bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcus aureus
Colonization of the Human Nose and Interaction with Other Microbiome Members
Authors: Laux Claudia , Peschel Andreas , Krismer Bernhard 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is usually regarded as a bacterial pathogen due to its ability to cause multiple types of invasive infections. Nevertheless,
S. aureus
colonizes about 30% of the human population asymptomatically in the nares, either transiently or persistently, and can therefore be regarded a human commensal as well, although carriage increases the risk of infection. Whereas many facets of the infection processes have been studied intensively, little is known about the commensal lifestyle of
S. aureus
. Recent studies highlight the major role of the composition of the highly variable nasal microbiota in promoting or inhibiting
S. aureus
colonization. Competition for limited nutrients, trace elements, and epithelial attachment sites, different susceptibilities to host defense molecules and the production of antimicrobial molecules by bacterial competitors may determine whether nasal bacteria outcompete each other. This chapter summarizes our knowledge about mechanisms that are used by
S. aureus
for efficient nasal colonization and strategies used by other nasal bacteria to interfere with its colonization. An improved understanding of naturally evolved mechanisms might enable us to develop new strategies for pathogen eradication.
Noncoding RNA
Authors: Desgranges E. , Marzi S. , Moreau K. , Romby P. , Caldelari I. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT

Regulatory RNAs, present in many bacterial genomes and particularly in pathogenic bacteria such as
Staphylococcus aureus
, control the expression of genes encoding virulence factors or metabolic proteins. They are extremely diverse and include noncoding RNAs (sRNA), antisense RNAs, and some 5′ or 3′ untranslated regions of messenger RNAs that act as sensors for metabolites, tRNAs, or environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, pH). In this review we focus on specific examples of sRNAs of
S. aureus
that illustrate how numerous sRNAs and associated proteins are embedded in complex networks of regulation. In addition, we discuss the CRISPR-Cas systems defined as an RNA-interference-like mechanism, which also exist in staphylococcal strains.
Extracellular Matrix Interactions with Gram-Positive Pathogens
Authors: Hammerschmidt Sven , Rohde Manfred , Preissner Klaus T. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTThe main strategies used by pathogenic bacteria to infect eukaryotic tissue include their adherence to cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM), the subsequent colonization and invasion as well as the evasion of immune defences. A variety of structurally and functionally characterized adhesins and binding proteins of gram-positive bacteria facilitate these processes by specifically recognizing and interacting with various components of the host ECM, including different collagens, fibronectin and other macromolecules. The ECM affects the cellular physiology of our body and is critical for adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of many host cell types, but also provides the support for infiltrating pathogens, particularly under conditions of injury and trauma. Moreover, microbial binding to a variety of adhesive components in host tissue fluids leads to structural and/or functional alterations of host proteins and to the activation of cellular mechanisms that influence tissue and cell invasion of pathogens. Since the diverse interactions of gram-positive bacteria with the ECM represent important pathogenicity mechanisms, their characterization not only allows a better understanding of microbial invasion but also provides clues for the design of novel therapeutic strategies to manage infectious diseases.
Effects of preoperative endoanal ultrasound on functional outcome after anal fistula surgery
Authors: Tantiphlachiva Kasaya , Sahakitrungruang Chucheep , Pattanaarun Jirawat , Rojanasakul Arun 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveEndoanal ultrasound (EAUS) is a recommended preoperative investigation for fistula-in-ano (FiA) which aims to provide the best chance of healing and preservation of continence function. This study aims are (1) to assess effect of EAUS on functional outcome and (2) to determine factors associated with clinical outcomes after FiA surgery.DesignRetrospective analysis of subjects with cryptogenic FiA between January 2011 and December 2016, in a tertiary hospital, was performed by comparing EAUS and no-EAUS groups. Postoperative change in St. Mark’s faecal incontinence severity score (cFISS=FISS at 6 months after surgery–FISS before surgery) were compared. General linear model was used to determine factors associated with cFISS. Binary logistic regression was used to assess factors related to clinical outcomes. A p-value of <0.05 is considered significant.Results We enrolled 339 subjects; 109 (M:F 91:18, mean age 41.7±13.6 years) of 115 in EAUS group and 230 in no-EAUS group (M:F 195:35, mean age 42.6±13.0 years). There were higher proportions of recurrent cases (24.8% vs 13.9%, p=0.014) and complex FiA (80.7% vs 50.4%, p=0.001) in EAUS group. Postoperative FISS (mean±SE) were increased in both groups; preoperative versus postoperative FISS were 0.36±0.20 versus 0.59±0.25 in EAUS group (p=0.056) and 0.31±0.12 versus 0.76±0.17 in no-EAUS group (p<0.001). EAUS had significant effects on cFISS in both univariate analysis,F(1,261)=4.053, p=0.045; and multivariate analysis,F(3,322)=3.147, p=0.025, Wilk’s Lambda 0.972. Other associated factors included recurrent fistula (F(3,322)=0.777, p=0.007, Wilk’s Lambda 0.993) and fistula classification (F(3,322)=16.978, p<0.001, Wilk’s Lambda 0.863). After a mean follow-up of 33.6±28.6 weeks, success rate was 63.3%(EAUS) and 60% (no-EAUS), p=0.822. Factors associated with clinical outcomes were fistula complexity, number of tracts, recurrence, number of previous surgery and type of operations. Accuracy of EAUS was 90.8% and not related to clinical outcomes (p=0.522).ConclusionEAUS had favourable effects on functional outcome after FiA surgery while multiple factors were associated with clinical outcomes. EAUS is useful, accurate, inexpensive and can be the first tool for planning of complex and recurrent FiA.
Positive and negative social support and depressive symptoms according to economic status among adults in Korea: cross-sectional results from the Health Examinees-Gem Study
Authors: Lee Hwa-Young , Oh Juhwan , Kawachi Ichiro , Heo Jongho , Kim Sujin , Lee Jong-Koo , Kang Daehee 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesThe interaction between positive and negative social support as well as each domain of social support and income on depressive symptom has not been much explored. We aimed to examine the associations of positive and negative social support with the risk of depressive symptoms among urban-dwelling adults in Korea, focusing on those interaction effects.DesignWe used the first wave of a large-scale cohort study called The Health Examinees-Gem Study. Positive and negative support scores ranged between 0 and 6; the variables were then categorised into low, medium, and high groups. A two-level random intercept linear regression model was used, where the first level is individual and the second is the community. We further tested for interactions between each domain of social supports and household income.SettingA survey conducted at 38 health examination centres and training hospitals in major Korean cities and metropolitan areas during 2009–2010.Participants21 208 adult men and women aged between 40 and 69 in Korea (mean age: 52.6, SD: 8.0).Outcome measuresDepressive symptoms score measured by Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, with scores ranging from 0 to 60.ResultsLevel of positive and negative social support showed a negative and positive association with depressive symptom score with statistical significance at p<0.05, respectively. When the interaction terms among household income and social supports were examined, a negative association between level of positive social support and depressive symptom score was more pronounced as income was lower and level of negative social support was higher. Similarly, positive association between level of negative social support and depressive symptom score was more pronounced as income was lower and level of positive social support was lower.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that strategies for encouraging positive social support and discouraging negative social support for disadvantaged individuals might be effective in reducing depression in Korea.
Identification of earlier predictors of pregnancy complications through wearable technologies in a Brazilian multicentre cohort: Maternal Actigraphy Exploratory Study I (MAES-I) study protocol
Authors: Souza Renato T , Cecatti Jose Guilherme , Mayrink Jussara , Galvão Rafael Bessa , Costa Maria Laura , Feitosa Francisco , Rocha Filho Edilberto , Leite Debora F , Vettorazzi Janete , Tedesco Ricardo P , Santana Danielly S , Souza Joao Paulo 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionNon-invasive tools capable of identifying predictors of maternal complications would be a step forward for improving maternal and perinatal health. There is an association between modification in physical activity (PA) and sleep–wake patterns and the occurrence of inflammatory, metabolic, pathological conditions related to chronic diseases. The actigraphy device is validated to estimate PA and sleep–wake patterns among pregnant women. In order to extend the window of opportunity to prevent, diagnose and treat specific maternal conditions, would it be possible to use actigraphy data to identify risk factors for the development of adverse maternal outcomes during pregnancy?Methods and analysisA cohort will be held in five centres from the Brazilian Network for Studies on Reproductive and Perinatal Health. Maternal Actigraphy Exploratory Study I (MAES-I) will enrol 400 low-risk nulliparous women who will wear the actigraphy device on their wrists day and night (24 hours/day) uninterruptedly from 19 to 21 weeks until childbirth. Changes in PA and sleep–wake patterns will be analysed throughout pregnancy, considering ranges in gestational age in women with and without maternal complications such as pre-eclampsia, preterm birth (spontaneous or provider-initiated), gestational diabetes, maternal haemorrhage during pregnancy, in addition to perinatal outcomes. The plan is to design a predictive model using actigraphy data for screening pregnant women at risk of developing specific adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.Ethics and disseminationMAES-I has been reviewed and approved by each institutional review board and also by the National Council for Ethics in Research. Detailed information about the study is provided in the Brazilian Cohort website (www.medscinet.com/samba) and findings will be published in the scientific literature and institutional webpages.
Locked-in syndrome in Sweden, an explorative study of persons who underwent rehabilitation: a cohort study
Authors: Svernling Kajsa , Törnbom Marie , Nordin Åsa , Sunnerhagen Katharina S 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveLocked-in syndrome (LiS) is a rare condition, characterised by a complete paresis except for vertical eye movements and blinking with cognitive functions intact, commonly caused by ischaemia in the ventral pons. Previous studies have indicated that persons with LiS can live on for many years and have a good quality of life (QoL). To our knowledge, LiS has never been studied in Sweden. The aim was to explore LiS in Sweden; describing population characteristics, living situation, mortality/cause of death and health-related QoL/impact on participation.DesignExplorative, nationwide study with two parts (quantitative and qualitative). Persons registered in the national quality register WebRehab during 2007–2014 were eligible.ParticipantsTen persons were identified in part 1, four participated in part 2. During part 1, data were collected from WebRehab, medical charts and registers, while questionnaires and interviews were used during part 2.ResultsSeven out of 10 were men, median age at onset was 49 years and the cause of LiS was in all cases stroke, 70% of which ischaemic. Three were deceased with a median time of survival of 1.9 years. Seven were still alive, with a median time elapsed since onset of 5.8 years. Three participants experienced good QoL. Information, respect from professionals and more specialised technical devices were three areas containing unfulfilled needs.ConclusionThis was the first study conducted in Sweden and the characteristics of this population were like those studied abroad. In this study, the persons with LiS who were interviewed expressed the need for proper care, appropriate technical aids and a supportive environment in order to have QoL. However, there is still much room for improvements.
Exploring the clinical context of adopting an instrumented insole: a qualitative study of clinicians’ preferences in England
Authors: Lin Denise , Papi Enrica , McGregor Alison H 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesThis study explores clinicians’ views of the clinical uptake of a smart pressure-sensing insole, named Flexifoot, to enhance the care and management of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Clinicians are key users of wearable technologies, and can provide appropriate feedback for a specific device for successful clinical implementation.DesignQualitative study with in-depth, semi-structured interviews, analysed using inductive analysis to generate key themes.SettingConducted in a University setting.Participants30 clinicians were interviewed (11 physiotherapists, 11 orthopaedic surgeons, 5 general practitioners, 3 podiatrists).ResultsAll clinicians regarded Flexifoot to be useful for the care and management of patients in adjunction to current methods. Responses revealed four main themes: use, data presentation, barriers to use and future development. Flexifoot data were recognised as capable of enhancing information exchange between clinicians and patients, and also between clinicians themselves. Participants supported the use of feedback for rehabilitation, screening and evaluation of treatment progress/success purposes. Flexifoot use by patients was encouraged as a self-management tool that may motivate them by setting attainment goals. The data interface should be secure, concise and visually appealing. The measured parameters of Flexifoot, its duration of wear and frequency of data output would all depend on the rationale for its use. The clinicians and patients must collaborate to optimise the use of Flexifoot for long-term monitoring of disease for patient care in clinical practice. Many identified potential other uses for Flexifoot.ConclusionsClinicians thought that Flexifoot may complement and improve current methods of long-term patient management for OA or other conditions in clinical settings. Flexifoot was recognised to be useful for objective measures and should be tailored carefully for each person and condition to maximise compliance. Adopting the device, and other similar technologies, requires reducing the main barriers to use (time, cost, patient compliance) before its successful implementation.
Diet quality in relation to healthy ageing: the Israeli Longitudinal Study on Aging (ILSA)—a study protocol
Authors: Goshen Abigail , Goldbourt Uri , Shohat Tamar , Shimony Tal , Keinan-Boker Lital , Gerber Yariv 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionPopulation ageing is accelerating rapidly in Israel as well as worldwide, necessitating adaptation of the healthcare system and consideration of new approaches that serve the specific needs of older adults. In addition to cognitive function, frailty is one of the most challenging expressions of physical and mental ageing, a multidimensional syndrome of increased vulnerability. Several studies have shown that low intake of certain micronutrients and protein is associated with higher risk of frailty and cognitive impairment. However, whether global diet quality is involved in the aetiology of the latter outcomes is unclear.Methods and analysisWe are conducting, among older adult subjects who took part in ‘Mabat Zahav’ (Israeli National Health and Nutrition Survey of Older Adults) in 2005–2006 (T0, n=1852), an extensive follow-up interview (T1) that includes comprehensive geriatric assessment and evaluation of general health and quality of life. Diet quality is evaluated using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010, based on 24-hour diet recall measured at T0 and T1. Frailty is assessed using two different approaches: the phenotype framework and the accumulation of deficits model. Cognitive function is assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and cognitive decline is assessed by the difference between repeated MMSE measurements. Different analytic methods will be applied to evaluate the role of diet quality in development of frailty and cognitive decline with inverse probability weighting used to minimise attrition bias. About 600 subjects are expected to be interviewed between May 2017 and December 2019.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the Helsinki Committee of Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel and the Ethical Committee of Tel-Aviv University. All participants sign an informed consent form. The findings of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals.
Pathways and associated costs of care in patients with confirmed and presumptive tuberculosis in Tanzania: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mhalu Grace , Hella Jerry , Mhimbira Francis , Said Khadija , Mosabi Thomas , Mlacha Yeromin P , Schindler Christian , Gagneux Sébastien , Reither Klaus , de Hoogh Kees , Weiss Mitchell G , Zemp Elisabeth , Fenner Lukas 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveTo assess pathways and associated costs of seeking care from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis in patients with confirmed and presumptive tuberculosis (TB).DesignCross-sectional study.SettingDistrict hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.ParticipantsBacteriologically confirmed TB and presumptive TB patients.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe calculated distance in metres and visualised pathways to healthcare up to five visits for the current episode of sickness. Costs were described by medians and IQRs, with comparisons by gender and poverty status.ResultsOf 100 confirmed and 100 presumptive TB patients, 44% of confirmed patients sought care first at pharmacies after the onset of symptoms, and 42% of presumptive patients did so at hospitals. The median visits made by confirmed patients was 2 (range 1–5) and 2 (range 1–3) by presumptive patients. Patients spent a median of 31% of their monthly household income on health expenditures for all visits. The median total direct costs were higher in confirmed compared with presumptive patients (USD 27.4 [IQR 18.7–48.4] vs USD 19.8 [IQR 13.8–34.0], p=0.02), as were the indirect costs (USD 66.9 [IQR 35.5–150.0] vs USD 46.8 [IQR 20.1–115.3], p<0.001). The indirect costs were higher in men compared with women (USD 64.6 [IQR 31.8–159.1] vs USD 55.6 [IQR 25.1–141.1], p<0.001). The median total distance from patients’ household to healthcare facilities for patients with confirmed and presumptive TB was 2338 m (IQR 1373–4122) and 2009 m (IQR 986–2976) respectively.ConclusionsPatients with confirmed TB have complex pathways and higher costs of care compared with patients with presumptive TB, but the costs of the latter are also substantial. Improving access to healthcare and ensuring integration of different healthcare providers including private, public health practitioners and patients themselves could help in reducing the complex pathways during healthcare seeking and optimal healthcare utilisation.
Simulation-based training for increasing health service board members’ effectiveness: protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Faulkner Nicholas , Wright Breanna , Bragge Peter , Lennox Alyse , Bismark Marie , Boag Jane , Boffa Sophie , Waxman Bruce 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionResearch indicates that health service boards can influence quality of care. However, government reviews have indicated that board members may not be as effective as possible in attaining this goal. Simulation-based training may help to increase board members’ ability to effectively communicate and hold hospital staff to account during board meetings.Methods and analysisTo test effectiveness and feasibility, a prospective, cluster-randomised controlled trial will be used to compare simulation-based training with no training. Primary outcome variables will include board members’ perceived skill and confidence in communicating effectively during board meetings, and board members’ perceptions of board meeting processes. These measures will be collected both immediately before training, and 3 months post-training, with boards randomly assigned to intervention or control arms. Primary analyses will comprise generalised estimating equations examining training effects on each of the primary outcomes. Secondary analyses will examine participants’ feedback on the training.Ethics and disseminationResearch ethics approval has been granted by Monash University (reference number: 2018-12076). We aim to disseminate results through peer-reviewed journal publication, conference presentation and social media.Trial registration numberOpen Science Framework:http://osf.io/jaxt6/; Pre-results.
Socioeconomic trajectories of body mass index and waist circumference: results from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Zaninotto Paola , Lassale Camille 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo explore age trajectories of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) and to examine whether these trajectories varied by wealth.DesignNationally representative prospective cohort study.SettingObservational study of people living in England.Participants7416 participants aged 52 and over of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2004–2012).Primary outcome measuresBMI and WC assessed objectively by a trained nurse.Main exposure measureTotal non-pension household wealth quintiles defined as financial wealth, physical wealth (such as business wealth, land or jewels) and housing wealth (primary and secondary residential housing wealth), minus debts.ResultsUsing latent growth curve models, we showed that BMI increased by 0.03 kg/m2(95% CI 0.02 to 0.04, p<0.001) per year and WC by 0.18 cm (95% CI 0.15 to 0.22, p<0.001). Age (linear and quadratic) showed a negative association with BMI and WC baseline and rates of change, indicating that older individuals had smaller body sizes and that the positive rates of change flattened to eventually become negative. The decline occurred around the age of 71 years for BMI and 80 years for WC. Poorest wealth was significantly related to higher baseline levels of BMI (1.97 kg/m295% CI 0.99 to 1.55, p<0.001) and WC (4.66 cm 95% CI 3.68 to 2.40, p<0.001). However, no significant difference was found in the rate of change of BMI and WC by wealth, meaning that the age trajectories of BMI and WC were parallel across wealth categories and that the socioeconomic gap did not close at older ages.ConclusionsOlder English adults showed an increase in BMI and WC over time but this trend reversed at older old age to display a sharp decrease. At any given age wealthier people had more favourable BMI and WC profile.