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Microbial attack, particularly fungal degradation of cellulose, is a leading cause of paper damage. To address fungal spores and the rising concern of microbial drug resistance, a nano-Germanium dioxide (GeO2)/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) complex (nano-GeO2/CTAB complex) with potent antibacterial properties was synthesized. Its inhibitory effects were evaluated against bacteria, including Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, as well as fungi isolated from paper (Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., and Penicillium citrinum). The nano-GeO2/CTAB complex exhibited significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory effects against S. aureus and E. coli. Moreover, a 60 min treatment with 1 mg/mL of the complex significantly inhibited the growth of all tested fungi and reduced their biomass after five days of culture, while 4 mg/mL completely deactivated spores. Filter paper pre-treated with the nano-GeO2/CTAB complex showed complete resistance to microbial attack, exhibiting no fungal growth and a clear inhibition zone devoid of bacterial growth. In contrast, untreated controls displayed fungal coverage exceeding 95% within five days. These findings highlight the nano-GeO2/CTAB complex as a promising antimicrobial agent for protecting paper materials from microbial degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study was conducted to estimate the rate of Salmonella spp. isolation from cage papers, located in the bottom of canaries' cages and those of other exotic pet birds, in the 2015 Argentinean canary breeder championship. Furthermore, we determined the antimicrobial resistance profile of the isolates for antibiotics and commercial disinfectants. One pool of 258 cage paper pools was positive for Salmonella spp. (0.4%). Two strains of Salmonella serotype Glostrup were isolated, which were only resistant to sulfonamides and erythromycin and sensitive to alkali-based product PL301 AS. Although the rate of Salmonella spp. isolation from cage papers in an Argentinean canary breeder championship is low, this is the first study conducted in Argentina on Salmonella spp. isolation from these materials of pet birds. However, Salmonella ser. Glostrup isolated strains could be a source of human Salmonella outbreaks, and they show high resistance to disinfecting products. Birds, including canaries and other birds, have become increasingly popular as pets. Bird fairs, where breeders gather and show their production in a championship setting, present a setting for possible Salmonella spp. contamination and transmission. Therefore, this study estimated the rate of Salmonella spp. isolation from cage papers, located in the bottom of cages of exotic pet birds, including canaries. Collected Salmonella isolates were used to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile to 52 antibiotics and 17 commercial disinfectants, based on pure or a mixture of acids, alcohols, aldehydes, alkalis, halogens, peroxygen, and quaternary ammonium compounds. The samples consisted of 774 cage papers taken in the 2015 Argentinean canary breeder championship, pooling three cage papers into one sterile sampling bag. Only one pool of the cage papers was positive for Salmonella spp. (0.4%), which belonged to the sample from three frill canary cages. Two strains of Salmonella serotype Glostrup were isolated, which were only resistant to sulfonamides and erythromycin and sensitive to alkali-based product PL301 AS. Although the rate of Salmonella spp. isolation from cage papers in an Argentinean canary breeder championship is low, it should not be discounted because Salmonella ser. Glostrup can be a source of human Salmonella outbreaks and they show high resistance to disinfecting products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The graphical abstract illustrates the concept of DNA detection using filter paper and brown colored beads. The visual signal of detection can be analyzed quantitatively as the histogram indicates. • Filter paper is suitable for use as a support platform in point-of-care devices. • Polyamidoamine dendrimer activates filter paper for DNA detection. • The method developed combines and simplifies multiple techniques, and enables a rapid and accurate DNA diagnosis tool. Point-of-care (POC) detection is crucial in clinical diagnosis in order to provide timely and specific treatment. Combining polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer, p -phenylene diisothiocyanate (PDITC) and superparamagnetic beads, a novel method to activate the surface of filter paper to bind DNA molecules has been developed. The method is based on the primary amination of the filter paper surface with PAMAM dendrimer, followed by generation of isothiocyanate groups via PDITC, and subsequent repetition of these two steps. Different parameters of the process have been optimized, including probe printing, preparation of target DNAs and detection. The result shows that, due to the highly porous structure of filter paper, high amounts of printed probes, target DNAs and magnetic beads can provide high signal intensities in the detection area via probe/target duplex formation. This method is suitable for rapid, specific and cost-efficient DNA detection on cellulose filter paper. It can be used as a POC device, in particular for diagnosis and treatment management of infectious diseases and identification of antimicrobial drug resistance genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A simple and user-friendly diagnostics to detect the hypervirulent K. pneumoniae. • CRISPR-assisted point-of-need tool that stands worthy of the ASSURED criteria. • Species-specific detection of solely the test-strains of K. pneumoniae. • No cross-reactivity observed when tested on different genera besides the test strains. • Instrument-free readout to extend the reach of the technology to remote locations. Klebsiella pneumoniae , a prevalent healthcare-associated pathogen, poses a significant challenge to diagnosis and treatment due to its virulence and antimicrobial resistance. The demand for more efficient, precise and accessible diagnostic methods is imperative, as current approaches are labor-intensive and resource-dependent. In this study, a CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)-based diagnostic tool for rapid detection of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae infections was proposed. We integrated recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) coupled with a lateral flow assay and Cas13a (CRISPR associated protein 13a) to target the housekeeping rpoB gene for species-specific detection and the capsular polysaccharide regulating gene rmpA for identification of hypervirulent strains of K. pneumoniae. Tested on 18 K. pneumoniae strains, the devised tool successfully detected hypervirulent strains K. pneumoniae M59 and K. pneumoniae KP109 showing presence of rmpA. This study allows to develop an instrument-free platform for routine diagnosis of K. pneumoniae from serum, urine, and saliva samples that would empower healthcare personnel to facilitate proper and timely treatment of infections caused by the K. pneumoniae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased microorganisms resistance to drugs is currently a challenging problem as more powerful drugs are necessary for successful treatments. Current research is investigating for the first time reinforced bactericidal effects in wastewater resulted by simultaneous use of metallic thin films deposited on water filter papers combined with electrical power directly applied to the coated structures. Silver and copper were deposited at room temperature onto water filter papers by using high vacuum magnetron sputtering system. The metallic coated structures efficiently eliminated common types of wastewater bacteria (e.g. Escherichia coli and other coliforms). The antibacterial effects were reinforced by using electrical power applied to the structures. Increasing the electricity levels resulted in stronger bactericidal effects and subsequently shorter exposure times were required to reduce bacteria from contaminated water. Thin films adherence to filter fibers and the morphology of the coated structures were examined using digital optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The method used for assessing antibacterial performance was the standardized membrane filtering technique for wastewater examination. Water was collected from local basins and the bacterial content was monitored before and after exposure to uncoated, silver and copper coated filter fibers, and electrically activated metallic coated filter fibers. The metallic thin films were retained on the fibers surface after water treatment consequently reducing the nanoparticles release to the surroundings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperation is a fundamental behaviour observed in all forms of life. The evolution of cooperation has been widely studied, but almost all theories focused on the cooperating individual and its genes. We suggest a different approach, taking into account the microbes carried by the interacting individuals. Accumulating evidence reveals that microbes can affect their host’s well-being and behaviour, yet hosts can evolve mechanisms to resist the manipulations of their microbes. We thus propose that coevolution of microbes with their hosts may favour microbes that induce their host to cooperate. Using computational modelling, we show that microbe-induced cooperation can evolve and be maintained in a wide range of conditions, including when facing hosts’ resistance to the microbial effect. We find that host–microbe coevolution leads the population to a rock–paper–scissors dynamics that enables maintenance of cooperation in a polymorphic state. Our results suggest a mechanism for the evolution and maintenance of cooperation that may be relevant to a wide variety of organisms, including cases that are difficult to explain by current theories. This study provides a new perspective on the coevolution of hosts and their microbiome, emphasizing the potential role of microbes in shaping their host’s behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance is among the most pressing health threats globally, prompting the call for urgent actions, including education on this topic. In this direction, engaging teaching activities applicable to a broad audience are required. Here, we describe a visually attractive and didactic agar art experience to teach about microbial proliferation, antimicrobial action, and resistance. This activity is based on executing a simple printmaking method named "microbegraphy" using pigmented microbes as inks and antimicrobial solutions to block their growth, producing printable-on-paper images. We successfully implemented this experience for high school students who learned basic microbiology work and evidenced the microbial growth inhibition due to the antimicrobials, creating custom images. Moreover, the occasional growth of colonies in areas where antimicrobials were applied was used to tempt the possible occurrence of resistance and inspired a more general discussion about the importance of microbes and antimicrobials in health and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a chronic infection that can be managed by antiretroviral treatment (ART). However, periods of suboptimal viral suppression during lifelong ART can select for HIV drug resistant (DR) variants. Transmission of drug resistant virus can lessen or abrogate ART efficacy. Therefore, testing of individuals for drug resistance prior to initiation of treatment is recommended to ensure effective ART. Sensitive and inexpensive HIV genotyping methods are needed in low-resource settings where most HIV infections occur. The oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA) is a sensitive point mutation assay for detection of drug resistance mutations in HIV pol. The current OLA involves four main steps from sample to analysis: (1) lysis and/or nucleic acid extraction, (2) amplification of HIV RNA or DNA, (3) ligation of oligonucleotide probes designed to detect single nucleotide mutations that confer HIV drug resistance, and (4) analysis via oligonucleotide surface capture, denaturation, and detection (CDD). The relative complexity of these steps has limited its adoption in resource-limited laboratories. Here we describe a simplification of the 2.5-hour plate-format CDD to a 45-minute paper-format CDD that eliminates the need for a plate reader. Analysis of mutations at four HIV-1 DR codons (K103N, Y181C, M184V, and G190A) in 26 blood specimens showed a strong correlation of the ratios of mutant signal to total signal between the paper CDD and the plate CDD. The assay described makes the OLA easier to perform in low resource laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: This viewpoint article discusses and analyses the need and benefits of a patient safety definition within the context of nursing. Design/methodology/approach: This viewpoint article is supported by literature review, statutory documents and expert knowledge evidence. All these sources provided a unified narrative of the background, current aspects and future needs of patient safety. Findings: The need for strengthening patient safety and the nurses' role within healthcare's actions towards patient safety are discussed. The predominant role of nurses due to the proportionate size and significant role along with the need for clarification of patient safety in nursing terms is recognised. Research evidence of nursing areas with safety issues and relevant nursing interventions are presented. Based on all findings, a research-based nursing specific patient safety definition is proposed. This definition includes three axes: what is patient harm, how this harm can be eliminated or reduced and which are the areas of nursing practice that are identified to provide opportunity for patient harm. These axes include nursing specifications of the patient safety definition. Originality/value: It is the first time that a nurse specific patient safety definition is proposed. This definition strives to enhance nurse practitioners' understanding and engagement with patient safety by clarifying aspects of patient safety within everyday nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A group of 15 heavy metal resistant bacteria were isolated from Barak River contaminated with paper and pulp effluents. These isolates displayed different degrees of chromium tolerance. Four isolates showed 34 %-49 % of growth at a concentration of 4.0 mM of Cr and subjected to chromium reduction assay under aerobic condition. The isolate E (4) showed highest reduction (34.38 %) followed by E (3) and K(6)PA6, both showed 28.75 % reduction and then D (2) (27.5 %) after 72 h of incubation. These 4 isolates also showed different degrees of resistance to other heavy metals like Ni, Cu, Co and Cd. Antibiotic sensitivity profile of these selected bacterial strains was determined against 10 different antibiotics. Isolate E (4) appeared to be most susceptible being inhibited by eight antibiotics and resistant to penicillin G and ampicillin. The isolate E (3) was resistant to as many as five antibiotics and showed susceptible responses to the rest of the antibiotics. Both the isolates K(6)PA6 and D (2) were resistant to four antibiotics and showed intermediate to susceptible responses to the rest of the antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wide use of antibiotics in aquaculture has led to the emergence of resistant microbial species. It should be avoided/minimized by controlling the amount of drug employed in fish farming. For this purpose, the present work proposes test-strip papers aiming at the detection/semi-quantitative determination of organic drugs by visual comparison of color changes, in a similar analytical procedure to that of pH monitoring by universal pH paper. This is done by establishing suitable chemical changes upon cellulose, attributing the paper the ability to react with the organic drug and to produce a color change. Quantitative data is also enabled by taking a picture and applying a suitable mathematical treatment to the color coordinates given by the HSL system used by windows. As proof of concept, this approach was applied to oxytetracycline (OXY), one of the antibiotics frequently used in aquaculture. A bottom-up modification of paper was established, starting by the reaction of the glucose moieties on the paper with 3-triethoxysilylpropylamine (APTES). The so-formed amine layer allowed binding to a metal ion by coordination chemistry, while the metal ion reacted after with the drug to produce a colored compound. The most suitable metals to carry out such modification were selected by bulk studies, and the several stages of the paper modification were optimized to produce an intense color change against the concentration of the drug. The paper strips were applied to the analysis of spiked environmental water, allowing a quantitative determination for OXY concentrations as low as 30 ng/mL. In general, this work provided a simple, method to screen and discriminate tetracycline drugs, in aquaculture, being a promising tool for local, quick and cheap monitoring of drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-medication is the practice of obtaining and using drugs without proper guidance or supervision. It can involve various behaviours that may harm individuals and society. Self-medication can cause serious health and economic problems for countries and healthcare systems. Therefore, current review aimed at examining self-medication practices in Ethiopia. Methods: This umbrella review will consider all systematic reviews that include self-medication practices of adult age greater than 18 years in Ethiopia. Study protocols, papers other than systematic reviews, papers not reporting on self-medication practices, and papers published in languages other than English will be excluded from the review. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews will be searched. Two reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts against the eligibility criteria. Data extraction will be performed by 2 independent reviewers on the reviews selected for inclusion. The characteristics of studies like author name, year published, databases searched, number of studies/patients included, and self-medication practices will be extracted. The quality of included studies will be reported using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for systematic reviews and research syntheses. A summary of the extracted data will be presented in tabular format and a narrative synthesis will be performed on the collected systematic reviews that meet the inclusion criteria. Discussion: This protocol is expected to bring pooled evidence on self-medication practice among different population groups like pregnant mothers, adult population, students, and general population. Evidence from this review will be used to tackle current global problem related with anti-microbial resistance. Therefore, our review will call for government and non-government interventions in reducing current challenge of global issue related with anti-microbial resistance in resource limited country like Ethiopia. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42023182552 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific literature is published at a rate that makes manual data extraction a highly time-consuming task. The Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) utilizes literature to curate information on antimicrobial resistance genes and to enable time-efficient triage of publications we have developed a classification algorithm for identifying publications describing first reports of new resistance genes. Trained on publications contained in the CARD, CARD*Shark downloads, processes and identifies publications recently added to PubMed that should be reviewed by biocurators. With CARD*Shark, we can minimize the monthly scope of articles a biocurator reviews from hundreds of articles to a few dozen, drastically improving the speed of curation while ensuring no relevant publications are overlooked. Database URLhttp://card.mcmaster.ca [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria often cause infections, and we take antibiotics to help us recover. Antibiotics are like magic pills that have saved millions of lives. However, the overuse of antibiotics is now making bacteria evolve fast and evade these antibiotics. A few bacteria like the purple one in the petri plate (Figure 1) have evolved a way to dodge and not get killed by one particular kind of antibiotic. The day might come soon when not a single antibiotic would work, and we could die of even tiny paper cuts. In this article, we discuss what antibiotics are, how they target bacteria, and why bacteria are suddenly becoming resistant to antibiotics. We include a list of ten points that each of us must follow and a pledge for everyone to take, to help stop the spread of antibiotic resistance. A small questionnaire is included that we would like you all to answer. Together we can win the battle against antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I This study by Claire i [1] I in the UK investigated the prevalence of uveitis within a population of donkeys in the UK i . Clinical signs included miosis (n = 1), corpora nigra atrophy (n = 6), anterior lens capsule pigment (n = 2), cataract (n = 8), posterior synechiae (n = 3), lens subluxation (n = 1), vitreal changes (n = 2), peripapillary scarring (n = 3), and phthisis bulbi (n = 1). Improved knowledge of the prevalence, types and risk of development of post extraction complications may help reduce these complications. [Extracted from the article]

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus is an important worldwide problem. Resistance is verified in strains harboring the mecA gene and laboratory methods used to detect resistance are object of constant investigation. In the present study, 99 clinical isolates of staphylococci (41 S. aureus, 33 S. epidermidis, 12 S. saprophyticus and 13 members of other species) were submitted to different phenotypic methods and conditions. Detection of the mecA gene by PCR was used as the reference method and detected 14/41, 10/33, and 10/25 isolates of S. aureus, S. epidermidis and other species, respectively. Results showed that, for S. aureus and S. epidermidis, agar diffusion, agar dilution, and the E test incubated during 24h at 35°C correctly discriminated mecA positive from mecA negative isolates. For other species, all methods and conditions presented low specificity (ranging from 20% to 66.7%) and, particularly S. saprophyticus, may need molecular methods to correctly assess methicillin resistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In clinical practice in dogs and cats, antimicrobials are frequently used, sometimes overused or misused, increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In order to limit the phenomenon, laws have been enacted and guidelines for prudent and rational use of antibiotics have been developed. Interestingly, old molecules such as nitrofurantoin could be used to achieve therapeutic success and overcome AMR. To better understand the suitability of this molecule in veterinary medicine, the authors performed a revision of the literature, searching on PubMed and entering the following keywords: nitrofurantoin, veterinary medicine, dog, and cat connected by the Boolean operator "and", without restrictions on the date of publication. Thirty papers were finally selected. It is possible to appreciate that papers dealing with nitrofurantoin have been written from the early 1960s to the middle of the 1970s, and then a long period passed without publications. Only at the beginning of the new century, nitrofurantoin was included or was sometimes the focus of papers dealing with its efficacy in veterinary medicine, mainly in the treatment of urinary tract infections. One recent paper dealt with pharmacokinetic features, and none was dedicated to pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic integration or modeling. Nitrofurantoin appears to be still effective against several pathogens that rarely develop resistance to this molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While the relationship between conflict-associated injuries and antimicrobial resistance is increasingly being elucidated, data concerning civilian casualties is sparse. This systematic review assesses literature focused on Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) Priority Pathogens causing infections in civilian wounds and burns in conflict-affected countries within the World Health Organisation's Eastern Mediterranean Region Office (EMRO). Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Five databases and grey literature were searched, identifying studies published from January 2010 to June 2024. Search terms included "wounds", "burns," "antimicrobial resistance", and the twelve countries of interest. Included studies reported resistance of GLASS pathogens. Two reviewers used Covidence to assess papers for inclusion. Data were extracted into a spreadsheet for analysis. Where quantitative data were available, medians, interquartile ranges and percentages were calculated by pathogen and country. Results: 621 records were identified; 19 studies met inclusion criteria. Nine of the papers were from Iraq, three from Libya, three from Lebanon, one each from Yemen and Gaza; two reported on conflict affected refugees in Jordan. A total of 1,942 distinct microbiological isolates were reported, representing all four critical and high priority GLASS pathogen categories. Among the isolates, Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent (36.3%). Median resistances identified: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 680): 55.6% (IQR:49.65–90.3%); carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 372): 22.14% (7.43–52.22%); carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 366): 60.3% (32.1–85%); carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 75): 12.65% (9.73–34.25%); ceftriaxone resistant Escherichia coli (n = 63): 76% (69–84.65%); ceftriaxone resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 40): 81.45% (76.73–86.18%). Only three studies had a low risk of bias. Discussion: Findings imply high rates of GLASS priority pathogens among wounded civilians in conflict-affected EMRO countries. However, evidence was heterogeneous, low quality and sparse in certain countries, highlighting the necessity of effective surveillance including standardised data collection. Improving primary data will facilitate the production of large, high-quality studies throughout the EMRO, including under-represented countries. Conclusion: Laboratory diagnostic capacity building and improved surveillance in conflict-affected settings in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are required to assess the burden of GLASS priority pathogens in vulnerable non-combatant populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance [AMR] is a global problem that affects multiple domains including healthcare, agriculture, aquaculture, and many more. Every year, 700,000 people die from it. AMR is predicted to claim 10 million lives by 2050 if immediate action is not taken. Thus, to halt the spread of AMR it is important to understand what contributes to its emergence and transmission across borders and domains. The burden is disproportionately higher in Low middle income countries (LMICs) due to multiple factors such as environmental, social, healthcare, and cultural barriers. This review paper describes the comprehensive analysis of the past, present, and future trends in AMR, focusing on the complex interconnectedness of the factors contributing to this issue. Historical trends reveal antibiotic discoveries, resistance periods, resistance genes, and multidrug-resistant pathogens, providing insights into crisis evolution and the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. The present trends reflect the current state of AMR in India and emphasize the negative consequences of AMR for clinical medicine and healthcare systems. It identifies the factors driving the global pandemic surge and examines current global and country-level policies and actions to mitigate its impact. The future trends anticipate the trajectories of AMR and discuss innovative approaches to combat resistance, including the exploration of alternative therapies and the implementation of stewardship programs. Thus, by synthesizing existing knowledge and identifying emerging gaps, this review paper presents a holistic perspective on the evolution of AMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been identified by the World Health Organisation as a global threat that currently claims at least 25,000 deaths each year in Europe and 700,000 globally; the number is projected to reach 10 million per year between 2015 and 2050. Therefore, there is an urgent need for low-cost but reliable point-of-care diagnostics for early screening of infections especially in developing countries lacking in basic infrastructure and trained personnel. This work is aimed at developing such a device, a paper-based microfluidic device for infection testing by an unskilled user in a low resource setting. Here, we present our work relating to the use of our laser-patterned paper-based devices for detection and susceptibility testing of Escherichia coli , via a simple visually observable colour change. The results indicate the suitability of our integrated paper devices for timely identification of bacterial infections at the point-of-care and their usefulness in providing a hugely beneficial pathway for accurate antibiotic prescribing and thus a novel route to tackling the global challenge of AMR. • A paper-sensor for infection testing by unskilled users in a low resource setting. • The three-layer device was fabricated using a laser direct-write procedure. • It enables both detection and antibiotic-resistance testing of bacterial infections. • The device can be used at point-of-care with a simple colorimetric readout. • The integrated device offers a novel route to tackling the global challenge of AMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial titled "Antibiotics overuse as the driving force behind antimicrobial resistance." It discusses the misuse of antibiotics in human, veterinary, and agricultural settings, which has led to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR is a global public health threat, causing millions of deaths and significant economic costs. The editorial highlights the importance of understanding the development of AMR and presents five papers that explore different aspects of antibiotic overuse and its impact on AMR. These papers cover topics such as physician perceptions of antibiotic use, risk factors for colonization with multidrug-resistant bacteria, and antibiotic resistance in specific infections. The editorial emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary and cooperative efforts to address AMR and promote judicious antibiotic use, surveillance, innovation, and awareness. [Extracted from the article]

Solid organic waste is a significant source of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and effective treatment strategies are urgently required to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Here, we studied ARG diversity and abundance as well as the relationship between antibiotic resistome and microbial community structure within a lab-scale solid-state anaerobic digester treating a mixture of food waste, paper and cardboard. A total of 10 samples from digester feed and digestion products were collected for microbial community analysis including small subunit rRNA gene sequencing, total community metagenome sequencing and high-throughput quantitative PCR. We observed a significant shift in microbial community composition and a reduction in ARG diversity and abundance after 6 weeks of digestion. ARGs were identified in all samples with multidrug resistance being the most abundant ARG type. Thirty-two per cent of ARGs detected in digester feed were located on plasmids indicating potential for horizontal gene transfer. Using metagenomic assembly and binning, we detected potential bacterial hosts of ARGs in digester feed, which included Erwinia , Bifidobacteriaceae , Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus. Our results indicate that the process of sequential solid-state anaerobic digestion of food waste, paper and cardboard tested herein provides a significant reduction in the relative abundance of ARGs per 16S rRNA gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance is an important global issue that impacts the efficacy of established antimicrobial therapy. This is true globally and within the Arab countries of the Middle East, where a range of key Gram-negative pathogens pose challenges to effective therapy. There is a need to establish effective treatment recommendations for this region given specific challenges to antimicrobial therapy, including variations in the availability of antimicrobials, infrastructure and specialist expertise. This consensus provides regional recommendations for the first-line treatment of hospitalized patients with serious infections caused by World Health Organization critical priority Gram-negative pathogens Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to carbapenems, and Enterobacteriaceae resistant to carbapenems and third-generation cephalosporins. A working group comprising experts in infectious disease across the region was assembled to review contemporary literature and provide additional consensus on the treatment of key pathogens. Detailed therapeutic recommendations are formulated for these pathogens with a focus on bacteraemia, nosocomial pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and intra-abdominal infections. First-line treatment options are provided, along with alternative agents that may be used where variations in antimicrobial availability exist or where local preferences and resistance patterns should be considered. These recommendations take into consideration the diverse social and healthcare structures of the Arab countries of the Middle East, meeting a need that is not filled by international guidelines. There is a need for these recommendations to be updated continually to reflect changes in antimicrobial resistance in the region, as well as drug availability and emerging data from clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Call for Papers: PLOS Medicine Special Issue on Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance - Surveillance and Prevention The guest editors and I PLOS Medicine i editors seek high-quality and high-impact research submissions related to the main drivers, surveillance and prevention of bacterial antimicrobial resistance, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. The editors of I PLOS Medicine i , together with guest editors Timothy Walsh, Ramanan Laxminarayan and Ana Cristina Gales, announce a forthcoming Special Issue dedicated to bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR). [Extracted from the article]

The use of antimicrobials is essential for the aquaculture sector; however, their misuse is cause for concern because it could adversely affect the environment and human health. Irresponsible use of antimicrobials can lead to antimicrobial resistance and result in the presence of unwanted residues in aquaculture products. The establishment of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for antimicrobials is of great importance for monitoring their correct use, but the lack of harmonized standards as well as the regulatory gaps for the aquatic products create a challenging situation, as it is reflected in import notifications related to food safety. This paper collects information about current MRLs for antimicrobials in aquatic commodities in the main importing and exporting countries of aquatic products and compares them with each other and with MRLs set by Codex Alimentarius. This analysis highlighted the need for Codex Alimentarius guidance regarding MRLs for nine antimicrobials in aquaculture products (chlortetracycline, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, florfenicol, sulfadimethoxine + ormetoprim, sulfamerazine, tetracycline, and trimethoprim). This paper shows that there is still work to do to implement exhaustive science‐based international standards for residues permitted in aquatic commodities and promote harmonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the major causes of antimicrobial resistance, β‐lactamase develops rapidly among bacteria. Detection of β‐lactamase in an efficient and low‐cost point‐of‐care testing (POCT) way is urgently needed. However, due to the volatile environmental factors, the quantitative measurement of current POCT is often inaccurate. Herein, we demonstrate an artificial intelligence (AI)‐assisted mobile health system that consists of a paper‐based β‐lactamase fluorogenic probe analytical device and a smartphone‐based AI cloud. An ultrafast broad‐spectrum fluorogenic probe (B1) that could respond to β‐lactamase within 20 s was first synthesized, and the detection limit was determined to be 0.13 nmol/L. Meanwhile, a three‐dimensional microfluidic paper‐based analytical device was fabricated for integration of B1. Also, a smartphone‐based AI cloud was developed to correct errors automatically and output results intelligently. This smart system could calibrate the temperature and pH in the β‐lactamase level detection in complex samples and mice infected with various bacteria, which shows the problem‐solving ability in interdisciplinary research, and demonstrates potential clinical benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify the contribution and impact of Nigerian authors, institutions, and journal sources, assess the knowledge base, detect the trends regarding antimicrobial resistance research through bibliometric analysis. Methods: Data from a query of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) articles in the dimensions database (PubMed included) were subjected to bibliometric analysis (1972-2022). Bibliometric indicators, topic networks were established, and topic trends were analysed by frequency, relevance scores, and trends over time. Results and conclusion: A total of 0.2% of the papers on AMR published worldwide were written by authors or institutions from Nigeria. In 2021, publications grew by 13.6%, The vast majority of publications (57.18%) were in the field of medical and health sciences, with 2428 papers. The top journal for AMR papers with at least one Nigerian institution affiliation was African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology, which published 1.8% of these papers. Antimicrobial stewardship, clinical and laboratory practices on AMR, public health implications, traditional and molecular methods, and phytomedicine and drug discovery were prominent areas of focus for Nigerian researchers. This study provided a comprehensive overview of the AMR research output, highlighting the need of increased research capacity to address the burden of AMR in Nigeria. Because Nigeria is overly reliant on conventional methods of discovery and development, innovation is essential for the future of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review, for the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (JAC), gives an overview of the manuscripts related to veterinary bacteriology published in the journal in the past 40 years with a focus on 'One Health' aspects. From 1975 to 2000 the number of manuscripts related to veterinary medicine was limited, but thereafter, the number steadily increased. Most manuscripts published were related to food-producing animals, but companion animals and minor species were also covered. Subjects included antimicrobial usage in animals and the consequences for human medicine, new resistance genes and mechanisms, the prevalence and epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance, and the emergence of resistant bacteria in animals with zoonotic potential such as livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. These manuscripts have added to our knowledge on the risks of transmission of resistant bacteria from animals to humans and the importance of the prudent use of antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's global challenges are characterised by rapid change. Adjusting to these changes, requires professionals to learn at pace, then rapidly adapt how they work. To support this need, professional development programmes have been designed as Massive Open Online Courses aimed at universal reach, large numbers, and knowledge transfer. However, focus on the scale and reach of knowledge transfer is not sufficient. Professional development programmes must extend beyond learning at scale by supporting professionals not only to learn new knowledge, but also to apply this knowledge to their work. Achieving this goal means taking into account the local context by combining knowledge learned on the programme with local knowledge, by reflecting on the role, and by planning how to adapt work practice and processes. This new focus is particularly relevant to areas of healthcare that are changing at pace. The global health challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens our ability to treat infections and achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Mitigating the impacts of AMR requires professionals across a wide range of roles to change how they work and there is widespread recognition of the need to provide learning opportunities for professionals to build capacity to tackle this challenge. Provoked by a funder's interest in 'developing a MOOC' to support capacity building for AMR surveillance, this paper investigates how we reconceptualise MOOCs as professional learning in rapidly changing contexts and how we combine 'learning at scale' with the need for professionals to adapt and apply knowledge. The paper presents the theoretical framework and methodological approach and offers reflections on key decisions concerning the design of 'Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance', a professional development MOOC designed as a collection of online modules aiming to support professionals to reflect on how the knowledge learned applies to their everyday practice. Although this study is contextualised within the global health challenge of AMR, these findings are likely to have applicability for the design of professional learning to support other global challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the aetiological organisms causing maternal infections is crucial to inform antibiotic treatment guidelines, but such data are scarce from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to address this gap. Methods: Microbiologically confirmed maternal infection data were collected from PubMed, Embase, and African Journals online databases. The search strategy combined terms related to bacterial infection, pregnancy, postnatal period, observational studies, SSA. Exclusion criteria included colonization, asymptomatic infection, and screening studies. Pooled proportions for bacterial isolates and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) were calculated. Quality and completeness of reporting were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa and STROBE checklists. Findings: We included 14 papers comprising data from 2,575 women from four sources (blood, urine, surgical wound and endocervical). Mixed-growth was commonly reported at 17% (95% CI: 12%-23%), E. coli from 11%(CI:10%-12%), S. aureus from 5%(CI: 5%-6%), Klebsiella spp. at 5%(CI: 4%- 5%) and Streptococcus spp. at 2%(CI: 1%-2%). We observed intra-sample and inter-sample heterogeneity between 88–92% in all meta-analyses. AMR rates were between 19% -77%, the highest with first-line beta-lactam antibiotics. Convenience sampling, and limited reporting of laboratory techniques were areas of concern. Interpretation: We provide a comprehensive summary of microbial aetiology of maternal infections in SSA and demonstrate the paucity of data available for this region. We flag the need to review the current local and international empirical treatment guidelines for maternal bacterial infections in SSA because there is high prevalence of AMR among common causative bacteria. Funding: This research was supported by the NIHR-Professorship/NIHR300808 and the Wellcome-Strategic-award /206545/Z/17/Z. Trial registration: Prospero ID CRD42021238515. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global pandemic, however, estimating its burden is a complex process. As a result, many countries rely on global estimates to infer burden within their own setting. With a growing number of recent publications quantifying AMR burden in Australia, and an expansion of surveillance programs, enumerating AMR mortality for Australia is feasible. We aimed to leverage existing published data to assess methodological factors contributing to the considerable variation in AMR-related mortality and provide two reliable estimates of AMR mortality in Australia. This is a necessary step towards generating meaningful measures of AMR burden in Australia. What is known about the topic? Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global health threat, but estimating the burden of disease is complicated by data challenges. What does this paper add? This paper highlights progress in estimating the number of people dying from antimicrobial resistance in Australia and highlights the importance of rigorous antimicrobial resistance mortality estimates in Australia to assess burden of disease. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners should use only rigorous estimates of burden of disease to inform actions on reducing the threat of antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the latest advancements in aerogel technology for antimicrobial therapy, revealing their interesting capacity that could improve the current medical approaches for antimicrobial treatments. Aerogels are attractive matrices because they can have an antimicrobial effect on their own, but they can also provide efficient delivery of antimicrobial compounds. Their interesting properties, such as high porosity, ultra-lightweight, and large surface area, make them suitable for such applications. The fundamentals of aerogels and mechanisms of action are discussed. The paper also highlights aerogels' importance in addressing current pressing challenges related to infection management, like the limited drug delivery alternatives and growing resistance to antimicrobial agents. It also covers the potential applications of aerogels in antimicrobial therapy and their possible limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical specialties account for a high proportion of antimicrobial use in hospitals, and misuse has been widely reported resulting in unnecessary patient harm and antimicrobial resistance. We aimed to synthesize qualitative studies on surgical antimicrobial prescribing behavior, in hospital settings, to explain how and why contextual factors act and interact to influence practice. Stakeholder engagement was integrated throughout to ensure consideration of varying interpretive repertoires and that the findings were clinically meaningful. The meta-ethnography followed the seven phases outlined by Noblit and Hare. Eight databases were systematically searched without date restrictions. Supplementary searches were performed including forwards and backwards citation chasing and contacting first authors of included papers to highlight further work. Following screening, 14 papers were included in the meta-ethnography. Repeated reading of this work enabled identification of 48 concepts and subsequently eight overarching concepts: hierarchy; fear drives action; deprioritized; convention trumps evidence; complex judgments; discontinuity of care; team dynamics; and practice environment. The overarching concepts interacted to varying degrees but there was no consensus among stakeholders regarding an order of importance. Further abstraction of the overarching concepts led to the development of a conceptual model and a line-of-argument synthesis, which posits that social and structural mediators influence individual complex antimicrobial judgements and currently skew practice towards increased and unnecessary antimicrobial use. Crucially, our model provides insights into how we might 'tip the balance' towards more evidence-based antimicrobial use. Currently, healthcare workers deploy antimicrobials across the surgical pathway as a safety net to allay fears, reduce uncertainty and risk, and to mitigate against personal blame. Our synthesis indicates that prescribing is unlikely to change until the social and structural mediators driving practice are addressed. Furthermore, it suggests that research specifically exploring the context for effective and sustainable quality improvement stewardship initiatives in surgery is now urgent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]