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1.
Int J Qual Health Care ; 36(2)2024 Jun 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38907579

ABSTRACT

Near Real-Time Feedback (NRTF) on the patient's experience with care, coupled with data relay to providers, can inform quality-of-care improvements, including at the point of care. The objective is to systematically review contemporary literature on the impact of the use of NRTF and data relay to providers on standardized patient experience measures. Six scientific databases and five specialty journals were searched supplemented by snowballing search strategies, according to the registered study protocol. Eligibility included studies in English (2015-2023) assessing the impact of NRTF and data relay on standardized patient-reported experience measures as a primary outcome. Eligibility and quality appraisals were performed by two independent reviewers. An expert former patient (Patient and Family Advisory Council and communication sciences background) helped interpret the results. Eight papers met review eligibility criteria, including three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one non-randomized study. Three of these studies involved in-person NRTF prior to data relay (patient-level data for immediate corrective action or aggregated and peer-compared) and led to significantly better results in all or some of the experience measures. In turn, a kiosk-based NRTF achieved no better experience results. The remaining studies were pre-post designs with mixed or neutral results and greater risks of bias. In-person NRTF on the patient experience followed by rapid data relay to their providers, either patient-level or provider-level as peer-compared, can improve the patient experience of care. Reviewed kiosk-based or self-reported approaches combined with data relay were not effective. Further research should determine which approach (e.g. who conducts the in-person NRTF) will provide better, more efficient improvements and under which circumstances.


Subject(s)
Feedback , Patient Satisfaction , Humans , Quality Improvement , Quality of Health Care
2.
J Dent ; 147: 105142, 2024 Jun 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38906454

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To compare implant supported crowns (ISCs) designed using deep learning (DL) software with those designed by a technician using conventional computer-aided design software. METHODS: Twenty resin-based partially edentulous casts (maxillary and mandibular) used for fabricating ISCs were evaluated retrospectively. ISCs were designed using a DL-based method with no modification of the as-generated outcome (DB), a DL-based method with further optimization by a dental technician (DM), and a conventional computer-aided design method by a technician (NC). Time efficiency, crown contour, occlusal table area, cusp angle, cusp height, emergence profile angle, occlusal contacts, and proximal contacts were compared among groups. Depending on the distribution of measured data, various statistical methods were used for comparative analyses with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: ISCs in the DB group showed a significantly higher efficiency than those in the DM and NC groups (P ≤ 0.001). ISCs in the DM group exhibited significantly smaller volume deviations than those in the DB group when superimposed on ISCs in the NC group (DB-NC vs. DM-NC pairs, P ≤ 0.008). Except for the number and intensity of occlusal contacts (P ≤ 0.004), ISCs in the DB and DM groups had occlusal table areas, cusp angles, cusp heights, proximal contact intensities, and emergence profile angles similar to those in the NC group (P ≥ 0.157). CONCLUSIONS: A DL-based method can be beneficial for designing posterior ISCs in terms of time efficiency, occlusal table area, cusp angle, cusp height, proximal contact, and emergence profile, similar to the conventional human-based method. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A deep learning-based design method can achieve clinically acceptable functional properties of posterior ISCs. However, further optimization by a technician could improve specific outcomes, such as the crown contour or emergence profile angle.

3.
ISA Trans ; 2024 Jun 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38918101

ABSTRACT

Various industrial processes require motion profiles that determine machine movement over time for workpiece transfer, with the goal of minimizing transfer time to enhance productivity. However, pursuing the maximum speed can trigger excessive motion-induced vibration, which can reduce the manufacturing efficiency, accuracy and operational lifespan of the system. This study proposes a generalized motion profile optimization method that considers the strategic placement of inherent zeros within the motion profile: each inherent zero contributes to the reduction of residual vibration or optimization of arrival time. By offering freedom to the placement of zeros, four optimization options for polynomial-based motion profiles of each order are proposed, expanding on existing work that offered a single option. All proposed optimization options have closed-form solutions, making them easily applicable to industrial applications. The practical applicability of the suggested methodology is demonstrated through case studies and experiments.

4.
J Microbiol ; 2024 Jun 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38935316

ABSTRACT

Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive bacterium that is frequently found in the periapical lesion of patients with apical periodontitis. Its biofilm formation in root canal is closely related to the development of refractory apical periodontitis by providing increased resistance to endodontic treatments. Phage therapy has recently been considered as an efficient therapeutic strategy in controlling various periodontal pathogens. We previously demonstrated the bactericidal capacities of Enterococcus phage vB_EfaS_HEf13 (phage HEf13) against clinically-isolated E. faecalis strains. Here, we investigated whether phage HEf13 affects biofilm formation and pre-formed biofilm of clinically-isolated E. faecalis, and its combinatory effect with endodontic treatments, including chlorhexidine (CHX) and penicillin. The phage HEf13 inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted pre-formed biofilms of E. faecalis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Interestingly, phage HEf13 destroyed E. faecalis biofilm exopolysaccharide (EPS), which is known to be a major component of bacterial biofilm. Furthermore, combined treatment of phage HEf13 with CHX or penicillin more potently inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted pre-formed biofilm than either treatment alone. Confocal laser scanning microscopic examination demonstrated that these additive effects of the combination treatments on disruption of pre-formed biofilm are mediated by relatively enhanced reduction in thickness distribution and biomass of biofilm. Collectively, our results suggest that the effect of phage HEf13 on E. faecalis biofilm is mediated by its EPS-degrading property, and its combination with endodontic treatments more potently suppresses E. faecalis biofilm, implying that phage HEf13 has potential to be used as a combination therapy against E. faecalis infections.

5.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0302011, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38739589

ABSTRACT

Advancements in the treatment and management of patients with cancer have extended their survival period. To honor such patients' desire to live in their own homes, home-based supportive care programs have become an important medical practice. This study aims to investigate the effects of a multidimensional and integrated home-based supportive care program on patients with advanced cancer. SupporTive Care At Home Research is a cluster non-randomized controlled trial for patients with advanced cancer. This study tests the effects of the home-based supportive care program we developed versus standard oncology care. The home-based supportive care program is based on a specialized home-based medical team approach that includes (1) initial assessment and education for patients and their family caregivers, (2) home visits by nurses, (3) biweekly regular check-ups/evaluation and management, (4) telephone communication via a daytime access line, and (5) monthly multidisciplinary team meetings. The primary outcome measure is unplanned hospitalization within 6 months following enrollment. Healthcare service use; quality of life; pain and symptom control; emotional status; satisfaction with services; end-of-life care; advance planning; family caregivers' quality of life, care burden, and preparedness for caregiving; and medical expenses will be surveyed. We plan to recruit a total of 396 patients with advanced cancer from six institutions. Patients recruited from three institutions will constitute the intervention group, whereas those recruited from the other three institutions will comprise the control group.


Subject(s)
Home Care Services , Neoplasms , Quality of Life , Humans , Neoplasms/therapy , Neoplasms/psychology , Caregivers/psychology , Male , Female , Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Terminal Care/methods , Palliative Care/methods , Adult , Middle Aged
6.
Pediatr Emerg Care ; 2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38713833

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify predictive biomarkers for unscheduled emergency department (ED) revisits within 24 hours of discharge in infants diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis (AB). METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on infants diagnosed with AB who visited 3 emergency medical centers between January 2020 and December 2022. The study excluded infants with comorbidities, congenital diseases, and prematurity and infants who revisited the ED after 24 hours of discharge. Demographic data, vital signs, and laboratory results were collected from the medical records. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on factors with P of less than 0.1 in univariable analysis. Receiver operator curve analysis was used to assess the accuracy of lactate measurements in predicting ED revisits within 24 hours of discharge. RESULTS: Out of 172 participants, 100 were in the revisit group and 72 in the discharge group. The revisit group was significantly younger and exhibited higher lactate levels, lower pH values, and higher pCO2 levels compared to the discharge group. Univariable logistic regression identified several factors associated with revisits. Multivariable analysis found that only lactate was a variable correlated with predicting ED revisits (odds ratio, 18.020; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.764-56.334). The receiver operator curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.856, with an optimal lactate cutoff value of 2.15. CONCLUSION: Lactate value in infants diagnosed with AB were identified as a potential indicator of predicting unscheduled ED revisits within 24 hours of discharge. The predictive potential of lactate levels holds promise for enhancing prognosis prediction, reducing health care costs, and alleviating ED overcrowding. However, given the study's limitations, a more comprehensive prospective investigation is recommended to validate these findings.

7.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0299176, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38771768

ABSTRACT

AIM: To synthesize the impact of improvement interventions related to care coordination, discharge support and care transitions on patient experience measures. METHOD: Systematic review. Searches were completed in six scientific databases, five specialty journals, and through snowballing. Eligibility included studies published in English (2015-2023) focused on improving care coordination, discharge support, or transitional care assessed by standardized patient experience measures as a primary outcome. Two independent reviewers made eligibility decisions and performed quality appraisals. RESULTS: Of 1240 papers initially screened, 16 were included. Seven studies focused on care coordination activities, including three randomized controlled trials [RCTs]. These studies used enhanced supports such as improvement coaching or tailoring for vulnerable populations within Patient-Centered Medical Homes or other primary care sites. Intervention effectiveness was mixed or neutral relative to standard or models of care or simpler supports (e.g., improvement tool). Eight studies, including three RCTs, focused on enhanced discharge support, including patient education (e.g., teach back) and telephone follow-up; mixed or neutral results on the patient experience were also found and with more substantive risks of bias. One pragmatic trial on a transitional care intervention, using a navigator support, found significant changes only for the subset of uninsured patients and in one patient experience outcome, and had challenges with implementation fidelity. CONCLUSION: Enhanced supports for improving care coordination, discharge education, and post-discharge follow-up had mixed or neutral effectiveness for improving the patient experience with care, compared to standard care or simpler improvement approaches. There is a need to advance the body of evidence on how to improve the patient experience with discharge support and transitional approaches.


Subject(s)
Patient Discharge , Humans , Transitional Care , Patient-Centered Care , Patient Satisfaction , Continuity of Patient Care , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
8.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38684017

ABSTRACT

High-Ni layered oxide cathodes are promising candidates for lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density. However, their cycle stability is compromised by the poor mechanical durability of the particle microstructure. In this study, we investigate the impact of the calcination temperature on microstructural changes, including primary particle growth and pore evolution, using LiNi0.88Mn0.08Co0.04O2 (N884), with an emphasis on the critical calcination temperature for polycrystalline and single-crystal designs in high-Ni cathodes. As the calcination temperature increases, the primary particles undergo a rectangular growth pattern while the pore population decreases. Beyond a certain critical temperature (in this case, 850 °C), a sudden increase in primary particle size and a simultaneous rapid reduction in the pore population are observed. This sudden microstructure evolution leads to poor cycle retention in N884. In contrast, single-crystal particles, free of grain boundaries, synthesized at this critical temperature exhibit superior cycle retention, underscoring the significance of microstructural design over crystalline quality for achieving long-term cyclability. Our study sheds light on the interplay between calcination temperature and microstructural evolution, proposing the critical temperature as a key criterion for single-crystal synthesis.

9.
Front Public Health ; 12: 1351786, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38665245

ABSTRACT

Recent evidence has revealed associations between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and placental insufficiency due to altered placental growth, syncytialization, and trophoblast invasion. However, no epidemiologic study has reported associations between exposure to EDCs and asymmetric fetal growth restriction (FGR) caused by placenta insufficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between EDC exposure and asymmetric FGR. This was a prospective cohort study including women admitted for delivery to the Maternal Fetal Center at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital between October 2021 and October 2022. Maternal urine and cord blood samples were collected, and the levels of bisphenol-A (BPA), monoethyl phthalates, and perfluorooctanoic acid in each specimen were analyzed. We investigated linear and non-linear associations between the levels of EDCs and fetal growth parameters, including the head circumference (HC)/abdominal circumference (AC) ratio as an asymmetric parameter. The levels of EDCs were compared between fetuses with and without asymmetric FGR. Of the EDCs, only the fetal levels of BPA showed a linear association with the HC/AC ratio after adjusting for confounding variables (ß = 0.003, p < 0.05). When comparing the normal growth and asymmetric FGR groups, the asymmetric FGR group showed significantly higher maternal and fetal BPA levels compared to the normal growth group (maternal urine BPA, 3.99 µg/g creatinine vs. 1.71 µg/g creatinine [p < 0.05]; cord blood BPA, 1.96 µg/L vs. -0.86 µg/L [p < 0.05]). In conclusion, fetal exposure levels of BPA show linear associations with asymmetric fetal growth patterns. High maternal and fetal exposure to BPA might be associated with asymmetric FGR.


Subject(s)
Benzhydryl Compounds , Endocrine Disruptors , Fetal Blood , Fetal Growth Retardation , Maternal Exposure , Phenols , Humans , Female , Endocrine Disruptors/adverse effects , Endocrine Disruptors/blood , Endocrine Disruptors/urine , Prospective Studies , Pregnancy , Fetal Growth Retardation/chemically induced , Adult , Benzhydryl Compounds/adverse effects , Benzhydryl Compounds/urine , Benzhydryl Compounds/blood , Phenols/urine , Phenols/adverse effects , Phenols/blood , Maternal Exposure/adverse effects , Fetal Blood/chemistry , Fluorocarbons/blood , Fluorocarbons/adverse effects , Phthalic Acids/urine , Phthalic Acids/adverse effects , Caprylates/blood , Caprylates/adverse effects , Placental Insufficiency , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Seoul/epidemiology
10.
J Prev Med Public Health ; 57(2): 185-196, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38576202

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Excess mortality associated with long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been documented. However, research on the disease burden following short-term exposure is scarce. We investigated the cause-specific mortality burden of short-term exposure to PM2.5 by considering the potential non-linear concentration-response relationship in Korea. METHODS: Daily cause-specific mortality rates and PM2.5 exposure levels from 2010 to 2019 were collected for 8 Korean cities and 9 provinces. A generalized additive mixed model was employed to estimate the non-linear relationship between PM2.5 exposure and cause-specific mortality levels. We assumed no detrimental health effects of PM2.5 concentrations below 15 µg/m3. Overall deaths attributable to short-term PM2.5 exposure were estimated by summing the daily numbers of excess deaths associated with ambient PM2.5 exposure. RESULTS: Of the 2 749 704 recorded deaths, 2 453 686 (89.2%) were non-accidental, 591 267 (21.5%) were cardiovascular, and 141 066 (5.1%) were respiratory in nature. A non-linear relationship was observed between all-cause mortality and exposure to PM2.5 at lag0, whereas linear associations were evident for cause-specific mortalities. Overall, 10 814 all-cause, 7855 non-accidental, 1642 cardiovascular, and 708 respiratory deaths were attributed to short-term exposure to PM2.5. The estimated number of all-cause excess deaths due to short-term PM2.5 exposure in 2019 was 1039 (95% confidence interval, 604 to 1472). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate an association between short-term PM2.5 exposure and various mortality rates (all-cause, non-accidental, cardiovascular, and respiratory) in Korea over the period from 2010 to 2019. Consequently, action plans should be developed to reduce deaths attributable to short-term exposure to PM2.5.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Air Pollution , Humans , Particulate Matter/adverse effects , Particulate Matter/analysis , Air Pollutants/adverse effects , Air Pollution/adverse effects , Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Mortality
11.
Virus Evol ; 10(1): veae014, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38455682

ABSTRACT

Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) viruses have been detected in wild birds worldwide, causing recurrent outbreaks since 2016. During the winter of 2021-2022, we detected one H5N8 and forty-three H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI viruses from wild birds in South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that HA gene of H5N1 viruses was divided into two genetically distinct groups (N1.G1 and N1.G2). Bayesian phylodynamic analysis demonstrated that wild birds play a vital role in viral transmission and long-term maintenance. We identified five genotypes (N1.G1.1, N1.G2, N1.G2.1, N1.G2.2, and N1.G2.2.1) having distinct gene segment constellations most probably produced by reassortments with low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses. Our results suggest that clade 2.3.4.4b persists in wild birds for a long time, causing continuous outbreaks, compared with previous clades of H5 HPAI viruses. Our study emphasizes the need for enhancing control measures in response to the changing viral epidemiology.

12.
Adv Mater ; 36(25): e2314031, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38509794

ABSTRACT

Electrocatalytic water splitting is crucial to generate clean hydrogen fuel, but implementation at an industrial scale remains limited due to dependence on expensive platinum (Pt)-based electrocatalysts. Here, an all-dry process to transform electrochemically inert bulk WS2 into a multidomain electrochemical catalyst that enables scalable and cost-effective implementation of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water electrolysis is reported. Direct dry transfer of WS2 flakes to a gold thin film deposited on a silicon substrate provides a general platform to produce the working electrodes for HER with tunable charge transfer resistance. By treating the mechanically exfoliated WS2 with sequential Ar-O2 plasma, mixed domains of WS2, WO3, and tungsten oxysulfide form on the surfaces of the flakes, which gives rise to a superior HER with much greater long-term stability and steady-state activity compared to Pt. Using density functional theory, ultraefficient atomic sites formed on the constituent nanodomains are identified, and the quantification of atomic-scale reactivities and resulting HER activities fully support the experimental observations.

13.
Heliyon ; 10(5): e26742, 2024 Mar 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38434397

ABSTRACT

Background: Particulate air pollution and residential greenness are associated with sleep quality in the general population; however, their influence on maternal sleep quality during pregnancy has not been assessed. Objective: This cross-sectional study investigated the individual and interactive effects of exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution and residential greenness on sleep quality in pregnant women. Methods: Pregnant women (n = 4933) enrolled in the Korean Children's Environmental Health Study with sleep quality information and residential address were included. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The average concentrations of PM (PM2.5 and PM10) during pregnancy were estimated through land use regression, and residential greenness in a 1000 m buffer area around participants' residences was estimated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI1000-m). Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate the associations between PM and NDVI and poor sleep quality (PSQI >5) after controlling for a range of covariates. A four-way mediation analysis was conducted to examine the mediating effects of PM. Results: After adjusting for confounders, each 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10 exposure was associated with a higher risk of poor sleep quality (relative risk [RR]: 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.11; and RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.13, respectively), and each 0.1-unit increase in NDVI1000-m was associated with a lower risk of poor sleep quality (RR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95, 0.99). Mediation analysis showed that PM mediated approximately 37%-56% of the association between residential greenness and poor sleep quality. Conclusions: This study identified a positive association between residential greenness and sleep quality. Furthermore, these associations are mediated by a reduction in exposure to particulate air pollution and highlight the link between green areas, air pollution control, and human health.

14.
Infect Genet Evol ; 118: 105565, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38309607

ABSTRACT

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), an avian coronavirus, has caused considerable damage to the poultry industry. In Korea, indigenous KM91-like and newly introduced QX-like lineages belonging to the GI-19 lineage have been prevalent despite constant vaccination. In this study, complete genome sequences of 23 IBV isolates in Korea from 2010 to 2020 were obtained using next-generation sequencing, and their phylogenetic relationship and recombination events were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis based on the S1 gene showed that all isolates belonged to the GI-19 lineage and were divided into five subgroups (KM91-like, K40/09-like, and QX-like II to IV). Among the 23 isolates, 14 recombinants were found, including frequent recombination between KM91-like and QX-like strains. In addition, it was observed that other lineages, such as GI-1, GI-13, and GI-16, were involved in recombination. Most recombination breakpoints were detected in the ORF1ab gene, particularly nsp3. However, when considering the size of each genome, recombination occurred more frequently in the 3a, E and 5a genes. Taken together, genetic recombination frequently occurred throughout the entire genome between various IBV strains in Korea, including live attenuated vaccine strain. Our study suggests the necessity of further research on the contribution of recombination of genomes outside the spike region to the biological characteristics of IBV.


Subject(s)
Gammacoronavirus , Infectious bronchitis virus , Phylogeny , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Infectious bronchitis virus/genetics , Vaccines, Attenuated , Recombination, Genetic
15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38376819

ABSTRACT

Human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play an important role in maintaining gut homeostasis by producing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Bacillus subtilis, a commensal bacterium, is considered a probiotic. Although its protective effects on intestinal health are widely reported, the key component of B. subtilis responsible for its beneficial effects remains elusive. In this study, we tried to identify the key molecules responsible for B. subtilis-induced AMPs and their molecular mechanisms in a human IEC line, Caco-2. B. subtilis increased human beta defensin (HBD)-2 mRNA expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Among the B. subtilis microbe-associated molecular patterns, lipoprotein (LPP) substantially increased the mRNA expression and protein production of HBD-2, whereas lipoteichoic acid and peptidoglycan did not show such effects. Those results were confirmed in primary human IECs. In addition, both LPP recognition and HBD-2 secretion mainly took place on the apical side of fully differentiated and polarized Caco-2 cells through Toll-like receptor 2-mediated JNK/p38 MAP kinase/AP-1 and NF-κB pathways. HBD-2 efficiently inhibited the growth of the intestinal pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Furthermore, LPPs pre-incubated with lipase or proteinase K decreased LPP-induced HBD-2 expression, suggesting that the lipid and protein moieties of LPP are crucial for HBD-2 expression. Q Exactive Plus mass spectrometry identified 35 B. subtilis LPP candidates within the LPP preparation, and most of them were ABC transporters. Taken together, these results suggest that B. subtilis promotes HBD-2 secretion in human IECs mainly with its LPPs, which might enhance the protection from intestinal pathogens.

16.
Virology ; 590: 109945, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38064871

ABSTRACT

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the emergency of various lineages through mutations and recombination. In the Delta lineage, we identified recombination events in the ORF1a gene, which divided the Delta sublineages into three different genotypes (Delta R1-R3). The regional distributions of Delta R1 and Delta R2 were not correlated, indicating that recombination occurred early in the Delta outbreak. The impact of the ORF1a gene on SARS-CoV-2 transmission remains unclear; however, our findings suggest that recombination may have contributed to the evolution and global spread of the Delta lineage.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics , Disease Outbreaks
17.
J Microbiol Biotechnol ; 34(1): 47-55, 2024 Jan 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38044707

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe infectious diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media. Despite the availability of antibiotics and pneumococcal vaccines against some invasive serotypes, pneumococcal infection remains a tremendous clinical challenge due to the increasing frequency of infection by antimicrobial resistant, nonencapsulated, and/or non-vaccine serotype strains. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are produced at various mucosal sites in the body, have potent antimicrobial activity, including inhibition of pathogen growth and/or bacterial biofilm formation. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) against various serotypes pneumococci. Propionate generally inhibited the growth of S. pneumoniae serotypes included in the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) 13, except for serotypes 3 and 7F, though butyrate and acetate showed no or low inhibition, depending on the serotypes. Of note, butyrate showed strong inhibition against serotype 3, the most prevalent invasive strain since the introduction of the PCV. No SCFAs showed inhibitory effects against serotype 7F. Remarkably, the nonencapsulated pneumococcal strain had more sensitivity to SCFAs than encapsulated parental strains. Taken together, these results suggest that propionate showing the most potent inhibition of pneumococcal growth may be used as an alternative treatment for pneumococcal infection, and that butyrate could be used against serotype 3, which is becoming a serious threat.


Subject(s)
Pneumococcal Infections , Streptococcus pneumoniae , Humans , Infant , Serogroup , Propionates/pharmacology , Pneumococcal Infections/microbiology , Pneumococcal Infections/prevention & control , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Pneumococcal Vaccines/pharmacology , Fatty Acids, Volatile , Butyrates/pharmacology , Vaccines, Conjugate , Acetates/pharmacology , Serotyping
18.
BMJ Support Palliat Care ; 14(2): 132-148, 2024 May 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38160048

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study systematically reviewed the literature on the effect of home-based supportive care (HbSC) programmes on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: The research question 'Do home-based supportive care programmes for patients with advanced cancer improve their QoL?' was addressed. After registering the plan with PROSPERO (CRD42022341237), literature published from 1 January 1990 to 30 May 2023 was searched on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane database, CINAHL and Web of Science, and reviewed for inclusion based on predefined criteria. This review only included trial studies published in English. RESULTS: Of 5,276 articles identified, 17 studies were judged suitable for inclusion in this review. The components of HbSC programmes included home visits, patient and caregiver education, home nursing, psychotherapy, exercise, telephone consultation, and multidisciplinary team meetings. Nine studies reported improvements in QoL, including social functioning, emotional functioning, and subjective QoL. CONCLUSION: HbSC programmes appear to enable the improvement of the QoL of patients with advanced cancer. The area of QoL that shows improvement could vary depending on the HbSC components. More studies that address HbSC programmes are needed to select patients at the proper time and provide suitable programmes for patients to benefit most.


Subject(s)
Home Care Services , Neoplasms , Quality of Life , Humans , Neoplasms/therapy , Palliative Care/methods
19.
Mol Immunol ; 165: 82-91, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38160652

ABSTRACT

Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in immunity by sensing and responding to invasive microbes. Bacillus species are rod-shaped sporulating bacteria that include the pathogenic Bacillus cereus and commensal Bacillus subtilis. Although the interaction between DC and these two Bacillus species has been studied, their key structural component that prompts DC activation is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the two Bacillus species in DC activation by whole cells and their representative microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). MAMPs including lipoteichoic acid (LTA), lipoprotein (LPP), and peptidoglycan (PGN) were purified from the two Bacillus species. Among the MAMPs, LPP from both species most potently induced the maturation and activation of DCs while PGN, but not LTA, moderately stimulated DCs. LPPs from both Bacillus species enhanced the expression of DC maturation markers including CCR7, CD40, CD80, CD83, CD86, CD205, MHC-I, and MHC-II. Among the MAMPs from B. cereus, PGN most considerably lowered the endocytic capacity of DCs implying DC maturation whereas PGN from B. subtilis lowered it to a similar degree to its LPP. Furthermore, DCs sensitized with LPPs from both Bacillus species and PGN from B. subtilis moderately induced TNF-α and IL-6 production. Notably, a combination of MAMPs did not show any synergistic effect on DC activation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that LPP is the key structural component in B. cereus and B. subtilis that leads to DC activation.


Subject(s)
Bacillus , Bacillus/metabolism , Cell Differentiation , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Dendritic Cells , Lipoproteins/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism
20.
Am J Emerg Med ; 76: 217-224, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38128162

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, including an increase in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA). Healthcare providers are now required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Additionally, mechanical CPR devices have been introduced to reduce the number of personnel required for resuscitation. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of CPR performed with a mechanical device and the outcomes of manual CPR performed by personnel wearing PPE. METHODS: This multicenter observational study utilized data from the Korean Cardiac Arrest Research Consortium registry. The study population consisted of OHCA patients who underwent CPR in emergency departments (EDs) between March 2020 and June 2021. Patients were divided into two equal propensity score matched groups: mechanical CPR group (n = 421) and PPE-equipped manual CPR group (n = 421). Primary outcomes included survival rates and favorable neurological outcomes at discharge. Total CPR duration in the ED was also assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences with respect to survival rate at discharge (mechanical CPR: 7.4% vs PPE-equipped manual CPR: 8.3%) or favorable neurological outcomes (3.3% vs. 3.8%, respectively). However, the mechanical CPR group had a longer duration of CPR in the ED compared to the manual CPR group. CONCLUSION: This study found no significant differences in survival rates and neurological outcomes between mechanical CPR and PPE-equipped manual CPR in the ED setting. However, a longer total CPR duration was observed in the mechanical CPR group. Further research is required to explore the impact of PPE on healthcare providers' performance and fatigue during CPR in the context of the pandemic and beyond.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation , Emergency Medical Services , Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest , Humans , Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/methods , Pandemics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest/therapy
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