bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial outer membrane vesicles provide an alternative pathway for trafficking of
Escherichia coli
O157 type III secreted effectors to epithelial cells
Authors: Sirisaengtaksin Natalie , O'Donoghue Eloise J. , Jabbari Sara , Roe Andrew J. , Krachler Anne Marie 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are proteoliposomes shed by Gram-negative bacteria. Their secretion is enhanced by the transition into the intra-host milieu, and OMVs play critical roles during pathogenesis. Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
O157 (EHEC) can cause diarrheal disease in humans, and soluble toxins including Shiga-like toxins that contribute to disease severity and clinical complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome have been shown to be OMV associated. In addition to Shiga-like toxins, EHEC produces a type III secretion system (T3SS), and T3SS effectors are associated with colonization and disease severity
in vivo
. Here, we show that type III secreted substrates including translocators and effectors are incorporated into OMVs both in the presence and absence of a functional T3SS. EHEC strains with non-functional T3SS shed more OMVs, and vesicles enter host cells with accelerated kinetics compared to vesicles shed from wild-type EHEC. The T3SS effector translocated intimin receptor (Tir) is trafficked from OMVs into host cells and localizes to the membrane. However, its clustering on the host membrane and co-localization with bacterial pedestals is intimin dependent. We show that OMV-delivered Tir can cross-complement an effector-deficient EHEC strain and promote pedestal formation. Together, these data demonstrate that OMVs provide an alternative pathway for the delivery of EHEC T3SS cargo and that vesicle associated effectors are released from OMVs inside host cells and can retain biological activity.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria can package protein cargo into nanosized membrane blebs that are shed from the bacterial membrane and released into the environment. Here, we report that a type of pathogenic bacteria called enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
O157 (EHEC) uses their membrane blebs (outer membrane vesicles) to package components of their type 3 secretion system and send them into host cells, where they can manipulate host signaling pathways including those involved in infection response, such as immunity. Usually, EHEC use a needle-like apparatus to inject these components into host cells, but packaging them into membrane blebs that get taken up by host cells is another way of delivery that can bypass the need for a functioning injection system.
Melatonin disturbed rumen microflora structure and metabolic pathways
in vitro
Authors: Xue Chun , Wang Yifan , He Zhaoyuan , Lu Zhiqi , Wu Feifan , Wang Yusu , Zhen Yongkang , Meng Jimeng , Shahzad Khuram , Yang Kailun , Wang Mengzhi 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Melatonin (MLT) can affect the microbial community structure and its metabolites by releasing cellular regulatory factors. Intestinal bacteria recognize and respond to MLT signals from the intestine through MLT binding sites and further activate the function of intestinal immune cells. However, the signal transduction pathway of MLT in the intestine has not been clearly elucidated yet. The effect of MLT on rumen bacterial metabolism was studied by simulating rumen fermentation
in vitro
. The test was divided into three groups: artificial saliva+standard MLT solution (CK0 group), artificial saliva+rumen juice (CK1 group), and artificial saliva+rumen juice+standard MLT solution (MLT group). The fermentation broth was collected after 24 h of simulated culture
in vitro
. The results showed that the addition of MLT significantly increased the contents of propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and total volatile fatty acids (
P <
0.05). The analysis of the differences in flora found that at the genus level,
Alistipes
,
Veillonellaceae_UCG-001
,
Selenomonas
,
Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group,
and
Succinivibrio
were significantly increased, whereas
Acinetobacter
and
Prevotella
were significantly decreased (
P <
0.05). The analysis of differential metabolites showed that compared with the CK1 group, the relative contents of glutathione, spermidine, indole, 3-methyl indole, phenylpyruvate, and other metabolites were increased significantly in the MLT group (
P <
0.05). The results of enzyme activity on the enrichment pathway showed that MLT could significantly enhance the activities of genes such as GST, SPDS, DAHP, AS, TS, TPH, AANAT, ASMT, and IDO. Therefore, melatonin had certain regulatory effects on rumen microorganisms and their metabolic pathways.

IMPORTANCE

In
in vitro
studies, it has been found that the effects of MLT on rumen microorganisms and metabolites can change the rumen flora structure, significantly inhibit the relative abundance of harmful
Acinetobacter,
and improve the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria. MLT may regulate the “arginine-glutathione” pathway, “phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis-tryptophan generation” branch, “tryptophan-kynurenine” metabolism, and “tryptophan-tryptamine-serotonin” pathway through microorganisms.
Significant increase in the prevalence of Panton–Valentine leukocidin-positive methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
, particularly the USA300 variant ΨUSA300, in the Japanese community
Authors: Kaneko Hiroshi , Kanai Miki , Saito Takumi , Yanagi Yuka , Kobayashi Hana , Kurihara Rikuto , Ikeda Masami , Nemoto Osamu , Baba Naoko , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Sawamura Daisuke , Shimoe Fumiko , Inaba Yoichi , Kobayashi Yoko , Kawasaki Satoru , Ueki Toru , Funatsu Sakae , Shirahama Shigeho , Oba Misao , Hasegawa Takaya , Furukawa Hirotoshi , Miyata Toshiko , Isonokami Masaaki , Fujita Shigeru , Nakaminami Hidemasa 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

USA300, a major Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-producing methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) clone associated with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), carries a type IV staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
) element. Recently, a USA300 variant, ΨUSA300, with a 12-bp deletion of
ccrB2
in the SCC
mec
element, was identified in Japan by Takadama et al. (15). To understand the current status of PVL-positive MRSA in the community, a nationwide surveillance of MRSA isolated from outpatients at dermatology departments was conducted. This study included 1,619 outpatients who visited dermatology departments at 22 healthcare facilities in 11 prefectures in Japan between 2018 and 2021;
S. aureus
were isolated from these outpatients. Molecular epidemiological analysis was performed using PCR, SCC
mec
and
spa
typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A total of 980
S
.
aureus
were isolated, 293 of which were identified as MRSA. Among MRSA isolates, PVL genes were detected in 18 of 63 (28.6%) in 2018, 34 of 85 (40.0%) in 2019, 29 of 65 (44.6%) in 2020, and 40 in 80 (50.0%) in 2021. Among the PVL-positive MRSA, 16 of 121 (13.2%) and 94 of 121 (77.7%) isolates were identified as USA300 and ΨUSA300, respectively. ΨUSA300 strains were collected from six prefectures in Japan: Kagawa, Osaka, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Fukushima, and Saitama. ΨUSA300 was isolated more frequently than USA300 from patients with deep-seated SSTIs (
P
< 0.05). Our findings showed that PVL-positive MRSA isolates were significantly increased in the Japanese community. Furthermore, the USA300 variant ΨUSA300 has emerged as the predominant PVL-positive MRSA clone across the Kanto, Kinki, and Shikoku regions of Japan, and this variant may possess a greater propensity to cause deep-seated SSTIs than in USA300.

IMPORTANCE

USA300 is an MRSA clone producing PVL, a toxin associated with SSTIs. ΨUSA300 is a USA300 variant recently identified in Japan by Takadama et al. (15). Here, we found that the prevalence rate of PVL-positive MRSA in
S. aureus
was elevated in the Japanese community, and ΨUSA300 accounted for most of them. ΨUSA300 strains have been isolated from several areas in Japan and were associated with deep-seated SSTIs. This study highlighted the emerging threat posed by ΨUSA300 in Japan.
Mapping regional funding for COVID-19 research in the Asia-Pacific region
Authors: Antonio Emilia , Pulik Nicolas , Lee Jieun , Soni Tanu , Hagen Hans-Eckhardt , Ryu Choong-Min , Norton Alice 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GloPID-R) is a network of funders supporting research on infectious diseases of epidemic/pandemic potential. GloPID-R is establishing regional hubs to strengthen stakeholder engagement particularly among low-income and middle-income countries. The first pilot hub, led from Republic of Korea (South Korea), has been launched in the Asia-Pacific region, a region highly prone to outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. We present findings of mapping research undertaken in support of the hub’s development.MethodsWe analysed five COVID-19 research databases in September 2022 to identify research funders and intermediary funding sources supporting research in infectious diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. This was complemented with an in-depth analysis of the UK Collaborative on Development Research (UKCDR) and GloPID-R COVID-19 Research Project Tracker to assess the alignment of funded projects in the region to the WHO COVID-19 research priorities.ResultsWe identified 453 funders and funding sources supporting COVID-19 research in the Asia-Pacific Region including public, private and philanthropic organisations and universities. However, these organisations were clustered in few countries in the region. The in-depth analysis of the UKCDR and GloPID-R COVID-19 Research project Tracker found limited research involving Asia-Pacific countries with the 117 funders supporting these projects investing at least US$604m in COVID-19 research in the region. Social Sciences was the dominant theme on which funded projects focused whereas the priority areas with the least number of projects were research on ‘animal and environmental health’ and ‘ethics considerations for research’.ConclusionOur analyses show the diversity of funding sources for research on infectious diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. Engagement between multiple actors in the health research system is likely to promote enhanced coordination for greater research impact. GloPID-R’s Asia-Pacific regional hub aims to support activities for the enhancement of preparedness for outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases in the region.
Prevalence and determinants of high-risk human papilloma virus among men who have sex with men in Benin: a cross-sectional study embedded in a demonstration project on pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV
Authors: Diabaté Souleymane , Behanzin Luc , Guédou Fernand , Olodo Marius , Goma-Matsetse Aude Ella , Aza-Gnandji Marlène , Dossouvo Alban , Akpaca Axel , Chagas Elyote , Gangbo Flore Armande , Zannou Djimon Marcel , Alary Michel 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with anal high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV).DesignA cross-sectional study conducted from 24 August 2020 to 24 November 2020.SettingPrimary care, Cotonou, Benin.Participants204 HIV-negative men who have sex with men initiating oral pre-exposure prophylaxis.Primary outcome measureAnal HR-HPV genotypes using GeneXpert HPV assay. Fourteen HR-HPV were evaluated: HPV-16 and HPV-18/45 in 2 distinct channels and the 11 other genotypes as a pooled result (31, 33, 35, 39, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68). The potential independent variables analysed included anal gonorrhoea and chlamydia infections, and sociodemographic and sexual behaviour factors. To assess the determinants of HR-HPV, univariate and multivariate Poisson regression models were performed by using SAS V.9.4.ResultsMean age±SD was 25.9±4.8 years. 131/204 men claimed insertive sex procured more pleasure. Thirty-two participants, accounting for 15.7% of the study sample, had gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia. The prevalence of any HR-HPV genotype was 36.3% (95% CI 30.0% to 43.0%). In total, 7.8% of men had HPV-16 and 7.4% had HPV-18/45. The prevalence for the pooled genotypes (31, 33, 35, 39, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68) was 29.9%. Receptive anal sex during the last 6 months was strongly associated with prevalent HR-HPV infections. The adjusted proportion ratio (aPR) was 1.93 (95% CI 1.31 to 2.83). Gonorrhoea and chlamydia were also associated with the outcome of interest; p value for both infections was <0.05. The aPR comparing patients who perceived some risk of acquiring HIV to other men was 1.44 (95% CI 1.00 to 2.08).ConclusionsIn Benin, anal HR-HPV was common among HIV-negative men who have sex with men. Among this highly vulnerable population, there is a need for integrated preventive and management strategies targeting HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Enhancing early functional independence following cardiac surgery: a quality improvement programme
Authors: Jacob Prasobh , Jayaprabha Surendran Praveen , Gupta Poonam , Mahinay Menandro , Sarmiento Ansel Lakindanum , Abas Asma Saif Ebrahim , Mohammed Shady Ashraf , Sarhan Hatem Hemdan , Ureta Julie , Mathew Gigi , Galvez Ryan Oliver Antonio , Thangaraj Parthasarathi , Singh Rajvir 
Published: November 2023

Early mobility and activity programmes following cardiac surgery are vital for improved patient outcomes, as they accelerate the recovery of functional capacity and walking distance. We observed that only 5.3% of our patients achieved a Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) score of 80% or more by the third postoperative day (POD). Additionally, the average 6-minute walk distance achieved by the fourth POD was only 188 m. Therefore, a quality improvement (QI) project was implemented with the aim of attaining a FIM score of 80% by the third POD for more than 80% of patient underwent/undergoing cardiac surgery without complications.A model-for-improvement framework was used to drive continuous improvement. This project was implemented in February 2021. Baseline data were prospectively collected between November 2020 and January 2021 (preintervention). Outcomes were analysed using standard control chart rules to detect changes over time. Unpaired Student t-tests assessed significant differences in mean levels between two groups, (preintervention vs postintervention).χ2tests were conducted between the two groups according to gender and patient satisfaction scores.The percentage of patients who achieved a FIM score of 80% or more by the third POD gradually increased to 91.4% 5 months following programme implementation and was sustained thereafter. The mean patient FIM score significantly improved to 81.20±3.77 (p<0.001) by the third POD. Similarly, the mean 6-minute walk distance increased to 267.90±36.10 m (p<0.001) by the fourth POD. The percentage of patients who displayed the level of confidence needed to carry out activities of daily living (ADL) and exercises independently at home increased to 89.4% (p<0.001) by the fifth POD. No adverse events associated with the mobility and activity programme were reported.This QI project demonstrated a substantial improvement in patient functional independence, walking distance and the level of confidence needed to independently carry out ADL and exercises following cardiac surgery.
Every Tube Counts: reducing extra tubes drawn in the emergency department
Authors: Knauer Michael , Stevic Ivan , MacDonald Christine , Bhayana Vipin , Bolsover Jade , Smith Lori , Chin-Yee Ian 
Published: November 2023

A common practice exists in hospitals where extra tubes of blood are collected for possible add-on testing, this practice contributes to wastage of consumables. Baseline estimates from a 5-month local lab information system audit revealed that ~65 extra tubes per day were being collected, with an additional 2-week manual audit of all extra tubes received in the laboratory confirming the practice. The audits showed that the majority of the tubes (~99%) were being drawn from the adult emergency department (ED). Furthermore, only 5% of the extra tubes were being used for add-on testing, whereas the remaining tubes had no testing performed on them and were discarded at the end of the day. This translates to over 23 000 extra tubes being wasted annually.After initial discussion with ED leadership, the practice was identified as primarily nurse driven. An educational intervention was created and entitled ‘Every Tube Counts’, with the aim to reduce extra tube collections in the adult ED by 50% within the first month of intervention. First, a memo with initial findings and a request to stop the practice of extra tube collection was sent out to all ED staff. After 2 weeks of additional data collection, it was noticed that extra tubes were still being collected. A second intervention, which consisted of another communication and utilisation of nurse educators to disseminate the information to nursing staff, saw a remarkable ~80% reduction in collection of extra tubes in the following few months after the second intervention. The practice was followed for an additional 15 months, which saw a slight increase of extra tube collections over time with a levelling off towards the latter period of the study. However, the target goal was maintained over the entire study period.
How do sex-specific BMI trajectories shape diabetes risk? A longitudinal analysis of Indonesian adults
Authors: Liwin Lilipramawanty Kewok , Payne Collin F 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionSex is a critical predictor of body mass index (BMI) trajectory over the life span, playing a role in disparities in the risk of diabetes. While there is some evidence of the effect of BMI on the risk of diabetes, little is known about sex differences in BMI trajectories over the life span and their later life association with diabetes, especially in low-income and middle-income settings.MethodsUsing panel data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey, this study examines the impact of an individual’s BMI trajectory throughout adulthood on diabetes onset. Analysis for men and women were conducted separately. First, growth curve modelling estimates individuals’ BMI trajectories over age. Second, the effect of BMI trajectories on diabetes is estimated using logistic regression adjusted for individual socioeconomic status. Finally, we perform relative dominance analysis to test the importance of BMI trajectories as a predictor of diabetes in later life against abdominal obesity measurements.ResultsBMI trajectories over adulthood strongly predict the probability of diabetes in both men and women. A rapidly increasing BMI significantly increases the probability of diabetes in men regardless of individuals’ initial BMI. Among women, those who started out with an overweight/obese BMI and experienced a rapid loss in BMI over age had the highest risk of diabetes. Greater educational attainment is associated with an increase in the likelihood of diabetes in men, but higher education level is a protective factor from diabetes in women.ConclusionThe findings suggest that maintaining BMI at normal cut-off over the life course can lower the likelihood of diabetes onset in later adulthood. This study emphasises that simple monitoring of BMI trajectory over adulthood could be a useful tool to identify the population at risk of diabetes in contexts with substantial underdiagnoses of diabetes.
Health Hazard Evaluations of occupational cancer cluster concerns: the USA, January 2001–December 2020
Authors: Shi Dallas S , Rinsky Jessica L , Grimes George R , Chiu Sophia K 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesTo describe recent investigations of potential workplace cancer clusters.MethodsWe identified Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs) of cancer concerns during 2001–2020. We described information about industry, requestors, cancer characteristics, investigative procedures, and determinations about the presence of a cluster (ie, presence of excess cases, unusual case distribution or exposure).ResultsOf 5754 HHEs, 174 included cancer concerns, comprising 1%–5% of HHEs per year. In 123 HHEs, the cancer cluster concerns involved different cancer primary sites. Investigation procedures varied but included record review (n=63, 36%) and site visits (n=22, 13%). Of 158 HHEs with a cluster determination by investigator(s), 151 (96%) were not considered cancer clusters. In seven HHEs, investigators found evidence of a cluster, but occupational exposure to a carcinogen was not identified.ConclusionsThe proportion of HHEs on workplace cancer cluster concerns remained steady over time; most did not meet the definition of a cluster or uncover an occupational cause. Public health practitioners can use this information to provide updated context when addressing workplace cancer cluster concerns and as motivation to refine investigative approaches. More broadly, this review highlights an opportunity to identify best practices on how to apply community cluster investigation methods to the workplace.
Social desirability, dietary intakes, and variables related to attitudes and behaviours towards eating among French-speaking adults from Quebec, Canada: The PREDISE study
Authors: Boulanger Benoît , Bédard Alexandra , Carbonneau Élise , Pelletier Luc , Robitaille Julie , Lamarche Benoît , Lemieux Simone 
Published: November 2023

The primary objective of this study was to examine how social desirability is associated with self-reported measures of dietary intakes and variables related to attitudes and behaviours towards eating. This analysis was conducted in 1083 adults (50.0% women) from the PREDISE study. Social desirability was assessed using the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR) questionnaire, which includes two subscales: (1) self-deceptive enhancement (SDE), i.e., having an overly positive self-image and (2) impression management (IM), i.e., intentional response distortion to please. BIDR total score and IM subscore were positively associated with the Canadian Healthy Eating Index (C-HEI) ( ß = 0.24 and ß = 0.50; p ≤ 0.0003), calculated using data from three self-administered 24 h food recalls. All BIDR scores were positively associated with self-determined motivation for eating regulation (0.03 ≤ ß ≤ 0.06; p < 0.0001), measured by the Regulation of Eating Behavior Scale, and with the intuitive eating score (0.02 ≤ ß ≤ 0.05; p < 0.0001). Also, all BIDR scores were negatively associated with hunger and disinhibition scores measured by the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (−0.17 ≤ ß ≤ −0.09; p < 0.0001). All these associations were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and the education level. Furthermore, controlling for both dimensions of social desirability did not impact the magnitude of the association between self-determined motivation (the strongest predictor of healthy eating in the PREDISE study) and C-HEI. According to our results, associations are observed with diet quality, as well as with attitudes and behaviours towards eating; therefore, a measurement of social desirability responding would be pertinent in studies using those or related variables.