bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Make It a Sweet Home: Responses of
Chlamydia trachomatis
to the Challenges of an Intravacuolar Lifestyle
Authors: Triboulet Sébastien , Subtil Agathe 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT

Intravacuolar development has been adopted by several bacteria that grow inside a host cell. Remaining in a vacuole, as opposed to breaching the cytosol, protects the bacteria from some aspects of the cytosolic innate host defense and allows them to build an environment perfectly adapted to their needs. However, this raises new challenges: the host resources are separated from the bacteria by a lipid bilayer that is nonpermeable to most nutrients. In addition, the area of this lipid bilayer needs to expand to accommodate bacterial multiplication. This requires building material and energy that are not directly invested in bacterial growth. This article describes the strategies acquired by the obligate intracellular pathogen
Chlamydia trachomatis
to circumvent the difficulties raised by an intravacuolar lifestyle. We start with an overview of the origin and composition of the vacuolar membrane. Acquisition of host resources is largely, although not exclusively, mediated by interactions with membranous compartments of the eukaryotic cell, and we describe how the inclusion modifies the architecture of the cell and distribution of the neighboring compartments. The second part of this review describes the four mechanisms characterized so far by which the bacteria acquire resources from the host: (i) transport/diffusion across the vacuole membrane, (ii) fusion of this membrane with host compartments, (iii) direct transfer of lipids at membrane contact sites, and (iv) engulfment by the vacuole membrane of large cytoplasmic entities.
Enterococcal Genetics
Authors: Weaver Keith E. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT

The study of the genetics of enterococci has focused heavily on mobile genetic elements present in these organisms, the complex regulatory circuits used to control their mobility, and the antibiotic resistance genes they frequently carry. Recently, more focus has been placed on the regulation of genes involved in the virulence of the opportunistic pathogenic species
Enterococcus faecalis
and
Enterococcus faecium
. Little information is available concerning fundamental aspects of DNA replication, partition, and division; this article begins with a brief overview of what little is known about these issues, primarily by comparison with better-studied model organisms. A variety of transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms of regulation of gene expression are then discussed, including a section on the genetics and regulation of vancomycin resistance in enterococci. The article then provides extensive coverage of the pheromone-responsive conjugation plasmids, including sections on regulation of the pheromone response, the conjugative apparatus, and replication and stable inheritance. The article then focuses on conjugative transposons, now referred to as integrated, conjugative elements, or ICEs, and concludes with several smaller sections covering emerging areas of interest concerning the enterococcal mobilome, including nonpheromone plasmids of particular interest, toxin-antitoxin systems, pathogenicity islands, bacteriophages, and genome defense.
Who will redislocate his/her shoulder? Predicting recurrent instability following a first traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation
Authors: Olds Margie K , Ellis Richard , Parmar Priya , Kersten Paula 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo develop a multivariate tool that would predict recurrent instability after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.MethodsParticipants (aged 16–40 years) were recruited across New Zealand into a prospective cohort study. Baseline data were collected during a telephone interview and through examination of radiology records. Variables associated with recurrent instability were selected for the multivariate logistic regression model using backwards selection (p<0.10). Coefficients for those variables retained in the model were used to develop the predictive tool.ResultsAmong the 128 participants, 36% had redislocated at least once in the first 12 months. Univariate analysis showed an increased likelihood of recurrent dislocation with bony Bankart lesions (OR=3.65, 95% CI 1.05 to 12.70, p=0.04) and participants who had: not been immobilised in a sling (OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.98, p=0.05), higher levels of shoulder activity (OR=1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.27, p=0.03), higher levels of pain and disability (OR=1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.06, p=0.02), higher levels of fear of reinjury (OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.26, p=0.04) and decreased quality of life (OR=1.01, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.02, p=0.05). There was no significant difference in those with non-dominant compared with dominant shoulder dislocations (p=0.10) or in those aged 16–25 years compared with 26–40 years (p=0.07).ConclusionSix of seven physical and psychosocial factors can be used to predict recurrent shoulder instability following a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.
Can green space quantity and quality help prevent postpartum weight gain? A longitudinal study
Authors: Feng Xiaoqi , Astell-Burt Thomas 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundPostpartum weight gain is a well-known challenge for many mothers, but associations with green space quantity and quality have not been investigated.MethodsThis longitudinal study used data on 3843 mothers living in Australia tracked biennially for 15 years post partum from 2004 onwards. Multilevel growth curve models adjusted for confounding were used to examine the patterning of body mass index (BMI) in relation to green space quantity, measured by percentage land use, and green space quality, measured by self-report. Two-way interaction terms were fitted to investigate time-contingent associations between BMI and green space.ResultsCompared with mothers in areas with ≤5% green space, adjusted BMI coefficients were −0.43 kg/m2(SE 0.37), −0.69 kg/m2(SE 0.32) −0.86 kg/m2(SE 0.33) and −0.80 kg/m2(SE 0.41) among mothers in areas with 6%–10%, 11%–20%, 21%–40% and ≥41% green space, respectively. There were no independent associations between BMI and green space quality. Evidence suggested mothers living in areas with 21%–40% green space had the lowest BMI, whether they agreed that local parks were good quality (−0.89 kg/m2(SE 0.34)) or not (−0.93 kg/m2(SE 0.35)). Mothers in the greenest areas only had statistically significantly lower BMI if they perceived local parks as high quality (−0.89 kg/m2(SE 0.41)). There was limited evidence that these associations varied with respect to the number of years post partum.ConclusionThese findings may suggest that urban greening strategies to achieve a threshold of at least 21% or more green space in an area may help reduce, but not fully prevent postpartum weight gain. Potential mechanisms warrant investigation.
Impact of obesity and physical inactivity on the long-term change in grip strength among middle-aged and older European adults
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Feng Wenjing , Li Suyun , Tan Qihua , Zhang Dongfeng , Wu Yili 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundGrip strength is a well-established predictor of various chronic conditions and all-cause mortality. Body weight and physical activity (PA) are considered potential determinants of muscle strength. This study aimed to investigate gender-specific associations of baseline obesity and physical inactivity with long-term changes in grip strength among middle-aged and older European adults.MethodsData from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe 2004–2015 which was conducted in 12 countries were analysed. Grip strength was repeatedly measured at five follow-up visits with average 2-year intervals. Obesity and physical inactivity at baseline were primary exposures. Generalised estimated equations stratified by gender were fitted.ResultsThis study included 8616 males and 10 088 females with a median follow-up of 9.42 years. Significant interactions between obesity and time with grip strength were identified in both males (χ2interaction=16.65, p = 0.002) and females (χ2interaction=10.80, p = 0.029). No significant interaction between physical inactivity and time with grip strength was identified in males (χ2interaction=9.42, p = 0.051) or females (χ2interaction=5.62, p = 0.230). Those who were less physically active at baseline had weaker grip strength from the beginning at baseline (β = −2.753, p < 0.001 for males and β = −1.529, p < 0.001 for females) to Visit 6 (β = −2.794, p < 0.001 for males and β = −1.550, p < 0.001 for females). Further combined analysis suggested a trend that exposure to both obesity and physical inactivity was related to the fastest decline rate of grip strength.ConclusionsThis study provides the additional evidence that PA and obesity prevention earlier in life play an important role in maintaining grip strength during ageing.
Preventive Effect of Bupleurum chinense on Nasal Inflammation via Suppressing T Helper Type 2, Eosinophil and Mast Cell Activation
Authors: Bui Thi Tho , Piao Chun Hua , Hyeon Eunjin , Fan Yanjing , Choi Dae Woon , Jung Sun Young , Jang Byung-Hyun , Shin Hee Soon , Song Chang Ho , Chai Ok Hee 
Published: March 2019

Bupleurum chinense is distributed in East Asia and has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for more than a thousand years. Though B. chinense has been reported to have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, hepato-protective, antipyretic, analgesic and antifibrotic effects, its specific effect on allergic rhinitis disease has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic and anti-inflammation effects of B. chinense extract (BCE) in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) mouse model. Oral administration of BCE in a dose-independent manner regulated the balance of Th1/Th2/Treg cell differentiation in AR mice. Accordingly, BCE attenuated the expression of Th2-related cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and nasal tissue and up-regulated the secretion of Th1/Treg cells including IL-10, IL-12 and IFN-[Formula: see text]. Also, BCE inhibited the formation and migration of eosinophils to the nasal mucosa and NALF, as well as suppressed CCL24, an eosinophil-specific chemoattractant in NALF. The levels of anti-OVA specific IgE and anti-OVA specific IgG1 were decreased, and as a result, the allergic response was attenuated by BCE via inhibiting mast cells accumulation in nasal mucosa and serum histamine release. The nasal allergy symptoms, nasal mucosal swelling, epithelial barrier disruption and mucus hyperplasia were obviously ameliorated. These results suggest that BCE may have therapeutic potential for treating allergic rhinitis through modulating the accumulation and activation of important leukocytes in the immune system such as Th1, Th2, Treg, eosinophils and mast cells.
The Effect of Serum Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin on the Discontinuation of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Chen Xiaohan , Chen Zhiwen , Wei Tiantian , Li Peiyun , Zhang Ling , Fu Ping 
Published: March 2019

<b><i>Background:</i></b> To determine the optimal time for discontinuing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) by evaluating serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A prospective observational study was conducted from September 2015 to March 2018. AKI patients treated with CRRT for at least 24 h were divided into “success” and “failure” groups according to their RRT requirement within 7 days after the initial discontinuation of CRRT. The prefilter and effluent NGAL concentrations were measured to calculate the sieving coefficient (SC) of NGAL in all included subjects from 0 to 72 h. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In total, 110 patients were divided into success (<i>n</i> = 78) and failure groups (<i>n</i> = 32). The mean SC of NGAL during CRRT was less than 0.05. The patients in the failure group were associated with higher mortality compared with patients in the success group (37.5 vs. 12.8%, respectively, <i>p</i> = 0.013). There were significant differences in serum NGAL, creatinine, and urine output at discontinuation. In patients without sepsis (<i>n</i> = 70), serum NGAL and urine output were significant predictors of successful cessation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic to predict the successful discontinuation of CRRT was 0.88 for NGAL and 0.86 for urine output. An NGAL level of 403 ng/mL had the highest sensitivity (81%) and specificity (89%) and a urine output of 695 mL/day had the highest sensitivity (83%) and specificity (88%). However, in septic patients (<i>n</i> = 40), urine output but not serum NGAL (OR 0.999, <i>p</i> = 0.69) was a significant variable (OR 1.002, <i>p</i> = 0.005), with a cutoff of 796 mL/day (sensitivity 83%, specificity 88%). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Serum NGAL was a significant factor for predicting successful CRRT discontinuation in nonseptic AKI patients. However, urine output, rather than serum NGAL, was a significant predictor in septic AKI patients.
Occupational Class and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Incidence in Japan: Nationwide, Multicenter, Hospital‐Based Case‐Control Study
Authors: Zaitsu Masayoshi , Kato Soichiro , Kim Yongjoo , Takeuchi Takumi , Sato Yuzuru , Kobayashi Yasuki , Kawachi Ichiro 
Published: March 2019

Background

In contemporary Western settings, higher occupational class is associated with lower risk for cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) incidence, including coronary heart disease (
CHD
) and stroke. However, in non‐Western settings (including Japan), the occupational class gradient for cardiovascular disease risk has not been characterized.

Methods and Results

Using a nationwide, multicenter hospital inpatient data set (1984–2016) in Japan, we conducted a matched hospital case‐control study with ≈1.1 million study subjects. Based on a standard national classification, we coded patients according to their longest‐held occupational class (blue‐collar, service, professional, manager) within each industrial sector (blue‐collar, service, white‐collar). Using blue‐collar workers in blue‐collar industries as the referent group, odds ratios and 95%
CI
s were estimated by conditional logistic regression with multiple imputation, matched for sex, age, admission date, and admitting hospital. Smoking and drinking were additionally controlled. Higher occupational class (professionals and managers) was associated with excess risk for
CHD
. Even after controlling for smoking and drinking, the excess odds across all industries remained significantly associated with
CHD
, being most pronounced among managers employed in service industries (odds ratio, 1.19; 95%
CI
, 1.08–1.31). On the other hand, the excess
CHD
risk in higher occupational class was offset by their lower risk for stroke (eg, odds ratio for professionals in blue‐collar industries, 0.77; 95%
CI
, 0.70–0.85).

Conclusions

The occupational “gradient” in cardiovascular disease (with lower risk observed in higher status occupations) may not be a universal phenomenon. In contemporary Japanese society, managers and professionals may experience higher risk for
CHD
.
Predictable and Unpredictable Aspects of U.S. West Coast Rainfall and El Niño: Understanding the 2015/16 Event
Authors: Cash Benjamin A. , Burls Natalie J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCalifornia experienced record-setting drought from 2012 to 2017. Based on both seasonal forecast models and historical associations, there was widespread expectation that the major El Niño event of 2015/16 would result in increased winter-season precipitation and break the drought. However, the 2015/16 winter rainy season ultimately resulted in slightly below-average precipitation and the drought continued. In this work we analyze data from both observations and seasonal forecasts made as part of the North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) to better understand the general relationship between El Niño and U.S. West Coast rainfall, focusing on Southern California (SOCAL) rainfall, Pacific Northwest (PNW) rainfall, and the 2015/16 event. We find that while there is a statistically significant positive correlation between El Niño events and the SOCAL and PNW rainfall anomalies, this relationship explains at most one-third of the observed variance. Examination of hindcasts from the NMME demonstrates that the models are capable of accurately reproducing this observed correlation between tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures and California rainfall when information from the individual ensemble members is retained. However, focusing on the multimodel ensemble mean, which deliberately reduces the influence of unpredicted variability, drastically overestimates the strength of this relationship. Our analysis demonstrates that much of the winter rainfall variability along the U.S. West Coast is dominated by unpredicted variations in the 200-hPa height field and that this same unpredicted variability was largely responsible for the unexpectedly dry conditions in 2015/16.
Response of the Salinity-Stratified Bay of Bengal to Cyclone Phailin
Authors: Chaudhuri Dipanjan , Sengupta Debasis , D’Asaro Eric , Venkatesan R. , Ravichandran M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCyclone Phailin, which developed over the Bay of Bengal in October 2013, was one of the strongest tropical cyclones to make landfall in India. We study the response of the salinity-stratified north Bay of Bengal to Cyclone Phailin with the help of hourly observations from three open-ocean moorings 200 km from the cyclone track, a mooring close to the cyclone track, daily sea surface salinity (SSS) fromAquarius, and a one-dimensional model. Before the arrival of Phailin, moored observations showed a shallow layer of low-salinity water lying above a deep, warm “barrier” layer. As the winds strengthened, upper-ocean mixing due to enhanced vertical shear of storm-generated currents led to a rapid increase of near-surface salinity. Sea surface temperature (SST) cooled very little, however, because the prestorm subsurface ocean was warm.AquariusSSS increased by 1.5–3 psu over an area of nearly one million square kilometers in the north Bay of Bengal. A one-dimensional model, with initial conditions and surface forcing based on moored observations, shows that cyclone winds rapidly eroded the shallow, salinity-dominated density stratification and mixed the upper ocean to 40–50-m depth, consistent with observations. Model sensitivity experiments indicate that changes in ocean mixed layer temperature in response to Cyclone Phailin are small. A nearly isothermal, salinity-stratified barrier layer in the prestorm upper ocean has two effects. First, near-surface density stratification reduces the depth of vertical mixing. Second, mixing is confined to the nearly isothermal layer, resulting in little or no SST cooling.
Airflow relieves chronic breathlessness in people with advanced disease: An exploratory systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Swan Flavia , Newey Alison , Bland Martin , Allgar Victoria , Booth Sara , Bausewein Claudia , Yorke Janelle , Johnson Miriam 
Published: March 2019

Background: Chronic breathlessness is a neglected symptom of advanced diseases. Aim: To examine the effect of airflow for chronic breathlessness relief. Design: Exploratory systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: Medline, CINAHL, AMED and Cochrane databases were searched (1985–2018) for observational studies or randomised controlled trials of airflow as intervention or comparator. Selection against predefined inclusion criteria, quality appraisal and data extraction was conducted by two independent reviewers with access to a third for unresolved differences. ‘Before and after’ breathlessness measures from airflow arms were analysed. Meta-analysis was carried out where possible. Results: In all, 16 of 78 studies (n = 929) were included: 11 randomised controlled trials of oxygen versus medical air, 4 randomised controlled trials and 1 fan cohort study. Three meta-analyses were possible: (1) Fan at rest in three studies (n = 111) offered significant benefit for breathlessness intensity (0–100 mm visual analogue scale and 0–10 numerical rating scale), mean difference −11.17 (95% confidence intervals (CI) −16.60 to −5.74), p = 0.06 I2 64%. (2) Medical air via nasal cannulae at rest in two studies (n = 89) improved breathlessness intensity (visual analogue scale), mean difference −12.0 mm, 95% CI −7.4 to −16.6, p < 0.0001 I2 = 0%. (3) Medical airflow during a constant load exercise test before and after rehabilitation (n = 29) in two studies improved breathlessness intensity (modified Borg scale, 0–10), mean difference −2.9, 95% CI −3.2 to −2.7, p < 0.0001 I2 = 0%. Conclusion: Airflow appears to offer meaningful relief of chronic breathlessness and should be considered as an adjunct treatment in the management of breathlessness.
Operative Treatment for Hallux Valgus With Moderate to Severe Metatarsus Adductus
Authors: Shima Hiroaki , Okuda Ryuzo , Yasuda Toshito , Mori Katsunori , Kizawa Momoko , Tsujinaka Seiya , Neo Masashi 
Published: March 2019

Background: Operative treatment is indicated for patients who have symptomatic hallux valgus (HV) with moderate to severe metatarsus adductus (MA). However, there is limited information available on the operative procedures and outcomes for the treatment of HV with MA. We aimed to investigate the average 10-year follow-up clinical and radiologic outcomes. Methods: Seventeen patients (21 feet, average age: 60.1 years) with symptomatic HV with moderate to severe MA were operatively treated. Mean postoperative follow-up duration was 114.4 (24-246) months. All feet had metatarsus adductus angle ≥20 degrees on dorsoplantar weight-bearing radiograph. The procedure included a proximal crescentic osteotomy of the first metatarsal and abduction osteotomy of the proximal third of the second and third metatarsals. Results: The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scale score improved significantly postoperatively ( P < .001). The mean postoperative visual analog scale score (17 feet) was 2.0 (0-6). Preoperative metatarsalgia was severe in 2 feet, moderate in 17, and mild in 2. At the most recent follow-up evaluation, 11 feet had no pain, 9 had mild pain, and 1 had moderate pain. The mean hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, and metatarsus adductus angle significantly decreased postoperatively ( P < .001 for all). Recurrence of HV (HV angle ≥ 20 degrees) was observed in 4 feet. Conclusion: The clinical and radiologic results indicated that our novel operative treatment for HV with moderate to severe MA can achieve significant correction of HV with MA deformities and significant improvement in pain and function. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.