bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Listeria monocytogenes Strains Underrepresented during Selective Enrichment with an ISO Method Might Dominate during Passage through Simulated Gastric Fluid and
In Vitro
Infection of Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Zilelidou Evangelia , Karmiri Christina-Vasiliki , Zoumpopoulou Georgia , Mavrogonatou Eleni , Kletsas Dimitris , Tsakalidou Effie , Papadimitriou Konstantinos , Drosinos Eleftherios , Skandamis Panagiotis 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Various
Listeria monocytogenes
strains may contaminate a single food product, potentially resulting in simultaneous exposure of consumers to multiple strains. However, due to bias in strain recovery,
L. monocytogenes
strains isolated from foods by selective enrichment (SE) might not always represent those that can better survive the immune system of a patient. We investigated the effect of cocultivation in tryptic soy broth with 0.6% yeast extract (TSB-Y) at 10°C for 8 days on (i) the detection of
L. monocytogenes
strains during SE with the ISO 11290-1:1996/Amd 1:2004 protocol and (ii) the
in vitro
virulence of strains toward the Caco-2 human colon epithelial cancer cell line following exposure to simulated gastric fluid (SGF; pH 2.0)-HCl (37°C). We determined whether the strains which were favored by SE would be effective competitors under the conditions of challenges related to gastrointestinal passage of the pathogen. Interstrain competition of
L. monocytogenes
in TSB-Y determined the relative population of each strain at the beginning of SE. This in turn impacted the outcome of SE (i.e., favoring survival of competitors with better fitness) and the levels exposed subsequently to SGF. However, strong growth competitors could be outcompeted after SGF exposure and infection of Caco-2 cells by strains outgrown in TSB-Y and underdetected (or even missed) during enrichment. Our data demonstrate a preferential selection of certain
L. monocytogenes
strains during enrichments, often not reflecting a selective advantage of strains during infection. These findings highlight a noteworthy scenario associated with the difficulty of matching the source of infection (food) with the
L. monocytogenes
isolate appearing to be the causative agent during listeriosis outbreak investigations.

IMPORTANCE
This report is relevant to understanding the processes involved in selection and prevalence of certain
L. monocytogenes
strains in different environments (i.e., foods or sites of humans exposed to the pathogen). It highlights the occurrence of multiple strains in the same food as an important aspect contributing to mismatches between clinical isolates and infection sources during listeriosis outbreak investigations.
Pseudomonas brassicacearum Strain DF41 Kills Caenorhabditis elegans through Biofilm-Dependent and Biofilm-Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Nandi Munmun , Berry Chrystal , Brassinga Ann Karen C. , Belmonte Mark F. , Fernando W. G. Dilantha , Loewen Peter C. , de Kievit Teresa R. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTPseudomonas brassicacearumDF41 is a biocontrol agent that suppresses disease caused by the fungal pathogenSclerotinia sclerotiorum. A number of exometabolites are produced by DF41, including the lipopeptide sclerosin, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and degradative enzymes. The production of these compounds is controlled at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels by quorum sensing (QS) and the Gac two-component regulatory system. In order to be successful, a biocontrol agent must persist in the environment at levels sufficient for pathogen control. Bacterivorous predators, including nematodes, represent a challenge to the establishment of introduced microorganisms. In the current study, DF41 was investigated for its ability to resist predation byCaenorhabditis elegans. We discovered that this bacterium is capable of killingC. elegansthrough two different mechanisms: the first involves exposure to toxic metabolites, and the second entails biofilm formation on the nematode head blocking the buccal cavity. Biofilm formation on nematodes, which has been reported only forYersiniaspp. andXenorhabdus nematophila, is dependent upon the Gac system. Biofilms were not observed when bacteria were grown on NaCl-containing medium or onC. elegansbiofilm-resistant mutants. Coculturing with nematodes led to the increased expression of thepdfRI-rfiAQS genes andhcnA, which is under QS control. HCN was the most nematicidal of the exometabolites, suggesting that this bacterium can respond to predator cues and upregulate expression of toxins accordingly. In summary, DF41 is able to respond to the presence ofC. elegans, and through two distinct mechanisms, it can escape predation.IMPORTANCEPseudomonas brassicacearumDF41 can suppress fungal pathogens through a process known as biocontrol. To be successful, a biocontrol agent must be able to persist in the environment at levels sufficient for pathogen control. Predators, including the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans, represent a threat to persistence. The aim of the current study was to investigate the DF41-C. elegansinteraction. We discovered that DF41 is able to escape predation through two distinct mechanisms. The first involves exposure to toxic bacterial metabolites, and the second entails the formation of a sticky coating on the nematode head, called a biofilm, which blocks feeding and causes starvation. We report here a pseudomonad forming biofilms on theC. eleganssurface. When grown withC. elegans, DF41 exhibits altered gene expression and metabolite production, indicating that this bacterium can sense the presence of these predators and adjust its physiology accordingly.
Structural pathology is not related to patient-reported pain and function in patients undergoing meniscal surgery
Authors: Tornbjerg Simon Maretti , Nissen Nis , Englund Martin , Jørgensen Uffe , Schjerning Jeppe , Lohmander L Stefan , Thorlund Jonas Bloch 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundThe relationship between meniscal tears and other joint pathologies with patient-reported symptoms is not clear. We investigated associations between structural knee pathologies identified at surgery with preoperative knee pain and function in patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscal surgery.MethodsThis study included 443 patients from the Knee Arthroscopy Cohort Southern Denmark (KACS), a prospective cohort following patients 18 years or older undergoing arthroscopic meniscal surgery at 4 hospitals between 1 February 2013 and 31 January 2014. Patient-reported outcomes, including the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), were obtained by online questionnaires prior to surgery. Knee pathology was assessed by the operating surgeons using a modified version of the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) classification of meniscal tears questionnaire, supplemented with information extracted from surgery reports. Following hypothesis-driven preselection of candidate variables, backward elimination regressions were performed to investigate associations between patient-reported outcomes and structural knee pathologies.ResultsRegression models only explained a small proportion of the variability in self-reported pain and function (adjusted R2=0.10−0.12) and this association was mainly driven by age, gender and body mass index.ConclusionsSpecific meniscal pathology and other structural joint pathologies found at meniscal surgery were not associated with preoperative self-reported pain and function in patients with meniscal tears questioning inferences made about a direct relationship between these. Our findings question the role of arthroscopic surgery to address structural pathology as a means to improve patient-reported outcomes in patients having surgery for a meniscal tear.
Does it matter whether physicians' recommendations are given early or late in the decision-making process? An experimental study among patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Hamann Johannes , Kissling Werner , Mendel Rosmarie 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesPhysicians' recommendations are seen as an essential component in many models of medical decision-making, including shared decision-making. It is, however, unclear at what time in the decision-making process the recommendation is best given, not to adversely influence patient preferences. Within the present study we wanted to evaluate at what time in the decision-making process a doctor's recommendation is best given, not to adversely influence patient preferences.DesignWe performed an experimental study involving hypothetical decisions vignettes and compared the influence of 3 conditions (no advice, early advice, late advice) on patients' decision-making.SettingN=21 psychiatric hospitals in Germany.ParticipantsN=208 inpatients suffering from schizophrenia.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe main outcome was the number of patients choosing the option in each experimental condition that had been less preferable to most patients during pretests. Additional outcome measures were patient satisfaction and reactance.ResultsPatients in the ‘late advice’ condition more often (n=49) accepted an advice that was against their preferences compared with the other conditions (n=36 for ‘early advice’, p=0.024).ConclusionsAlthough giving advice is an important part of every doctor's daily practice and is seen as an essential element of shared decision-making, hitherto there has been little empirical evidence relating to the influence of physicians' advice on patients' decision-making behaviour. With our study we could show that the point in time an advice is given by a physician does have an influence on patients' decisional behaviour even if the mechanism of this effect is not yet understood.
Effect of a national requirement to introduce named accountable general practitioners for patients aged 75 or older in England: regression discontinuity analysis of general practice utilisation and continuity of care
Authors: Barker Isaac , Lloyd Therese , Steventon Adam 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of introducing named accountable general practitioners (GPs) for patients aged 75 years on patterns of general practice utilisation, including continuity of care.DesignRegression discontinuity design applied to data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink to estimate the treatment effect for compliers aged 75.Setting200 general practices in England.Participants255 469 patients aged between 65 and 85, after excluding those aged 75.InterventionFrom April 2014, general practices in England were required to offer patients aged 75 or over a named accountable GP. This study compared having named accountable GPs for patients aged just over 75 with usual care provided for patients just under 75.OutcomesNumber of contacts (face-to-face or telephone) with GPs, longitudinal continuity of care (usual provider of care, or UPC, index), number of referrals to specialist care and numbers of common diagnostic tests. Outcomes were measured over 9 months following assignment to a named accountable GP and for a comparable period for those unassigned.ResultsThe proportion of patients with a named accountable GP increased from 3.5% to 79.8% at age 75. No statistically significant effects were detected for continuity of care (estimated treatment effect 0.00, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.02) or the number of GP contacts per person (estimated treatment effect −0.11, 95% CI −0.31 to 0.09) over 9 months. No significant change was seen in the number of referrals, blood pressure or HbA1c diagnostic tests per person. A statistically significant treatment effect of −0.05 cholesterol tests per person (95% CI −0.07 to −0.02) was estimated; however, sensitivity analysis indicated that this effect predated the introduction of named accountable GPs.ConclusionsContinuity of care is valued by patients, but the named accountable GP initiative did not improve continuity of care or change patterns of GP utilisation in the first 9 months of the policy.
Long-term responses to treatment in UK veterans with military-related PTSD: an observational study
Authors: Murphy Dominic , Spencer-Harper Lucy , Carson Carron , Palmer Emily , Hill Kate , Sorfleet Nicola , Wessely Simon , Busuttil Walter 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesMilitary-related trauma can be difficult to treat. Evaluating longer term responses to treatment and identifying which individuals may need additional support could inform clinical practice. We assessed 1-year outcomes in UK veterans treated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).DesignWithin-participant design.SettingThe intervention was offered by Combat Stress, a mental health charity for veterans in the UK.ParticipantsThe sample included 401 veterans who completed a standardised 6-week residential treatment. Of these, 268 (67%) were successfully followed up a year after the end of treatment.MethodsA range of health outcomes were collected pretreatment and repeated at standard intervals post-treatment. The primary outcome was severity of PTSD symptoms, and secondary outcomes included measures of other mental health difficulties (depression, anxiety and anger), problems with alcohol, and social and occupational functioning.ResultsSignificant reductions in PTSD severity were observed a year after treatment (PSS-I: −11.9, 95% CI −13.1 to −10.7). Reductions in the secondary outcomes were also reported. Higher levels of post-treatment functional impairment (0.24, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.41) and alcohol problems (0.18, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.32) were associated with poorer PTSD treatment response at 12 months.ConclusionsThis uncontrolled study suggests the longer term benefits of a structured programme to treat UK veterans with PTSD. Our findings point to the importance of continued support targeted for particular individuals post-treatment to improve longer term outcomes.
Education, night splinting and exercise versus usual care on recovery and conversion to surgery for people awaiting carpal tunnel surgery: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lewis Karina J , Ross Leo , Coppieters Michel W , Vicenzino Bill , Schmid Annina B 
Published: September 2016

IntroductionCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent upper limb condition that results in significant individual and socioeconomic costs. Large patient numbers, long outpatient waiting times and traditional referral pathways in public health systems create delays in accessing treatment for this condition. Alternative care pathways aimed at streamlining access to treatment and reducing the need for surgical intervention warrant further investigation.MethodsA randomised, single-blind controlled clinical trial will be conducted. 128 participants aged 18–75 years with CTS will be recruited from the carpal tunnel surgery waitlists of participating public hospitals. Suitable participants will be stratified for severity and randomly allocated to either receive therapy (education, provision of splints and a home exercise programme) or standard care (continuing on the waitlist without hand therapy intervention for the duration of the study). Outcomes will be measured at baseline and after 6 weeks and 6 months. Primary outcomes are conversion to surgery ratio and perceived effect via the Global Rating of Change Scale.Secondary measures include patient satisfaction, and monitoring of symptoms and function using outcome measures including the Boston CTS Questionnaire, Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, Patient-Specific Functional Scale, patient completed diagram of symptoms and Self-reported Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale.DiscussionThis paper outlines the design and rationale for a randomised controlled trial that aims to assess the efficacy of an alternative care pathway for the management of patients with CTS while on the surgery waitlist. It is anticipated that the outcomes of this study will contribute to improved and expedited management of this common condition in a public hospital setting.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was granted by the Princess Alexandra Hospital Centres for Health Research (HREC/13/QPAH/434—SSA/13/QPAH/447) and the Medical Research Ethics Committee at the University of Queensland. Results will be disseminated via conferences and peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration numberACTRN12613001095752.
Anti-inflammatory effect of prophylactic macrolides on children with chronic lung disease: a protocol for a double-blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mosquera Ricardo A , Gomez-Rubio Ana M , Harris Tomika , Yadav Aravind , McBeth Katrina , Gonzales Traci , Jon Cindy , Stark James , Avritscher Elenir , Pedroza Claudia , Smith Keely , Colasurdo Giuseppe , Wootton Susan , Piedra Pedro , Tyson Jon E , Samuels Cheryl 
Published: September 2016

IntroductionRecent studies suggest that the high mortality rate of respiratory viral infections is a result of an overactive neutrophilic inflammatory response. Macrolides have anti-inflammatory properties, including the ability to downregulate the inflammatory cascade, attenuate excessive cytokine production in viral infections, and may reduce virus-related exacerbations. In this study, we will test the hypothesis that prophylactic macrolides will reduce the severity of respiratory viral illness in children with chronic lung disease by preventing the full activation of the inflammatory cascade.Methods and analysisA randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial that will enrol 92 children to receive either azithromycin or placebo for a period of 3–6 months during two respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons (2015–2016 and 2016–2017). We expect a reduction of at least 20% in the total number of days of unscheduled face-to-face encounters in the treatment group as compared with placebo group. Standard frequentist and Bayesian analyses will be performed using an intent-to-treat approach.DiscussionWe predict that the prophylactic use of azithromycin will reduce the morbidity associated with respiratory viral infections during the winter season in patients with chronic lung disease as evidenced by a reduction in the total number of days with unscheduled face-to-face provider encounters.Ethics and disseminationThis research study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston on 9 October 2014. On completion, the results will be published.Trial registration numberNCT02544984.
Exploring senior doctors’ beliefs and attitudes regarding mental illness within the medical profession: a qualitative study
Authors: Bianchi Eleonora F , Bhattacharyya Mimi R , Meakin Richard 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo explore the views of senior doctors on mental illness within the medical profession.BackgroundThere has been increasing interest on the issue of doctors’ mental health. However, there have been few qualitative studies on senior doctors’ general attitude towards mental illness within the medical profession.SettingLarge North London teaching hospital.Participants13 hospital consultants and senior academic general practitioners.MethodsA qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews and reflective work. The outcome measures were the themes derived from the thematic framework approach to analysis.ResultsFour main themes were identified. (1) ‘Doctors’ attitudes to mental illness’—doctors felt that there remained a significant stigma attached to suffering from a mental illness within the profession. (2) ‘Barriers to seeking help’—doctors felt that there were numerous barriers to seeking help such as negative career implications, being perceived as weak, denial and fear of prejudice. (3) ‘Support’—doctors felt that the use of support depended on certainty concerning confidentiality, which for occupational health was not thought to be guaranteed. Confiding in colleagues was rare except among close friends. Supervision for all doctors was raised. (4) ‘General Medical Council (GMC) involvement’—doctors felt that uneasy referring colleagues to the GMC and the appraisal and revalidation process was thought not to be thorough enough in picking up doctors with a mental illness.ConclusionsOwing to the small size of this study, the conclusions are limited; however, if the findings are confirmed by larger studies, they suggest that greater efforts are needed to destigmatise mental illness in the profession and improve support for doctors. Additional research should be carried out into doctors’ views on occupational health services in managing doctors with mental illness, the provision of supervision for all doctors and the effectiveness of the current appraisal and revalidation process at identifying doctors with a mental illness.
Crash course in EPaCCS (Electronic Palliative Care Coordination Systems): 8 years of successes and failures in patient data sharing to learn from
Authors: Petrova Mila , Riley Julia , Abel Julian , Barclay Stephen 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundElectronic Palliative Care Coordination Systems (EPaCCS) are England's pre-eminent initiative in enabling advance care planning and improved communication and coordination at the end of life. EPaCCS have been under development for 8 years after being proposed, as Locality Registers, in the 2008 End of Life Care Strategy for England. EPaCCS are electronic registers or tools and processes for sharing data which aim to enable access to information about dying patients. Striking outcomes have been reported around EPaCCS, such as 77.8% of ‘Coordinate My Care’ patients dying in their preferred place. EPaCCS have, however, been extremely challenging to develop and implement, with many projects remaining continuously ‘under development’ or folding. They also continue to be suboptimally integrated with other data sharing initiatives. Rigorous research is non-existent.Discussion pointsWe discuss the current EPaCCS landscape and way forward. We summarise key facts concerning the availability, uptake, outcomes and costs of EPaCCS. We outline 5 key challenges (scope of projects, unrealistic expectations set by existing guidance, the discrepancy between IT realities in healthcare and our broader lives, information governance and ‘death register’ associations) and 6 key drivers (robust concept, striking outcomes, national support and strong clinical leadership, clinician commitment, education and funding).ConclusionsThe priorities for advancing EPaCCS we propose include linking to other work streams and reframing the concept, potentially making it less ‘end of life’, overview of current EPaCCS and lessons learnt, continuing work on information standards, rethinking of national funding and new levels of individual and community involvement.
Model fusion at the British Geological Survey: experiences and future trends
Authors: Peach Denis , Riddick Andrew , Hughes Andrew , Kessler Holger , Mathers Steve , Jackson Christopher , Giles Jeremy 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is developing integrated environmental models to address the grand challenges that face society. Here we describe the BGS vision for an Environmental Modelling Platform (BGS 2009) that will allow integrated models to be built, and describe case studies of emerging models in the United Kingdom.

This Environmental Modelling Platform will be founded on the data and information that the BGS holds. This will have to be made as accessible and interoperable as possible to both the academic and stakeholder decision-making community. The geological models that have been built in an
ad hoc
way over the last 5–10 years will be encompassed in a National Geological Model that will be multi-scaled, beginning with onshore UK and eventually including the offshore continental shelf. The future will be characterized by the routine delivery of 3D model products from a multi-scaled and scalable 3D geological model of the UK that can be dynamically updated. The deployment of this model will generate further significant requirements across the Information and Knowledge Exchange spectrum, from applications development (database, GIS, web and mobile device), data management, information product development, to delivery to a growing number of publics and stakeholders.