bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Context matters: environmental microbiota from ice cream processing facilities affected the inhibitory performance of two lactic acid bacteria strains against
Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Rolon M. Laura , Chandross-Cohen Tyler , Kaylegian Kerry E. , Roberts Robert F. , Kovac Jasna 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Using biocontrol microorganisms to complement sanitation of dairy processing facilities may enhance the control of pathogenic
Listeria monocytogenes
. However, it remains unknown whether the microbiota of dairy processing facilities affects the antilisterial activity of biocontrol strains. We tested two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains (
Enterococcus faecium
PS01155 and
Enterococcus lactis
PS01156) for their antilisterial potential in the context of microbiomes collected from three ice cream processing facilities (A, B, and C). Antilisterial ability was assessed by co-culturing LAB strains with eight
L
.
monocytogenes
strains in the presence of microbiota for 3 days at 15°C, followed by quantification of the most probable number of attached
L. monocytogenes
. We observed no significant reduction of the
L. monocytogenes
concentration in the samples co-cultured with LAB strains in the presence of environmental microbiota collected from ice cream processing facilities, compared to a positive control containing only the
L. monocytogenes
cocktail and the environmental microbiomes. The attachment of LAB strains to an abiotic surface was assessed by co-culturing LABs with microbiomes at 15°C for 3 days, followed by characterization of attached microbiota composition using amplicon sequencing. All treatment samples that contained microbiomes from dairy processing facilities had a high relative abundance of
Pseudomonas
. Further, the presence of
Pseudomonas
isolated from the microbiome from facility B significantly reduced the antilisterial ability of
E. faecium
PS01155.

IMPORTANCE

Antilisterial LAB strains have been proposed as biological control agents for application in food processing environments. However, the effect of resident food processing environment microbiota on the performance on antilisterial LAB strains is poorly understood. Our study shows that the presence of microbiota collected from ice cream processing facilities' environmental surfaces can affect the attachment and inhibitory effect of LAB strains against
L. monocytogenes
. Further studies are therefore needed to assess whether individual microbial taxa affect antilisterial properties of LAB strains and to characterize the underlying mechanisms.
Enhanced extracellular ammonium release in the plant endophyte
Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus
through genome editing
Authors: Dietz Benjamin R. , Olszewski Neil E. , Barney Brett M. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

The plant growth-promoting bacterium
Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus
was originally discovered in association with sugarcane plants as an endophyte. As a member of the small class of organisms defined as diazotrophs,
G. diazotrophicus
is capable of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere and could serve an important role in minimizing the requirements for nitrogen from industrial-derived fertilizers. In addition to sugarcane,
G. diazotrophicus
is capable of forming endophyte associations with a variety of other important crops. It has been reported that this microbe requires micro-aerobic conditions to effectively fix nitrogen gas from the atmosphere through the enzyme nitrogenase, making it slightly more difficult to study the diazotrophic lifestyle in the laboratory. The ability of the strain to reside within the plant during growth means that any extracellular nitrogen released by this microbe would immediately become available to the plant host. For this reason, it is an ideal target for development as an improved biofertilizer strain. In this work, we constructed strains of
G. diazotrophicus
that result in enhanced ammonium release, as measured by growing with a closely associated algal strain under micro-aerobic conditions, and by further quantifying ammonium concentrations accumulated under micro-aerobic and aerobic growth.

IMPORTANCE

Our results demonstrate increased extracellular ammonium release in the endophyte plant growth-promoting bacterium
Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus
. Strains were constructed in a manner that leaves no antibiotic markers behind, such that these strains contain no transgenes. Levels of ammonium achieved by cultures of modified
G. diazotrophicus
strains reached concentrations of approximately 18 mM ammonium, while wild-type
G. diazotrophicus
remained much lower (below 50 µM). These findings demonstrate a strong potential for further improving the biofertilizer potential of this important microbe.
B-cell hepatosplenic lymphoma presenting in adult patient after spontaneous splenic rupture followed by severe persistent hypoglycaemia: type B lactic acidosis and acute liver failure
Authors: Moen Mette , Hamilton-Dutoit Stephen , Steiniche Torben , Gude Martin Faurholdt 
Published: December 2023

A patient was admitted to hospital with splenic rupture, four 4 days after colonoscopy was performed following one month’s intermittent and aggravating abdominal pain. During recovery from splenectomy, the patient developed sudden tachycardic and tachypnoea. A blood sample revealed a very low blood glucose, high lactate and acidaemia.The patient required high-dose continuous intravenous glucose, while the lactate remained elevated. Decreasing consciousness with signs of acute liver failure necessitated transfer to an advanced intensive care unit. The patient’s clinical status rapidly deteriorated despite therapeutic intervention. The patient died of multiorgan failure eleven days post-splenectomy. Based on the pathology of the spleen and a post-mortem liver specimen, the patient was diagnosed with a primary extra-nodal B-cell hepatosplenic lymphoma (BCHSL) – an extremely rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphomanon.Splenic rupture followed by lactic acidosis and hypoglycaemia should lead to suspicion of a cancer-mediated Warburg effect, and prompt urgent chemotherapy.
Indirect (herd) effects of topical antibiotic prophylaxis and oral care versus non-antimicrobial methods increase mortality among ICU patients: realigning Cochrane review data to emulate a three-tier cluster randomised trial
Authors: Hurley James 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to estimate the direct effects to recipients and indirect (herd) effects to non-recipients of each of topical antibiotic prophylaxis (TAP) and oral care methods on patient mortality within randomised concurrent controlled trials (RCCT) using Cochrane review data.DesignControl and intervention groups from 209 RCCTs of TAP (tier 3), oral care (tier 2) each versus non-antimicrobial (tier 1) ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) prevention interventions arranged to emulate a three-tiered cluster randomised trial (CRT). Eligible RCCTs were those including ICU patients with >50% of patients receiving >24 hours of mechanical ventilation (MV) with mortality data available as abstracted in 13 Cochrane reviews.ExposuresDirect and indirect exposures to either TAP or oral care within RCCTs versus non-antimicrobial VAP prevention interventions.Main outcomes and measuresThe ICU mortality within control and intervention groups, respectively, within RCCTs of either TAP or oral care versus that within non-antimicrobial VAP prevention RCCTs serving as benchmark.ResultsThe ICU mortality was 23.9%, 23.0% and 20.3% for intervention groups and 28.7%, 25.5% and 19.5% for control groups of RCCTs of TAP (tier 1), oral care (tier 2) and non-antimicrobial (tier 3) methods of VAP prevention, respectively. In a random effects meta-regression including late mortality data and adjusting for group mean age, year of study publication and MV proportion, the direct effect of TAP and oral care versus non-antimicrobial methods were 1.04 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.30) and 1.1 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.43) whereas the indirect effects were 1.39 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.74) and 1.26 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.62), respectively.ConclusionsIndirect (herd) effects from TAP and oral care methods on mortality are stronger than the direct effects as made apparent by the three-tiered CRT. These indirect effects, being harmful to concurrent control groups by increasing mortality, perversely inflate the appearance of benefit within RCCTs.
Efficacy and safety of the Chaixiong Qiwei granule for tension-type headache: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shen Wei , Fan Xueming , Fu Guojing , Liu Hongxi , Liang Xiao , Wei Jingjing , Sun Linjuan , Zhang Lu , Chi Xiansu , Zhang Yunling 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionTension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent headache disorder worldwide. Although current treatments for TTH are beneficial, they are not without adverse effects. Chaixiong Qiwei granule (CXQW) is an experienced prescription medicine for TTH management. This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of CXQW for the treatment of TTH.Methods and analysisThis study will be a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 148 eligible participants will be divided into the intervention (CXQW treatment) and control (placebo treatment) groups. The primary outcome will be the reduction in the number of headache days (headache-days reduction) within 9–12 weeks after randomisation, while secondary outcomes will include the number of headache days, headache intensity, responder rate, drug consumption for acute treatment, quality of life and symptoms related to traditional Chinese medicine use based on a symptom-observation table. This protocol describes the design of the randomised controlled trial.Ethics and disseminationThe study design was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Human Research at Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (No. 2020XLA030-2).Trial registration numberChiCTR2100042514.
Understanding medication-related burden from patient perspectives: a qualitative study testing the applicability of the conceptual model among chronically ill outpatients in Finland
Authors: Mikkola Heidi , Dimitrow Maarit , Hämeen-Anttila Katri , Laukkanen Emilia , Airaksinen Marja 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesDisease self-management and medication therapy can cause burden to patients that can influence adherence. The conceptual model ‘patients’ lived experience with medicine’ (PLEM) brings new insights into medication-related burden (MRB) from patient perspective. This study aimed to test the applicability of the PLEM model by interviewing chronically ill patients in Finland and to investigate the MRB experienced by the Finnish patients.DesignFocus group discussion study conducted online via Zoom. Directed qualitative content analysis guided by the PLEM model.SettingOutpatient primary care in Finland.ParticipantsChronically ill outpatients (n=14) divided into five focus groups according to their chronic condition: asthma (n=3), heart disease (n=3), diabetes (n=6), intestinal disease (n=2).ResultsOur findings were mainly in line with the PLEM model although some new contributing factors to MRB emerged. In general, the participants were satisfied with their medication, and that it enabled them to live normal lives. The most common causes of MRB were medication routines and the healthcare system. The participants introduced two new aspects contributing to MRB: medication-related environmental anxiety associated with the waste resulting from medicine use, and the effect of medication use on their working life. Our findings are consistent with previous findings that a higher level of MRB may lead to independently modifying the medication regimen or not taking the medicine.ConclusionsOur findings provide further evidence that the PLEM model is an applicable tool also in the Finnish context for gaining better understanding of MRB in chronically ill patients self-managing their long-term medications. The model provides a promising tool to understand the connection between MRB and the rationale for not always taking medicines as prescribed. Further research is needed to explore the potential of the model in extending patient perspectives in chronic disease management.
Knowledge and attitudes on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among school teachers in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Wijerathna Navoda , Wijerathne Charith , Wijeratne Himeshika , Wijesiri Chathuri , Wijerathna Randika , Wijerathna Windhya , Warnasekara Janith , Agampodi Thilini , Rajapakse Shashanka 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of school teachers from a rural district in a developing country towards children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).DesignA population-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using probability proportionate to size cluster sampling.SettingThis study was conducted in 21 government schools in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka.ParticipantsThe study sample consisted of 458 teachers with a mean age of 41 completed years ranging from 24 to 59 years.Main outcome measurementsWe assessed knowledge, attitudes and sources of information on ADHD using the self-administered, validated Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (KADDS), Teacher Attitudes Towards Inclusion Scale (TAIS) and the Perceived and Actual Sources of Information questionnaires.ResultsThe median KADDS score was 11 (IQR 8–14) and 45.5% (n=208) of participants lacked sufficient knowledge. Percentages of the correct answers, misconceptions and ‘don’t know’ responses were 28.2%, 24.5% and 45.5%, respectively. The majority of teachers believed that the children with ADHD generally experience more problems in novel situations than in familiar situations (63.5%), a diagnosis of ADHD by itself makes a child eligible for placement in special education (61.1%), and children with ADHD do not often have difficulties organising tasks and activities (61.1%). Some participants (12%) stated that punishment would improve the outcome of the children with ADHD. The attitudes were positive with TAIS 1 and 2 median scores of 46 (IQR 36–58) and 49 (IQR 40–59). The majority of participants relied on informal knowledge gained through their personal experience in the classroom on ADHD (n=337, 76%). The majority of teachers (n=300, 67.7%) preferred to be educated through seminars.ConclusionsSchool teachers possess a positive attitude. However, they have poor knowledge and significant misconceptions regarding ADHD which may affect the identification and management.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis deciphers heterogenous cancer stem-like cells in colorectal cancer and their organ-specific metastasis
Authors: Li Rui , Liu Xuefei , Huang Xudong , Zhang Di , Chen Ziming , Zhang Jialiang , Bai Ruihong , Zhang Shaoping , Zhao Hongzhe , Xu Zilan , Zeng Lingxing , Zhuang Lisha , Wen Shujuan , Wu Shaojia , Li Mei , Zuo Zhixiang , Lin Junzhong , Lin Dongxin , Zheng Jian 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveMetastasis is the major cause of cancer death. However, what types of heterogenous cancer cells in primary tumour and how they metastasise to the target organs remain largely undiscovered.DesignWe performed single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomic analysis in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) and metastases in the liver (lCRC) or ovary (oCRC). We also conducted immunofluorescence staining and functional experiments to examine the mechanism.ResultsIntegrative analyses of epithelial cells reveal a stem-like cell cluster with highprotein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type O(PTPRO) andachaete scute-like 2(ASCL2) expression as the metastatic culprit. This cell cluster comprising distinct subpopulations shows distinct liver or ovary metastatic preference. Population 1 (P1) cells with highdelta-like ligand 4 (DLL4)andMAF bZIP transcription factor A (MAFA)expression are enriched in primary CRC and oCRC, thus may be associated with ovarian metastasis. P3 cells having a similar expression pattern as cholangiocytes are found mainly in primary CRC and lCRC, presuming to be likely the culprits that specifically metastasise to the liver. Stem-like cells interacted with cancer-associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells via the DLL4-NOTCH signalling pathway to metastasise from primary CRC to the ovary. In the oCRC microenvironment, myofibroblasts provide cancer cells with glutamine and perform a metabolic reprogramming, which may be essential for cancer cells to localise and develop in the ovary.ConclusionWe uncover a mechanism for organ-specific CRC metastasis.
Multicenter randomized controlled trial of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy alone or in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Katz Matthew H G , Petroni Gina R , Bauer Todd , Reilley Matthew J , Wolpin Brian M , Stucky Chee-Chee , Bekaii-Saab Tanios S , Elias Rawad , Merchant Nipun , Dias Costa Andressa , Lenehan Patrick , Cardot-Ruffino Victoire , Rodig Scott , Pfaff Kathleen , Dougan Stephanie K , Nowak Jonathan Andrew , Varadhachary Gauri R , Slingluff Craig L , Rahma Osama 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a challenging target for immunotherapy because it has an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy can increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density, which may predict overall survival (OS). We hypothesized that adding programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade to chemoradiotherapy would be well tolerated and increase TILs among patients with localized PDAC.MethodsPatients were randomized 2:1 to Arm A (receiving pembrolizumab plus chemoradiotherapy (capecitabine and external beam radiation)) or Arm B (receiving chemoradiotherapy alone) before anticipated pancreatectomy. Primary endpoints were (1) incidence and severity of adverse events during neoadjuvant therapy and (2) density of TILs in resected tumor specimens. TIL density was assessed using multiplexed immunofluorescence histologic examination.ResultsThirty-seven patients were randomized to Arms A (n=24) and B (n=13). Grade ≥3 adverse events related to neoadjuvant treatment were experienced by 9 (38%) and 4 (31%) patients in Arms A and B, respectively, with one patient experiencing dose-limiting toxicity in Arm A. Seventeen (71%) and 7 (54%) patients in Arms A and B, respectively, underwent pancreatectomy. Median CD8+T-cell densities in Arms A and B were 67.4 (IQR: 39.2–141.8) and 37.9 (IQR: 22.9–173.4) cells/mm2, respectively. Arms showed no noticeable differences in density of CD8+Ki67+, CD4+, or CD4+FOXP3+regulatory T cells; M1-like and M2-like macrophages; or granulocytes. Median OS durations were 27.8 (95% CI: 17.1 to NR) and 24.3 (95% CI: 12.6 to NR) months for Arms A and B, respectively.ConclusionsAdding pembrolizumab to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was safe. However, no convincing effect on CD8+TILs was observed.
Increased mortality in patients with RA-associated interstitial lung disease: data from a French administrative healthcare database
Authors: Juge Pierre-Antoine , Wémeau-Stervinou Lidwine , Ottaviani Sebastien , Desjeux Guillaume , Zhuo Joe , Vannier-Moreau Virginie , Flipo René-Marc , Crestani Bruno , Dieudé Philippe 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is a severe extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objectives of this study were to estimate mortality rate in patients with RA-ILD and identify factors affecting mortality.MethodsData from a French national claims database (Système National des Données de Santé) from 2013 to 2018 were analysed. Adults with an RA diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes M05, M06.0, M06.8 and M06.9) were included. ILD diagnosis was defined with ICD-10 code J84. Mortality rates were compared between patients with RA with and without ILD, using Cox proportional hazards regression, after matching 1:1 for age, sex, age at RA-ILD onset and RA duration.ResultsAmong 173 132 patients with RA, 4330 (3%) also had ILD (RA-ILD). After matching, RA-ILD was associated with an increased mortality rate (HR 3.4, 95% CI 3.1 to 3.9). The HR for mortality was greater for: patients aged <75 years (HR 4.8, 95% CI 3.9 to 5.9) versus ≥75 years (HR 3.0, 95% CI 2.6 to 3.5); patients with ILD onset occurring before RA onset (HR 8.4, 95% CI 5.5 to 13.0) versus ILD onset occurring after RA onset (HR 2.9, 95% CI 2.6 to 3.3); and men (HR 5.2, 95% CI 4.4 to 6.2) versus women (HR 3.6, 95% CI 3.0 to 4.2).ConclusionIn this nationwide cohort study, RA-ILD was associated with increased mortality rate (vs in patients with RA without ILD), notably for those aged <75 years, those whose ILD preceded RA onset and men.
Structure, Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Different Dye-Modified TiO2 Ceramics for Possible Application in Photovoltaics
Authors: Barik R. , Panigrahi Manas R. , Sahoo A. K. 
Published: December 2023

TiO2 is a highly potential, photoactive and dye-sensitive photocatalyst but its optical properties are further enhanced in the presence of different types of dyes. Dye-modified TiO2 was prepared by the modified sol–gel method. The dyes are methyl orange (MO), potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and beetroot. Analysis was conducted to study the physical, linear and nonlinear optical properties. XRD result suggests that the prepared TiO2 is synthesized in the pure anatase phase. The bandgap is decreased in all the dye-modified TiO2 samples. The dielectric constant, interband transition strength, energy loss functions, Urbach energy, optical conductivity and electrical conductivity were determined. Further, the dispersion parameter of refractive index was discussed as per the single-oscillator model proposed by Wemple and DiDomenico. Moreover, the analyses of nonlinear dispersions like first-order and third-order optical susceptibilities, electrical susceptibilities, nonlinear refractive index and reflection loss were performed. To further investigate the electronic properties, the plasma energy, Penn gap and Fermi energy were also determined.