bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonerosive reflux disease: clinical concepts
Authors: Gyawali C. Prakash , Azagury Dan E. , Chan Walter W. , Chandramohan Servarayan M. , Clarke John O. , de Bortoli Nicola , Figueredo Edgar , Fox Mark , Jodorkovsky Daniela , Lazarescu Adriana , Malfertheiner Peter , Martinek Jan , Murayama Kenric M. , Penagini Roberto , Savarino Edoardo , Shetler Katerina P. , Stein Ellen , Tatum Roger P. , Wu Justin
Published: May 2018

Esophageal symptoms can arise from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as other mucosal and motor processes, structural disease, and functional esophageal syndromes. GERD is the most common esophageal disorder, but diagnosis may not be straightforward when symptoms persist despite empiric acid suppressive therapy and when mucosal erosions are not seen on endoscopy (as for nonerosive reflux disease, NERD). Esophageal physiological tests (ambulatory pH or pH‐impedance monitoring and manometry) can be of value in defining abnormal reflux burden and reflux–symptom association. NERD diagnosed on the basis of abnormal reflux burden on ambulatory reflux monitoring is associated with similar symptom response from antireflux therapy for erosive esophagitis. Acid suppression is the mainstay of therapy, and antireflux surgery has a definitive role in the management of persisting symptoms attributed to NERD, especially when the esophagogastric junction is compromised. Adjunctive approaches and complementary therapy may be of additional value in management. In this review, we describe the evaluation, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management of NERD.
Shared Minds: How Patients Use Collaborative Information Sharing via Social Media Platforms
Authors: Yan Lu (Lucy) , Yan Xiangbin , Tan Yong , Sun Sherry X.
Published: May 2018

Despite our understanding that social media and online healthcare communities can help to eliminate health information asymmetry and improve patients’ self‐care engagement, we have yet to understand what happens when patients have access to others’ health data and how patients’ access to these shared experiences and opinions influence their health knowledge and perceived treatment outcome. In this study, we apply social information processing theory and incorporate (1) uncertainty of a treatment, (2) information exposure, and (3) credibility of the information source into patients’ information evaluation function to assess how patients utilize shared health information and experiences. An empirical model, which combines various aspects of patients’ firsthand experiences about treatments into a single construct, yields empirical evidence that patients’ perceived treatment outcome is prone to social influence from other patients’ shared experiences. By disaggregating the sources of social influence, we find that social influence created by generalized others in the community outweighs that by familiar others of one's intimate social group. In addition, we find that other factors, such as positive sentiment in comments and patients’ prior experiences, also affect patients’ perceived treatment outcome. Based on our findings, implications for health promotion and health behaviors are presented.
Control of xylem Na+ loading and transport to the shoot in rice and barley as a determinant of differential salinity stress tolerance
Authors: Ishikawa Tetsuya , Shabala Sergey
Published: May 2018

Control of xylem Na+ loading has often been named as the essential component of salinity tolerance mechanism. However, it is less clear to what extent the difference in this trait may determine differential salinity tolerance between species. In this study, barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. CM72) and rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Dongjin) plants were grown under two levels of salinity. Na+ and K+ concentrations in the xylem sap, and shoot and root tissues were measured at different time points after stress onset. Salt‐exposed rice plants prevented xylem Na+ loading for several days, but failed to control this process in the longer term, ultimately resulting in a massive Na+ shoot loading. Barley plants quickly increased xylem Na+ concentration and its delivery to the shoot (most likely for the purpose of osmotic adjustment) but were able to reduce this process later on, keeping most of accumulated Na+ in the root, thus maintaining non‐toxic shoot Na+ level. Rice plants increased shoot K+ concentration, while barley plants maintained higher root K+ concentration. Control of xylem Na+ loading is remarkably different between rice and barley; this difference may differentiate the extent of the salinity tolerance between species. This trait should be investigated in more detail to be used in the breeding programs aimed to improve salinity tolerance in crops.
Prevalence and effect factors of dementia among the community elderly in Chongqing, China
Authors: Deng Jing , Cao Cheng , Jiang Yi , Peng Bin , Wang Tingting , Yan Ke , Lian Jingxi , Wang Zengzi
Published: May 2018

Background

China is an ageing society, with around 150 million people aged 60 years or older. The prevalence of dementia will increase by more than 100% in the coming 20 years. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and effects of dementia among the community elderly in Chongqing, China.

Methods

Cluster sampling was adopted. A sample of elderly individuals aged 60 years and older was extracted as research subjects from three counties within Chongqing, China. One‐on‐one interviews were conducted through a general information questionnaire, and the Mini‐Mental State Examination, Instrumental Activity of Daily Living Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale were administered. The investigated data were tested by χ2, and the effect factors of dementia were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

We distributed 1850 questionnaire, and the response rate was 100%. However, only 1781 questionnaires were able to be used in the study. Of the 1781 elderly respondents, 186 (10.44%) presented with dementia. Our findings revealed that differences in regions, age, marital status, education level, occupation, tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, freshwater fish consumption, exercise, intensive labour, mah‐jong‐ and chess‐playing habits, media consumption (i.e. watching TV, listening to the radio, or reading the newspaper), body mass index, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and depression were statistically significant in the prevalence of dementia (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

According to multiple logistic regression analyses, living in a rural area, older age, being single, obesity, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and depression are risk factors for dementia. In contrast, cessation of smoking, freshwater fish consumption, moderate or frequent exercise, intensive labour, daily housework, outdoor activities, media consumption, and social activities are protective factors against dementia among community elderly in Chongqing, China.
Impacts of sea star predation on mussel bed restoration
Authors: Wilcox Mark , Jeffs Andrew
Published: May 2018

Predation by sea stars has the potential to cause elevated levels of mortality in reestablished populations of bivalves relative to levels of recruitment. Recent efforts to restore beds of the nearly extirpated green‐lipped mussel within the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, resulted in high abundances of sea stars occupying those beds and it is unknown whether predation poses a potential limitation to the success of restoration in this bivalve species. The contribution of predation by sea stars to the mortality of mussels across four experimental mussel beds over a 2‐year period was estimated using data from regular assessments of sea star abundance and an experimentally determined consumption rate of sea stars upon mussels. In addition, the potential size selection of mussels by sea stars was assessed to determine if large sea stars selected for recent settlers. Sea stars' abundance within the mussel beds grew to an average of 0.57 sea stars/m2 within 9 months, remaining at similar levels throughout the study. These predominantly large sea stars were estimated to have consumed 30.1% of the mussels over a 25‐month period, representing a contribution of 40.4% of the mussel mortality. Sea stars predominantly selected for larger mussels, and their predation likely contributes little to any lack in mussel recruitment. Sea star predation is clearly a limiting factor on the survival of transplanted adult mussels and the present study highlights the need to continually assess predation risk to determine if remediation is necessary for the persistence of the restored beds.
Do Disasters Lead to Learning? Financial Policy Change in Local Government
Authors: Crow Deserai A. , Albright Elizabeth A. , Ely Todd , Koebele Elizabeth , Lawhon Lydia
Published: May 2018

Natural disasters may be windows of opportunity for policy change and learning by local governments, which are the entities primarily responsible for the recovery and rebuilding process after a disaster strikes in the United States. During disaster recovery, local governments are faced with myriad policy challenges, from technical issues concerning the repair and replacement of infrastructure to broader substantive questions of reducing vulnerability to future hazards. Their actions are constrained by federal and state policies related to disaster recovery, and yet they must make their own decisions regarding disaster recovery finance within those constraints. These decisions may then influence a local government's long‐term fiscal planning, such as their target level of budget reserves, borrowing, categories of spending, and mechanisms to generate revenue. To assess how local governments respond to and learn from fiscal constraints during disaster recovery, we analyze flood recovery in seven Colorado communities in the three counties most impacted by extreme flooding in 2013. Data from in‐depth interviews with local finance personnel and other administrators, budgets, and public documents are used to analyze recovery decisions and postdisaster fiscal policy learning. While most local governments drew instrumental lessons from the disaster experience, such as how to better manage grant reimbursement processes, some also drew broader lessons that may contribute to achieving longer term community resilience, fiscal stability, and disaster preparedness.
Objective physical activity levels in people with multiple sclerosis: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Casey B. , Coote S. , Galvin R. , Donnelly A.
Published: May 2018

To quantify physical activity (PA) levels in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) using objective measurement and to establish using a meta‐analytical approach if pwMS are less active than the general population. A systematic search of eight databases was conducted. Cohort and intervention studies which included an objective measure of PA were included. Objective PA outputs of steps per day and minutes of moderate‐vigorous activity (MVPA) per day were extracted from the MS studies and the published NHANES dataset. Meta‐analysis was used to compare the differences between the groups for these parametric outcomes. A general population sample from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States of America was used as a comparative group. The systematic search resulted in 32 papers (n = 2 randomized control trials, n = 30 cohort studies). A total of 3 762 pwMS were included. The sample was largely female (n = 3 118, 82.8%) and ambulatory with/without use of an aid (n = 31 studies). There were significant differences between the MS and the published NHANES comparative group with respect to 1) steps per day [mean difference: −3845 (−4120.17, −3569.83), P < .0001, n = 10 studies] and 2) minutes of MVPA per day [mean difference: 9.00 (−12.5, −5.4), P < .0001, n = 3 studies], indicating pwMS are less physically active than the NHANES sample. Results suggest that pwMS are less physically active than a general population across PA outputs of steps per day and minutes of MVPA per day. There is a need to increase PA levels among pwMS.
Vacuole membrane protein 1 marks endoplasmic reticulum subdomains enriched in phospholipid synthesizing enzymes and is required for phosphoinositide distribution
Authors: Tábara Luis‐Carlos , Vicente Juan‐Jesús , Biazik Joanna , Eskelinen Eeva‐Liisa , Vincent Olivier , Escalante Ricardo
Published: May 2018

The multispanning membrane protein vacuole membrane protein 1 (VMP1) marks and regulates endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐domains associated with diverse ER‐organelle membrane contact sites. A proportion of these domains associate with endosomes during their maturation and remodeling. We found that these VMP1 domains are enriched in choline/ethanolamine phosphotransferase and phosphatidylinositol synthase (PIS1), 2 ER enzymes required for the synthesis of various phospholipids. Interestingly, the lack of VMP1 impairs the formation of PIS1‐enriched ER domains, suggesting a role in the distribution of phosphoinositides. In fact, depletion of VMP1 alters the distribution of PtdIns4P and proteins involved in the trafficking of PtdIns4P. Consistently, in these conditions, defects were observed in endosome trafficking and maturation as well as in Golgi morphology. We propose that VMP1 regulates the formation of ER domains enriched in lipid synthesizing enzymes. These domains might be necessary for efficient distribution of PtdIns4P and perhaps other lipid species. These findings, along with previous reports that involved VMP1 in regulating PtdIns3P during autophagy, expand the role of VMP1 in lipid trafficking and explain the pleiotropic effects observed in VMP1‐deficient mammalian cells and other model systems.
Retrobulbar vs peribulbar regional anesthesia techniques using bupivacaine in dogs
Authors: Shilo‐Benjamini Yael , Pascoe Peter J. , Maggs David J. , Hollingsworth Steven R. , Strom Ann R. , Good Kathryn L. , Thomasy Sara M. , Kass Philip H. , Wisner Erik R.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of retrobulbar anesthesia (RBA) and peribulbar anesthesia (PBA) in dogs.

Animal studied

Six adult mixed‐breed dogs (18‐24 kg).

Procedures

In a randomized, masked, crossover trial with a 10‐day washout period, each dog was sedated with intravenously administered dexmedetomidine and administered 0.5% bupivacaine:iopamidol (4:1) as RBA (2 mL via a ventrolateral site) or PBA (5 mL divided equally between ventrolateral and dorsomedial sites). The contralateral eye acted as control. Injectate distribution was evaluated by computed tomography. Following intramuscularly administered atipamezole, corneal and periocular skin sensation, intraocular pressure (IOP), and ocular reflexes, and appearance were evaluated for 24 hours. Comparisons were performed with mixed‐effects linear regression (IOP) or the exact Wilcoxon signed rank test (scores). Significance was set at P ≤ .05.

Results

Injectate distribution was intraconal in 2/6 RBA‐ and 4/6 PBA‐injected eyes. Eyes undergoing PBA had significantly reduced lateral, ventral, and dorsal periocular skin sensation for 2‐3 hours, and significantly reduced corneal sensitivity for 4 hours, relative to control eyes. Chemosis and exophthalmos occurred in 33%‐40% of eyes undergoing RBA and 83%‐100% eyes undergoing PBA but resolved within 14 hours. Anterior uveitis developed in 2/6 and 1/6 eyes of RBA and PBA, respectively, of them corneal ulcer developed in one eye of each treatment. Both resolved 1‐3 days following medical treatment.

Conclusions

Peribulbar injection produced notable anesthesia more reliably than did retrobulbar injection. Both techniques may produce adverse effects, although the uveitis/ulcer could have resulted from the contrast agent used.
Knowledge, attitudes and risk perception surrounding blood transfusion in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Charles K. S. , Metivier K. S. , Sammy S. , Labban M. , Rudder M. , Singh S. , Reginald A. , Ramoutar S. , Legall G. , Pooransingh S. , Chantry A. D.
Published: May 2018

Background and objectives

Trinidad and Tobago is a developing country with a hospital‐based, replacement blood donation system, low annual donation rate and high frequency of donor transfusion transmissible infections. Previous studies suggest a need for more information to improve total donations and encourage conversion to voluntary non‐remunerated blood donation. The aim of this study was to investigate public knowledge and perceptions about receiving blood to derive information for designing a safe blood donation campaign.

Materials and methods

A cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based survey was administered to a non‐randomly selected sample of adults at seven health centres. Participants were surveyed for demographics, knowledge of the local transfusion service, confidence in safety checks and attitudes to blood receipt.

Results

Of 400 respondents, a substantial proportion (38·2%) was unaware of inadequate blood bank stock. Only 18·4% correctly identified the method of blood donor recruitment in the country. Only 1·2% of participants were able to identify all from a list of six scenarios, in which blood is transfused. Although 86% would accept transfusion, most (84%) of these had concerns about acquiring infections and hospital‐related activities. Young persons and females had higher risk perception (P = 0·026 and P = 0·041). There was a positive association between confidence in the safety of blood donation processes and willingness to accept transfusion.

Conclusion

A blood donor education programme should include all processes from donor recruitment to component administration to reduce the perceived risk of receiving blood in Trinidad and Tobago.
Adaptation of the Mathematics and Technology Attitudes Scale (MTAS) Into Turkish: Validity and Reliability Studies for Middle School Students
Authors: Tabuk Mesut
Published: May 2018

The paper aims to present the adaptation study of “The Mathematics and Technology Attitudes Scale (MTAS)” into Turkish. The original form MTAS was developed by Pierce, Stacey and Barkatsas (2007) in order to investigate the effect of five different variables in learning mathematics with technology. The original form of the attitudes scale consists of 20 items that are rated on a Likert-type 5-point scale. The MTAS also comprises five factorial dimensions in order to measure five different variables. The data were gathered from 1990 middle school students in order to show validity and reliability of MTAS. The analyses are completed in two phases. In the first stem EFA and CFA was conducted. Then the reliability coefficients were calculated. According to the findings of applied analyses, it was found that Turkish form of MTAS, that has completely similar factor structure to original form, is a reliable and valid scale for assesment of middle school students’ attitude towards learning mathematics with technology.
Effects of 8 Weeks of Plyometric Exercise on Certain Physiological Parameters and Performance of Swimmers
Authors: Gencer Yildirim Gokhan , Igdir Emre Can , Sahin Serdar , Eris Fatih
Published: May 2018

In this study, it is aimed to review the effects of 8 week plyometric exercises on certain physiological parameters and freestyle swimming performance of swimmers of age 10-11 who practice swimming with a licence in city of Van. Study group has been created by 24 male volunteer swimmers who practice swimming with a licence in city of Van. 24 volunteer athletes aged 10-11, who are licenced swimmers for two years and who exercise regularly 5 days a week have been selected for the study. The athletes are randomly divided into experimental and control groups of 12. Throughout the study, in addition to swimming exercises, experimental group is scheduled to 3 days a week plyometric exercise program. Control group is not given any additional exercise except from the swimming exercises. It is seen that the obtained data does not show normal distribution and non-parametric tests of Mann Whitney U and Wilcoxon Test are used for data analysis. Significance level is taken as p<0,05. As per obtained data, pretest and post test data of male swimmers of experimental group show that horizontal and vertical leaps, anaerobic power, 30m sprint, hand grip right and left, 25 and 50 m freestyle swimming parameters showed statistical significant difference; whereas for control group, weight, height, body mass index, anaerobic power and right and left hand grip force parameters showed statistical significant difference (p<0,05). When the pretest and posttests of experimental and control groups are compared, only vertical leap parameter showed significant difference in favor of the experimental group (p<0,05) and for the other parameters, no statistical significant difference is seen (p>0,05).      As a result, it is seen that the 8 week plyometric exercise has a significant effect on vertical leap and even though not statistically significant, it is pondered that it has a positive effect on freestyle swimming duration of experimental group, compared to that of control group.
Effectiveness of behavioral and psychosocial interventions for continuous positive airway pressure adherence in obstructive sleep apnea patients: a quantitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Chaiard Jindarat , Tungpunkom Patraporn
Published: May 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to assess the effectiveness of behavioral and psychosocial interventions on adherence to continuous positive airway pressure among patients 18 years and over with obstructive sleep apnea.
Mapping the implementation of evidence-based nutritional management in primary health care settings: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Oliveira Nara Leticia Zandonadi de , Agreli Heloise Lima Fernandes , Matsumoto Karen dos Santos , Peduzzi Marina
Published: May 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to systematically map and categorize the wide variety of interventions and programs that might be classified under the umbrella term “evidence-based nutritional management in primary healthcare”. The development of this scoping review will provide a better understanding of how evidence-based nutritional management has been implemented by healthcare professionals in primary health care settings, especially of barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based nutritional management. Therefore, three research questions were chosen to guide the scoping review:
Health-related quality of life of young people and adults with primary or recurrent episodes of genital herpes: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Bennett Clare , Rebafka Anne , Carrier Judith , Edwards Deborah , Jones Jonathan
Published: May 2018

Review question:

The review questions are:

The specific objectives are:

This mixed methods review seeks to develop an aggregated synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data on the HRQOL implications of genital herpes for the individual in order to derive conclusions and recommendations for clinical practice and policy decision making.
Effectiveness and harms of pharmacological interventions in the treatment of delirium in adults in intensive care units post cardiac surgery: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Leigh Vivienne , Tufanaru Catalin , Elliott Rosalind
Published: May 2018

Review question/objective:

The review objective is to synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness and harms of pharmacological interventions in the treatment of delirium in adults in intensive care units (ICU) after cardiac surgery.

The specific review question is: What is the effectiveness and what are the harms of pharmacological interventions in relation to the duration and severity of delirium episodes, length of stay in ICU, length of stay in hospital, functional capacity and quality of life and mortality for critically ill adult patients treated in intensive care after cardiac surgery?
Components, skills and training for conducting initial telephone consultations in primary care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Cooper Kay , Alexander Lyndsay
Published: May 2018

Review objective/question:

The objective of this scoping review is to examine the characteristics of initial telephone consultations conducted in primary care settings and to map the existing evidence on the components, skills and training recommended for initial telephone consultations in current primary care.

This scoping review will be guided by the following questions:
Aurora B opposes PP1 function in mitosis by phosphorylating the conserved PP1-binding RVxF motif in PP1 regulatory proteins
Authors: Nasa Isha , Rusin Scott F. , Kettenbach Arminja N. , Moorhead Greg B.
Published: May 2018

Phosphorylation within conserved motifs in regulatory subunits controls protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) holoenzyme assembly during mitosis.
Global assessment of its network dynamics reveals that the kinase Plk1 inhibits the phosphatase PP6 to promote Aurora A activity
Authors: Kettenbach Arminja N. , Schlosser Kate A. , Lyons Scott P. , Nasa Isha , Gui Jiang , Adamo Mark E. , Gerber Scott A.
Published: May 2018

Network analysis shows how the kinase Plk1 supports the mitotic activity of Aurora A.
Rifabutin Acts in Synergy and Is Bactericidal with Frontline Mycobacterium abscessus Antibiotics Clarithromycin and Tigecycline, Suggesting a Potent Treatment Combination
Authors: Pryjma Mark , Burian Ján , Thompson Charles J.
Published: May 2018

Mycobacterium abscessus
is a rapidly emerging mycobacterial pathogen causing dangerous pulmonary infections. Because these bacteria are intrinsically multidrug resistant, treatment options are limited and have questionable efficacy. The current treatment regimen relies on a combination of antibiotics, including clarithromycin paired with amikacin and either imipenem or cefoxitin. Tigecycline may be added when triple therapy is ineffective. We initially screened a library containing the majority of clinically available antibiotics for anti-
M. abscessus
activity. The screen identified rifabutin, which was then investigated for its interactions with
M. abscessus
antibiotics used in drug regimens. Combination of rifabutin with either clarithromycin or tigecycline generated synergistic anti-
M. abscessus
activity, dropping the rifabutin MIC below concentrations found in the lung. Importantly, these combinations generated bactericidal activity. The triple combination of clarithromycin, tigecycline, and rifabutin was also synergistic, and clinically relevant concentrations had a sterilizing effect on
M. abscessus
cultures. We suggest that combinations including rifabutin should be further investigated for treatment of
M. abscessus
pulmonary infections.
Bacterial Silver Resistance Gained by Cooperative Interspecies Redox Behavior
Authors: Muller Michael
Published: May 2018

Silver has emerged as an important therapeutic option for wound infections in recent years due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The silver cation (Ag
+
), but not the bulk metal (Ag
0
), is highly toxic for most microorganisms, although resistance due to genetic modification or horizontal gene transfer does occur.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, however, achieves silver resistance by producing the redox-active metabolite pyocyanin that reduces Ag
+
to nontoxic Ag
0
. Pyocyanin also possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Many microbial species reduce pyocyanin, which reduces molecular oxygen to antimicrobial hydrogen peroxide. In this study, it was hypothesized that both Ag
+
and oxygen would act as competing terminal electron acceptors for pyocyanin, thus acting as a universal microbial protectant from Ag
+
while avoiding hydrogen peroxide formation.
Escherichia coli
and
Staphylococcus aureus
efficiently reduced pyocyanin and generated hydrogen peroxide, while Ag
+
markedly reduced the amount of hydrogen peroxide produced. Although unable to reduce directly Ag
+
to Ag
0
on their own,
E. coli
and
S. aureus
did so when pyocyanin was present, resulting in increased survival when exposed to Ag
+
. Coincubation experiments with either
E. coli
or
S. aureus
with
P. aeruginosa
demonstrated increased survival for those species to Ag
+
, but only if pyocyanin was present. These data demonstrate that microorganisms that display no intrinsic silver resistance may survive and proliferate under potentially toxic conditions, provided their environment contains a suitable redox-active metabolite-producing bacterium. Chronic wounds are often polymicrobial in nature, with pyocyanin-producing
P. aeruginosa
bacteria frequently being present; therefore, redox-based silver resistance may compromise treatment efforts.
The State of the Union Is Strong: a Review of ASM's 6th Conference on Cell-Cell Communication in Bacteria
Authors: Brown Sam P. , Blackwell Helen E. , Hammer Brian K.
Published: May 2018

The 6th American Society for Microbiology Conference on Cell-Cell Communication in Bacteria convened from 16 to 19 October 2017 in Athens, GA. In this minireview, we highlight some of the research presented at that meeting that addresses central questions emerging in the field, including the following questions. How are cell-cell communication circuits designed to generate responses? Where are bacteria communicating? Finally, why are bacteria engaging in such behaviors?
Rapid Screening of Urinary Tract Infection and Discrimination of Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria by Automated Flow Cytometric Analysis Using Sysmex UF-5000
Authors: Kim Seon Young , Park Yumi , Kim Hyunjin , Kim Jimyung , Koo Sun Hoe , Kwon Gye Cheol
Published: May 2018

Rapid screening of urinary tract infection is important to determine antibiotic treatment and reduce unnecessary urine culture. We evaluated the performance of the new flow cytometry-based UF-5000 automated urine analyzer (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan).
Cytoplasmic Relocalization and Colocalization with Viroplasms of Host Cell Proteins, and Their Role in Rotavirus Infection
Authors: Dhillon Poonam , Tandra Varsha N. , Chorghade Sandip G. , Namsa Nima D. , Sahoo Lipika , Rao C. Durga
Published: May 2018

Rotavirus replicates exclusively in the cytoplasm. Knowledge on the relocalization of nuclear proteins to the cytoplasm or the role(s) of host proteins in rotavirus infection is very limited. In this study, it is demonstrated that rotavirus infection induces the cytoplasmic relocalization of a large number of nuclear RNA-binding proteins (hnRNPs and AU-rich element-binding proteins). Except for a few, most nuclear hnRNPs and ARE-BPs, nuclear transport proteins, and some cytoplasmic proteins directly interact with the viroplasmic proteins NSP2 and NSP5 in an RNA-independent manner and become sequestered in the viroplasms of infected cells. The host proteins differentially affected viral gene expression and virus growth. This study demonstrates that rotavirus induces the relocalization and sequestration of a large number of host proteins in viroplasms, affecting host processes in both compartments and generating conditions conducive for virus growth in the cytoplasm of infected cells.
Differential Responses by Human Respiratory Epithelial Cell Lines to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Reflect Distinct Patterns of Infection Control
Authors: Hillyer Philippa , Shepard Rachel , Uehling Megan , Krenz Mina , Sheikh Faruk , Thayer Kalyn R. , Huang Lei , Yan Lihan , Panda Debasis , Luongo Cindy , Buchholz Ursula J. , Collins Peter L. , Donnelly Raymond P. , Rabin Ronald L.
Published: May 2018

Airway epithelium is both the primary target of and the first defense against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Whether RSV replicates and spreads to adjacent epithelial cells depends on the quality of their innate immune responses. A549 and BEAS-2B are alveolar and bronchial epithelial cell lines, respectively, that are often used to study RSV infection. We show that A549 cells are permissive to RSV infection and express genes characteristic of a proinflammatory response. In contrast, BEAS-2B cells restrict infection and express genes characteristic of an antiviral response associated with expression of type I and III interferons. Transcriptome analysis of constitutive gene expression revealed patterns that may predict the response of each cell line to infection. This study suggests that restrictive and permissive cell lines may provide a model for identifying critical mediators of local control of infection and stresses the importance of the constitutive antiviral state for the response to viral challenge.
Ex VivoCytokine Release, Determined by a Multiplex Cytokine Assay, in Response to Coccidioidal Antigen Stimulation of Whole Blood among Subjects with Recently Diagnosed Primary Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Ampel Neil M. , Robey Ian , Nguyen Chinh T. , Roller Brentin , August Jessica , Knox Kenneth S. , Pappagianis Demosthenes
Published: May 2018

Coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley fever, is a common pneumonia in the southwestern United States. In this paper, we examined the release of 30 inflammatory proteins in whole-blood samples obtained from persons with coccidioidal pneumonia after the blood samples were incubated with a preparation made from the causative fungus,Coccidioides. We found that six of these proteins, all cytokines, were specifically released in high concentrations in these patients. Three of the cytokines were seen very early in disease, and an assay for all six might serve as a marker for the early diagnosis of Valley fever.
Activation of Bacterial Histidine Kinases: Insights into the Kinetics of the
cis
Autophosphorylation Mechanism
Authors: Sankhe Gaurav D. , Dixit Narendra M. , Saini Deepak K.
Published: May 2018

Two-component systems consisting of an input-sensing histidine kinase (HK) and an output-generating response regulator (RR) are one of the key apparatuses utilized by bacteria for adapting to the extracellular milieu. HK autophosphorylation is shown to occur primarily in
trans
(intermolecular) and more recently shown to occur in
cis
(intramolecular). Although the catalysis of HK activation remains universal, the reaction scheme for evaluation of the kinetic parameter differs between these designs and
cis
mode largely remains unexplored. We combined experimental and theoretical approach to unravel two-step mechanism of activation of three
cis
mode HKs of
M. tuberculosis
. The new mathematical model yields best-fit parameters to estimate the rates of HK-ATP association and HK autophosphorylation.
TosR-Mediated Regulation of Adhesins and Biofilm Formation in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Luterbach Courtney L. , Forsyth Valerie S. , Engstrom Michael D. , Mobley Harry L. T.
Published: May 2018

Uropathogenic
E. coli
strains cause the majority of UTIs, which are the second most common bacterial infection in humans. During a UTI, bacteria adhere to cells within the urinary tract, using a number of different fimbrial and nonfimbrial adhesins. Biofilms can also develop on the surfaces of catheters, resulting in complications such as blockage. In this work, we further characterized the regulator TosR, which links both adhesin production and biofilm formation and likely plays a crucial function during UTI and disseminated infection.
Necrotising scleritis, keratitis and uveitis in primary antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Takkar Brijesh , Khokhar Sudarshan , Kumar Uma , Venkatesh Pradeep
Published: May 2018

Ocular manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome typically include thromboembolic and neuro-ophthalmic complications. In this report we present a case of inflammation of the ocular coats in a patient diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome 16 years prior. We discuss management of the case and the possible aetiology of the rare association.
Systematic review of rehabilitation intervention outcomes of adult and paediatric patients with infectious encephalitis
Authors: Christie Shanice , Chan Vincy , Mollayeva Tatyana , Colantonio Angela
Published: May 2018

Objective

Although a range of rehabilitation interventions have been applied to restore function after infectious encephalitis, there is a lack of literature summarising the benefits of these interventions. This systematic review aims to synthesise current scientific knowledge on outcome measures following rehabilitative interventions among children and adults with infectious encephalitis, with a specific focus on the influence of the age, sex, baseline status and intervention type.

Search strategy

Five scholarly databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), three sources of grey literature (Google, Google Scholar and Grey Matters) and reference lists of included publications were systematically searched. Literature published before 15 December 2017 and focused on patients with infectious encephalitis in any rehabilitation setting were included. Quality assessment was completed using the Downs and Black rating scale.

Results

Of the 12 737 reference titles screened, 20 studies were included in this review. All of the studies had sample sizes of less than 25 patients and received a score of less than 15 out of 31 points on the Downs and Black rating scale. Findings showed a variety of interventions has been applied to alleviate sequelae from infectious encephalitis, including using cognitive therapy (nine studies), behavioural therapy (five studies), physical therapy (two studies) or two or more therapies (four studies). There was inconclusive evidence on the effect of sex, age and baseline functional abilities on outcomes. Due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity between studies, meta-analyses were not performed.

Conclusion

Evidence suggests the potential for a beneficial effect of rehabilitation interventions in patients with infectious encephalitis. Future research is required to identify all effect modifiers and to determine the effect of time in the natural course of recovery. An enhanced set of known effect modifiers will support the process of future evaluation of a client-centred rehabilitation intervention.

Trial registration number

CRD42015029217.
Balance and mobility training at home usingWii Fitin children with cerebral palsy: a feasibility study
Authors: Chiu Hsiu-Ching , Ada Louise , Lee Shin-Da
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To investigate whether balance and mobility training at home usingWii Fitis feasible and can provide clinical benefits.

Design

Single-group, pre–post intervention study.

Setting

Participants’ home.

Participants

20 children with cerebral palsy (6–12 years).

Intervention

Participants undertook 8 weeks of home-basedWii Fittraining in addition to usual care.

Main measures

Feasibility was determined by adherence, performance, acceptability and safety. Clinical outcomes were strength, balance, mobility and participation measured at baseline (preintervention) and 8 weeks (postintervention).

Results

The training was feasible with 99% of training completed; performance on all games improved; parents understood the training (4/5), it did not interfere in life (3.8/5), was challenging (3.9/5) and would recommend it (3.9/5); and there were no injurious falls. Strength increased in dorsiflexors (Mean Difference (MD) 2.2 N m, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.2, p<0.001), plantarflexors (MD 2.2 N m, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.1, p<0.001) and quadriceps (MD 7.8 N m, 95% CI 5.2 to 10.5, p<0.001). Preferred walking speed increased (MD 0.25 m/s, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.41, p<0.01), fast speed increased (MD 0.24 m/s, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.35, p<0.001) and distance over 6 min increased (MD 28 m, 95% CI 10 to 45, p<0.01). Independence in participation increased (MD 1.4 out of 40, 95% CI 0.0 to 2.8, p=0.04).

Conclusions

Balance and mobility training at home usingWii Fitwas feasible and safe and has the potential to improve strength and mobility, suggesting that a randomised trial is warranted.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12616001362482.
Individual, maternal and household risk factors for anaemia among young children in sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Moschovis Peter P , Wiens Matthew O , Arlington Lauren , Antsygina Olga , Hayden Douglas , Dzik Walter , Kiwanuka Julius P , Christiani David C , Hibberd Patricia L
Published: May 2018

Objective

Anaemia affects the majority of children in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Previous studies of risk factors for anaemia have been limited by sample size, geography and the association of many risk factors with poverty. In order to measure the relative impact of individual, maternal and household risk factors for anaemia in young children, we analysed data from all SSA countries that performed haemoglobin (Hb) testing in the Demographic and Health Surveys.

Design and setting

This cross-sectional study pooled household-level data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 27 SSA between 2008 and 2014.

Participants

96 804 children age 6–59 months.

Results

The prevalence of childhood anaemia (defined as Hb <11 g/dL) across the region was 59.9%, ranging from 23.7% in Rwanda to 87.9% in Burkina Faso. In multivariable regression models, older age, female sex, greater wealth, fewer household members, greater height-for-age, older maternal age, higher maternal body mass index, current maternal pregnancy and higher maternal Hb, and absence of recent fever were associated with higher Hb in tested children. Demographic, socioeconomic factors, family structure, water/sanitation, growth, maternal health and recent illnesses were significantly associated with the presence of childhood anaemia. These risk factor groups explain a significant fraction of anaemia (ranging from 1.0% to 16.7%) at the population level.

Conclusions

The findings from our analysis of risk factors for anaemia in SSA underscore the importance of family and socioeconomic context in childhood anaemia. These data highlight the need for integrated programmes that address the multifactorial nature of childhood anaemia.
Quest for certainty regarding early discharge in paediatric low-risk febrile neutropenia: a multicentre qualitative focus group discussion study involving patients, parents and healthcare professionals in the UK
Authors: Morgan Jessica E , Phillips Bob , Stewart Lesley A , Atkin Karl
Published: May 2018

Objectives

A systematic review of paediatric low-risk febrile neutropenia found that outpatient care is safe, with low rates of treatment failure. However, this review, and a subsequent meta-ethnography, suggested that early discharge of these patients may not be acceptable to key stakeholders. This study aimed to explore experiences and perceptions of patients, parents and healthcare professionals involved in paediatric febrile neutropenia care in the UK.

Setting

Three different centres within the UK, purposively selected from a national survey on the basis of differences in their service structure and febrile neutropenia management.

Participants

Thirty-two participants were included in eight focus group discussions.

Primary outcomes

Experiences and perceptions of paediatric febrile neutropenia care, including possible future reductions in therapy.

Results

Participants described a quest for certainty, in which they attempted to balance the uncertainty involved in understanding, expressing and negotiating risk with the illusion of certainty provided by strict protocols. Participants assessed risk using both formal and informal stratification tools, overlaid with emotional reactions to risk and experiences of risk within other situations. The benefits of certainty provided by protocols were counterbalanced by frustration at their strict constraints. The perceived benefits and harms of previous inpatient care informed participants’ appraisals of future treatment strategies.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the previously underestimated harms of admission for febrile neutropenia and the paternalistic nature of decision making, along with the frustrations and challenges for all parties involved in febrile neutropenia care. It demonstrates how the same statistics, generated by systematic reviews, can be used by key stakeholders to interpret risk differently, and how families in particular can view the harms of therapeutic options as different from the outcomes used within the literature. It justifies a reassessment of current treatment strategies for these children and further exploration of the potential to introduce shared decision making.
Protocol for an economic evaluation of WHO STOPS childhood obesity stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sweeney Rohan , Moodie Marj , Nguyen Phuong , Fraser Penny , Bolton Kristy , Brown Andrew , Marks Jennifer , Crooks Nic , Strugnell Claudia , Bell Colin , Millar Lynne , Orellana Liliana , Allender Steven
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Prevention of overweight and obesity in childhood is a priority because of associated acute and chronic conditions in childhood and later in life, which place significant burden on health systems. Evidence suggests prevention should engage a range of actions and actors and target multiple levels. The Whole of Systems Trial Of PreventionStrategies for childhood obesity (WHO STOPS) will evaluate the outcomes of a novel systems-based intervention that aims to engage whole communities in a locally led multifaceted response. This paper describes the planned economic evaluation of WHO STOPS and examines the methodological challenges for economic evaluation of a complex systems-based intervention.

Methods and analysis

Economic evaluation alongside a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial in regional and rural communities in Victoria, Australia. Cost-effectiveness and cost–utility analyses will provide estimates of the incremental cost (in $A) per body mass index unit saved and quality adjusted life year gained. A Markov cohort model will be employed to estimate healthcare cost savings and benefits over the life course of children. The dollar value of community resources harnessed for the community-led response will be estimated. Probabilistic uncertainty analyses will be undertaken to test sensitivity of results to plausible variations in all trial-based and modelled variables. WHO STOPS will also be assessed against other implementation considerations (such as sustainability and acceptability to communities and other stakeholders).

Ethics and dissemination

The trial is registered by the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000980437). Full ethics clearances have been received for all methods described below: Deakin University’s Human Research Ethics Committee 2014-279, Deakin University’s Human Ethics Advisory Group-Health (HEAG-H) HEAG-H 194_2014, HEAG-H 17 2015, HEAG-H 155_2014, HEAG-H 197_2016, HEAG-H 118_2017, the Victorian Department of Education and Training 2015_002622 and the Catholic Archdiocese of Ballarat. Trial findings (including economic evaluation) will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. Collected data and analyses will be made available in accordance with journal policies and study ethics approvals. Results will be presented to relevant government authorities with an interest in cost-effectiveness of these types of interventions.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12616000980437; Pre-results.