bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recombinational Repair of DNA Damage in
Escherichia coli
and Bacteriophage λ
Authors: Kuzminov Andrei 
Published: December 2019

SUMMARY
Although homologous recombination and DNA repair phenomena in bacteria were initially extensively studied without regard to any relationship between the two, it is now appreciated that DNA repair and homologous recombination are related through DNA replication. In Escherichia coli, two-strand DNA damage, generated mostly during replication on a template DNA containing one-strand damage, is repaired by recombination with a homologous intact duplex, usually the sister chromosome. The two major types of two-strand DNA lesions are channeled into two distinct pathways of recombinational repair: daughter-strand gaps are closed by the RecF pathway, while disintegrated replication forks are reestablished by the RecBCD pathway. The phage λ recombination system is simpler in that its major reaction is to link two double-stranded DNA ends by using overlapping homologous sequences. The remarkable progress in understanding the mechanisms of recombinational repair in E. coli over the last decade is due to the in vitro characterization of the activities of individual recombination proteins. Putting our knowledge about recombinational repair in the broader context of DNA replication will guide future experimentation.
Rhizobium
-Legume Symbiosis and Nitrogen Fixation under Severe Conditions and in an Arid Climate
Authors: Zahran Hamdi Hussein 
Published: December 2019

SUMMARY

Biological N
2
fixation represents the major source of N input in agricultural soils including those in arid regions. The major N
2
-fixing systems are the symbiotic systems, which can play a significant role in improving the fertility and productivity of low-N soils. The Rhizobium-legume symbioses have received most attention and have been examined extensively. The behavior of some N
2
-fixing systems under severe environmental conditions such as salt stress, drought stress, acidity, alkalinity, nutrient deficiency, fertilizers, heavy metals, and pesticides is reviewed. These major stress factors suppress the growth and symbiotic characteristics of most rhizobia; however, several strains, distributed among various species of rhizobia, are tolerant to stress effects. Some strains of rhizobia form effective (N
2
-fixing) symbioses with their host legumes under salt, heat, and acid stresses, and can sometimes do so under the effect of heavy metals. Reclamation and improvement of the fertility of arid lands by application of organic (manure and sewage sludge) and inorganic (synthetic) fertilizers are expensive and can be a source of pollution. The Rhizobium-legume (herb or tree) symbiosis is suggested to be the ideal solution to the improvement of soil fertility and the rehabilitation of arid lands and is an important direction for future research.
Rationale and methods for the Exercise for Type 1 Diabetes Education program: a pilot randomized controlled trial of an education program to support adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) to undertake exercise
Authors: Narendran Parth , Quann Niamh , Nagi Dinesh , Gallen Ian , Gorton Janet , Daly Heather , Thompson Catherine , Bhupendra Jaicim Nishal , Davies Melanie , Andrews Robert C 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveRegular exercise in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) can result in considerable improvements in health and reduction in cardiovascular events and death. However, a large proportion of people with T1DM are not active. Fear of hypoglycemia and lack of knowledge on how to manage their diabetes are major barriers to exercise in people with T1DM, but few patients receive specific advice about how to adjust insulin and carbohydrate for activity. Furthermore, healthcare professionals (HCP) currently lack the knowledge to advise patients on how to manage their diabetes when active and would like formal training in exercise prescription for people with T1DM.Research design and methodsThis study is divided into two stages. The first stage develops an education program aimed to support people with T1DM to exercise using the Medical Research Council framework. The second stage is a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) that aims to collect the key variables to design a definitive trial to test the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the education package. We aim to recruit 96 patients with T1DM at two UK hospitals.ConclusionsThis article outlines the protocol for a pilot RCT to develop a program of education that will support adults with T1DM to undertake safe and effective exercise. This is accompanied by training for HCPs to deliver this educational intervention. Successful completion of this program of work will address some of the barriers to exercise in adults with T1DM, and should facilitate an increase in exercise for this group of people.Trial registration numberISRCTN61403534.
Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and cardiovascular event protections: how applicable are clinical trials and observational studies to real-world patients?
Authors: Shao Shih-Chieh , Lin Yi-Han , Chang Kai-Cheng , Chan Yuk-Ying , Hung Ming-Jui , Kao Yang Yea-Huei , Lai Edward Chia-Cheng 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the characteristics of new users of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in clinical practice to assess the applicability of the findings from clinical trials (Empagliflozin, Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes (EMPA-REG OUTCOME) trial, Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events (DECLARE)-TIMI 58 trial, Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study (CANVAS) program and the Evaluation of Ertugliflozin Efficacy and Safety Cardiovascular Outcomes (VERTIS-CV) trial) and multinational observational studies (CVD-REAL Nordic study and CVD-REAL 2 study).Research design and methodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using the largest electronic medical records database from seven hospitals in Taiwan. We included adult patients with type 2 diabetes initiating canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin between 1 January 2018 and 31 August 2019. We compared the patient characteristics with SGLT2i to examine the data representativeness of clinical trials and to evaluate channeling uses between canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin.ResultsWe identified a cohort of 11 650 patients newly initiating SGLT2i, 49.9% of whom received empagliflozin. However, only 18.7%, 19.2%, 50.4% and 57.3% of real-world SGLT2i new users were included in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, VERTIS-CV trial, DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial and CANVAS program, respectively. Reasons for exclusion were largely reduced cardiovascular disease risks in real-world patients, namely 72.8%, 73.6% and 34.2% for EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, VERTIS-CV trial and DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial and CANVAS program, respectively. However, hemoglobin A1c out of range accounted for the most frequent reason (25.0%) for exclusion of real-world patients from the CANVAS program. We found channeling uses in different SGLT2i, for example, more patients receiving empagliflozin (15.3%) and canagliflozin (19.6%) had poorer renal functions (eg, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2), compared with dapagliflozin (9.3%).ConclusionsThe findings provide clear evidence that results from current studies may be less applicable to real-world patients. Further studies are required to support the concept of real-world cardiovascular event protection through SGLT2i.
Multicentre, non-interventional study of the efficacy and tolerability of linaclotide in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in primary, secondary and tertiary centres: the Alpine study
Authors: Pohl Daniel , Fried Michael , Lawrance Dominic , Beck Elmar , Hammer Heinz F. 
Published: December 2019

ObjectivesWe evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of linaclotide, a minimally absorbed guanylate cyclase-C agonist, in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in routine clinical practice.SettingA multicentre, non-interventional study conducted between December 2013 and November 2015 across 31 primary, secondary and tertiary centres in Austria and Switzerland.ParticipantsThe study enrolled 138 patients aged ≥18 years with moderate-to-severe IBS-C. Treatment decision was at the physician’s discretion. Patients with known hypersensitivity to the study drug or suspected mechanical obstruction were excluded. The mean age of participants was 50 years, and >75% of the patients were women. 128 patients completed the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresData were collected at weeks 0 and 4 in Austria and weeks 0, 4 and 16 in Switzerland. The primary effectiveness endpoints included severity of abdominal pain and bloating (11-point numerical rating scale [0=no pain/bloating to 10=worst possible pain/bloating]), frequency of bowel movements and physicians’ global effectiveness of linaclotide. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were recorded.ResultsFollowing a 4-week treatment period, the mean intensity score of abdominal pain was reduced from 5.8 at baseline to 2.7, while the bloating intensity score was reduced from 5.8 at baseline to 3.1e (both indices p<0.001). The frequency of mean weekly bowel movements increased from 2.1 at baseline to 4.5 at week 4 (p<0.001). Global effectiveness and tolerability of linaclotide were assessed by the treating physicians as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ in >70% of patients. In total, 31 AEs were reported in 22 patients, the most common being diarrhoea, reported by 6 (7%) and 8 (15.4%) patients in Austria and Switzerland, respectively.ConclusionsPatients with IBS-C receiving linaclotide experienced effective treatment of moderate-to-severe symptoms in routine clinical practice. Linaclotide was safe and well tolerated and no new safety concerns were raised, supporting results from previous clinical trials.
B!RTH: a mixed-methods survey of audience members’ reflections of a global women’s health arts and science programme in England, Ireland, Scotland and Switzerland
Authors: McCauley Mary , Thomas Joanne , Connor Cristianne , van den Broek Nynke 
Published: December 2019

ObjectivePublic engagement and science communication are growing as an important forum in the design and dissemination of research. The B!RTH programme is a partnership that uses theatre in combination with scientific expert panel discussions to raise awareness about the global inequality in women’s health and access to healthcare. As part of this project, we assessed the views and experiences of audiences participating in B!RTH events.DesignWe conducted a multi-site mixed-methods survey using paper-based questionnaires.SettingsData were collected at four B!RTH theatre and science events: Dublin (Ireland), Edinburgh (Scotland), Geneva (Switzerland) and Liverpool (England) after the performance of four plays and three expert panel discussions.ParticipantsAll audience members.MethodsDescriptive analysis was conducted for the responses to the closed-ended survey questions, and thematic analysis was used for written free text provided.ResultsThe estimated response rate was 42%; 363 members of the audiences responded. Most respondents had been emotionally moved by the performances (92.8%) and felt challenged and provoked (80.7%). Many respondents (73.6%) agreed that their eyes had been opened by new ideas. Five themes emerged from the free-text analysis: (1) an expression of thanks and positive feedback on the content and performance of the plays, (2) the benefit of and innovative use of art and science, (3) personal feelings in response to the plays and panel discussions, (4) the need for action and (5) suggestions for use of the plays and panel discussions in schools and universities to ‘bring to life the human story behind the statistics’.ConclusionsThe B!RTH programme highlights how art and science can be used in partnership and is an effective tool to engage the public, to deliver key messages and to raise awareness about inequalities in global maternal and reproductive healthcare issues.
Pattern and probability of dispensing of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines among the new users in Australia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Islam M Mofizul 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveOpioids and benzodiazepines are recommended to use for a short duration. Clinicians face a challenge to appraise the risk of new users to become long-term users. This study examined the pattern and probability of opioids and benzodiazepines dispensing among the new users.DesignA unit-record data of an incident and a point-incident cohort of new users, who were not dispensed in the previous 2 years, was examined and retrospectively followed up for 24 months.SettingAustralia.ParticipantsA random 10% national sample.Primary and secondary outcome measuresDistribution of total dispensing in calendar months. Probability of staying in the cohort in each successive month. Effect of first month’s dispensing pattern on the total duration of dispensing during 2nd–24th month in total number of calendar months the dispensing was recorded.ResultsIn the incident cohort, 68.24% were dispensed opioids, 23.96% were dispensed benzodiazepines and 7.80% were dispensed both medicines. Over 70% in the incident cohort and 50% in the point-incident cohort were dispensed for a month only. Codeine was the most prevalent opioid, dispensed to 52% of opioid users; and diazepam was the most prevalent benzodiazepines, dispensed to 45.34% of benzodiazepine users. The probability of staying in the cohort and hence receiving further dispensing continued to be very high if dispensing did not end in the first month. The quantity (in defined daily dose) and the total number of dispensing episodes in the first month were significant predictors of the total duration of dispensing in the later period.ConclusionsSince harms from long-term use of these medicines may outweigh the benefits, and since the probability of further dispensing was high for those who were dispensed for more than a month, clinicians should endeavour to keep the dispensing duration and quantity as small as possible while initiating a prescription for the new users.
Measurement challenge: protocol for international case–control comparison of mammographic measures that predict breast cancer risk
Authors: Dench Evenda , Bond-Smith Daniela , Darcey Ellie , Lee Grant , Aung Ye K , Chan Ariane , Cuzick Jack , Ding Ze Y , Evans Chris F , Harvey Jennifer , Highnam Ralph , Hsieh Meng-Kang , Kontos Despina , Li Shuai , Mariapun Shivaani , Nickson Carolyn , Nguyen Tuong L , Pertuz Said , Procopio Pietro , Rajaram Nadia , Repich Kathy , Tan Maxine , Teo Soo-Hwang , Trinh Nhut Ho , Ursin Giske , Wang Chao , dos-Santos-Silva Isabel , McCormack Valerie , Nielsen Mads , Shepherd John , Hopper John L , Stone Jennifer 
Published: December 2019

IntroductionFor women of the same age and body mass index, increased mammographic density is one of the strongest predictors of breast cancer risk. There are multiple methods of measuring mammographic density and other features in a mammogram that could potentially be used in a screening setting to identify and target women at high risk of developing breast cancer. However, it is unclear which measurement method provides the strongest predictor of breast cancer risk.Methods and analysisThe measurement challenge has been established as an international resource to offer a common set of anonymised mammogram images for measurement and analysis. To date, full field digital mammogram images and core data from 1650 cases and 1929 controls from five countries have been collated. The measurement challenge is an ongoing collaboration and we are continuing to expand the resource to include additional image sets across different populations (from contributors) and to compare additional measurement methods (by challengers). The intended use of the measurement challenge resource is for refinement and validation of new and existing mammographic measurement methods. The measurement challenge resource provides a standardised dataset of mammographic images and core data that enables investigators to directly compare methods of measuring mammographic density or other mammographic features in case/control sets of both raw and processed images, for the purposes of the comparing their predictions of breast cancer risk.Ethics and disseminationChallengers and contributors are required to enter a Research Collaboration Agreement with the University of Melbourne prior to participation in the measurement challenge. The Challenge database of collated data and images are stored in a secure data repository at the University of Melbourne. Ethics approval for the measurement challenge is held at University of Melbourne (HREC ID 0931343.3).
Little in Norway: a prospective longitudinal community-based cohort from pregnancy to child age 18 months
Authors: Moe Vibeke , Fredriksen Eivor , Kjellevold Marian , Dahl Lisbeth , Markhus Maria Wik , Stormark Kjell Morten , von Soest Tilmann , Olafsen Kåre Sten , Vannebo Unni Tranaas , Smith Lars 
Published: December 2019

PurposeThe Little in Norway (LiN) project is a cross-disciplinary prospective longitudinal study starting in pregnancy. It was set up to investigate maternal and paternal mental health functioning in the transition to parenthood, detect pathways to healthy and aberrant child development and generate new knowledge about mechanisms underlying differential child mental health susceptibility.ParticipantsThe LiN cohort is a community-based sample comprising 1036 families (1036 mothers, 884 partners, 1017 children). All pregnant women and their partners receiving routine prenatal care at well-baby clinics at nine geographically selected sites across Norway were invited to participate. Enrolment took place from September 2011 to October 2012. This cohort profile comprises 10 data collection waves spanning from enrolment in pregnancy until child age 18 months.Findings to dateFour types of information have been collected: multi-informant questionnaire reports, direct observation of interaction, test data and biological samples. The most significant findings so far relate to three domains of results. First, when examining risk factors for parental mental health problems, results showed that the parents’ own adverse childhood experiences and attachment style were related to anxiety, depression and stress in the perinatal period. The perception of difficult child temperament was also found to contribute to parenting stress in the first year after birth. Second, we studied how parental mental health risk factors were related to later child development and social emotional functioning, for example, linking maternal symptoms to social-emotional outcomes and paternal symptoms to language outcomes. Third, we investigated the relation between maternal nutrition during pregnancy and aspects of early child development. Results showed that mild to moderate maternal iodine deficiency in pregnancy was associated with poorer language skills up to 18 months, but not with reduced cognitive or fine and gross motor skills.Future plansA data collection point at 36 months is completed and currently being analysed. A new data collection wave is planned when the children are 8 years of age.Trial registration numberISRCTN66710572.
Complications after surgery for benign prostatic enlargement: a population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Matta Rano , Dvorani Erind , Wallis Christopher , Hird Amanda , LaBossiere Joseph , Kulkarni Girish , Kodama Ronald , Carr Lesley , Radomski Sidney B , Saskin Refik , Herschorn Sender , Nam Robert K 
Published: December 2019

ObjectivesTo examine the complication rates after benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) surgery and the effects of age, comorbidity and preoperative medical therapy.DesignA retrospective, population-based cohort study using linked administrative data.SettingOntario, Canada.Participants52 162 men≥66 years undergoing first BPE surgery between 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2014.InterventionMedical therapy preoperatively and surgery for BPE.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was overall 30-day postoperative complication rates. Secondary outcomes included BPE-specific event rates (bleeding, infection, obstruction, trauma) and non-BPE specific event rates (cardiovascular, pulmonary, thromboembolic and renal). Multivariable analysis examined the association between preoperative medical therapy and postoperative complication rates.ResultsThe 30-day overall complication rate after BPE surgery was 2828 events/10 000 procedures and increased annually over the study period. Receipt of preoperative α-blocker monotherapy (relative rate (RR) 1.05; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.09; p=0.033) and antithrombotic medications (RR 1.27; 95% CI 1.22 to 1.31; p<0.0001) was associated with increased complication rates. Among the ≥80-year-old group, the rate of complications increased by 39% from 2003 to 2014 (RR 1.39; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.61; p<0.0001). The mean duration of medical and conservative management increased by a mean of 2.1 years between 2007 and 2014 (p<0.0001 for trend).ConclusionsThirty-day complication rates after BPE surgery have increased annually between 2003 and 2014. Preoperative medical therapy with alpha blockers or antithrombotics was independently associated with higher rates of complications. Over this time, the duration of conservative therapy also increased.
‘Am I really hungry?’ A qualitative exploration of patients’ experience, adherence and behaviour change during hunger training: a pilot study
Authors: de Bruin Willemijn E , Ward Aimee L , Taylor Rachael W , Jospe Michelle R 
Published: December 2019

ObjectivesHunger training (HT) is an intervention designed to teach people to eat according to their hunger by connecting physical symptoms of appetite with glucose levels. HT is most effective for weight loss, and improving eating behaviours when adherence is high. However, adherence is a challenge that should be explored prior to wider dissemination. The aim of this study was to explore participants’ experience and self-reported adherence and behaviour change related to HT.DesignA qualitative study, nested within a randomised controlled pilot study of two different methods of monitoring glucose during HT. Semistructured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using a phenomenological approach.SettingSingle-centre study with participants recruited from the local area.Participants40 participants began the pilot study and 38 participants (52.6% women) remained at 1 month and completed interviews.ResultsMost participants felt they were able to match their hunger to their glucose levels by the end of the intervention. The main adherence barriers were the social pressure to eat, lack of time and lack of flexibility in participants’ meal schedules. Common adherence enablers were having a set routine, social support and accountability. Participants described increased awareness of hungry versus non-hungry eating and better cognition of feelings of hunger and satiety as a result of the intervention, which in turn led to changes of food choice, portion size and adjusted meal timing and frequency.ConclusionsFindings show that HT is acceptable from a patient perspective, and results can be used to inform the translation of HT programme to healthcare settings.Trial registration numberACTRN12618001257257.