bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid detection of
Staphylococcus aureus
in blood culture samples using human IgG-based lateral flow assay
Authors: Srisrattakarn Arpasiri , Charoensri Nicha , Prompipak Jeerati , Ouancharee Wajeeorn , Saiboonjan Bhanubong , Tippayawat Patcharaporn , Chanawong Aroonwadee , Wonglakorn Lumyai , Kanwattanee Ekgarak , Piyapatthanakul Sirikan , Masmalai Thitimar , Ariyapim Anisara , Kendal Rinjong Promson , Lulitanond Aroonlug 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is one of the most common pathogens. The conventional workflow for identifying this organism is time-consuming and takes up to several days. Therefore, we developed a colloidal gold-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) using human IgG as a conjugated antibody to detect
S. aureus
. One hundred and thirty-eight clinical isolates, including 79
S
.
aureus
and 59 non-
S
.
aureus
were spiked in blood samples, and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The bacterial antigens were simply extracted before being tested by the developed LFIA strips. The results were read by the naked eye within 15 min. Conventional PCR was used as a reference method. The sensitivity and specificity of the developed LFIA were 100% (95% CI: 94.2%–100.0% and 92.4%–100.0%, respectively) in spiked blood culture samples. The detection limits of the LFIA for the purified protein A and bacterial colonies were 10
−3
µg/mL and 10
7
CFU/mL, respectively. The performance of the LFIA testing in 221 bacterial colony isolates and 118 positive blood culture bottles from three hospitals by their medical technologists showed 98.1% (95% CI: 94.1%–99.5%) and 89.7% (95% CI: 79.3%–95.4%) sensitivity, respectively. The LFIA is a quick, easy, and sensitive method for detecting
S. aureus
without expensive equipment. It might have the potential for early diagnosis of routine service in low-resource laboratories, leading to a rapid and effective treatment.

IMPORTANCE

In this study, we modified our previously developed lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) test for the detection of
Staphylococcus aureus
by using an in-house human IgG as a conjugated antibody instead of the specific commercial antibody. It gave comparable results to the former developed-LFIA test and helped cost reduction.
ACE2 and TMPRSS2 distribution in the respiratory tract of different animal species and its correlation with SARS-CoV-2 tissue tropism
Authors: Carossino Mariano , Izadmehr Sudeh , Trujillo Jessie D. , Gaudreault Natasha N. , Dittmar Wellesley , Morozov Igor , Balasuriya Udeni B. R. , Cordon-Cardo Carlos , García-Sastre Adolfo , Richt Juergen A. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

A wide range of animal species show variable susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2; however, host factors associated with varied susceptibility remain to be defined. Here, we examined whether susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and virus tropism in different animal species are dependent on the expression and distribution of the virus receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (
ACE2
) and the host cell factor transmembrane serine protease 2 (
TMPRSS2
). We cataloged the upper and lower respiratory tract of multiple animal species and humans in a tissue-specific manner and quantitatively evaluated the distribution and abundance of
ACE2
and
TMPRSS2
mRNA
in situ
. Our results show that: (i)
ACE2
and
TMPRSS2
mRNA are abundant in the conduction portion of the respiratory tract, (ii)
ACE2
mRNA occurs at a lower abundance compared to
TMPRSS2 mRNA,
(iii) co-expression of
ACE2-TMPRSS2
mRNAs is highest in those species with the highest susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection (i.e., cats, Syrian hamsters, and white-tailed deer), and (iv) expression of
ACE2
and
TMPRSS2
mRNA was not altered following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our results demonstrate that while specific regions of the respiratory tract are enriched in
ACE2
and
TMPRSS2
mRNAs in different animal species, this is only a partial determinant of susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

IMPORTANCE
SARS-CoV-2 infects a wide array of domestic and wild animals, raising concerns regarding its evolutionary dynamics in animals and potential for spillback transmission of emerging variants to humans. Hence, SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals has significant public health relevance. Host factors determining animal susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 are vastly unknown, and their characterization is critical to further understand susceptibility and viral dynamics in animal populations and anticipate potential spillback transmission. Here, we quantitatively assessed the distribution and abundance of the two most important host factors, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane serine protease 2, in the respiratory tract of various animal species and humans. Our results demonstrate that while specific regions of the respiratory tract are enriched in these two host factors, they are only partial determinants of susceptibility. Detailed analysis of additional host factors is critical for our understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing viral susceptibility and reservoir hosts.
Unraveling the transcriptional features and gene expression networks of pathogenic and saprotrophic
Ophiostoma
species during the infection of
Ulmus americana
Authors: de Oliveira Thais C. , Freyria Nastasia J. , Sarmiento-Villamil Jorge Luis , Porth Ilga , Tanguay Philippe , Bernier Louis 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

American elm (
Ulmus americana
), highly prized for its ornamental value, has suffered two successive outbreaks of Dutch elm disease (DED) caused by ascomycete fungi belonging to the genus
Ophiostoma
. To identify the genes linked to the pathogenicity of different species and lineages of
Ophiostoma
, we inoculated 2-year-old
U. americana
saplings with six strains representing three species of DED fungi, and one strain of the saprotroph
Ophiostoma quercus
. Differential expression analyses were performed following RNA sequencing of fungal transcripts recovered at 3- and 10-days post-infection. Based on a total of 8,640
Ophiostoma
genes, we observed a difference in fungal gene expression depending on the strain inoculated and the time of incubation in host tissue. Some genes overexpressed in the more virulent strains of
Ophiostoma
encode hydrolases that possibly act synergistically. A mutant of
Ophiostoma novo-ulmi
in which the gene encoding the
ogf1
transcription factor had been deleted did not produce transcripts for the gene encoding the hydrophobin cerato-ulmin and was less virulent. Weighted gene correlation network analyses identified several candidate pathogenicity genes distributed among 13 modules of interconnected genes.

IMPORTANCE

Ophiostoma
is a genus of cosmopolitan fungi that belongs to the family Ophiostomataceae and includes the pathogens responsible for two devastating pandemics of Dutch elm disease (DED). As the mechanisms of action of DED agents remain unclear, we carried out the first comparative transcriptomic study including representative strains of the three
Ophiostoma
species causing DED, along with the phylogenetically close saprotrophic species
Ophiostoma quercus
. Statistical analyses of the fungal transcriptomes recovered at 3 and 10 days following infection of
Ulmus americana
saplings highlighted several candidate genes associated with virulence and host-pathogen interactions wherein each strain showed a distinct transcriptome. The results of this research underscore the importance of investigating the transcriptional behavior of different fungal taxa to understand their pathogenicity and virulence in relation to the timeline of infection.
Creation of the HIV-1 antisense gene
asp
coincided with the emergence of the pandemic group M and is associated with faster disease progression
Authors: Pavesi Angelo , Romerio Fabio 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Despite being first identified more than three decades ago, the antisense gene
asp
of HIV-1 remains an enigma.
asp
is present uniquely in pandemic (group M) HIV-1 strains, and it is absent in all non-pandemic (out-of-M) HIV-1 strains and virtually all non-human primate lentiviruses. This suggests that the creation of
asp
may have contributed to HIV-1 fitness or worldwide spread. It also raises the question of which evolutionary processes were at play in the creation of
asp
. Here, we show that HIV-1 genomes containing an intact
asp
gene are associated with faster HIV-1 disease progression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the creation of a full-length
asp
gene occurred via the evolution of codon usage in
env
overlapping
asp
on the opposite strand. This involved differential use of synonymous codons or conservative amino acid substitution in
env
that eliminated internal
stop
codons in
asp
, and redistribution of synonymous codons in
env
that minimized the likelihood of new premature
stops
arising in
asp
. Nevertheless, the creation of a full-length
asp
gene reduced the genetic diversity of
env
. The Luria-Delbruck fluctuation test suggests that the interrupted
asp
open reading frame (ORF) is the progenitor of the intact ORF, rather than a descendant under random genetic drift. Therefore, the existence of group-M isolates with a truncated
asp
ORF indicates an incomplete transition process. For the first time, our study links the presence of a full-length
asp
ORF to faster disease progression, thus warranting further investigation into the cellular processes and molecular mechanisms through which the ASP protein impacts HIV-1 replication, transmission, and pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

Overlapping genes engage in a tug-of-war, constraining each other’s evolution. The creation of a new gene overlapping an existing one comes at an evolutionary cost. Thus, its conservation must be advantageous, or it will be lost, especially if the pre-existing gene is essential for the viability of the virus or cell. We found that the creation and conservation of the HIV-1 antisense gene
asp
occurred through differential use of synonymous codons or conservative amino acid substitutions within the overlapping gene,
env
. This process did not involve amino acid changes in ENV that benefited its function, but rather it constrained the evolution of ENV. Nonetheless, the creation of
asp
brought a net selective advantage to HIV-1 because
asp
is conserved especially among high-prevalence strains. The association between the presence of an intact
asp
gene and faster HIV-1 disease progression supports that conclusion and warrants further investigation.
Medication errors involving intravenous paracetamol in children: experience from enquiries to the National Poisons Information Service
Authors: Vincent Florence , Thompson John , Gray Laurence , Bradberry Sally , Sandilands Euan , Thanacoody Ruben , Tuthill David 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionChildren are at higher risk of medication errors due to the complexity of drug prescribing and administration in this patient group. Intravenous (IV) paracetamol overdose differs from overdose by ingestion as there is no enteral absorptive buffering. We provide the first national UK data focusing on paediatric IV paracetamol poisoning.MethodsAll telephone enquiries to the National Poisons Information Service between 2008 and 2021 regarding children less than 18 years old in the UK concerning IV paracetamol overdose were extracted from the UK Poisons Information Database (UKPID). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsEnquiries were made concerning 266 children, mostly involving children under the age of 1 year (n=145; 54.5%). Acute and staggered overdoses were the most frequent types of exposure. Common error themes included 10-fold overdose in 45 cases (16.9%) and inadvertent concomitant oral and IV dosing in 64 cases (24.1%). A high proportion of cases were asymptomatic (87.1%), with many calls regarding overdoses below the treatable dose of 60 mg/kg (41.4%). Treatment with the antidote acetylcysteine was advised in 113 cases (42.5%).ConclusionsInadvertent IV paracetamol overdose appears to occur more frequently in young children. A significant proportion were calculation errors which were often 10-fold errors. While these errors have the potential for causing serious harm, thankfully most cases were asymptomatic. Errors with IV paracetamol might be reduced by electronic prescribing support systems, better communication regarding administration and consideration of whether other routes are more appropriate.
Idiopathic segmental anhidrosis in an older patient presenting with recurrent dizziness
Authors: Suzuki Morika , Watari Takashi 
Published: January 2024

Dizziness is one of the most common complaints encountered in the outpatient clinic, which is difficult to diagnose, especially in older patients because of the multifactorial nature of the disease. Although not commonly recognised, anhidrosis can also cause dizziness.We report a case of a woman in her 70s who presented with long-term recurrent dizziness. She had a history of frequent hospitalisations for heatstroke. Physical examination revealed markedly less sweating in the left axilla and soles than in the right. Minol test revealed that most of the left side of her body, including the face, was anhidrotic. She was diagnosed with idiopathic segmental anhidrosis. We administered steroid pulse therapy without observing any significant effects.Although anhidrosis is a rare disorder, a careful interview and physical examination should be conducted to confirm a history of heatstroke and the absence of sweating to avoid missing the disease.
Depression, anxiety and stress among female student-athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Beisecker Ling , Harrison Patrick , Josephson Marzia , DeFreese J D 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo identify, quantify and analyse determinants of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among female student-athletes.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesFive online databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo, SportDiscus and Web of Science) searched from inception through 14 September 2023. Hand-searches and contacting authors for eligible studies.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesArticles were included if they were published in English, included female student-athletes competing at National Collegiate Athletic Association institutions, and measured symptom-level depression, anxiety and/or stress.Results and summaryWe screened 2415 articles; 52 studies (N=13 849) were included in the systematic review with 13 studies qualifying for meta-analysis. Seventeen determinants were identified including injury (eg, concussions), health (eg, sleep hygiene) and social factors (eg, social support). As data specific to female student-athletes was delineated from studies that included other populations, we observed 16 studies (30.7%) reported that identifying as female was a meaningful determinant of depression, anxiety and stress in athletes. Results of the meta-analysis (k=13, N=5004) suggested a small but significant association (r=0.15, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.24, p=0.004) between other determinants and depression, anxiety, and stress among female student-athletes.ConclusionCoaches, trainers and clinicians are key contributors in supporting female student-athlete mental health, with responsibilities for integrating mental skill training, sleep hygiene education and regular assessments. Comprehensive mental health and tailored education programmes considering determinants such as injury, health and social factors specific to female student-athletes are needed to enhance mental health equity in sport.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022362163.
Association of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio with cardiometabolic risk markers and pre-diabetes in adults with normoglycemia, normoalbuminuria, and normotension with parental type 2 diabetes
Authors: Everett Matthew , Rushing Natasha , Asuzu Peace , Wan Jim , Dagogo-Jack Samuel 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis is a post hoc analysis of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) within the normoalbuminuric range in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors among initially normoglycemic, normotensive participants in the Pathobiology of Prediabetes in a Biracial Cohort (POP-ABC) Study.Research design and methods308 healthy African American (AA) and European American (EA) participants in the POP-ABC Study underwent baseline assessments, including oral glucose tolerance test, anthropometry, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), lipids, adipocytokines, insulin sensitivity and secretion. Participants were followed quarterly for 5.5 years (mean 2.62 years) for the primary outcome of incident pre-diabetes.ResultsThe cohort’s mean fasting glucose was 92.1±6.90 mg/dL, 2-hour plasma glucose was 123±25.0 mg/dL, systolic blood pressure was 123±15.9 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure was 74±8.80 mm Hg. Baseline uACR levels (range 1–29 mg/g) were similar in AA versus EA participants (6.40 mg/g±4.80 vs 6.80±5.40 mg/g, p=0.52), higher in women than men (7.30 mg/g±5.30 vs 4.60±3.90 mg/g, p<0.0001), and showed significant associations with cardiometabolic risk factors, including age, insulin sensitivity, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and adiponectin levels (p=0.03–0.004). During 5.5 years of follow-up, 104 participants developed pre-diabetes and 204 maintained normoglycemia. Baseline uACR quartiles were associated with incident pre-diabetes (r=0.19, p=0.0011).ConclusionsBaseline uACR levels were associated with cardiometabolic risk markers and incident pre-diabetes risk among adults with normoglycemia, normoalbuminuria and normotension with parental diabetes.
Increased glycemic variability in pregnant women with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass compared with sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Alexiadou Kleopatra , Ansari Saleem , Jones Bryony , Yu Christina , Dornhorst Anne , Oliver Nick , Tsironis Christos , Purkayastha Sanjay , Ahmed Ahmed , Agha-Jaffar Rochan , Khoo Bernard , Tan Tricia M-M 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionBariatric surgery is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as reduced birth weight and premature birth. One possible mechanism for this is increased glycemic variability (GV) which occurs after bariatric surgery. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on GV during pregnancy and to investigate the relationships of GV, type of bariatric surgery and maternal and neonatal outcomes.Research design and methodsFourteen pregnant women after RYGB and 14 after SG were investigated with continuous glucose monitoring in their second or third trimester in this observational study carried out as part of routine clinical care.ResultsPregnant women with RYGB had similar mean interstitial glucose values but significantly increased indices of GV and a lower %time in range 3.9–7.8 mmol/L (70–140 mg/dL), compared with SG.ConclusionsPregnant women who have undergone RYGB have greater GV during pregnancy compared with those who have undergone SG. Further research is needed to establish the relationship between GV and pregnancy outcomes to determine the preferred bariatric operation in women of reproductive age, and whether interventions to reduce GV might improve outcomes.
Evaluation of the use of modelling in resource allocation decisions for HIV and TB
Authors: Bowring Anna L , ten Brink Debra , Martin-Hughes Rowan , Fraser-Hurt Nicole , Cheikh Nejma , Scott Nick 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionGlobally, resources for health spending, including HIV and tuberculosis (TB), are constrained, and a substantial gap exists between spending and estimated needs. Optima is an allocative efficiency modelling tool that has been used since 2010 in over 50 settings to generate evidence for country-level HIV and TB resource allocation decisions. This evaluation assessed the utilisation of modelling to inform financing priorities from the perspective of country stakeholders and their international partners.MethodsIn October to December 2021, the World Bank and Burnet Institute led 16 semi-structured small-group virtual interviews with 54 representatives from national governments and international health and funding organisations. Interviews probed participants’ roles and satisfaction with Optima analyses and how model findings have had been used and impacted resource allocation. Interviewed stakeholders represented nine countries and 11 different disease programme-country contexts with prior Optima modelling analyses. Interview notes were thematically analysed to assess factors influencing the utilisation of modelling evidence in health policy and outcomes.ResultsCommon influences on utilisation of Optima findings encompassed the perceived validity of findings, health system financing mechanisms, the extent of stakeholder participation in the modelling process–including engagement of funding organisations, sociopolitical context and timeliness of the analysis. Using workshops can facilitate effective stakeholder engagement and collaboration. Model findings were often used conceptually to localise global evidence and facilitate discussion. Secondary outputs included informing strategic and financial planning, funding advocacy, grant proposals and influencing investment shifts.ConclusionAllocative efficiency modelling has supported evidence-informed decision-making in numerous contexts and enhanced the conceptual and practical understanding of allocative efficiency. Most immediately, greater involvement of country stakeholders in modelling studies and timing studies to key strategic and financial planning decisions may increase the impact on decision-making. Better consideration for integrated disease modelling, equity goals and financing constraints may improve relevance and utilisation of modelling findings.
Potential impact of a new sepsis prediction model for the primary care setting: early health economic evaluation using an observational cohort
Authors: Loots Feike J , van der Meulen Miriam P , Smits Marleen , Hopstaken Rogier M , de Bont Eefje GPM , van Bussel Bas CT , Latten Gideon HP , Oosterheert Jan Jelrik , van Zanten Arthur RH , Verheij Theo JM , Frederix Geert WJ 
Published: January 2024

ObjectivesTo estimate the potential referral rate and cost impact at different cut-off points of a recently developed sepsis prediction model for general practitioners (GPs).DesignProspective observational study with decision tree modelling.SettingFour out-of-hours GP services in the Netherlands.Participants357 acutely ill adult patients assessed during home visits.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome is the cost per patient from a healthcare perspective in four scenarios based on different cut-off points for referral of the sepsis prediction model. Second, the number of hospital referrals for the different scenarios is estimated. The potential impact of referral of patients with sepsis on mortality and hospital admission was estimated by an expert panel. Using these study data, a decision tree with a time horizon of 1 month was built to estimate the referral rate and cost impact in case the model would be implemented.ResultsReferral rates at a low cut-off (score 2 or 3 on a scale from 0 to 6) of the prediction model were higher than observed for patients with sepsis (99% and 91%, respectively, compared with 88% observed). However, referral was also substantially higher for patients who did not need hospital assessment. As a consequence, cost-savings due to referral of patients with sepsis were offset by increased costs due to unnecessary referral for all cut-offs of the prediction model.ConclusionsGuidance for referral of adult patients with suspected sepsis in the primary care setting using any cut-off point of the sepsis prediction model is not likely to save costs. The model should only be incorporated in sepsis guidelines for GPs if improvement of care can be demonstrated in an implementation study.Trial registration numberDutch Trial Register (NTR 7026).