bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the Role and Regulation of a Lactate Permease as Lactate Transporter in Bacillus coagulans DSM1
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Caili , Liu Guoxia , Ju Jiansong , Yu Bo , Wang Limin
Published: May 2019

Lactate-utilizing strains require lactate permease (LutP) to transport lactate into cells.
Bacillus coagulans
LutP is a previously uncharacterized lactate permease with no lactate utilization genes situated either adjacent to or remotely from it. In this study, an active lactate permease in an
l
-lactate producer,
B. coagulans
DSM1, was identified. Lactate supplementation regulated the expression of lactate permease. This study presents physiological evidence of the presence of a lactate transporter in
B. coagulans
. Our findings indicate a potential target for the engineering of strains in order to improve their fermentation characteristics.
Chromosomally Encoded
hok-sok
Toxin-Antitoxin System in the Fire Blight Pathogen Erwinia amylovora: Identification and Functional Characterization
Authors: Peng Jingyu , Triplett Lindsay R. , Schachterle Jeffrey K. , Sundin George W.
Published: May 2019

Bacterial toxin-antitoxin systems have received great attention because of their potential as targets for antimicrobial development and as tools for biotechnology.
Erwinia amylovora
, the causal agent of fire blight disease on pome fruit trees, is a major plant-pathogenic bacterium. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized a unique chromosomally encoded
hok-sok
toxin-antitoxin system in
E. amylovora
that resembles the plasmid-encoded copies of this system in other
Enterobacteriaceae
. This study of a type I toxin-antitoxin system in a plant-pathogenic bacterium provides the basis to further understand the involvement of toxin-antitoxin systems during infection by a plant-pathogenic bacterium. The new linkage between the
hok-sok
toxin-antitoxin system and the catalase-mediated oxidative stress response leads to additional considerations of targeting this system for antimicrobial development.
Expression of Genes and Proteins Involved in Arsenic Respiration and Resistance in Dissimilatory Arsenate-Reducing
Geobacter
sp. Strain OR-1
Authors: Tsuchiya Tatsuya , Ehara Ayaka , Kasahara Yasuhiro , Hamamura Natsuko , Amachi Seigo
Published: May 2019

Dissimilatory As(V)-reducing bacteria, such as
Geobacter
spp., play significant roles in arsenic release and contamination in groundwater and threaten the health of people worldwide. However, the biochemical and molecular mechanisms by which these bacteria cope with arsenic toxicity remain unclear. In this study, it was found that both respiratory and detoxifying As(V) reductases of a dissimilatory As(V)-reducing bacterium,
Geobacter
sp. strain OR-1, were upregulated under As(V)-respiring conditions. In addition, various proteins expressed specifically or more abundantly in strain OR-1 under arsenic stress were identified. Strain OR-1 actively metabolizes arsenic while orchestrating various metabolic processes that repair oxidative damage caused by arsenic. Such information is useful in assessing and identifying possible countermeasures for the prevention of microbial arsenic release in nature.
A Pathway for Isethionate Dissimilation in Bacillus krulwichiae
Authors: Tong Yang , Wei Yifeng , Hu Yiling , Ang Ee Lui , Zhao Huimin , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2019

Isethionate of biotic and industrial sources is prevalent. Dissimilation of isethionate under aerobic conditions is thus far only known in Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we report the discovery of a new pathway in Gram-positive
Bacillus krulwichiae
. Isethionate is oxidized by a cytosolic metal-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (which we named IseD), with NAD
+
as the electron acceptor, generating sulfoacetaldehyde for subsequent cleavage by Xsc. This work highlights the diversity of organisms and pathways involved in the degradation of this ubiquitous organosulfonate. The new pathway that we discovered may play an important role in organosulfur mineralization and in the sulfur cycle in certain environments.
A Protein E-PilA Fusion Protein Shows Vaccine Potential against Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae in Mice and Chinchillas
Authors: Ysebaert Carine , Denoël Philippe , Weynants Vincent , Bakaletz Lauren O. , Novotny Laura A. , Godfroid Fabrice , Hermand Philippe
Published: May 2019

PE-PilA is a fusion protein composed of immunologically relevant parts of protein E (PE) and the majority subunit of the type IV pilus (PilA), two major antigens of nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHi). Here we report on the preclinical evaluation of PE-PilA as a vaccine antigen. The immunogenic potential of the PE and PilA within the fusion was compared with that of isolated PE and PilA antigens.
Looking Backward To Move Forward: the Utility of Sequencing Historical Bacterial Genomes
Authors: Bennett Rebecca J. , Baker Kate S.
Published: May 2019

Many pathogens that caused devastating disease throughout human history, such as
Yersinia pestis
,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, and
Mycobacterium leprae
, remain problematic today. Historical bacterial genomes represent a unique source of genetic information and advancements in sequencing technologies have allowed unprecedented insights from this previously understudied resource.
Molecular Mechanism of the Flexible Glycan Receptor Recognition by Mumps Virus
Authors: Kubota Marie , Matsuoka Rei , Suzuki Tateki , Yonekura Koji , Yanagi Yusuke , Hashiguchi Takao
Published: May 2019

Mumps virus (MuV) infection is characterized by parotid gland swelling and can cause pancreatitis, orchitis, meningitis, and encephalitis. MuV-related hearing loss is also a serious complication because it is usually irreversible. MuV outbreaks have been reported in many countries, even in high-vaccine-coverage areas. MuV has tropism toward glandular tissues and the central nervous system. To understand the unique MuV tropism, revealing the mechanism of receptor recognition by MuV is very important. Here, using a large-scale glycan array and X-ray crystallography, we show that MuV recognizes sialyl Lewis
X
and GM2 ganglioside as receptors, in addition to a previously reported MuV receptor, a trisaccharide containing an α2,3-linked sialic acid. The flexible recognition of these glycan receptors by MuV may explain the unique tropism and pathogenesis of MuV. Structures will also provide a template for the development of effective entry inhibitors targeting the receptor-binding site of MuV.
CD8β Depletion Does Not Prevent Control of Viral Replication or Protection from Challenge in Macaques Chronically Infected with a Live Attenuated Simian Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Sutton Matthew S. , Ellis-Connell Amy , Balgeman Alexis J. , Barry Gabrielle , Weiler Andrea M. , Hetzel Scott J. , Zhou Yan , Lau-Kilby Annie W. , Mason Rosemarie D. , Biris Kristin K. , Mascola John R. , Sullivan Nancy J. , Roederer Mario , Friedrich Thomas C. , O’Connor Shelby L.
Published: May 2019

Studies of SIV-infected macaques that deplete CD8
+
T cells
in vivo
with monoclonal antibodies have provided compelling evidence for their direct antiviral role. These studies utilized CD8α-specific mAbs that target both the major (CD8αβ
+
) and minor (CD8αα
+
) populations of CD8
+
T cells but additionally deplete non-CD8
+
T cell populations that express CD8α, such as NK cells and γδ T cells. In the current study, we administered the CD8β-specific depleting mAb CD8β255R1 to cynomolgus macaques chronically infected with a LASIV to selectively deplete CD8αβ
+
T cells without removing CD8αα
+
lymphocytes. We evaluated the impact on control of virus replication and protection from pathogenic SIVmac239 challenge. These results underscore the utility of CD8β255R1 for studying the direct contribution of CD8αβ
+
T cells in various disease states.
SIRT1 Modulates the Sensitivity of Prostate Cancer Cells to Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Oncolysis
Authors: Muscolini Michela , Castiello Luciano , Palermo Enrico , Zevini Alessandra , Ferrari Matteo , Olagnier David , Hiscott John
Published: May 2019

The use of nonpathogenic viruses to target and kill cancer cells is a promising strategy in cancer therapy. However, many types of human cancer are resistant to the oncolytic (cancer-killing) effects of virotherapy. In this study, we identify a host cellular protein, SIRT1, that contributes to the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to infection by a prototypical oncolytic virus. Knockout of SIRT1 activity increases the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to virus-mediated killing. At the molecular level, SIRT1 is controlled by a small microRNA termed miR-34a. Altogether, SIRT1 and/or miR-34a levels may serve as predictors of response to oncolytic-virus therapy.
Characterization of Novel Splice Variants of Zinc Finger Antiviral Protein (ZAP)
Authors: Li Melody M. H. , Aguilar Eduardo G. , Michailidis Eleftherios , Pabon Jonathan , Park Paul , Wu Xianfang , de Jong Ype P. , Schneider William M. , Molina Henrik , Rice Charles M. , MacDonald Margaret R.
Published: May 2019

ZAP is an IFN-induced host factor that can inhibit a wide range of viruses, and there is great interest in fully characterizing its antiviral mechanism. This is the first study that defines the antiviral capacities of individual ZAP isoforms in the absence of endogenous ZAP expression and, hence, cross talk with other isoforms. Our data demonstrate that ZAP is expressed as four different forms: ZAPS, ZAPM, ZAPL, and ZAPXL. The longer ZAP isoforms better inhibit alphaviruses and HBV, while all isoforms equally inhibit Ebola virus transcription and replication. In addition, there is no difference in the abilities of ZAP isoforms to enhance the induction of type I IFN expression. Our results show that the full spectrum of ZAP activities can change depending on the virus target and the relative levels of basal expression and induction by IFN or infection.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Apricot Pseudo-Chlorotic Leaf Spot Virus
from
Prunus persica
in South Korea
Authors: Kim San Yeong , Bak Sangmin , Seo Euncheol , Seong Se Hyun
Published: May 2019

The complete genome sequence of
Apricot pseudo-chlorotic leaf spot virus
(APCLSV) isolate YC2, a South Korean isolate, was determined. The complete genome sequence was 7,491 nucleotides long and has a poly(A) tail.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Rice Tungro Bacilliform Virus
Infecting Asian Rice (Oryza sativa) in Malaysia
Authors: Kannan Maathavi , Saad Maisarah Mohamad , Talip Noraini , Baharum Syarul Nataqain , Bunawan Hamidun
Published: May 2019

Rice tungro disease was discovered in Malaysia in the 1930s. The first and only genome of
Rice tungro bacilliform virus
(RTBV) isolated from rice in Malaysia was sequenced in 1999.
Genome Sequence of a Bovine Isolate of Pasteurella multocida Strain 232
Authors: Ayalew Sahlu , Confer Anthony W. , Couger Matthew Brian
Published: May 2019

We present here the genome sequence ofPasteurella multocida232, a bacterium that is associated with pneumonia in humans as well as in many animal species. The genome ofPasteurella multocida232 has anN50value of 187.32 kb and a total size of 2.34 Mb.
Self-reported tuberculosis in India: evidence from NFHS-4
Authors: Mazumdar Sumit , Satyanarayana Srinath , Pai Madhukar
Published: May 2019

This paper reports self-reported levels and socioeconomic patterns in the distribution of tuberculosis (TB) cases in India, based on information collected under the National Family Health Survey-Round 4 (NFHS-4, 2014–2015). Based on a nationally representative sample of over 600 000 households comprising of about 2.9 million individuals, we estimate a self-reported point prevalence of 304 TB cases per 100 000 population, with a higher burden evident among households with poorer wealth status and among individuals with low educational levels. About 55% of the reported TB cases sought treatment from public services, with higher public service use observed in West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. However, more than a third of the patients from poorest groups sought treatment from private sources. Results indicate a significant proportion of the general population, including those with completed school-level education continue to have incomplete knowledge on the routes of the spread of TB infection. Social stigma, such as reluctance to disclose about a family member being infected with the disease to others, also remains high. Imminent need for appropriate policy mechanisms for involving the private sector and raising consciousness through suitable advocacy measures is re-emphasised.
Association of high birth weight with overweight and obesity in Chinese students aged 6–18 years: a national, cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Zou Zhiyong , Yang Zhongping , Yang Zhaogeng , Wang Xijie , Gao Di , Dong Yanhui , Ma Jun , Ma Yinghua
Published: May 2019

Background

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in China has drastically increased 57 times over the past 30 years, and to control birth weight is an effective way to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity across the life course.

Objective

This paper aimed to evaluate the association of high birth weight (HBW) with overweight and obesity in Chinese students aged 6–18 years.

Methods

All students with HBW (n=4981) aged 6–18 years were selected from a cross-sectional survey from seven provinces of China, and 4981 other students with normal birth weight (NBW) were randomly sampled with matched gender, age and province. Anthropometric parameters were measured and characteristics were collected by questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the OR of overweight and obesity with HBW, unadjusted and adjusted for confounding factors.

Results

Participants with HBW revealed higher body mass index in childhood. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was significantly higher in the HBW group than in the NBW group (overweight 15.3% vs 13.1%, p<0.05; obesity 16.9% vs 10.6%, p<0.05), and the results were similar for overweight in all age groups except age 6–7, age 14–15 and age 16–18. Additionally, HBW was positively associated with overweight (OR=1.230; 95% CI 1.056 to 1.432) and obesity (OR=1.611; 95% CI 1.368 to 1.897) after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusions

HBW leads to an increased risk of overweight and obesity in childhood; thus, measures to control birth weight, such as controlling gestational weight gain, should be taken from the earliest beginning of life.

Trial registration number

NCT02343588; Post-results.
FOETAL for NCD—FOetal Exposure and Epidemiological Transitions: the role of Anaemia in early Life for Non-Communicable Diseases in later life: a prospective preconception study in rural Tanzania
Authors: Hjort Line , Lykke Møller Sofie , Minja Daniel , Msemo Omari , Nielsen Birgitte Bruun , Lund Christensen Dirk , Theander Thor , Nielsen Karsten , Larsen Lise Grupe , Grunnet Louise Groth , Groop Leif , Prasad Rashmi , Lusingu John , Schmiegelow Christentze , Bygbjerg Ib C
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Low-income and middle-income countries such as Tanzania experience a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including anaemia. Studying if and how anaemia affects growth, placenta development, epigenetic patterns and newborns’ risk of NCDs may provide approaches to prevent NCDs.

Participants

The FOETALforNCD (FOetal Exposure and Epidemiological Transitions: the role of Anaemia in early Life for Non-Communicable Diseases in later life) Study is a population-based preconception, pregnancy and birth cohort study (n=1415, n=538, n=427, respectively), conducted in a rural region of North-East Tanzania. All participants were recruited prior to conception or early in pregnancy and followed throughout pregnancy as well as at birth. Data collection included: maternal blood, screening for NCDs and malaria, ultrasound in each trimester, neonatal anthropometry at birth and at 1 month of age, cord blood, placental and cord biopsies for stereology and epigenetic analyses.

Findings to date

At preconception, the average age, body mass index and blood pressure of the women were 28 years, 23 kg/m2and 117/75 mm Hg, respectively. In total, 458 (36.7%) women had anaemia (haemoglobin Hb <12 g/dL) and 34 (3.6%) women were HIV-positive at preconception. During pregnancy 359 (66.7%) women had anaemia of which 85 (15.8%) women had moderate-to-severe anaemia (Hb ≤9 g/dL) and 33 (6.1%) women had severe anaemia (Hb ≤8 g/dL). In total, 185 (34.4%) women were diagnosed with malaria during pregnancy.

Future plans

The project will provide new knowledge on how health, even before conception, might modify the risk of developing NCDs and how to promote better health during pregnancy. The present project ended data collection 1 month after giving birth, but follow-up is continuing through regular monitoring of growth and development and health events according to the National Road Map Strategic Plan in Tanzania. This data will link fetal adverse event to childhood development, and depending on further grant allocation, through a life course follow-up.
Undernutrition and its determinants among Ethiopian adolescent girls: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Takele Wubet Worku , Muche Achenef Asmamaw , Mekonnen Zeleke Abebaw , Ambaw Yehualashet Fikadu , Wagnew Fasil
Published: May 2019

Introduction

In Ethiopia, undernutrition is the common public health concern, swaying the lives of lots of adolescent girls. Its sequelae are not only limited to them, but rather their upcoming offspring are vulnerable too. Even though some studies have been carried out in different parts of the country, the national pooled prevalence and determinants of undernutrition are not known. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the pooled prevalence and determinants of undernutrition among adolescent girls in Ethiopia.

Methods

Published articles will be retrieved from databases such as Medline and PubMed. Electronic search engines such as Google Scholar and Google will be used. To identify eligible studies, the Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal checklists prepared for different study designs will be used. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist will be used to maintain the scientific robustness of the study. The presence of heterogeneity among studies will be examined by forest plot as well as I2heterogeneity test. Potential causes of heterogeneity will be explored by carrying out sensitivity and subgroup analyses. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model will be used provided that heterogeneity is observed. Publication bias will be examined by observing funnel plots, and objectively by Egger’s regression test. If the funnel plot is asymmetric and/or Egger’s test was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05), the trim and fill (Duval and Tweedie’s) analysis will be performed. The presence of a statistical association between independent and dependent variables will be declared if the p value is <0.05 with the 95% CI.

Ethics and dissemination

Since this is a systematic review and meta-analysis, ethical clearance will not be a concern. The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed reputable journal and presented at different scientific research conferences.

Trial registration number

CRD42018106180.
Association between area-level socioeconomic status, accessibility and diabetes-related hospitalisations: a cross-sectional analysis of data from Western Victoria, Australia
Authors: Sajjad Muhammad A , Holloway-Kew Kara L , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Kotowicz Mark A , de Abreu Lelia L F , Livingston Patricia M , Khasraw Mustafa , Hakkennes Sharon , Dunning Trisha L , Brumby Susan , Page Richard S , Sutherland Alasdair G , Venkatesh Svetha , Williams Lana J , Brennan-Olsen Sharon L , Pasco Julie A
Published: May 2019

Objective

Hospitalisation rates for many chronic conditions are higher in socioeconomically disadvantaged and less accessible areas. We aimed to map diabetes hospitalisation rates by local government area (LGA) across Western Victoria, Australia, and investigate their association with socioeconomic status (SES) and accessibility/remoteness.

Design

Cross-sectional study

Methods

Data were acquired from the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset for all hospitalisations (public and private) with a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus during 2011–2014. Crude and age-standardised hospitalisation rates (per 1000 population per year) were calculated by LGA for men, women and combined data. Associations between accessibility (Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia, ARIA), SES (Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage, IRSAD) and diabetes hospitalisation were investigated using Poisson regression analyses.

Results

Higher LGA-level accessibility and SES were associated with higher rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes hospitalisation, overall and for each sex. For type 1 diabetes, higher accessibility (ARIA category) was associated with higher hospitalisation rates (men incidence rate ratio [IRR]=2.14, 95% CI 1.64 to 2.80; women IRR=2.45, 95% CI 1.87 to 3.19; combined IRR=2.30, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.13; all p<0.05). Higher socioeconomic advantage (IRSAD decile) was also associated with higher hospitalisation rates (men IRR=1.25, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.43; women IRR=1.32, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.51; combined IRR=1.23, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.42; all p<0.05). Similarly, for type 2 diabetes, higher accessibility (ARIA category) was associated with higher hospitalisation rates (men IRR=2.49, 95% CI 1.81 to 3.43; women IRR=2.34, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.25; combined IRR=2.32, 95% CI 1.66 to 3.25; all p<0.05) and higher socioeconomic advantage (IRSAD decile) was also associated with higher hospitalisation rates (men IRR=1.15, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.30; women IRR=1.14, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.28; combined IRR=1.13, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.27; all p<0.05).

Conclusion

Our observations could indicate self-motivated treatment seeking, and better specialist and hospital services availability in the advantaged and accessible areas in the study region. The determinants for such variations in hospitalisation rates, however, are multifaceted and warrant further research.
Resisting recommended treatment for prostate cancer: a qualitative analysis of the lived experience of possible overdiagnosis
Authors: McCaffery Kirsten , Nickel Brooke , Pickles Kristen , Moynihan Ray , Kramer Barnett , Barratt Alexandra , Hersch Jolyn
Published: May 2019

Objective

To describe the lived experience of a possible prostate cancer overdiagnosis in men who resisted recommended treatment.

Design

Qualitative interview study

Setting

Australia

Participants

11 men (aged 59–78 years) who resisted recommended prostate cancer treatment because of concerns about overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Outcomes

Reported experience of screening, diagnosis and treatment decision making, and its impact on psychosocial well-being, life and personal circumstances.

Results

Men’s accounts revealed profound consequences of both prostate cancer diagnosis and resisting medical advice for treatment, with effects on their psychological well-being, family, employment circumstances, identity and life choices. Some of these men were tested for prostate-specific antigen without their knowledge or informed consent. The men felt uninformed about their management options and unsupported through treatment decision making. This often led them to develop a sense of disillusionment and distrust towards the medical profession and conventional medicine. The findings show how some men who were told they would soon die without treatment (a prognosis which ultimately did not eventuate) reconciled issues of overdiagnosis and potential overtreatment with their own diagnosis and situation over the ensuing 1 to 20+ years.

Conclusions

Men who choose not to have recommended treatment for prostate cancer may avoid treatment-associated harms like incontinence and impotence, however our findings showed that the impact of the diagnosis itself is immense and far-reaching. A high priority for improving clinical practice is to ensure men are adequately informed of these potential consequences before screening is considered.
Healthcare practitioners’ experiences of an intervention to detect and treat patients with liver disease (the LOCATE intervention): a qualitative process evaluation
Authors: Reinson Tina , Bradbury Katherine , Moore Michael , Sheron Nick
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The local care and treatment of liver disease (LOCATE) intervention embedded specialist liver nurses in general practitioner (GP) practices to improve the identification of progressive liver disease, enabling earlier intervention. This current process evaluation examines GP practice staffs’ perceptions of the LOCATE intervention, in order to understand any potential barriers to successful implementation in clinical practice.

Study design and setting

A qualitative process evaluation nested within the LOCATE feasibility trial, using semistructured interviews with practice staff from five GP surgeries in the UK.

Participants

A purposive sample of 29 interviews with practice staff (GPs, nurses, practice managers).

Data collection

Interview transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis.

Findings

The intervention was found to be acceptable to practice staff and a number of barriers and facilitators to the success of the intervention were identified. However, interviews suggested that the intervention did not provide sufficient guidance for clinicians to be able to help patients make the behavioural changes needed to reduce risk factors associated with liver disease. The intervention did appear to improve clinician awareness and knowledge about liver disease, enabling GPs to feel more confident interpreting and managing liver function blood tests in order to identify the early signs of liver disease.

Conclusions

This study enabled identification of potential barriers to implementation of specialist nurses in primary care to identify progressive liver disease and enable earlier intervention. The next steps are to improve the intervention to make it more feasible to implement in practice and more likely to help patients to make the behavioural changes required to prevent a major liver event.

Trial registration number

13/SC/0012; Post-results.

Ethics

This study was reviewed and approved by NRES Committee South Central—Hampshire A, Bristol Research Ethics Committee Centre, level 3, block B, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead Bristol BS1 2NT.
Football’s InfluencE on Lifelong health and Dementia risk (FIELD): protocol for a retrospective cohort study of former professional footballers
Authors: Russell Emma R , Stewart Katy , Mackay Daniel F , MacLean John , Pell Jill P , Stewart William
Published: May 2019

Introduction

In the past decade, evidence has emerged suggesting a potential link between contact sport participation and increased risk of late neurodegenerative disease, in particular chronic traumatic encephalopathy. While there remains a lack of clear evidence to test the hypothesis that contact sport participation is linked to an increased incidence of dementia, there is growing public concern regarding the risk. There is, therefore, a pressing need for research to gain greater understanding of the potential risks involved in contact sports participation, and to contextualise these within holistic health benefits of sport.

Methods and analysis

Football’s InfluencE on Lifelong health and Dementia risk is designed as a retrospective cohort study, with the aim to analyse data from former professional footballers (FPF) in order to assess the incidence of neurodegenerative disease in this population. Comprehensive electronic medical and death records will be analysed and compared with those of a demographically matched population control cohort. As well as neurodegenerative disease incidence, all-cause, and disease-specific mortality, will be analysed in order to assess lifelong health. Cox proportional hazards models will be run to compare the data collected from FPFs to matched population controls.

Ethics and dissemination

Approvals for study have been obtained from the University of Glasgow College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Project Number 200160147) and from National Health Service Scotland’s Public Benefits and Privacy Panel (Application 1718-0120).
Putting out fires: a qualitative study exploring the use of patient complaints to drive improvement at three academic hospitals
Authors: Liu Jessica J , Rotteau Leahora , Bell Chaim M , Shojania Kaveh G
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives

Recent years have seen increasing calls for more proactive use of patient complaints to develop effective system-wide changes, analogous to the intended functions of incident reporting and root cause analysis (RCA) to improve patient safety. Given recent questions regarding the impact of RCAs on patient safety, we sought to explore the degree to which current patient complaints processes generate solutions to recurring quality problems.

Design/setting

Qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews with 21 patient relations personnel (PRP), nursing and physician leaders at three teaching hospitals (Toronto, Canada).

Results

Challenges to using the patient complaints process to drive hospital-wide improvement included: (1) Complaints often reflect recalcitrant system-wide issues (eg, wait times) or well-known problems which require intensive efforts to address (eg, poor communication). (2) The use of weak change strategies (eg, one-off educational sessions). (3) The handling of complaints by unit managers so they never reach the patient relations office. PRP identified giving patients a voice as their primary goal. Yet their daily work, which they described as ‘putting out fires’, focused primarily on placating patients in order to resolve complaints as quickly as possible, which may in effect suppress the patient voice.

Conclusions

Using patient complaints to drive improvement faces many of the challenges affecting incident reporting and RCA. The emphasis on ‘putting out fires’ may further detract from efforts to improve care for future patients. Systemically incorporating patients’ voices in clinical operations, as with co-design and other forms of authentic patient engagement, may hold greater promise for meaningful improvements in the patient experience than do RCA-like analyses of patient complaints.
Performing diagnostic radial access coronary angiography on uninterrupted direct oral anticoagulant therapy: a prospective analysis
Authors: Chongprasertpon Napohn , Zebrauskaite Aiste , Coughlan John Joseph , Ibrahim Abdalla , Arnous Samer , Hennessy Terence , Kiernan Thomas John
Published: May 2019

Purpose

We sought to assess the safety of performing diagnostic radial access coronary angiography with uninterrupted anticoagulation on patients receiving direct oral anticoagulant therapy.

Background

Direct oral anticoagulants have become a popular choice for the prevention of thromboembolism. Risk factors for thromboembolism are common among cardiovascular conditions and indications for direct oral anticoagulant therapy as well as coronary angiography often overlap in patients. It has been hypothesised that uninterrupted direct oral anticoagulant therapy would increase haemorrhagic and access site complications, however data in this area is limited.

Methods

This was a prospective observational analysis of 49 patients undergoing elective diagnostic coronary angiography while receiving uninterrupted anticoagulation with direct oral anticoagulants. This population was compared with a control group of 49 unselected patients presenting to the cardiology service for elective diagnostic coronary angiography. Continuous variables were analysed using the independent samples t-test and categorical variables using Pearson’s χ2test.

Results

The mean duration of radial compression for the control group was 235.8±62.8 min and for the uninterrupted direct oral anticoagulant group was 258.4±56.5 min. There was no significant difference in mean duration of radial compression (p=0.07; 95% CI=-1.4 to 46.5). There was also no difference in the complication rate between the two groups (p=1).

Conclusions

We observed similar complication rates and radial artery compression time postangiography in both groups. This small prospective observational study suggests that uninterrupted continuation of direct oral anticoagulants during coronary angiography is safe. Larger randomised control studies in this area would be beneficial.
Coronary artery calcium, HIV and inflammation in Uganda compared with the USA
Authors: Alencherry Ben , Erem Geoffrey , Mirembe Grace , Ssinabulya Isaac , Yun Chun-Ho , Hung Chung-Lieh , Siedner Mark J , Bittencourt Marcio , Kityo Cissy , McComsey Grace A , Longenecker Chris T
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To compare the prevalence of detectable coronary artery calcium (CAC) among higher risk, older people living with HIV (PLWH) and uninfected persons in Uganda versus the USA, and second to explore associations of CAC with HIV-specific variables and biomarkers of inflammation.

Methods

This cross-sectional study of 430 total subjects compared 100 PLWH on antiretroviral therapy and 100 age-matched and sex-matched HIV-uninfected controls in Uganda with 167 PLWH on antiretroviral therapy and 63 uninfected controls in the USA. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations with detectable CAC (CAC >0).

Results

Compared with US subjects, Ugandans were older (mean age 56 vs 52 years) and were more likely to have diabetes (36% vs 3%) and hypertension (85% vs 36%), but were less likely to be male (38% vs 74%) or smokers (4% vs 56%). After adjustment for HIV serostatus, age, sex and traditional risk factors, Ugandans had substantially lower odds of CAC >0 (adjusted OR 0.07 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.17), p<0.001). HIV was not associated with CAC >0 in either country (p>0.1). Among all PLWH, nadir CD4 count was associated with the presence of CAC, and among Ugandans soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (p=0.044), soluble CD163 (p=0.004) and oxidised low-density lipoprotein (p=0.043) were all associated with the presence of CAC.

Conclusions

Ugandans had a dramatically lower prevalence of any coronary calcification compared with US subjects. The role of HIV infection and inflammation as risk factors for subclinical coronary disease in sub-Saharan Africa merits further investigation.
Scientific Experimental Data Representation Standard through Knowledge Metadata Representation Model
Authors: Azram Nur Adila , Atan Rodziah
Published: May 2019

The growth of data from scientific experiments is increasing nowadays. These data came from different experiments done through various laboratory instruments or machines. It became an issue to manage and analyse scientific experimental data because of the heterogeneous nature of data structure and format. This paper proposed a knowledge metadata representation model to standardise the scientific experimental data representation to make it a standard structure. We discussed the methodology of the proposed model and gives the analysis of results. The evaluation and validation of the knowledge metadata representation model, as well as the verification of the metadata elements extraction, show promising results.
Schwinger’s picture of quantum mechanics I: Groupoids
Authors: Ciaglia F. M. , Ibort A. , Marmo G.
Published: May 2019

A new picture of Quantum Mechanics based on the theory of groupoids is presented. This picture provides the mathematical background for Schwinger’s algebra of selective measurements and helps to understand its scope and eventual applications. In this first paper, the kinematical background is described using elementary notions from category theory, in particular the notion of 2-groupoids as well as their representations. Some basic results are presented, and the relation with the standard Dirac–Schrödinger and Born–Jordan–Heisenberg pictures are succinctly discussed.
Progress and perspective of aqueous zinc-ion battery
Authors: Ma Nengyan , Wu Peijun , Wu Yixue , Jiang Donghao , Lei Gangtie
Published: May 2019

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) as a new battery technology have received great attention due to the high energy and power density, low cost, high safety and environmental friendliness. However, their practical deployment has been restricted by some serious issues such as corrosion of zinc metal anode in aqueous electrolyte, undesired growth of zinc dendrites, and hydrogen evolution from the water splitting. Therefore, tremendous efforts have been devoted to mitigate these issues and significant progresses have been achieved. In this paper, we review some key recent progresses of aqueous ZIBs, focusing on materials engineering strategies that are able to address the major challenges. Moreover, we provide rational perspectives on the future development of ZIBs.
Identifying the source of illicit gold from South America
Authors: Dixon Roger D. , Merkle Roland K. W.
Published: May 2019

Illicit trade in gold, mainly sourced from South America and Africa, is used to fund criminal activities such as the drug trade. Laundering money through the purchase of illicit gold, then having it refined and being paid for in clean funds is a major problem, and drives further growth in illicit mining. In order to restrict the influx of illicit gold into the legal domain, it is necessary to be able to identify the traded item as being of a licit or illicit nature. The only way that this can be done with any certainty is by determining, from its chemical composition, the source of the gold and the means by which it has been processed and upgraded. The example dealt with here shows how the use of compositional, processing and geological knowledge is able to discriminate gold from different origins. Data derived from a physical sample is far better able to constrain the source than a paper trail of certification, which can be manipulated.
A Broadcast-Only Communication Model Based on Replicated Append-Only Logs
Authors: Tschudin Christian
Published: May 2019

This note is about the interplay between a data structure, the append-only log, and a broadcasting communication abstraction that seems to induce it. We identified real-world systems which have started to exploit this configuration and highlight its desirable properties. Networking research should take note of this development and adjust its research agenda accordingly.
RNA-binding proteins: The next step in translating skeletal muscle adaptations?
Authors: Van Pelt Douglas W. , Hettinger Zachary R. , Vanderklish Peter W.
Published: May 2019

The decline of skeletal muscle mass during illness, injury, disuse, and aging is associated with poor health outcomes. Therefore, it is important to pursue a greater understanding of the mechanisms that dictate skeletal muscle adaptation. In this review, we propose that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) comprise a critical regulatory node in the orchestration of adaptive responses in skeletal muscle. While RBPs have broadly pleiotropic molecular functions, our discussion is constrained at the outset by observations from hibernating animals, which suggest that RBP regulation of RNA stability and its impact on translational reprogramming is a key component of skeletal muscle response to anabolic and catabolic stimuli. We discuss the limited data available on the expression and functions of RBPs in adult skeletal muscle in response to disuse, aging, and exercise. A model is proposed in which dynamic changes in RBPs play a central role in muscle adaptive processes through their differential effects on mRNA stability. While limited, the currently available data suggest that understanding how adaptive (and maladaptive) changes in the expression of RBPs regulate mRNA stability in skeletal muscle could be an informative and productive research area for finding new strategies to limit atrophy and promote hypertrophy.
Impact of different temperature stimuli on the expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms during recovery from bupivacaine-induced muscle injury in rats
Authors: Shibaguchi Tsubasa , Hoshi Mizuki , Yoshihara Toshinori , Naito Hisashi , Goto Katsumasa , Yoshioka Toshitada , Sugiura Takao
Published: May 2019

Limited information exists regarding the impact of different temperature stimuli on myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression in skeletal muscle during recovery from injury. Therefore, this experiment investigated the impact of both cold and heat exposure on the MyHC isoform profile in the rat soleus during recovery from injury. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, bupivacaine-injected (BPVC), BPVC with icing, and BPVC with heat stress groups. Muscle injury was induced by intramuscular injection of bupivacaine into soleus muscles of male Wistar rats. Icing treatment (0°C for 20 min) was performed immediately after the injury. Intermittent heat stress (42°C for 30 min on alternating days) was carried out during 2–14 days after bupivacaine injection. In response to injury, a transient increase in developmental, IId/x, and IIb MyHC isoforms, as well as various types of hybrid fibers, followed by the recovery of the MyHC profile toward the control level, was noted in the regeneration of the soleus. The restoration of the MyHC profile in the regenerating muscle at whole-muscle and individual myofiber levels was partially delayed by icing but facilitated by heat stress. In addition, the application of repeated heat stress promoted the recovery of soleus muscle mass toward the control level following injury. We conclude that compared with acute and immediate cold (icing) treatment, chronic and repeated heat stress may be a more appropriate treatment for the enhancement of both normalization of the MyHC profile and restoration of muscle mass following injury.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cold exposure (icing), but not heat exposure, has been well accepted as a first-aid treatment for accidental and/or sports-related injuries. However, recent evidence suggests the negative impact of icing treatment on skeletal muscle regeneration following injury. Here, we demonstrated that acute/immediate icing treatment delayed the restoration of the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) profile, but intermittent hyperthermia, repeated for several days, facilitated the recovery of both muscle mass and the MyHC profile in the regeneration of skeletal muscle following injury.
Exhausted and Senescent T Cells at the Maternal-Fetal Interface in Preterm and Term Labor
Authors: Slutsky Rebecca , Romero Roberto , Xu Yi , Galaz Jose , Miller Derek , Done Bogdan , Tarca Adi L. , Gregor Sabrina , Hassan Sonia S. , Leng Yaozhu , Gomez-Lopez Nardhy
Published: May 2019

Successful pregnancy requires a tightly-regulated equilibrium of immune cell interactions at the maternal-fetal interface (i.e., the decidual tissues), which plays a central role in the inflammatory process of labor. Most of the innate immune cells in this compartment have been well characterized; however, adaptive immune cells are still under investigation. Herein, we performed immunophenotyping of the decidua basalis and decidua parietalis to determine whether exhausted and senescent T cells are present at the maternal-fetal interface and whether the presence of pathological (i.e., preterm) or physiological (i.e., term) labor and/or placental inflammation alter such adaptive immune cells. In addition, decidual exhausted T cells were sorted to test their functional status. We found that (1) exhausted and senescent T cells were present at the maternal-fetal interface and predominantly expressed an effector memory phenotype, (2) exhausted CD4+ T cells increased in the decidua parietalis as gestational age progressed, (3) exhausted CD4+ and CD8+ T cells decreased in the decidua basalis of women who underwent labor at term compared to those without labor, (4) exhausted CD4+ T cells declined with the presence of placental inflammation in the decidua basalis of women with preterm labor, (5) exhausted CD8+ T cells decreased with the presence of placental inflammation in the decidua basalis of women who underwent labor at term, (6) both senescent CD4+ and CD8+ T cells declined with the presence of placental inflammation in the decidua basalis of women who underwent preterm labor, and (7) decidual exhausted T cells produced IFNγ and TNFα upon in vitro stimulation. Collectively, these findings indicate that exhausted and senescent T cells are present at the human maternal-fetal interface and undergo alterations in a subset of women either with labor at term or preterm labor and placental inflammation. Importantly, decidual T cell function can be restored upon stimulation.
A Rare Case of Acute-Onset Spastic Quadriparesis Caused by a Chondroma of the Cervical Spine
Authors: Momota Kaori , Nishisho Toshihiko , Miyagi Ryo , Toki Shunichi , Yamashita Kazuta , Tezuka Fumitake , Takata Yoichiro , Sakai Toshinori , Nagamachi Akihiro , Maeda Toru , Sairyo Koichi
Published: May 2019

Chondromas are benign cartilaginous tumors that occur very rarely in the spine. Moreover, chondromas of the extraskeletal origin are also very rare. In this case report, we describe an extremely rare case of chondroma arising from the ligamentum flavum in the cervical spine. A 67-year-old man presented to our clinic with acute-onset spastic quadriparesis. We performed emergent magnetic resonance imaging and found an epidural mass in the right ligamentum flavum at C4-C5. The acute-onset presentation was suspicious for intraligamentous hematoma in the ligamentum flavum at this level. We performed emergency decompression surgery and en bloc removal of the epidural mass with the right C4 and C5 lamina. The lesion had the appearance of cartilaginous tissue rather than hematoma. Based on the histological investigation, the final diagnosis was intraligamentous chondroma of the cervical spine. The quadriparesis improved postoperatively, as did the results of manual muscle testing in the affected area, and he was able to resume walking independently with a cane. At the one-year follow-up, the manual muscle testing results were almost normal. Surgeons should keep in mind the possibility of benign tumors including chondroma of the cervical spine when a patient presents with acute-onset quadriparesis.
Case of Nontraumatic Rectus Sheath Hematoma from Muscle Training Mimicking Acute Abdomen
Authors: Ariyoshi Yukino , Naito Hiromichi , Ihoriya Hiromi , Yumoto Tetsuya , Fujisaki Noritomo , Tsukahara Kohei , Yamada Taihei , Mandai Yasuhiro , Osako Takaaki , Nakao Atsunori
Published: May 2019

Rectus sheath hematoma is an unusual but well-known clinical problem. Our hospital admitted a 54-year-old woman complaining of harsh right-sided hypogastric pain that started while muscle training. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a right rectus sheath hematoma. As the hematoma did not increase, the patient was conservatively treated. Despite increased awareness of rectus sheath hematoma, its early diagnosis and treatment still present a challenge to emergency physicians. Swift acknowledgement of this rare cause of abdominal pain may avoid more intrusive examination, unnecessary hospitalization, and laparotomy. Careful consideration of the patient’s medical history and a high index of suspicion are needed to diagnose this complication.