bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
+Ciencia
: a training program to increase evidence-based science communication and literacy for Hispanic high school and undergraduate students
Authors: Colón Carrión Nicole , Fuentes Nathalie , Gerena González Valeria A. , Hsiao-Sánchez Nicole , Colón-Cruz Luis , de Jesús Morales Kevin , De Jesús Morales Kenneth J. , González Morales Maria , Lazcano Etchebarne Cayetana , Ramos Benítez Marcos J. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Science misinformation represents a significant challenge for the scientific community. Hispanic communities are particularly vulnerable due to language barriers and the lack of accessible information in Spanish. We identified that a key step toward enhancing the accessibility of information for non-native English-speaking communities involves imparting science communication education and training to Hispanic youth. Our goal was to provide them with the skills to become science ambassadors who can effectively engage with their communities and bridge communication gaps. To address this, we developed the first science communication training program in Spanish for Hispanic high school and undergraduate students in Puerto Rico. The program called
+Ciencia
aims to provide training and education on science communication for Hispanic minorities through experiential and collaborative learning. In the short term, our multifaceted approach works to counter misinformation and promote science literacy within the broader community. Over the long term, our grassroots efforts with students will evolve into a generation of professionals equipped with strong engagement skills and comprehensive training in science communication with a specific focus on Hispanic audiences. Herein, we describe the components of this educational program and provide open access to educational materials and articles developed by three cohorts.
Bacteriophage cocktail shows no toxicity and improves the survival of
Galleria mellonella
infected with
Klebsiella
spp.
Authors: Kelly Lucy , Jameson Eleanor 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Klebsiella
spp. are causative agents of healthcare-associated infections in patients who are immunocompromised and use medical devices. The antibiotic resistance crisis has led to an increase in infections caused by these bacteria, which can develop into potentially life-threatening illnesses if not treated swiftly and effectively. Thus, new treatment options for
Klebsiella
are urgently required. Phage therapy can offer an alternative to ineffective antibiotic treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria infections. The aim of the present study was to produce a safe and effective phage cocktail treatment against
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
Klebsiella oxytoca
, both in liquid
in vitro
culture and an
in vivo Galleria mellonella
infection model. The phage cocktail was significantly more effective at killing
K. pneumoniae
and
K. oxytoca
strains compared with monophage treatments. Preliminary phage cocktail safety was demonstrated through application in the
in vivo G. mellonella
model: where the phage cocktail induced no toxic side effects in
G. mellonella
. In addition, the phage cocktail significantly improved the survival of
G. mellonella
when administered as a prophylactic treatment, compared with controls. In conclusion, our phage cocktail was demonstrated to be safe and effective against
Klebsiella
spp. in the
G. mellonella
infection model. This provides a strong case for future treatment for
Klebsiella
infections, either as an alternative or adjunct to antibiotics.

IMPORTANCE

Klebsiella
infections are a concern in individuals who are immunocompromised and are becoming increasingly difficult to treat with antibiotics due to their drug-resistant properties. Bacteriophage is one potential alternative therapy that could be used to tackle these infections. The present study describes the design of a non-toxic phage cocktail that improved the survival of
Galleria mellonella
infected with
Klebsiella
. This phage cocktail demonstrates potential for the safe and effective treatment of
Klebsiella
infections, as an adjunct or alternative to antibiotics.
Immunological and microbial shifts in the aging rhesus macaque lung during nontuberculous mycobacterial infection
Authors: Cinco Isaac R. , Napier Ethan G. , Rhoades Nicholas S. , Davies Michael H. , Allison Derek B. , Kohama Steven G. , Bermudez Luiz , Winthrop Kevin , Fuss Cristina , Spindel Eliot R. , Messaoudi Ilhem 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmentally ubiquitous organisms that predominately cause NTM pulmonary disease (NTMPD) in individuals over the age of 65. The incidence of NTMPD has increased in the U.S., exceeding that of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. However, the mechanisms leading to higher susceptibility and severity of NTMPD with aging are poorly defined in part due to the lack of animal models that accurately recapitulate human disease. Here, we compared bacterial load, microbial communities, and host responses longitudinally between three young (two female and one male) and two aged (two female) rhesus macaques inoculated with
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
hominissuis
(MAH) in the right caudal lobe. Unilateral infection resulted in a low bacterial load in both young and aged animals confined to the infected side. Although a robust inflammatory response was only observed in the inoculated lung, immune cell infiltration and antigen-specific T cells were detected in both lungs. Computed tomography, gross pathology, and histopathology revealed increased disease severity and persistence of bacterial DNA in aged animals. Additional analyses showed the translocation of gut and oral-pharyngeal bacterial DNA into the lower respiratory microbiome. Finally, single-cell RNA sequencing revealed a heightened inflammatory response to MAH infection by alveolar macrophages in aged animals. These data are consistent with the model that increased disease severity in the aged is mediated by a dysregulated macrophage response that may be sustained through persistent antigen presence.

IMPORTANCE

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging as pathogens of high consequence, as cases of NTM pulmonary disease (NTMPD) have exceeded those of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. NTMPD can be debilitating, particularly in patients over 65 years of age, as it causes chronic cough and fatigue requiring prolonged treatments with antibiotics. The underlying mechanisms of this increased disease severity with age are poorly understood, hampering the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Here, we use a rhesus macaque model to investigate the impact of age on host-NTM interactions. This work shows that aging is associated with increased disease severity and bacterial persistence in aged rhesus macaques, thus providing a preclinical model to develop and test novel therapeutics and interventions.
Evaluation of the Tasso+ blood self-collection device for quantitation of plasma cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia in adult solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr)
Authors: Phan Tran , Kumar Lakshin , Woo Marissa , Sadowska-Klasa Alicja , Castor Jared , Pepper Greg , Fisher Cynthia E. , Limaye Ajit P. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Quantitative monitoring of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia in venous blood is standard in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr) but is limited by the need for phlebotomy facilities and personnel. The aim of the study was to evaluate the Tasso+ capillary blood (CB) self-collection device for quantitation of plasma CMV DNAemia. Thirty adult SOTr with suspected CMV DNAemia were enrolled to have a supervised Tasso+ CB sample collection within 24 h of a venous sample. CMV DNA was quantitated in paired samples by using the Abbott M2000 Real-Time qPCR instrument. The participants were provided with a study-specific survey that measured patient acceptability of the Tasso+ device compared with venipuncture. A Tasso + CB sample was successfully collected in 28/30 (93%) patients, and 44 paired samples were analyzed. Concordance for detection of CMV DNAemia above the limit of detection (LOD) was 91% (42/44), and the Tasso + CB sample was estimated to be 95% sensitive at a viral load (VL) of 308 IU/mL. Among samples with a quantifiable DNAemia result with both methods (
N
= 31), there was excellent correlation between methods (Spearman R
2
= 0.99). The difference in CMV VL between venous and Tasso+ CB samples was not dependent on time (
P
> 0.1). Of 12 who completed the survey, 11 (92%) expressed a preference for Tasso+ CB collection over venipuncture. Collection of CB with the Tasso+ device is feasible, patient-acceptable, and yields generally comparable CMV DNAemia load to standard venous samples, but with lower sensitivity. Future studies to optimize and evaluate this methodology for patient self-collected samples are warranted.

IMPORTANCE
We evaluate an FDA-cleared blood self-collection device (Tasso+) and demonstrate that it is patient-acceptable and yields a liquid blood sample with quantitative CMV DNAemia results comparable to those of standard venipuncture samples. This opens up possibilities for self-blood collection to monitor for CMV and potentially other viruses in transplant and other at-risk populations.
Identifying globally relevant learnings from Africa’s challenges and solutions to climate change and air pollution-related health impacts: a data science scoping review protocol
Authors: Wright Caradee Yael , Jaca Anelisa , Kapwata Thandi , Naidoo Natasha , Awokola Babatunde , Bainomugisha Engineer , Berhane Kiros T , Blesic Suzana , Kehbila Anderson , Naidoo Rajen , Nemukula Bono , Nyarko Benjamin Kofi , Okekunle Akinkunmi Paul , Oni Tolu , Quansah Reginald , Thiam Sokhna , Zakari Ibrahim Sidi , Beyene Negussie 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionLeveraging data science could significantly advance the understanding of the health impacts of climate change and air pollution to meet health systems’ needs and improve public health in Africa. This scoping review will aim to identify and synthesise evidence on the use of data science as an intervention to address climate change and air pollution-related health challenges in Africa.Methods and analysisThe search strategy will be developed, and the search will be conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases. We will also search the reference lists of eligible articles for additional records. We will screen titles, technical reports, abstracts and full texts and select studies reporting the use of data science in relation to the health effects and interventions associated with climate change and air pollution in Africa.Ethics and disseminationThere are no formal ethics requirements as we are not collecting primary data. Results, once published, will be disseminated via conferences and shared with policy-makers and public health, air pollution and climate change key stakeholders in Africa.
Profiles of health literacy and digital health literacy in clusters of hospitalised patients: a single-centre, cross-sectional study
Authors: Andersen Marit Helen , Hermansen Åsmund , Dahl Kari Gire , Lønning Kjersti , Meyer Käthe Birgitte , Vidnes Tone Karine , Wahl Astrid Klopstad 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate health literacy (HL) and digital health literacy (eHL) among patients hospitalised in surgical and medical wards using a cluster analysis approach.DesignCross‐sectional study using Ward’s hierarchical clustering method to measure cluster adequacy by evaluating distances between cluster centroids (a measure of cohesion). Different distances produced different cluster solutions.Setting and participantsThe study was conducted at a Norwegian university hospital. A total of 260 hospitalised patients were enrolled between 24 May and 6 June 2021.Data collectionAll data were collected by self-reported questionnaires. Data on HL and eHL were collected by the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ). We also collected data on background characteristics, health status and patient diagnosis.ResultsWe found six HLQ clusters to be the best solution of the sample, identifying substantial diversity in HL strengths and challenges. Two clusters, representing 21% of the total sample, reported the lowest HLQ scores in eight of nine HLQ domains. Compared with the other clusters, these two contained the highest number of women, as well as the patients with the highest mean age, a low level of education and the lowest proportion of being employed. One of these clusters also represented patients with the lowest health status score. We identified six eHL clusters, two of which represented 31% of the total sample with the lowest eHLQ scores in five of seven eHLQ domains, with background characteristics comparable to patients in the low-scoring HLQ clusters.ConclusionsThis study provides new, nuanced knowledge about HL and eHL profiles in different clusters of patients hospitalised in surgical and medical wards. With such data, healthcare professionals can take into account vulnerable patients’ HL needs and tailor information and communication accordingly.
Advantages of bystander-performed conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest presumably caused by drowning in Japan: a propensity score-matching analysis using an extended nationwide database
Authors: Kaneto Yoshifumi , Owada Hitoshi , Kamikura Takahisa , Nakashima Kento , Ushimoto Tomoyuki , Inaba Hideo 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine whether the association between conventional bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) and better outcomes in drowning-associated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) differs between young and older people or between non-medical and medical drowning in Japan.DesignObservational study.SettingThis study used data from the Japanese Fire and Disaster Management Agency databases.ParticipantOf the 504 561 OHCA cases recorded in the nationwide database between 2016 and 2019, 16 376 (3.2%) were presumably caused by drowning.Main outcome measureThe main outcomes were a 1-month neurological prognosis defined as cerebral performance category 1 or 2 and 1-month survival as measures.ResultThe incidence of drowning as a presumed cause of OHCA was high in the winter and the middle-aged and older generations in Japan. However, OHCA caused by drowning in the younger generation frequently occurs in the summer. Furthermore, younger patients had higher incidences of bystander-witnessed cardiac arrest (22.0%), BCPR provision (59.3%) and arrest in outdoor settings (54.0%) than middle-aged and older generations (5.9%, 46.1% and 18.7% respectively). If the patient was younger or the arrest was accidental, the conventional BCPR group had better neurological outcomes than the compression-only BCPR group (95% CI of adjusted OR, 1.22 to 12.2 and 1.80 to 5.57, respectively). However, in the case of middle-aged and older generations and medical categories, there was no significant difference in outcomes between the two types of BCPR. This conventional group’s advantage was maintained even after matching.ConclusionConventional bystander CPR yielded a higher neurologically favourable survival rate than compression-only BCPR for OHCA caused by drowning if the patient was younger or the arrest was non-medical. Conventional CPR education for citizens who have the chance to witness drownings should be maintained.
Patient satisfaction among Saudi academic hospitals: a systematic review
Authors: Alasiri Ahmed Ali , Alotaibi Saad A , Schussler Eric 
Published: May 2024

PurposeTo systematically review the patient’s satisfaction (PS) levels within academic hospitals in Saudi Arabia from January 2012 to the end of October 2022.Data sourcesArticles were gathered from PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar and Web of Science.Study selection/data extractionThis review identified studies that assessed PS in Saudi Arabian university hospitals. Articles published before January 2012, as well as commentary letters, conference papers, theses and dissertations, were excluded. The study employed the five domains of PS as outlined by Boquirenet al. Two independent reviewers independently identified qualifying studies, used the Joanna Briggs Institute tools to evaluate the quality of each study and extracted essential data from each article.ResultsOut of the 327 studies identified during the search phase, 11 met the project’s objectives and criteria. Six studies reported overall PS rates ranging from 78% to 95.2%, with only one study indicating lower PS levels in emergency departments. Most studies demonstrated that technical skill is the primary domain influencing PS in academic hospitals.ConclusionThere is a need for further investigation to explore the factors influencing PS using standardised survey instruments suitable for Saudi culture. Contradictory results regarding PS are clearly evident in the literature; therefore, it is advisable to standardise the assessment process to reduce discrepancies within the academic hospital setting in Saudi Arabia.
Markers of enterocyte damage, microbial translocation, and systemic inflammation following 9 h of heat exposure in young and older adults
Authors: Lee Ben J. , Russell Sophie L. , Meade Robert D. , McCormick James J. , King Kelli E. , Kenny Glen P. 
Published: May 2024

Heat stress induced damage to the gastrointestinal barrier can induce local and systemic inflammatory reactions implicated in heat-stroke. Gastrointestinal barrier damage has been shown to be greater in older relative to young adults following hyperthermia. However, comparisons between young and older adults have been limited to brief exposures (3 h), which may not reflect the duration of heat stress experienced during heat waves. We therefore evaluated markers of intestinal epithelial damage (log transformed intestinal fatty acid binding protein, IFABPLOG), microbial translocation (soluble cluster of differentiation 14, sCD14LOG), and systemic inflammation (tumour necrosis factor alpha, TNF-αLOG; interleukin 6, IL-6LOG; C-reactive protein, CRP) in 19 young (interquartile range: 21–27 years; 10 females) and 37 older (68–73 years; 10 females) adults before and after 9 h of rest in 40 °C (9% relative humidity). The magnitude of the increase in IFABPLOG was 0.38 log pg/mL (95% CI, 0.10, 0.65 log pg/mL) greater in the older relative to young cohort ( P = 0.049) after 9 h heat exposure. At baseline both IL-6LOG and CRP concentrations were higher in the older (IL-6: 2.67 (1.5) log pg/mL, CRP: 0.28 (1.5) mg/mL) relative to the young (IL-6: 1.59 log pg/mL, SD 1.2; CRP: 0.11 mg/mL, SD 1.7) group (both P ≤ 0.001). The change in IL-6 and CRP was similar between groups following 9 h heat exposure (IL-6: P = 0.053; CRP: P = 0.241). Neither sCD14LOG and TNF-αLOG were different between groups at baseline nor altered after 9 h heat exposure. Our data indicate that age may modify intestinal epithelial injury following 9 h of passive heat exposure.
Geochemistry, geochronology, and radiogenic isotopes of the Balmer and Confederation assemblages of the Laird Lake Area, Red Lake greenstone belt, Canada: implications for Archean tectonic evolution
Authors: Gélinas Brigitte R. , Hollings Pete , Friedman Richard 
Published: May 2024

The Laird Lake property, southwest Red Lake greenstone belt, straddles the contact between the Balmer (2.99–2.96 Ga) and the Confederation (2.74–2.73 Ga) assemblages. The property is 10 km along strike from the Madsen and Starrat–Olsen Au mines that are hosted near the contact. The Balmer assemblage consists of fine-grained, aphyric, locally pillowed mafic volcanic rocks, ultramafic intrusive and volcanic rocks with flow breccia textures hosting local spinifex-bearing clasts, and banded-iron formations. In contrast, the Confederation assemblage comprises porphyritic mafic volcanic rocks intercalated with intermediate to felsic volcanic rocks that include crystal lapilli tuffs, crystal tuffs, and tuffs. The Balmer assemblage is composed of tholeiitic mafic volcanic rocks with minor Al-undepleted komatiites, whereas the Confederation assemblage is calc–alkalic. Neodymium isotopes, in conjunction with trace element geochemistry, suggests that parts of the Balmer assemblage were weakly contaminated by an older intermediate basement. Both arc and back-arc volcanism occurs in the Confederation assemblage, with the arc rocks showing a stronger crustal component than the back-arc rocks. A maximum U–Pb age of 2741 ± 19 Ma for a crystal tuff and an age of 2737.68 ± 0.79 Ma for a diorite are consistent with a Confederation assemblage affinity for the intermediate calc–alkaline rocks south of the Au-bearing horizon. The Balmer assemblage represents an oceanic plateau formed by plume magmatism on the margins of the North Caribou Terrane, whereas the Confederation assemblage at Laird Lake formed in an oceanic arc setting where both arc and back-arc volcanism occurred simultaneously.
Physico-mechanical properties of halite and gypsum–mudstone crushed rock backfills of the Mercia Mudstone Group
Authors: Umeaghadi Chibuike C. , Lucock Thomas , Hartley Richard , Berry Jessica , Bailey Matthew T. 
Published: May 2024

Permanent disposal of radioactive waste in deep geological repositories (DGRs) relies on engineered barriers, such as crushed rock backfills, to ensure that wastes are isolated and contained. The performance of crushed rock backfill, during construction, operation and closure, relies on optimizing its mechanical properties. This paper explores how density and composition influence the strength of (i) crushed halite and (ii) crushed gypsum–mudstone mixtures of the Triassic Mercia Mudstone Group, which is a potential DGR host rock in the UK. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) testing of compacted halite demonstrated that strength correlated with compaction density, with UCS increasing from 220 kPa at a density of 1.72 g cm
−3
up to 6600 kPa at the maximum achieved density of 1.83 g cm
−3
. Direct shear testing revealed an angle of internal friction for crushed halite samples of 39°–40° at a density of 1.5 g cm
−3
. Direct shear testing of gypsum–mudstone composites from 100% gypsum to 100% mudstone revealed that higher gypsum percentages provide greater frictional shearing resistance, whilst higher mudstone percentages promote more cohesive strength. Data are also presented on bulk materials characterization by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and optical microscopy. This research provides insights into how the strength properties of compacted crushed halite and gypsiferous mudstone backfills can be engineered through control of density and composition.