bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of daptomycin and glycopeptide efficacy and safety for the treatment of Gram-positive infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Boulekbache Abdelwahab , Maldonado Fanny , Kavafian Raphael , Ferry Tristan , Bourguignon Laurent , Goutelle Sylvain , Lega Jean-Christophe , Garreau Romain 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The indications of daptomycin have been extended to off-label indications including prosthesis-related infection, and bone and joint infection (BJI). However, efficacy and safety have not been thoroughly demonstrated compared with the standard of care. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the treatment effect of daptomycin and glycopeptides for complicated infections.

Materials and methods
MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing daptomycin and standard of care for Gram-positive infections, published until 30 June 2021. The primary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were clinical and microbiological success. The main safety outcome was any severe adverse event (SAE) (grade  ≥3).

Results
Overall, eight RCTs were included in the meta-analysis, totalling 1095 patients. Six (75%) were in complicated skin and soft-structure infections, one (12.5%) in bacteraemia and one (12.5%) in a BJI setting. Six RCTs used vancomycin as a comparator and two used either vancomycin or teicoplanin. All-cause mortality and clinical cure were not different between groups. The microbiological cure rate was superior in patients who received daptomycin [risk ratio (RR) = 1.17 (95% CI: 1.01–1.35)]. The risk of SAEs [RR = 0.57 (95% CI: 0.36–0.90)] was lower in the daptomycin arm.

Conclusions
While daptomycin is associated with a significantly lower risk of SAEs and a better microbiological eradication, substantial uncertainty remains about the best treatment strategy in the absence of good-quality evidence, especially in bacteraemia and endocarditis where further RCTs should be conducted.
Non-allergist healthcare workers views on delivering a penicillin allergy de-labelling inpatient pathway: identifying the barriers and enablers
Authors: Powell Neil , Upton Mathew , Kent Bridie , Sandoe Jonathan , Tonkin-Crine Sarah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Non-allergist delivered PADL is supported by UK and World Health Organization guidelines but is not yet routine in UK hospitals. Understanding the views of healthcare workers (HCWs) on managing patients with penA records and exploring perspectives on delivering a PADL inpatient pathway are required to inform the development of non-allergist delivered PADL pathways.

Objective
To explore the perspectives of non-allergist HCWs working in medical specialties on managing patients with penA records, and to explore the enablers and barriers to embedding PADL as a standard of care for inpatients.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews with doctors, nurses, pharmacists and medicines optimization pharmacy technicians working in a district general hospital in the UK. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results
The PADL pathway was considered a shared responsibility of the multidisciplinary team, which needed to be structured and supported by a framework. PADL aligns with HCW roles but time to deliver PADL was a barrier. Training for HCWs on the benefits of PADL and delivering PADL for those patients where a penicillin might be beneficial during the current episode of care would both motivate HCWs to deliver PADL.

Discussion and conclusion
The PADL pathway was acceptable to HCWs and aligned with their roles and current healthcare processes but their capacity to deliver PADL in a time pressured environment was a significant barrier.
Should we stop referring to the pandemic of antimicrobial resistance as silent?
Authors: Sirota Miroslav 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Referring to the ongoing antimicrobial resistance crisis as a ‘silent’ pandemic has gained popularity, but there are mixed views on whether such a phrase should be used in public health communication. Some researchers have argued that using the term ‘silent pandemic’ may lower the perceived threat and hinder mobilization efforts to tackle the problem.

Objectives
I investigated the impact of the phrase ‘silent pandemic’ on perceived threat levels and mobilization intentions.

Methods
In three experiments (n = 1677), participants from the UK’s general adult population were randomly allocated to either a ‘pandemic’ or ‘silent pandemic’ condition, where the different terms were embedded in statements (Experiment 1) or brief information materials (Experiments 2 and 3). The term ‘silent pandemic’ was also presented with a brief description of its intended meaning (Experiment 3). The participants expressed their perception of the threat and their mobilization intentions.

Results
In Experiments 1 and 2, referring to the pandemic as silent did not significantly affect the perceived threat (Cohen’s d = −0.06; Cohen’s d = 0.08, respectively) or mobilization intentions (Cohen’s d = −0.07; Cohen’s d = 0.11, respectively). However, in Experiment 3, the term ‘silent pandemic’ decreased the perceived threat and mobilization intentions (Cohen’s d = 0.27; Cohen’s d = 0.35, respectively).

Conclusions
Describing the pandemic as ‘silent’ yielded no measurable effects on perceived threat and mobilization intentions but it showed depreciating effects when accompanied by its intended meaning. Taken together, it is advisable to avoid the term.
The impact of arthritogenic viruses in oral tissues
Authors: Anestino Thales Augusto , Queiroz-Junior Celso Martins , Cruz Amanda Medeiros Frota , Souza Daniele G , Madeira Mila Fernandes Moreira 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Arthritis and periodontitis are inflammatory diseases that share several immunopathogenic features. The expansion in the study of virus-induced arthritis has shed light on how this condition could impact other parts of the human body, including the mouth. Viral arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease caused by several viruses, most notably the alphaviruses Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Sindbis virus (SINV), Ross River virus (RRV), Mayaro virus (MAYV), and O'nyong'nyong virus (ONNV). These viruses can induce an upsurge of matrix metalloproteinases and immune-inflammatory mediators such as Interleukin-6 (IL6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor, chemokine ligand 2, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand in the joint and serum of infected individuals. This can lead to the influx of inflammatory cells to the joints and associated muscles as well as osteoclast activation and differentiation, culminating in clinical signs of swelling, pain, and bone resorption. Moreover, several data indicate that these viral infections can affect other sites of the body, including the mouth. The human oral cavity is a rich and diverse microbial ecosystem, and viral infection can disrupt the balance of microbial species, causing local dysbiosis. Such events can result in oral mucosal damage and gingival bleeding, which are indicative of periodontitis. Additionally, infection by RRV, CHIKV, SINV, MAYV, or ONNV can trigger the formation of osteoclasts and upregulate pro-osteoclastogenic inflammatory mediators, interfering with osteoclast activation. As a result, these viruses may be linked to systemic conditions, including oral manifestations. Therefore, this review focuses on the involvement of alphavirus infections in joint and oral health, acting as potential agents associated with oral mucosal inflammation and alveolar bone loss. The findings of this review demonstrate how alphavirus infections could be linked to the comorbidity between arthritis and periodontitis and may provide a better understanding of potential therapeutic management for both conditions.
Screening for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids and cerebrosides in fungi
Authors: Calarnou Laurie , Vigouroux Estelle , Thollas Bertrand , Le Grand Fabienne , Mounier Jérôme 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
To investigate fatty acid, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and cerebroside production of a large diversity of fungi from the Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota phyla.

Methods and results
Seventy-nine fungal strains were grown in Kavadia medium using a microcultivation system, i.e. Duetz microtiter plates. Following cultivation, fatty acid and cerebroside contents were analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), respectively.
Mucoromycota fungi appeared as the most promising candidates for omega-6 PUFA production. The best omega-6 producer, including γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3n-6), was Mucor fragilis UBOCC-A109196 with a concentration of 647 mg L−1 total omega-6 PUFA (representing 35% of total fatty acids) and 225 mg L−1 GLA (representing 12% of total fatty acids). Arachidonic acid concentration (20:4n-6) was the highest in Mortierella alpina UBOCC-A-112046, reaching 255 mg L−1 and 18.56% of total fatty acids. Interestingly, several fungal strains were shown to produce omega-7 monounsaturated fatty acids. Indeed, Torulaspora delbrueckii strains accumulated palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) up to 20% of total fatty acids, reaching 114 mg L−1 in T. delbrueckii UBOCC-A-214128, while C. elegans UBOCC-A-102008 produced mainly paullinic acid (20:1n-7) with concentrations up to 100 mg L−1. Concerning cerebroside production, HPTLC appeared as a relevant approach for their detection and quantification. Promising candidates belonging to the Mucoromycota phylum were found, especially in the Absidia genus with A. spinosa UBOCC-A-101332 as the best producer (12.7 mg L−1).

Conclusions
The present study highlighted PUFA and cerebroside production in a large diversity of fungi and the fact that members of the Mucoromycota phylum are good producers of PUFA as well as cerebrosides.
Diurnal variation in genetic parameters for locomotor activity in Drosophila melanogaster assessed under natural thermal conditions
Authors: Noer Natasja Krog , Rohde Palle Duun , Sørensen Peter , Bahrndorff Simon , Kristensen Torsten Nygaard 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In nature, organisms are exposed to variable and occasionally stressful environmental conditions. Responses to diurnal and seasonal fluctuations, such as temperature and food accessibility, involve adaptive behavioural and physiological changes. While much work has been done on understanding the genetic architecture and evolutionary potential of stress tolerance traits under constant thermal conditions, there has been less focus on the quantitative genetic background in variable environments. In this study, we use the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) to investigate the locomotor activity, a key behavioural trait, under variable natural thermal conditions during the summer in a temperate environment. Male flies from 100 DGRP lines were exposed to natural thermal and light conditions in Drosophila activity monitors across three experimental days. We found that activity was highly temperature and time dependent and varied between lines both within and between days. Furthermore, we observed variation in genetic and environmental variance components, with low to moderate estimates of the heritability for locomotor activity, consistently peaking in the afternoons. Moreover, we showed that the estimated genetic correlations of locomotor activity between two time points decreased, as the absolute differences in ambient temperature increased. In conclusion, we find that the genetic background for locomotor activity is environment specific, and we conclude that more variable and unpredictable future temperatures will likely have a strong impact on the evolutionary trajectories of behavioural traits in ectotherms.
Automatic thrust/fault and edge location with gravity data across the Shillong plateau and Mikir hill complex in northeastern India using the most positive and most negative curvature interpretation
Authors: Ghosh Gopal K 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Northeast India encompasses numerous thrusts, faults, and lineaments with undulated surface topography and is one of the utmost tectonically active regions in the world. Owing to the results of the collision of the Indian Plate under the Tibetan Plate and Burmese Plate, respectively, this area has affected the highest seismic potential zone-V, triggering many earthquakes. The current study area is located in and around the Shillong plateau, Mikir Hills, Naga Hills, Arakan-Yoma fold belt, Bengal basin, and Mishmi hills of the Himalayan foothills and that fall under the northeast of India. The thrusts and faults information available in this area are very scanty due to limited availability of geoscientific data and revealing seismic survey. Henceforth, it is necessary to get enhanced geoscientific learning for a better understanding of thrusts, faults, and lineaments information, the most positive and most negative curvature attribute analyses have been carried out using ground gravity data in this area. The significant derived results from this study encourage supplementary findings of thrust, fault, and lineament information, which also correlate well with the previously found results of 3D Euler deconvolution and source edge detection. Although, gravity data interpretation has its own limitations, however, the current derived results using the latest curvature analysis approach utilizing gravity data show realistic invigorated solutions for a better understanding of the thrust, fault, and lineament locations in this area.
Does administrative burden create racialized policy feedback? How losing access to public benefits impacts beliefs about government
Authors: Bell Elizabeth , Wright James E , Oh Jeongmin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Public trust and civic predisposition are cornerstones of well-functioning democratic societies, and burdensome citizen-state encounters may undermine positive views of government, especially for racially minoritized clientele. Leveraging insights from policy feedback theory, we argue that administrative burden has the potential to undermine trust in government and civic predisposition through two mechanisms: (1) interpretive effects: burdensome experiences that induce negative emotional responses and (2) resource effects: experiences of losing access to public benefits. In our OLS regression analysis of survey data from applicants for a means-tested public benefit program in the US (n = 2,250), we find that clients who lost access to benefits were significantly less likely to trust government, and these findings were driven by racially minoritized clients rather than White clients. Our findings demonstrate that experiences of administrative burden that result in the loss of public benefits may result in racialized policy feedback, by disproportionately reducing trust in government and civic predisposition for racially minoritized clientele.
Unsupervised Bayesian classification for models with scalar and functional covariates
Authors: Garcia Nancy L , Rodrigues-Motta Mariana , Migon Helio S , Petkova Eva , Tarpey Thaddeus , Ogden R Todd , Giordano Julio O , Perez Martin M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We consider unsupervised classification by means of a latent multinomial variable which categorizes a scalar response into one of the L components of a mixture model which incorporates scalar and functional covariates. This process can be thought as a hierarchical model with the first level modelling a scalar response according to a mixture of parametric distributions and the second level modelling the mixture probabilities by means of a generalized linear model with functional and scalar covariates. The traditional approach of treating functional covariates as vectors not only suffers from the curse of dimensionality, since functional covariates can be measured at very small intervals leading to a highly parametrized model, but also does not take into account the nature of the data. We use basis expansions to reduce the dimensionality and a Bayesian approach for estimating the parameters while providing predictions of the latent classification vector. The method is motivated by two data examples that are not easily handled by existing methods. The first example concerns identifying placebo responders on a clinical trial (normal mixture model) and the other predicting illness for milking cows (zero-inflated mixture of the Poisson model).
(015) The Association Between Prostate Volume and Erectile Function Recovery Following Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Thorogood SL , Liso N , Laudone V , Ehdaie B , Mulhall JP , Flores JM 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The relationship between prostate volume (PV) and erectile function recovery (EFR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) has not been well studied.

Objective
We aimed to evaluate PV as a predictor of EFR 24 months after RP.

Methods
We included men who underwent RP with surgeon-reported nerve-sparing score (NSS) and 2-year follow up who had documentation of pre-RP PV on MRI and baseline functional erections (pre-RP IIEF-EFD scores ≥ 24). Demographics, ED-related comorbidities, pathological features, PDE5i use, and total testosterone (T) levels were recorded. At 12 months post-RP, patients scored PDE5i use 0-3; 0 never, 1 sometimes, 2 regularly, 3 routinely. NSS on each side (R/L) was scored on a 1-4 scale: 1 complete preservation, 2 near-complete preservation, 3 partial resection, 4 complete resection. Scores of 1 or 2 indicate nerve-sparing and scores of 3 or 4 indicate non-nerve-sparing. We then classified overall NS status as bilateral, unilateral, or non-spared. At 24 months post-RP, EFD score ≥ 24 defined functional erections, ≤ 10 severe ED. Multivariable analysis (MVA) evaluated predictors of EFD score ≥ 24 as well as EFD ≤ 10 after RP; patient age, number of comorbidities, baseline EF, NSS, PDE5i use, and PV were analyzed.

Results
1741 men were included. Median age was 60 (55, 65) years. 36% had ≥ 2 comorbidities. Median PV was 33 (26, 44) mL with 12% having PV ≥ 60 mL. Median pre-RP IIEF-EFD score was 29 (27, 30). Grade group 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 comprised 12%, 68%, 15%, 2%, and 3% of the cohort, respectively. NSS: bilateral (82%), unilateral (15%), non-spared (3%). Median PDE5i use score within 4 weeks of the 12 month post-RP visit was 1 (0, 1); reported PDE5i use was 44% never, 39% sometimes, 13% regularly, and 4% routinely. At 24 months post-RP, median EFD was 22 (9, 28), and 56% had EFD &lt; 24. Men with post-RP EFD &lt; 24 had greater PV (41 ± 26 mL) vs men with EFD ≥ 24 (36 ± 17 mL, p&lt;0.001). 67% of the men with EFD &lt; 24 had a PV ≥ 60 mL vs 33% of men with EFD ≥ 24 (p=0.02). On MVA, predictors of EFD ≥ 24 included bilateral NS, age and PV. Predictors of EFD ≤ 10 included bilateral NS and age. At 24 months post-RP, neither routine PDE5i use nor a higher comorbidity index were predictive of EF outcome.

Conclusions
Among men with functional erections pre-RP, larger PV is associated with a poorer EFR at 24m post-RP independent of degree of nerve-sparing, age, and PDE5i use.

Disclosure
No.
(027) Assessment of Sexual Medicine Curriculum Across Northeast Medical Schools
Authors: Milazzo M , Parwatkar K , Perelmuter S , Blackman C , Tomaszewski A , Williams A , Lufler R , Rubin R 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Sexual health is an imperative area of study in medical school education. However, many medical schools do not offer a comprehensive curriculum nor is it standardized across the US. The history of sexual health as an academic area was introduced in the 1970s but minimal work has been done to assess the validity and accuracy of teachings. While previous work has evaluated the full, mandatory, sexual health course in year 1 medicine at a large state university, the relationship between curricula across different institutions has not been considered (Ross, Bayer, 2021).

Objective
The sexual medicine curriculum across U.S. medical schools has not been well documented or standardized. This study aims to assess the current guidelines and recommendations for sexual health curriculums in medical schools across the northeast region and compare the current teachings to suggested standards.

Methods
A compilation of academic resources including lecture material and syllabus will be systematically reviewed utilizing a standardized and validated rubric. The variables assessed include: biological and psychological aspects of human sexual development, anatomy and physiology of the human sexual response cycle, sexual health in relation to human reproduction, and contraceptive options.

Results
Statistical analyses will include a chi-squared to determine whether rubric ratings differ by region, type of school and degree awarded as well as a four-way ANOVA to explore whether geographic region, school control, degree awarded, and research activity levels influence the quantity and quality of sexual health curricula.

Conclusions
The goal of this study is to determine the areas of discrepancies between guidelines of sexual health curricula and the current teachings with the aim to improve sexual medicine education in U.S. medical schools.

Disclosure
No.
(090) The Relationship Between C-Reactive Protein and Total Testosterone in Aging Men: Findings from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Grewal MR , Gurayah AA , Weber AR , Ramasamy R 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and testosterone deficiency are associated with advanced age and chronic inflammatory diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Testosterone decreases inflammation through several mechanisms, and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been shown to lower CRP levels in aging, hypogonadal men. While cross-sectional studies have shown an inverse relationship between CRP and total testosterone (TT) levels, mixed findings have been reported when individual components of metabolic syndrome are considered. We hypothesized that men with testosterone deficiency will have high levels of CRP.

Objective
We evaluated the relationship between CRP and TT levels in men from 2004-2018 using the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging and specifically attempted to determine if low androgen status is associated with a high inflammatory profile independent of comorbidities.

Methods
Male participants with serum TT level measured during two separate visits &gt;3 years apart were included in our cohort. CRP, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Triglyceride levels were collected via blood specimens. Comorbidity data were documented at each visit. Panel regression was used to analyze the relationship of a series of independent variables collected in pooled cross-sectional observations over time with a dependent variable for modeling.

Results
A total of 347 patients were included in this study (mean age = 69 ± 15, average follow up time = 6.7 ± 3.2 years). Participants had a median CRP level of 1.0 mg/dL and a median TT level of 446 ng/dL. On univariable analysis TT and HDL levels were associated with a decline in CRP, while BMI, congestive heart failure (CHF), Diabetes, and Triglycerides were associated with increased CRP. Age was not associated with CRP. On multivariable analysis, we found that increasing TT level was associated with a decline in CRP levels, independent of comorbidities (p = 0.018; Table 1). BMI was associated with a significant increase in CRP (p = 0.001, Table 1). Age, CHF, Diabetes, HDL, and Triglycerides were not significant predictors of CRP on multivariable analysis.

Conclusions
Lower levels of serum total testosterone are associated with an increased CRP in older men. Given the importance of CRP in pathogenesis of chronic disease, we highlight the potential benefits of restoring testosterone levels in older, hypogonadal men via TRT.

Disclosure
No.