bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interlaboratory comparison of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phage susceptibility testing
Authors: Parmar Krupa , Komarow Lauren , Ellison Damon W. , Filippov Andrey A. , Nikolich Mikeljon P. , Fackler Joseph R. , Lee Martin , Nair Anjna , Agrawal Priyesh , Tamma Pranita D. , Souli Maria , Evans Scott R. , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Cunningham Scott A. , Patel Robin ,   for the Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Standardized approaches to phage susceptibility testing (PST) are essential to inform selection of phages for study in patients with bacterial infections. There is no reference standard for assessing bacterial susceptibility to phage. We compared agreement between PST performed at three centers: two centers using a liquid assay standardized between the sites with the third, a plaque assay. Four
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phages: PaWRA01ø11 (EPa11), PaWRA01ø39 (EPa39), PaWRA02ø83 (EPa83), PaWRA02ø87 (EPa87), and a cocktail of all four phages were tested against 145
P
.
aeruginosa
isolates. Comparisons were made within measurements at the two sites performing the liquid assay and between these two sites. Agreement was assessed based on coverage probability (CP
8
), total deviation index, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), measurement accuracy, and precision. For the liquid assay, there was satisfactory agreement among triplicate measurements made on different days at site 1, and high agreement based on accuracy and precision between duplicate measurements made on the same run at site 2. There was fair accuracy between measurements of the two sites performing the liquid assay, with CCCs below 0.6 for all phages tested. When compared to the plaque assay (performed once at site 3), there was less agreement between results of the liquid and plaque assays than between the two sites performing the liquid assay. Similar findings to the larger group were noted in the subset of 46
P
.
aeruginosa
isolates from cystic fibrosis. Results of this study suggest that reproducibility of PST methods needs further development.
B cell expression of E3 ubiquitin ligase Cul4b promotes chronic gammaherpesvirus infection
in vivo
Authors: Wang Yiping , Manzi Mikayla , Feswick April , Renshaw Lindsay , Oliver Paula M. , Tibbetts Scott A. , Moser Emily K. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

The gammaherpesviruses, including human Epstein-Barr virus, human Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, and murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68, γHV68, MuHV-4), are ubiquitous pathogens that directly contribute to the genesis of a wide variety of malignancies, including B cell lymphomas.
In vivo
, these viruses infect naïve B cells and then usurp B cell signaling pathways to drive infected cells, independent of antigen stimulation, through germinal center (GC) reactions and thereby establish lifelong latency in the memory B cell compartment. However, the specific molecular determinants by which these viruses establish chronic latent infection in B cells
in vivo
remain largely unknown. The E3 ubiquitin ligase Cullin 4b (Cul4b) is well recognized as a central player in regulating cell proliferation, DNA damage repair, and gene transcription by catalyzing the ubiquitination and degradation of numerous cellular proteins. Here, we determined whether B cell-intrinsic expression of Cul4b is required for chronic gammaherpesvirus infection
in vivo
. Through MHV68 infection of mice with B cell-specific Cul4b deficiency, we found that loss of Cul4b expression in B cells severely impeded the establishment of latency at peripheral sites. In particular, a lack of Cul4b expression in B cells significantly attenuated the expansion of virus-infected GC B cells, suggesting that gammaherpesviruses may manipulate a previously unknown function of Cul4b in GC B cell biology. Cumulatively, these findings demonstrate that Cul4b promotes chronic gammaherpesvirus infection
in vivo
.

IMPORTANCE

The human gammaherpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus are etiologic agents of numerous B cell lymphomas. A hallmark of gammaherpesvirus infection is their ability to establish lifelong latency in B cells. However, the specific mechanisms that mediate chronic infection in B cells
in vivo
remain elusive. Cellular E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate numerous biological processes by catalyzing ubiquitylation and modifying protein location, function, or half-life. Many viruses hijack host ubiquitin ligases to evade antiviral host defense and promote viral fitness. Here, we used the murine gammaherpesvirus 68
in vivo
system to demonstrate that the E3 ligase Cul4b is essential for this virus to establish latency in germinal center B cells. These findings highlight an essential role for this E3 ligase in promoting chronic gammaherpesvirus infection
in vivo
and suggest that targeted inhibition of E3 ligases may provide a novel and effective intervention strategy against gammaherpesvirus-associated diseases.
Anticipatory decision-making for cholera in Malawi
Authors: Jutla Antarpreet , Usmani Moiz , Brumfield Kyle D. , Singh Komalpreet , McBean Fergus , Potter Amy , Gutierrez Angelica , Gama Samuel , Huq Anwar , Colwell Rita R. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Climate change raises an old disease to a new level of public health threat. The causative agent,
Vibrio cholerae
, native to aquatic ecosystems, is influenced by climate and weather processes. The risk of cholera is elevated in vulnerable populations lacking access to safe water and sanitation infrastructure. Predictive intelligence, employing mathematical algorithms that integrate earth observations and heuristics derived from microbiological, sociological, and weather data, can provide anticipatory decision-making capabilities to reduce the burden of cholera and save human lives. An example offered here is the recent outbreak of cholera in Malawi, predicted in advance by such algorithms.
Whole-genome sequence of
Pseudomonas yamanorum
OLsAu1 isolated from the edible wild ectomycorrhizal mushroom
Lactarius
sp. section
Deliciosi
Authors: Ramírez-Mendoza Rosario , Ángeles-Argáiz Rodolfo , Lozano Aguirre-Beltrán Luis Fernando , Almaraz-Suárez Juan José , Hernández-Oaxaca Diana , Ortiz-Lopez Ivette , Perez-Moreno Jesus 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

We announce the genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the OLsAu1 strain and its taxonomic assignment to
Pseudomonas yamanorum
. The isolate comes from a wild edible ectomycorrhizal
Lactarius
sp. mushroom in the
Abies
forest. There is information regarding the strain’s ability to promote plant growth, indicating its potential application in forestry.
Fitness and transcriptomic analysis of pathogenic
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
in seawater at different shellfish harvesting temperatures
Authors: Liu Zhuosheng , Liao Chao , Wang Luxin 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

To better characterize the population dynamics of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
(
Vp
) containing different virulence genes, two
Vp
strains were inoculated into seawater separately and incubated at temperatures (10°C and 30°C) mimicking winter and summer pre-harvest shellfish rearing seasons. The cellular responses of two
Vp
strains, one containing the thermostable direct hemolysin (
tdh
+) gene and the other one containing
tdh
-related hemolysin (
trh
+) gene, were studied at the transcriptomic level. Results showed that, at 30°C,
tdh
+ and
trh
+ strains reached 6.77 ± 0.20 and 6.14 ± 0.07 log CFU/mL, respectively, after 5 days. During this time, a higher growth rate was observed in the
tdh
+ strain than in the
trh
+ strain. When being kept at 10°C, both
Vp
strains persisted at ca. 3.0 log CFU/mL in seawater with no difference observed between them. Survival and growth models were then established based on the Baranyi equation. The goodness-of-fit scores ranged from 0.674 to 0.950. RNA sequencing results showed that downregulated central energy metabolism and weakened degradation of branched-chain amino acid were observed only in the
trh
+ strain not in the
tdh
+ strain at 30°C. This might be one reason for the lower growth rates of the
trh
+ strain at 30°C. Histidine metabolism and biofilm formation pathways were significantly downregulated in both strains at 10°C. No significant difference was observed for virulence-associated gene expression between 10°C and 30°C, regardless of the strains.

IMPORTANCE

Given the involvement of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
(
Vp
) in a wide range of seafood outbreaks, a systematical characterization of
Vp
fitness and transcriptomic changes at temperatures of critical importance for seafood production and storage is needed. In this study, one of each virulent
Vp
strain (
tdh
+ and
trh
+) was tested. While no difference in survival behavior of the two virulent strains was observed at 10°C, the
tdh
+ strain had a faster growth rate than the
trh
+ strain at 30°C. Transcriptomic analysis showed that a significantly higher number of genes were upregulated at 30°C than at 10°C. The majority of differentially expressed genes of
Vp
at 30°C were annotated to functional categories supporting cellular growth. At 10°C, the downregulation of the biofilm formation and histidine metabolism indicates that the current practice of storing seafood at low temperatures not only protects seafood quality but also ensures seafood safety.
Two pregnancies in a patient following pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Cain Mary Ashley , Lee James , Kuper Spencer , Sinkey Rachel 
Published: November 2023

Pregnancies complicated by pulmonary hypertension are associated with a high rate of maternal morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary endarterectomy is a curative treatment for pulmonary hypertension in select patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Limited data exist regarding the maternal and perinatal outcomes following pulmonary endarterectomy.We present the case of a patient in her 20s with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy and subsequently carried two pregnancies. Her cardiopulmonary status remained stable throughout both pregnancies. Her first pregnancy was complicated by HELLP syndrome requiring induction of labour at 30 weeks, and her second child was born at term. In summary, this patient’s course provides cautious optimism that a curative pulmonary endarterectomy may allow a patient to avoid complications of pulmonary hypertension during pregnancy.
Maternal prenatal, with or without postpartum, vitamin D3 supplementation does not improve maternal iron status at delivery or infant iron status at 6 months of age: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: O'Callaghan Karen M , Qamar Huma , Gernand Alison D , Onoyovwi AK , Zlotkin Stanley , Mahmud Abdullah A , Ahmed Tahmeed , Keya Farhana K , Roth Daniel E 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundVitamin D may modify iron status through regulation of hepcidin and inflammatory pathways. This study aimed to investigate effects of maternal vitamin D supplementation on iron status in pregnancy and early infancy.MethodsIn a trial in Dhaka, Bangladesh, women (n=1300) were randomised to one of five vitamin D3regimens from 17 to 24 weeks’ gestation until 26 weeks postpartum (prenatal; postpartum doses): 0;0, 4200;0, 16 800;0, 28 000;0 or 28 000;28 000 IU/week. All participants received standard iron-folic acid supplementation. In this secondary analysis (n=998), we examined effects of prenatal;postpartum vitamin D on serum ferritin and other biomarkers of maternal iron status (transferrin saturation, total iron binding capacity, soluble transferrin receptor and hepcidin) at delivery, and infant ferritin and haemoglobin at 6 months of age. Using linear regression, we estimated per cent mean differences between each intervention group and placebo with 95% CIs, with and without adjustment for baseline ferritin or inflammatory biomarkers (C reactive protein and α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)).ResultsAt delivery, ferritin concentrations were similar between each intervention group and placebo in unadjusted (n=998) and baseline ferritin-adjusted analyses (n=992; p>0.05). Compared with placebo, AGP was lower in each intervention group (per cent difference (95% CI) = −11% (−21 to –1.0), −14% (−23 to –3.5) and −11% (−19 to –2.0) in the 4200 IU/week, 16 800 IU/week and 28 000 IU/week groups, respectively; n=779). In the subgroup of women with baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 30 nmol/L, ferritin was lower in each intervention group versus placebo (−23% (−37 to –5.0), −20% (−35 to –1.9) and −20% (−33 to –4.1) in the 4200 IU/week, 16 800 IU/week and 28 000 IU/week groups, respectively; n=645); effects were slightly attenuated after adjustment for inflammation (n=510). There were no effects of vitamin D on other iron biomarkers among women at delivery or infants aged 6 months.ConclusionThese findings do not support improvement of iron status by vitamin D. The effect of prenatal vitamin D supplementation on ferritin may reflect an anti-inflammatory mechanism.
Self-collected samples as an additional option for STI testing in low-resource settings: a qualitative study of acceptability among adults in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Ogale Yasmin Parvizi , Grabowski Mary Kathryn , Nabakka Proscovia , Ddaaki William , Nakubulwa Rosette , Nakyanjo Neema , Nalugoda Fred , Kagaayi Joseph , Kigozi Godfrey , Denison Julie A , Gaydos Charlotte , Kennedy Caitlin E 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionSelf-collected samples (SCS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing have been shown to be feasible and acceptable in high-resource settings. However, few studies have assessed the acceptability of SCS for STI testing in a general population in low-resource settings. This study explored the acceptability of SCS among adults in south-central Uganda.MethodsNested within the Rakai Community Cohort Study, we conducted semistructured interviews with 36 adults who SCS for STI testing. We analysed the data using an adapted version of the Framework Method.ResultsOverall, SCS was acceptable to both male and female participants, regardless of whether they reported recent STI symptoms. Perceived advantages of SCS over provider-collection included increased privacy and confidentiality, gentleness and efficiency. Disadvantages included the lack of provider involvement, fear of self-harm and the perception that SCS was unhygienic. Most participants preferred provider-collected samples to SCS. Nevertheless, almost all said they would recommend SCS and would do it again in the future.ConclusionSCS are acceptable among adults in this low-resource setting and could be offered as an additional option to expand STI diagnostic services.
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on vascular cognitive impairment: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Xie Wei , Chen Xinxin , Ma Xichao , Song Sihui , Ma Hui , You Jiuhong , Huang Cheng 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionVascular cognitive impairment (VCI) has an increasing prevalence worldwide, accounting for at least 20%–40% of all diagnoses of dementia. The decline in cognitive function seriously impairs patients’ activities of daily living and social participation and reduces their quality of life. However, there is still a lack of advanced, definitive rehabilitation programmes for VCI. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are recognised treatments for improving cognitive impairment. The former can restore oxygen supply in the brain by increasing oxygen partial pressure in brain tissue, while the latter can enhance neuronal excitability and promote synaptic plasticity. However, no studies have explored the effect of HBO combined with rTMS on VCI.Methods and analysisThis study is designed as a single-centre, assessor-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial with four parallel arms. A total of 72 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to the control group, HBOT group, rTMS group and HBOT combined with rTMS group at a ratio of 1:1:1:1. All enrolled participants will receive conventional treatment. The entire intervention period is 4 weeks, with a 3-week follow-up. Outcomes will be measured at baseline (T0), after a 4-week intervention (T1) and after an additional 3-week follow-up period (T2). The primary endpoint is the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score. The secondary endpoints are Mini-Mental State Examination score, Modified Barthel Index score, latency and amplitude of P300, cerebral cortical oxygenated haemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxygenated haemoglobin (HbR) concentrations as measured by task-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the West China Hospital Clinical Trials and Biomedical Ethics Committee of Sichuan University (ethics reference: 2022 (1972)). The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through scientific conferences and seminars.Trial registration numberChiCTR2300068242.
Experiences with remote interpreting tools in primary care settings: a qualitative evaluation of the implementation and usage of remote interpreting tools during a feasibility trial in Germany
Authors: Pruskil Susanne , Fiedler Jonas , Pohontsch Nadine Janis , Scherer Martin 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the usage and implementation of video remote (VR) interpreting and telephone remote (TR) interpreting in primary healthcare settings.DesignThis publication forms part of a larger three-pronged study in which we compared both remote interpreting modalities to each other and to a control group. This paper conveys the findings of the qualitative evaluation of the implementation and usage of both remote interpreting solutions. The quantitative evaluation of the 6-month intervention period (September 2018–February 2019) has been reported previously. After this period, we conducted focus groups with the healthcare professionals involved. The focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the structured qualitative content analysis.SettingWe provided either VR or TR tools to 10 different primary healthcare practices (general medicine, gynaecology and paediatrics) in the city of Hamburg, Germany.ParticipantsThree physicians and two physician’s assistants took part in the TR focus group. The VR focus group consisted of four physicians.ResultsThe main topics identified were the importance of communication for diagnostic and therapeutic processes, previous solutions to language barriers, as well as advantages and disadvantages of the two remote interpreting solutions. Advantages included the possibility to adequately communicate with language discordant patients and the high quality of the interpreting. Disadvantages included the habituation time required for new technology as well as time constraints.ConclusionOur evaluation found that these solutions were highly appreciated, if not considered indispensable, for the delivery of appropriate medical care to language-discordant patients. Differences between the two modalities were named and concrete suggestions for improvement were made. Policy-makers should consider providing VR or TR as an adequate and safe interpreting service alternative when professional in-person interpreters are not available or too expensive.
Perioperative hypothermia prevention: development of simple principles and practice recommendations using a multidisciplinary consensus-based approach
Authors: Munday Judy , Duff Jed , Wood Fiona M , Sturgess David , Ralph Nicholas , Ramis Mary-Anne 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesTo develop a consensus on evidence-based principles and recommendations for perioperative hypothermia prevention in the Australian context.DesignThis study was informed by CAN-IMPLEMENT using the ADAPTE process: (1) formation of a multidisciplinary development team; (2) systematic search process identifying existing guidance for perioperative hypothermia prevention; (3) appraisal using the AGREE II Rigor of Development domain; (4) extraction of recommendations from guidelines meeting a quality threshold using the AGREE-REX tool; (5) review of draft principles and recommendations by multidisciplinary clinicians nationally and (6) subsequent round of discussion, drafting, reflection and revision by the original panel member team.SettingAustralian perioperative departments.ParticipantsRegistered nurses, anaesthetists, surgeons and anaesthetic allied health practitioners.ResultsA total of 23 papers (12 guidelines, 6 evidence summaries, 3 standards, 1 best practice sheet and 1 evidence-based bundle) formed the evidence base. After evidence synthesis and development of draft recommendations, 219 perioperative clinicians provided feedback. Following refinement, three simple principles for perioperative hypothermia prevention were developed with supporting practice recommendations: (1) actively monitor core temperature for all patients at all times; (2) warm actively to keep body temperature above 36°C and patients comfortable and (3) minimise exposure to cold at all stages of perioperative care.ConclusionThis consensus process has generated principles and practice recommendations for hypothermia prevention that are ready for implementation with local adaptation. Further evaluation will be undertaken in a large-scale implementation trial across Australian hospitals.
Trigger tool-based description of adverse events in helicopter emergency medical services in Qatar
Authors: Heuer Calvin , Howard Ian , Stassen Willem 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionAdverse events (AEs) in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) remain poorly reported, despite the potential for harm to occur. The trigger tool (TT) represents a novel approach to AE detection in healthcare. The aim of this study was to retrospectively describe the frequency of AEs and their proximal causes (PCs) in Qatar HEMS.MethodsUsing the Pittsburgh Adverse Event Tool to identify AEs in HEMS, we retrospectively analysed 804 records within an existing AE TT database (21-month period). We calculated outcome measures for triggers, AEs and harm per 100 patient encounters, plotted measures on statistical process control charts, and conducted a multivariate analysis to report harm associations.ResultsWe identified 883 triggers in 536 patients, with a rate of 1.1 triggers per patient encounter, where 81.2% had documentation errors (n=436). An AE and harm rate of 27.7% and 3.5%, respectively, was realised. The leading PC was actions by HEMS Crew (81.6%; n=182). The majority of harm (57.1%) stemmed from the intervention and medication triggers (n=16), where deviation from standard of care was common (37.9%; n=11). Age and diagnosis-adjusted odds were significant in the patient condition (6.50; 95% CI 1.71 to 24.67; p=0.01) and interventional (11.85; 95% CI 1.36 to 102.92; p=0.03) trigger groupings, while age and diagnosis had no effect on harm.ConclusionThe TT methodology is a robust, reliable and valid means of AE detection in the HEMS domain. While an AE rate of 27.7% is high, more research is required to understand prehospital clinical decision-making and reasons for guideline deviance. Furthermore, focused quality improvement initiatives to reduce AEs and documentation errors should also be addressed in future research.