bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pasteurella multocida Bacteremia in a Large Community Teaching Hospital, 2011–2020: A Quality Improvement Project—Lessons Learned Regarding Immunizations
Authors: Myer Ashley B. , Myers Joseph P. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Introduction

Pasteurella multocida is a small, pleomorphic, nonflagellated, gram-negative coccobacillus found as a commensal of the upper respiratory tract of mammals and birds. Human infections are linked primarily to dog and cat bites, scratches, and licks. As part of an institutional review board–approved quality improvement project, we reviewed 10 years of experience (2011–2020) with P. multocida bacteremia (PMB) at our institution.

Materials and Methods
We identified all episodes of PMB at our institution from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020, from computerized blood culture records. We recorded information regarding epidemiology, source of bacteremia, comorbid medical conditions, laboratory data, radiographic data, antimicrobial treatment, and patient outcomes as well as information regarding providers' inquiries about animal contact, animal rabies vaccine status, and patient tetanus immunization status.

Results
During the 10-year study period, we identified 21 patients with 20 episodes of PMB. One patient experienced 2 episodes of PMB 1 year apart. The mean/median ages of patients with PMB were 71/68 years, respectively. Of the 21 PMB episodes, 17 (81%) occurred in women. Notably, 8 of 21 episodes (38%) occurred in patients with underlying liver dysfunction: 5 with severe alcohol use disorder (AUD), 1 with chronic hepatitis C virus infection, and 2 with nonalcoholic cirrhosis. Three of 21 patients (14%) died because of complications of PMB despite appropriate antimicrobial therapy. All 3 fatal cases were women who met criteria for severe AUD. In 14 of 21 episodes (65%), the patient was asked about pet exposure: 12 of 14 exposures (86%) involved a cat. Rabies vaccination status of the pet was documented in 3 of 21 episodes (14%). Tetanus vaccination status of the patient was explored in 7 of 21 PMB episodes (33%).

Conclusions
There were 21 episodes of PMB in 20 patients during the 10-year study period. Pasteurella multocida bacteremia was associated with female sex (81%), multiple comorbid conditions, and, notably, with liver dysfunction resulting from severe AUD, hepatitis C virus infection, or cirrhosis from other causes. Mortality was 3/21 (14%) and all 3 patients who died had underlying liver disease. Opportunities for improvement in patients with PMB were identified including routine inquiries about patient's animal exposure, rabies vaccination status of involved animal, and tetanus verification/administration of patients with PMB. In addition, women with cirrhosis/AUD are at high risk for severe, fatal PMB when it occurs.
Structural Integrity of Absorbable Gelatin Sponges for Middle Ear Packing in Otologic Surgery
Authors: Li Hao , Roy Catherine F. , Cerruti Marta , Yeung Jeffrey C. 
Published: March 2023

Objective
This study investigates the physical properties upon immersion of two gelatin sponges commonly used in otologic surgery.

Background
Absorbable gelatin sponges are often used in middle ear surgery to achieve hemostasis and, perhaps more importantly, to provide a “scaffolding” to support ossicular chain and/or tympanic membrane reconstructions. Their rate of dissolution may therefore affect the success of tympanic membrane closure.

Methods
An in vitro study was conducted to quantify the material changes of two absorbable gelatin sponges, a standard-density sponge and one with fewer collagen cross-linkages (low-density sponge). Volume loss (%) in 0.9% saline, 0.3% ciprofloxacin, and/or 0.1% dexamethasone as single-agent otic drops in a combination formulation was measured at 15-minute intervals for the first hour and at days 1, 3, and 5 postimmersion. Secondary end points included compressibility, porosity under microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy analysis.

Results
The low-density sponge immersed in any of the three otic solutions showed a statistically significant greater volume loss at all time points when compared with the standard-density sponge (27.2% ± 5.4% vs. 15.4% ± 6.0% at 15 minutes and 44.8% ± 5.1% vs. 34.6% ± 2.9% at 5 days, p < 0.001). Interestingly, both sponges immersed in normal saline had lost almost half of their original volume after 15 minutes when compared with samples immersed in an otic solution (48.3% ± 4.6% vs. 21.3% ± 8.3%, respectively, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The standard-density sponge immersed in an otic solution of ciprofloxacin, dexamethasone, or a combination formulation best maintained its structural integrity. Ancillary in vivo studies are required to assess the hemostatic properties, surgical outcomes, and middle ear synechiae of the above study conditions.

Level of evidence
Foundational evidence.
Effect of sterile ice water versus menthol spray on thirst symptoms of fasted children in the intensive care unit: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Ma Fangyan , He Haiting , Xu Banghong , Zhou Jing , Pu Kai 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Thirst is a very common symptom in fasted children in intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sterile ice water versus menthol spray in ICU fasted children, to provide insights to the clinical care of fasted children.

Methods:
The children admitted to the ICU of our hospital from June 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022 and needed to fast were included. Children were randomly assigned to the ice water group or menthol group. We evaluated and compared the thirst distress scale (TDS), oral mucosa wetness scale (OMWS), children medical fear scale (CMFS), numerical rating scale (NRS), unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate between 2 groups.

Results:
A total of 139 children were included, involving 69 children in ice water group and 70 children in menthol group. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics, TDS, OMWS, OMWS, CMFS, and NRS score, UWS flow rate before intervention between ice water group and menthol group (all P > .05). After intervention, the TDS, OMWS, NRS score of menthol group was statistically less than that of ice water group (all P < .05), the UWS flow rate of menthol group was statistically higher than that of ice water group (P = .034).

Conclusions:
Compared with ice water spray, menthol spray may be more beneficial to relieve the thirst and increase the comfort in ICU fasted children. Future studies with larger sample size and rigorous design are needed to evaluate the effects and safety of ice water and menthol spray in the nursing care of children.
Intervention for modifying risk level of hypersexual behaviors among male parents with sexual offending history
Authors: Egenti Nkechi T. , Ede Moses Onyemaechi , Okeke Chinedu Ifedi , Oneli Joy Obiageli 
Published: March 2023

Background:
The increased sexual assault committed against women and young girls by people of the opposite gender has put their safety in danger in recent years. This has contributed to a growing number of adult sex offenders who have aggressive sexual attitudes. This study investigated the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in reducing the risk level of hypersexual behaviors among male parents.

Methods:
A total of convicted 48 inmates participated in this study. In pursuance of this aim, 3 dependent measures were employed in evaluating the participants’ violent sexual attitudes at 3 points. The simple random technique was adopted in selecting 24 participants who participated in the CBT program while 24 participants were used as the no-intervention control group.

Results:
The ANCOVA analysis shows a positive treatment outcome in reducing the risk level of hypersexual behaviors among male parents who participated in the CBT program when compared to the no-intervention control group. This study found that cognitive behavioral therapy intervention is a coping strategy for reducing hypersexual behaviors among male parents with sexual offending history in favor of participants in the intervention group at the 3 levels of assessments. The study showed a significant difference between groups in the risk level of hypersexual behaviors among male parents with a sexual offending history. Also, the result showed a significant interaction between time and treatment. Regarding the moderating impact of sexual behavior on the risk level of hypersexual behaviors,

Conclusion:
Given this, this study suggests that CBT intervention reduces the risk level of hypersexual behaviors among male parents. Implications for protection agencies and policies were highlighted.
Inferior mesenteric artery arteriovenous malformation, a rare cause of ischemic colitis: A case report
Authors: Chang Ching-Tang , Lim Wei-Xiong , Liu Ting-Ting , Lin Yueh-Ming , Chang Ching-Di 
Published: March 2023

Rationale:
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that connects the arteries and the veins. Because normal capillary bed is partially or completely absented in the AVM, the blood passes quickly from the arteries to the veins, which disrupts normal blood flow and oxygen supply to the surrounding tissues. This is called “steal phenomenon,” and in the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) territory, this may lead to abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, portal hypertension, and even ischemic colitis.

Patient concerns:
A 67-year-old man presented to our emergency department because of left side abdominal pain.

Diagnoses:
The abdominal computed tomography with contrast enhancement revealed a cluster of abnormal vascular lesions abutting the IMA with early opacification of the left colonic marginal vein. In addition, poor enhancement of segmental colonic wall was found from proximal descending colon to middle rectum. The diagnosis of AVM of the IMA and ischemic colitis was made.

Interventions:
The patient underwent left hemicolectomy as well as the AVM resection.

Outcomes:
He was discharged uneventfully after the surgery without complications.

Lessons:
IMA AVM carries the risk of ischemic colitis. computed tomography scan is helpful not only to the diagnosis of AVMs but also to exclude other lesions as well. Treatment options include endovascular embolization, surgical intervention, and a combination of both. Due to the complexity of this disease, treatment requires a case-specific multidisciplinary approach and a coordination of medical, radiological, and surgical staffs.
Learned Nocebo Effects on Cutaneous Sensations of Pain and Itch: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Experimental Behavioral Studies on Healthy Humans
Authors: Thomaidou Mia A. , Blythe Joseph S. , Peerdeman Kaya J. , van Laarhoven Antoinette I. M. , Van Schothorst Myrthe M. E. , Veldhuijzen Dieuwke S. , Evers Andrea W. M. 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT

Objective
In past decades, the field of nocebo research has focused on studying how sensory perception can be shaped by learning. Nocebo effects refer to aggravated sensory experiences or increased sensitivity to sensations such as pain and itch resulting from treatment-related negative experiences. Behavioral conditioning and verbal suggestions of a negative treatment outcome may aggravate pain and itch perception. Gaining a comprehensive view of the magnitude of nocebo effects and contributing factors will help steer nocebo research toward fruitful directions for understanding complex sensory phenomena.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of a total of 37 distinct experimental nocebo studies on healthy participants (all published in English between 2008 and 2021), with four separate meta-analyses for nocebo effects on pain or itch. We conducted subgroup analyses and meta-regression on factors such as type and intensity of sensory stimuli, and length of conditioning paradigms.

Results
This meta-analysis showed that, on average, effect sizes of nocebo effects were moderate to large (Hedges g between 0.26 and 0.71 for the four primary outcomes). The combination of conditioning and verbal suggestions yielded stronger nocebo responses on pain in particular. Subgroup analyses, including factors such as the type of sensory stimulation, did not explain the moderate heterogeneity in nocebo magnitudes between different studies. Risk of bias was generally low and was not related to nocebo magnitudes either.

Conclusions
We discuss these results in relation to the role of conditioning and aversive learning, and we recommend more consistency in designing and reporting nocebo experiments.
Peripheral Artery Disease and Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction and Platelet Activation in People With HIV
Authors: Bundgård Johanne , Jensen Anne Marie R. , Suarez-Zdunek Moises A. , Høgh Julie , Gerstoft Jan , Benfield Thomas , Ostrowski Sisse R. , Nielsen Susanne D. , Knudsen Andreas D. 
Published: March 2023

Background:
People with HIV (PWH) have an increased risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), but the pathogenesis is unknown. We aimed to determine the associations between markers of endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation and both PAD at baseline and de novo PAD in PWH.

Methods:
In total, 1012 PWH from the longitudinal Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV-infection (COCOMO) study and 57 age-matched and sex-matched population controls were included. Plasma samples were collected at baseline and analyzed for soluble thrombomodulin, syndecan-1, and CD40 ligand (sCD40L). The ankle-brachial index was measured at baseline and two-year follow-up in PWH. Logistic and Poisson regression models were used to test associations.

Results:
PWH had higher concentrations of soluble thrombomodulin (P = 0.03) and syndecan-1 (P < 0.001) and lower concentration of sCD40L (P < 0.001) compared with controls. High concentration of soluble thrombomodulin, but not syndecan-1 or sCD40L, was associated with lower odds of PAD in PWH at baseline after adjustments (adjusted odds ratio: 0.50 [0.28, 0.90], P = 0.02). None of the markers were associated with de novo PAD.

Conclusions:
PWH had higher concentrations of soluble thrombomodulin and syndecan-1 and lower concentration of sCD40L compared with controls. Soluble thrombomodulin was associated with lower odds of PAD at baseline. Further studies are needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of PAD in people with HIV.
The Efficacy and Tolerability of Continuation and Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy for Depression
Authors: Rowland Tobias , Mann Roshani , Azeem Samina 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for severe and treatment-resistant depression, but relapse rates remain high despite maintenance pharmacotherapy. Continuation or maintenance ECT (C/M-ECT) offers the potential to prevent relapses in the most unwell patients, but there remains disagreement among guidelines regarding its efficacy and tolerability. This review aims to summarize and assess the current evidence for the efficacy and tolerability of continuation and maintenance ECT for depression, including data from randomized and observational studies, which included an appropriate control group. Twenty studies were found meeting inclusion criteria. There was evidence from 14 studies suggesting that relapse rates are reduced in those receiving C/M-ECT. There was evidence from 6 studies suggesting that C/M-ECT had no effect on global cognitive function. Detailed neuropsychological testing was limited, but within studies that assessed specific cognitive domains, there was not consistent evidence for deficits in C/M-ECT compared with the control group. The certainty of evidence across outcomes was low or very low because of inclusion of observational studies, heterogeneity of study design, and patient populations. The findings add further weight to evidence suggesting that C/M-ECT is a viable treatment option to prevent relapse in severe depression and provides clinicians with further evidence for the benefits and risks of C/M-ECT when discussing treatment options with patients. Future research should focus on randomized or well-designed prospective studies with sufficient follow-up to determine longer-term outcomes, while including a standardized, detailed neurocognitive battery to assess potential adverse effects.
High temperatures augment inhibition of parasites by a honey bee gut symbiont
Authors: Palmer-Young Evan C , Markowitz Lindsey M , Huang Wei-Fone , Evans Jay D 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTTemperature affects growth, metabolism, and interspecific interactions in microbial communities. Within animal hosts, gut bacterial symbionts can provide resistance to parasitic infections. Infection can also be shaped by host body temperature. However, the effects of temperature on the antiparasitic activities of gut symbionts have seldom been explored. TheLactobacillus-rich gut microbiota of facultatively endothermic honey bees is subject to seasonal and ontogenetic changes in host temperature that could alter the effects of symbionts against parasites. We used cell cultures of aLactobacillussymbiont and an important trypanosomatid gut parasite of honey bees to test the potential for temperature to shape parasite-symbiont interactions.We found that symbionts showed greater heat tolerance than parasites and chemically inhibited parasite growth via production of acids. Acceleration of symbiont growth and acid production at high temperatures resulted in progressively stronger antiparasitic effects across a temperature range typical of bee colonies. Consequently, the presence of symbionts reduced both peak growth rate and heat tolerance of parasites. Results suggest that the endothermic behavior of honey bees could potentiate the effectiveness of gut symbionts that limit parasites’ ability to withstand high temperature, implicating thermoregulation as a reinforcer of core symbioses and possibly microbiome-mediated antiparasitic defense.IMPORTANCETwo factors that shape the resistance of animals to infection are body temperature and gut microbiota. However, temperature can also alter interactions among microbes, raising the question of whether and how temperature changes the antiparasitic effects of gut microbiota. Honey bees are agriculturally important hosts of diverse parasites and infection-mitigating gut microbes. They can also socially regulate their body temperatures to an extent unusual for an insect. We show that high temperatures found in honey bee colonies augment the ability of a gut bacterial symbiont to inhibit growth of a common bee parasite and reduce the parasite’s ability to grow at high temperatures. This suggests that fluctuations in colony and body temperatures across life stages and seasons could alter the protective value of bees’ gut microbiota against parasites, and that temperature-driven changes in gut microbiota could be an underappreciated mechanism by which temperature— including endothermy and fever— alters animal infection.
HLA3DB: comprehensive annotation of peptide/HLA complexes enables blind structure prediction of T cell epitopes
Authors: Gupta Sagar , Nerli Santrupti , Kandy Sreeja Kutti , Mersky Glenn L. , Sgourakis Nikolaos G. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe class I proteins of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) display epitopic peptides derived from endogenous proteins on the cell surface for immune surveillance. Accurate modeling of peptide/HLA (pHLA, the human MHC) structures has been mired by conformational diversity of the central peptide residues, which are critical for recognition by T cell receptors. Here, analysis of X-ray crystal structures within a curated database (HLA3DB) shows that pHLA complexes encompassing multiple HLA allotypes present a discrete set of peptide backbone conformations. Leveraging these representative backbones, we employ a regression model trained on terms of a physically relevant energy function to develop a comparative modeling approach for nonamer peptide/HLA structures named RepPred. Our method outperforms the top pHLA modeling approach by up to 19% in terms of structural accuracy, and consistently predicts blind targets not included in our training set. Insights from our work provide a framework for linking conformational diversity with antigen immunogenicity and receptor cross-reactivity.
Evaluation of In2Care® mosquito stations for suppression of the Australian backyard mosquito,Aedes notoscriptus
Authors: Paris Véronique , Bell Nick , Schmidt Thomas L. , Endersby-Harshman Nancy M. , Hoffmann Ary A. 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTAedes notoscriptus(Skuse) is a container-inhabiting mosquito endemic to Australia that vectors arboviruses and is suspected to transmitMycobacterium ulcerans, the cause of Buruli ulcer. We evaluated the effectiveness of the In2Care® station, which suppresses mosquito populations via the entomopathogenic fungus,Beauveria bassiana, and the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen, the latter of which is autodisseminated among larval habitats by contaminated mosquitoes. A field trial was conducted using 110 In2Care® stations in a 50,000 m2area and results were compared to four control areas that did not receive the treatment. Efficacy was evaluated by comparing egg counts and measuring larvicidal impact in surrounding breeding sites. Laboratory experiments validated the effect ofB. bassianaon adult survival. Results of this field trial indicate that, six weeks after the In2Care® stations were deployed, treatment site ovitraps contained 43% fewer eggs than control site ovitraps, and 33% fewer eggs after ten weeks, suggesting that the In2Care® station was able to reduce the egg density ofAe. notoscriptus. Population reduction remained evident for up to three weeks after In2Care® stations were removed. Treatment site ovitraps had significantly fewerAe. notoscriptuseclosing than control site ovitraps, confirming the pyriproxyfen autodissemination feature of the stations. An average reduction of 50% in adult eclosion was achieved. Exposure toB. bassianaresulted in four-times higher mortality among adult mosquitoes. Additionally, using fresh In2Care® nettings led to an 88% decrease in average survival compared to four-week-old nettings. The use of In2Care® stations has potential for suppressingAe. notoscriptusegg density.
Quantification of microvascular lesions in the central retinal field: could it predict the severity of diabetic retinopathy?
Authors: Fernández-Carneado Jimena , Almazán-Moga Ana , Ramírez-Lamelas Dolores T. , Cuscó Cristina , de la Fuente José Ignacio Alonso , Pastor Jimeno José Carlos , López-Gálvez María Isabel , Ponsati Berta 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTObjectiveDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the presence of microcirculatory lesions. Among them, microaneurysms (MAs) are the first observable hallmark of early ophthalmological changes. The present work aims at studying whether the quantification of MA, haemorrhages (Hmas) and hard exudates (HEs) in the central retinal field (CRF) could have a predictive value on DR severity.Research Design and MethodsRetinal lesions (MAs, Hmas and HEs) were quantified in the CRF of 160 retinographies from diabetic patients from the IOBA’s reading center, previously classified by two expert readers with the 3 fields-Joslin system. Samples included different disease severity levels and excluded proliferating forms: no DR (n=30), mild non-proliferative (n=30), moderate (n=50) and severe (n=50).ResultsQuantification of MAs, Hmas, and HEs revealed an increase trend of these lesions as DR severity progresses. Differences between severity levels were statistically significant, suggesting that the analysis of the CRF provides valuable information on severity level and could be used as a valuable tool to assess DR grading in the clinical practice.ConclusionsEven though further validation is needed, the counting of microvascular lesions in the central retinal field can be proposed as a rapid screening system to classify DR patients with different stages of severity according to the international classification.