bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motivations, experiences and aspirations of Trainee Nursing Associates in England. A qualitative study
Authors: King Rachel Louise , Wood Emily , Robertson Steve , Ryan Tony , Tod Angela 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background The nursing associate role was developed in England in response to the ‘Shape of Caring’ review. It has been implemented to fulfil two aims; to bridge the gap between registered nurses and healthcare assistants, and to provide an alternative route into registered nursing in light of workforce shortages. Other high income countries deploy second level nurses within their healthcare systems, however the UK has a turbulent history with such roles. The previous state enrolled nurse was phased out in the 1990s, and more recently the assistant practitioner (AP) role has faced wide variation in titles, scope and pay. Little is known about those who have embarked on the new nursing associate training course and their experiences of the role. Methods An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken using focus groups of trainee nursing associates to generate in-depth discussion about their motivations, experiences of training, and career aspirations.Three focus groups (n=15) took place in December 2018 using a purposive sample of trainee nursing associates registered at a University in the North of England. Two researchers facilitated each group discussion at a time and place convenient for participants. The discussions were audio recorded, transcribed and data was analysed thematically.Results This study found that trainee nursing associates are motivated by affordable, local, career development. During training they face challenges relating to clinical support, academic workload and uncertainty about future career opportunities. They experience role ambiguity both individually and across the wider organisation. Trainee nursing associates rely on broad support networks to build their occupational identity.Conclusions The barriers and facilitators of trainee nursing associate personal development have implications for policy and practice relating to recruitment and retention. The findings increase our understanding of this emerging role, and have informed the development of a larger longitudinal cohort study. Further research is required to evaluate the impact of this new role.
Occurrence, virulence genes, and antimicrobial profiles of Escherichia coli O157 isolated from ruminants slaughtered in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al-Ajmi Dawood , Rahman Shafeeq , Banu Sharmila 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a major source of food-borne illness around the world. E. coli O157 has been widely reported as the most common STEC serogroup and has emerged as an important enteric pathogen. Cattle, in particular have been identified as a major E. coli O157:H7 reservoir of human infections; however, the prevalence of this organism in camels, sheep, and goats is less understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and concentration of E. coli serotype O157 in the feces of healthy camels (n = 140), cattle (n =137), sheep (n = 141) and goats (n = 150) slaughtered in United Arab Emirates (UAE) for meat consumption between September 2017 and August 2018. We used immunomagnetic separation coupled with a culture-plating method to detect E. coli O157. Non-sorbitol fermenting colonies were assessed via latex-agglutination testing, and positive cultures were analyzed by performing polymerase chain reactions to detect genes encoding attaching and effacing protein (eaeA), hemolysin A (hlyA, also known as ehxA) and Shiga toxin (stx1 and stx2), and E. coli O157:H7 specific genes (rfb O157, uidA, and fliC). All E. coli O157 isolates were analyzed for their susceptibility to 20 selected antimicrobials.Results: E. coli O157 was observed in camels, goats, and cattle fecal samples at abundances of 4.3%, 2%, and 1.46%, respectively, but it was undetectable in sheep feces. The most prevalent E. coli O157 gene in all STEC isolates was stx2;, whereas, stx1 was not detected in any of the samples. The fecal samples from camels, goats, and cattle harbored E. coli O157 isolates that were 100% susceptible to cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and polymyxin B.Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of E. coli O157 in slaughter animals in the UAE. Our results clearly demonstrate the presence of E. coli O157 in slaughtered animals, which could possibly contaminate meat products intended for human consumption.
Infection of highly insecticide-resistant malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii with entomopathogenic bacteria Chromobacterium violaceum reduces its survival, blood feeding propensity and fecundity
Authors: Gnambani Edounou Jacques , Bilgo Etienne , Sanou Adama , Dabire Roch K. , Diabate Abdoulaye 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background This is now a concern that malaria eradication will not be achieved without the introduction of novel control tools. Microbiological control might be able to make a greater contribution to vector control in the future. The interactions between bacteria and mosquito make mosquito microbiota really promising from a disease control perspective. Here, we studied the impact of Chromobacterium violaceum infections isolated from both larvae and adult of wild caught Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquitoes in Burkina Faso on mosquito survival, blood feeding and fecundity propensy. Methods To assess entomopathogenic effects of C. violaceum infection on mosquitoes, three different types of bioassays were performed in laboratory. These bioassays aimed to evaluate the impact of C.violaceum infection on mosquito survival, blood feeding and fecundity, respectively. During bioassays mosquitoes were infected through the well-established system of cotton ball soaked with 6% glucose containing C.violaceum.Results C. violaceum kills pyrethroid resistant mosquitoes An. coluzzii (LT80 of 8.78 days ± 0.18 at 108 bacteria cell/ml of sugar meal). Interestingly, this bacterium had other negative effects on mosquito lifespan by significantly reducing (~59%, P<0.001) the mosquito feeding willingness from day 4-post infection (~81% would seek a host to blood feed) to 9- day post infection (22 ± 4.62% would seek a host to blood feed). Moreover, C. violaceum considerably jeopardized the egg laying (~16 eggs laid /mosquitoes with C. violaceum infected mosquitoes vs ~129 eggs laid / mosquitoes with control mosquitoes) and hatching of mosquitoes (A reduction of ~22 % of hatching rate with C. violaceum infected mosquitoes). Compared to the bacterial uninfected mosquitoes, mosquitoes infected with C. violaceum showed indeed significantly higher retention rates of immature eggs and follicles. Conclusion These data showed important properties of Burkina Faso C. violaceum strains, which are highly virulent against insecticide resistant Anopheles coluzzii, and reduce both mosquito blood feeding and fecundity propensities. However, additional studies as the sequencing of C. violaceum genome and the potential toxins secreted will certainly provide useful information render it a potential candidate for the biological control strategies of malaria and other disease vectors.
The local transcriptional regulators SacR1 and SacR2 act as repressors of fructooligosaccharides metabolism in Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Linlin , Yu Haiyan , tian huaixiang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In Lactobacillus plantarum , fructooligosaccharides (FOS) metabolism is controlled by both global and local regulatory mechanisms. Although catabolite control protein A has been identified as a global regulator of FOS metabolism, the functions of local regulators remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the roles of two local regulators, SacR1 and SacR2, in the regulation of FOS metabolism in L. plantarum both in vitro and in vivo .
Results: The inactivation of sacR1 and sacR2 affected the growth and production of metabolites for strains grown on FOS or glucose, respectively. A reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis of one wild-type and two mutant strains ( ΔsacR1 and ΔsacR2 ) of L. plantarum identified SacR1 and SacR2 as repressors of genes relevant to FOS metabolism in the absence of FOS, and these genes could be induced or derepressed by the addition of FOS. The analysis predicted four potential transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) in the putative promoter regions of two FOS-related clusters. The binding of SacR1 and SacR2 to these TFBSs both in vitro and in vivo was verified using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation, respectively. A consensus sequence of WNNNNNAACGNNTTNNNNNW was deduced for the TFBSs of SacR1 and SacR2.
Conclusion: Our results identified SacR1 and SacR2 as local repressors for FOS metabolism in L. plantarum . The regulation is achieved by the binding of SacR1 and SacR2 to TFBSs in the promoter regions of FOS-related clusters. The results provide new insights into the complex network regulating oligosaccharide metabolism by lactic acid bacteria .
Developing a sociocultural framework of compliance: an exploration of factors related to the use of early warning systems among acute care clinicians
Authors: Flenady Tracy , Dwyer Trudy , Sobolewska Agnieszka , Lagadec Danielle Le , Connor Justine , Kahl Julie , Signal Tania , Browne Matthew 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Early warning systems (EWS) are most effective when clinicians monitor patients’ vital signs and comply with the recommended escalation of care protocols once deterioration is recognised.Objectives: To explore sociocultural factors influencing acute care clinicians’ compliance with an early warning system commonly used in Queensland public hospitals in Australia.Methods: This interpretative qualitative study utilised inductive thematic analysis to analyse data collected from semi-structured interviews conducted with 30 acute care clinicians from Queensland, Australia.Results: This study identified that individuals and teams approached compliance with EWS in the context of 1) the use of EWS for patient monitoring; and 2) the use of EWS for the escalation of patient care. Individual and team compliance with monitoring and escalation processes is facilitated by intra and inter-professional factors such as acceptance and support, clear instruction, inter-disciplinary collaboration and good communication. Noncompliance with EWS can be attributed to intra and inter-professional hierarchy and poor communication.Conclusions: The overarching organisational context including the hospital’s embedded quality improvement and administrative protocols (training, resources and staffing) impact hospital-wide culture and influence clinicians’ and teams’ compliance or non-compliance with early warning system’s monitoring and escalation processes. Successful adoption of EWS relies on effective and meaningful interactions among multidisciplinary staff.
Invisible contaminants and food security in former coal mining areas of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil
Authors: Blanco Graziela Dias , Sühs Rafael Barbizan , Brizola Escarlet , Corrêa Patrícia Figueiredo , Campos Mari Lucia , Hanazaki Natalia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Mining activities have environmental impacts due to sediment movement and contamination of areas, and may also pose risks to people's food security. In Brazil, the majority of coal mining activities are in the south, in the Santa Catarina Carboniferous region. In this region, previously mined areas contaminated with heavy metals, frequently occur nearby inhabited zones. Mining is part of the daily life of local communities and its environmental impacts are visible in the landscape; however, plants with medicinal and food use from these areas can be still consumed. Heavy metals are contaminants that do not have odor, color, or taste, and are therefore difficult to detect. We aimed to verify whether people use plants from contaminated mine areas, and understand which factors can influence the use of these resources, even from areas visibly impacted. Methods: We conducted 195 semi-structured interviews with residents from 14 areas nearby abandoned mines in the main municipalities of the Santa Catarina Carboniferous region. We asked each interviewee about the length of time they lived in the region, their perception of the quality of the environment, and what plant species were used and for what purpose. We constructed generalized multivariate linear models to verify which variables can affect the group of species mentioned and generalized linear models to verify which variables can affect the total number of citations. We estimated the frequency of citing species collected using the Smith index.Results: From all interviewees, 127 (65%) reported collecting plants for medicinal and food use, directly from contaminated mine areas. Long-term residents, as well as those who noticed more environmental changes (positive and negative), cited more plants used and had more detailed knowledge of plant use in their communities. When asked if they were aware of the possible contamination of mined areas, 85% said they knew about it. However, only 10% associated negative health effects with the use of plant species collected in contaminated mined areas. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that people living nearby contaminated areas use and consume locally sourced plants, e.g., people know little about the danger of this contamination in their food and the risk of these contaminants to their health. These results also reveal a lack of information about contamination, as well as a lack of actions that include local communities in contaminated area restoration strategies. This situation poses a risk to the food security of the people living nearby former coal mining areas.
Common Breastfeeding Problems and Their Effect on The Continuation of Exclusive or Predominant Breastfeeding in Kinshasa
Authors: Babakazo Pelagie , Bosonkie Marc , Mafuta Eric , Mvuama Nono , Mapatano Mala-Ali 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding has numerous advantages for infant, mother and society. However, many mothers discontinue breastfeeding due to problems they encounter. This study aimed to identify problems commonly experienced by breastfeeding mothers during the first six months in Kinshasa and to determine their effect on the continuation of exclusive or predominant breastfeeding.Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out in Kinshasa from October 2012 to July 2013. A total of 422 mother-infant couples were recruited shortly after being discharged from twelve maternity facilities in Kinshasa and followed-up for six months. Interviews were conducted at the mother’s house during the first week after birth, and thereafter at monthly intervals for six months. Data included mother’s sociodemographic characteristics, the breastfeeding problems she experienced and information on child’s feeding. The Cox Proportional Model was used to determine the effect of breastfeeding problems on the continuation of exclusive or predominant breastfeeding.Results: Cracked or sore nipples, insufficient production of milk and breast engorgement were the most commonly experienced problems by lactating mothers. The problems occurred mainly during the first week (17.1%; CI95% 13.7–21.1) and the rest of the first month (16.2%; CI95% 12.8–20.3). Experiencing breastfeeding problems during any period negatively affected the continuation of exclusive or predominant breastfeeding.Conclusions: The first month after birth presents the most risk for the occurrence of breastfeeding problems. Those problems negatively affect the course of breastfeeding. Mothers should be supported as soon as possible after delivery, to improve their breastfeeding performance and to be informed on how to maintain breast milk supply.
Spinal Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis: An Easily Overlooked Treatable Disorder
Authors: Atallah Isis , Millán Diego San , Benoît Wicki , Campos-Xavier Belinda , Superti-Furga Andrea , Tran Christel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Classic cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX; OMIM #213700) manifests itself in childhood with chronic diarrhea, juvenile cataracts, tendon xanthomas and neurological symptoms. Biallelic inactivation of CYP27A1 is responsible for cholesterol 27-hydroxylation, leading to cholestanol accumulation in the central nervous system, eyes and tendons. Less commonly, the disease can present in young adults as spastic paraparesis in the absence of xanthomas. Methods: We report on a 28-year old woman diagnosed with CTX who worsened, under treatment, a spinal form of CTX. A review of spinal CTX in the literature is also described. Spinal CTX patients were identified by searching in Pubmed, EMBASE™ and Web of Science databases. Only patients with clinical features of spinal CTX and/or with a typical spinal MRI were included.Results: A woman presented with chronic diarrhea and progressive spastic paraparesis in her twenties. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cerebral atrophy with diffuse periventricular white matter hyperintensities. Spinal MRI was normal. CYP27A1 gene sequencing confirmed the diagnosis of CTX. Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) treatment was introduced with remission of diarrhea. Treatment was discontinued several times and patient developed psychosis and an ataxospastic gait. Spinal MRI revealed new linear hyperintensities of the corticospinal and gracile tracts, compatible with spinal CTX. Thirty-three patients with spinal CTX were identified in the literature. All patients presented pyramidal signs and 48% dorsal column signs. Juvenile cataracts were described in 78% of patients, chronic diarrhea in 65%, and tendon xanthomas in 31%. Disease improvement or stabilization with chenodeoxycholic acid was observed in 69% of patients. A higher prevalence of the Arg395Cys allele was observed in patients with spinal CTX as compared to CTX in general (ᵡ2; p<0.00001).Conclusions: The diagnosis of spinal CTX can be easily missed or delayed in absence of xanthomas. There is a higher prevalence of the Arg395Cys allele in spinal CTX as compared to classic childhood-onset CTX. CDCA treatment seems to stabilize or improve clinical symptoms in most patients. However, as seen in our patient and in two previously reported cases, sudden interruption of CDCA may lead to irreversible neurological complications.
Sialylated Human Milk Oligosaccharides Prevent Intestinal Inflammation by Inhibiting Toll Like Receptor 4-Mediated Inflammatory Events in Necrotizing Enterocolitis Rats and Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Human Colonic Epithelial Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Zhang Wenting , Heyang Jingqiu , Tu Wenjuan , Zhou Xiaoying 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a fatal gastrointestinal disorder in neonates and has very limited therapeutic options. Sialylated human milk oligosaccharides (SHMOs) improve pathological changes in experimental NEC models. The objectives of this study were to investigate the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome in NEC pathology and to explore the effects of SHMOs on toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway in experimental NEC. MethodsThe intestinal-tissue segments were collected from NEC infants, NLRP3 and caspase-1 positive cell were examined by immunohistochemistry. Newborn rats were hand-fed with formula containing or non-containing SHMOs (1500 mg/L) and exposed to hypoxia/cold stress to induce experimental NEC. The NEC pathological scores were evaluated; ileum protein expression of TLR4, inhibitor κB-α (IκB-α), NF-κB p65 subunit and phospho-NF-κB p65, as well as NLRP3 and caspase-1 were analyzed; ileum concentrations of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were also measured. Human colon epithelial Caco-2 cells were pre-treated with or without SHMOs and stimulated with TLR4 activator, lipopolysaccharide. Cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential and supernatant matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP-2) expression were analyzed. ResultsIncreased frequencies of NLRP3 and caspase-1 positive cells were found in the lamina propria of damaged intestinal area of NEC neonates. SHMOs supplementation reduced NEC incidence and pathological damage scores of rats challenged with hypoxia/cold stress. Accumulation of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and TNF-α in NEC group were attenuated in SHMOs+NEC group. Protein expression of TLR4, NLRP3 and caspase-1 were elevated, cytoplasmic IκB-α were reduced, nuclear phospho-NF-κB p65 were increased in the ileum of NEC rats. SHMOs supplementation ameliorated the elevation of TLR4, NLRP3 and caspase-1, restored IκB-α in the cytoplasmic fraction and reduced phospho-NF-κB p65 in the nuclear fraction in the ileum of NEC rats. SHMOs pre-treatment improved Caco-2 cell proliferation, mitigated loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and modulated MMP-2 expression in the presence of lipopolysaccharide in-vitro.ConclusionsThis study provided clinical evidence of involvement of NLRP3 in NEC pathology, and demonstrated the protective actions of SHMOs might be associated with the modulation of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and related inflammatory everts in NEC.
Genome-scale Co-occurrence and Co-transcription Networks Reveal Key Microbial Taxa in Mangrove Sediments
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhou Zhichao , Yang Yuchun , Li Meng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMangroves are highly productive ecosystems, with one of the highest microbial diversities among all ecosystems. The concerted activity of microbial community in mangrove sediment mediates element cycling, but the underpinning mechanism of microbial synergy remains unknown. ResultsHere, we reconstructed 671 strain-resolved metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from three mangrove and two mudflat sediments in Mai Po Nature Reserve. We then inferred the genome-scale co-occurrence and co-transcription networks based on metabolic capacity and transcriptional activity of the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles. We observed that the centrality was significantly higher in co-transcription networks than in co-occurrence networks, indicating that MAGs had stronger interrelationships when transcriptionally active. Further, we classified 57 microbes with low relative abundance (0.01–0.79%) as keystone taxa, which play key roles in the maintenance of co-transcription network structure, and participate in carbon transformations, denitrification, and sulfate reduction processes. One of the keystone taxa is a newly proposed deltaproteobacterial order, Candidatus Mangrovidesulfobacterales, capable of dissimilatory sulfate reduction and an anaerobic mixotrophic lifestyle. These findings highlight the ecological importance of rare species. ConclusionsCollectively, this first screening of the potential keystone taxa in mangrove ecosystem based on genome-scale transcriptomic analysis revealed unique microbial functional assemblages, shedding light on microbial synergism in this ecosystem.