Draft Genome Sequences of Bacillus velezensis Strains AF_3B and OS2, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strain BS9, Bacillus halotolerans Strain A1, and sp. Strain BS3, Producing Biosurfactants with Antimicrobial Potential.

Five environmental strains were sequenced, of which three were isolated from the rhizosphere of agricultural soil and one each from Attock Oil Refinery and Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. The strains can be used for plant growth promotion and biosurfactant activity brought about by secondary metabolites.

Machine learning predicts unpredicted deaths with high accuracy following hepatopancreatic surgery.

Background: Machine learning to predict morbidity and mortality-especially in a population traditionally considered low risk-has not been previously examined. We sought to characterize the incidence of death among patients with a low estimated morbidity and mortality risk based on the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) estimated probability (EP), as well as develop a machine learning model to identify individuals at risk for "unpredicted death" (UD) among patients undergoing hepatopancreatic (HP) procedures.

Methods: The NSQIP database was used to identify patients who underwent elective HP surgery between 2012-2017.

Development and validation of a real-time mortality risk calculator before, during and after hepatectomy: an analysis of the ACS NSQIP database.

Background: Although most conventional risk prediction models have been based on preoperative information, intra- and post-operative events may be more relevant to mortality after surgery. We sought to develop a mortality risk calculator based on real time characteristics associated with hepatectomy.

Methods: Patients who underwent hepatectomy between 2014 and 2017 were identified in the ACS-NSQIP dataset.

Impact of Preoperative Cholangitis on Short-term Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing Liver Resection.

Background: The impact of preoperative cholangitis (PC) on perioperative outcomes among patients undergoing liver resection remains poorly defined. We sought to characterize the prevalence of PC among patients undergoing hepatectomy and define the impact of PC on postoperative outcomes.

Methods: Patients who underwent liver resection between 2013 and 2015 were identified using the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) 100% Limited Data Set (LDS) Standard Analytic Files (SAFs).

Potential disease burden of patients with substance abuse undergoing major abdominal surgery: A propensity score-matched analysis.

Background: Over 19 million Americans have a substance abuse disorder. The current study sought to characterize the relationship between substance abuse with in-hospital outcomes following major, elective abdominal surgery.

Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify patients who underwent major abdominal surgery between 2007 to 2014.

Skilled nursing facility (SNF) utilization and impact of SNF star-quality ratings on outcomes following hepatectomy among Medicare beneficiaries.

Background: An increasing number of patients require admission to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) following surgery. However, the impact of SNF quality on post-operative outcomes is unknown.

Methods: The Medicare Standard Analytic Files and Nursing Home Compare Dataset were used to define SNF utilization and determine the influence of SNF star quality ratings on outcomes following hepatectomy.

Low hepatitis C antibody screening rates among an insured population of Tennessean Baby Boomers.

Introduction: Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is common and can cause liver disease and death. Persons born from 1945 through 1965 ("Baby Boomers") have relatively high prevalence of chronic HCV infection, prompting recommendations that all Baby Boomers be screened for HCV. If chronic HCV is confirmed, evaluation for antiviral treatment should be performed.

Opium trade and the spread of HIV in the Golden Crescent.

The Golden Crescent region of South Asia-comprising Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan-is a principal global site for opium production and distribution. Over the past few decades, war, terrorism, and a shifting political landscape have facilitated an active heroin trade throughout the region. Protracted conflict has exacerbated already dire socio-economic conditions and political strife within the region and contributed to a consequent rise in opiate trafficking and addiction among the region's inhabitants.