bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of an Artificial Cornea for Validation of a Novel Intraocular Pressure Measurement Device
Authors: Laha Avinash , Srinath Aravind , Talke Frank E. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
To improve the prospect of self-examining ophthalmic devices, we have previously developed a handheld 3-in-1 device consisting of a non-contact tonometer, visual acuity tester, and slit lamp biomicroscope [1]. For validating the tonometer measurement principle, we have developed an artificial cornea and manometer test stand using different silicone materials to study the deflection of the cornea as a function of the intraocular pressure (IOP) inside the human eye. Young’s moduli for all materials were evaluated and compared with that of human cornea. The intraocular pressure was varied between 0 and 40 mmHg and tested with both a commercial and the 3-in-1 device’s tonometer. Results from both devices validate the use of such a phantom eye apparatus to test similar ophthalmic instrumentation before clinical testing on humans.
An Optical Tracking Approach to Computer-Assisted Surgical Navigation via Stereoscopic Vision
Authors: Tsui Darin , Melentyev Capalina , Rajan Ananya , Kumar Rohan , Talke Frank E. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Computer-assisted navigation has become a popular solution in surgical procedures where a high amount of precision is required. Current state-of-the-art methods of surgical navigation involve tracking reflective 3D marker spheres using IR stereo-scopic cameras. However, the cost of implementing such systems may not be affordable for smaller healthcare systems. In this paper, we propose that fully optical navigation has the potential to be a viable alternative to state-of-the-art reflective marker navigation. We use fiducial ArUco markers to facilitate the tracking of real-time position. Using two inexpensive cameras, we design and calibrate a stereoscopic camera to record the 3D position of an ArUco marker moving through space along a positioning platform. Additionally, we explore the possibility of using different color spaces and physical marker colors to improve the detection percentage and accuracy of markers. We identified that black-and-white ArUco markers using the Hue, Saturation, and Lightness (HSL) color space gave a positional mean error of 5.38 mm. Using the Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) color space gave the highest detection percentage for the same ArUco markers. In the future, the mean error can be reduced by increasing camera quality and by using a multi-stereoscopic camera setup.
Fungi involved in rhinosinusitis in arid regions: insights from molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility
Authors: Zhou Shaoqin , Ismail Mawahib A. I. , Buil Jochem B. , Gabr Aida , Verweij Paul E. , Mahgoub El-Sheikh , de Hoog Sybren , Kang Yingqian , Ahmed Sarah A. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) is a common problem worldwide, with an increasing burden in arid climate regions.
Aspergillus
species are the most common causative agents involved. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence, molecular characterization, and antifungal susceptibility of opportunists causing FRS in Sudan on the basis of strains collected over a period of 5 years. β-Tubulin and calmodulin sequencing were used for species identification, and antifungal susceptibility profiles were evaluated by the protocol of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). Predominant species belonged to the
Aspergillus flavus
complex (
n
= 244),
A. terreus
complex (
n
= 16),
A. fumigatus
complex (
n
= 7), and other fungi (
n
= 17). Molecular identification of 94 strains of
Aspergillus
revealed the following species:
A. flavus
(
n
= 88),
A. terreus
(
n
= 1),
A. citrinoterreus
(
n
= 2),
A. fumigatus
(
n
= 1),
A. caespitosus
(
n
= 1), and
A. sydowii
(
n
= 1). Several
A. flavus
and an
A. fumigatus
isolates showed reduced susceptibility to azoles (minimum inhibitory concentrations above the clinical breakpoints or epidemiological cutoff values). Despite several mutations revealed in
cyp51A
of these isolates, none could be directly linked to azole resistance. Molecular identification of fungi causing FRS is useful to identify cryptic species and for epidemiologic studies.

IMPORTANCE

Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) is a significant clinical problem in arid regions. This study provides new insights into the prevalence, etiology, and antifungal susceptibility of FRS pathogens in Sudan, where the disease burden is high.
Aspergillus
species, particularly the
A. flavus
complex, were identified as the primary FRS pathogens in the region, with some evidence of antifungal resistance. The molecular identification of fungal species causing FRS is useful for detecting antifungal resistance, identifying cryptic species, and characterizing the epidemiology of the disease. The emergence of Azole resistance
Aspergilli
in Sudan highlights the need for continued surveillance and appropriate use of antifungal agents. These findings have important implications for clinical management, public health policy, and future research on FRS. Publishing this study in Microbiology Spectrum would enable other researchers and clinicians to build on these findings, ultimately improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of FRS.
Heterogeneity and transmission of food safety-related enterotoxigenic
Staphylococcus aureus
in pig abattoirs in Hubei, China
Authors: Zhu Zhihao , Wu Simin , Chen Xingyu , Tan Wei , Zou Geng , Huang Qi , Meng Xianrong , Hu Dong-Liang , Li Shaowen 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

The dissemination of
Staphylococcus aureus
in the pork production chain is a major food safety concern. Abattoirs can serve both as disruptor and transmitter for
S. aureus
. In this study, we conducted a systematic genomic epidemiology research on the prevalence, heterogeneity, and transmission of
S. aureus
in 3,638 samples collected from four pig abattoirs in Hubei province, China. Our findings revealed substantial heterogeneity between
S. aureus
recovered from samples collected at upstream (from stunning step to head-removal step) and downstream (from splitting step to chilling step) locations within the slaughter process. Overall, 966 (26.6%) samples were positive for
S. aureus
, with significantly higher overall prevalence for upstream samples (29.0%, 488/1,681) compared to downstream samples (24.4%, 478/1,957). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated that the isolates from the upstream exhibited significantly higher resistance proportions to different antimicrobials than those from the downstream. Whole-genome sequencing of 126 isolates revealed that ST398 (32.9%, 23/70) and ST9 (22.9%, 16/70) were more common among upstream isolates, while ST7 (35.7%, 20/56) and ST97 (28.6%, 16/56) were most frequently observed among downstream isolates. Additionally, molecular characterization analysis demonstrated that upstream isolates possessed significantly higher enterotoxigenic potential, more antimicrobial resistance genes, and
S. aureus
pathogenicity islands than downstream isolates. Notably, we discovered that enterotoxigenic
S. aureus
could be transmitted across different slaughter stages, with knives, water, and air serving as vectors. Although slaughtering processes had a substantial effect on reducing the food safety risk posed by enterotoxigenic
S. aureus
, the possibility of its widespread transmission should not be disregarded.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
(
S. aureus
) is one of the most important foodborne pathogens, and can cause foodborne poisoning by producing enterotoxins. Pork is a preferable reservoir and its contamination often occurs during the slaughter process. Our findings revealed significant differences in the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and enterotoxigenic potential between the upstream and downstream isolates within the slaughter process. Also, it is imperative not to overlook enterotoxigenic
S. aureus
transmitted across all stages of the slaughter process, with notable vectors being knives, water, and air. These findings hold significant implications for policy-makers to reassess their surveillance projects, and underscore the importance of implementing effective control measures to minimize the risk of
S. aureus
contamination in pork production. Moreover, we provide a more compelling method of characterizing pathogen transmission based on core-SNPs of bacterial genomes.
Transcriptional profiling and genetic analysis of a cystic fibrosis airway-relevant model shows asymmetric responses to growth in a polymicrobial community
Authors: Kesthely Christopher A. , Rogers Rendi R. , El Hafi Bassam , Jean-Pierre Fabrice , O’Toole George A. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Bacterial infections in the lungs of persons with cystic fibrosis are typically composed of multispecies biofilm-like communities, which modulate clinically relevant phenotypes that cannot be explained in the context of a single species culture. Most analyses to date provide a picture of the transcriptional responses of individual pathogens; however, there is relatively little data describing the transcriptional landscape of clinically relevant multispecies communities. Harnessing a previously described cystic fibrosis-relevant, polymicrobial community model consisting of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sanguinis,
and
Prevotella melaninogenica
, we performed an RNA-Seq analysis on the biofilm population to elucidate the transcriptional profiles of the community grown in artificial sputum medium (ASM) as compared to growth in monoculture, without mucin, and in fresh medium supplemented with tobramycin. We provide evidence that, although the transcriptional profile of
P. aeruginosa
is community agnostic, the transcriptomes of
S. aureus
and
S. sanguinis
are community aware. Furthermore,
P. aeruginosa
and
P. melaninogenica
are transcriptionally sensitive to the presence of mucin in ASM, whereas
S. aureus
and
S. sanguinis
largely do not alter their transcriptional profiles in the presence of mucin when grown in a community. Only
P. aeruginosa
shows a robust response to tobramycin. Genetic studies of mutants altered in community-specific growth provide complementary data regarding how these microbes adapt to a community context.

IMPORTANCE
Polymicrobial infections constitute the majority of infections in the cystic fibrosis (CF) airway, but their study has largely been neglected in a laboratory setting. Our lab previously reported a polymicrobial community that can help explain clinical outcomes in the lungs of persons with CF. Here, we obtained transcriptional profiles of the community versus monocultures to provide transcriptional information about how this model community responds to CF-related growth conditions and perturbations. Genetic studies provide complementary functional outputs to assess how the microbes adapt to life in a community.
Representation of the RG-Invariant Quantities in Perturbative QCD through Powers of the Conformal Anomaly
Authors: Kataev A. L. , Molokoedov V. S. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this work we consider the possibility of representing the perturbative series for renormalization group invariant quantities in QCD in the form of their decomposition in powers of the conformal anomaly $${{\beta ({{\alpha }_{s}})} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\beta ({{\alpha }_{s}})} {{{\alpha }_{s}}}}} \right. \kern-0em} {{{\alpha }_{s}}}}$$ in the $$\overline {{\text{MS}}} $$-scheme. We remind that such expansion is possible for the Adler function of the process of $${{e}^{ + }}{{e}^{ - }}$$ annihilation into hadrons and the coefficient function of the Bjorken polarized sum rule for the deep-inelastic electron-nucleon scattering, which are both related by the CBK relation. In addition, we study the discussed decomposition for the static quark-antiquark Coulomb-like potential, its relation with the quantity defined by the cusp anomalous dimension and the coefficient function of the Bjorken unpolarized sum rule of neutrino-nucleon scattering. In conclusion we also present the formal results of applying this approach to the non-renormalization invariant ratio between the pole and $$\overline {{\text{MS}}} $$-scheme running mass of heavy quark in QCD and compare them with those already known in the literature. The arguments in favor of the validity of the considered representation in powers of $${{\beta ({{\alpha }_{s}})} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\beta ({{\alpha }_{s}})} {{{\alpha }_{s}}}}} \right. \kern-0em} {{{\alpha }_{s}}}}$$ for all mentioned renorm-invariant perturbative quantities are discussed.
Association of C-reactive protein with future development of diabetes: a population-based 7-year cohort study among Norwegian adults aged 30 and older in the Tromsø Study 2007–2016
Authors: Tong Kit I , Hopstock Laila Arnesdatter , Cook Sarah 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesThe extent to which observed associations between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and incident diabetes are explained by obesity and hypertension remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of hs-CRP with developing diabetes in a Norwegian general population sample.DesignA cohort study using two population-based surveys of the Tromsø Study: the sixth survey Tromsø6 (2007–2008) as baseline and the seventh survey Tromsø7 (2015–2016) at follow-up.SettingTromsø municipality of Norway, a country with increasing proportion of older adults and a high prevalence of overweight, obesity and hypertension.Participants8067 women and men without diabetes, aged 30–87 years, at baseline Tromsø6 who subsequently also participated in Tromsø7.Outcome measuresDiabetes defined by self-reported diabetes, diabetes medication use and/or HbA1c≥6.5% (≥48 mmol/mol) was modelled by logistic regression for the association with baseline hs-CRP, either stratified into three quantiles or as continuous variable, adjusted for demographic factors, behavioural and cardiovascular risk factors, lipid-lowering medication use, and hypertension. Interactions by sex, body mass index (BMI), hypertension or abdominal obesity were assessed by adding interaction terms in the fully adjusted model.ResultsThere were 320 (4.0%) diabetes cases after 7 years. After multivariable adjustment including obesity and hypertension, individuals in the highest hs-CRP tertile 3 had 73% higher odds of developing diabetes (OR 1.73; p=0.004; 95% CI 1.20 to 2.49) when compared with the lowest tertile or 28% higher odds of incidence per one-log of hs-CRP increment (OR 1.28; p=0.003; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.50). There was no evidence for interaction between hs-CRP and sex, hypertension, BMI or abdominal obesity.ConclusionsRaised hs-CRP was associated with future diabetes development in a Norwegian adult population sample. The CRP-diabetes association could not be fully explained by obesity or hypertension.
Exploring the safety and efficacy of stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy with distal selective vagotomy versus conventional gastrojejunostomy with highly selective vagotomy for treating benign gastric outlet obstruction: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Haiqiao , Liu Xiaoye , Zheng Zhi , Xue Yasheng , Yin Jie , Zhang Jun 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionBenign gastric outlet obstruction (BGOO) severely impacts the quality of life of patients. The main treatment methods for BGOO include surgery and endoscopy, but both have significant drawbacks. Therefore, this study aims to explore the safety and efficacy of a new technique, to develop a new option for treating BGOO.Methods and analysisThis is an ongoing prospective, single-centre, single-blind randomised controlled trial. The study will be conducted from January 2022 to December 2025, and 50 patients will be enrolled. The participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the experimental (stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy with distal selective vagotomy) or control groups (conventional gastrojejunostomy with highly selective vagotomy). We will collect baseline characteristics, laboratory tests, auxiliary examinations, operation, postoperative conditions and follow-up data. Follow-up will last for 3 years. The main outcome is the incidence of delayed gastric emptying within 30 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes include the efficacy indicator (consisting of serum gastrin level, pepsinogen level, 13C breath test, gastrointestinal quality of life index, operation time, blood loss and postoperative recovery), a safety evaluation index (consisting of complications and mortality within 30 days after surgery) and follow-up data (consisting of the incidence of primary ulcer progression in 3 years after surgery, and the gastroscopy results in 1 and 3 years after surgery).Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University (no. 2021-P2-274-02). The study conformed to the provisions of the Declaration of Helsinki (as revised in 2013). Written informed consent will be obtained prior to study enrolment. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration numberChiCTR2100052197.
ACEMID cohort study: protocol of a prospective cohort study using 3D total body photography for melanoma imaging and diagnosis
Authors: Koh Uyen , Cust Anne E , Fernández-Peñas Pablo , Mann Graham , Morton Rachael , Wolfe Rory , Payne Elizabeth , Horsham Caitlin , Kwaan Grace , Mahumud Rashidul Alam , Sashindranath Maithili , Soyer Hans Peter , Mar Victoria , Janda Monika 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionThree-dimensional (3D) total body photography may improve early detection of melanoma and facilitate surveillance, leading to better prognosis and lower healthcare costs. The Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID) cohort study will assess long-term outcomes from delivery of a precision strategy of monitoring skin lesions using skin surface imaging technology embedded into health services across Australia.Methods and analysisA prospective cohort study will enrol 15 000 participants aged 18 years and above, across 15 Australian sites. Participants will attend study visits according to their melanoma risk category: very high risk, high risk or low/average risk, every 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively, over 3 years. Participants will undergo 3D total body photography and dermoscopy imaging at study visits. A baseline questionnaire will be administered to collect sociodemographic, phenotypic, quality of life and sun behaviour data. A follow-up questionnaire will be administered every 12 months to obtain changes in sun behaviour and quality of life. A saliva sample will be collected at the baseline visit from a subsample.Ethics and disseminationThe ACEMID cohort study was approved by the Metro South Health Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: HREC/2019/QMS/57206) and the University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: 2019003077). The findings will be reported through peer-reviewed and lay publications and presentations at conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12619001706167.
Knowledge and practice of the management of breakthrough cancer pain among general practitioners providing palliative care in Shanghai, China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Yu Ying , Zhang Panpan , Chen Danxia , Jiang Sun Fang 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveThis study examined knowledge and practice of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) management among general practitioners (GPs) providing palliative care in Shanghai.DesignCross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire.Setting and participantsA total of 393 GPs providing palliative care in 32 community health service centres in Shanghai were recruited by stratified cluster random sampling between 1 May and 30 June 2022.Outcome measuresKnowledge and practice concerning BTcP management.ResultsA total of 375 questionnaires were collected and declared valid. The median knowledge score was 11 out of 21 points. Only 36.3% (n=136) of the participating GPs scored 11 points or more, which was categorised as good knowledge. Only 24.8% (n=93) of the GPs used Davies’ adapted diagnostic algorithm as the gold standard for diagnosis. All of the GPs assessed the intensity of BTcP; however, less than a quarter of the GPs evaluated the relationship between background pain and BTcP (22.1%, n=83), the impact of BTcP on activities of daily living (24.0%, n=90), the impact of BTcP on social relationships (14.4%, n=54) and the impact of BTcP on mood (10.1%, n=38). 56.5% (n=212) of the GPs reported that they used pain tools in the assessment of BTcP. All of the GPs prescribed immediate-release morphine as rescue medication for relieving BTcP; however, 60.5% (n=227) prescribed the dose based on their personal experiences, irrespective of the basal opioid dose, and 57.3% (n=215) did not conduct dose titration after providing the initial dose. No GPs reported that they ever administered interventional treatment to their patients.ConclusionsInsufficient knowledge and inappropriate behaviours in BTcP diagnosis, assessment and treatment were identified. There is an urgent need to improve BTcP management among GPs providing palliative care in Shanghai.
Physical activity and self-rated health during retirement transition: a multitrajectory analysis of concurrent changes among public sector employees
Authors: Lintuaho Roosa , Saltychev Mikhail , Pentti Jaana , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate concurrent changes in physical activity and self-rated health during retirement transition over 4 years by multivariate trajectory analysis and to examine whether sociodemographic and lifestyle factors predict the probability of being classified to a certain subgroup of observed changes.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingPublic sector employees.Participants3550 participants of the Finnish Retirement and Aging study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresParticipants estimated on a yearly questionnaire their weekly hours of different types of activities converted to metabolic equivalent of task-hour/week. Self-rated health was assessed on a 5-point Likert-like scale from poor to excellent and dichotomised as suboptimal and optimal. Multivariate trajectory analysis was used to distinguish different subgroups of trajectories. Multinomial regression analysis was used to describe the associations between covariates and the probability of being classified to a certain trajectory group.ResultsThree trajectory groups were identified, all displaying increasing activity during retirement with a simultaneous decrease in perceived suboptimal health. Physical activity peaked at 18 months after retirement and then slightly decreased, except for initially highly physically active participants (9%) with good self-rated health, who demonstrated a constant high level of physical activity. Male gender, professional occupation, being married or cohabiting, body mass index <30 kg/m2, not smoking and using alcohol below risk levels were associated with higher physical activity and better self-rated health.ConclusionChanges in physical activity and perceived health during retirement transition were interconnected. Both were improved during retirement transition, but the change was temporary. Longer follow-up studies are required to assess the changes over a longer period after retirement.