bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The
Bacillus cereus
Group:
Bacillus
Species with Pathogenic Potential
Authors: Ehling-Schulz Monika , Lereclus Didier , Koehler Theresa M. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT

The
Bacillus cereus
group includes several
Bacillus
species with closely related phylogeny. The most well-studied members of the group,
B. anthracis
,
B. cereus
, and
B. thuringiensis
, are known for their pathogenic potential. Here, we present the historical rationale for speciation and discuss shared and unique features of these bacteria. Aspects of cell morphology and physiology, and genome sequence similarity and gene synteny support close evolutionary relationships for these three species. For many strains, distinct differences in virulence factor synthesis provide facile means for species assignment.
B. anthracis
is the causative agent of anthrax. Some
B. cereus
strains are commonly recognized as food poisoning agents, but strains can also cause localized wound and eye infections as well as systemic disease. Certain
B. thuringiensis
strains are entomopathogens and have been commercialized for use as biopesticides, while some strains have been reported to cause infection in immunocompromised individuals. In this article we compare and contrast
B. anthracis
,
B. cereus
, and
B. thuringiensis
, including ecology, cell structure and development, virulence attributes, gene regulation and genetic exchange systems, and experimental models of disease.
Effects of electrical muscle stimulation in frail elderly patients during haemodialysis (DIAL): rationale and protocol for a crossover randomised controlled trial
Authors: Suzuki Yuta , Kamiya Kentaro , Tanaka Shinya , Hoshi Keika , Watanabe Takaaki , Harada Manae , Matsuzawa Ryota , Shimoda Takahiro , Yamamoto Shohei , Matsunaga Yusuke , Yoneki Kei , Yoshida Atsushi , Matsunaga Atsuhiko 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionThe phenomenon of population ageing is accompanied by increases in the number of elderly haemodialysis patients worldwide. The incidence of frailty is high in the haemodialysis population and is associated with poor clinical outcome. Although several interventions have been developed for use in general haemodialysis patients, the efficacy of such rehabilitation programmes in frail elderly patients on haemodialysis has not been elucidated. Here, we examined whether electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) would show beneficial effects in frail elderly patients on haemodialysis.Methods and analysisThis is a randomised, two-period, controlled crossover trial, which will enrol 20 patients. Haemodialysis patients aged ≥65 years and defined as frail (ie, Short Physical Performance Battery score 4–9), will be randomly assigned to either group 1 (EMS intervention beginning in treatment period I, followed by reallocation as controls in treatment period II after a 5-week washout period) or group 2 (opposite schedule) in a 1:1 ratio. The two intervention periods will last 5 weeks each with an intervening washout period of 5 weeks. In the EMS intervention group, the treatment will be applied to the skeletal muscle of the entire lower extremity for 5 weeks, three times/week for 30–40 min during haemodialysis. The primary outcome of this study is the change in quadriceps isometric strength after the interventions. The secondary outcomes are the changes in physical function, physical activity, difficulty in activities of daily living, body composition, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, quality of life, blood test results and the clinical safety and feasibility of EMS therapy.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the institutional review board/ethics committee of Kitasato University Allied Health Sciences. This study will be reported in peer reviewed publications and at conference presentations.Trial registration numberUMIN000032501.
Physical demand at work and sick leave due to low back pain: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Petersen Jonathan , Kirkeskov Lilli , Hansen Bjarke Brandt , Begtrup Luise Moelenberg , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , Boesen Mikael , Hansen Philip , Bliddal Henning , Kryger Ann Isabel 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate if self-reported high physical demand at work, objective physical workload using a job exposure matrix (JEM) and fear-avoidance beliefs are associated with reported sick leave in the previous year in persons with low back pain (LBP). Second, to investigate if the effects of fear-avoidance and self-reported high physical demand at work on sick leave are modified by the objective physical workloads.SettingsParticipants were recruited from general practice and by advertisement in a local newspaper.Participants305participants with a current period of 2–4 weeks LBP and self-reported difficulty in maintaining physically demanding jobs due to LBP were interviewed, clinically examined and had an MRI at baseline.Main outcome measuresIndependent variables were high fear-avoidance, self-reported high physical demand at work and objective measures of physical workloads (JEM). Outcome was self-reported sick leave due to LBP in the previous year. Logistic regression and tests for interaction were used to identify risk factors and modifiers for the association with self-reported sick leave.ResultsSelf-reported physically demanding work and high fear-avoidance were significantly associated with prior sick leave due to LBP in the previous year with OR 1.75 95% CI (1.10 to 2.75) and 2.75 95% CI (1.61to 4.84), respectively. No objective physical workloads had significant associations. There was no modifying effect of objective physical workloads on the association between self-reported physical demand at work/high fear-avoidance and sick leave.ConclusionsOccupational interventions to reduce sick leave due to LBP may have to focus more on those with high self-reported physical demands and high fear-avoidance, and less on individuals with the objectively highest physical workload.Trial registration numberNCT02015572; Post-results.
A mixed-method exploration into the experience of members of the FAO/WHO International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN): study protocol
Authors: Savelli Carmen Joseph , Mateus Céu 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionThe International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) is a global network of national food safety authorities from 188 countries, managed jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which facilitates the rapid exchange of information during food safety related events. The proposed research will interrogate INFOSAN in order to describe and explore the experiences of members and better understand the role of the network in mitigating the burden of foodborne illness around the world.MethodsExamined through a community of practice lens, a three-phase research design will combine quantitative and qualitative methods (including website analytics in phase 1, online survey administration in phase 2 and semistructured interviews in phase 3) to elicit a broad and deep understanding of the network operation and member experiences.AnalysisIn phases 1 and 2, quantitative data collected from the INFOSAN Community website and the online questionnaires will be analysed using descriptive summary statistics. In phase 3, interpretative phenomenological analysis will be used to engage in a dialogue with study participants to explore and describe their lived experiences regarding participation in activities related to INFOSAN. An important aspect of the overall analysis will be triangulation of the information collected from each phase, including quantitative indicators and qualitative value stories, in order to provide a robust understanding of member experience.Ethics and disseminationThis study has undergone ethical review and has received approval from Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Ethics Committee, as well as the ethics review committee of the WHO. Findings from the study will be disseminated as a PhD thesis submitted to Lancaster University. In addition, results of the research shall be submitted for publication to relevant academic or professional conferences and journals or other media, including books or websites.
Prolonged infusion with β-lactam antibiotics for treatment of infection caused by non-susceptible bacteria: a study protocol for a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Huadong , Yu Lingyan , Yu Zhenwei 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionProlonged infusion with β-lactam antibiotics should theoretically produce a better clinical efficacy than intermittent infusion in severe infection and infection caused by non-susceptible micro-organisms. The efficacy of prolonged infusion in severe infection has been well illustrated recently, but is still confusing in non-susceptible microbial infection. The objective of this meta-analysis is to determine the clinical effects of prolonged infusion with β-lactams for patients infected by microbes non-susceptible to the given drug.Methods and analysisLiterature searches will be performed with Medline, the Cochrane database, EMBASE database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature database, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang database. Two reviewers will screen and select studies according to a priori defined eligibility criteria, and then the data from the included studies will be extracted. The quality will be evaluated based on a modified Jadad score and the Newcastle-Ottawa system for randomised controlled trials and observational studies, respectively. Data synthesis will be performed with Review Manager 5.3 software. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias will also be investigated.Ethics and disseminationNo ethics approval is required. The full article will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018105111.
Efficacy, safety and impact on antimicrobial resistance of duration and dose of amoxicillin treatment for young children with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: a protocol for a randomIsed controlled Trial (CAP-IT)
Authors: Lyttle Mark D , Bielicki Julia A , Barratt Sam , Dunn David , Finn Adam , Harper Lynda , Jackson Pauline , Powell Colin V E , Roland Damian , Stohr Wolfgang , Sturgeon Kate , Wan Mandy , Little Paul , Faust Saul N , Robotham Julie , Hay Alastair D , Gibb Diana M , Sharland Mike 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionCommunity-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common indication for antibiotic treatment in young children. Data are limited regarding the ideal dose and duration of amoxicillin, leading to practice variation which may impact on treatment failure and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Community-Acquired Pneumonia: a randomIsed controlled Trial (CAP-IT) aims to determine the optimal amoxicillin treatment strategies for CAP in young children in relation to efficacy and AMR.Methods and analysisThe CAP-IT trial is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2×2 factorial non-inferiority trial of amoxicillin dose and duration. Children are enrolled in paediatric emergency and inpatient environments, and randomised to receive amoxicillin 70–90 or 35–50 mg/kg/day for 3 or 7 days following hospital discharge. The primary outcome is systemic antibacterial treatment for respiratory tract infection (including CAP) other than trial medication up to 4 weeks after randomisation. Secondary outcomes include adverse events, severity and duration of parent-reported CAP symptoms, adherence and antibiotic resistance. The primary analysis will be by intention to treat. Assuming a 15% primary outcome event rate, 8% non-inferiority margin assessed against an upper one-sided 95% CI, 90% power and 15% loss to follow-up, 800 children will be enrolled to demonstrate non-inferiority for the primary outcome for each of duration and dose.Ethics and disseminationThe CAP-IT trial and relevant materials were approved by the National Research Ethics Service (reference: 16/LO/0831; 30 June 2016). The CAP-IT trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, and in a report published by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme. Oral and poster presentations will be given to national and international conferences, and participating families will be notified of the results if they so wish. Key messages will be constructed in partnership with families, and social media will be used in their dissemination.Trial registration numberISRCTN76888927, EudraCT2016-000809-36.
Is CS really for all, and defending democracy in cyberspace
Authors: Guzdial Mark , Arquilla John 
Published: May 2019

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

twitter

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM
http://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm
Mark Guzdial mulls the difficulty of getting into a computer science class, while John Arquilla ponders political warfare in cyberspace.
The relative strength of common synaptic input to motor neurons is not a determinant of the maximal rate of force development in humans
Authors: Del Vecchio Alessandro , Falla Deborah , Felici Francesco , Farina Dario 
Published: May 2019

Correlation between motor unit discharge times, often referred to as motor unit synchronization, is determined by common synaptic input to motor neurons. Although it has been largely speculated that synchronization should influence the rate of force development, the association between the degree of motor unit synchronization and rapid force generation has not been determined. In this study, we examined this association with both simulations and experimental motor unit recordings. The analysis of experimental motor unit discharges from the tibialis anterior muscle of 20 healthy individuals during rapid isometric contractions revealed that the average motor unit discharge rate was associated with the rate of force development. Moreover, the extent of motor unit synchronization was entirely determined by the average motor unit discharge rate ( R > 0.7, P < 0.0001). The simulation model demonstrated that the relative proportion of common synaptic input received by motor neurons, which determines motor unit synchronization, does not influence the rate of force development ( R = 0.03, P > 0.05). Nonetheless, the estimates of correlation between motor unit spike trains were significantly correlated with the rate of force generation ( R > 0.8, P < 0.0001). These results indicate that the average motor unit discharge rate, but not the degree of motor unit synchronization, contributes to most of the variance of human contractile speed among individuals. In addition, estimates of correlation between motor unit discharge times depend strongly on the number of identified motor units and therefore are not indicative of the strength of common input. NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is commonly assumed that motor unit synchronization has an impact on the rate of force development of a muscle. Here we present computer simulations and experimental data of human tibialis anterior motor units during rapid contractions that show that motor unit synchronization is not a determinant of the rate of force production. This conclusion clarifies the neural determinants of rapid force generation.
N-Glycosylation Defects in Humans Lower Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Through Increased Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Expression
Authors: van den Boogert Marjolein A.W. , Larsen Lars E. , Ali Lubna , Kuil Sacha D. , Chong Patrick L.W. , Loregger Anke , Kroon Jeffrey , Schnitzler Johan G. , Schimmel Alinda W.M. , Peter Jorge , Levels Johannes H.M. , Steenbergen Gerry , Morava Eva , Dallinga-Thie Geesje M. , Wevers Ron A. , Kuivenhoven Jan Albert , Hand Nicholas J. , Zelcer Noam , Rader Daniel J. , Stroes Erik S.G. , Lefeber Dirk J. , Holleboom Adriaan G. 
Published: May 2019

Background:
The importance of protein glycosylation in regulating lipid metabolism is becoming increasingly apparent. We set out to further investigate this by studying patients with type I congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) with defective N-glycosylation.

Methods:
We studied 29 patients with the 2 most prevalent types of type I CDG, ALG6 (asparagine-linked glycosylation protein 6)–deficiency CDG and PMM2 (phosphomannomutase 2)–deficiency CDG, and 23 first- and second-degree relatives with a heterozygous mutation and measured plasma cholesterol levels. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism was studied in 3 cell models—gene silencing in HepG2 cells, patient fibroblasts, and patient hepatocyte-like cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells—by measuring apolipoprotein B production and secretion, LDL receptor expression and membrane abundance, and LDL particle uptake. Furthermore, SREBP2 (sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2) protein expression and activation and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers were studied.

Results:
We report hypobetalipoproteinemia (LDL cholesterol [LDL-C] and apolipoprotein B below the fifth percentile) in a large cohort of patients with type I CDG (mean age, 9 years), together with reduced LDL-C and apolipoprotein B in clinically unaffected heterozygous relatives (mean age, 46 years), compared with 2 separate sets of age- and sex-matched control subjects. ALG6 and PMM2 deficiency led to markedly increased LDL uptake as a result of increased cell surface LDL receptor abundance. Mechanistically, this outcome was driven by increased SREBP2 protein expression accompanied by amplified target gene expression, resulting in higher LDL receptor protein levels. Endoplasmic reticulum stress was not found to be a major mediator.

Conclusions:
Our study establishes N-glycosylation as an important regulator of LDL metabolism. Given that LDL-C was also reduced in a group of clinically unaffected heterozygotes, we propose that increasing LDL receptor–mediated cholesterol clearance by targeting N-glycosylation in the LDL pathway may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce LDL-C and cardiovascular disease.
Caregiver outcomes of the REACH-HF multicentre randomized controlled trial of home-based rehabilitation for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Wingham Jennifer , Frost Julia , Britten Nicky , Greaves Colin , Abraham Charles , Warren Fiona C , Jolly Kate , Miles Jackie , Paul Kevin , Doherty Patrick J , Singh Sally , Davies Russell , Noonan Miriam , Dalal Hasnain , Taylor Rod S 
Published: May 2019

Background: Caregivers frequently provide support to people living with long-term conditions. However, there is paucity of evidence of interventions that support caregivers in their role. Rehabilitation EnAblement in Chronic Heart Failure (REACH-HF) is a novel home-based, health-professional-facilitated, self-management programme for patients with heart failure (HF) and their caregivers. Methods: Based on the random allocation of individual adult patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and left ventricular ejection fraction <45% within the past five years, the caregiver of patients was allocated to receive the REACH-HF intervention over 12 weeks (REACH-HF group) or not (control group). Caregiver outcomes were generic health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), Family Caregiver Quality of Life Scale questionnaire (FamQol), Caregiver Burden Questionnaire HF (CBQ-HF), Caregiver Contribution to Self-care of HF Index questionnaire (CC-SCHFI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Outcomes were compared between groups at 4, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Twenty caregivers receiving REACH-HF were purposively selected for qualitative interviews at 4 and 12 months. Results: Compared with controls (44 caregivers), the REACH-HF group (53 caregivers) had a higher mean CC-SCHFI confidence score at 12 months (57.5 vs 62.8, adjusted mean difference: 9.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.8–16.8, p = 0.016). No significant between group differences were seen in other caregiver outcomes. Qualitative interviews showed that most caregivers who received the REACH-HF intervention made positive changes to how they supported the HF patient they were caring for, and perceived that they had increased their confidence in the caregiver role over time. Conclusion: Provision of the REACH-HF intervention for caregivers of HF patients improved their confidence of self-management and was perceived for some to be helpful in supporting their caregiver role.
Graft-Versus-Host Disease–Free Antitumoral Signature After Allogeneic Donor Lymphocyte Injection Identified by Proteomics and Systems Biology
Authors: Liu Xiaowen , Yue Zongliang , Cao Yimou , Taylor Lauren , Zhang Qing , Choi Sung W. , Hanash Samir , Ito Sawa , Chen Jake Y. , Wu Huanmei , Paczesny Sophie 
Published: May 2019

PURPOSE As a tumor immunotherapy, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with subsequent donor lymphocyte injection (DLI) aims to induce the graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect but often also leads to acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Plasma tests that can predict the likelihood of GVT without GVHD are still needed. PATIENTS AND METHODS We first used an intact-protein analysis system to profile the plasma proteome post-DLI of patients who experienced GVT and acute GVHD for comparison with the proteome of patients who experienced GVT without GVHD in a training set. Our novel six-step systems biology analysis involved removing common proteins and GVHD-specific proteins, creating a protein-protein interaction network, calculating relevance and penalty scores, and visualizing candidate biomarkers in gene networks. We then performed a second proteomics experiment in a validation set of patients who experienced GVT without acute GVHD after DLI for comparison with the proteome of patients before DLI. We next combined the two experiments to define a biologically relevant signature of GVT without GVHD. An independent experiment with single-cell profiling in tumor antigen–activated T cells from a patient with post–hematopoietic cell transplantation relapse was performed. RESULTS The approach provided a list of 46 proteins in the training set, and 30 proteins in the validation set were associated with GVT without GVHD. The combination of the two experiments defined a unique 61-protein signature of GVT without GVHD. Finally, the single-cell profiling in activated T cells found 43 of the 61 genes. Novel markers, such as RPL23, ILF2, CD58, and CRTAM, were identified and could be extended to other antitumoral responses. CONCLUSION Our multiomic analysis provides, to our knowledge, the first human plasma signature for GVT without GVHD. Risk stratification on the basis of this signature would allow for customized treatment plans.
RETRACTED: Enhanced conventional method is as precise as navigation for distal femur resection during total knee replacement: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bhimani Rohan , Bhimani Fardeen , Singh Rohan Bir , Singh Preeti 
Published: May 2019

At the request of authors Rohan Bhimani, Fardeen Bhimani, Rohan Bir Singh, and Preeti Singh, the article titled “Enhanced conventional method is as precise as navigation for distal femur resection during total knee replacement: a randomized controlled trial [version 1; peer review: 1 approved with reservations]” (doi: https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.18154.1) has been retracted from F1000Research. Since publication, it has come to the attention of the authors that the data collected for the two trial groups were combined; therefore, the study findings and conclusions cannot be relied upon. The authors apologise for this honest error. F1000Research has also become aware of the clinical trial registration data being obscured due to this error. Please note that this is not standard practice, and the editorial office are seeking to restore these data in order to maintain the integrity of the scientific record.