bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevention of post‐operative adhesions: Model development and pilot outcomes of human placental stem cell‐based interventions
Authors: Carmichael Samuel P. , Chandra Prafulla K. , Vaughan John W. , Kline David M. , Ip Edward H. , Holcomb John B. , Atala Anthony 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundAbdominal adhesions are the most common surgical complication and without reliable prophylactics. This study presents a novel rat model for abdominal adhesions and reports pilot results of human placental stem cell (hPSC)‐based therapies.MethodsForty‐four (n = 44) male Sprague–Dawley rats (250‐350 g) were used in the experiment. Of these, thirty‐eight (n = 38) were included in a preliminary data set to determine a minimum treatment effect. Adhesions were created in a reproducible model to the abdominal wall and between organs. Experimental groups included the control group (Model No Treatment, MNT), Plasmalyte A (Media Alone, MA, 10 mL), hPSC (5 × 106 cells/10 mL Plasmalyte A), hPSC‐CM (hPSC secretome, conditioned media) in 10 mL Plasmalyte A, Seprafilm™ (Baxter, Deerfield, IL), and sham animals (laparotomy only). Treatments were inserted intraperitoneally (IP) and the study period was 14 days post‐operation. Results are reported as the difference between means of an index statistic (AIS, Animal Index Score) and compared by ANOVA with pairwise comparison.ResultsThe overall mean AIS was 23 (SD 6.16) for the MNT group with an average of 75% of ischemic buttons involved in abdominal adhesions. Treatment groups MA (mean overall AIS 17.33 SD 6.4), hPSC (mean overall AIS 13.86 SD 5.01), hPSC‐CM (mean overall AIS 13.13 SD 6.15), and Seprafilm (mean overall AIS 13.43 SD 9.11) generated effect sizes of 5.67, 9.14, 9.87, and 9.57 decrease in mean overall AIS, respectively, versus the MNT.DiscussionThe presented rat model and scoring system represent the clinical adhesion disease process. hPSC‐based interventions significantly reduce abdominal adhesions in this pilot dataset.
Chemical pneumonitis secondary to accidental pulmonary polyethylene glycol–electrolyte solution infusion in a cat
Authors: Mastrocco Alicia , Prittie Jennifer , Zollo Ann Marie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the successful conservative management of chemical pneumonitis and presumed acute respiratory distress syndrome in a cat secondary to inadvertent pulmonary polyethylene glycol–electrolyte solution (PEG‐ELS) instillation.Case SummaryPEG‐ELS is commonly used in small animals for bowel cleansing and to treat constipation. There have been several instances of aspiration or accidental instillation of this solution into the lungs of both people and dogs. PEG‐ELS was inadvertently infused into the lungs of the cat in the current report. After 10 days in the ICU, during which time treatment with oxygen therapy, antibiosis, diuretics, and corticosteroids was provided, the cat was successfully discharged.New or Unique Information ProvidedTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of instillation of PEG‐ELS in a cat resulting in chemical pneumonitis and lung injury. We describe the successful management of this condition with conservative management and without the need for invasive interventions such as bronchoscopy and lavage or mechanical ventilation.
Convex co‐compact representations of 3‐manifold groups
Authors: Islam Mitul , Zimmer Andrew 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA representation of a finitely generated group into the projective general linear group is called convex co‐compact if it has finite kernel and its image acts convex co‐compactly on a properly convex domain in real projective space. We prove that the fundamental group of a closed irreducible orientable 3‐manifold can admit such a representation only when the manifold is geometric (with Euclidean, Hyperbolic or Euclidean Hyperbolic geometry) or when every component in the geometric decomposition is hyperbolic. In each case, we describe the structure of such examples.
Genetic code expansion, an emerging tool in the Ca2+ ion channel field
Authors: Söllner Julia , Derler Isabella 
Published: May 2024

AbstractVarious methods for characterizing binding forces as well as for monitoring and remote control of ion channels are still emerging. A recent innovation is the direct incorporation of unnatural amino acids (UAAs) with corresponding biophysical or biochemical properties, which are integrated using genetic code expansion technology. Minimal changes to natural amino acids, which are achieved by chemical synthesis of corresponding UAAs, are valuable tools to provide insight into the contributions of physicochemical properties of side chains in binding events. To gain unique control over the conformational changes or function of ion channels, a series of light‐sensitive, chemically reactive and posttranslationally modified UAAs have been developed and utilized. Here, we present the existing UAA tools, their mode of action, their potential and limitations as well as their previous applications to Ca2+‐permeable ion channels.
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Micrococcal nuclease regulates biofilm formation and dispersal in methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
USA300
Authors: Kaplan Jeffrey B. , Horswill Alexander R. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). The extracellular matrix of MRSA biofilms contains significant amounts of double-stranded DNA that hold the biofilm together. MRSA cells secrete micrococcal nuclease (Nuc1), which degrades double-stranded DNA. In this study, we used standard methodologies to investigate the role of Nuc1 in MRSA biofilm formation and dispersal. We quantified biofilm formation and extracellular DNA (eDNA) levels in broth and agar cultures. In some experiments, cultures were supplemented with sub-MIC amoxicillin to induce biofilm formation. Biofilm erosion was quantitated by culturing biofilms on rods and enumerating detached colony-forming units (CFUs), and biofilm sloughing was investigated by perfusing biofilms cultured in glass tubes with fresh broth and measuring the sizes of the detached cell aggregates. We found that an MRSA

nuc1
−

mutant strain produced significantly more biofilm and more eDNA than a wild-type strain, both in the absence and presence of sub-MIC amoxicillin.

nuc1
−

mutant biofilms grown on rods detached significantly less than wild-type biofilms. Detachment was restored by exogenous DNase or complementing the

nuc1
−

mutant. In the sloughing assay,

nuc1
−

mutant biofilms released cell aggregates that were significantly larger than those released by wild-type biofilms. Our results suggest that Nuc1 modulates biofilm formation, biofilm detachment, and the sizes of detached cell aggregates. These processes may play a role in the spread and subsequent survival of MRSA biofilms during biofilm-related infections.

IMPORTANCE

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) are a significant problem in hospitals. MRSA forms adherent biofilms on implanted medical devices such as catheters and breathing tubes. Bacteria can detach from biofilms on these devices and spread to other parts of the body such as the blood or lungs, where they can cause life-threatening infections. In this article, researchers show that MRSA secretes an enzyme known as thermonuclease that causes bacteria to detach from the biofilm. This is important because understanding the mechanism by which MRSA detaches from biofilms could lead to the development of procedures to mitigate the problem.
Clinical characteristics and antibiotic treatment of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis caused by
Pseudomonas
species: a review of 15 years’ experience from southern China
Authors: Dong Xiao , Xie Chao , Yi Chunyan , Ye Peiyi , Ye Hongjian , Guo Qunying , Huang Fengxian , Kong Yao-Zhong , Yang Xiao 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas
can lead to peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis, which is characterized by a poor prognosis, such as a substantial failure rate and a high death rate. This study aimed to provide an overview of
Pseudomonas
peritonitis’s clinical features, the regimens of antibiotic, antibiotic resistance, and outcomes in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. This study observed patients with
Pseudomonas
peritonitis in two large PD centers in South China from January 2008 to December 2022. The demographics, symptomatology, antibiotics regimens, resistance to common antibiotics, and clinical outcomes of all included patients were reviewed. A total of 3,459 PD patients were included, among them 57 cases of peritonitis caused by
Pseudomonas
, including 48 cases (84.2%) of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. The incidence rate of
Pseudomonas
peritonitis was 0.0041 episode per patient-year. Of them, 28.1% (16 cases) of the patients were accompanied by exit site infection (ESI), and all had abdominal pain and turbid ascites at the time of onset. The most commonly used antibiotic combination was ceftazidime combined with amikacin. Approximately 89% of
Pseudomonas
species were sensitive to ceftazidime, and 88% were sensitive to amikacin. The overall primary response rate was 28.1% (16 patients), and the complete cure rate was 40.4% (23 patients). There was no significant difference in the complete cure rate of peritonitis using three and other antibiotic treatment regimens (44.8% vs 46.4%;
P
= 0.9). The successful treatment group had higher baseline albumin level (35.9 ± 6.2;
P
= 0.008) and residual urine volume (650.7 ± 375.5;
P
= 0.04). Although the incidence of peritonitis caused by
Pseudomonas
was low, the symptoms were serious, and prognosis was very poor.
Pseudomonas
was still highly susceptible to first-line antibiotics currently in use against Gram-negative bacteria. Patients with successful treatment had higher albumin levels and higher urine output.

IMPORTANCE

Although the incidence of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis caused by
Pseudomonas
is very low, it seriously affects the technique survival of peritoneal dialysis patients. However, there are few studies and reports on
Pseudomonas
peritonitis in the Chinese mainland area. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics, the regimens of antibiotic, drug resistance, and outcome of peritoneal dialysis patients in southern China in the past 15 years and summarize the clinical experience in the treatment of
Pseudomonas
peritonitis.
Potential coupling of microbial methane, nitrogen, and sulphur cycling in the Okinawa Trough cold seep sediments
Authors: Chen Ye , Dong Xiyang , Sun Zhilei , Xu Cuiling , Zhang Xilin , Qin Shuangshuang , Geng Wei , Cao Hong , Zhai Bin , Li Xuecheng , Wu Nengyou 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

The Okinawa Trough (OT) is a back-arc basin with a wide distribution of active cold seep systems. However, our understanding of the metabolic function of microbial communities in the cold seep sediments of the OT remains limited. In this study, we investigated the vertical profiles of functional genes involved in methane, nitrogen, and sulphur cycling in the cold seep sediments of the OT. Furthermore, we explored the possible coupling mechanisms between these biogeochemical cycles. The study revealed that the majority of genes associated with the nitrogen and sulphur cycles were most abundant in the surface sediment layers. However, only the key genes responsible for sulphur disproportionation (
sor
), nitrogen fixation (
nifDKH
), and methane metabolism (
mcrABG
) were more prevalent within sulfate-methane transition zone (SMTZ). Significant positive correlations (
P
< 0.05) were observed between functional genes involved in sulphur oxidation, thiosulphate disproportionation with denitrification, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), as well as between AOM/methanogenesis and nitrogen fixation, and between sulphur disproportionation and AOM. A genome of
Filomicrobium
(class Alphaproteobacteria) has demonstrated potential in chemoautotrophic activities, particularly in coupling DNRA and denitrification with sulphur oxidation. Additionally, the characterized sulfate reducers such as Syntrophobacterales have been found to be capable of utilizing nitrate as an electron acceptor. The predominant methanogenic/methanotrophic groups in the OT sediments were identified as H
2
-dependent methylotrophic methanogens (Methanomassiliicoccales and Methanofastidiosales) and ANME-1a. This study offered a thorough understanding of microbial ecosystems in the OT cold seep sediments, emphasizing their contribution to nutrient cycling.

IMPORTANCE
The Okinawa Trough (OT) is a back-arc basin formed by extension within the continental lithosphere behind the Ryukyu Trench arc system. Cold seeps are widespread in the OT. While some studies have explored microbial communities in OT cold seep sediments, their metabolic potential remains largely unknown. In this study, we used metagenomic analysis to enhance comprehension of the microbial community's role in nutrient cycling and proposed hypotheses on the coupling process and mechanisms involved in biogeochemical cycles. It was revealed that multiple metabolic pathways can be performed by a single organism or microbes that interact with each other to carry out various biogeochemical cycling. This data set provided a genomic road map on microbial nutrient cycling in OT sediment microbial communities.
Examining the quality of care across the continuum of maternal care (antenatal, perinatal and postnatal care) under the expanded free maternity policy (Linda Mama Policy) in Kenya: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Oyugi Boniface , Audi-Poquillon Zilper , Kendall Sally , Peckham Stephen 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundKenya still faces the challenge of mothers and neonates dying from preventable pregnancy-related complications. The free maternity policy (FMP), implemented in 2013 and expanded in 2017 (Linda Mama Policy (LMP)), sought to address this challenge. This study examines the quality of care (QoC) across the continuum of maternal care under the LMP in Kenya.MethodsWe conducted a convergent parallel mixed-methods study across multiple levels of the Kenyan health system, involving key informant interviews with national stakeholders (n=15), in-depth interviews with county officials and healthcare workers (HCWs) (n=21), exit interview survey with mothers (n=553) who utilised the LMP delivery services, and focus group discussions (n=9) with mothers who returned for postnatal visits (at 6, 10 and 14 weeks). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. All the data were triangulated at the analysis and discussion stage using a framework approach guided by the QoC for maternal and newborns.ResultsThe results showed that the expanded FMP enhanced maternal care access: geographical, financial and service utilisation. However, the facilities and HCWs bore the brunt of the increased workload and burnout. There was a longer waiting time for the initial visit by the pregnant women because of the enhanced antenatal care package of the LMP. The availability and standards of equipment, supplies and infrastructure still posed challenges. Nurses were multitasking and motivated despite the human resources challenge. Mothers were happy to have received care information; however, there were challenges regarding respect and dignity they received (inadequate food, over-crowding, bed-sharing and lack of privacy), and they experienced physical, verbal and emotional abuse and a lack of attention/care.ConclusionsAddressing the negative aspects of QoC while strengthening the positives is necessary to achieve the Universal Health Coverage goals through better quality service for every woman.
Hospital at home for elderly acute patients: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Thomsen Anne Marie Ladehoff , Tayyari Nasrin , Duvald Iben , Kirkegaard Hans , Obel Børge , Nielsen Camilla Palmhøj 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe increasing elderly population has led to a growing demand for healthcare services. A hospital at home treatment model offers an alternative to standard hospital admission, with the potential to reduce readmission and healthcare consumption while improving patients’ quality of life. However, there is little evidence regarding hospital at home treatment in a Danish setting. This article describes the protocol for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing standard hospital admission to hospital at home treatment. The main aim of the intervention is to reduce 30-day acute readmission after discharge and improve the quality of life of elderly acute patients.Methods and analysisA total of 849 elderly acute patients will be randomised in a 1:2 ratio to either the control or intervention group in the trial. The control group will receive standard hospital treatment in a hospital emergency department while the intervention group will receive treatment at home. The primary outcomes of the trial are the rate of 30-day acute readmission and quality of life, assessed using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions-5-Level instrument. Primary analyses are based on the intention-to-treat principle. Secondary outcomes are basic functional mobility, resource use in healthcare, primary and secondary healthcare cost, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, and the mortality rate 3 months after discharge.Ethics and disseminationThe RCT was approved by the Ethical Committee, Central Denmark Region (no. 1-10-72-67-20). Results will be presented at relevant national and international meetings and conferences and will be published in international peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, we plan to communicate the results to relevant stakeholders in the Danish healthcare system.Trial registration numberNCT05360914.
Saxon Epidemiological Study in General Practice-6 (SESAM-6): protocol of a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gräfe Willy , Liebig Lukas , Deutsch Tobias , Schübel Jeannine , Bergmann Antje , Bleckwenn Markus , Frese Thomas , Brütting Christine , Riemenschneider Henna 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionGeneral practitioners (GPs) are mostly the first point of contact for patients with health problems in Germany. There is only a limited epidemiological overview data that describe the GP consultation hours based on other than billing data. Therefore, the aim of Saxon Epidemiological Study in General Practice-6 (SESAM-6) is to examine the frequency of reasons for encounter, prevalence of long-term diagnosed diseases and diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in general practice. This knowledge is fundamental to identify the healthcare needs and to develop strategies to improve the GP care. The results of the study will be incorporated into the undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education for GP.Methods and analysisThis cross-sectional study SESAM-6 is conducted in general practices in the state of Saxony, Germany. The study design is based on previous SESAM studies. Participating physicians are assigned to 1 week per quarter (over a survey period of 12 months) in which every fifth doctor–patient contact is recorded for one-half of the day (morning or afternoon). To facilitate valid statements, a minimum of 50 GP is required to document a total of at least 2500 doctor–patient contacts. Univariable, multivariable and subgroup analyses as well as comparisons to the previous SESAM data sets will be conducted.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Technical University of Dresden in March 2023 (SR-EK-7502023). Participation in the study is voluntary and will not be remunerated. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, preferably with open access. They will also be disseminated at scientific and public symposia, congresses and conferences. A final report will be published to summarise the central results and provided to all study participants and the public.
Optimal approach for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for abdominal surgeries: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Qiuyu , Zhang Donghang , Wei Yiyong 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionTransversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks are commonly used for postoperative analgesia after various abdominal surgeries. There are several different approaches for performing TAP blocks, mainly including posterior, lateral and subcostal approaches. An increasing number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have compared the analgesic effects of different TAP block approaches, but the results have not been consistent. This protocol aims to determine the optimal approach of ultrasound-guided TAP blocks for postoperative analgesia after abdominal surgery.Methods and analysisFour databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library will be systematically searched to identify RCTs that compared the analgesic effects of different ultrasound-guided TAP block approaches. The search interval will range from the inception of the databases to 30 July 2024. The postoperative opioid consumption over 24 hours will be defined as the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes will include the analgesia duration, postoperative pain scores at rest and during movement at different timepoints and the incidence of adverse effects. All the statistical analyses will be conducted using RevMan V.5.4. The quality of evidence will be evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval will not be needed. The results will be submitted to one peer-reviewed journal when completed.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42024510141.
Singing for lung health in COPD: a multicentre randomised controlled trial of online delivery
Authors: Philip Keir E J , Buttery Sara C , Bowen Sarah , Lewis Adam , Jeffery Edmund , Alghamdi Saeed M , Williams Parris , Alasmari Ali M , Alsulayyim Abdullah S , Orton Christopher M , Conway Francesca , Chan Ley , Vijayakumar Bavithra , Tana Anand , Tonkin James , Perkins Alexis , Garner Justin L , Srikanthan Karthikan , Sadaka Ahmed , Pavitt Matthew J , Banya Winston , Lound Adam , Elkin Sarah , Polkey Michael I , Man William D-C , Lewis Keir , Cave Phoene , Fancourt Daisy , Hopkinson Nicholas S 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundSinging for lung health (SLH) is an arts-based breathing control and movement intervention for people with long-term respiratory conditions, intended to improve symptoms and quality of life. Online, remotely delivered programmes might improve accessibility; however, no previous studies have assessed the effectiveness of this approach.MethodsWe conducted an assessor-blind randomised controlled trial comparing the impact of 12 weeks of once-weekly online SLH sessions against usual care on health-related quality of life, assessed using the RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Mental Health Composite (MHC) and Physical Health Composite (PHC) scores.ResultsWe enrolled 115 people with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), median (IQR) age 69 (62–74), 56.5% females, 80% prior pulmonary rehabilitation, Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale 4 (3–4), forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted 49 (35–63). 50 participants in each arm completed the study. The intervention arm experienced improvements in physical but not mental health components of RAND SF-36; PHC (regression coefficient (95% CI): 1.77 (95% CI 0.11 to 3.44); p=0.037), but not MHC (0.86 (95% CI −1.68 to 3.40); p=0.504). A prespecified responder analysis based on achieving a 10% improvement from baseline demonstrated a response rate for PHC of 32% in the SLH arm and 12.7% for usual care (p=0.024). A between-group difference in responder rate was not found in relation to the MHC (19.3% vs 25.9%; p=0.403).Discussion and conclusionA 12-week online SLH programme can improve the physical component of quality of life for people with COPD, but the overall effect is relatively modest compared with the impact seen in research using face-to-face group sessions. Further work on the content, duration and dose of online interventions may be useful.Trial registration numberNCT04034212.