bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helminth alleviates COVID-19-related cytokine storm in an IL-9-dependent way
Authors: Cao Zengguo , Wang Jiaqi , Liu Xiaolei , Liu Yang , Li Fangxu , Liu Mingyuan , Chiu Sandra , Jin Xuemin 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Hyperactivation of pro-inflammatory type 1 cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α] and interferon gamma [IFN-γ]) mirrors the inflammation of coronavirus disease 2019. Helminths could alleviate excessive immune responses. Here, helminth
Trichinella spiralis
(Ts) infection was shown to protect against TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced shock. Mechanistically, Ts-induced protection was interleukin-9 (IL-9) dependent but not IL-4Rα. Recombinant IL-9 treatment not only improved the survival of wild-type mice with TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced shock but also that of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected K18-human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) mice, emphasizing the significance of IL-9 in alleviating cytokine storm syndromes during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, Ts excretory/secretory (TsES)-induced protection was also observed in SARS-CoV-2 infection, indicating that identifying anti-inflammatory molecules from TsES could be a novel way to mitigate adverse pathological inflammation during pathogen infection.

IMPORTANCE

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is linked to cytokine storm triggered by type 1 pro-inflammatory immune responses. TNF-α and IFN-γ shock mirrors cytokine storm syndromes, including COVID-19. Helminths (e.g.,
Trichinella spiralis
, Ts) can potently activate anti-inflammatory type 2 immune response. Here, we found that helminth Ts-induced protection against TNF-α and IFN-γ shock was IL-9 dependent. Treatment with recombinant IL-9 could protect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in K18-hACE2 mice. Helminth Ts excretory/secretory (TsES) products also ameliorated SARS-CoV-2 infection-related cytokine storm. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the significance of IL-9 in protecting from cytokine storm syndromes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Anti-inflammatory molecules from TsES could be a new source to mitigate adverse pathological inflammation associated with infections, including COVID-19.
Preservation of conjugated primary bile acids by oxygenation of the small intestinal microbiota
in vitro
Authors: Firrman Jenni , Friedman Elliot S. , Hecht Aaron , Strange William C. , Narrowe Adrienne B. , Mahalak Karley , Wu Gary D. , Liu LinShu 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Bile acids play a critical role in the emulsification of dietary lipids, a critical step in the primary function of the small intestine, which is the digestion and absorption of food. Primary bile acids delivered into the small intestine are conjugated to enhance functionality, in part, by increasing aqueous solubility and preventing passive diffusion of bile acids out of the gut lumen. Bile acid function can be disrupted by the gut microbiota via the deconjugation of primary bile acids by bile salt hydrolases (BSHs), leading to their conversion into secondary bile acids through the expression of bacterial bile acid-inducible genes, a process often observed in malabsorption due to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. By modeling the small intestinal microbiota
in vitro
using human small intestinal ileostomy effluent as the inocula, we show here that the infusion of physiologically relevant levels of oxygen, normally found in the proximal small intestine, reduced deconjugation of primary bile acids, in part, through the expansion of bacterial taxa known to have a low abundance of BSHs. Further recapitulating the small intestinal bile acid composition of the small intestine, limited conversion of primary into secondary bile acids was observed. Remarkably, these effects were preserved among four separate communities, each inoculated with a different small intestinal microbiota, despite a high degree of taxonomic variability under both anoxic and aerobic conditions. In total, these results provide evidence for a previously unrecognized role that the oxygenated environment of the small intestine plays in the maintenance of normal digestive physiology.

IMPORTANCE

Conjugated primary bile acids are produced by the liver and exist at high concentrations in the proximal small intestine, where they are critical for proper digestion. Deconjugation of these bile acids with subsequent transformation via dehydroxylation into secondary bile acids is regulated by the colonic gut microbiota and reduces their digestive function. Using an
in vitro
platform modeling the small intestinal microbiota, we analyzed the ability of this community to transform primary bile acids and studied the effect of physiological levels of oxygen normally found in the proximal small intestine (5%) on this metabolic process. We found that oxygenation of the small intestinal microbiota inhibited the deconjugation of primary bile acids
in vitro
. These findings suggest that luminal oxygen levels normally found in the small intestine may maintain the optimal role of bile acids in the digestive process by regulating bile acid conversion by the gut microbiota.
Draft genome sequence of Moroccan camelpox vaccine strain
Authors: Bamouh Z. , Elkarhat Z. , Hamdi J. , Fellahi S. , Tadlaoui K. Omari , Fassi-Fihri O. , Elharrak M. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Prevention and control of camelpox can be achieved by efficient vaccination. A limited number of homologous attenuated vaccines have been commercialized. In this study, we report the draft genome sequence of camelpox virus vaccine strain “CAMPOX vaccine” after 175 passages of attenuation in Vero cells.
Greenhouses represent an important evolutionary niche for
Alternaria alternata
Authors: Yang Guangzhu , Cui Sai , Huang Wenjing , Wang Shutong , Ma Jun , Zhang Ying , Xu Jianping 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Alternaria alternata
is a ubiquitous soil-borne fungus capable of causing diseases in a variety of plants and occasionally in humans. While populations of
A. alternata
from infected plants have received significant attention, relatively little is known about its soil populations, including its population genetic structure and antifungal susceptibilities. In addition, over the last two decades, greenhouses have become increasingly important for food and ornamental plant production throughout the world, but how greenhouses might impact microbial pathogens such as
A. alternata
populations remains largely unknown. Different from open crop fields, greenhouses are often more intensively cultivated, with each greenhouse being a relatively small and isolated space where temperature and humidity are higher than surrounding environments. Previous studies have shown that greenhouse populations of two common molds,
Aspergillus fumigatus
and
A. alternata,
within a small community in southwestern China were variably differentiated. However, the relative contribution of physical separation among local greenhouses to the large-scale population structure remains unknown. Here, we isolated strains of
A. alternata
from seven greenhouses in Shijiazhuang, northeast China. Their genetic diversity and triazole susceptibilities were analyzed and compared with each other and with 242 isolates from nine greenhouses in Kunming, southwest China. Results showed that the isolation of greenhouses located <1 km from each other locally contributed similarly to the overall genetic variation as that between the two distant geographic regions. In addition, our results indicate that greenhouses could be significant sources of triazole resistance, with greenhouses often differing in their frequencies of resistant strains to different triazoles.

IMPORTANCE

Greenhouses have become increasingly important for food production and food security. However, our understanding of how greenhouses may contribute to genetic variations in soil microbial populations is very limited. In this study, we obtained and analyzed soil populations of the cosmopolitan fungal pathogen
Alternaria alternata
in seven greenhouses in Shijiazhuang, northeast China. Our analyses revealed high proportions of isolates being resistant to agricultural triazole fungicides and medical triazole drugs, including cross-resistance to both groups of triazoles. In addition, we found that greenhouse populations of
A. alternata
located within a few kilometers showed similar levels of genetic differentiation as those separated by over 2,000 km between northeast and southwest China. Our study suggests that greenhouse populations of this and potentially other fungal pathogens represent an important ecological niche and an emerging threat to food security and human health.
Reverse total shoulder replacement versus anatomical total shoulder replacement for osteoarthritis: population based cohort study using data from the National Joint Registry and Hospital Episode Statistics for England
Authors: Valsamis Epaminondas Markos , Prats-Uribe Albert , Koblbauer Ian , Cole Sophie , Sayers Adrian , Whitehouse Michael R , Coward Gillian , Collins Gary S , Pinedo-Villanueva Rafael , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Rees Jonathan L 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo answer a national research priority by comparing the risk-benefit and costs associated with reverse total shoulder replacement (RTSR) and anatomical total shoulder replacement (TSR) in patients having elective primary shoulder replacement for osteoarthritis.DesignPopulation based cohort study using data from the National Joint Registry and Hospital Episode Statistics for England.SettingPublic hospitals and publicly funded procedures at private hospitals in England, 2012-20.ParticipantsAdults aged 60 years or older who underwent RTSR or TSR for osteoarthritis with intact rotator cuff tendons. Patients were identified from the National Joint Registry and linked to NHS Hospital Episode Statistics and civil registration mortality data. Propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting were used to balance the study groups.Main outcome measuresThe main outcome measure was revision surgery. Secondary outcome measures included serious adverse events within 90 days, reoperations within 12 months, prolonged hospital stay (more than three nights), change in Oxford Shoulder Score (preoperative to six month postoperative), and lifetime costs to the healthcare service.ResultsThe propensity score matched population comprised 7124 RTSR or TSR procedures (126 were revised), and the inverse probability of treatment weighted population comprised 12 968 procedures (294 were revised) with a maximum follow-up of 8.75 years. RTSR had a reduced hazard ratio of revision in the first three years (hazard ratio local minimum 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.18 to 0.59) with no clinically important difference in revision-free restricted mean survival time, and a reduced relative risk of reoperations at 12 months (odds ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.25 to 0.83) with an absolute risk difference of −0.51% (95% confidence interval −0.89 to −0.13). Serious adverse events and prolonged hospital stay risks, change in Oxford Shoulder Score, and modelled mean lifetime costs were similar. Outcomes remained consistent after weighting.ConclusionsThis study’s findings provide reassurance that RTSR is an acceptable alternative to TSR for patients aged 60 years or older with osteoarthritis and intact rotator cuff tendons. Despite a significant difference in the risk profiles of revision surgery over time, no statistically significant and clinically important differences between RTSR and TSR were found in terms of long term revision surgery, serious adverse events, reoperations, prolonged hospital stay, or lifetime healthcare costs.
Cognitive stimulation for people with dementia in nursing homes: a protocol for a feasibility study examining a new 24/7 approach (CogStim24)
Authors: Folkerts Ann-Kristin , Seven Ümran Sema , Guicheteau Julie , N Dichter Martin , Hellmich Martin , Köpke Sascha , Kalbe Elke 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionBased on the available evidence, cognitive stimulation is recommended as an intervention for people with dementia (PwD). Currently, cognitive stimulation is regularly offered as a group programme in care facilities. However, some residents, such as those who are bedridden, cannot participate. Furthermore, group programmes were not feasible during the pandemic. A concept that accompanies everyday life and enables cognitive stimulation in everyday communication (ie, ‘24/7’) has been missing. Therefore, this feasibility study aims to (1) assess the feasibility of a new continuous 24/7 cognitive stimulation programme (CogStim24) based on a process evaluation and (2) examine the possible effects of CogStim24 on the primary outcome of global cognition in PwD and further PwD-related and staff-related outcomes.Methods and analysisThe complex CogStim24 programme is developed to be conducted as an everyday intervention during routine care including cognitively stimulating techniques, such as reminiscence therapy, multisensory stimulation and physical activity. In this unblinded single-arm study with pre-assessments and post-assessments, four nursing homes with a total of N=20 nursing and care staff will participate in an 11-week CogStim24 training programme. The intervention will be conducted to N=60 PwD. Neuropsychological assessments will be conducted pre-staff and post-staff training, as well as after a 6-week implementation phase. A process evaluation will be performed.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. Although cognitive stimulation is known to be effective for enhancing global cognition and quality of life in PwD, it is currently undersupplied to PwD. Therefore, CogStim24 has the potential to reach many more PwD. This study has the potential to serve as a basis for a large multicentre cluster randomised controlled trial. An interdisciplinarity team and mixed-methods approach will help generate information on the practicality and mechanisms of impact of CogStim24. This is important for the further development of the intervention and for facilitating its implementation. The study results will be disseminated via presentations at scientific conferences and meetings for healthcare professionals and PwD and their relatives. Several manuscripts presenting results of the different study parts will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberDRKS00024381.
Hungarian general practice paediatricians’ antibiotic prescribing behaviour for suspected respiratory tract infections: a qualitative study
Authors: Babarczy Balázs , Hajdu Ágnes , Benko Ria , Matuz Mária , Papp Renáta , Antoniou Pantelis , Kandelaki Ketevan , Lo Fo Wong Danilo , Warsi Sahil Khan 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesInappropriate antibiotic prescribing is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this study was to explore paediatric general practitioners’ (GP Peds) antibiotic prescription practice in suspected respiratory tract infections (RTIs), using the capability–opportunity–motivation–behaviour framework.DesignThe design is a qualitative study based on individual, semistructured telephone or virtual interviews.SettingPaediatric general practice in Hungary. We applied stratified maximum variation sampling to cover the categories of age, sex and geographical location of participants.ParticipantsWe interviewed 22 GP Peds. Nine were male and 13 were female: 2 of them were less than 40 years old, 14 were between 40 and 60 years, and 6 were above 60 years. 10 worked in low-antibiotic prescription areas, 5 in areas with medium levels of antibiotic prescription, 3 in high-antibiotic prescription areas, and 4 in and around the capital city.ResultsStudy participants had varying antibiotic prescription preferences. Personal experience and physical examination play a central role in GP Peds’ diagnostic and treatment practice. Participants emphasised the need to treat children in their entirety, taking their personal medical record, social background and sometimes parents’ preferences into account, besides the acute clinical manifestation of RTI. Most respondents were confident they apply the most effective therapy even if, in some cases, this meant prescribing medicines with a higher chance of contributing to the development of AMR. Some participants felt antibiotic prescription frequency has decreased in recent years.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that a more prudent attitude toward antibiotic prescribing may have become more common but also highlight relevant gaps in both physicians’ and public knowledge of antibiotics and AMR. To reinforce awareness and close remaining gaps, Hungary should adopt its national AMR National Action Plan and further increase its efforts towards active professional communication and feedback for primary care physicians.
Assessing the mediating role of family resilience between caregiver burden and caregiver capacity: a cross-sectional study among Chinese stroke survivors and family caregivers in a real-world setting
Authors: Xu Qihang , Ge Qingqing , Shi Lu , Zhang Yiqing , Ma Jingjing 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationships among caregiver burden, family resilience, and caregiver capacity in the care of stroke survivors. We hypothesised that family resilience would mediate the relationship between caregiver burden and caregiver capacity.DesignA cross-sectional study design was used.SettingThe study was conducted in a tertiary care setting in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China.ParticipantsThe study involved 413 stroke survivors and their primary caregivers.Outcome measuresThe primary caregivers completed the Shortened Chinese Version of the Family Resilience Assessment Scale, Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview and Family Caregiver Task Inventor and provided their sociodemographic information. Stroke survivors were assessed for activities of daily living, and their sociodemographic information was provided. Data were analysed, controlling for sociodemographic variables and focusing on the mediating effect of family resilience.ResultsCaregiver burden was influenced by the activities of daily living of stroke survivors, caregiver age and caregiver health status (p<0.05). Higher caregiver burden was associated with lower family resilience (p<0.01). Lower caregiver capacity corresponded to heavier caregiver burden (p<0.01). Family resilience mediated the relationship between caregiver burden and caregiver capacity (b=0.1568; 95% CI: 0.1063 to 0.2385).ConclusionsEnhancing family resilience can reduce caregiver burden and improve caregiver capacity in stroke care. These findings underscore the importance of developing interventions focused on nursing skills and family resilience.
Tobacco policies and changes in the tendency of smoking cessation in cigarette users in Chile: a longitudinal cross-sectional study
Authors: Dominguez-Cancino Karen A , Martínez Pablo , Nazif-Muñoz José Ignacio 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of tobacco control regulations and policy implementation on smoking cessation tendencies in cigarette users born between 1982 and 1991 in Chile.DesignLongitudinal cross-sectional study.SettingNational level.ParticipantsData from the National Survey of Drug Consumption (Service of Prevention and Rehabilitation for Drug and Alcohol Consumption). A pseudo-cohort of smokers born between 1982 and 1991 (N=17 905) was tracked from 2002 to 2016.Primary and secondary outcomes measuresPrimary outcome was the tendency to cease smoking conceptualised as the report of using cigarettes 1 month or more ago relative to using cigarettes in the last 30 days. The main exposure variable was the Tobacco Policy Index—tracking tobacco policy changes over time. Logistic regression, controlling for various factors, was applied.ResultsModels suggested a 14% increase in the smoking cessation tendency of individuals using cigarettes 1 month or more ago relative to those using cigarettes in the last 30 days (OR 1.14, CI 95% CI 1.10 to 1.19) for each point increment in the Tobacco Policy index.ConclusionsOur study contributes to documenting a positive impact of the implementation of interventions considered in the MPOWER strategy in the progression of smoking cessation tendencies in smokers born between 1982 and 1991 in Chile.
Systematic analysis of approaches used in cardiac arrest trials to inform relatives about trial enrolment of non-surviving patients
Authors: Pocock Helen , Dove Abigail , Pointeer Laura , Couper Keith , Perkins Gavin D 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe recruitment of patients to emergency research studies without the requirement for prior informed consent has furthered the conduct of randomised studies in cardiac arrest. Frameworks enabling this vary around the world depending on local legal or ethical requirements. When an enrolled patient does not survive, researchers may take one of three approaches to inform relatives of their enrolment: a direct (active) approach, providing information indirectly (passively) and inviting relatives to seek further information if they choose, or providing no information about the trial (no attempt). Previous studies have described experiences of US researchers’ active approach but there is little known about approaches elsewhere.We aimed to conduct a structured investigation of methods used in cardiac arrest trials to provide information about trial enrolment to relatives of non-surviving patients.MethodsWe systematically searched trial registries to identify randomised clinical trials that recruited cardiac arrest patients. Trials were eligible for inclusion if they recruited adults during cardiac arrest (or within 1 hour of return of spontaneous circulation) between 2010 and 2022 (in the decade prior to study conception). We extracted data from trial registries and, where relevant, published papers and protocols. Investigators were contacted and asked to describe the style, rationale and timing of approach to relatives of non-surviving patients. We present descriptive statistics.ResultsOur trial registry search identified 710 unique trials, of which 108 were eligible for inclusion. We obtained information from investigators for 64 (62%) trials. Approximately equal numbers of trials attempted to actively inform relatives of non-survivors (n=28 (44% (95% CI; 31% to 57%))), or made no attempt (n=25 (39% (95% CI; 27% to 52%))). The remaining studies provided general information about the trial to relatives but did not actively inform them (n=11 (17% (95% CI; 8% to 29%))).ConclusionsThere is wide variability in the approach taken to informing relatives of non-surviving patients enrolled in cardiac arrest randomised clinical trials.