bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In-vitro evaluation of different antimicrobial combinations with and without colistin against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates
Authors: Müderris Tuba , Dursun Manyaslı Gülden , Sezak Nurbanu , Kaya Selçuk , Demirdal Tuna , Gül Yurtsever Süreyya 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections are one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections and have high mortality rates due to difficulties in treatment. In this study, the in vitro synergistic interactions of the colistin (CT)–meropenem (MEM) combination and patient clinical outcomes were compared in CRAB-infected patients that receive CT–MEM antimicrobial combination therapy. In addition, in vitro synergistic interactions of MEM–ertapenem (ETP), MEM–fosfomycin (FF) and CT–FF antimicrobial combinations were investigated. Finally, the epsilometer (E) test and checkerboard test results were compared and the compatibility of these two tests was evaluated.

Methods
Twenty-one patients were included in the study. Bacterial identification was performed with MALDI–TOF, and antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed with an automated system. Synergy studies were performed using the E test and checkerboard method.

Results
For the checkerboard method, the synergy rates for CT–MEM, MEM–FF, MEM–ETP and CT–FF were 100%, 52.3%, 23.8% and 28.5%, respectively. In the E test synergy tests, synergistic effects were detected for two isolates each in the CT–MEM and CT–FF combinations. Microbial eradication was achieved in nine (52.9%) of the 17 patients that received CT–MEM combination therapy. The agreement between the E test and the checkerboard test was 6.5%.

Conclusions
A synergistic effect was found with the checkerboard method for the CT–MEM combination in all isolates in our study, and approximately 70% of the patients benefited from treatment with this combination. In addition, more than half of the isolates showed a synergistic effect for the MEM–FF combination. Combinations of CT–MEM and MEM–FF may be options for the treatment of CRAB infections. However, a comprehensive understanding of the potential of the microorganism to develop resistant mutants under applied exposures, as well as factors that directly affect antimicrobial activity, such as pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, is essential for providing treatment advice. We found a low rate of agreement between the E test method and the checkerboard test method in our study, in contrast to the literature. Comprehensive studies that compare clinical results with methods are needed to determine the ideal synergy test and interpretation method.
Association analyses of apolipoprotein E genotypes and cognitive performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zhu Shi-Guo , Chen Zhu-Ling , Xiao Ke , Wang Zi-Wei , Lu Wen-Bin , Liu Rong-Pei , Huang Shi-Shi , Zhu Jian-Hong , Zhang Xiong , Wang Jian-Yong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Cognitive impairment is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the effect of APOEε4 on cognitive function of PD patients remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to understand whether and how carrying APOEε4 affects cognitive performance in patients with early-stage and advanced PD.

Methods
A total of 119 Chinese early-stage PD patients were recruited. Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Hamilton anxiety scale, Hamilton depression scale, non-motor symptoms scale, Mini-mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Fazekas scale were evaluated. APOE genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reactions and direct sequencing. Demographic and clinical information of 521 early-stage and 262 advanced PD patients were obtained from Parkinson’s Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI).

Results
No significant difference in cognitive performance was found between ApoEε4 carriers and non-carriers in early-stage PD patients from our cohort and PPMI. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Amyloid Beta 42 (Aβ42) level was significantly lower in ApoEε4 carrier than non-carriers in early-stage PD patients from PPMI. In advanced PD patients from PPMI, the BJLOT, HVLT retention and SDMT scores seem to be lower in ApoEε4 carriers without reach the statistical significance.

Conclusions
APOEε4 carriage does not affect the cognitive performance of early-stage PD patients. However, it may promote the decline of CSF Aβ42 level and the associated amyloidopathy, which is likely to further contribute to the cognitive dysfunction of PD patients in the advanced stage.
Agreement of tonometer for measuring intraocular pressure in Wistar rats: a systematic review
Authors: Nayak Anush , Deveswaran R. , Swati S. , Srividhya L. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGlaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in the world. It is associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Fluctuations in tonometer readings have implications for glaucoma research, where accurate IOP measurements are vital for evaluating disease progression and treatment efficacy. Researchers should carefully select the appropriate tonometer and consider biases associated with different tonometers. Validation against standard measurements can improve IOP measurement accuracy in rat models. In conclusion, this systematic review will emphasize on the importance of selecting the appropriate tonometer for IOP measurement in rat models, considering potential biases and their implications for glaucoma research. Accurate and consistent IOP measurement in rat models is crucial for understanding glaucoma pathophysiology and developing effective treatments. This systematic review aims to assess agreement among tonometers used for measuring IOP in Wistar rat models primarily focusing on TonoLab, TonoVet, and Tono-pen. The review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Two articles were included for qualitative synthesis. The studies compared manometric IOP with TonoLab, rebound tonometer, and Tono-pen XL readings. It was observed that TonoLab consistently underestimated IOP, while Tono-pen XL tended to overestimate IOP compared to manometric measurements. The study’s findings will help researchers in making decisions about tonometer selection, leading to more reliable outcomes in glaucoma research using rat models. Further research, specifically RCT’s (randomized controlled trial) is needed to confirm the results and enhance IOP measurement precision in rat models.
Variation of adverse drug events in different settings in Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Nyame Linda , Hu Yuhua , Xue Hui , Fiagbey Emmanuel D. K. , Li Xi , Tian Yong , Fan Lijun , Du Wei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Adverse drug events (ADEs) represent challenges affecting Africa’s healthcare systems owing to the increased healthcare expenditure and negative health outcomes of ADEs.

Objectives
We aimed to systematically review published studies on ADEs and synthesize the existing evidence of ADE prevalence in Africa.

Methods
Studies reporting on ADE occurrence in African settings and published from Jan 1, 2000 to Oct 1, 2023 were identified by searching PubMed, EBSCO, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Studies that either articulately investigated ADEs caused by clinical condition (such as HIV patients) or ADEs caused by exposure to specific drug(s) (such as antibiotics) were considered specific and the remaining were general. Grouped ADE prevalence rates were described using median and interquartile range (IQR). PROSPERO registration (CRD42022374095).

Results
We included 78 observational studies from 15 African countries that investigated the prevalence of ADEs leading to hospital admissions (17 studies), developed during hospitalizations (30 studies), and captured in the outpatient departments (38 studies) or communities (4 studies). Twelve studies included multiple settings. The median prevalence of ADE during hospitalization was 7.8% (IQR: 4.2–21.4%) and 74.2% (IQR: 54.1–90.7%) in general and specific patients, respectively. The ADE-related fatality rate was 0.1% and 1.3% in general and specific patients. The overall median prevalence of ADEs leading to hospital admissions was 6.0% (IQR: 1.5–9.0%); in general, patients and the median prevalence of ADEs in the outpatient and community settings were 22.9% (IQR: 14.6–56.1%) and 32.6% (IQR: 26.0–41.3%), respectively, with a median of 43.5% (IQR: 16.3–59.0%) and 12.4% (IQR: 7.1–28.1%) of ADEs being preventable in general and specific patients, respectively.

Conclusions
The prevalence of ADEs was significant in both hospital and community settings in Africa. A high ADE prevalence was observed in specific patients, emphasizing important areas for improvement, particularly in at-risk patient groups (e.g., pediatrics, HIV, and TB patients) in various settings. Due to limited studies conducted in the community setting, future research in this setting is encouraged.
Latest insights into the epidemiology, characteristics, and therapeutic strategies of chronic hepatitis B patients in indeterminate phase
Authors: Liu Junye , Yu Yan , Zhao Heping , Guo Lei , Yang Wenjuan , Yan Yuzhu , Lv Jing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs a hepatotropic virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV) can establish a persistent chronic infection in the liver, termed, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), which causes a series of liver-related complications, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC with HBV infection has a significantly increased morbidity and mortality, whereas it could be preventable. The current goal of antiviral therapy for HBV infection is to decrease CHB-related morbidity and mortality, and achieve sustained suppression of virus replication, which is known as a functional or immunological cure. The natural history of chronic HBV infection includes four immune phases: the immune-tolerant phase, immune-active phase, inactive phase, and reactivation phase. However, many CHB patients do not fit into any of these defined phases and are regarded as indeterminate. A large proportion of indeterminate patients are only treated with dynamic monitoring rather than recommended antiviral therapy, mainly due to the lack of definite guidelines. However, many of these patients may gradually have significant liver histopathological changes during disease progression. Recent studies have focused on the prevalence, progression, and carcinogenicity of indeterminate CHB, and more attention has been given to the prevention, detection, and treatment for these patients. Herein, we discuss the latest understanding of the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic strategies of indeterminate CHB, to provide avenues for the management of these patients.
The variability of muscle–blubber interface temperature with activity level in a captive Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus)
Authors: Sakai Kino , Fukui Daisuke , Shirouzu Hiroshi , Watanabe Yurie , Inamori Daiki , Funasaka Noriko , Aoki Kagari , Sakamoto Kentaro Q. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
To reduce heat loss underwater, marine mammals cover their bodies with insulation. Cetaceans in particular rely solely on blubber for insulation which has low conductivity. Blubber establishes a great thermal gradient between the warmer body core and cooler body surface, reducing heat transfer to the environment. A temperature gradient within the blubber determines the conductive heat transfer from the body trunk, where conduction and convection are the primary heat transfer mechanisms in cetaceans. Therefore, measuring the temperature at the innermost part of the blubber, i.e., the temperature at the muscle–blubber interface (Tmbi), can enhance our understanding of thermoregulatory mechanisms in cetaceans. In thermoregulation, activity-induced heat produced by increased muscle metabolism is another factor that plays an important role, however, the effects of activity on Tmbi have not been investigated in cetaceans. To assess this relationship in free-swimming cetaceans, we measured Tmbi and activity levels in a captive Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) using an implantable biologging device.

Results
Tmbi and activity data were analyzed for 11 days. The average Tmbi was 35.1 ± 0.6 ºC and the temperature gradient between Tmbi and the water temperature was 13.0 ± 0.7 ºC. Tmbi was higher during the daytime and lower in the early morning. The variation in Tmbi was best explained by both the activity levels and time of day. Tmbi did not simply increase with activity levels; it appeared to remain relatively constant at most activity levels. However, Tmbi appeared to decrease when the animal was inactive and increase when it was intensely active.

Conclusion
Our results provide important insights into how a dolphin regulates its body temperature underwater. Thermal insulation by blubber and heat production by activity were suggested to play important roles in thermoregulation. Whole-body heat dissipation might be used to regulate temperature increases when heat production is excessive due to intense activity. During inactive periods, decreasing temperature gradient may help reduce heat loss from the body.
Analysis of two glass eye (Jatim) beads unearthed from the Northern Wei tomb complex in Dongxin, Datong
Authors: Jia Yanqin , Cui Jianfeng , Cao Chenming 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This study analyzed two glass eye beads discovered in an ancient tomb complex at Dongxin Furniture Square in Datong, Shanxi Province in China. The tomb complex was dated to the Northern Wei Dynasty (398–494 AD), when Datong was known as Pingcheng. We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) as well as a 3D microscope system with ultra-depth of field to conduct non-destructive tests on the beads. We examined the beads’ manufacturing techniques, including matrices, eye patterns, and bead holes. The composition analysis revealed that both beads belonged to the mix of v-Na-Ca and m-Na-Al glass system, which is a key indicator of local production in Java. The bases were colored using Co2+, whereas the white, red, and yellow colors of the eye patterns were achieved using SnO2, Cu2O, or Cu0, and PbSnO3, respectively. These findings indicated that both objects were Jatim beads originating in the Kingdom of Java in Southeast Asia. This study provides valuable insights into ancient trade routes between different regions and offers reliable scientific evidence of the glass trade and technical exchanges in ancient times.
Discovery, characterization and mechanism of a Microbacterium esterase for key d-biotin chiral intermediate synthesis
Authors: Li Xinjia , Yu Haoran , Liu Shengli , Ma Baodi , Wu Xiaomei , Zheng Xuesong , Xu Yi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEsterases are crucial biocatalysts in chiral compound synthesis. Herein, a novel esterase EstSIT01 belonging to family V was identified from Microbacterium chocolatum SIT101 through genome mining and phylogenetic analysis. EstSIT01 demonstrated remarkable efficiency in asymmetrically hydrolyzing meso-dimethyl ester [Dimethyl cis-1,3-Dibenzyl-2-imidazolidine-4,5-dicarboxyate], producing over 99% yield and 99% enantiomeric excess (e.e.) for (4S, 5R)-monomethyl ester, a crucial chiral intermediate during the synthesis of d-biotin. Notably, the recombinant E. coli expressing EstSIT01 exhibited over 40-fold higher activity than that of the wild strain. EstSIT01 displays a preference for short-chain p-NP esters. The optimal temperature and pH were 45 °C and 10.0, with Km and kcat values of 0.147 mmol/L and 5.808 s− 1, respectively. Molecular docking and MD simulations suggest that the high stereoselectivity for meso-diester may attribute to the narrow entrance tunnel and unique binding pocket structure. Collectively, EstSIT01 holds great potential for preparing chiral carboxylic acids and esters.
Co-designing discharge communication interventions for mental health visits to the pediatric emergency department: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Ali Amber Z. , Wright Bruce , Curran Janet A. , Fawcett-Arsenault Joelle , Newton Amanda S. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Discharge communication is essential to convey information regarding the care provided and follow-up plans after a visit to a hospital emergency department (ED), but it can be lacking for visits for pediatric mental health crises. Our objective was to co-design and conduct usability testing of new discharge communication interventions to improve pediatric mental health discharge communication.

Methods
The study was conducted in two phases using experience-based co-design (EBCD). In phase 1 (Sep 2021 to Jan 2022), five meetings were conducted with a team of six parents and two clinicians to co-design new ED discharge communication interventions for pediatric mental health care. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in team discussions and participant feedback related to discharge communication improvement and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) model was used to identify strategies to support the delivery of the new interventions. After meeting five, team members completed the Public and Patient Engagement Evaluation Tool (PPEET) to evaluate the co-design experience. In phase 2 (Apr to Jul 2022), intervention usability and satisfaction were evaluated by a new group of parents, youth aged 16–24 years, ED physicians, and nurses (n = 2 of each). Thematic analysis was used to identify usability issues and a validated 5-point Likert survey was used to evaluate user satisfaction. Evaluation results were used by the co-design team to finalize the interventions and delivery strategies.

Results
Two discharge communication interventions were created: a brochure for families and clinicians to use during the ED visit, and a text-messaging system for families after the visit. There was high satisfaction with engagement in phase 1 (overall mean PPEET score, 4.5/5). In phase 2, user satisfaction was high (mean clinician score, 4.4/5; mean caregiver/youth score, 4.1/5) with both interventions. Usability feedback included in the final intervention versions included instructions on intervention use and ensuring the text-messaging system activates within 12–24 h of discharge.

Conclusions
The interventions produced by this co-design initiative have the potential to address gaps in current discharge practices. Future testing is required to evaluate the impact on patients, caregivers, and health care system use after the ED visit.
Conceptualising the correlates of adolescent suicidal behaviour in Benin: evidence from a national survey
Authors: Sarfo Jacob Owusu , Debrah Timothy Pritchard , Gbordzoe Newton Isaac , Attigah Dean Kormla , Obeng Paul , Torsu Cyril Sewornu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Despite efforts to increase awareness about suicide, related behaviours among adolescents in Benin persist as a significant health challenge globally. Nonetheless, there is a dearth of empirical evidence that conceptualises suicidal behaviour and its correlates to provide a better picture for preventive interventions. We analysed a national survey dataset of school-going Benin adolescents, with an analytical sample of 2,536.

Results
The prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt were 14.8%, 16.3%, and 15.3%, respectively. The likelihood of ideating suicide increased among adolescents who engaged in marijuana usage, encountered bullying, felt lonely, and experienced anxiety. Additionally, the likelihood of planning suicide was high among individuals who skipped school, used marijuana, encountered bullying, felt lonely, experienced anxiety, and engaged in multiple sexual relationships. Similarly, the likelihood of attempting suicide was increased among adolescents in grades 3-6 who skipped school, used marijuana, encountered bullying, and felt lonely. Nonetheless, being a male was protective against suicidal ideation and suicidal plans, while younger age was protective against suicidal attempts. Also, having parents who respected adolescents’ autonomy and privacy (never inspected their things without their knowledge) had lower odds of suicidal ideation.

Conclusion
Suicide prevention programmes must consider multidimensional protective and risk factors concerning adolescents’ personal, parental, family, and community settings in Benin.
Investor sentiment and sustainable investment: evidence from North African stock markets
Authors: El Oubani Ahmed 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the connectedness between investor sentiment and returns and volatility on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) indices in Morocco and Egypt. Therefore, we construct a new investor sentiment index and use weekly data from January 2018 to December 2023, along with the time, frequency and quantile connectedness methods. The results show that investor sentiment sometimes influences the returns and volatility of the ESG indices, and sometimes it is influenced by them. This connectedness is stronger during distress events, namely, the COVID-19 outbreak and geopolitical tensions (the Russian-Ukrainian and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts). Furthermore, the spillover effect between sentiment and returns on the ESG indices is mainly due to short-term spillovers, except during the COVID-19 period, when long-term spillovers dominate. However, the spillover effect between sentiment and volatility on the ESG indices is mainly due to long-term spillover, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak and the Russia-Ukraine War, implying the persistence of shock transmission due to high uncertainty. The findings also highlight the impact of market conditions on spillovers. These findings can help socially responsible investors successfully diversify their portfolios and adjust their strategy according to investor sentiment; they also have beneficial implications for policymakers in achieving sustainable development goals.
Microbial cell factories in the remediation of e-wastes: an insight
Authors: Khan Sahiba , Alam Farheen Sabina , Borah Debajit 
Published: June 2024

AbstractElectronic waste, also known as e-waste, is the discarded or by-products of electronic appliances, constituting a major percentage of the total solid waste produced globally. Such e-waste is mostly composed of plastics, various heavy metals, azo dyes, and xenobiotic components, which are mostly non-biodegradable or less degradable in nature. As a result, they increase environmental toxicity, preventing the growth of crops and causing health issues for humans and other animals. On the other hand, recycling e-waste may also lead to the consumption of heavy metals through water or the inhalation of polluted air after combustion, which may cause various health issues such as asthma, nerve, respiratory, kidney, liver disease, and even cancer. Hence, microbial degradation of e-waste has become a new trend in managing such solid wastes. However, their mode of action is somewhat less explored. Microbes degrade various components of e-waste through a number of mechanisms such as bioleaching, biosorption, biotransformation, bioaccumulation, and biomineralization. Some microorganisms release enzymes such as reductases, laccases, esterases, carboxylesterases, catalases, and dioxygenases for the bioconversion of various components of e-waste into their less toxic forms. This review provides insight into the role of microbes in the conversion of various components of e-wastes such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), azo dyes, and heavy metals and their mode of action.