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Proceedings of the National Academy of... Nov 2023Horizontal transfer of F-like plasmids by bacterial conjugation is responsible for disseminating antibiotic resistance and virulence determinants among pathogenic...
Horizontal transfer of F-like plasmids by bacterial conjugation is responsible for disseminating antibiotic resistance and virulence determinants among pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae species, a growing health concern worldwide. Central to this process is the conjugative F pilus, a long extracellular filamentous polymer that extends from the surface of plasmid donor cells, allowing it to probe the environment and make contact with the recipient cell. It is well established that the F pilus can retract to bring mating pair cells in tight contact before DNA transfer. However, whether DNA transfer can occur through the extended pilus has been a subject of active debate. In this study, we use live-cell microscopy to show that while most transfer events occur between cells in direct contact, the F pilus can indeed serve as a conduit for the DNA during transfer between physically distant cells. Our findings enable us to propose a unique model for conjugation that revises our understanding of the DNA transfer mechanism and the dissemination of drug resistance and virulence genes within complex bacterial communities.
Topics: Escherichia coli; Genes, Bacterial; Plasmids; Fimbriae, Bacterial; DNA, Bacterial; Conjugation, Genetic; DNA; Gene Transfer, Horizontal
PubMed: 37963249
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310842120 -
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery Jan 2024Difficult airway is one of the most common potential risk factors for increased fatality in craniofacial/plastic surgery patients. To date, there is no well-established...
OBJECTIVE
Difficult airway is one of the most common potential risk factors for increased fatality in craniofacial/plastic surgery patients. To date, there is no well-established and all-around difficult airway notification system in China, which has recently been recommended by existing guidelines to improve the care of patients with known difficult airways. This study aimed to investigate the current status of critical information communication concerning difficult airway management in our institute.
METHODS
Vital information required to establish a difficult airway registry and notification system was collected through a literature review and expert suggestions. After approval by the Research Ethics Board, 3 online questionnaires were developed and sent to surgeons, anesthesiologists, and proxies of the patients. Knowledge of difficult airways, the willingness to be involved in the difficult airway notification system, and the way to disseminate the information were investigated in the 3 groups. The specific information that was disseminated, required, and available was investigated in the anesthesiologist group.
RESULTS
Compared with the surgeons and anesthesiologists, significantly fewer patients knew the definition of a difficult airway and thought it was a potential risk factor. There were no significant differences in the willingness to be informed of the difficulty encountered during airway management. Significant differences were detected in the willingness and way to disseminate the airway information when the participants communicated with different groups. Significantly more patients would disseminate the information to the surgeon and significantly more surgeons would disseminate the information to the patient and the other surgeon. Significantly more anesthesiologists would disseminate the information to the patient and the other anesthesiologists. A significant difference was observed between what was expected and what was available for the anesthesiologist to retrieve the airway information of a patient with known airway difficulty. Significantly more anesthesiologists would notify only the patient of the diagnosis of a difficult airway both oral and written, whereas significantly more anesthesiologists would notify the other anesthesiologist of the specific difficulties in oral only. Most participants agreed to be involved in the difficult airway notification system despite the significantly lower percentage in the patient group (89%).
CONCLUSIONS
Difficult airway information dissemination is, at the time of this writing, ineffective, which leads to a large gap between the expectation and practice of the anesthesiologist when caring for a patient with a difficult airway. Thus, a difficult airway registry and notification system should be developed, that has a solid foundation in all the participants.
PubMed: 38227720
DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000009951 -
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology Aug 2023To develop an automated method for Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) calculation and report card generation using common electronic health records (EHRs).
GOALS
To develop an automated method for Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) calculation and report card generation using common electronic health records (EHRs).
BACKGROUND
ADR is the most widely accepted colonoscopy quality indicator and is inversely associated with interval colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. However, ADR is difficult to efficiently measure and disseminate, due to need for data integration from distinct electronic databases.
METHODS
We migrated data from an endoscopy reporting software (Endosoft) to Epic Reporting Servers where it was combined with anatomic pathology data (Beaker Lab Information System, EPIC Systems). A natural language processing expression was developed to search Beaker pathology reports for accurate identification of adenomatous polyps. A blinded physician manually validated a final cohort of 200 random procedures. ADR report cards were automatically generated utilizing the Crystal Reports feature within EPIC.
RESULTS
Validation of the natural language processing algorithm for ADR showed a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100%. ADR was automatically calculated for 12 endoscopists over a calendar year. Two thousand two hundred seventy-six screening colonoscopies were performed with 775 procedures having a least one adenoma detected, for a total ADR of 34%. Report cards were successfully generated within the EPIC EHR and distributed to endoscopists by secure e-mail.
CONCLUSION
We describe an accurate, automated and scalable process for ADR calculation and reporting utilizing commonly adopted EHRs and data integration methods. By integrating the process of ADR collection and streamlining dissemination of reports, this methodology is poised to enhance colonoscopy quality care across health care networks that use it.
PubMed: 37646560
DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001915 -
The American Psychologist 2024Peer review represents the foundation and gatekeeper to scientific dissemination, making it among the most important points to improve the representation of members of...
Peer review represents the foundation and gatekeeper to scientific dissemination, making it among the most important points to improve the representation of members of diverse gender, racial/ethnic, and other sociodemographic groups. The American Psychological Association (APA) highlights equity, diversity, and inclusion among its guiding principles. APA journals publish a large volume of cutting-edge psychological research (processing 20,000 + submissions per year) and reach a wide audience and have the unique opportunity to contribute to APA's mission by disseminating data on the diversity of those involved in the production of psychological science. In this commentary, we highlight recommendations for actionable steps to promote greater equity in the peer review process. While our recommendations are not exhaustive, we hope that they are steps in the right direction and will contribute to conversations that have already begun regarding actions to address underrepresentation in the scientific process. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Societies, Scientific; Publishing
PubMed: 37616074
DOI: 10.1037/amp0001214 -
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Aug 2023Sext dissemination (i.e., the online sharing of sexually explicit images) has the potential to result in legal, social, and psychological harms. Recent research has...
Sext dissemination (i.e., the online sharing of sexually explicit images) has the potential to result in legal, social, and psychological harms. Recent research has shown that this behavior can be consensual or non-consensual in nature; yet little is known about how motivations or attitudes may differ between these forms, or with gender. This study is based on a cross-sectional online survey investigating consensual and non-consensual sext dissemination and associated demographic, behavioral, attitudinal, and psychological factors. Participants were 2,126 cisgendered adults aged 18 to 30 years ( = 22.97, = 3.21, 55% women, 45% men), resident in Western, English-speaking nations, particularly Australia. Around 10% of respondents reported disseminating texts, and of these, only 19.8% indicated they had permission for this, with no differences across gender. When sexts were disseminated "to gossip," this was significantly more likely to be non-consensual. There were no significant differences between consensual and non-consensual dissemination in subjective attitudes or norms toward dissemination, nor levels of psychological distress. Women were more likely to non-consensually disseminate sexts that had been received as unwanted or unwelcome. Consensual dissemination was weakly associated with being sexually active and having given consent to having one's own images disseminated. We discuss implications for future research regarding consent, and relationship and sexuality education.
Topics: Male; Adult; Humans; Female; Motivation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sexual Behavior; Attitude; Informed Consent
PubMed: 37067003
DOI: 10.1177/08862605231163886 -
BMC Psychiatry Jul 2023The importance and value of involvement of people with lived experience of suicide has been recognized in suicide research and prevention. Nonetheless, clear guidance on...
BACKGROUND
The importance and value of involvement of people with lived experience of suicide has been recognized in suicide research and prevention. Nonetheless, clear guidance on research collaboration and co-production is lacking. This study aimed to address this gap by developing a set of guidelines on active involvement of people with lived experience of suicide in suicide studies., i.e., conducting research with or by people with lived experience, rather than to, about or for them.
METHODS
The Delphi method was used to determine statements on best practice for the active involvement of people with lived experience of suicide in suicide research. Statements were compiled through a systematic search of the scientific and grey literature, and reviewing qualitative data from a recent related study conducted by the authors. Two expert panels: people with lived experience of suicide (n = 44) and suicide researchers (n = 29) rated statements over three rounds of an online survey. Statements endorsed by at least 80% of panellists of each panel were included in the guidelines.
RESULTS
Panellists endorsed 96 out of 126 statements in 17 sections covering the full research cycle from deciding on the research question and securing funding, to conducting research and disseminating and implementing outcomes. Overall, there was a substantial level of agreement between the two panels regarding support from research institutions, collaboration and co-production, communication and shared decision making, conducting research, self-care, acknowledgment, and dissemination and implementation. However, panels also disagreed on specific statements regarding representativeness and diversity, managing expectations, time and budgeting, training, and self-disclosure.
CONCLUSIONS
This study identified consensus recommendations on active involvement of people with lived experience of suicide in suicide research, including co-production. Support from research institutions and funders, and training on co-production for researchers and people with lived experience, are needed for successful implementation and uptake of the guidelines.
Topics: Humans; Budgets; Communication; Consensus; Delphi Technique; Suicide; Patient Selection
PubMed: 37434145
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04973-9 -
Cancer Causes & Control : CCC Sep 2023Partnerships between researchers and community members and organizations can offer multiple benefits for research relevance and dissemination. The goal of this project...
PURPOSE
Partnerships between researchers and community members and organizations can offer multiple benefits for research relevance and dissemination. The goal of this project was to build infrastructure to create bidirectional relationships between University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) researchers and community educators in the Division of Extension, which connects the knowledge and resources of the university to communities across the state.
METHODS
This project had three aims: (1) create linkages with Extension; (2) establish an in-reach program to educate and train researchers on the science of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE); and (3) identify and facilitate collaborative projects between scientists and communities. Survey and focus group-based needs assessments were completed with both researchers and Extension educators and program activity evaluations were conducted.
RESULTS
Most Extension educators (71%) indicated a strong interest in partnering on COE projects. UWCCC faculty indicated interest in further disseminating their research, but also indicated barriers in connecting with communities. Outreach webinars were created and disseminated to community, a "COE in-reach toolkit" for faculty was created and a series of "speed networking" events were hosted to pair researchers and community. Evaluations indicated the acceptability and usefulness of these activities and supported continuation of collaborative efforts.
CONCLUSION
Continued relationship and skill building, along with a sustainability plan, is critical to support the translation of basic, clinical, and population research to action in the community outreach and engagement context. Further incentives for faculty should be explored for the recruitment of basic scientists into community engagement work.
Topics: Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires; Research Personnel; Neoplasms; Community-Institutional Relations; Program Evaluation
PubMed: 37247136
DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01725-8 -
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis :... Nov 2023
Topics: Humans; Hemostatics; Social Media; Hemostasis; Blood Coagulation; Hemorrhage; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
PubMed: 37858521
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.08.003 -
Journal of the American Dental... Dec 2023Dental pain is common yet understudied and often undertreated in youth. To improve pain management in pediatric dentistry, it is necessary to understand practices and...
BACKGROUND
Dental pain is common yet understudied and often undertreated in youth. To improve pain management in pediatric dentistry, it is necessary to understand practices and perceptions among providers. The authors assessed pediatric dentists' use of and attitudes toward evidence-based pain management (EBPM) strategies.
METHODS
The authors used a 27-item online survey to assess attitudes about EBPM, pain management and assessment practices, tools for disseminating knowledge about EBPM, and opinions regarding priority areas for improving pain management. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings; open-ended items were analyzed thematically.
RESULTS
Participants (N = 625) were pediatric dentists (89.2%) and pediatric dentistry residents (10.8%). Most respondents agreed that pain management is an important aspect of clinical care and thought that improvements in pain management practices are needed. Providers reported spending the most time facilitating pain management during the procedure (compared with before or after), and 73.2% said they feel this is an adequate amount of time. Distraction, tell-show-do techniques, and supportive language were the most used nonpharmacologic pain management strategies, and providers' observational approaches were used most frequently for pain assessment. Top priority areas for improving pain management were reported as developing tools for caregivers and provider resources on nonpharmacologic pain management (ie, continuing education courses).
CONCLUSIONS
Providers reported high use of EBPM strategies, low use of validated pain assessment tools, and a particular interest for professional development opportunities and patient resources focused on nonpharmacologic pain management.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Findings from this survey can inform dissemination and implementation of science efforts to improve pain management in pediatric dentistry.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Child; Pediatric Dentistry; Pain Management; Attitude of Health Personnel; Surveys and Questionnaires; Dentists
PubMed: 37877929
DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.09.003 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Nov 2023The global crisis in antimicrobial resistance continues to grow. Estimating the risks of antibiotic resistance transmission across habitats is hindered by the lack of...
The global crisis in antimicrobial resistance continues to grow. Estimating the risks of antibiotic resistance transmission across habitats is hindered by the lack of data on mobility and habitat-specificity. Metagenomic samples of 6092 are analyzed to delineate the unique core resistomes from human feces and seven other habitats. This is found that most resistance genes (≈85%) are transmitted between external habitats and human feces. This suggests that human feces are broadly representative of the global resistome and are potentially a hub for accumulating and disseminating resistance genes. The analysis found that resistance genes with ancient horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events have a higher efficiency of transfer across habitats, suggesting that HGT may be the main driver for forming unique but partly shared resistomes in all habitats. Importantly, the human fecal resistome is historically different and influenced by HGT and age. The most important routes of cross-transmission of resistance are from the atmosphere, buildings, and animals to humans. These habitats should receive more attention for future prevention of antimicrobial resistance. The study will disentangle transmission routes of resistance genes between humans and other habitats in a One Health framework and can identify strategies for controlling the ongoing dissemination and antibiotic resistance.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Genes, Bacterial; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Metagenome; Feces
PubMed: 37870180
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303925