bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimized small‐molecule pull‐downs define MLBP1 as an acyl‐lipid‐binding protein
Authors: Sterlin Yelena , Pri‐Tal Oded , Zimran Gil , Park Sang‐Youl , Ben‐Ari Julius , Kourelis Jiorgos , Verstraeten Inge , Gal Maayan , Cutler Sean R. , Mosquna Assaf 
Published: February 2019

SummaryAbscisic acid (ABA) receptors belong to the START domain superfamily, which encompasses ligand‐binding proteins present in all kingdoms of life. START domain proteins contain a central binding pocket that, depending on the protein, can couple ligand binding to catalytic, transport or signaling functions. In Arabidopsis, the best characterized START domain proteins are the 14 PYR/PYL/RCAR ABA receptors, while the other members of the superfamily do not have assigned ligands. To address this, we used affinity purification of biotinylated proteins expressed transiently in Nicotiana benthamiana coupled to untargeted LC‐MS to identify candidate binding ligands. We optimized this method using ABA–PYL interactions and show that ABA co‐purifies with wild‐type PYL5 but not a binding site mutant. The Kd of PYL5 for ABA is 1.1 μm, which suggests that the method has sufficient sensitivity for many ligand–protein interactions. Using this method, we surveyed a set of 37 START domain‐related proteins, which resulted in the identification of ligands that co‐purified with MLBP1 (At4G01883) or MLP165 (At1G35260). Metabolite identification and the use of authentic standards revealed that MLBP1 binds to monolinolenin, which we confirmed using recombinant MLBP1. Monolinolenin also co‐purified with MLBP1 purified from transgenic Arabidopsis, demonstrating that the interaction occurs in a native context. Thus, deployment of this relatively simple method allowed us to define a protein–metabolite interaction and better understand protein–ligand interactions in plants.
In situ transcriptomic and metabolomic study of the loss of photosynthesis in the leaves of mixotrophic plants exploiting fungi
Authors: Lallemand Félix , Martin‐Magniette Marie‐Laure , Gilard Françoise , Gakière Bertrand , Launay‐Avon Alexandra , Delannoy Étienne , Selosse Marc‐André 
Published: February 2019

SummaryMycoheterotrophic plants have lost photosynthesis and obtain carbon through mycorrhizal fungi colonizing their roots. They are likely to have evolved from mixotrophic ancestors, which rely on both photosynthesis and fungal carbon for their development. Whereas our understanding of the ecological and genomic changes associated with the evolutionary shift to mycoheterotrophy is deepening, little information is known about the specific metabolic and physiological features driving this evolution. We investigated this issue in naturally occurring achlorophyllous variants of temperate mixotrophic orchids. We carried out an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of the response to achlorophylly in the leaves of three mixotrophic species sampled in natura. Achlorophyllous leaves showed major impairment of their photosynthetic and mineral nutrition functions, strong accumulation of free amino acids, overexpression of enzymes and transporters related to sugars, amino acids and fatty acid catabolism, as well as induction of some autophagy‐related and biotic stress genes. Such changes were reminiscent of these reported for variegated leaves and appeared to be symptomatic of a carbon starvation response. Rather than decisive metabolic innovations, we suggest that the evolution towards mycoheterotrophy in orchids is more likely to be reliant on the versatility of plant metabolism and an ability to exploit fungal organic resources, especially amino acids, to replace missing photosynthates.
Neuronal Ca2+ signalling at rest and during spontaneous neurotransmission
Authors: Kavalali Ege T. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAction potential driven neuronal signalling drives several electrical and biochemical processes in the nervous system. However, neurons can maintain synaptic communication and signalling under resting conditions independently of activity. Importantly, these processes are regulated by Ca2+ signals that occur at rest. Several studies have suggested that opening of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels near resting membrane potentials, activation of NMDA receptors in the absence of depolarization or Ca2+ release from intracellular stores can drive neurotransmitter release as well as subsequent signalling in the absence of action potentials. Interestingly, recent studies have demonstrated that manipulation of resting neuronal Ca2+ signalling yielded pronounced homeostatic synaptic plasticity, suggesting a critical role for this resting form of signalling in regulation of synaptic efficacy and neuronal homeostasis. Given their robust impact on synaptic efficacy and neuronal signalling, neuronal resting Ca2+ signals warrant further mechanistic analysis that includes the potential role of store‐operated Ca2+ entry in these processes.
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Establishment of a thalassaemia major quality improvement collaborative in Pakistan
Authors: Hoodbhoy Zahra , Ehsan Lubaina , Alvi Najveen , Sajjad Fatimah , Asghar Aleezay , Nadeem Omair , Qidwai Asim , Hussain Shabneez , Hasan Erum , Altaf Sadaf , Kirmani Salman , Hasan Babar S 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to establish multidisciplinary care for patients with transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (TDT) by creating a TDT quality improvement (QI) collaborative in a resource-constrained setting. This study presents our initial experience of creating this collaborative, the baseline characteristics of the participants, the proposed QI interventions and the outcome metrics of the collaborative.Design and settingTDT QI collaborative is a database comprising patients with TDT from four centres in Karachi, Pakistan. Study variables included symptoms of cardiac or endocrine dysfunction, physical examination including anthropometry and Tanner staging, chelation therapy, results of echocardiography, T2* cardiac MRI (CMR) and serum ferritin. The main outcome of this collaborative was improvement in TDT-related morbidity and mortality. Interventions addressing the key drivers of outcome were designed and implemented.ResultsAt the time of reporting, the total number of patients in this database was 295. Most patients reported cardiac symptoms corresponding to New York Heart Association class 2. Approximately half (52%, n=153) of the patients demonstrated severe myocardial iron overload (T2* <10 ms). Majority of the patients (58%, n=175) were not on adequate chelation therapy. There was no difference in echocardiographic measures of systolic and diastolic left ventricle among the different spectrums of iron overloaded myocardium.ConclusionUsing T2* CMR and endocrine testing, we have identified significant burden of iron siderosis in our patients with TDT. Lack of adequate iron load assessment and standardised management was observed. Interventions designed to target these key drivers of outcome are the unique part of this QI-based TDT registry.
Effects of chronic exercise interventions on executive function among children and adolescents: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Xue Yue , Yang Yanxiang , Huang Tao 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo synthesise randomised controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effects of chronic exercise interventions on different domain-specific executive functions (EFs) among children and adolescents.DesignSystematic review with meta-analysis.Data sourcesPsycINFO, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Premier, Embase and Web of Science were searched.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesRCTs or cluster RCT design, which employ chronic exercise interventions and target healthy children (age 6–12 years) and adolescents (age 13–17 years). We defined chronic exercise as physical activity (PA) which consists of multiple exercise sessions per week and lasts for an extended period of time (typically over 6 weeks).ResultsWe included 19 studies, with a total of 5038 participants. The results showed that chronic exercise interventions improved overall EFs (standardised mean difference (SMD)=0.20, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.30, p<0.05) and inhibitory control (SMD=0.26, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.45, P<0.05). In meta regression, higher body mass index was associated with greater improvements in overall EFs performance (β=0.03, 95% CI 0.0002 to 0.06, p<0.05), whereas age and exercise duration were not. In subgroup analysis by intervention modality, sports and PA programme (SMD=0.21, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.31, p<0.05) and curricular PA (SMD=0.39, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.69, p<0.05) improved overall EFs performance, but integrated PA did not (SMD=0.02, 95% CI −0.05 to 0.09, p>0.05). Interventions with a session length < 90 minutes improved overall EFs performance (SMD=0.24, 95%CI 0.10 to 0.39, p=0.02), but session length ≥ 90 minutes did not (SMD=0.05, 95%CI -0.03 to 0.14). No other moderator was found to have an effect.ConclusionsDespite small effect sizes, chronic exercise interventions, implemented in curricular or sports and PA programme settings, might be a promising way to promote multiple aspects of executive functions, especially inhibitory control.
Loss of patellofemoral cartilage thickness over 5 years following ACL injury depends on the initial treatment strategy: results from the KANON trial
Authors: Culvenor Adam G , Eckstein Felix , Wirth Wolfgang , Lohmander L Stefan , Frobell Richard 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate changes in patellofemoral cartilage thickness over 5 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and to determine the impact of treatment strategy.Methods121 adults (ages 18–35 years, 26% women) had an ACL injury and participated in the KANON randomised controlled trial. Of those, 117 had available MRIs at baseline (<4 weeks post-ACL rupture) and at least one follow-up measurement (2, 5 years). Patellofemoral cartilage thickness was analysed by manual segmentation (blinded to acquisition order). Patellar, trochlear and total patellofemoral cartilage thickness changes were compared between as-randomised (rehabilitation+early ACL reconstruction (ACLR) (n=59) vs rehabilitation+optional delayed ACLR (n=58)) and as-treated groups (rehabilitation+early ACLR (n=59) vs rehabilitation +delayed ACLR (n=29) vs rehabilitation alone (n=29)).ResultsPatellofemoral cartilage thickness decreased −58 µm (95% CI −104 to –11 µm) over 5 years post-ACL rupture, with the greatest loss observed in trochlea during the first 2 years. Participants randomised to rehabilitation+early ACLR had significantly greater loss of patellar cartilage thickness compared with participants randomised to rehabilitation+optional delayed ACLR over the first 2 years (−25 µm (−52, 1 µm) vs +14 µm (−6 to 34 µm), p=0.02) as well as over 5 years (−36 µm (−78 to 5 µm) vs +18 µm (−7, 42 µm), p=0.02). There were no statistically significant differences in patellofemoral cartilage thickness changes between as-treated groups.ConclusionPatellofemoral (particularly trochlear) cartilage thickness loss was observed in young adults following acute ACL rupture. Early ACLR was associated with greater patellofemoral (particularly patellar) cartilage thickness loss over 5 years compared with optional delayed ACLR, indicating that early surgical intervention may be associated with greater short-term structural patellofemoral cartilage deterioration compared with optional delayed surgery.Trial registration numberISRCTN84752559; Post-results.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in UK civilians with traumatic brain injury: an observational study of TBI clinic attendees to estimate PTSD prevalence and its relationship with radiological markers of brain injury severity
Authors: Qureshi Kasim L , Upthegrove Rachel , Toman Emma , Sawlani Vijay , Davies David James , Belli Antonio 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a large civilian population with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to assess whether brain injury severity is correlated with PTSD symptoms.DesignObservational, cross-sectional study.Setting and participantsOutpatient clinic in a major UK trauma centre and secondary care hospital. Estimates of PTSD prevalence are based on 171 sampled individuals attending TBI clinic within an 18-month period. Analysis of the relationship between TBI severity and PTSD was performed on the subset of 127 patients for whom injury severity data were also available.MethodsCivilian TBI clinic attendees completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing PTSD (PTSD Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C)) and other psychiatric symptoms. From this, the prevalence of PTSD was estimated in our cohort. Postresuscitation Glasgow Coma Score and Marshall grade on CT brain scan were recorded as indicators of brain injury severity. A hierarchical regression explored whether TBI severity may predict PTSD scores.ResultsA high prevalence of PTSD was estimated (21% with PCL-C score >50). Higher Marshall grading displayed a slight negative correlation with PTSD symptoms. This statistically significant relationship persisted after confounding factors such as depression and postconcussion symptoms were controlled for.ConclusionsPTSD and TBI frequently coexist, share antecedents and overlap in their resultant symptoms. This complexity has given rise to conflicting hypotheses about relationships between the two. This research reveals that PTSD is common in civilians with TBI (adding to evidence drawn from military populations). The analysis indicated that more severe brain injury may exert a slight protective influence against the development of PTSD—potentially by disrupting implicit access to traumatic memories, or via overlapping neuropsychiatric symptoms that impede diagnosis. The association suggests that further research is warranted to explore the reuse of routine clinical and neuroimaging data—investigating its potential to predict risk of psychiatric morbidity.
Implementation of the WHO manual for Robson classification: an example from Sri Lanka using a local database for developing quality improvement recommendations
Authors: Senanayake Hemantha , Piccoli Monica , Valente Emanuelle Pessa , Businelli Caterina , Mohamed Rishard , Fernando Roshini , Sakalasuriya Anshumalie , Ihsan Fathima Reshma , Covi Benedetta , Wanzira Humphrey , Lazzerini Marzia 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesThis study aimed at describing the use of a prospective database on hospital deliveries for analysing caesarean section (CS) practices according to the WHO manual for Robson classification, and for developing recommendations for improving the quality of care (QoC).DesignObservational study.SettingUniversity Obstetric Unit at De Soysa Hospital for Women, the largest maternity unit in Sri Lanka.Data collection and analysisFor each childbirth, 150 variables were routinely collected in a standardised form and entered into a database. Data were routinely monitored for ensuring quality. Information on deliveries occurring from July 2015 to June 2017 were analysed according the WHO Robson classification manual. Findings were discussed internally to develop quality improvement recommendations.Results7504 women delivered in the hospital during the study period and at least one maternal or fetal pathological condition was reported in 2845 (37.9%). The CS rate was 30.0%, with 11.9% CS being performed prelabour. According to the Robson classification, Group 3 and Group 1 were the most represented groups (27.0% and 23.1% of population, respectively). The major contributors to the CS rate were group 5 (29.6%), group 1 (14.0%), group 2a (13.3%) and group 10 (11.5%). The most commonly reported indications for CS included abnormal cardiotocography/suspected fetal distress, past CS and failed progress of labour or failed induction. These suggested the need for further discussion on CS practices. Overall, 18 recommendations were agreed on. Besides updating protocols and hands-on training, activities agreed on included monitoring and supervision, criterion-based audits, risk management meetings and appropriate information for patients, and recommendations to further improve the quality of data.ConclusionsThis study provides an example on how the WHO manual for Robson classification can be used in an action-oriented manner for developing recommendations for improving the QoC, and the quality of data collected.
Large-bore aspiration catheter selection does not influence reperfusion or outcome after manual aspiration thrombectomy
Authors: Tonetti Daniel A , Desai Shashvat M , Casillo Stephanie , Zussman Benjamin M , Brown Merritt W , Jadhav Ashutosh P , Jankowitz Brian Thomas , Jovin Tudor G , Gross Bradley A 
Published: February 2019

IntroductionVarious large-bore catheters can be employed for manual aspiration thrombectomy (MAT); clinical differences are rarely explored.MethodsProspectively collected demographic, angiographic, and clinical data for patients with acute internal carotid artery, middle cerebral artery M1, or basilar occlusions undergoing MAT over 23 months at a comprehensive stroke center were reviewed. We excluded patients in stentriever-based randomized trials/registries. The four most commonly utilized aspiration catheters were analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the effect of primary aspiration catheter choice on first-pass success, final reperfusion, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days.ResultsOf 464 large vessel thrombectomies, 180 were performed via MAT on the first pass with one of four catheters. First-pass success was achieved in 42% of cases overall; this rate did not differ significantly between catheters: 50% for Sofia, 45% for CAT6, 40% for 0.072 inch Navien, and 36% for ACE68, p=0.67. Final Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b or 3 reperfusion was achieved in 94% of cases overall: 97% of cases with CAT6, 95% with Sofia, 92% with Navien, and 92% with ACE68, p=0.70. Mean number of passes for index thrombus (2.0 overall), median procedure time (32 min overall), 90-day good outcome (mRS 0–2, mean 36%), and 90-day mortality (mean 27%) did not differ significantly between patients treated with different initial catheters.ConclusionAmong large-bore aspiration catheters, catheter selection is not an independent predictor of first-pass success, final reperfusion, or clinical outcome.
Non-relativistic limit analysis of the Chandrasekhar–Thorne relativistic Euler equations with physical vacuum
Authors: Mai La-Su , Li Hai-Liang , Marcati Pierangelo 
Published: February 2019

Our results provide a first step to make the formal analysis rigorous in terms of [Formula: see text] proposed by Chandrasekhar [S. Chandrasekhar, The post-Newtonian equations of hydrodynamics in general relativity, Astrophys. J. 142 (1965) 1488–1512; S. Chandrasekhar, post-Newtonian equations of hydrodynamics and the stability of gaseous masses in general relativity, Phys. Rev. Lett. 14 (1965) 241–244], motivated by the methods of Einstein, Infeld and Hoffmann, see Thorne [K. S. Thorne, The general-relativistic theory of stellar structure and dynamics, in Proc. Int. School of Physics “Enrico Fermi,” Course XXXV, at Varenna, Italy, July 12–24, 1965, ed. L. Gratton (Academic Press, 1966), pp. 166–280]. We consider the non-relativistic limit for the local smooth solutions to the free boundary value problem of the cylindrically symmetric relativistic Euler equations when the mass energy density includes the vacuum states at the free boundary. For large enough (rescaled) speed of light [Formula: see text] and suitably small time [Formula: see text] we obtain uniform, with respect to [Formula: see text] “a priori” estimates for the local smooth solutions. Moreover, the smooth solutions of the cylindrically symmetric relativistic Euler equations converge to the solutions of the classical compressible Euler equation at the rate of order [Formula: see text].
A NEW APPROACH FOR CLASSIFICATION OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS OF COMMON CAROTID ARTERY FROM ULTRASOUND IMAGES
Authors: SMITHA B. , JOSEPH K. PAUL 
Published: February 2019

Background and objectives: The diagnosis of carotid atherosclerosis is of vital importance, as this cardiovascular disease may cause myocardial infarction. One-third of deaths in the world occur due to myocardial infarction, commonly known as heart attack. Atherosclerosis is deposition of plaque in artery wall. It could be detected from the features of intima-media complex of the artery wall. This study proposes a new classification approach to distinguish between symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques using non-invasive carotid B-mode ultrasound images. These two types of plaques have diverse impacts on human life. In the first condition, slowly plaque formation reaches life-threatening condition and the second condition is acute in nature. Hence treatment protocol is to be decided based on the type of plaque. Methods: To locate the intima-media-complex region, the images are segmented using snake-based segmentation algorithm. Several features are extracted using fixed size blocks selected from the segmented region using gray-level co-occurrence matrix. Finally classification is performed using support vector machine. Results: The performance shows improvement in accuracy using lesser number of features than previous works. The reduction in feature size is achieved by incorporating segmentation in the pre-processing stage. In the classifier, 10-fold cross-validation protocol is used for training and testing and an accuracy of 100% is obtained. Conclusion: This proposed technique could work as an adjunct tool in quick decision-making for cardiologists and radiologists.
Metamorphic constraints on the tectonic evolution of the High Himalaya in Nepal: the art of the possible
Authors: Waters David J. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

This review presents an objective account of metamorphic, microstructural and geochronological studies in the Greater Himalayan Sequence (GHS) and adjacent units in Nepal in the light of recent research. The importance of integrated, multidisciplinary studies is highlighted. A personal view is presented of strategies for determining pressure–temperature evolution, and of petrological processes at the micro scale, particularly in relation to departures from equilibrium and the behaviour of partially-melted rock systems. Evidence has accumulated for the existence within the GHS of a High Himalayan Discontinuity, marked by differences in timing of peak metamorphism in the hanging wall and footwall, and changes in
P–T
gradients and paths. Whether or not this is a single continuous horizon, it forms at each location the lower boundary to a migmatitic zone capable of ductile flow, and separates the GHS into an upper division in which channel flow may have operated in the interval 25–18 Ma, and a lower division characterized by an inverted metamorphic gradient, and by metamorphic ages that decrease downsection and are best explained by sequential accretion of footwall slices between 20 and 6 Ma. An overall model for extrusion of the GHS is still not resolved.