bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clostridium neonatale antimicrobial susceptibility, genetic resistance determinants, and genotyping: a multicentre spatiotemporal retrospective analysis
Authors: Ferraris Laurent , Delannoy Johanne , Mazuet Christelle , Diancourt Laure , Mesa-Schein Victoria , Barbut Frédéric , Aires Julio 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Clostridium neonatale was isolated during an outbreak of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in 2002. C. neonatale was validated as a new species within the genus Clostridium sensu stricto in 2018. In the present study, we evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility, genetic determinants of resistance, and phylogenetic relationships of a collection of clinical isolates of C. neonatale.

Methods
C. neonatale strains (n = 68) were isolated from the stools of preterm neonates who either developed NEC or were asymptomatic carriers of C. neonatale in different periods and in different hospitals. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the disc diffusion method. The MICs of clindamycin, cefotaxime and tetracycline were determined. Genetic determinants of resistance were screened by PCR (n = 68) and WGS (n = 35). Genotyping of the isolates was performed by MLST.

Results
Antimicrobial resistance was found to clindamycin (n = 24; 35%), cefotaxime (n = 7; 10%) and tetracycline (n = 1; 1%). One clindamycin-resistant isolate carried erm(B) by PCR. In addition, one isolate carrying tet(M) was tetracycline resistant (MIC = 16 mg/L) and 44 isolates carrying either tet(O), tet(32) or tet(M) were tetracycline susceptible (MICs &lt; 16 mg/L). MLST showed that ST2 and ST15 were significantly associated with tet(32) (P &lt; 0.0001) and tet(O) (P &lt; 0.0001), respectively. From WGS, we identified aph(3′)-IIa and blaTEM-116 genes and a blaCBP-1-like gene.

Conclusions
C. neonatale is susceptible to anti-anaerobic molecules but resistant to clindamycin, cefotaxime and tetracycline. Genes encoding tetracycline ribosomal protection, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B rRNA methyltransferase, aminoglycoside 3'-phosphotransferase and β-lactamases have been identified in genomic regions flanked by mobile genetic elements.
Health communication for AMR behaviour change: Zimbabwean students’ relationships with the microbial world
Authors: Mickelsson Martin , Usai Tecklah , Chinofunga Dorothy , Oljans Emma 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Microbes have a global impact on health; microbial relationships benefit and impair quality of life. Negative health impacts of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in our relationships with the microbial world are primarily borne by the Global South

Objectives
To study experiences, understandings and practices of Zimbabwean students regarding health, food and microbes.

Methods
Using purposive sampling, Zimbabwean school students were recruited as participants in group interviews supported by participant observation, exploring the relationships between health, food and microbes.

Results
The study included 120 students from six upper secondary schools in the Midland Region and Gweru District. Findings identify two categories: microbial relationships and microbial encounters, each with three subcategories. Food emerged as both mediating artefacts and mediating experiences, enabling the students to link biomedical explanations of AMR and their everyday lives with friends and family. The necessity for health communication to explore and engage with participants’ contextual preferences and motivations is highlighted. When discussing food choices and practices, students considered the beneficial relationships with the microbial world.

Conclusions
A contextually relevant approach is outlined, where food mediates the relationship between student health and the microbial world, supporting health communication for AMR behaviour change. Expanding AMR education to include the everyday experiences of food enables students to link the pressing sustainability challenge of AMR to their health goals. The study showcases how the exploration of microbial relationships and food practices as a ubiquitous feature of community life can form a basis for AMR prevention and control.
Developing DPYD Genotyping Method for Personalized Fluoropyrimidines Therapy
Authors: Wong Betty Y L , Li Zhenyu , Raphael Michael Jonathon , De Angelis Carlo , Hwang David M , Fu Lei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Fluoropyrimidine drugs are widely used in chemotherapy to treat solid tumors. However, severe toxicity has been reported in 10% to 40% of patients. The DPYD gene encodes the rate-limiting enzyme dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase responsible for fluoropyrimidine catabolism. The DPYD variants resulting in decreased or no enzyme activity are associated with increased risk of fluoropyrimidine toxicity. This study aims to develop a pharmacogenetic test for screening DPYD variants to guide fluoropyrimidine therapy.

Methods
A multiplex allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) assay, followed by capillary electrophoresis, was developed to detect 5 common DPYD variants (c.557A &gt; G, c.1129–5923C &gt; G, c.1679T &gt; G, c.1905 + 1G &gt; A, and c.2846A &gt; T). Deidentified population samples were used for screening positive controls and optimizing assay conditions. Proficiency testing samples with known genotypes were analyzed for test validation. All variants detected were confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results
From the deidentified population samples, 5 samples were heterozygous for c.557A &gt; G, 2 samples were heterozygous for c.1129–5923C &gt; G (HapB3), and 1 sample was heterozygous for c.2846A &gt; T. The 20 proficiency samples matched with their assigned genotypes, including 13 wild-type samples, 3 samples heterozygous for c.1679T &gt; G, 2 samples heterozygous for c.1905 + 1G &gt; A, and 2 samples heterozygous for c.2846A &gt; T. One of the 3 patient samples was heterozygous for c.1129–5923C &gt; G (HapB3). All the variants detected by the multiplex AS-PCR assay were concordant with Sanger sequencing results.

Conclusions
A robust multiplex AS-PCR assay was developed to rapidly detect 5 variants in the DPYD gene. It can be used for screening DPYD variants to identify patients with increased risk of toxicity when prescribed fluoropyrimidine therapy.
Development of an interactive dashboard for gun violence pattern analysis and intervention design at the local level
Authors: Senior Rashaud , Pickett Lisa , Stirling Andrew , Dash Shwetha , Gorgone Patti , Durst Georgina , Jones Debra , Shannon Richard , Bhavsar Nrupen A , Bedoya Armando 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Gun violence remains a concerning and persistent issue in our country. Novel dashboards may integrate and summarize important clinical and non-clinical data that can inform targeted interventions to address the underlying causes of gun violence.

Methods
Data from various clinical and non-clinical sources were sourced, cleaned, and integrated into a customizable dashboard that summarizes and provides insight into the underlying factors that impact local gun violence episodes.

Results
The dashboards contained data from 7786 encounters and 1152 distinct patients from our Emergency Department’s Trauma Registry with various patterns noted by the team. A multidisciplinary executive team, including subject matter experts in community-based interventions, epidemiology, and social sciences, was formed to design targeted interventions based on these observations.

Conclusion
Targeted interventions to reduce gun violence require a multimodal data sourcing and standardization approach, the inclusion of neighborhood-level data, and a dedicated multidisciplinary team to act on the generated insights.
Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment Clinical Trials Updated for 2023
Authors: Enogieru Imarhia E , Comstock Christopher E , Grimm Lars J 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
There are many active or recently completed breast cancer screening and treatment trials in 2023 that have the potential to fundamentally change the way breast radiologists practice medicine. Breast cancer screening trials may provide evidence to support supplemental screening beyond mammography to include US, contrast-enhanced mammography, and breast MRI. Furthermore, there are multiple efforts to support risk-adaptive screening strategies that would personalize screening modalities, frequencies, and ages of initiation. For breast cancer treatment, aims to reduce overtreatment may provide nonsurgical treatment options for women with low-risk breast cancer. Breast radiologists must be familiar with the study designs, major inclusion and exclusion criteria, and principal endpoints in order to determine when and how the study results should influence clinical care. As multidisciplinary team members, breast radiologists will have major roles in the success or failure of these trials as they transition from research to actual clinical practice.
The incremental growth of unfair competition law in India
Authors: Gangjee Dev Saif 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In keeping with other common law jurisdictions, India lacks a unified legal basis for protection against unfair competition. There is no single legislative reference point, or standalone tort of unfair competition. India instead offers up a menu of specific statutory options, common law torts and the equitable action against a breach of confidence, to satisfy its international obligations to prevent unfair competition. There have been two noteworthy developments in recent years: (i) the tort of malicious falsehood has gradually abandoned a strict malice requirement, such that (objectively assessed) disparaging advertising is now actionable; and (ii) an emerging right of publicity, to prevent image misappropriation, is taking shape but its foundations are unclear. One (non)development also deserves closer scrutiny. A claim drafting trend has emerged whereby plaintiffs petition courts to prevent ‘unfair competition’, or ‘misappropriation’. This implies that a nominate tort of unfair competition, or one of misappropriation, exists in Indian law. However, when directly approached to create a tort against misappropriation per se, Indian courts have declined this invitation, based on compelling reasons. Both litigants and courts need to be more careful in their use of such terminology. As things presently stand, there is no tort of unfair competition, nor of misappropriation, in Indian law.
How to store a beetle larva? Comparing temporal effects of common fluid preservation methods on color, shape, and DNA quality
Authors: Novák Martin , Jakubec Pavel , Mahlerová Karolina , Montoya-Molina Santiago , Qubaiová Jarin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractProper fixing and long-term preservation of entomological evidence are essential in collections and research and crucial in applied fields such as forensic entomology. Incorrectly stored samples may lose important morphological features over time, rendering molecular analyses exceedingly difficult. The most effective method for preserving soft samples such as larvae is fluid preservation. It uses a combination of a wide range of fixatives and storage fluids. However, very little comparative work has been done to determine the effects of long-term storage on sample quality in terms of color, shape, and DNA stability. Moreover, the current golden standard in forensic entomology has been tailored for age estimation of larvae of Diptera, which differ from larvae of Coleoptera in morphology and subsequently in applied methods. We compared the effects of combinations of 6 commonly used fixatives and 6 commonly used storage fluids on midsized larvae of the forensically important beetle, Necrodes littoralis (Linnaeus, 1758), in terms of color, shape, and suitability for DNA analyses over a 2-yr period. We were looking for combinations that can preserve specimens in a satisfactory state, can be used on a regular basis, do not require advanced protection or skills of the personnel, and are not toxic or too harmful to the environment. We found not only several methods that scored significantly better in the tested parameters compared with the golden standard but also several common methods that should be avoided. The effects of agents on each tested category are discussed in detail.
Maternal serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Jones Rena R , Madrigal Jessica M , Troisi Rebecca , Surcel Heljä-Marja , Öhman Hanna , Kivelä Juha , Kiviranta Hannu , Rantakokko Panu , Koponen Jani , Medgyesi Danielle N , McGlynn Katherine A , Sampson Joshua , Albert Paul S , Ward Mary H 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread and environmentally persistent chemicals with immunotoxic properties. Children are prenatally exposed through maternal transfer of PFAS to cord blood, but no studies have investigated the relationship with childhood leukemia.

Methods
We measured maternal serum levels of 19 PFAS in first-trimester samples collected in 1986-2010 and evaluated associations with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in full-term offspring (aged younger than 15 years) for 400 cases and 400 controls in the Finnish Maternity Cohort, matched on sample year, mother’s age, gestational age, birth order, and child’s sex. We analyzed continuous and categorical exposures, estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) via conditional logistic regression adjusted for maternal smoking and correlated PFAS (ρ ≥ ±0.3). We also stratified by calendar period, mean diagnosis age, and the child’s sex.

Results
N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid was associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in continuous models (per each doubling in levels: ORperlog2 = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.39), with a positive exposure-response across categories (OR&gt;90th percentile = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.33 to 4.78; Ptrend = .01). Although we found no relationship with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid overall, an association was observed in samples collected in 1986-1995, when levels were highest (median = 17.9 µg/L; ORperlog2 = 4.01, 95% CI = 1.62 to 9.93). A positive association with perfluorononanoic acid was suggested among first births (Pinteraction = .06). The N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid association was mainly limited to children diagnosed before age 5 years (Pinteraction = .02). We found no consistent patterns of association with other PFAS or differences by sex.

Conclusions
These novel data offer evidence of a relationship between some PFAS and risk of the most common childhood cancer worldwide, including associations with the highest levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and with a precursor, N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid.
Progress in cancer control leads to a substantial number of cancer deaths avoided in Canada
Authors: Warkentin Matthew T , Ruan Yibing , Ellison Larry F , Billette Jean-Michel , Demers Alain A , Liu Fei-Fei , Brenner Darren R 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
It is currently not known how many more cancer deaths would have occurred among Canadians if cancer mortality rates were unchanged following various modern human interventions. The objective of this study was to estimate the number of cancer deaths that have been avoided in Canada since the age-standardized overall cancer mortality rate peaked in 1988. We applied the age-specific overall cancer mortality rates from 1988 to the Canadian population for all subsequent years to estimate the number of expected deaths. Avoided cancer deaths were estimated as the difference between the observed and expected number of cancer deaths for each year. Since 1988, there have been 372 584 (standardized mortality ratio = 0.77) and 120 045 (standardized mortality ratio = 0.90) avoided cancer deaths in males and females, respectively (492 629 total). Nearly half a million cancer deaths have been avoided in Canada since the overall cancer mortality rate peaked, which demonstrates the exceptional progress made in modern cancer control in Canada.
Least squares estimation of a quasiconvex regression function
Authors: Mukherjee Somabha , Patra Rohit K , Johnson Andrew L , Morita Hiroshi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We develop a new approach for the estimation of a multivariate function based on the economic axioms of quasiconvexity (and monotonicity). On the computational side, we prove the existence of the quasiconvex constrained least squares estimator (LSE) and provide a characterisation of the function space to compute the LSE via a mixed-integer quadratic programme. On the theoretical side, we provide finite sample risk bounds for the LSE via a sharp oracle inequality. Our results allow for errors to depend on the covariates and to have only two finite moments. We illustrate the superior performance of the LSE against some competing estimators via simulation. Finally, we use the LSE to estimate the production function for the Japanese plywood industry and the cost function for hospitals across the US.
Reflexive reciprocity under an ethics of care: Reflections from the field for refugee studies
Authors: Zadhy-Çepoğlu Aminath Nisha 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
By bringing reflexivity and reciprocity into conceptual dialogue in a discussion about the ethical framework of care in research, this article discusses how ‘reflexive reciprocity’ can be a research tool in migration studies. Taking reciprocity—the dynamics of giving and receiving—as an aspect contextually bound to the refugee experience, I propose that a relationship of giving and receiving helps undermine the inevitable power asymmetries in knowledge production. Reciprocity becomes all the more essential when researching refugee communities where narratives are prompted in a way that mirrors how refugees are elicited to give information within mechanisms of refugee governance, where they narrate their neediness, perform their vulnerability, and justify their deservingness in return for legal and humanitarian protection in traumatic processes that can be a distortion of the norms of reciprocity. This article invites researchers to address reciprocity in research, premised on the idea that an ethical framework of care should go beyond paying lip service to protect vulnerable and marginalized participants. Reflecting on my case study research with Syrian refugee women in Turkey, Ankara, I argue that reflexive reciprocity is both a tool for more rigorous data collection in a qualitative inquiry and a practical application of an ethical framework of care. In exploring instances where I could link reflexivity to action-oriented reciprocity through ‘everyday acts of caring’, I demonstrate that reflexive reciprocity can somewhat balance out the extractive nature of research and thereby contribute to the ongoing discussion about the ‘reflexive turn’ in migration studies.
[C ii] 158 μm emission as an indicator of galaxy star formation rate
Authors: Liang Lichen , Feldmann Robert , Murray Norman , Narayanan Desika , Hayward Christopher C , Anglés-Alcázar Daniel , Bassini Luigi , Richings Alexander J , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Chung Dongwoo T , Chan Jennifer Y H , Tolgay Doǧa , Çatmabacak Onur , Kereš Dušan , Hopkins Philip F 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
Observations of local star-forming galaxies (SFGs) show a tight correlation between their singly ionized carbon line luminosity ($L_{\rm [C\, {\small II}]}$) and star formation rate (SFR), suggesting that $L_{\rm [C\, {\small II}]}$ may be a useful SFR tracer for galaxies. Some other galaxy populations, however, are found to have lower $L_{\rm [C\, {\small II}]}{}/{}\rm SFR$ than local SFGs, including the infrared (IR)-luminous, starburst galaxies at low and high redshifts as well as some moderately SFGs at the epoch of re-ionization (EoR). The origins of this ‘$\rm [C\, {\small II}]$ deficit’ is unclear. In this work, we study the $L_{\rm [C\, {\small II}]}$–SFR relation of galaxies using a sample of z = 0–8 galaxies with $M_*\approx 10^7-5\times 10^{11}\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ extracted from cosmological volume and zoom-in simulations from the Feedback in Realistic Environments (fire) project. We find a simple analytic expression for $L_{\rm [C\, {\small II}]}$/SFR of galaxies in terms of the following parameters: mass fraction of $\rm [C\, {\small II}]$-emitting gas ($f_{\rm [C\, {\small II}]}$), gas metallicity (Zgas), gas density (ngas), and gas depletion time ($t_{\rm dep}{}={}M_{\rm gas}{}/{}\rm SFR$). We find two distinct physical regimes: $\rm H_2$-rich galaxies, where tdep is the main driver of the $\rm [C\, {\small II}]$ deficit and $\rm H_2$-poor galaxies where Zgas is the main driver. The observed $\rm [C\, {\small II}]$ deficit of IR-luminous galaxies and early EoR galaxies, corresponding to the two different regimes, is due to short gas depletion time and low gas metallicity, respectively. Our result indicates that the $\rm [C\, {\small II}]$ deficit is a common phenomenon of galaxies, and caution needs to be taken when applying a constant $L_{\rm [C\, {\small II}]}$-to-SFR conversion factor derived from local SFGs to estimate cosmic SFR density at high redshifts and interpret data from upcoming $\rm [C\, {\small II}]$ line intensity mapping experiments.
Search for spectroscopic binaries using rotational velocities in five open clusters observed by ESO
Authors: Kovalev Mikhail , Ahmed Mariyam , Asa’d Randa 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
In this paper we detect double-lined spectroscopic binaries (SB2) in five open clusters: NGC 2243, NGC 2420, NGC 3532, NGC 6253, and NGC 6705 (M 11) using a method based on high values of the projected rotational velocity when they are fitted with single star spectral model. Observed spectra were obtained from the European Southern Observatory archive. The method was validated on the sets of synthetic spectra for the single and binary stars. It is able to reliably select spectroscopic binaries without confusing them with single stars, if the components in a binary rotate slowly and the radial velocity separation is sufficiently high. We found 60 SB2 candidates: two in NGC 2243, eight each in NGC 2420 and NGC 3532, 17 in NGC 6253, and 25 in NGC 6705. Comparison with literature confirms 18 of them, thus we found 42 new SB2 candidates.
The surprising lack of effect from stellar feedback on the gas stripping rate from massive jellyfish galaxies
Authors: Akerman Nina , Tonnesen Stephanie , Poggianti Bianca Maria , Smith Rory , Marasco Antonino , Kulier Andrea , Müller Ancla , Vulcani Benedetta 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
We study the role of star formation and stellar feedback in a galaxy being ram pressure (RP) stripped on its infall into a cluster. We use hydrodynamical wind-tunnel simulations of a massive galaxy (Mstar = 1011 M⊙) moving into a massive cluster (Mcluster = 1015 M⊙). We have two types of simulations: with and without star formation and stellar feedback, SF, and radiative cooling (RC), respectively. For each type, we simulate four realizations of the same galaxy: a face-on wind, edge-on wind, 45° angled wind, and a control galaxy not subject to RP. We directly compare the stripping evolution of galaxies with and without star formation. We find that stellar feedback has no direct effect on the stripping process, i.e. there is no enhancement in stripping via a velocity kick to the interstellar medium (ISM) gas. The main difference between RC and SF galaxies is due to the indirect effect of stellar feedback, which produces a smoother and more homogeneous ISM. Hence, while the average gas surface density is comparable in both simulation types, the scatter is broader in the RC galaxies. As a result, at the galaxy outskirts overdense clumps survive in RC simulation, and the stripping proceeds more slowly. At the same time, in the inner disc, underdense gas in the RC holes is removed faster than the smoothly distributed gas in the SF simulation. For our massive galaxy, we therefore find that the effect of feedback on the stripping rate is almost negligible, independent of wind angle.