bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellular Stoichiometry of Chemotaxis Proteins in Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Arapov Timofey D. , Saldaña Rafael Castañeda , Sebastian Amanda L. , Ray W. Keith , Helm Richard F. , Scharf Birgit E. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Chemotaxis systems enable microbes to sense their immediate environment, moving toward beneficial stimuli and away from those that are harmful. In an effort to better understand the chemotaxis system of Sinorhizobium meliloti, a symbiont of the legume alfalfa, the cellular stoichiometries of all ten chemotaxis proteins in S. meliloti were determined. A combination of quantitative immunoblot and mass spectrometry revealed that the protein stoichiometries in S. meliloti varied greatly from those in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. To compare protein ratios to other systems, values were normalized to the central kinase CheA. All S. meliloti chemotaxis proteins exhibited increased ratios to various degrees. The 10-fold higher molar ratio of adaptor proteins CheW1 and CheW2 to CheA might result in the formation of rings in the chemotaxis array that consist of only CheW instead of CheA and CheW in a 1:1 ratio. We hypothesize that the higher ratio of CheA to the main response regulator CheY2 is a consequence of the speed-variable motor in S. meliloti, instead of a switch-type motor. Similarly, proteins involved in signal termination are far more abundant in S. meliloti, which utilizes a phosphate sink mechanism based on CheA retrophosphorylation to inactivate the motor response regulator versus CheZ-catalyzed dephosphorylation as in E. coli and B. subtilis. Finally, the abundance of CheB and CheR, which regulate chemoreceptor methylation, was increased compared to CheA, indicative of variations in the adaptation system of S. meliloti. Collectively, these results mark significant differences in the composition of bacterial chemotaxis systems.
IMPORTANCE The symbiotic soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti contributes greatly to host-plant growth by fixing atmospheric nitrogen. The provision of nitrogen as ammonium by S. meliloti leads to increased biomass production of its legume host alfalfa and diminishes the use of environmentally harmful chemical fertilizers. To better understand the role of chemotaxis in host-microbe interaction, a comprehensive catalogue of the bacterial chemotaxis system is vital, including its composition, function, and regulation. The stoichiometry of chemotaxis proteins in S. meliloti has very few similarities to the systems in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. In addition, total amounts of proteins are significantly lower. S. meliloti exhibits a chemotaxis system distinct from known models by incorporating new proteins as exemplified by the phosphate sink mechanism.
Outcome measurement in speech and language therapy: a digital journey
Authors: Moyse Kathryn , Enderby Pamela , Chadd Katie , Gadhok Kamini , Bedwell Mark , Guest Patrick 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundEvidencing the impact of speech and language therapy interventions is challenging. The UK’s professional body for speech and language therapists (SLTs) is supporting a consistent approach to outcome measurement and analysis using Therapy Outcome Measures (TOMs).ObjectiveTo develop a digital solution for collecting TOMs data, evaluate the impact of therapeutic interventions and explore contributing factors to outcome variation across clinical areas.MethodAgile methodology was applied to software development. Organisations were recruited to provide data. Criteria were identified to exemplify outcome variability.ResultsA digital tool was developed. 21 organisations provided data on 16 356 individuals. Improvement in at least one domain of TOMs occurred in 77.1% of instances. Data for two clinical areas exemplify the tool’s effectiveness in highlighting the impact of speech and language therapy.ConclusionThis established outcomes data set can be used to evaluate the impact of speech and language therapy, and explore variation in outcomes.
Estimation of the prevalence of depression using diagnostic instruments in the elderly population in India, 2000–2019: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Behera Priyamadhaba , Pilania Manju , Yadav Vikas , Bairwa Mohan , Dabar Deepti , Behera Surama Manjari , Poongothai Subramani , Mohan Viswanathan , Gupta Shiv Dutt 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionDepression is a common mental disorder in the elderly population, which significantly impacts their quality of life. However, correct estimates of its magnitude are not available in the elderly in India. The present systematic review and meta-analysis would attempt to estimate the prevalence of depression using diagnostic instruments among elderly persons aged 60 years and above.Methods and analysisSearches will be performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and PsycINFO. Community-based cross-sectional and cohort studies (2001 to September 2019) reporting the prevalence of depression in the elderly, using diagnostic instruments will be included. Studies conducted among chronic disease patients, in-hospital patients and special groups such as with disaster-stricken populations, and studies reporting the only one or two subcategories of depression, will be excluded. Disagreements in study selection and data abstraction will be resolved by consensus and arbitration by a third reviewer. AXIS critical appraisal tool will be used for quality assessment of individual studies. Findings of eligible studies will be pooled using fixed-effects or random-effects meta-analysis whichever is appropriate. Heterogeneity between studies will be examined by Cochran’s Q test and quantified by I² statistic. A cumulative meta-analysis will be used to detect temporal trends in the prevalence of depression and the effect of poor-quality studies on the pooled estimate. Publication bias will be assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots and the Egger test.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical approval will be needed because it will be a systematic review. Data from previously published studies will be retrieved and analysed. Findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication in a scientific journal and conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019138453.
Cow’s Milk Fat Obesity pRevention Trial (CoMFORT): a primary care embedded randomised controlled trial protocol to determine the effect of cow’s milk fat on child adiposity
Authors: Vanderhout Shelley M , Aglipay Mary , Birken Catherine , Li Patricia , O'Connor Deborah L , Thorpe Kevin , Constantin Evelyn , Davis Marie-Adele , Feldman Mark , Ball Geoff D C , Janus Magdalena , Jüni Peter , Junker Anne , Laupacis Andreas , L'Abbé Mary , Manson Heather , Moretti Myla E , Persaud Nav , Omand Jessica A , Relton Clare , Wong Peter , Yamashiro Hirotaka , Tavares Erika , Weir Shannon , Maguire Jonathon L 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionCow’s milk is a dietary staple for children in North America. Though clinical guidelines suggest children transition from whole (3.25% fat) milk to reduced (1% or 2%) fat milk at age 2 years, recent epidemiological evidence supports a link between whole milk consumption and lower adiposity in children. The purpose of this trial is to determine which milk fat recommendation minimises excess adiposity and optimises child nutrition and growth.Methods and analysisCow’s Milk Fat Obesity pRevention Trial will be a pragmatic, superiority, parallel group randomised controlled trial involving children receiving routine healthcare aged 2 to 4–5 years who are participating in the TARGet Kids! practice-based research network in Toronto, Canada. Children (n=534) will be randomised to receive one of two interventions: (1) a recommendation to consume whole milk or (2) a recommendation to consume reduced (1%) fat milk. The primary outcome is adiposity measured by body mass index z-score and waist circumference z-score; secondary outcomes will be cognitive development (using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire), vitamin D stores, cardiometabolic health (glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, non-high density lipoprotein (non-HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride, HDL and total cholesterol, insulin and diastolic and systolic blood pressure), sugary beverage and total energy intake (measured by 24 hours dietary recall) and cost effectiveness. Outcomes will be measured 24 months postrandomisation and compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusting for baseline measures.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained from Unity Health Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children. Results will be presented locally, nationally and internationally and published in a peer-reviewed journal. The findings may be helpful to nutrition guidelines for children in effort to reduce childhood obesity using a simple, inexpensive and scalable cow’s milk fat intervention.Trial registration numberNCT03914807; pre-results.
Randomised controlled trial to compare the diagnostic yield of positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) TARGETed pleural biopsy versus CT-guided pleural biopsy in suspected pleural malignancy (TARGET trial)
Authors: de Fonseka Duneesha , Underwood Wendy , Stadon Louise , Rahman Najib , Edey Anthony , Rogers Chris , Maskell Nick A 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionPleural malignancy, particularly malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is increasing in incidence due to the long latency period from exposure to asbestos to development of the disease. MPM can be challenging to diagnose. For patients presenting without a pleural effusion, CT-guided biopsy remains the primary choice of biopsy, but the diagnostic sensitivity of this investigation is 70%–75%. Therefore, a proportion of patients will go on to require further biopsies. If the first biopsy is non-diagnostic, the chances of further non-diagnostic biopsies are high in MPM.MethodsTarget is a multicentre randomised controlled trial, aiming to recruit 78 patients over a 30-month period, from 10 centres in the UK. Patients will be randomised to either the standard arm which is a second CT-guided biopsy, or the interventional arm, a positron emission tomography-CT scan followed by a targeted CT-guided biopsy. Patients will be followed up for 12 months (patients recruited in the last 6 months of recruitment will have 6 months of follow-up). MPM biomarker mesothelin will be checked at baseline, 6 month and 12 month follow-up appointments where patients are able to attend these appointments.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for this trial was granted by the South West—Exeter research and ethics committee (reference number 15/SW/0156). Results of the trial will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at an international conference.Trial registration numberISRCTN14024829; Pre-results.
Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Davis Holly Louisa , Alabed Samer , Chico Timothy James Ainsley 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveMassage is ubiquitous in elite sport and increasingly common at amateur level but the evidence base for this intervention has not been reviewed systematically. We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effect of massage on measures of sporting performance and recovery.Design and eligibilityWe searched PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane to identify randomised studies that tested the effect of manual massage on measures of sporting performance and/or recovery. We performed separate meta-analyses on the endpoints of; strength, jump, sprint, endurance, flexibility, fatigue and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).ResultsWe identified 29 eligible studies recruiting 1012 participants, representing the largest examination of the effects of massage. We found no evidence that massage improves measures of strength, jump, sprint, endurance or fatigue, but massage was associated with small but statistically significant improvements in flexibility and DOMS.ConclusionAlthough our study finds no evidence that sports massage improves performance directly, it may somewhat improve flexibility and DOMS. Our findings help guide the coach and athlete about the benefits of massage and inform decisions about incorporating this into training and competition.
Standards for the provision of antenatal care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease: guidance endorsed by the British Society of Gastroenterology and the British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society
Authors: Selinger Christian , Carey Nicola , Cassere Shelley , Nelson-Piercy Catherine , Fraser Aileen , Hall Veronica , Harding Kate , Limdi Jimmy , Smith Lyn , Smith Marie , Gunn Melanie Catherine , Mohan Aarthi , Mulgabal Khasia , Kent Alexandra , Kok Klaartje Bel , Glanville Tracey 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundPregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Comprehensive guidelines on medical management have been published; yet, there is limited guidance on service set-up and minimum standards of care for pregnant women with IBD.AimTo develop a position statement on service set-up and minimum standards of care in the UK.MethodsA working group consisting of 16 gastroenterologists, obstetricians, obstetric physician, IBD specialist nurses and midwives was assembled. Initial draft statements were produced and a modified Delphi process with two rounds of voting applied. Statements were modified according to voters’ feedback after each round. Statements with ≥80% agreement were accepted.ResultsAll 15 statements met criteria for inclusion. To facilitate optimal care, regular and effective communication between IBD and obstetric teams is required. There should be nominated link clinicians for IBD in obstetric units and for pregnancy in IBD units. Preconception counselling should be available for all women with IBD. All pregnant women should be advised on the safety of IBD medication during pregnancy and breast feeding, the optimal mode of delivery, the management of biologics (where applicable) and safety of childhood vaccinations. Regular audit of pregnancy outcomes and documentation of advice given is recommended.ConclusionPosition statements have been developed that advise on the importance of joined-up multidisciplinary care, proactive decision-making with clear documentation and communication to the woman and other healthcare practitioners.
Association of lipoprotein(a) levels with recurrent events in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Liu Hui-Hui , Cao Ye-Xuan , Jin Jing-Lu , Zhang Hui-Wen , Hua Qi , Li Yan-Fang , Guo Yuan-Lin , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Wu Na-Qiong , Gao Ying , Xu Rui-Xia , Hong Li-Feng , Li Jian-Jun 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveWhether lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a predictor for recurrent cardiovascular events (RCVEs) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been established. This study, hence, aimed to examine the potential impact of Lp(a) on RCVEs in a real-world, large cohort of patients with the first cardiovascular event (CVE).MethodsIn this multicentre, prospective study, 7562 patients with angiography-diagnosed CAD who had experienced a first CVE were consecutively enrolled. Lp(a) concentrations of all subjects were measured at admission and the participants were categorised according to Lp(a) tertiles. All patients were followed-up for the occurrence of RCVEs including cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 61.45±19.57 months, 680 (9.0%) RCVEs occurred. The results showed that events group had significantly higher Lp(a) levels than non-events group (20.58 vs 14.95 mg/dL, p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that Lp(a) tertile 2 (p=0.001) and tertile 3 (p<0.001) groups had significantly lower cumulative event-free survival rates compared with tertile 1 group. Moreover, multivariate Cox regression analysis further revealed that Lp(a) was independently associated with RCVEs risk (HR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.44 to 2.80, p<0.001). Moreover, adding Lp(a) to the SMART risk score model led to a slight but significant improvement in C-statistic (∆C-statistic: 0.018 (95% CI: 0.011 to 0.034), p=0.002), net reclassification (6.8%, 95% CI: 0.5% to 10.9%, p=0.040) and integrated discrimination (0.3%, 95% CI: 0.1% to 0.7%, p<0.001).ConclusionsCirculating Lp(a) concentration was indeed a useful predictor for the risk of RCVEs in real-world treated patients with CAD, providing additional information concerning the future clinical application of Lp(a).
Baseline ASPECTS and hypoperfusion intensity ratio influence the impact of first pass reperfusion on functional outcomes
Authors: Mohammaden Mahmoud H , Haussen Diogo C , Pisani Leonardo , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Perry da Camara Catarina , Bhatt Nirav , Belagaje Samir R , Liberato Bernardo Boaventura , Bianchi Nicolas , Anderson Aaron M , Frankel Michael R , Nogueira Raul G 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundFirst pass reperfusion (FPR) has been established as a key performance metric in mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The impact of FPR may be more relevant in fast progressors. We aim to study the impact of baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on non-contrast CT and hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) on CT perfusion on clinical outcomes after FPR.MethodsA prospective MT database was reviewed for patients with isolated occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery and/or middle cerebral artery M1 segment who underwent MT with complete reperfusion (modified Thrombolyis in Cerebral Infarction score 2c–3) from January 2012 to May 2019. The overall population was divided into ASPECTS >7 versus ≤7 and the subgroup of patients with baseline CT perfusion was divided into HIR <0.3 versus ≥0.3. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to establish the predictors of 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2) in each subgroup.ResultsA total of 436 patients were included in the analyses. FPR was achieved in 254 (58.3%) patients. ASPECTS modified the effect of FPR on clinical outcomes, with FPR predicting good outcomes in patients with ASPECTS ≤7 (46% vs 29%, adjusted OR 3.748; 95% CI 1.590 to 8.838, p=0.003) while no significant effect was detected in those with ASPECTS >7 (62.3% vs 53.1%, adjusted OR 1.372; 95% CI 0.798 to 2.358, p=0.25). Similarly, FPR predicted good outcomes in patients with HIR ≥0.3 (54.8% vs 41.9%, adjusted OR 2.204; 95% CI 1.148 to 4.233, p=0.01) but not in those with HIR <0.3 (62.9% vs 52.8%, adjusted OR 1.524; 95% CI 0.592 to 3.920, p=0.38).ConclusionsThe impact of FPR on functional outcomes is highly dependent on baseline imaging characteristics, with a more prominent influence in patients presenting with lower ASPECTS and/or higher HIR.
A rationale and framework for seeking remote electronic or phone consent approval in endovascular stroke trials – special relevance in the COVID-19 environment and beyond
Authors: Rai Ansaar T , Frei Donald 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundEnrollment in time-sensitive endovascular stroke trials can be challenging because of an inability to consent a debilitated patient. Often the legally authorized representative is not on site. Remote consent procedures in the US are inconsistent with the majority of sites shunning these approaches. The current pandemic with visitor restrictions highlights the need for enhancing these options.MethodsRemote electronic and phone consent procedures specifically for endovascular stroke trials from two comprehensive stroke centers (CSC) are presented. An overview of the genesis of informed consent procedures in the US is also included.ResultsThe two CSCs identified as Institution-1 and Institution-2 are large tertiary systems. Institution-1 is a non-profit university-affiliated academic medical center in rural geography. Institution-2 is an HCA hospital in an urban environment. Both serve patients through a spoke-and-hub network, have participated in multiple randomized endovascular stroke trials, and have successfully used these remote options for enrollment. A tiered approach is employed at both institutions with an emphasis on obtaining informed consent in person and resorting to alternatives methods when efforts to that are unsuccessful. A rationale for electronic and phone consent is included, followed by step-by-step illustration of the process at each institution.ConclusionTwo examples of remote electronic or phone consent procedures from institutions in different geographic environments and organization structures demonstrate that these options can be successfully used for enrollment in stroke trials. The current pandemic highlights the need to enhance these approaches while maintaining appropriate adherence to ethical and legal frameworks.
O1A.5 Emergent role of epigenetic biomarkers of pesticides exposure: a case study among women of childbearing age living in meknes (morocco)
Authors: Menouni Aziza , Duca Radu-Corneliu , Gosh Manosij , Zouine Noura , Lhilali Ilham , Jaafari Samir El , Godderis Lode 
Published: May 2020

Pesticide exposure has been associated with acute and chronic adverse health effects. Current evidence supports that epigenetics may mediate these effects. DNA methylation (DNAm) is one of the broadly investigated epigenetic alteration. Therefore, to date, only limited human data is linking pesticide exposure to global DNAm alterations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize pesticides exposure in women of reproductive age and investigate whether DNA methylation patterns were related to pesticides exposure level.In a pilot study among 100 women from Meknes (Morocco), we measured 45 analytes (parent molecules and their metabolites) from three chemical families of pesticides: Organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, in urine and hair using HPLC/MS-MS and GC/MS. Commercial kits were used for quantification of 8-OHdG. We used LC/MS for measuring GSH. Pyrosequencing was used to measure Alu and LINE-1 methylation in DNA isolated from whole blood samples.Pesticides are associated with genomic instability, which is proposed to be sensitive to nutritional intake and may also induce epigenetic changes. We evaluated the effect of life style and dietary intake on epigenetic instability in women. Our research prompts a re-thinking of the role of epigenetics on the understanding of the environmental exposure. We will then explore the role of epigenetic changes in the onset of cancer through the oxidative stress and DNA damage pathways.