bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P17 Quality assurance in bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing results: an essential component of antimicrobial resistance surveillance
Authors: Githii Susan , Kahura Jedida , Zawadi Mercy , Muchiri George , Waswa Ethel , Stabler Richard 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to human health. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing play an essential role in patient care and control of antibiotic resistance mechanisms by indicating which antibiotics are most likely to treat an infection, reducing the empirical prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics and avoiding the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics to reduce healthcare costs. AMR surveillance in Kenya has historically been focused on pathogens that cause significant mortality and morbidity such as diarrhoea illnesses and bacteraemia. Many private hospitals and a few public hospitals in Kenya have the capacity to conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing; however, the available data are rarely verified for quality.

Methods
This study was conducted in five sentinel sites in Kenya. Clinical samples were processed in the sites as part of routine microbiology. Each sentinel site selected isolates as per the National AMR sample referral guide and sent them to the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NMRL) for quality assessment. Upon reception of isolates at NMRL, they were subcultured and subjected to organism identification testing using MALDI-TOF equipment. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using Vitek 2 compact. In case of any discrepancy on organism identification, correct antibiotic selection and resistance interpretation, the sites were informed.

Results
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which were the most frequently isolated pathogens. High resistance to cephalosporins was observed with the E. coli isolates. Over 80% susceptibility of E. coli to amikacin, ampicillin, gentamicin, meropenem, nitrofurantoin and piperacillin/tazobactam was observed. This shows that the antibiotics can be used for empirical therapy in areas where there is no laboratory capacity for antibiotic susceptibility testing. Resistance to gentamicin of S. aureus isolates was found to be 10%, which shows that gentamicin still finds a role in controlling S. aureus infections. Penicillin resistance in S. aureus was 100%. High levels of resistance were observed with erythromycin (61%) and ampicillin (84%)

Conclusions
There is no site that scored 100% in pathogen identification and drug–bug combination. Continuous capacity building of AMR surveillance sites through mentorships to improve quality of data generated is of paramount importance. E. coli and S. aureus were the most frequently isolated pathogens. High levels of resistance were observed with erythromycin (61%) and ampicillin (84%), which calls for antibiotic stewardship programmes to educate on optimal antibiotic use.
P19 A service evaluation to assess antimicrobial resistance in penicillin allergy
Authors: Ahmed S , Relton S , West R , Sandoe J 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background
Antibiotic consumption is one of the main drivers for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To improve clinical outcomes and tackle AMR, we need to improve antibiotic usage in patients with penicillin allergy (PenA). Patients with PenA have been found to have higher antibiotic usage, often requiring repeated courses of antibiotics compared with those without PenA. Additionally, patients with PenA are more likely to receive broad spectrum antibiotics.

Objectives
To determine whether patients who have PenA are more likely to be colonized or infected with resistant bacteria.

Methods
Data were extracted from the pathology reporting system (Telepath) for blood culture specimens isolating Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae between 2017 and 2019 at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Sputum samples from 2019 that isolated S. pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were also analysed. These organisms/samples were chosen as these would indicate the presence of an infection where a penicillin would normally be used as first-line therapy. Where patients had multiple samples only the first sample obtained during the study period was included in the analysis. Standard descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data and characteristics were cross tabulated with penicillin allergy status.

Results
S. pneumoniae isolated from blood cultures: A total of 297 patients were included in the analysis, 33/297 (11.1%) had PenA, 50.8% were female and the median age was 60 years (IQR 37–75). Susceptibility results are summarized in Figure 1. Resistant isolates are comprised of isolates with resistant or intermediate susceptibility. S. aureus isolated from blood cultures: Analysis included 783 isolates from first patient encounters, 97/783 (12.4%) patients had PenA, 35.1% were female and the median age was 58 years (IQR 39–74.5). Susceptibility results are summarized in Figure 2. S. pneumoniae isolated from sputum: A total of 156 isolates were included in the final analysis: 29/156 (18.6%) patients had PenA, 53.3% were female and the median age was 67 years. Susceptibility results are summarized in Figure 3. H. influenzae isolated from sputum: A total 719 samples were included, 122/719 (15.8%) patients had PenA, 55.9% were female and median age was 67 years. Susceptibility results are summarized in Figure 4.

Conclusions
PenA prevalence differs across different patient populations. A higher proportion of patients with PenA had resistance in S. pneumoniae sputum isolates compared with those without, however this finding did not meet statistical significance. Further studies evaluating the impact of PenA on AMR need to be conducted.
Cyber Solace: Historicizing an Online Forum for Patients with Depression, 1990-1999
Authors: Huang Daniel 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Alt.support.depression (ASD) was an online forum for patients with depression that operated in the 1990s on the computer network Usenet. At its peak, the forum had an estimated readership of 57,000 and saw upwards of 500 posts a day. Aligning with recent efforts by historians to deinstitutionalize the history of psychiatry, this study traces the emergence of ASD as a new extramural space for mental health care in the 1990s. Its users created a unique therapeutic milieu informed by the consumer-survivor movement and 1990s cyberculture. As ASD grew in size and complexity, its users sought to redesign their forum, opening what had previously been a technological black box. Working by a process of inscription—a concept described by science and technology studies scholar Madeleine Akrich—they created a unique psychiatric constituency whose attitude towards technologies of mental health care was neither submissive nor subversive. Rather, the forum’s users developed their own notions of patient empowerment and lay expertise in psychiatry.
Professional Jurisdictions and Intraprofessional Identity Dynamics: Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine and the Doctors of General Medicine
Authors: Tsai Gawin , Veazey Brooks Joanna 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Professional jurisdictional boundaries change throughout time due to a myriad of factors such as scientific advances, social changes, or governmental requirements. Research on the negotiation of these jurisdictional changes has primarily focused on the relational dynamics between professions that affect these boundaries. We examine two physician groups that considered jurisdictional changes which were initially antithetical to their core professional identity. The DOs grappled with whether or not to incorporate drug therapy into their practice, and generalist MDs had to decide whether or not to become a specialty. We find that jurisdictional negotiations also occur within a profession, not just between them. We argue that for a profession to pursue a change in scope, members must settle on an interpretation of their professional identity congruent with the potential jurisdictional change.
Efficient extracellular production of recombinant proteins in E. coli via enhancing expression of dacA on the genome
Authors: Yang Haiquan , Wang Haokun , Wang Fuxiang , Zhang Kunjie , Qu Jinfeng , Guan Jianmin , Shen Wei , Cao Yu , Xia Yuanyuan , Chen Xianzhong 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
D, D-carboxypeptidase DacA plays an important role in the synthesis and stabilization of Escherichia coli cell wall peptidoglycan. The production level of extracellular recombinant proteins in E. coli can be enhanced by high D, D-carboxypeptidase activity. Construction of expression systems under optimal promoters is one of the main strategies to realize high protein production in E. coli. In this study, the promoter PdacA-3 from DacA on the genome of E. coli BL21 (DE3) was verified to be efficient for recombinant green fluorescent protein using the plasmid mutant pET28a-PdacA with PdacA-3. Meanwhile, the promoter PdacA-3 was engineered to increase the production level of proteins via inserting one or two Shine–Dalgarno (SD) sequences between the promoter PdacA-3 and the target genes. The expression level of dacA on the genome was increased by the improved transcription of the engineered promoters (especially after inserting one additional SD sequence). The engineered promoters increased cell membrane permeabilities to significantly enhance the secretion production of extracellular recombinant proteins in E. coli. Among them, the extracellular recombinant amylase activities in E. coli BL21::1SD-pET28a-amyK and E. coli BL21::2SD-pET28a-amyK were increased by 2.0- and 1.6-fold that of the control (E. coli BL21-pET28a-amyK), respectively. Promoter engineering also affected the morphology and growth of the E. coli mutants. It was indicated that the engineered promoters enhanced the expression of dacA on the genome to disturb the synthesis and structural stability of cell wall peptidoglycans.
The Anopheles lindesayi Species Complex (Diptera: Culicidae) in Bhutan
Authors: Somboon Pradya , Phanitchakun Thanari , Namgay Rinzin , Harbach Ralph E 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This paper deals with species A, C, D, and E of the Lindesayi Complex of Anopheles subgenus Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) that were recently recorded from Bhutan. Species B is not included due to insufficient data. Species A is Anopheles lindesayi sensu stricto, and species C, D, and E are new species that are formally described and named herein as Anopheles druki Somboon, Namgay & Harbach, Anopheles himalayensis Somboon, Namgay & Harbach and Anopheles thimphuensis Somboon, Namgay & Harbach, respectively. Morphological characteristics of the adults, larval and pupal stages of each species are provided and compared with An. lindesayi from Bhutan.
A case of an air gun bullet paranasal sinuses injury in an 11-year-old male
Authors: Georgolios Alexandros , Brestel Andrea , Childers Adrienne 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Non-powder firearms, such as BB guns, are considered safer than traditional firearms and are often marketed toward younger demographics as children’s toys. Recent advances in compressed-gas technology have drastically increased the firing power of these types of firearms, which has caused them to be more dangerous and capable of causing severe injury. We report the case of an 11-year-old male admitted for nasal injury caused by a BB gun pellet. The projectile had an unpredictable course: it pierced the skin of his left nasal sidewall, traversed through the soft tissues of the nose to the right nasal cavity violating the posterior septum, and lodged in the right posterior ethmoids adjacent to the posterior attachment of the middle turbinate. The metallic foreign object was successfully retrieved from the right nasal cavity via an endoscopic approach after minimal endoscopic dissection, guided by the preoperative radiologic imaging.
distAngsd: Fast and Accurate Inference of Genetic Distances for Next-Generation Sequencing Data
Authors: Zhao Lei , Nielsen Rasmus , Korneliussen Thorfinn Sand 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCommonly used methods for inferring phylogenies were designed before the emergence of high-throughput sequencing and can generally not accommodate the challenges associated with noisy, diploid sequencing data. In many applications, diploid genomes are still treated as haploid through the use of ambiguity characters; while the uncertainty in genotype calling—arising as a consequence of the sequencing technology—is ignored. In order to address this problem, we describe two new probabilistic approaches for estimating genetic distances: distAngsd-geno and distAngsd-nuc, both implemented in a software suite named distAngsd. These methods are specifically designed for next-generation sequencing data, utilize the full information from the data, and take uncertainty in genotype calling into account. Through extensive simulations, we show that these new methods are markedly more accurate and have more stable statistical behaviors than other currently available methods for estimating genetic distances—even for very low depth data with high error rates.
ZIP14 is involved in iron deposition and triggers ferroptosis in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Wu Keping , Fei Lingyan , Wang Xiaohua , Lei Yan , Yu Liu , Xu Wenqian , Chen Jiasi , Zhu Enyi , Zhong Ming , Huang Mingcheng , Xi Jiang , Yin Fei , Yan Zhijun , Zhao Xinying , Tang Chun , Patzak Andreas , Liu Xiaoping , Zheng Zhihua 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Ferroptosis is caused by lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation and can cause cell death. Abnormally expressed iron transporters are involved in ferroptosis in a variety of diseases. ZRT/IRT-like protein 14 (ZIP14) is a transport protein that can mediate cellular uptake of iron, zinc, and manganese. Herein, we have tested the hypothesis that the divalent metal transporter ZIP14 is involved in the initiation of ferroptosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN). DN was induced in 8-week-old male rats by streptozotocin before analysis of the degree of renal tubular injury. In addition, an in vitro model of DN in human kidney proximal tubular cell line was used. We showed that ZIP14 was up-regulated and ferrous iron (Fe2+) levels increased both in vivo and in vitro. Expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 and the level of glutathione were reduced, whereas that of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) treatment reduced the expression of ZIP14 and the levels of Fe2+ and MDA, which is consistent with ferroptosis. Fer-1 improved kidney function in DN rats. This was characterized by urine levels of protein-to-creatinine ratio, α1-microglobulin, and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase. Our study demonstrates a novel role for ZIP14 in diabetic kidney injury mediated by ferroptosis, and suggests a potential new therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
Bioconjugated chelates based on (methylpyridinyl)tacn: synthesis, 64Cu labeling and in vitro evaluation for prostate cancer targeting
Authors: Marlin Axia , Hierlmeier Ina , Guillou Amaury , Bartholomä Mark , Tripier Raphaël , Patinec Véronique 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Three new bifunctional copper chelators based on the 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn) platform have been synthesized and conjugated to peptides. The first one is constituted of the tacn with two methylpyridinyl and one methylthiazolyl carboxylic acid pendant arms, while, in the second and third ones, the macrocycle is functionalized by three methylpyridinyl groups, with an additional hexynoic acid chain on a carbon of one or two pyridine rings. These three bifunctional chelators have been conjugated to the antagonist DPhe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH2 peptide for targeting the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor, which is overexpressed in prostate cancer. The resulting monomeric bioconjugates have shown their efficiency to be radiolabeled with β+ emitter 64Cu, and the hydrophilicity and PC-3 cell internalization properties of these radiolabeled conjugates have been studied. PC-3 cell binding affinity of mono- and dimeric metal-free and natCu metallated conjugates have been evaluated by IC50 measurements. The results demonstrate the potential of these methylpyridinyl tacn derivatives for radiopharmaceutical applications.
UG/Abi: a highly diverse family of prokaryotic reverse transcriptases associated with defense functions
Authors: Mestre Mario Rodríguez , Gao Linyi Alex , Shah Shiraz A , López-Beltrán Adrián , González-Delgado Alejandro , Martínez-Abarca Francisco , Iranzo Jaime , Redrejo-Rodríguez Modesto , Zhang Feng , Toro Nicolás 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Reverse transcriptases (RTs) are enzymes capable of synthesizing DNA using RNA as a template. Within the last few years, a burst of research has led to the discovery of novel prokaryotic RTs with diverse antiviral properties, such as DRTs (Defense-associated RTs), which belong to the so-called group of unknown RTs (UG) and are closely related to the Abortive Infection system (Abi) RTs. In this work, we performed a systematic analysis of UG and Abi RTs, increasing the number of UG/Abi members up to 42 highly diverse groups, most of which are predicted to be functionally associated with other gene(s) or domain(s). Based on this information, we classified these systems into three major classes. In addition, we reveal that most of these groups are associated with defense functions and/or mobile genetic elements, and demonstrate the antiphage role of four novel groups. Besides, we highlight the presence of one of these systems in novel families of human gut viruses infecting members of the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla. This work lays the foundation for a comprehensive and unified understanding of these highly diverse RTs with enormous biotechnological potential.
L’association entre la défavorisation matérielle par quartier et l’incidence d’hospitalisation chez les enfants infectés par le SRAS-CoV-2 à Montréal
Authors: Abda Assil , del Giorgio Francesca , Gauvin Lise , Autmizguine Julie , Kakkar Fatima , Drouin Olivier 
Published: June 2022

Résumé

Historique
Même si les facteurs sociodémographiques sont liés à l’infection par le SRAS-CoV-2 et aux hospitalisations chez les adultes, peu de données portent sur l’association entre ces caractéristiques et les hospitalisations attribuables au SRAS-CoV-2 chez les enfants. La présente étude visait à déterminer l’association entre la défavorisation matérielle par quartier et l’incidence d’hospitalisations à cause du SRAS-CoV-2 chez les enfants.

Méthodologie
Les chercheurs ont réalisé une étude de cohorte rétrospective de tous les enfants (de 0 à 17 ans) atteints d’une infection par le SRAS-CoV-2 confirmée par un test d’amplification en chaîne par polymérase après transcription inverse (PCR) entre le 1er mars et le 31 mai 2021 dans un hôpital pédiatrique de soins tertiaires de Montréal, au Canada. Ils ont colligé les données par examen des dossiers et ont inclus l’âge, le sexe et les codes postaux, afin de pouvoir lier la défavorisation matérielle à l’échelle de l’aire de diffusion, mesurée au moyen des quintiles de l’indice de défavorisation matérielle de Pampalon. Ils ont examiné l’association entre les quintiles de cet indice et les hospitalisations à l’aide de la régression de Poisson.

Résultats
Pendant la période de l’étude, 964 enfants ont reçu un résultat positif au SRAS-CoV-2 confirmé par un test PCR, et 124 d’entre eux ont été hospitalisés. Au total, 40,7 % des enfants hospitalisés habitaient dans le quintile le plus défavorisé d’après l’indice de défavorisation matérielle de Pampalon. Le rapport du taux d’incidence des hospitalisations dans ce groupe était de 2,42 (intervalle de confiance à 95 % : 1,33; 4,41) par rapport au quintile le plus privilégié.

Conclusion
Plus du double des enfants qui habitaient dans les quartiers les plus défavorisés sur le plan matériel étaient hospitalisés à cause de la COVID-19 par rapport à ceux qui habitaient dans les quartiers les plus privilégiés. Il faudrait déployer des efforts particuliers pour protéger les enfants qui habitent dans des quartiers défavorisés, particulièrement dans l’attente de la vaccination des plus jeunes.
Redeemable Platform Currencies
Authors: Rogoff Kenneth , You Yang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCan massive online retailers such as Amazon and Alibaba issue digital tokens that potentially compete with bank debit accounts? There is a long history of trading stamps and loyalty points, but new technologies are poised to sharply raise the significance of redeemable assets as a store of value. Here, we develop a simple stylized model of redeemable tokens that can be used to study sales and pricing strategies for issuing tokens, including ICOs. Our central finding is that platforms can potentially earn higher revenues by making tokens non-tradable unless they can generate a sufficiently high outside-platform convenience yield.
Market Power in Neoclassical Growth Models
Authors: Ball Laurence , Mankiw N Gregory 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis article examines the optimal accumulation of capital and the effects of government debt in neoclassical growth models in which firms have market power and therefore charge prices above marginal cost. In this environment, the real interest rate earned by savers is less than the net marginal product of capital. We establish a new method for evaluating dynamic efficiency that can be applied in such economies. A plausible calibration suggests that the wedge between the real interest rate and the marginal product of capital is about 4 percentage points and that the US economy is dynamically efficient. In addition, government Ponzi schemes can have different implications for welfare than they do under competition. Even if the government can sustain a perpetual rollover of debt and accumulating interest, the policy may nonetheless reduce welfare by depressing steady-state capital and aggregate consumption. These findings suggest that even with low interest rates, as have been observed recently, fiscal policymakers should still be concerned about the crowding-out effects of government debt.
Assessment of dermal absorption of aluminium from a representative antiperspirant formulation using a (26Al)Al microtracer approach: a follow-up study in humans
Authors: de Ligt Rianne , Westerhout Joost , Grossouw Dimitri , Buters Thomas P , Rissmann Robert , Burggraaf Jacobus , Windhorst Albert D , Tozer Sarah , Pappa Gerlinde , Wall Brian , Bury Dagmar , Mason David R , Vaes Wouter H J 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
A follow-up study was performed in 12 healthy women to evaluate systemic exposure to aluminium following topical application of a representative antiperspirant formulation under real-life use conditions (part A) and to assess the local fate of topically applied aluminium by taking additional tape strips and skin biopsies (Part B). A simple roll-on formulation, containing the maximal possible radioactive dose, was prepared with [26Al] aluminium-labeled chlorohydrate (ACH). The microtracer of [26Al] was used to distinguish aluminium from the natural background, using accelerator mass spectrometry. [26Al] aluminiumcitrate was administered intravenously to estimate the dermal fraction absorbed. Despite the 25-fold increase of the topical dose compared with the previous study, only 12 blood samples gave results above the lower limit of quantitation (0.118 fg/mL). The most reliable estimates of the dermal fraction absorbed are derived from noncompartmental analysis with the urine data. By using the intravenous dose to normalize the urinary excretion to 100% bioavailability, the best estimate of the fraction absorbed of [26Al] from a topical application of [26Al]-aluminium-labeled chlorohydrate in an antiperspirant formulation was 0.00052%. Part B of the study demonstrated that the majority of the aluminium in the formulation remained associated with the external layers of the skin without penetration through the skin.