Influence of Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus sanguinis on virulence of Candida albicans : in vitro and in vivo studies

Abstract

The aim was to evaluate in vitro possible interactions, gene expression, and biofilm formation in species of Candida albicans, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus sanguinis and their in vivo pathogenicity. The in vitro analysis evaluated the effects of S. mitis and S. sanguinis on C. albicans's biofilm formation by CFU count, filamentation capacity, and adhesion (ALS1, ALS3, HWP1) and transcriptional regulatory gene (BCR1, CPH1, EFG1) expression. In vivo studies evaluated the pathogenicity of the interaction of the microorganisms on Galleria mellonella, with analyses of the CFU per milliliter count and filamentation. In vitro results indicated that there was an observed decrease in CFU (79.4–71.5%) in multi-species biofilms. The interaction with S. mitis inhibited filamentation, which seems to increase its virulence factor with over-expression of genes ALS1, ALS3, and HWP1 as well the interaction with S. sanguinis as ALS3 and HWP1. S. mitis upregulated BRC1, CPH1, and EFG1. The histological images of in vivo study indicate an increase in the filamentation of C. albicans when in interaction with the other species. It was concluded that S. mitis interaction suggests increased virulence factors of C. albicans, with periods of lower virulence and proto-cooperation in the interaction with S. sanguinis.

Neonatal calf meningitis associated with Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp . gallolyticus

Abstract

Here, we report a case of neonatal calf meningitis due to Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (SGG). Clinical, pathological and microbiological findings were evaluated. API Strep, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, rpoB gene sequencing and sodA gene sequencing were used for the complete identification of SGG. This is the first documented report of neonatal calf meningitis due to SGG in veterinary medicine.

Disease Burden and Treatment Patterns of Psoriasis in Russia: A Real-World Patient and Dermatologist Survey

Abstract

Introduction

Data regarding disease burden and quality of life (QoL) for patients with psoriasis from Russia are limited. The objective of this study was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment patterns of systemic therapy eligible psoriasis patients in Russia in order to assess the impact of psoriasis on the QoL and work productivity of the patients and to evaluate patient/dermatologist concordance on disease severity, signs/symptoms, and satisfaction with psoriasis treatment.

Methods

Data were collected by the Growth from Knowledge Disease Atlas global real-world evidence programme from nine countries. The data from the Russian population are presented here. Adult patients who had a current or prior history of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and were receiving prescription treatment at the time of the survey were included. Dermatologist-reported data on disease severity, symptoms, comorbidities, and treatment as well as patient-reported data on QoL and work productivity were collected. Descriptive analysis of the data was conducted. Patient/dermatologist concordance was assessed using Cohen's κ.

Results

A total of 300 patients from Russia were included. The mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score was 9.0 and the mean disease duration was 9.9 years. The proportion of patients with itch, skin pain, and comorbidities increased as current psoriasis severity increased. The disease had a negative impact on patients' QoL (mean Dermatology Life Quality Index score: 7.1) and work productivity (33.2% drop in work productivity), which further deteriorated as disease severity increased. A large proportion of the enrolled patients (60%) were treated with topical agents only. Overall, the level of concordance between patients and their dermatologists regarding psoriasis severity and satisfaction with overall disease control achieved was low.

Conclusion

Results demonstrate a substantial disease burden on psoriasis patients in Russia, despite receiving treatment for their psoriasis, as well as low patient/dermatologist concordance of views on treatment outcomes. These findings also highlight a need to further incorporate the patient's views into treatment decision-making in Russia.

Funding

Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.

Acral Melanoma: A Patient’s Experience and Physician’s Commentary

Abstract

This article, co-authored by a patient diagnosed with acral melanoma, discusses the patient's experience of being diagnosed with and treated with surgery for this disease. The physician discusses the epidemiology, genetics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of acral melanoma. Follow-up care plans are also discussed.

Iddo Landau, Finding Meaning in an Imperfect World. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 2017. ISBN 9780190657666, $25, Hbk

Growth through Adversity: Exploring Associations between Internal Strengths, Posttraumatic Growth, and Wisdom

Bad Art and Good Taste

Temporal Encoding During Unimodal and Bimodal Odor Processing in the Human Brain

Abstract

Introduction

In daily life, people encounter a wide range of odors, most of which contain multiple chemical substances. So-called bimodal odors stimulate both the olfactory and trigeminal nerve, and the interaction between these two systems shapes the perception of the odor. However, temporal encoding of these sensory systems during bimodal odor processing has received limited scientific attention.

Methods

To investigate this, we recorded the electrophysiological response in 17 participants to relatively unimodal olfactory (strawberry), trigeminal (l-isopulegol) and strongly bimodal (strawberry and l-isopulegol) stimuli.

Results

ERP amplitudes and intensity ratings were significantly bigger for bimodal stimulation, as compared to unimodal stimulations. No significant difference was observed between N1 and P2 response latencies to olfactory and bimodal stimuli while responses to both stimuli showed longer latencies compared to the response of the trigeminal stimulus.

Conclusions

Results provide further evidence of interaction between olfactory and trigeminal systems; additional activation of the olfactory system results in more vigorous electrophysiological responses and the experience of higher intensity. In addition, results indicate that the trigeminal system is faster to react to stimulation.

Implications

The current study offers a view on the temporal processing of bimodal odorants that are most likely to be encountered in the environment. We link the more vigorous electrophysiological response to a more complex odorant with activation of different neural structures.

Characterization and Evaluation of Changes in the Aroma-Active Components in Szechuan Pepper ( Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim) Under Different Cooking Temperatures Using Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry

Abstract

Introduction

The flavor of Szechuan pepper plays an important role in Sichuan cuisine, where it is responsible for the tingling and numbing characteristic. The aims of this study were to characterize and identify aroma-active compounds of Szechuan pepper and to evaluate changes in flavor components between room and high temperature (ca. 70–80 °C).

Methods

Solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) were used.

Results

In this study, linalool, linalyl acetate, and limonene were identified as the major components by both SAFE and HS-SPME. Seven compounds, namely myrcene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, 2-phenylethanol, 4-methylacetophenone, and trans-carveol, were identified as aroma-active compounds using GC-O. The most intense aroma-active compounds were 1,8-cineole and linalool. Moreover, 2-phenylethanol and 4-methylacetophenone were identified as aroma-active components for the first time in Szechuan pepper. The relative contents of 1,8-cineole, linalool, 2-phenylethanol, 4-methylacetophenone, and trans-carveol were significantly increased as simulated cooking temperature increased from 40 to 75 °C, whereas myrcene, limonene, and hexanal were significantly decreased; 1,8-cineole was not detected at 40 °C but was detected at 75 °C.

Conclusions

A total of 83 volatile compounds were identified, including 62 by SAFE and 57 by HS-SPME. Of these, 34 volatile compounds were identified by both SAFE and HS-SPME. For the first time, 2-phenylethanol and 4-methylacetophenone were identified as key aroma-active components in Szechuan pepper. The overall flavor of Szechuan pepper might be influenced by a result of the relative ratios of key aroma-active components. Cooking temperature should be taken into consideration when Szechuan pepper is used as an ingredient in food.

Implications

These results could be beneficial for furthering our understanding of aroma-active compounds in Szechuan pepper and improving dishes prepared with this ingredient.

Keeping Our Eyes on the Prize: Focusing on Parenting Supports Depressed Parents’ Involvement in Home Visiting Services

Abstract

Objectives Improving family retention and engagement is crucial to the success of home visiting programs. Little is known about retaining and engaging depressed parents in services. The purpose of the study is to examine how home visit content moderates the association between depression and retention and engagement. Methods The sample (N = 1322) was served by Healthy Families America (n = 618) and Parents as Teachers (n = 704) between April 1, 2012 and June 30, 2016. Parents averaged 23 years (SD = 6). Nearly half of the parents were White (48%) and the majority was single (71%). Depression was screened with the Patient Health Questionnaire-2. Home visitors reported the percent of time focused on particular content and parent engagement at every home visit. Results Multilevel regression analyses showed the amount of time that home visitors spent supporting parent–child interaction moderated the association between depression and retention at 6 (B = .08, SE = .03, p = .003) and 12 (B = .1, SE = .03, p < .001) months, such that there was a stronger positive association for depressed parents. The main effects of child development focused content and retention at 6 (B = .07, SE = .01, p < .001) and 12 (B = .08, SE = .01, p < .001) months were positive, while effects of case management focused content at 6 (B = − .06, SE = .01, p < .001) and 12 (B = − .07, SE = .01, p < .001) months were negative. Conclusions Families were more likely to be retained when home visitors focused on child development and parent–child interaction, but less likely with more case management focus. Parents with positive depression screens were more likely to remain in services with more time spent focused on supporting parent–child interactions.

Correction to: Triadic Interactions in MIECHV: Relations to Home Visit Quality

The article "Triadic interactions in MIECHV: Relations to home visit quality", written by Carla A. Peterson, Kere Hughes-Belding, Neil Rowe, Liuran Fan, Melissa Walter, Leslie Dooley, Wen Wang and Chloe Steffensmeier, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 12 June 2018 without open access. With the author(s)' decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 9 July 2018 to © The Author(s) 2018 and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Correction to: Randomized Trial of a Training Program to Improve Home Visitor Communication around Sensitive Topics

The article "Randomized Trial of a Training Program to Improve Home Visitor Communication around Sensitive Topics", written by Allison West, Laina Gagliardi, Amanda Gatewood, Susan Higman, Jane Daniels, Kay O'Neill and Anne Duggan, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 31 May 2018 without open access.

Mother and Home Visitor Emotional Well-Being and Alignment on Goals for Home Visiting as Factors for Program Engagement

Abstract

Objectives Family engagement in home visiting (HV), as indicated by length of enrollment, is a major challenge as most families do not stay enrolled for the intended duration prescribed by HV models. This study examined maternal and visitor emotional well-being as factors for maternal satisfaction with the program in addressing reasons for enrolling in HV and program engagement and the role of their working alliance with the visitor as a mediator of this. Methods Longitudinal data were collected from 148 mothers and 54 visitors in 21 HV programs. Mothers completed surveys shortly after enrolling and 6 months later to assess attributes of the working alliance with their visitor. Visitors completed a survey to assess work-related well-being. HV program data were used to measure engagement. Results Mothers enrolled for multiple, diverse reasons, most often to promote child development and parenting (96%). Mothers' satisfaction with program efforts to address reasons for enrollment was highest for parenting (79%) and lowest for jobs and education (30%). Results of the mediational path model indicated that ratings of the visitor on goal alignment were positively associated with engagement. Maternal emotional availability and visitor work-related emotional exhaustion were negatively associated with engagement. Exploratory analyses suggested that ratings of the visitor on goal alignment were a stronger predictor of engagement for mothers with low emotional availability compared to other mothers. Conclusions for Practice Visitor alignment with mothers on goals and responsiveness to reasons for enrolling appear to be effective in promoting engagement. Individualizing services to reflect maternal goals and emotional capacity may be important strategies to address engagement challenges.

Work-Related Stressors Among Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Home Visitors: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background The Florida Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program delivers evidence-based home visiting services to over 1400 families each year. Home visitors are integral in providing resources for families to promote healthy pregnancy, child development, family wellness, and self-sufficiency. Due to the nature of this work, home visitors experience work-related pressures and stressors that can impact staff well-being and retention. Objectives The purpose of this study was to understand primary sources of work-related stress experienced by home visitors, subsequent effects on their engagement with program participants, and to learn of coping mechanisms used to manage stress. Methods In 2015, Florida MIECHV program evaluators conducted ten focus groups with 49 home visitors during which they ranked and discussed their top sources of work-related stress. Qualitative analysis was conducted to identify emergent themes in work-related stressors and coping/supports. Results Across all sites, the burden of paperwork and data entry were the highest ranked work-related stressors perceived as interfering with home visitors' engagement with participants. The second-highest ranked stressors included caseload management, followed by a lack of resources for families, and dangerous environments. Home visitors reported gratification in their helping relationships families, and relied on coworkers or supervisors as primary sources of workplace support along with self-care (e.g. mini-vacations, recreation, and counseling). Conclusions for practice Florida MIECHV home visitors across all ten focus groups shared similar work-related stressors that they felt diminished engagement with program participants and could impact participant and staff retention. In response, Florida MIECHV increased resources to support home visitor compensation and reduce caseloads, and obtained a competitive award from HRSA to implement a mindfulness-based stress reduction training statewide.

Correction to: What’s Happening During Home Visits? Exploring the Relationship of Home Visiting Content and Dosage to Parenting Outcomes

The article "What's Happening During Home Visits? Exploring the Relationship of Home Visiting Content and Dosage to Parenting Outcomes", written by Peggy Nygren, Beth Green, Katie Winters and Anna Rockhill, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 13 June 2018 without open access.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Doula-Home-Visiting Services: Impact on Maternal and Infant Health

Abstract

Introduction Although home-visiting programs typically engage families during pregnancy, few studies have examined maternal and child health outcomes during the antenatal and newborn period and fewer have demonstrated intervention impacts. Illinois has developed an innovative model in which programs utilizing evidence-based home-visiting models incorporate community doulas who focus on childbirth education, breastfeeding, pregnancy health, and newborn care. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examines the impact of doula-home-visiting on birth outcomes, postpartum maternal and infant health, and newborn care practices. Methods 312 young (M = 18.4 years), pregnant women across four communities were randomly assigned to receive doula-home-visiting services or case management. Women were African American (45%), Latina (38%), white (8%), and multiracial/other (9%). They were interviewed during pregnancy and at 3-weeks and 3-months postpartum. Results Intervention-group mothers were more likely to attend childbirth-preparation classes (50 vs. 10%, OR = 9.82, p < .01), but there were no differences on Caesarean delivery, birthweight, prematurity, or postpartum depression. Intervention-group mothers were less likely to use epidural/pain medication during labor (72 vs. 83%; OR = 0.49, p < .01) and more likely to initiate breastfeeding (81 vs. 74%; OR = 1.72, p < .05), although the breastfeeding impact was not sustained over time. Intervention-group mothers were more likely to put infants on their backs to sleep (70 vs. 61%; OR = 1.64, p < .05) and utilize car-seats at three weeks (97 vs. 93%; OR = 3.16, p < .05). Conclusions for practices The doula-home-visiting intervention was associated with positive infant-care behaviors. Since few evidence-based home-visiting programs have shown health impacts in the postpartum months after birth, incorporating doula services may confer additional health benefits to families.

Correction to: Mother and Home Visitor Emotional Well-Being and Alignment on Goals for Home Visiting as Factors for Program Engagement

The article "Mother and Home Visitor Emotional Well-Being and Alignment on Goals for Home Visiting as Factors for Program Engagement", written by L. Burrell, S. Crowne, K. Ojo, R. Snead, K. O'Neill, F. Cluxton‑Keller and A. Duggan, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 31 May 2018 without open access.

Correction to: Getting to the Warm Hand-Off: A Study of Home Visitor Referral Activities

The article "Getting to the Warm Hand-Off: A Study of Home Visitor Referral Activities", written by Jessica Goldberg, Jessica Greenstone Winestone, Rebecca Fauth, Melissa Colón and Maria Verónica Mingo, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 02 June 2018 without open access. With the author(s)' decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 17 July 2018 to © The Author(s) 2018 and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://ift.tt/1iwynXF), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Correction to: Randomized Controlled Trial of Doula-Home-Visiting Services: Impact on Maternal and Infant Health

The article "Randomized Controlled Trial of Doula-Home-Visiting Services: Impact on Maternal and Infant Health", written by Sydney L. Hans, Renee C. Edwards and Yudong Zhang, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 31 May 2018 without open access. With the author(s)' decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 18 July 2018 to © The Author(s) 2018 and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Correction to: The Efficacy of Using Peer Mentors to Improve Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes in Hispanic Families: Findings from a Randomized Clinical Trial

The article "The Efficacy of Using Peer Mentors to Improve Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes in Hispanic Families: Findings from a Randomized Clinical Trial", written by Melanie Lutenbacher, Tonya Elkins, Mary S. Dietrich and Anais Riggs, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 31 May 2018 without open access. With the author(s)' decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 16 July 2018 to © The Author(s) 2018 and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.