bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 inhibits bacterial persisters that survive fluoroquinolone treatment
Authors: Hare Patricia J. , Englander Hanna E. , Mok Wendy W. K. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Aims
Bacterial persisters are rare phenotypic variants in clonal bacterial cultures that can endure antimicrobial therapy and potentially contribute to infection relapse. Here, we investigate the potential of leveraging microbial interactions to disrupt persisters as they resuscitate during the post-antibiotic treatment recovery period.

Methods and Results
We treated stationary-phase E. coli MG1655 with a DNA-damaging fluoroquinolone and co-cultured the cells with probiotic E. coli Nissle following antibiotic removal. We found that E. coli Nissle reduced the survival of fluoroquinolone persisters and their progeny by over three orders of magnitude within 24 h. Using a bespoke H-diffusion cell apparatus that we developed, we showed that E. coli Nissle antagonized the fluoroquinolone-treated cells in a contact-dependent manner. We further demonstrated that the fluoroquinolone-treated cells can still activate the SOS response as they recover from antibiotic treatment in the presence of E. coli Nissle and that the persisters depend on TolC-associated efflux systems to defend themselves against the action of E. coli Nissle.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that probiotic bacteria, such as E. coli Nissle, have the potential to inhibit persisters as they resuscitate following antibiotic treatment.

Significance and Impact of the Study
Bacterial persisters are thought to underlie chronic infections and they can lead to an increase in antibiotic-resistant mutants in their progenies. Our data suggest that we can leverage the knowledge we gain on the interactions between microbial strains/species that interfere with persister resuscitation, such as those involving probiotic E. coli Nissle and E. coli MG1655 (a K-12 strain), to bolster the activity of our existing antibiotics.
Bacillus subtilis WB800N alleviates diabetic wounds in mice by regulating gut microbiota homeostasis and TLR2
Authors: Mi Jing , Xie Cong , Zeng Li , Zhu Ziwen , Chen Nian , He Qianzhen , Xu Xiangping , Xie Hongju , Zhou Jianda , Li Li , Liao Junlin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to investigate the effect of Bacillus subtilis WB800N on diabetic wounds.

Methods
Haematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining was used to observe the healing of skin wounds. Collagen deposition was assessed by Masson staining. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to detect vascular endothelial-related factors (VWF), CD31, TLR2, NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 expression. 16S rDNA sequencing detected microbiota distribution. The concentrations of IL-1β and IL-37 were measured by ELISA. Apoptosis was measured by the TUNEL assay.

Results
Compared with the control group, wound healing was delayed in diabetic mice. The wound area in the Bacillus subtilis group decreased more significantly than the diabetic wound group. H&E staining showed that Bacillus subtilis WB800N promoted wound healing and increased re-epithelialization. Masson staining showed that Bacillus subtilis WB800N increased collagen deposition in mice with diabetic wounds. Bacillus subtilis WB800N upregulated VWF and CD31 protein expression in diabetic wounds mice. The 16S rDNA results showed that Bacillus subtilis WB800N reduced the diversity of the gut microbiota of diabetic wounds mice and regulated the microbial composition. At the genus level, Bacillus subtilis WB800N reduced the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae and CG − 005 in diabetic wounds mice, whilst increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Bacillus subtilis WB800N increased the expression of TLR2, NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1. Bacillus subtilis WB800N increased the concentrations of IL-1β and IL-37 in serum. Bacillus subtilis WB800N upregulated cell apoptosis. The TLR2 antagonist Sparstolonin B (SsnB) reduced the expression of TLR2, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-37 and the apoptosis in diabetic wounds mice, whilst the combined intervention of Bacillus subtilis and SsnB reversed the effect of SsnB treatment alone.

Conclusion
Bacillus subtilis WB800N alleviated diabetic wound healing by regulating gut microbiota homeostasis and TLR2.

Significance and impact of research
Our findings might provide potential therapeutic targets for diabetic wounds.
Credit rating agencies, information asymmetry and US bond liquidity
Authors: Lovo Stefano , Raimbourg Philippe , Salvadè Federica 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDo rating announcements reduce information asymmetries? We investigate the effect of rating disclosures on the volatility and liquidity of the US bond market. Although rating agencies' decisions are often anticipated by credit spread changes, we show that in the case of no regulatory change, their release can reduce volatility and the bid–ask spread. This reduction is stronger when the rating agency announcement has been anticipated by the market, namely, after downgrades, whereas upgrades trigger a mixed reaction. These findings are consistent with the predictions of a simple sequential trade model with event uncertainty and noise and informed traders.
Effect of at‐home bleaching gels with different thickeners on the physical properties of a composite resin without bisphenol A
Authors: Vieira Isabele , Ferraz Laura Nobre , Vieira Junior Waldemir Francisco , Dias Carlos Tadeu dos Santos , Lima Débora Alves Nunes Leite 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate, in vitro, the influence of at‐home bleaching with 16% carbamide peroxide (CP) gels containing different thickeners on the color, gloss, roughness, and microhardness of a composite resin with bisphenol A (BPA) and without bisphenol A (BPA‐free).Material and methodsCylindrical samples (7 × 2 mm) of a composite resin with BPA (Filtek Z350 XT®; 3M/ESPE) and composite resin BPA‐free (Vittra APS®; FGM) were subdivided into six subgroups (n = 12), according to the bleaching gel used: no bleaching (control), commercial gel with 16% CP and carbopol, experimental gel with 16% CP and carbopol, experimental gel with 16% CP and natrosol, experimental gel with carbopol and experimental gel with natrosol. At the end of the experimental phase, the specimens were analyzed for color (ΔE*abandΔE00), surface roughness (Ra), gloss (GU), and surface microhardness (SMH). The data for all analyzes were submitted to Levene's test, Shapiro–Wilk's test and ANOVA.ResultsFor ΔE*aband ΔE00no statistically significant differences were found between all groups evaluated. Bleaching with experimental 16% CP gel with carbopol resulted in the lowest GU values for both composite resins evaluated. 16% CP experimental gel with natrosol resulted in higher Ra for the BPA composite resin and the bleaching with natrosol resulted in higher Ra for BPA‐free. About 16% CP experimental gel with carbopol and 16% CP experimental gel with natrosol resulted in the lowest final SMH for composite resin with BPA. For the BPA‐free composite resin, no differences were found between the groups in SMH for the same resin, however they presented the lowest values compared with all others groups.ConclusionThe effects on physical properties are dependent on the composition of the composite resin and the thickener/bleaching gel used. The BPA‐free composite resin showed less changes after exposure to bleaching agent, although its initial physical properties were worse compared to a bleached BPA.Clinical RelevanceThe hydrogen peroxide and thickener of the at‐home bleaching gel does impact the properties of composites with BPA or BPA‐free such as gloss, roughness and surface microhardness, extremely important factors for maintaining an aesthetically and physically satisfactory restoration. BPA‐free composite resins have inferior properties after at‐home bleaching with different thickeners.
Changes in halitosis value before and after Helicobacter pylori eradication: A single‐institutional prospective study
Authors: Kudo Yui , Kudo Shin‐ei , Miyachi Hideyuki , Ichimasa Katsuro , Ogawa Yushi , Kouyama Yuta , Sakurai Tatsuya , Ikeda Mikiko , Saito Yumi , Kamada Tamaki , Gotoda Takuji 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough patients report either improved or worsened halitosis after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, such complaints are subjective. Only a few studies have objectively evaluated reports of changes in halitosis after H. pylori eradication; thus, this study aimed to investigate these changes after a successful H. pylori eradication.MethodsBetween February 2015 and October 2018, 56 347 patients visited the clinic. Informed consent for participation in this study was obtained from 164 patients scheduled to undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy due to halitosis. Of the 91 patients with H. pylori infection, the halitosis values were evaluated as Refres breath (RB) values using a Total Gas Detector™ System and compared before and after successful H. pylori eradication, as confirmed with urea breath testing.ResultsAmong the 91 patients treated, 77 patients were successfully eradicated of H. pylori and had their Refres values measured (21 men and 56 women; mean age, 64.2 ± 11.5 years, including 10 smokers); among these 77 patients, 27 showed RB values of > 60. Their RB values significantly improved from 73.5 Â (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.1–82.9) to 59.4 Â (95% CI, 50.0–68.8) (P = 0.038). Of the 30 patients who could be followed up for > 2 years after successful H. pylori eradication, 8 with an RB value ≥ 60 showed significant RB value improvements from 77.9 Â (95% CI, 59.4–96.4) to 30.1 Â (95% CI, 11.6–48.6) (P = 0.0016).ConclusionsHelicobacter pylori eradication therapy could improve halitosis, and such improvement could be maintained even 2 years after successful eradication.
Family experiences of in‐hospital end‐of‐life care for adults: A systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Walker Wendy , Efstathiou Nikolaos , Jones Jennifer , Collins Pamela , Jennens Hannah 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimTo systematically identify, appraise, aggregate and synthesise qualitative evidence on family members’ experiences of end‐of‐life care (EoLC) in acute hospitals.MethodsA systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis based on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Primary research, published 2014 onwards was identified using a sequential strategy of electronic and hand searches. Six databases (CINAHL, Medline, Embase, EMCare, PsycINFO, BNI) were systematically searched. Studies that met pre‐determined inclusion/exclusion criteria were uniformly appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research, and synthesised using a meta‐aggregative approach. The ENTREQ statement was used as a checklist for reporting the review.ResultsSixteen studies of European, Australasian and North American origin formed the review. The quality of each study was considered very good in view of a ‘yes’ response to most screening questions. Extracted findings were assembled into 12 categories, and five synthesised findings: Understanding of approaching end of life; essential care at the end of life; interpersonal interactions; environment of care; patient and family care after death.ConclusionEnabling and improving peoples’ experience of EoLC must remain part of the vision and mission of hospital organisations. Consideration must be given to the fulfilment of family needs and apparent hallmarks of quality care that appear to influence experiential outcomes.Relevance to clinical practiceThis review of qualitative research represents the first‐stage development of a family‐reported experience measure for adult EoLC in the hospital setting. The synthesised findings provide a Western perspective of care practices and environmental factors that are perceived to impact the quality of the care experience. Collectively, the review findings serve as a guide for evidence‐informed practice, quality improvement, service evaluation and future research. A developed understanding of the families’ subjective reflections creates reciprocal opportunity to transform experiential insights into practical strategies for professional growth and practice development.
Self‐performed Five Times Sit‐To‐Stand test at home as (pre‐)screening tool for frailty in cancer survivors: Reliability and agreement assessment
Authors: van Cappellen‐van Maldegem Sandra J. M. , Hoedjes Meeke , Seidell Jacob C. , van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke V. , Buffart Laurien M. , Mols Floortje , Beijer Sandra 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAims and ObjectivesThe self‐performance of a Five‐Times‐Sit‐To‐Stand (FTSTS)‐test, without the usual supervision by a medical professional, provides valuable opportunities for clinical practice and research. This study aimed: (1) to determine the validity of the self‐performed FTSTS test in comparison to a supervised reference test and (2) to determine the reliability of a self‐performed FTSTS test by cancer survivors.BackgroundEarly detection of frailty in cancer survivors may enable prehabilitation interventions before surgery or intensive treatment, improving cancer outcomes.DesignA repeated measures reliability and agreement study, with one week in between measures, was performed.MethodsCancer survivors (n = 151) performed two FTSTS tests themselves. One additional reference FTSTS test was supervised by a physical therapist. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), structural error of measurement (SEM) and minimally important clinical difference (MID) were calculated comparing a self‐performed FTSTS test to the reference test, and comparing two self‐performed FTSTS tests. The Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies (GRASS) have been used.ResultsMean age of cancer survivors was 65.6 years (SD = 9.3), 54.6% were female, median time since diagnosis was 2 years [IQR = 1], and tumour type varied (e.g., breast cancer (31.8%), prostate cancer (17.2%), gastrointestinal cancer (11.9%) and haematological cancer (11.9%)). Validity of the self‐performed FTSTS test at home was acceptable in comparison with the reference test (ICC = .74; SEM = 3.2; MID = 3.6) as was the reliability of the self‐performed FTSTS test (ICC = .70; SEM = 2.2; MID = 3.8).ConclusionsThe self‐performed FTSTS test is a valid and reliable measure to assess lower body function and has potential to be used as objective (pre‐)screening tool for frailty in cancer survivors.Relevance to clinical practiceThe self‐performed FTSTS test at home may indicate the cancer survivors in need of prehabilitation in advance of surgery or intensive treatment. The feasibility, short amount of time needed and potential cost‐effectiveness of the self‐performed FTSTS test can make it a valuable contribution to personalised care and precision medicine.
Caregiver training: Evidence of its effectiveness for cognitive and functional improvement in older adults
Authors: Sanjuán Miriam , Navarro Elena , Calero María Dolores 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAims and objectivesThe objectives of this study were to assess the benefits of a caregiver training programme on the cognitive and functional status of older adults, and to compare the effects of this programme according to type of caregiver (professional vs. family caregiver).BackgroundDue to demographic changes that have resulted in an aging population, the role of caregiver of an older adult has become very important in recent years.Design and MethodsThe sample was composed of 160 older adults: (a) 100 received care from caregivers who had taken the three‐month training programme (treatment group), of which 60 were professional caregivers and 40 were family caregivers, and (b) 60 received care from caregivers who had not taken the programme (control group). In order to evaluate programme effects on cognitive and functional status, we used both direct measures answered by the older adults (MMSE, CAPE and EuroQol) and caregiver reports (Barthel and RMPBC). We used a quasi‐experimental, pre‐post design. We followed SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines for reporting.ResultsThe results showed that older adults who were cared for by caregivers that had participated in the training programme showed gains in quality of life and cognitive ability and maintenance of functional ability. Within the treatment group, although everyone significantly improved their scores, the older adults cared for by family caregivers improved in more of the cognitive sub‐items than did their peers in the professional caregiver group.ConclusionsThe data obtained show that a caregiver training programme based on cognitive stimulation produces cognitive, functional and health‐related quality‐of‐life benefits in older adults. Furthermore, the caregivers reported increased satisfaction with their work.Relevance to clinical practiceThe improvements obtained in the older adults and in caregivers show the relevance of this type of intervention when working in the clinical field of caregiving.
Network meta‐analysis of medical therapy efficacy in more than 90,000 patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction
Authors: De Marzo Vincenzo , Savarese Gianluigi , Tricarico Lucia , Hassan Sofia , Iacoviello Massimo , Porto Italo , Ameri Pietro 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundFollowing the availability of new drugs for chronic heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), we sought to provide an updated and comparative synthesis of the evidence on HFrEF pharmacotherapy efficacy.MethodsWe performed a Bayesian network meta‐analysis of phase 2 and 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of medical therapy in HFrEF patient cohorts with more than 90% of the participants with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 45% and all‐cause mortality reported.ResultsSixty‐nine RCTs, accounting for 91,741 subjects, were evaluated. The step‐wise introduction of new drugs progressively decreased the risk of all‐cause death, up to reaching a random‐effects hazard ratio (HR) of 0.43 (95% credible intervals [CrI] 0.27–0.63) with beta blockers (BB), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) versus placebo. The risk was further reduced by adding sodium–glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i; HR 0.38, 95% CrI 0.22–0.60), ivabradine (HR 0.39, 95% CrI 0.21–0.64), or vericiguat (HR 0.40, 95% CrI 0.22–0.65) to neurohormonal inhibitors, and by angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), BB, and MRA (HR 0.36, 95% CrI 0.20–0.60). In a sensitivity analysis considering the ARNI and non‐ARNI subgroups of SGLT2i RCTs, the combination SGLT2i + ARNI + BB + MRA was associated with the lowest HR (0.28, 95% CrI 0.16–0.45 vs. 0.40, 95% CrI 0.24–0.60 for SGLT2i + BB + ACEi + MRA). Consistent results were obtained in sensitivity analyses and by calculating surface under the cumulative ranking area, as well as for cardiovascular mortality (information available for 56 RCTs), HF hospitalization (45 RCTs), and all‐cause hospitalization (26 RCTs).ConclusionsCombination medical therapy including neurohormonal inhibitors and newer drugs, especially ARNI and SGLT2i, confers the maximum benefit with regard to HFrEF prognosis.
Pharmacokinetic characteristics of danofloxacin in green sea (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill sea (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles
Authors: Wanmad Wipasitnee , Chomcheun Thanaphan , Jongkolpath Oranee , Klangkaew Narumol , Phaochoosak Napasorn , Sukkheewan Rattapong , Laovechprasit Weerapong , Khidkhan Kraisiri , Giorgi Mario , Poapolathep Amnart , Poapolathep Saranya 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTo date, the number of green sea and hawksbill sea turtles is in decline due to environmental, anthropogenic, and pathological factors. The present study described the pharmacokinetic characteristics of danofloxacin (DNX) in green sea and hawksbill sea turtles, following single intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administrations at single dosages of 6 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Blood samples were collected at assigned times up to 168 h. DNX in the harvested plasma was cleaned up using liquid–liquid extraction and analyzed using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a non‐compartmental approach. DNX was quantifiable from 5 min to 168 h after i.v. and i.m. administrations at an identical dosage in both turtle types. No statistical differences were found in the pharmacokinetic parameters between green sea and hawksbill sea turtles. The long elimination half‐life value of DNX obtained in green sea (35 h) and hawksbill sea (30.21 h) turtles was consistent with the quite large volume of distribution and the slow clearance rate. The high values of absolute bioavailability (87%–94%) should be advantageous for clinical use of DNX in sea turtles. According to the pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic surrogate (AUC0‐24/MIC > 125), DNX is predicted to have antibacterial success for disease caused by bacteria with MIC < 0.04 µg/ml.
A motile doublet form of Salmonella Typhimurium diversifies target search behavior at the epithelial surface
Authors: Ek Viktor , Fattinger Stefan A. , Florbrant Alexandra , Hardt Wolf‐Dietrich , Di Martino Maria Letizia , Eriksson Jens , Sellin Mikael E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe behaviors of infectious bacteria are commonly studied in bulk. This is effective to define the general properties of a given isolate, but insufficient to resolve subpopulations and unique single‐microbe behaviors within the bacterial pool. We here employ microscopy to study single‐bacterium characteristics among Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S.Tm), as they prepare for and launch invasion of epithelial host cells. We find that during the bacterial growth cycle, S.Tm populations switch gradually from fast planktonic growth to a host cell‐invasive phenotype, characterized by flagellar motility and expression of the Type‐three‐secretion‐system‐1. The indistinct nature of this shift leads to the establishment of a transient subpopulation of S.Tm “doublets”—waist‐bearing bacteria anticipating cell division—which simultaneously express host cell invasion machinery. In epithelial cell culture infections, these S.Tm doublets outperform their “singlet” brethren and represent a hyperinvasive subpopulation. Atop both glass and enteroid‐derived monolayers, doublets swim along markedly straighter trajectories than singlets, thereby diversifying search patterns and improving the surface exploration capacity of the total bacterial population. The straighter swimming, combined with an enhanced cell‐adhesion propensity, suffices to account for the hyperinvasive doublet phenotype. This work highlights bacterial cell length heterogeneity as a key determinant of target search patterns atop epithelia.