bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Steatotic liver disease is the most important somatic determinant of quality of life in patients with obesity: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wernberg Charlotte Wilhelmina , Kjer Mads Fallesen , Grønkjær Lea Ladegaard , Jacobsen Birgitte Gade , Lauridsen Mette Munk 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsPatients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are often comorbid and stigmatized. This can negatively affect quality of life (QOL). Other studies have primarily used the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), which focuses on liver‐related symptoms, to characterize QOL, but most MASLD patients have only mild liver disease, and CLDQ might overlook QOL issues pertaining to them. We aimed to determine the impact of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) on QOL in obese patients using a 136‐item generic QOL questionnaire.MethodsWe included participants with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 who all fully answered the sickness impact profile (SIP, range 0–100, normal = 3.4, 100 = worst) and had a liver biopsy to diagnose MASLD. Sociodemographics, comorbidity and biometric data were obtained from all participants.ResultsOf 176 (mean age 45.9 years, 70% female, 12.6 years of education), 132 had no‐MASH and 44 MASH. On stepwise multivariable regression analysis, divorce (p = .011), unemployment (p < .003) and hepatic steatosis (p = .01) were associated with poor overall QOL. No other somatic comorbidity was associated. MASH patients more frequently than no‐MASH reported physical discomfort (48% vs. 30%, p = .04), inability to do daily activities (29% vs. 54%, p = .006) and attention problems (32% vs. 57%, p = .003).ConclusionMASLD severity was the only somatic determinant of QOL in patients with obesity in this cohort, and a large fraction reported debilitating symptoms. Patients and caregivers should consider the limitations this poses when planning interventions.
Validity and predictability of the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit for delirium among critically ill patients in the intensive care unit: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Yue , Diao Dongmei , Zhang Hao , Gao Yongli 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundDelirium is the most common psychiatric diagnosis in the intensive care unit (ICU), and 55%‐80% of delirium cases are unrecognized and undocumented the most popular validated instruments available to diagnose delirium for critically ill patients are the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM‐ICU). [Correction added on 16 October 2024, after first online publication: The Background section in Abstract has been added in this version.]AimTo identify the validity and predictability of the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit (CAM‐ICU) for delirium in critically ill patients in the ICU.Study DesignIn this systematic review, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and MEDLINE databases were searched for observational studies investigating delirium screening tools for ICU patients. In the meta‐analysis, we combined the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the curve (AUC) of SROC to analysis the predictive value of CAM‐ICU.ResultsTwenty‐nine articles met the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivity and specificity values were 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75–0.87) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93–0.97), respectively. The AUC point estimate of the SROC curve was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94–0.97). Race (Asian or Others) could affect the pooled sensitivity and specificity, and the analysis method (Patient‐ or Scan‐based) and study design were not sources of heterogeneity for pooled sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionsThe CAM‐ICU is a valid and reliable tool for delirium prediction among ICU patients. When introducing CAM‐ICU to assess delirium, it is necessary to localize its language and content to improve its predictive efficacy in different countries and different ethnic groups.Relevance to Clinical PracticeIn clinical practice, nurses can use CAM‐ICU to evaluate delirium in critically ill patients in ICU. However, it is necessary to debug the language and content according to the application population.
Early detection of ocular lesions in critically ill children: Testing an ocular assessment scale
Authors: Vilchez Beatriz , Manzanal Isabel , Marcos Marta , Camacho Verónica , González Isabel María , Laín Raquel , San‐Segundo Maria del Mar , Manrique Gema , González Rafael , López‐Herce Jesús 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThere is scarcity of data on the incidence and factors associated with the occurrence of ocular lesions in critically ill children.AimTest the applicability and utility of an ocular assessment scale and to identify risk factors of ocular lesions.Study DesignProspective observational study. A tertiary care medical‐surgical Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. 194 children without previous ocular disease who stayed in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for more than 48 h. An ocular lesions risk scale was designed including risk factors lagophthalmos, eye dryness, conjunctival hyperemia, slow blinking, intubation, sedation, relaxation, face mask and hemodynamic instability. Patients were classified as high‐, medium‐, and low‐risk patients. Corneal lesions were examined by fluorescein staining according to their risk and were confirmed by an ophthalmologist.Results76 patients were examined with fluorescein staining. Thirty‐two ocular lesions were detected by nursing staff, 26 confirmed by the ophthalmologist. 53.6% of the high‐risk patients developed a corneal lesion. Univariate analysis revealed an association between ocular damage and all factors included in the scale, except for face mask. In the multivariate analysis, ocular lesions were associated with lagophthalmos, hyperemia, invasive mechanical ventilation and inotropic support.ConclusionsThe scale was useful to detect corneal lesions in critically ill children. The identification of risk factors will enable the development of measures to reduce the incidence of ocular lesions.Relevance for Clinical PracticeA new, non‐validated scale allowed staff to detect eye injuries, study this problem and improve future prevention.
Development of pictogram‐based content of self‐management health information for Korean patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Choi Ja Yun , Ryu Eui Jeong , Jin Xin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundAdherence to self‐management greatly impacts patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, most patients with COPD have a limitation in understanding text‐based self‐management plans owing to low health literacy. Thus, strategies to improve self‐management in patients with COPD should be developed.ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop pictogram‐based content comprising self‐management health information for patients with COPD.MethodsItems for COPD self‐management health information were selected based on in‐depth interviews with patients and text network analysis conducted in our previous study and a systematic literature review to develop preliminary pictogram‐based content. Then, 30 patients with COPD and 10 healthcare professionals (HCPs) were recruited to evaluate the preliminary content using a client satisfaction questionnaire with a maximum score of 32.ResultsContent was developed with one item related to disease knowledge while the other 20 concerned self‐management. Patients (28.70 ± 2.94) and HCPs (27.40 ± 2.84) evaluated the content as high quality with adjustments made to increase the size of the letters and shorten the number of items for readability. Twenty‐one items were collated in the final booklet, while 14 of the 21 items were incorporated into a poster.ConclusionsThis study indicates that the pictogram‐based content was sufficiently well designed and received good evaluations from both patients with COPD and HCPs. Therefore, it may have prospects for enhancing self‐management in patients with COPD. However, the effect of the content on the outcomes of older patients with COPD and low health literacy will need to be validated in future research.
Subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma: Morphological, immunophenotypical and clonality assessment in six cats
Authors: Roccabianca Paola , Dell'Aere Silvia , Avallone Giancarlo , Zamboni Clarissa , Bertazzolo Walter , Crippa Luca , Giudice Chiara , Caniatti Mario , Affolter Verena K. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrimary cutaneous lymphoma represents 0.2%–3% of all feline lymphomas, with nonepitheliotropic lymphomas being the most common. In humans and dogs, subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a primary nonepitheliotropic lymphoma with a T‐cell phenotype developing in the subcutis and often mimicking inflammation.ObjectiveThe aim of this report is to describe pathological, phenotypical and clonal features of SPTCL in cats.AnimalsSix cats with SPTCL were included in this study.Materials and MethodsSkin biopsies were formalin‐fixed, routinely processed and stained. Histological and immunohistochemical investigation for anti‐CD18, CD204, CD79a, CD20, CD3, FeLVp27and FeLVgp70 and clonality assessment were performed.ResultsFour male and two female domestic shorthair cats, mean age 11.2 years, developed SPTCL in the abdominal (three), inguinal (two) and thoracic (one) regions. Variably pleomorphic neoplastic lymphoid cells were present in the panniculus in percentages, expanding the septa (six of six) and extending into fat lobules in one of six cats. Tumours were associated with elevated numbers of neutrophils (five of six), lesser macrophages (six of six) and variable necrosis (six of six). Neoplastic cells expressed CD3+ (six of six), with clonal T‐cell receptor rearrangement detected in five of six cats.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThis is the first description of SPTCL in cats. Lesions can be confused with panniculitis, leading to delay in diagnosis and therapy. Awareness of this neoplastic disease is relevant to avoid misdiagnoses and to gain greater knowledge about the disease in cats.
Hybrid genome assemblies of four Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
strains containing a complete locus of enterocyte effacement and an O-Island 122
Authors: McCarthy Siobhán C. , Macori Guerrino , Burgess Catherine M. , Duffy Geraldine , Fanning Séamus 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

This study describes the hybrid genome assemblies of four Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
strains isolated from the recto-anal junction of slaughter-age Irish sheep.
In silico
serotyping and genome analysis determined that each of the strains harbored a Shiga-toxin subtype, a complete locus of enterocyte effacement, and a rare O-island 122.
Draft genome sequence of probiotic bacterium
Lactobacillus fermentum
S2, isolated from raw cow milk
Authors: Bhattacharya Rajarshi , Mukhopadhyay Bidhan Chandra , Mishra Mirambika , Arukha Ananta Prasad , Mandal Sukhendu , Biswas Swadesh Ranjan 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Lactobacillus fermentum
remains as potential probiotic bacterium that enhances immunological response, produces antimicrobials, acts as food preservative, and lowers blood cholesterol level. We report the draft genome of
Lactobacillus fermentum
S2 consisting of 1.97 Mb genome size, 52.27% G + C content, 3 rRNA genes, 51 tRNA genes, and 2,004 protein-coding sequences.
Draft genome assemblies of 12
Enterobacter hormaechei
strains isolated from the North West province of South Africa
Authors: Makhetha Lerato Lisbeth Njaki , Ntushelo Khayalethu , Mokolopi Baitsholetsi Gloria , Oguttu James Wabwire , Mbajiorgu Christian Anayochukwu , Makete Goitsemang , Mamphogoro Tshifhiwa Paris 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

We present draft genome sequences of 12
Enterobacter hormaechei
strains from feces isolated from cow rectums in the North West province, South Africa. The genome sizes ranged from 4.43 to 5.02Mb, with G + C contents of 55.5–56%, and contained 16–262 contigs. These data will contribute to our knowledge of the ecology and diversity of this species in South Africa.
Zinc effects on bacteria: insights from
Escherichia coli
by multi-omics approach
Authors: Rihacek Martin , Kosaristanova Ludmila , Fialova Tatiana , Kuthanova Michaela , Eichmeier Ales , Hakalova Eliska , Cerny Martin , Berka Miroslav , Palkovicova Jana , Dolejska Monika , Svec Pavel , Adam Vojtech , Zurek Ludek , Cihalova Kristyna 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

In this study, we investigated the impact of zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on
Escherichia coli
. These compounds are commonly used as fertilizers and feed additives and may have unintended consequences on bacteria. We conducted phenotypic and multi-omics analyses of
E. coli
exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of ZnO and ZnONPs for 40 sub-culturings and 20 sub-culturings with zinc followed by 20 sub-culturings without zinc in an attempt to reverse zinc effects. An extended treatment with ZnO for 40 sub-culturings had the greatest impact leading to bacterial resistance to aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, and sulfonamides while the treatment with ZnONPs for 40 sub-culturings led to the elevated MIC to chloramphenicol only. Cells exposed to these treatments were thicker and had retarded growth in elevated temperatures. Importantly, zinc withdrawal reversed most phenotypic changes. Zinc exposure caused dramatic changes in cell transcripts and proteins with a role in antibiotic response, heat stress, growth regulation, cell shape, and biofilm formation. An extended zinc exposure led to overall major alterations in
E. coli
biology and resulted in multi-drug resistance.

IMPORTANCE
A long-term exposure of bacteria to zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles leads to major alterations in bacterial morphology and physiology. These included biochemical and physiological processes promoting the emergence of strains with multi-drug resistance and virulence traits. After the removal of zinc pressure, bacterial phenotype reversed back to the original state; however, certain changes at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic level remained. Why is this important? The extensive and intensive use of supplements in animal feed effects the intestinal microbiota of livestock and this may negatively impact the health of animals and people. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and monitor the impact of feed supplements on intestinal microorganisms in order to adequately assess and prevent potential health risks.
Cross-cohort single-nucleotide-variant profiling of gut microbiota suggests a novel gut-health assessment approach
Authors: Ma Chenchen , Zhang Yufeng , Jiang Shuaiming , Teng Fei , Huang Shi , Zhang Jiachao 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Adaptive evolutionary changes can precede the ecological changes in the gut microbial communities under constant host selection pressure, yet their association with host diseased status was underexplored. Explore shared disease-associated single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in gut microbes spanning diverse human diseases. We performed a meta-analysis of 1,711 gut metagenomic samples from 16 case-control studies spanning 12 human diseases and included an additional 446-member cohort for validation. Overall, healthy individuals carried more mutated resident gut microbes, and more SNVs, mainly involving the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producing bacteria. Furthermore, the widespread differences in base variant bias of gut microbes were observed between healthy and nonhealthy subjects suggesting divergent gut microbial evolutionary directions under different host medical conditions. We further found that nonsynonymous SNVs can lead to the loss of function of four SCFA-production genes in nonhealthy populations, among which two genes (i.e.,
ack
and
scpC
) from
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
C and
Bacteroides stercoris,
respectively, were externally validated. Subsequently, we developed a novel gut microbiome health index based on the SNV rate of all mutated strains, classifying host health states with 74.23% accuracy, and validated with high accuracy (AUROC = 69.28%). Our study highlights the importance of employing the genetic variability in gut microbiome to characterize the gut microbial adaptation that can also predict human chronic diseases.

IMPORTANCE
Most studies focused much on the change in abundance and often failed to explain the microbiome variation related to disease conditions, Herein, we argue that microbial genetic changes can precede the ecological changes associated with the host physiological changes and, thus, would offer a new information layer from metagenomic data for predictive modeling of diseases. Interestingly, we preliminarily found a few genetic biomarkers on SCFA production can cover most chronic diseases involved in the meta-analysis. In the future, it is of both scientific and clinical significance to further explore the dynamic interactions between adaptive evolution and ecology of gut microbiota associated with host health status.
Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses reveal eight novel species of
Distoseptispora
from southern China
Authors: Hu Ya-Fen , Liu Jing-Wen , Luo Xing-Xing , Xu Zhao-Huan , Xia Ji-Wen , Zhang Xiu-Guo , Castañeda-Ruíz Rafael F. , Ma Jian 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Plant debris are habitat favoring the growth of various microbial species. Over the course of our mycological surveys in Jiangxi and Yunnan Provinces, China, eight new
Distoseptispora
species, viz.
D. gasaensis
,
D. guanshanensis
,
D. jinghongensis
,
D. longnanensis
,
D. menghaiensis
,
D. menglunensis
,
D. nanchangensis
, and
D. yichunensis
collected on dead branches of unidentified plants, were introduced by morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Multi-locus (LSU, ITS,
TEF1
, and
RPB2
) phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference to infer their taxonomic positions within
Distoseptispora
. Both molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological characters supported them as eight independent taxa within
Distoseptispora
. This work improves our understanding of the diversity of
Distoseptispora
in southern China.

IMPORTANCE

Distoseptispora
as a single genus in
Distoseptisporaceae
was introduced by morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Members of this genus occur mainly as asexual morphs, forming effuse, hairy colonies on decaying wood, plant stems, bamboo culms, and fallen leaves and shafts in terrestrial and freshwater habitats. In the present study, saprobic hyphomycetes from plant debris were investigated, and eight new
Distoseptispora
species were introduced based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses of LSU, ITS,
TEF1
, and
RPB2
sequence data. This study provides important data on the species diversity, ecological environment, and geographical area of
Distoseptispora
, greatly updates the classification of
Distoseptispora
, and improves our understanding of the taxonomy of
Distoseptispora
.
TrCla4 promotes actin polymerization at the hyphal tip and mycelial growth in
Trichophyton rubrum
Authors: Ishii Masaki , Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Yamada Tsuyoshi , Uga Hideko , Katada Toshiaki , Ohata Shinya 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Dermatophytes invade and colonize host superficial tissues via hyphal growth. Although cytoskeletal reorganization and its regulation are essential for hyphal growth, the molecular mechanisms in dermatophytes and their applicability as antifungal drug targets remain poorly understood. The p21-activated kinase (PAK) is a downstream effector of the small GTPases Rac and CDC42, also known as p21, and is involved in various molecular and cellular functions, including actin polymerization and cell morphogenesis. In this study, we investigated the contribution of the PAK protein TrCla4 to morphogenesis and mycelial growth in
Trichophyton rubrum
, the most frequently isolated fungus in dermatophytosis (athlete’s foot). The actin polymerization inhibitor, cytochalasin A inhibited actin accumulation at the hyphal tip and mycelial growth of
T. rubrum
, suggesting the involvement of the actin cytoskeleton in mycelial growth. In the Tr
cla4
knockout strain (ΔTr
cla4
), we observed defects in mycelial growth, hyphal branching, and the accumulation of polymerized actin at the hyphal tip. Chemical inhibitors of TrRac-dependent TrCla4 kinase activity, FRAX486 and IPA-3, also inhibited spore germination and mycelial growth. Interestingly, ΔTr
cla4
showed no additional inhibition of mycelial growth when treated with these inhibitors, indicating that their inhibitory effects are primarily mediated through TrCla4. In an invertebrate dermatophyte infection model, animals infected with ΔTr
cla4
had higher survival rates than those infected with the wild-type, and IPA-3 and FRAX486 treatments both significantly improved animal survival rates. These results suggest that the dermatophyte PAK promotes mycelial growth by facilitating actin polymerization at the hyphal tip, making it a potential therapeutic target for dermatophytosis.

IMPORTANCE

Superficial fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, affect more than 10% of the world’s population and have a significant impact on quality of life. Despite the fact that treatment-resistant fungi are a concern, there are just a few antifungal drug targets accessible, as opposed to the wide range of therapeutic targets found in bacterial infections. As a result, additional alternatives are sought. In this study, we generated a PAK TrCla4 deletion strain (∆Trcla4) of
Trichophyton rubrum
. The ∆Trcla4 strain exhibited deficiencies in mycelial growth, hyphal morphology, and polarized actin localization at the hyphal tip. IPA-3 and FRAX486, small chemical inhibitors of mammalian PAK, were discovered to limit fungal mycelial proliferation. According to our findings, fungal PAKs are interesting therapeutic targets for the development of new antifungal medicines.