Browse Articles

Analysis of ICU resistome dynamics in patients, staff and environment for the identification of predictive biomarkers of sepsis and early mortality

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global crisis, posing a critical challenge to healthcare systems, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs), where multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) threaten patient survival. This study offers a unique, real-world perspective on AMR dynamics by analyzing 96 metagenomic samples from three key sources: oropharyngeal and rectal swabs of deceased ICU patients (both postadmission and antemortem), healthcare workers, and high-touch ICU surfaces. Findings revealed the ICU environment as a major AMR reservoir, with oropharyngeal swabs carrying the highest AMR burden. While healthcare staff facilitated MDRO spread, they were not primary sources. Staff microbiomes’ MDRO pattern closely resembled environmental samples. Key AMR species included B. fragilis, E. coli, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, with P. aeruginosa persisting on high-touch surfaces. Tetracycline resistance was the most prevalent, with common resistances comprising 36.1% of all detected AMR markers. Staff microbial community exhibited higher resistance to macrolides, fluoroquinolones, lincosamides, and cephamycins. A 10-day survival threshold distinguished early (EM) and late mortality (LM) groups. EM patients exhibited unique AMR species in the oropharynx, suggesting respiratory-driven infections, while LM patients showed greater gut-associated resistance. Higher rectal AMR counts correlated with prolonged survival. Notably, four key MDROs (L. monocytogenes, M. tuberculosis, S. haemolyticus, and S. agalactiae) were enriched in sepsis patients, suggesting early risk markers. Fewer new resistances emerged in rectal than oropharyngeal swabs, likely due to antibiotic selection pressure. Vancomycin and levofloxacin, frequently co-administered, exerted stronger selective pressure in the oropharynx, possibly explaining the high MRSA prevalence in patient and environmental samples.

Predictive modeling of MB adsorption on activated olive stone through artificial neural networks

Evaluation of the nutritional value and active compounds of commercial and non-commercial oilseed meals

Radiofrequency and microwave 3D bioprinting of emulsion gel for dysphagia diets

Analyzing the impact of export tax rebates and energy conservation on sustainable industrial growth in China

Development of in situ real-time sensor for molecular contamination

Abstract Organic contamination is a major problem in the space industry, particularly for satellite optical devices. Although the standards governing this problem are extremely strict, there is no efficient method to measure the in situ, real-time deposition of organic contaminants. An original method based on thickness measurement is reported and tested in this paper. The use of microwave transduction allows to estimate the thickness of paraffin oil and silicone oil deposits from a few nanometers to several hundred nanometers in a low-pressure (mbar) environment. A linear response of the microwave sensor as a function of contaminant layer thickness is thus evidenced for both silicone and paraffin oils, paving the way for the integration of this method as an on-board contamination detection device.

Improved model MASW YOLO for small target detection in UAV images based on YOLOv8

Experimental investigation of friction reducer effects on the microstructure and permeability of Longmaxi formation gas shale

Tanshinone IIA induces oxidative stress in trophoblast cells and enhances copper dependent death

Machine learning-based construction of a programmed cell death-related model reveals prognosis and immune infiltration in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients

Tracking gas migration using reservoir PVT data as reality check for migration models

Correction: Venetoclax efficacy on acute myeloid leukemia is enhanced by the combination with butyrate

Generation and characterization of novel transcriptome-derived SSR markers for genetic applications in blueberry

Structural equation modeling of basic psychological needs and meaningful sports consumption with the mediating role of team attachment and self-esteem

Linking species distribution and chemistry to support the management of Saposhnikovia divaricata under global change

Research on the digital transaction model of the sports industry chain based on blockchain technology

Structural differences between human and mouse neurons and their implementation in generative AIs

The effects of early childhood dancesport intervention on executive function in preschool children: a randomized controlled trial

Progress and challenges towards eliminating vertical transmission of HIV in India

Mid-IR standoff measurement of ageing-related spectroscopic changes in bitumen in the 6 µm (1700 cm−1) region. Part 1: Measurement strategy and instrument design principles

Abstract A strategy is described to make in-situ measurements of a spectroscopic marker of ageing in bitumen binders used on asphalt-paved roads. Oxidation of bitumen at the surface increases the number of carbonyl (C=O) bonds, and this can be measured in the 6 μm region (1700 cm−1) of the mid-infrared. A measurement strategy is proposed to make standoff measurements of surface reflectivity in this region, despite the challenge presented by numerous strong absorption lines from atmospheric water vapour within the optical path. An instrument design is described to make measurements at 4 discrete laser wavelengths, namely 1593.0, 1641.4 and 1731.3 cm−1 (around 6 µm) and at 2633.6 cm−1 (3.8 µm), the first 3 responding to carbonyl absorption and the fourth acting as a spectral reference that is substantially unaffected by ageing. Part 2 of this paper describes the implementation of such an instrument and its experimental performance.