bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergence and dissemination of equine-like G3P[8] rotavirus A in Brazil between 2015 and 2021
Authors: Gutierrez Meylin Bautista , Arantes Ighor , Bello Gonzalo , Berto Lúcia Helena , Dutra Leonardo Hermes , Kato Rodrigo Bentes , Fumian Tulio Machado 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Rotavirus A (RVA) is a major cause of acute gastroenteritis globally that is classically genotyped by its two immunodominant outer capsid proteins, VP7 (G-) and VP4 (P-). Recent evidence suggests that the reassortant equine-like G3P[8] strain played a substantial role in RVA transmission in Brazil since 2015. To understand its global emergence and dissemination in Brazilian territory, stool samples collected from 11 Brazilian states (
n
= 919) were genotyped by RT-qPCR and proceeded to sequence the VP7 gene (
n
= 102, 79 being newly generated) of the G3P[8] samples with pronounced viral loads. Our phylogenetic genotyping showed that G3P[8] became the dominant strain in Brazil between 2017 and 2020, with equine-like variants representing 75%–100% of VP7 samples in this period. A Bayesian discrete phylogeographic analysis strongly suggests that the equine-like G3P[8] strain originated in Asia during the early 2010s and subsequently spread to Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. Multiple introductions were detected in Brazil between 2014 and 2017, resulting in five national clusters. The reconstruction of the effective population size of the largest Brazilian cluster showed an expansion until 2017, followed by a plateau phase until 2019 and subsequent contraction. Our study also supports that most mutations fixed during equine-like G3P[8] evolution were synonymous, suggesting that adaptive evolution was not an important driving force during viral dissemination in humans, potentially increasing its susceptibility to acquired immunity. This research emphasizes the need for comprehensive rotavirus genomic surveillance that allows close monitoring of its ever-shifting composition and informs more effective public health policies.

IMPORTANCE
Our original article demonstrated the origin and spread in a short time of equine-like G3P[8] in Brazil and the world. Due to its segmented genome, it allows numerous mechanisms including genetic drift and reassortment contribute substantially to the genetic diversity of rotavirus. Although the effectiveness and increasing implementation of vaccination have not been questioned, a matter of concern is its impact on the emergence of escape mutants or even the spread of unusual strains of zoonotic transmission that could drive epidemic patterns worldwide. This research emphasizes the need for comprehensive rotavirus genomic surveillance, which could facilitate the formulation of public policies aimed at preventing and mitigating its transmission.
Bacillus halotolerans
SW207 alleviates enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
-induced inflammatory responses in weaned piglets by modulating the intestinal epithelial barrier, the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, and intestinal microbiota
Authors: Li Minghan , Zhao Dongyu , Guo Jialin , Pan Tianxu , Niu Tianming , Jiang Yanqi , Shi Chunwei , Huang Haibin , Wang Nan , Zhang Di , Zhang Shumin , Wang Chunfeng , Yang Guilian 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is one of the major pathogens contributing to piglet diarrhea, with significant implications for both piglet health and the economic aspects of the livestock industry. SW207 is an isolate of
Bacillus halotolerans
isolated from the cold- and disease-resistant Leixiang pigs in Northeastern China. We have discovered that SW207 can survive in the pig’s gastrointestinal fluid and under conditions of high bile salt concentration, displaying potent antagonistic activity against ETEC. In this study, we established a weaned piglet diarrhea model infected with ETEC to investigate the role of SW207 in preventing diarrhea and improving intestinal health. Results indicate that SW207 upregulates the expression of tight junction proteins, including claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1, at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Furthermore, SW207 reduces serum endotoxin, D-lactic acid, and various oxidative stress markers while enhancing piglet mechanical barrier function. In terms of immune barrier, SW207 suppressed the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, reducing the expression of various inflammatory factors and upregulating the expression of small intestine mucosal sIgA. Concerning the biological barrier, SW207 significantly reduces the content of
E. coli
in the intestines and promotes the abundance of beneficial bacteria, thereby mitigating the microbiota imbalance caused by ETEC. In summary, SW207 has the potential to prevent weaned piglet diarrhea caused by ETEC, alleviate intestinal inflammation and epithelial damage, and facilitate potential beneficial changes in the intestinal microbiota. This contributes to elucidating the potential mechanisms of host-microbe interactions in preventing pathogen infections.

IMPORTANCE

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) has consistently been one of the significant pathogens causing mortality in weaned piglets in pig farming. The industry has traditionally relied on antibiotic administration to control ETEC-induced diarrhea. However, the overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug-resistant zoonotic bacterial pathogens, posing a threat to public health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify alternatives to control pathogens and reduce antibiotic usage. In this study, we assessed the protective effect of a novel probiotic in a weaned piglet model infected with ETEC and analyzed its mechanisms both
in vivo
and
in vitro
. The study results provide theoretical support and reference for implementing interventions in the gut microbiota to alleviate early weaned piglet diarrhea and improve intestinal health.
Antifungal potential of lipopeptides produced by the
Bacillus siamensis
Sh420 strain against
Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Hussain Sarfaraz , Tai Bowen , Ali Maratab , Jahan Israt , Sakina Suha , Wang Gang , Zhang Xinlong , Yin Yixuan , Xing Fuguo 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Biological control is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for controlling
Fusarium
spp. infestations. In this work,
Bacillus siamensis
Sh420 isolated from wheat rhizosphere showed a high antifungal activity against
Fusarium graminearum
as a secure substitute for fungicides. Sh420 was identified as
B. siamensis
using phenotypic evaluation and 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. An
in vitro
antagonistic study showed that Sh420’s lipopeptide (LP) extract exhibited strong antifungal properties and effectively combated
F. graminearum
. Meanwhile, lipopeptides have the ability to decrease ergosterol content, which has an impact on the overall structure and stability of the plasma membrane. The PCR-based screening revealed the presence of antifungal LP biosynthetic genes in this strain’s genomic DNA. In the crude LP extract of Sh420, we were able to discover several LPs such as bacillomycin, iturins, fengycin, and surfactins using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Microscopic investigations (fluorescent/transmission electron microscopy) revealed deformities and alterations in the morphology of the phytopathogen upon interaction with LPs. Sh420 LPs have been shown in grape tests to be effective against
F. graminearum
infection and to stimulate antioxidant activity in fruits by avoiding rust and gray lesions. The overall findings of this study highlight the potential of Sh420 lipopeptides as an effective biological control agent against
F. graminearum
infestations.

IMPORTANCE

This study addresses the potential of lipopeptide (LP) extracts obtained from the strain identified as
Bacillus siamensis
Sh420. This Sh420 isolate acts as a crucial player in providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for suppressing
Fusarium graminearum
phytopathogen. Moreover, these LPs can reduce ergosterol content in the phytopathogen influencing the overall structure and stability of its plasma membrane. PCR screening provided confirmation regarding the existence of genes responsible for biosynthesizing antifungal LPs in the genomic DNA of Sh420. Several antibiotic lipopeptide compounds were identified from this bacterial crude extract using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Microscopic investigations revealed deformities and alterations in the morphology of
F. graminearum
upon interaction with LPs. Furthermore, studies on fruit demonstrated the efficacy of Sh420 LPs in mitigating
F. graminearum
infection and stimulating antioxidant activity in fruits, preventing rust and gray lesions.
Performance evaluation of the SMG HHV-6 Q Real-Time PCR Kit for quantitative detection and differentiation of human herpesvirus 6A and 6B
Authors: Kim Tae Yeul , Park Min-Seung , Yun Sun Ae , Kang Minhee , Kim Doo Ri , Shin Areum , Kim Hyun-Young , Jang Mi-Ae , Jang Ja-Hyun , Kwon Min-Jung , Huh Hee Jae , Kim Yae-Jean , Lee Nam Yong 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the newly developed SMG HHV-6 Q Real-Time PCR Kit (SMG assay) with the RealStar HHV-6 PCR Kit (RealStar assay). The analytical sensitivity and specificity, linearity, and precision of the SMG assay were evaluated. The clinical performance of the SMG assay was assessed and compared with that of the RealStar assay using 207 clinical specimens (HHV-6A positive,
n
= 51; HHV-6B positive,
n
= 64; HHV-6A/B negative,
n
= 92). The limit of detection of the SMG assay was 2.92 log
10
copies/mL for HHV-6A DNA and 2.88 log
10
copies/mL for HHV-6B DNA. The linear range was determined to be 3.40–9.00 log
10
copies/mL for both viruses. Intra- and inter-assay variability were below 5% at concentrations ranging from 4 to 9 log
10
copies/mL. No cross-reactivity was observed with the 25 microorganisms included in the specificity panel. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the SMG and RealStar assays compared to in-house polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were as follows: SMG assay, 98.0% and 100% for HHV-6A DNA, respectively, and 96.9% and 100% for HHV-6B DNA, respectively; RealStar assay, 98.0% and 100% for HHV-6A DNA, respectively, and 90.6% and 100% for HHV-6B DNA, respectively. The correlation coefficients between viral loads measured by the two assays were 0.948 and 0.975, with mean differences of 0.62 and 0.32 log
10
copies/mL for HHV-6A and HHV-6B DNA, respectively. These results demonstrate that the SMG assay is a sensitive and reliable tool for the quantitative detection and differentiation of HHV-6A and HHV-6B DNA.

IMPORTANCE
Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) that can distinguish between HHV-6A and HHV-6B DNA is recommended for diagnosis of active infection. The SMG HHV-6 Q Real-Time PCR Kit (SMG assay) is a newly developed qPCR assay that can differentiate between HHV-6A and HHV-6B DNA; however, little is known about its performance. In this study, we assessed the performance of the SMG assay and compared it with that of a commercially available qPCR assay, the RealStar HHV-6 PCR Kit (RealStar assay). The SMG assay demonstrated excellent analytical sensitivity and specificity, precision, and linearity. Furthermore, the viral loads measured by the SMG assay were highly correlated with those measured by the RealStar assay. Our results suggest that the SMG assay is a useful diagnostic tool for quantitative detection and differentiation of HHV-6A and HHV-6B DNA.
Colonic epithelial hypoxia remains constant during the progression of diabetes in male UC Davis type 2 diabetes mellitus rats
Authors: Piccolo Brian D , Graham James L , Tabor-Simecka Leslie , Randolph Christopher E , Moody Becky , Robeson Michael S , Kang Ping , Fox Renee , Lan Renny , Pack Lindsay , Woford Noah , Yeruva Laxmi , LeRoith Tanya , Stanhope Kimber L , Havel Peter J 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionColonocyte oxidation of bacterial-derived butyrate has been reported to maintain synergistic obligate anaerobe populations by reducing colonocyte oxygen levels; however, it is not known whether this process is disrupted during the progression of type 2 diabetes. Our aim was to determine whether diabetes influences colonocyte oxygen levels in the University of California Davis type 2 diabetes mellitus (UCD-T2DM) rat model.Research design and methodsAge-matched male UCD-T2DM rats (174±4 days) prior to the onset of diabetes (PD, n=15), within 1 month post-onset (RD, n=12), and 3 months post-onset (D3M, n=12) were included in this study. Rats were administered an intraperitoneal injection of pimonidazole (60 mg/kg body weight) 1 hour prior to euthanasia and tissue collection to estimate colonic oxygen levels. Colon tissue was fixed in 10% formalin, embedded in paraffin, and processed for immunohistochemical detection of pimonidazole. The colonic microbiome was assessed by 16S gene rRNA amplicon sequencing and content of short-chain fatty acids was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsHbA1c % increased linearly across the PD (5.9±0.1), RD (7.6±0.4), and D3M (11.5±0.6) groups, confirming the progression of diabetes in this cohort. D3M rats had a 2.5% increase in known facultative anaerobes,Escherichia–Shigella, andStreptococcus(false discovery rate <0.05) genera in colon contents. The intensity of pimonidazole staining of colonic epithelia did not differ across groups (p=0.37). Colon content concentrations of acetate and propionate also did not differ across UCD-T2DM groups; however, colonic butyric acid levels were higher in D3M rats relative to PD rats (p<0.01).ConclusionsThe advancement of diabetes in UCD-T2DM rats was associated with an increase in facultative anaerobes; however, this was not explained by changes in colonocyte oxygen levels. The mechanisms underlying shifts in gut microbe populations associated with the progression of diabetes in the UCD-T2DM rat model remain to be identified.
Prevalence and population characteristics associated with frailty in a rural low socioeconomic area in Denmark: the Lolland-Falster Health Study
Authors: Christensen Mathilde Glud , Jacobsen Katja Kemp , Nilsson Charlotte , Jepsen Randi , Thygesen Lau , Suetta Charlotte , Holm Ellen Astrid 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundFrailty is a major geriatric syndrome that predicts increased vulnerability to minor stressor events and adverse outcomes such as falls, fractures, disability and death. The prevalence of frailty among individuals above the age of 65 varies widely with an overall weighted prevalence of 10.7%.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of prefrailty and frailty in community-dwelling older adults from the regions of Lolland-Falster, which is one of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Denmark with lower income and lower life expectancy compared with the general Danish population. Moreover, the objective was to find selected individual characteristics associated with frailty.DesignAn observational, cross-sectional registry-based population study with data from the regions of Lolland-Falster collected between February 2016 and February 2020.ResultsThe study included 19 000 individuals. There were 10 154 above the age of 50 included for analysis. Prevalence of frailty in the age group of 50–64 years was 4.7% and 8.7% in the age group of 65 years and above.The study demonstrates associations between frailty and high age, female gender, low education level, low income, smoking, living alone, frequency of seeing one’s children and getting help when needed. These associations are comparable with findings from other studies.ConclusionThe syndrome of frailty consists of not only physiological and medical issues but also education, life conditions such as living alone and living in poverty and how you evaluate your own health.
Prevalence and determinants of not testing for HIV among young adult women in Papua New Guinea: findings from the Demographic and Health Survey, 2016–2018
Authors: Maviso McKenzie , Kalembo Fatch Welcome 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of not testing for HIV and its determinants among young adult women aged 15–29 years in Papua New Guinea (PNG).Design and settingThe study used secondary data from the 2016 to 2018 PNG Demographic and Health Survey (PNGDHS), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey that used a two-stage stratified sampling.ParticipantsA total weighed sample of 5164 young adult women aged 15–29 years were included in the analysis.Primary outcome measureEver been tested for HIV was the primary outcome of the study. All analyses were adjusted using survey weights to account for unequal sampling probabilities.ResultsThe prevalence of not testing for HIV was 58.8% (95% CI: 57.4% to 60.1%). The mean age was 21.65 years (SD = 4.23). Of the women who were not tested for HIV, the majority were never married (79.4%), without formal education (63%), not working (60.2%), and from rural areas (62.9%). In the multivariable analysis, those who were never married (adjusted OR (AOR) 4.9, 95% CI 3.6 to 6.6), had poor wealth index (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.5), were from rural areas (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.6), were from the Momase region (AOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.7), did not read newspapers or magazines (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.1), did not listen to the radio (AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0), experienced early sexual debut (AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.9), had one sexual partner (AOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.0) and reported no sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 12 months (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.1) had higher odds of not testing for HIV.ConclusionsOur study found a very high unmet need for HIV testing among young adult women in PNG. Health promotion programmes should be designed to increase HIV knowledge and access to testing services, particularly targeting young women who are disadvantaged and from rural areas.
Effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and return on investment of individual placement and support compared with traditional vocational rehabilitation for individuals with severe mental illness in the Netherlands: a nationwide implementation study
Authors: Vukadin Miljana , Zwinkels Wim , Schaafsma Frederieke , Spijkerman Marcel , de Graaf-Zijl Marloes , Delespaul Philippe , van Weeghel Jaap , van Dongen Johanna Maria , Anema Johannes 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and return on investment of individual placement and support (IPS) implemented through a reimbursement strategy on a nationwide scale compared with traditional vocational rehabilitation (TVR) regarding sustainable participation in competitive employment in individuals with severe mental illness receiving sickness or disability benefits.MethodsAn observational study was conducted using administrative data regarding all Dutch individuals receiving sickness or disability benefits in the period 2012–2019. Exact matching and difference-in-difference fixed-effect estimations were performed to handle the non-randomised nature of the data. The matched sample consisted of 863 IPS and 16 466 TVR participants. The primary effect measure was the proportion of individuals having worked for at least 48 hours per month in competitive employment (ie, for 12 hours or more per week); the proportion of individuals having worked in competitive employment for at least 1 hour per month was also evaluated. Cost-effectiveness and return on investment were assessed from the societal perspective (intervention, sickness/disability benefit and healthcare costs) and payer perspective (sickness/disability benefit costs).ResultsIPS led to a statistically significant higher probability of being competitively employed for at least 12 hours per week of 3.7% points (95% CI 0.8% to 6.7%) to 7.5% points (95% CI 3.8% to 11.3%) and of being competitively employed for at least 1 hour per month of 4.7% points (95% CI 1.6% to 7.7%) to 8.9% points (95% CI 5.2 to 12.6%) from 6 to 36 months after starting the intervention. From the societal and payer perspective, IPS was—on average—less costly and more effective than TVR and return-on-investment estimates showed that IPS was—on average—cost saving (eg, societal perspective: ∆C: −364 (95% CI −3977 to 3249); ∆E: 0.104 (95% CI 0.046 to 0.164); benefit–cost ratio: 2.1 (95% CI −14.8 to 19.1)), but the uncertainty surrounding these estimates was large.ConclusionsIPS implemented through a reimbursement strategy on a nationwide scale is more effective and potentially cost-effective than TVR in people with severe mental illness receiving sickness or disability benefits. Based on these results, the implementation of IPS by a wide scale reimbursement strategy could be promoted to enhance sustainable participation in competitive employment in these individuals. Future economic evaluations should strive for a more robust sample size and a long follow-up period.
Management of severe ME/CFS in children and young people in the UK: a British Paediatric Surveillance Unit study
Authors: Royston Alexander Peter , Burge Sarah , Idini Ilaria , Brigden Amberly , Pike Katharine Claire 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveSevere myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in children and young people (CYP) is a little-understood condition which significantly impacts education, development and quality of life. We used data from a population-wide surveillance study to explore the screening investigation, referral and management of suspected cases of paediatric severe ME/CFS.MethodsA British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) study reported cases of CYP with suspected severe ME/CFS between February 2018 and February 2019. Paediatricians reporting cases to BPSU and allied healthcare professionals in two large specialist paediatric ME/CFS centres were invited to complete questionnaires for CYP meeting the surveillance case definition. The study focused primarily on CYP with confirmed severe ME/CFS and the extent to which their care met NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommendations but also considered separately those with probable or possible severe ME/CFS.ResultsThis study includes a total of 92 CYP with suspected severe ME/CFS; 33 meeting criteria for severe ME/CFS and an additional 59 classified as probable or possible severe ME/CFS. For 16 possible cases, incomplete investigation to exclude alternative diagnoses prevented confirmation of a severe ME/CFS diagnosis. Only 21 of 33 (64%) confirmed severe ME/CFS cases had been referred to specialist services. The management provided varied considerably between patients and four received nothing at all. Of the management provided, the most frequent approaches were medication (67%), activity management (61%) and physiotherapy (61%). Domiciliary assessments and support, and social services referrals were received by 12% and 6% of confirmed severe cases. Similar proportions of management approaches were seen in probable/possible severe ME/CFS.ConclusionFull investigation is frequently incomplete in CYP with suspected severe ME/CFS and recommendations for referral and management are poorly implemented, in particular the needs of CYP who are unable to leave their home might be poorly met.