CS. The current study aimed to evaluate and quantify the overlap of actual symptoms measured among self-report measures of CS in rheumatology.

Methods
We used Fried’s (2017) comprehensive systematic approach to analyse the content of five commonly used or typical self-report measures (Generalized Pain Questionnaire, Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire, Central Sensitization Inventory, Central Aspects of Pain in the Knee scale and the painDETECT) used in rheumatology research and to visualize and quantify the overlap in symptoms measured.

Results
The five instruments together measured 39 different symptoms, most of which could be grouped into nociplastic pain manifestations (7 symptoms), neuropathic pain qualities (5 symptoms), and psychosomatic symptoms and emotional distress (25 symptoms). Most symptoms (74.4%) were unique to a single instrument. Thermal allodynia was the most frequently measured symptom across the different instruments, assessed in four of the measures. Average content overlap was very low and ranged from no overlap at all to moderate overlap (Jaccard index = 0.43) between pairs of instruments.

Conclusion
There is high heterogeneity and limited overlap in the content of self-report measures used to infer central pain sensitization. This may lead to results that are specific to the particular instrument and may limit the generalizability and comparability of study findings in rheumatology research.
Enhancing tumor photodynamic synergistic therapy efficacy through generation of carbon radicals by Prussian blue nanomedicine
Authors: Zhong Jun , Zhu Mingzhi , Guo Jiaqi , Chen Xinyu , Long Ruimin , Körte Fabian , Wang Shibin , Chen Hao , Xiong Xin , Liu Yuangang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Significant progress has been achieved in tumor therapies utilizing nano-enzymes which could convert hydrogen peroxide into reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the ROS generated by these enzymes possess a short half-life and exhibit limited diffusion within cells, making it challenging to inflict substantial damage on major organelles for effective tumor therapy. Therefore, it becomes crucial to develop a novel nanoplatform that could extend radicals half-life. Artesunate (ATS) is a Fe (II)-dependent drug, while the limited availability of iron (II), coupled with the poor aqueous solubility of ATS, limits its application. Here, Prussian blue (PB) was selected as a nano-carrier to release Fe (II), thus constructing a hollow Prussian blue/artesunate/methylene blue (HPB/ATS/MB) nanoplatform. HPB degraded and released iron(III), ATS and MB, under the combined effects of NIR irradiation and the unique tumor microenvironment. Moreover, Fe (III) exploited GSH to formation of Fe (II), disturbing the redox homeostasis of tumor cells and Fe (II) reacted with H2O2 and ATS to generate carbon radicals with a long half-life in situ. Furthermore, MB generates 1O2 under laser irradiation conditions. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that the HPB/ATS/MB NPs exhibit a synergistic therapeutic effect through photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy and radical therapy.
Erectile dysfunction among male patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment: focusing on anxiety-related symptoms
Authors: Changchien Te-Chang , Hsieh Tsung-Jen , Yen Yung-Chieh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a relatively neglected issue.

Aim
In this study we sought to determine the actual prevalence of ED and risky sexual behaviors in patients receiving MMT and identify clinically relevant risk factors for ED, particularly mental health conditions, that may contribute to achieving holistic healthcare and improving treatment adherence in this patient population.

Methods
A cross-sectional study of male Chinese MMT patients was conducted. Comprehensive demographic and clinical data regarding age, obesity, history of major mental and physical illness, HIV infection, other substance use, methadone dose/duration, and associated risky sexual behaviors were all collected. Assessment tools, including the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function, the Chinese Health Questionnaire, and the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire were administered.

Outcomes
The relationship between mental health–related factors and ED was fully analyzed and elaborated.

Results
The prevalence of ED among male patients in a methadone maintenance therapy outpatient clinic was 55.7%. The prevalence rate of ED among the individuals treated for longer than 6 months was 56.8%, whereas that for untreated individuals was 52.0%. Additionally, methadone-treated individuals were older and had a higher proportion of condom use and drug-assisted sexual activity than untreated individuals. Pearson correlation revealed that higher Chinese Health Questionnaire and Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire scores were negatively correlated with lower scores on the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function. In the multivariate regression model, anxiety and other psychosomatic symptoms were associated with more severe ED, whereas individuals who consumed alcohol within the past month had less severe ED after adjustment for other demographic and clinical variables. The findings of the present study revealed no association between ED and methadone treatment duration or dosage.

Clinical Implications
Healthcare professionals should discuss mental health issues in patients on MMT with ED, especially anxiety symptoms and recent alcohol use.

Strengths and Limitations
This study is one of the few reports within the limited body of research highlighting a significant association of ED with anxiety-related symptoms in patients undergoing MMT. Our study had some limitations. First, the sample size of HIV-infected individuals was insufficient. Second, the cross-sectional study design could not definitively demonstrate a causal mechanism.

Conclusion
In patients undergoing MMT, individuals who reported less severe anxiety symptoms and alcohol consumption in the past month tended to have less severe ED, regardless of the MMT duration or dosage.