bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Patients Presenting on Hospital Admission With Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Oladapo-Shittu Opeyemi , Cosgrove Sara E , Rock Clare , Hsu Yea-Jen , Klein Eili , Harris Anthony D , Mejia-Chew Carlos , Saunders Heather , Ching Patrick R , Gadala Avi , Mayoryk Stephanie , Pineles Lisa , Maragakis Lisa , Salinas Alejandra , Helsel Taylor , Keller Sara C 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
There are no systematic measures of central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in patients maintaining central venous catheters (CVCs) outside acute care hospitals. To clarify the burden of CLABSIs in these patients, we characterized patients with CLABSI present on hospital admission (POA).

Methods
Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients with CLABSI-POA in 3 health systems covering 11 hospitals across Maryland, Washington DC, and Missouri from November 2020 to October 2021. CLABSI-POA was defined using an adaptation of the acute care CLABSI definition. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were collected via record review. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to assess factors associated with the all-cause mortality rate within 30 days.

Results
A total of 461 patients were identified as having CLABSI-POA. CVCs were most commonly maintained in home infusion therapy (32.8%) or oncology clinics (31.2%). Enterobacterales were the most common etiologic agent (29.2%). Recurrent CLABSIs occurred in a quarter of patients (25%). Eleven percent of patients died during the hospital admission. Among patients with CLABSI-POA, mortality risk increased with age (hazard ratio vs age &lt;20 years by age group: 20–44 years, 11.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.46–86.22]; 45–64 years, 20.88 [2.84–153.58]; ≥65 years, 22.50 [2.98–169.93]) and lack of insurance (2.46 [1.08–5.59]), and it decreased with CVC removal (0.57 [.39–.84]).

Conclusions
CLABSI-POA is associated with significant in-hospital mortality risk. Surveillance is required to understand the burden of CLABSI in the community to identify targets for CLABSI prevention initiatives outside acute care settings.
Profits and capital accumulation in the Mexican economy
Authors: Ibarra Carlos A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The paper studies the long-run disconnection between a rising profit share of income and a constant rate of capital accumulation in Mexico since the early 1990s. According to stylized facts based on the Cambridge accumulation equation, the disconnection reflects two factors: first, a flat trajectory of the investment share of profits, and second, a gap between a rising profit share and a constant or even falling profit rate due to a decline in the output/capital ratio. In manufacturing—where the disconnection was particularly sharp—econometric estimates show that the accumulation rate was negatively affected not only by the decline in the output/capital ratio but also by a fall in the relative Mexican/US profit rate. The estimates show in addition that, among financialization indicators, a rise in interest payments as a share of profits may have contributed to the low accumulation rate.
Disease-specific quality of life as part of the long-term follow-up for children born with esophageal atresia in an academic unit in South Africa—a pilot study
Authors: de Vos C , Dellenmark-Blom M , Sikwete F M , Sidler D , van Wyk L , Goussard P 
Published: March 2024

Summary
As neonatal mortality rates have decreased in esophageal atresia (EA), there is a growing focus on quality of life (QoL) in these children. No study from Africa has reported on this topic. This pilot study aimed to describe disease-specific QoL in EA children and its applicability as part of long-term follow-up in an academic facility in South Africa. Disease-specific QoL in children born with EA was assessed utilizing the EA-QoL questionnaire for children aged 2–17 years during a patient-encounter. The parent-report for children aged 2–7 years compromised 17 items categorized into three domains: eating, physical health and treatment, and social isolation/stress. The 24-item EA-QL questionnaire for children aged 8–18 (child- and parent-report) explored four domains: eating, body perception, social relationships, and health and well-being. A total of 13 questionnaires for children aged 2–7 years were completed by five parents. A negative perceived impact on their child’s eating was reported by 46–92% of parents, and less impact in the other two domains. A total of 27 questionnaires were completed by eight children aged 8–17 years and 10 parents. Similar percentages children and parents reported a negative impact in the eating, social relationships, and body perception domains. More than half reported a negative impact on the child’s health and well-being. This study supports the concept that assessment of disease-specific QoL should play a vital role in the comprehensive follow-up approach for children born with EA. We identified that parents of younger children were more likely to report eating disorders, whereas parents of older children were more likely to report health difficulties with different perceptions when it came to the child’s scar.
Configuration of the neoaortic root after chimney reconstruction in the Norwood procedure
Authors: Asada Satoshi , Oda Shinichiro , Maeda Yoshinobu , Fujita Shuhei , Hongu Hisayuki , Yamashita Eijiro , Nakatsuji Hiroki , Nagase Takashi , Nakai Rie , Hayashi Takaaki , Ikarashi Jin , Goto Yasutaka , Yamagishi Masaaki 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
After staged reconstruction for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the neoaortic root tends to dilate, and the incidence of significant neoaortic valve insufficiency increases with time. This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of the neoaortic root geometries and valve function after chimney reconstruction in the Norwood procedure.

METHODS
Between 2013 and 2021, 20 consecutive patients who underwent chimney reconstruction during the Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and its variants in our institution were enrolled. The actual diameters of the following points were measured, and Z-scores were calculated based on the normal aortic root geometries using the long axis view of echocardiography at the pre-Norwood stage and the lateral view of angiography at pre-Glenn, pre-Fontan, post-Fontan and follow-up (age 5–6 years) stages: neoaortic valve annulus; sinus of Valsalva; sinotubular junction; and ascending aorta just proximal to the anastomosis to the aortic arch. The degree of neoaortic valve regurgitation was evaluated by echocardiography at each stage.

RESULTS
The median follow-up period was 3.9 years. Neoaortic roots after chimney reconstruction were spared from progressive dilation over time. With growth, the conical configuration of the neoaortic roots was preserved without geometrical distortion. The Z-scores of the annulus, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta ranged roughly from 4 to 6, 4 to 6, 2 to 4 and 0 to 2, respectively. All neoaortic valves at each stage had mild or no regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS
Chimney reconstruction prevented neoaortic root dilation and avoided significant neoaortic valve regurgitation in the mid-term. These neoaortic dimensions with smooth flow profiles in the neoaorta after chimney reconstruction may have contributed to the current results. Further studies are needed to clarify the long-term outcomes.
Fungal traits help to understand the decomposition of simple and complex plant litter
Authors: Leifheit Eva F , Camenzind Tessa , Lehmann Anika , Andrade-Linares Diana R , Fussan Max , Westhusen Sophia , Wineberger Till M , Rillig Matthias C 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Litter decomposition is a key ecosystem process, relevant for the release and storage of nutrients and carbon in soil. Soil fungi are one of the dominant drivers of organic matter decomposition, but fungal taxa differ substantially in their functional ability to decompose plant litter. Knowledge is mostly based on observational data and subsequent molecular analyses and in vitro studies have been limited to forest ecosystems. In order to better understand functional traits of saprotrophic soil fungi in grassland ecosystems, we isolated 31 fungi from a natural grassland and performed several in vitro studies testing for i) leaf and wood litter decomposition, ii) the ability to use carbon sources of differing complexity, iii) the enzyme repertoire. Decomposition strongly varied among phyla and isolates, with Ascomycota decomposing the most and Mucoromycota decomposing the least. The phylogeny of the fungi and their ability to use complex carbon were the most important predictors for decomposition. Our findings show that it is crucial to understand the role of individual members and functional groups within the microbial community. This is an important way forward to understand the role of microbial community composition for the prediction of litter decomposition and subsequent potential carbon storage in grassland soils.
A novel fully distributed discrete-time min–max consensus seeking algorithm with high convergence speed
Authors: Rezaei Vahid , Khanmirza Esmaeel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we propose a novel discrete-time consensus algorithm based on the new min–max criterion for the discrete-time second-order linear agents. To boost the convergence speed, the proposed algorithm allocates three different operating modes to the network agents. Unlike most of the existing consensus algorithms in which the links of the communication graph have specific weights and these weights are required to have positive lower bounds to achieve asymptotic convergence, the communication graph in this paper has unspecific link weights. Accordingly, because of data transmission errors and faults, the weights of the communication links can even go from a positive to a negative value. Thus, the proposed algorithm can bring the agents to consensus under more general conditions. To demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm, numerical simulations are performed, and their results are compared with those of the minimum consensus algorithm, which shows a significantly faster convergence speed.
Safety and Immunogenicity of a Messenger RNA–Based Cytomegalovirus Vaccine in Healthy Adults: Results From a Phase 1 Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Fierro Carlos , Brune Daniel , Shaw Marian , Schwartz Howard , Knightly Conor , Lin Jiang , Carfi Andrea , Natenshon Andrew , Kalidindi Shiva , Reuter Caroline , Miller Jacqueline , Panther Lori 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
This phase 1 trial evaluated the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of mRNA-1647, a messenger RNA (mRNA)–based cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine, in CMV-seronegative and -seropositive adults.

Methods
Participants were randomly assigned to receive 30, 90, 180, or 300 µg of mRNA-1647 or placebo on a 0-, 2-, and 6-month schedule and followed for 12 months after the last dose.

Results
A total of 154 (80 CMV-seronegative and 74 CMV-seropositive) participants were enrolled; 118 participants were randomized to mRNA-1647 and 36 to placebo. Mean (standard deviation) age was 32.5 (8.6) and 35.1 (8.9) years in the placebo and mRNA-1647 groups, respectively, in phase B (63% and 64% female) and 42.5 (6.2) and 33.3 (8.7) years, respectively, in phase C (2% and 16% female). No deaths, related serious adverse events, or adverse events of special interest were reported. Most adverse reactions were grade ≤2 severity. Increased neutralizing antibody, binding antibody, and antigen-specific cell-mediated responses were observed across mRNA-1647 treatment groups, regardless of CMV serostatus.

Conclusions
This phase 1, first-in-human trial demonstrated that mRNA-1647 has an acceptable safety profile in adults and elicits humoral and cellular immune responses.
Clinical Trials Registration.  NCT03382405.
Systematic Review of Household Transmission of Strep A: A Potential Site for Prevention That Has Eluded Attention
Authors: Enkel Stephanie L , Barnes Samuel , Daw Jessica , Pearson Emma , Thomas Hannah M M , Lansbury Nina , Wyber Rosemary , Redmond Andrew M , Ralph Anna P , Carapetis Jonathan R , Bowen Asha C 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Although Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) is the sixth-most common infectious disease globally, its transmission within the household remains an understudied driver of infection. We undertook a systematic review to better understand the transmission of Strep A among people within the home, while highlighting opportunities for prevention.

Methods
A search strategy was applied to 5 databases between September 2022 and March 2023. Results were limited to articles published between January 2000 and March 2023. Texts were reviewed by 2 authors and the following data extracted: article details (title, author, year), study type, transmission year, country, participant age, infection status, molecular testing, and transmission mode. Funding was provided by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (GNT2010716).

Results
The final analysis comprised 28 texts. Only 7 studies (25.0%) provided sufficient detail to identify the Strep A transmission mode: contact (n = 4), vehicle (bedding, clothing, other fabric, and medical equipment; n = 2), and contact with animals (n = 1). All others were classified as household (specific mode unascertainable). Most articles reported outbreaks involving invasive Strep A infections.

Conclusions
There is limited literature regarding household transmission of Strep A. Understanding transmission in this setting remains imperative to guide control methods.
Assessing silver nanoparticle and antimicrobial combinations for antibacterial activity and biofilm prevention on surgical sutures
Authors: Al-Sawarees Diana K , Darwish Rula M , Abu-Zurayk Rund , Masri Mahmoud Al 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aims
To evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticles alone and in combination with Triclosan, and trans-cinnamaldehyde against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli biofilms on sutures to improve patients’ outcomes.

Methods and results
Silver nanoparticles were prepared by chemical method and characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometer and dynamic light scattering. The minimum inhibitory concentration was assessed by the Microdilution assay. The antibiofilm activity was determined using crystal violet assay. A checkerboard assay using the fractional inhibitory concentration index and time-kill curve was used to investigate the synergistic effect of silver nanoparticle combinations. The hemolytic activity was determined using an erythrocyte hemolytic assay. Our results revealed that silver nanoparticles, Triclosan, and trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA) inhibited S.aureus and E.coli biofilms. Silver nanoparticles with TCA showed a synergistic effect (FICI values 0.35 and 0.45 against S. aureus and E. coli biofilms, respectively), and silver nanoparticles with Triclosan showed complete inhibition of S. aureus biofilm. The hemolytic activity was &lt;2.50% for the combinations.
Smelly shark, smelly ray: what is infecting you?
Authors: Cardoso Maíra Duarte , Maciel Oswaldo Luiz de C , de Souza André Luiz Medeiros , Roges Emily Moraes , Gonçalves Verônica Dias , Siciliano Salvatore , Rodrigues Dália dos Prazeres , Hauser-Davis Rachel Ann 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aims
Although elasmobranchs are consumed worldwide, bacteriological assessments for this group are still sorely lacking. In this context, this study assessed bacteria of sharks and rays from one of the most important landing ports along the Rio de Janeiro coast.

Methods and results
Bacteria were isolated from the cloacal swabs of the sampled elasmobranchs. They were cultured, and Vibrio, Aeromonas, and Enterobacterales were isolated and identified. The isolated bacteria were then biochemically identified and antimicrobial susceptibility assays were performed. Antigenic characterizations were performed for Salmonella spp. and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays were performed to identify Escherichia coli pathotypes. Several bacteria of interest in the One Health context were detected. The most prevalent Enterobacterales were Morganella morganii and Citrobacter freundii, while Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio fluvialis were the most prevalent among Vibrio spp. and Aeromonas allosacharophila and Aeromonas veronii bv. veronii were the most frequent among Aeromonas spp. Several bacteria also displayed antimicrobial resistance, indicative of Public Health concerns. A total of 10% of Vibrio strains were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 40% displayed intermediate resistance to cefoxitin. Salmonella enterica strains displayed intermediate resistance to ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid and streptomycin. All V. cholerae strains were identified as non-O1/non-O139. The detected E. coli strains did not exhibit pathogenicity genes. This is the first study to perform serology assessments for S. enterica subsp. enterica isolated from elasmobranchs, identifying the zoonotic Typhimurium serovar. Salmonella serology evaluations are, therefore, paramount to identify the importance of elasmobranchs in the epidemiological salmonellosis chain.

Conclusions
The detection of several pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria may pose significant Public Health risks in Brazil, due to high elasmobranch consumption rates, indicating the urgent need for further bacteriological assessments in this group.
Cldn4overexpression promotes penile cavernous smooth muscle cell fibrotic response via the JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Jie Huang , Jie Wang , Yingxue Guo , Xin Zhang , Runnan Xu , Wenjie Huang , Jianxiong Ma , Bodong Lv 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundErectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection sufficient to satisfy sexual behavior, is prevalent worldwide.AimUsing previous research, bioinformatics, and experimental confirmation, we aimed to discover genes that contribute to ED through regulating hypoxia in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs).MethodsWe used the Gene Expression Omnibus to acquire the sequencing data of the corpus cavernosum transcriptome for diabetic ED and nerve injury type ED rats. We intersected the common differentially expressed genes. Further verification was performed using single cell sequencing. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence were used to investigate whether the differentially expressed genes are found in the corpus cavernosum. We used induced hypoxia to assess cell viability changes, and we developed a lentivirus overexpressing Cldn4 for in vitro and in vivo experiments to measure changes in JNK signaling, fibrosis, hypoxia, and erectile function.OutcomesOur results indicate that targeting the JNK pathway and decreasing local hypoxia may be better options for therapeutic intervention to improve erectile function.ResultsWe identified Cldn4 and found its expression increased in the corpora cavernosa of the 2 datasets. In addition, we found that hypoxia can increase the expression of Cldn4, activate the JNK signaling pathway, and exacerbate fibrosis in CCSMCs. Cldn4 overexpression in CCSMCs activated the JNK signaling pathway and increased fibrotic protein expression. Last, rat corpus cavernosum overexpressing Cldn4 activated the JNK signaling pathway, increased local fibrosis, and impaired erectile function.Clinical ImplicationsThrough bioinformatics and in vitro and in vivo experiments, we found that Cldn4 has a negative effect on ED, and targeting Cldn4 may provide new ideas for ED treatment.Strengths and LimitationsAlthough we have identified Cldn4 as a potential target for ED treatment, we have only conducted preliminary validation on CCMSCs, and we still need to further validate in other cell lines.ConclusionCCSMC hypoxia leads to increased Cldn4, in both nerve injury and diabetic ED rat models, and promotes fibrosis by activating the JNK signaling pathway.
Changes in carbohydrate distribution in cotton photosynthetic organs and increase in boll weight reduce yield loss under high temperature
Authors: Yang Liuyan , Duan Jiahao , Liu Yu , Hu Wei , Liu Xingke , Wang Youhua , Zhou Zhiguo , Zhao Wenqing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) does not always fall with high temperature (HT) even though this induces significant reductions in fruit retention. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, a greenhouse experiment was conducted with two temperature regimes [control treatment, 28 °C; high temperature (HT), 34 °C] for 7 d. Results showed HT did not significantly influence cotton yield, but reduced boll number and increased boll weight. The 13C distribution ratio of the leaf subtending the cotton boll (LSCB) decreased while that of the cotton boll increased under HT. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of the LSCB revealed up-regulated genes involved in cytokinin and jasmonic acid synthesis, as well as SWEET15 (GH_D01G0218), which positively regulated photosynthesis and transport photosynthate, ultimately leading to increased boll weight. After 7 d recovery from HT, the 13C distribution ratio of the LSCB increased while that of the cotton boll decreased. However, boll weight still increased, which was related to increased amylase and sucrose phosphate synthase activities and up-regulated sucrose transport genes in the main-stem leaf and capsule wall. Thus, both accelerated sucrose synthesis and transport in the LSCB under HT and increased sucrose supply ability of the main-stem leaf and capsule wall after recovery from HT contributed to an increased boll weight, which finally maintained cotton yield.
Revealing the hidden interplay: The unexplored relationship between fungi and viruses beyond HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza
Authors: Ghelfenstein-Ferreira Théo , Serris Alexandra , Salmona Maud , Lanternier Fanny , Alanio Alexandre 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The complex interaction between viruses and fungi has profound implications, especially given the significant impact of these microorganisms on human health. While well-known examples such as HIV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 are recognized as risk factors for invasive fungal diseases, the relationship between viruses and fungi remains largely underexplored outside of these cases. Fungi and viruses can engage in symbiotic or synergistic interactions. Remarkably, some viruses, known as mycoviruses, can directly infect fungi, may influencing their phenotype and potentially their virulence. In addition, viruses and fungi can coexist within the human microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms. Under certain conditions, viral infection might predispose the host to an invasive fungal infection, as observed with influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis or COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis. We aim in this review to highlight potential connections between fungi and viruses (CMV and other herpesviruses, HTLV-1 and respiratory viruses), excluding SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.