bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of ready-to-use freezer stocks of a synthetic microbial community for maize root colonization
Authors: Parnell J. Jacob , Vintila Simina , Tang Clara , Wagner Maggie R. , Kleiner Manuel 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) are a valuable tool to study community assembly patterns, host–microbe interactions, and microbe–microbe interactions in a fully controllable setting. Constructing the SynCom inocula for plant–microbe experiments can be time-consuming and difficult because a large number of isolates with different medium requirements and growth rates are grown in parallel and mixed to appropriate titers. A potential workaround to assembling fresh SynCom inocula for every experiment could be to prepare and freeze SynComs on a large scale, creating ready-to-use inocula. The objective of this study was to compare the reproducibility, stability, and colonization ability of freshly prepared versus frozen SynCom inocula. We used a community of seven species known to colonize maize roots. The results from inoculation with the frozen SynCom were as consistent as those of standardized
de novo
construction of fresh SynCom. Our results indicate that creating frozen SynCom inocula for repeated use in experiments not only saves time but could also improve cross-experiment reproducibility. Although this approach was only validated with one SynCom, it demonstrates a principle that can be tested for improving approaches in constructing other SynComs.

IMPORTANCE
Synthetic communities (SynComs) are an invaluable tool to characterize and model plant–microbe interactions. Multimember SynComs approximate intricate real-world interactions between plants and their microbiome, but the complexity and time required for their construction increase enormously for each additional member added to the SynCom. Therefore, researchers who study a diversity of microbiomes using SynComs are looking for ways to simplify the use of SynComs. In this manuscript, we evaluate the feasibility of creating ready-to-use freezer stocks of a well-studied seven-member SynCom for maize roots. The frozen ready-to-use SynCom stocks work according to the principle of “just add buffer and apply to sterilized seeds or seedlings” and thus can save time applied in multiple days of laborious growing and combining of multiple microorganisms. We show that ready-to-use SynCom stocks provide comparable results to those of freshly constructed SynComs and thus allow for significant time savings when working with SynComs.
Exploiting phage-antibiotic synergies to disrupt
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PAO1 biofilms in the context of orthopedic infections
Authors: De Soir Steven , Parée Hortence , Kamarudin Nur Hidayatul Nazirah , Wagemans Jeroen , Lavigne Rob , Braem Annabel , Merabishvili Maya , De Vos Daniel , Pirnay Jean-Paul , Van Bambeke Françoise 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

In recent years, bacteriophages (or phages) have reentered the spotlight as alternative or adjuvant therapeutic agents to antibiotics. Their efficacy in more recalcitrant forms of infections like biofilms, frequently encountered in the orthopedic setting, remains less characterized. The present study aimed at evaluating the activity of phage-antibiotic combinations against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms. A large collection of phages was
de novo
isolated from a wide variety of environmental sources. Three phages with a large host range against a.o. clinical orthopedic isolates, PSP2 (
Yuavirus
), PSP3 (
Pbunavirus
), and PSP30 (
Bruynoghevirus
), were selected for phage-antibiotic synergy assays on mature
P. aeruginosa
PAO1 biofilms. Phages were combined with ciprofloxacin, meropenem, and ceftazidime, all used as standard of care in bone-related infections. Significant reductions in both cell counts and biomass were observed for all phage-antibiotic combinations. The highest reduction in viable cell counts was observed for PSP3 and PSP2 in combination with ceftazidime [4.58 and 4.30 log
10
Colony Forming Units (CFU)/well], followed by all phage combinations with ciprofloxacin (up to 3.56 log
10
CFU/well). The highest reduction in biomass was obtained by combining PSP3 with ciprofloxacin (29.8%). Metabolic assays confirmed these findings with reductions in biofilm respiratory rate of up to 65%. Scanning electron microscopy imaging of PAO1 biofilms grown on titanium coupons and treated by ciprofloxacin and PSP30 confirmed the efficacy of the combined treatment with PSP30 and ciprofloxacin. This study highlights the synergetic effects of phage-antibiotic combinations on
P. aeruginosa
biofilms, thereby offering a promising approach to combat biofilm-associated infections.

IMPORTANCE
Biofilm-related infections are among the most difficult-to-treat infections in all fields of medicine due to their antibiotic tolerance and persistent character. In the field of orthopedics, these biofilms often lead to therapeutic failure of medical implantable devices and urgently need novel treatment strategies. This forthcoming article aims to explore the dynamic interplay between newly isolated bacteriophages and routinely used antibiotics and clearly indicates synergetic patterns when used as a dual treatment modality. Biofilms were drastically more reduced when both active agents were combined, thereby providing additional evidence that phage-antibiotic combinations lead to synergism and could potentially improve clinical outcome for affected patients.
Prospective incidence epidemiology study protocol: conducting active surveillance to assess the burden of Lyme disease (BOLD) in primary care practices in endemic areas of six European countries
Authors: Begier Elizabeth , Pilz Andreas , Loew-Baselli Alexandra , Harper Lisa R , Stark James H , Bowdery Molly , Halsby Kate , Dzingina Mendwas , Bézay Nicole , Allen Kristen E , Parslow Ben , Gessner Bradford D 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionLyme disease (LD) is the most frequent tick-borne disease in the moderate climates of Europe. This study will inform the phase III efficacy study for Pfizer and Valneva’s investigational Lyme disease vaccine, VLA15. VLA15 phase III will be conducted in the USA and Europe due to the vaccine’s serotype coverage and public health burden of LD. In Europe, the existence and location of sites that have access to populations with high LD annual incidence is uncertain. This active, prospective surveillance study assesses annual LD incidence at general practice (GP)/primary care sites, allowing for phase III site vetting and better characterisation of LD burden in selected regions for study size calculations.Methods and analysisThis burden of Lyme disease (BOLD) study will assess LD incidence overall and by site at 15 GP/primary care practices in endemic areas of 6 European countries from Spring 2021 to December 2022 and will be summarised with counts (n), percentages (%) and associated 95% CIs. Suspected LD cases identified from site’s practice panels are documented on screening logs, where clinical LD manifestations, diagnoses and standard of care diagnostic results are recorded. In the initial 12-month enrolment phase, suspected LD cases are offered enrolment. Participants undergo interview and clinical assessments to establish medical history, final clinical diagnosis, clinical manifestations and quality of life impact. Study-specific procedures include LD serology, skin punch biopsies and Lyme manifestation photographs. For every enrolled participant diagnosed with LD, 6–10 age-matched controls are randomly selected and offered enrolment for an embedded LD risk factor analysis. Persistent symptoms or post-treatment LD will be assessed at follow-up visits up to 2 years after initial diagnosis, while patients remain symptomatic.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by all sites’ local ethics committees. The results will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Barriers and opportunities for improving smoke-free area implementation in Banda Aceh city, Indonesia: a qualitative study
Authors: Sufri Sofyan , Nurhasanah Nurhasanah , Ahsan Abdillah , Saputra Irwan , Jannah Misbahul , Yeni Cut Meurah , Mardhiah Ainal , Bakri Saiful , Usman Said 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesTo investigate the challenges and opportunities for implementing smoke-free areas (SFAs) within eight area categories using the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control as a framework for analysis.DesignThis study used qualitative methods (in-depth interviews and document reviews). All transcripts from the interviews and formal documents were coded using NVivo V.11 software and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis.SettingBanda Aceh, Indonesia.ParticipantsSeventy-three participants were interviewed, stratified by ages (18–59 years): policymakers (n=4), SFA implementers (n=33), SFA’s non-compliance prosecutors (n=2), SFA observers (n=4), communities/respected figures (n=30); and 10 documents were reviewed.ResultsBarriers to the effective implementation of SFAs were identified: conflict of interests of Banda Aceh authorities in implementing SFA policies; inadequate monitoring, evaluation and implementation of SFAs among involved actors; inadequate public communication of SFAs to communities; and misunderstanding of ‘enclosed areas’ as SFAs. However, some important opportunities were identified: the Ministry of Education promotes SFA at schools; and smoking prohibition as part of sharia and other religions’ recommendations.ConclusionsThis research is the first study to examine SFAs to understand the challenges and opportunities for improving SFA policy implementation by interviewing various key respondents in Banda Aceh (religious leaders and respected figures). These key stakeholders’ roles are crucial to enhance the implementation of SFA policies in Banda Aceh (currently suboptimal) and other populous Muslim areas in Indonesia or other countries because smoking contradicts Islamic teachings and other religions’ tenets. Further, the findings propose policymakers and involved agencies strengthen public communication, execution, monitoring and evaluation, and enforcement of SFA policies in Aceh. Finally, the application of methods and results from this study to other local areas in Indonesia or other developing nations is necessary to facilitate further understanding more about the applicability, advantages and limitations of this study.
Health promotion intervention delivered by trained community health workers (CHWs) for obesity prevention and control among adult people: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Fitriadi Yogi , Danawati Wahyu , Sutomo Adi Heru 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionObesity is one of the most common diseases and is the main risk factor for the occurrence of other non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Obesity can be prevented and controlled, especially by adopting healthy behaviours, such as increased physical activity and healthy dietary patterns. The delivery of health promotion interventions by trained community health workers (CHWs) can be applied to obesity prevention and control based on the culture and local context. Our study aimed to map the health promotion interventions delivered by trained CHWs in the context of obesity prevention and control in community settings.MethodsThis scoping review (ScR) was conducted using the methodologies introduced by Arksey and O’Malley. The search strategy was conducted on electronic databases, such as MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, ProQuest, medRxiv and Clinicaltrial.gov, from 2010 until 2022 by entering the appropriate keywords. Afterwards, the title, abstract and full text were screened independently by two researchers in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, the data were charted, extracted, collated, summarised and reported.Ethics and disseminationIn this ScR, research ethics was unnecessary because this work synthesised evidence from pre-existing literature only. The results of this ScR were published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences. We disseminated the results using graphs, images, tables, discussions and a plain language summary.
Effectiveness of social support programmes on loneliness in community-dwelling older adults: study protocol for a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wang Yinhua , Li Xiaofang , Yao Li , Ren Tingting , Wang Tingshu 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe prevalence of loneliness among older adults is of great importance in the field of public health. Numerous studies have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of social support as a powerful intervention for reducing loneliness in older individuals. However, the specific types of social support that yield positive results are yet to be determined. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive review to compare and analyse the effectiveness of different support mechanisms in alleviating loneliness among community-dwelling older adults.Methods and analysisA thorough search will be conducted on various electronic databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Library, China Science and Technology Journal Database (Weipu), WanFang Database, and China Biology Medicine Disc. The search will include randomised controlled trials published in English or Chinese that focus on interventions for loneliness in older individuals, with loneliness as the primary measure of interest. The selection and choice of articles will be the responsibility of both reviewers. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomised Controlled Trials will be used to assess the methodological quality of the included trials. When sufficient data are obtained and the study is relatively homogeneous, a random-effects or fixed-effects model will be employed to conduct a meta-analysis, yielding a descriptive synthesis of the findings.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval will not be sought for this systematic review as it will exclusively focus on published papers. The review findings will be showcased at a conference dedicated to this specific field and published in an appropriate journal that undergoes peer evaluation.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020226523.
Measuring the success of programmes of care for people living with dementia: a protocol for consensus building with consumers to develop a set of Core Outcome Measures for Improving Care (COM-IC)
Authors: Comans Tracy , Nguyen Kim , Gray Len , Flicker Leon , Williamson Paula , Dodd Susanna , Kearney Anna , Cunningham Colm , Morris Thomas , Nunn Jack , Trepel Dominic , Almeida Osvaldo P , Kenny Danelle , Welch Alyssa , Lowthian Judy A , Quinn John , Petrie Glenys , Dao-Tran Tiet-Hanh , Manchha Asmita , Kurrle Susan E 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe Core Outcome Measures for Improving Care (COM-IC) project aims to deliver practical recommendations on the selection and implementation of a suite of core outcomes to measure the effectiveness of interventions for dementia care.Methods and analysisCOM-IC embeds a participatory action approach to using the Alignment–Harmonisation–Results framework for measuring dementia care in Australia. Using this framework, suitable core outcome measures will be identified, analysed, implemented and audited. The methods for analysing each stage will be codesigned with stakeholders, through the conduit of a Stakeholder Reference Group including people living with dementia, formal and informal carers, aged care industry representatives, researchers, clinicians and policy actors. The codesigned evaluation methods consider two key factors: feasibility and acceptability. These considerations will be tested during a 6-month feasibility study embedded in aged care industry partner organisations.Ethics and disseminationCOM-IC has received ethical approval from The University of Queensland (HREC 2021/HE001932). Results will be disseminated through networks established over the project, and in accordance with both the publication schedule and requests from the Stakeholder Reference Group. Full access to publications and reports will be made available through UQ eSpace (https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/), an open access repository hosted by The University of Queensland.
Assessing the risk of COVID-19 reinfection and severe outcomes among individuals with substance use disorders: a retrospective study using real-world electronic health records
Authors: Tuan Wen-Jan , Kindt Hailey M , Lennon Robert P 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveDespite advancement in vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 over the past 2 years, many concerns remain about reinfection and waning immunity against COVID-19 and its variants, especially among people with substance use disorder (SUD). The study assessed the risk of COVID-19 reinfection and severe illness among adults with SUD and their vaccination status to inform management in this vulnerable population as the pandemic continues.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingNationwide electronic health records (TriNetX database) in the USA among adults with COVID-19 infection from January 2020 to June 2022.ParticipantsAdults (age ≥18 years) who were infected by COVID-19, excluding those who had cancer or lived in nursing homes or palliative care facilities.Outcome measuresCOVID-19 reinfection was defined as a new diagnosis after 45 days of the initial infection. Logistic regression was applied to assess the OR of COVID-19 reinfection and severe outcomes within 30 day of reinfection for adults with alcohol (AUD), opioid (OUD), cocaine (CUD), stimulant (STUD), cannabis (CAUD) and other use disorders, controlled for demographic and comorbid conditions.ResultsThe SUD cohort was 13%–29% more likely to be reinfected by COVID-19 and had significantly higher 30-day mortality. Adults with AUD, STUD and OUD were at greater risks (adjusted ORs, AORs=1.69–1.86) of emergency department, hospital and intensive care admissions after 30 days of reinfection. Individuals with SUD and multiple vaccines doses were associated with decreased risks of worse COVID-19 outcomes. Lower COVID-19 reinfection rates (AORs=0.67–0.84) were only found among individuals with AUD, CUD or CAUD who had COVID-19 vaccination.ConclusionsIndividuals with SUD had greater risks of COVID-19 reinfection and poor outcomes, especially those with OUD, STUD and AUD. Multiple vaccinations are recommended to reduce severe illness after COVID-19 reinfection in the SUD population.
Eliciting preferences of persons with dementia and informal caregivers to support ageing in place in the Netherlands: a protocol for a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Vullings Isabelle , Wammes Joost , Uysal-Bozkir Özgül , Smits Carolien , Labrie Nanon H M , Swait J D , de Bekker-Grob Esther , Macneil-Vroomen Janet L 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionAgeing in place (AIP) for persons with dementia is encouraged by European governments and societies. Healthcare packages may need reassessment to account for the preferences of care funders, patients and informal caregivers. By providing insight into people’s preferences, discrete choice experiments (DCEs) can help develop consensus between stakeholders. This protocol paper outlines the development of a Dutch national study to cocreate a healthcare package design methodology built on DCEs that is person-centred and helps support informal caregivers and persons with dementia to AIP. A subpopulation analysis of persons with dementia with a migration background is planned due to their high risk for dementia and under-representation in research and care.Methods and analysisThe DCE is designed to understand how persons with dementia and informal caregivers choose between different healthcare packages. Qualitative methods are used to identify and prioritise important care components for persons with dementia to AIP. This will provide a list of care components that will be included in the DCE, to quantify the care needs and preferences of persons with dementia and informal caregivers. The DCE will identify individual and joint preferences to AIP. The relative importance of each attribute will be calculated. The DCE data will be analysed with the use of a random parameters logit model.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was waived by the Amsterdam University Medical Center (W23_112 #23.137). A study summary will be available on the websites of Alzheimer Nederland, Pharos and Amsterdam Public Health institute. Results are expected to be presented at (inter)national conferences, peer-reviewed papers will be submitted, and a dissemination meeting will be held to bring stakeholders together. The study results will help improve healthcare package design for all stakeholders.
Young carers’ perspectives on navigating the healthcare system and co-designing support for their caring roles: a mixed-methods qualitative study
Authors: Saragosa Marianne , Hahn-Goldberg Shoshana , Lunsky Yona , Cameron Jill I , Caven Isabelle , Bookey-Bassett Susan , Newman Kristine , Okrainec Karen 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesDespite young carers (YCs) providing regular and significant care that exceeds what would normally be associated with an adult caregiver, we need to learn more about their experience interacting with the healthcare system. The primary study aims were to (1) describe YC experiences in interacting with the healthcare system and (2) identify types of support YC recognise as potentially helpful to their caring role.Design and settingA mixed-methods qualitative study was conducted between March 2022 and August 2022, comprising two phases of (1) semi-structured interviews and focus groups with YCs living in the community to confirm and expand earlier research findings, and (2) a co-design workshop informed by a generative research approach. We used findings from the interviews and focus groups to inform the brainstorming process for identifying potential solutions.ResultsEight YCs completed either a focus group or an interview, and four continued the study and participated in the co-design activity with 12 participants. Phase 1 resulted in three overarching themes: (1) navigating the YC role within the healthcare system; (2) being kept out of the loop; and (3) normalising the transition into caregiving. Phase 2 identified two categories: (1) YC-focused supports and (2) raising awareness and building capacity in the healthcare system.ConclusionStudy findings revealed the critical role that YCs play when supporting their families during pivotal interactions in the healthcare system. Like their older caregiver counterparts, YCs struggle to navigate, coordinate and advocate for their family members while juggling their needs as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. This study provides important preliminary insights into YCs encountering professionals, which can be used to design and implement national support structures.