bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The intestinal microbiota: Antibiotics, colonization resistance, and enteric pathogens
Authors: Kim Sohn , Covington April , Pamer Eric G. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe human gastrointestinal tract hosts a diverse network of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiota that plays an important role in health and disease. For instance, the intestinal microbiota can prevent invading microbes from colonizing the gastrointestinal tract, a phenomenon known as colonization resistance. Perturbations to the microbiota, such as antibiotic administration, can alter microbial composition and result in the loss of colonization resistance. Consequently, the host may be rendered susceptible to colonization by a pathogen. This is a particularly relevant concern in the hospital setting, where antibiotic use and antibiotic‐resistant pathogen exposure are more frequent. Many nosocomial infections arise from gastrointestinal colonization. Due to their resistance to antibiotics, treatment is often very challenging. However, recent studies have demonstrated that manipulating the commensal microbiota can prevent and treat various infections in the intestine. In this review, we discuss the members of the microbiota, as well as the mechanisms, that govern colonization resistance against specific pathogens. We also review the effects of antibiotics on the microbiota, as well as the unique epidemiology of immunocompromised patients that renders them a particularly high‐risk population to intestinal nosocomial infections.
A bacteriophages journey through the human body
Authors: Barr Jeremy J. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe human body is colonized by a diverse collective of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. The smallest entity of this microbial conglomerate are the bacterial viruses. Bacteriophages, or phages for short, exert significant selective pressure on their bacterial hosts, undoubtedly influencing the human microbiome and its impact on our health and well‐being. Phages colonize all niches of the body, including the skin, oral cavity, lungs, gut, and urinary tract. As such our bodies are frequently and continuously exposed to diverse collections of phages. Despite the prevalence of phages throughout our bodies, the extent of their interactions with human cells, organs, and immune system is still largely unknown. Phages physically interact with our mucosal surfaces, are capable of bypassing epithelial cell layers, disseminate throughout the body and may manipulate our immune system. Here, I establish the novel concept of an “intra‐body phageome,” which encompasses the collection of phages residing within the classically “sterile” regions of the body. This review will take a phage‐centric view of the microbiota, human body, and immune system with the ultimate goal of inspiring a greater appreciation for both the indirect and direct interactions between bacteriophages and their mammalian hosts.
Host‐microbiota interactions and adaptive immunity
Authors: McCoy Kathy D. , Ronchi Francesca , Geuking Markus B. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryAll mucosal surfaces are colonized with a vast number of microbes, which are essential for stimulating and regulating the immune system. While intrinsic and innate mechanisms exist to promote a strong barrier between the microbiota and the host to ensure compartmentalization, the microbiota is also able to induce robust adaptive immunity. In this review, we discuss the interplay between the microbiota and the adaptive immune system, with a focus on the induction of mucosal and systemic antibody responses and newly defined roles of maternal antibodies. We also highlight recent studies that aim to decipher microbial antigen‐specificity of the T‐cell compartment.
Interactions between bile salts, gut microbiota, and hepatic innate immunity
Authors: Schubert Kristin , Olde Damink Steven W.M. , von Bergen Martin , Schaap Frank G. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBile salts are the water‐soluble end products of hepatic cholesterol catabolism that are released into the duodenum and solubilize lipids due to their amphipathic structure. Bile salts also act as endogenous ligands for dedicated nuclear receptors that exert a plethora of biological processes, mostly related to metabolism. Bile salts are actively reclaimed in the distal part of the small intestine, released into the portal system, and subsequently extracted by the liver. This enterohepatic cycle is critically dependent on dedicated bile salt transporters. In the intestinal lumen, bile salts exert direct antimicrobial activity based on their detergent property and shape the gut microbiota. Bile salt metabolism by gut microbiota serves as a mechanism to counteract this toxicity and generates bile salt species that are distinct from those of the host. Innate immune cells of the liver play an important role in the early recognition and effector response to invading microbes. Bile salts signal primarily via the membrane receptor TGR5 and the intracellular farnesoid‐x receptor, both present in innate immune cells. In this review, the interactions between bile salts, gut microbiota, and hepatic innate immunity are discussed.
Interplay of innate lymphoid cells and the microbiota
Authors: Britanova Liudmila , Diefenbach Andreas 
Published: September 2017

SummaryInnate lymphoid cells (ILC) are a recently identified group of innate lymphocytes that are preferentially located at barrier surfaces. Barrier surfaces are in direct contact with complex microbial ecosystems, collectively referred to as the microbiota. It is now believed that the interplay of the microbiota with host components (i.e. epithelial cells and immune cells) promotes host fitness by regulating organ homeostasis, metabolism, and host defense against pathogens. In this review, we will give an overview of this multifaceted interplay between ILC and components of the microbiota.
Diagnostic accuracy of a new algorithm to detect atrial fibrillation in a home blood pressure monitor
Authors: Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Imai Yasushi , Hoshide Satoshi , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: September 2017

The authors evaluated a new algorithm for detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) using a home blood pressure monitor. Three serial blood pressure values were measured by the monitor in 16 patients with AF and 20 patients with sinus rhythm. The authors defined “monitor AF in irregular pulse peak (IPP) 25” as follows: (1) IPP: |interval of pulse peak − the average of the interval of the pulse peak| ≥ the average of the interval of the pulse peak ×25%; (2) irregular heart beat: beats of IPP ≥ total pulse ×20%; and (3) monitor AF: two or more irregular heart beats of the three blood pressure measurements. Cutoff IPP values were set at 20% (IPP20) and 15% (IPP15). The monitor's AF specificity was 1.0 in IPP25, IPP20, and IPP15, and its sensitivity was 0.88 in IPP25, 0.94 in IPP20, and 1.0 in IPP15. The new algorithm had high diagnostic accuracy for detecting AF and a low false‐positive rate.
Subgroups in language trajectories from 4 to 11 years: the nature and predictors of stable, improving and decreasing language trajectory groups
Authors: McKean Cristina , Wraith Darren , Eadie Patricia , Cook Fallon , Mensah Fiona , Reilly Sheena 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundLittle is known about the nature, range and prevalence of different subgroups in language trajectories extant in a population from 4 to 11 years. This hinders strategic targeting and design of interventions, particularly targeting those whose difficulties will likely persist.MethodsChildren's language abilities from 4 to 11 years were investigated in a specialist language longitudinal community cohort (N = 1,910). Longitudinal trajectory latent class modelling was used to characterise trajectories and identify subgroups. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify predictors associated with the language trajectories children followed.ResultsThree language trajectory groups were identified: ‘stable’ (94% of participants), ‘low‐decreasing’ (4%) and ‘low‐improving’ (2%). A range of child and family factors were identified that were associated with following either the low‐improving or low‐increasing language trajectory; many of them shared. The low‐improving group was associated with mostly environmental risks: non‐English‐speaking background, social disadvantage and few children's books in the home. The low‐decreasing group was associated with mainly biological risks: low birth weight, socioemotional problems, lower family literacy and learning disability.ConclusionsBy 4 years, services can be confident that most children with low language will remain low to 11 years. Using rigid cut‐points in language ability to target interventions is not recommended due to continued individual variability in language development. Service delivery models should incorporate monitoring over time, targeting according to language abilities and associated risks and delivery of a continuum of interventions across the continuum of need.
Do sleep problems mediate the link between adverse childhood experiences and delinquency in preadolescent children in foster care?
Authors: Hambrick Erin P. , Rubens Sonia L. , Brawner Thomas W. , Taussig Heather N. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with multiple mental and physical health problems. Yet, mechanisms by which ACEs confer risk for specific problems are largely unknown. Children in foster care typically have multiple ACEs and high rates of negative sequelae, including delinquent behaviors. Mechanisms explaining this link have not been explored in this population. Impaired sleep has been identified as a potential mechanism by which ACEs lead to delinquency in adolescents, because inadequate sleep may lead to poor executive function and cognitive control – known risk factors for delinquency.MethodsInterviews were conducted with 516 maltreated children in foster care, ages 9–11 years, and their caregivers regarding child exposure to ACEs, sleep problems, engagement in delinquent acts, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, and current psychotropic medication use. ACEs data were also obtained from child welfare case records.ResultsAfter controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, placement type (residential, kin, foster), length of time in placement, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and current psychotropic medication use, sleep partially mediated the association between ACEs and delinquency.ConclusionsAlthough delinquency is likely multiply determined in this population, improving sleep may be one important strategy to reduce delinquency.
Grading effect of abnormal glucose status on arterial stiffness and a new threshold of 2‐h post‐load glucose based on a Chinese community study
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Ke , Wu Ke‐Ye , Dai Xiao‐Tong , Che Qian‐Zi , Chen Si , Jia Jia , Li Jian‐Ping , Huo Yong , Zhang Yan , Chen Da‐Fang 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo investigate the relationship between various glucose metabolic status and arterial stiffness, and further explore the threshold of blood glucose indices for the risk of arterial stiffness.Materials and MethodsThe present cross‐sectional study included 4,851 individuals from a Chinese community. Overnight fasting blood glucose and 2‐h post‐load glucose were sampled. Arterial stiffness was measured as brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity. The association was examined using generalized linear regression models. The threshold effect was explored using two piecewise linear regression models by the smoothing plot.ResultsAfter adjustment for covariates, isolated impaired fasting glucose, isolated impaired glucose tolerance, combined glucose intolerance and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus were associated with a greater risk of arterial stiffness compared with normal glucose tolerance (B = 18.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42–35.76, P = 0.045; B = 28.51, 95% CI: 3.40–53.62, P = 0.026; B = 60.70, 95% CI: 38.37–83.04, P < 0.001; B = 95.06, 95% CI: 71.88–118.25, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, there was a non‐linear relationship between 2‐h post‐load glucose and arterial stiffness. A threshold for 2‐h post‐load glucose of 6.14 mmol/L was observed for the risk of arterial stiffness.ConclusionsImpaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, combined glucose intolerance and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus were related to a greater risk of arterial stiffness compared with normal glucose levels. A threshold for 2‐h post‐load glucose of 6.14 mmol/L probably exists for the risk of arterial stiffness.
Relationship Maintenance: A Review of Research on Romantic Relationships
Authors: Ogolsky Brian G. , Monk J. Kale , Rice TeKisha M. , Theisen Jaclyn C. , Maniotes Christopher R. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRelationship maintenance encompasses a broad array of activities that partners may use to preserve their romantic partnerships. For this article, we systematically review the vast literature (N = 1,149 articles) on relationship maintenance in romantic relationships. We first identify the relevant constructs and propose a conceptual model to organize the literature. Then we turn our focus to the empirical research on the processes and social context of relationship maintenance. We conclude by highlighting the lingering questions in the study of relationship maintenance and offering recommendations for future research.
Standard and reduced doses of dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Staerk L. , Gerds T. A. , Lip G. Y. H. , Ozenne B. , Bonde A. N. , Lamberts M. , Fosbøl E. L. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Gislason G. H. , Olesen J. B. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundComparative data of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are lacking in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).ObjectiveWe compared effectiveness and safety of standard and reduced dose NOAC in AF patients.MethodsUsing Danish nationwide registries, we included all oral anticoagulant‐naïve AF patients who initiated NOAC treatment (2012–2016). Outcome‐specific and mortality‐specific multiple Cox regressions were combined to compute average treatment effects as 1‐year standardized differences in stroke and bleeding risks (g‐formula).ResultsAmongst 31 522 AF patients, the distribution of NOAC/dose was as follows: dabigatran standard dose (22.4%), dabigatran‐reduced dose (14.0%), rivaroxaban standard dose (21.8%), rivaroxaban reduced dose (6.7%), apixaban standard dose (22.9%), and apixaban reduced dose (12.2%). The 1‐year standardized absolute risks of stroke/thromboembolism were 1.73–1.98% and 2.51–2.78% with standard and reduced NOAC dose, respectively, without statistically significant differences between NOACs for given dose level. Comparing standard doses, the 1‐year standardized absolute risk (95% CI) for major bleeding was for rivaroxaban 2.78% (2.42–3.17%); corresponding absolute risk differences (95% CI) were for dabigatran −0.93% (−1.45% to −0.38%) and apixaban, −0.54% (−0.99% to −0.05%). The results for major bleeding were similar for reduced NOAC dose. The 1‐year standardized absolute risk (95% CI) for intracranial bleeding was for standard dose dabigatran 0.19% (0.22–0.50%); corresponding absolute risk differences (95% CI) were for rivaroxaban 0.23% (0.06–0.41%) and apixaban, 0.18% (0.01–0.34%).ConclusionsStandard and reduced dose NOACs, respectively, showed no significant risk difference for associated stroke/thromboembolism. Rivaroxaban was associated with higher bleeding risk compared with dabigatran and apixaban and dabigatran was associated with lower intracranial bleeding risk compared with rivaroxaban and apixaban.
A novel MAs(III)‐selective ArsR transcriptional repressor
Authors: Chen Jian , Nadar Venkadesh Sarkarai , Rosen Barry P. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryMicrobial expression of genes for resistance to heavy metals and metalloids is usually transcriptionally regulated by the toxic ions themselves. Arsenic is a ubiquitous, naturally occurring toxic metalloid widely distributed in soil and groundwater. Microbes biotransform both arsenate (As(V)) and arsenite (As(III)) into more toxic methylated metabolites methylarsenite (MAs(III)) and dimethylarsenite (DMAs(III)). Environmental arsenic is sensed by members of the ArsR/SmtB family. The arsR gene is autoregulated and is typically part of an operon that contains other ars genes involved in arsenic detoxification. To date every identified ArsR is regulated by inorganic As(III). Here we described a novel ArsR from Shewanella putrefaciens selective for MAs(III). SpArsR orthologs control expression of two MAs(III) resistance genes, arsP that encodes the ArsP MAs(III) efflux permease, and arsH encoding the ArsH MAs(III) oxidase. SpArsR has two conserved cysteine residues, Cys101 and Cys102. Mutation of either resulted in loss of MAs(III) binding, indicating that they form an MAs(III) binding site. SpArsR can be converted into an As(III)‐responsive repressor by introduction of an additional cysteine that allows for three‐coordinate As(III) binding. Our results indicate that SpArsR evolved selectivity for MAs(III) over As(III) in order to control expression of genes for MAs(III) detoxification.
Polyamine is a critical determinant of Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 for GacS‐dependent bacterial cell growth and biocontrol capacity
Authors: Park Ju Yeon , Kang Beom Ryong , Ryu Choong‐Min , Anderson Anne J. , Kim Young Cheol 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe Gac/Rsm network regulates, at the transcriptional level, many beneficial traits in biocontrol‐active pseudomonads. In this study, we used Phenotype MicroArrays, followed by specific growth studies and mutational analysis, to understand how catabolism is regulated by this sensor kinase system in the biocontrol isolate Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6. The growth of a gacS mutant was decreased significantly relative to that of the wild‐type on ornithine and arginine, and on the precursor of these amino acids, N‐acetyl‐l‐glutamic acid. The gacS mutant also showed reduced production of polyamines. Expression of the genes encoding arginine decarboxylase (speA) and ornithine decarboxylases (speC) was controlled at the transcriptional level by the GacS sensor of P. chlororaphis O6. Polyamine production was reduced in the speC mutant, and was eliminated in the speAspeC mutant. The addition of exogenous polyamines to the speAspeC mutant restored the in vitro growth inhibition of two fungal pathogens, as well as the secretion of three biological control‐related factors: pyrrolnitrin, protease and siderophore. These results extend our knowledge of the regulation by the Gac/Rsm network in a biocontrol pseudomonad to include polyamine synthesis. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that bacterial polyamines act as important regulators of bacterial cell growth and biocontrol potential.
Factors related to diagnostic delay of oral squamous cell carcinoma in southern Thailand: Revisited
Authors: Kerdpon D , Jantharapattana K , Sriplung H 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of more open access to health services by Thailand's universal health coverage (UHC) on diagnostic delay of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) by comparing results with our previous study prior to the UHC. Reasons for delay in attending healthcare professional (HCP) consultation were also investigated.MethodsA structure questionnaire was employed to interview 154 OSCC consecutive patients. Variables were included for Cox proportional regression models to conclude the hazard ratio of each delay.ResultsRegarding patient delay, those who had more than 12‐year education showed less delay (HR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.21–1.01) while longer delay was found in farmers (HR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.05–2.11). Compared with the previous study, there was no association between herbal medication and patient delay, herbal medication and total delay, nor religion and total delay. Professional delay showed no association with any variable. Only half of the patients received initial proper HCP management in both studies. Patient delay was mostly (89.9%) due to unawareness of the lesion severity.ConclusionsOpen access to the healthcare system had an influence on diagnostic delay. Public education and precise clinical acumen by HCPs in OSCC diagnosis are needed for early detection.
Negative pressure therapy versus passive open abdominal drainage for the treatment of septic peritonitis in dogs: A randomized, prospective study
Authors: Spillebeen Anneleen L. , Robben Joris H. , Thomas Rachel , Kirpensteijn Jolle , van Nimwegen Sebastiaan A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare passive open abdominal drainage (POAD) and negative‐pressure abdominal drainage (NPAD) using the ABThera™ system in the treatment of septic peritonitis.Study designRandomized prospective clinical trial.AnimalsDogs (n = 16) with septic peritonitis.MethodsDogs with septic peritonitis were randomly assigned to one of two treatment protocols: NPAD versus POAD. Anesthesia time, operating time, duration of drainage, costs, survival, and complications were compared between techniques. Hematological and biochemical parameters in blood and abdominal fluid, and histopathological findings of omentum and abdominal wall tissue samples were compared between NPAD and POAD at time of initial surgery and at time of closure.ResultsOverall survival was 81%. Treatment costs, anesthesia and operating time, drainage time, survival, and postoperative complications were similar between techniques. Loss of total plasma protein and decreased inflammation‐related factors in abdominal fluid at time of closure were noted in all patients. Neutrophilic inflammation was greater in abdominal wall samples after NPAD. POAD patients showed discomfort during bandage changes and had frequent leakage of abdominal fluid outside of the bandage.ConclusionNPAD is an effective alternative to POAD for treatment of septic peritonitis, based on costs and survival. NPAD resulted in less abdominal fluid leakage, and evidence of superior healing on histological evaluation of abdominal tissues.