bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From the outer space to the inner cell: deconvoluting the complexity of
Bacillus subtilis
disulfide stress responses by redox state and absolute abundance quantification of extracellular, membrane, and cytosolic proteins
Authors: Ferrero-Bordera Borja , Bartel Jürgen , van Dijl Jan Maarten , Becher Dörte , Maaß Sandra 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Understanding cellular mechanisms of stress management relies on omics data as a valuable resource. However, the lack of absolute quantitative data on protein abundances remains a significant limitation, particularly when comparing protein abundances across different cell compartments. In this study, we aimed to gain deeper insights into the proteomic responses of the Gram-positive model bacterium
Bacillus subtilis
to disulfide stress. We determined proteome-wide absolute abundances, focusing on different sub-cellular locations (cytosol and membrane) as well as the extracellular medium, and combined these data with redox state determination. To quantify secreted proteins in the culture medium, we developed a simple and straightforward protocol for the absolute quantification of extracellular proteins in bacteria. We concentrated extracellular proteins, which are highly diluted in the medium, using StrataClean beads along with a set of standard proteins to determine the extent of the concentration step. The resulting data set provides new insights into protein abundances in different sub-cellular compartments and the extracellular medium, along with a comprehensive proteome-wide redox state determination. Our study offers a quantitative understanding of disulfide stress management, protein production, and secretion in
B. subtilis
.

IMPORTANCE

Stress responses play a crucial role in bacterial survival and adaptation. The ability to quantitatively measure protein abundances and redox states in different cellular compartments and the extracellular environment is essential for understanding stress management mechanisms. In this study, we addressed the knowledge gap regarding absolute quantification of extracellular proteins and compared protein concentrations in various sub-cellular locations and in the extracellular medium under disulfide stress conditions. Our findings provide valuable insights into the protein production and secretion dynamics of
B. subtilis
, shedding light on its stress response strategies. Furthermore, the developed protocol for absolute quantification of extracellular proteins in bacteria presents a practical and efficient approach for future studies in the field. Overall, this research contributes to the quantitative understanding of stress management mechanisms and protein dynamics in
B. subtilis
, which can be used to enhance bacterial stress tolerance and protein-based biotechnological applications.
High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin versus albumin 4% in paediatric toxic shock syndrome: a randomised controlled feasibility study
Authors: Portefaix Aurélie , Dhelens Carole , Recher Morgan , Cour-Andlauer Fleur , Naudin Jérôme , Mortamet Guillaume , Joram Nicolas , Tissières Pierre , Ginhoux Tiphanie , Kassai Behrouz , Boutitie Florent , Maucort-Boulch Delphine , Javouhey Etienne 
Published: February 2024

PurposeToxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare disease responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IG) therapy in paediatric TSS could improve shock and organ failure, but more consistent efficacy and safety data are needed. Our objective was to determine whether a randomised clinical trial (RCT) assessing intravenous IG in TSS in children is feasible.MethodsWe performed a multicentre, feasibility, double-blind RCT assessing efficacy of high-dose intravenous IG versus albumin 4% (control group) within the first 12 hours of shock onset. Included patients were aged above 1 month and below 18 years with suspected TSS and septic shock. Feasibility was assessed by measuring inclusion rate, protocol compliance and missing data regarding death and the Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 (PELOD-2) Score. Other secondary clinical outcomes were evaluated during hospital stay, at 60 day and 1 year.Results28 patients, admitted in 6 paediatric intensive care units during 36 consecutive months and followed for 1 year, received the allocated treatment: 13 in intravenous IG group, 15 in control group. The median age was 10.6 years and the sex ratio was 1. Inclusion rate was above 50%, protocol deviations were below 30% and missing data regarding death and PELOD-2 Score below 10%. No difference concerning secondary clinical outcomes between groups was observed, and more adverse events were reported in the control group.ConclusionIt seems to be feasible to conduct an RCT assessing intravenous IG efficacy and safety in paediatric TSS but must be realised internationally, with choice of a clinically relevant endpoint and a specific design in order to be realistic.Trial registration numberNCT02219165.
Metabolic control and incidence of hypoglycaemia, hospitalisation and complications among Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes initiating second-line therapy: an analysis of the Saudi Arabia data from the DISCOVER Observational Study programme
Authors: Al Rubeaan Khalid , Banah Faisal , Alruwaily Fayez G , Sheshah Eman , Alnaqeb Dhekra , AlQahtani Awad M , Ewais Diaa , Al Juhani Nassr , Hassan Abdul-Hameed , Youssef Amira M 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesThe aim of the global DISCOVERing Treatment Reality of Type 2 Diabetes in Real World Settings (DISCOVER) Study was to provide a comprehensive real world assessment of the treatment pattern changes for patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this analysis was to assess the metabolic control and the annual incidence of hypoglycaemia, hospitalisation and complications among Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes initiating second-line therapy.DesignThis study is part of the observational, longitudinal, prospective multinational DISCOVER Study.SettingGovernmental and private health sectors from different regions within Saudi Arabia.ParticipantsThe study recruited 519 patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≥18 years who were switching to second-line therapy. Patients who were already using insulin/injectable agents, patients with type 1 diabetes, pregnant women, and patients undergoing dialysis or with a history of renal transplantation were excluded.Primary and secondary outcome measuresMetabolic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; fear of hypoglycaemia; quality of life; and the incidence of complications, hypoglycaemic events and/or hospitalisations. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsA total of 519 patients were recruited with a mean age of 52.4±11 years. Of these participants, 54.7% were male and 45.3% were female. The incidence of hypoglycaemia was 56.72/1000 patient-years. The Hypoglycemia Fear Survey II showed a significant increase in patient worry related to hypoglycaemia from 6.4±11.9 at baseline to (p=0.0446) at the 36-month follow-up. The incidence of hospitalisation was 30.81/1000 patient-years. There was a moderate improvement in glycaemic control, represented as an HbA1c reduction from 8.8% at baseline to 8.2% at the 36-month follow-up. The incidence of macroangiopathy was 24.51/1000 patient-years and the incidence of microvascular complications such as retinopathy and albuminuria was 47.00/1000 patient-years and 221.71/1000 patient-years, respectively. The mean score of fear of hypoglycaemia showed an increase with 13.0±21.5 at baseline to 16.1±22.2 at the 36-month follow-up. When assessing the patients’ quality of life, there was an improvement in the mental component score from 47.4±9.1 at baseline to 53.0±6.7 at the 36-month follow-up.ConclusionsTreatment intensification decisions should be made individually, weighing the benefit of good glycaemic control against the risk of hypoglycaemia.Trial registration numberNCT02322762 and NCT02226822.
Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to determine the efficacy of an intensive seated postural intervention delivered with robotic and rigid trunk support systems
Authors: Santamaria Victor , Ai Xupeng , Chin Karen , Dutkowsky Joseph P , Gordon Andrew M , Agrawal Sunil K 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionChildren with cerebral palsy (CP) classified as gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels III–IV demonstrate impaired sitting and reaching control abilities that hamper their overall functional performance. Yet, efficacious interventions for improving sitting-related activities are scarce. We recently designed a motor learning-based intervention delivered with a robotic Trunk-Support-Trainer (TruST-intervention), in which we apply force field technology to individualise sitting balance support. We propose a randomised controlled trial to test the efficacy of the motor intervention delivered with robotic TruST compared with a static trunk support system.Methods and analysisWe will recruit 82 participants with CP, GMFCS III–IV, and aged 6–17 years. Randomisation using concealed allocation to either the TruST-support or static trunk-support intervention will be conducted using opaque-sealed envelopes prepared by someone unrelated to the study. We will apply an intention-to-treat protocol. The interventions will consist of 2 hours/sessions, 3/week, for 4 weeks. Participants will start both interventions with pelvic strapping. In the TruST-intervention, postural task progression will be implemented by a progressive increase of the force field boundaries and then by removing the pelvic straps. In the static trunk support-intervention, we will progressively lower the trunk support and remove pelvic strapping. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, training midpoint, 1-week postintervention, and 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes will include the modified functional reach test, a kinematic evaluation of sitting workspace, and the Box and Block test. Secondary outcomes will include The Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control test, Seated Postural & Reaching Control test, Gross Motor Function Measure-Item Set, Canadian Occupational Performance Outcome, The Participation and Environment Measure and Youth, and postural and reaching kinematics.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Columbia University Institutional Review Board (AAAS7804). This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (1R01HD101903-01) and is registered at clinicaltrials.gov.Trial registration numberNCT04897347; clinicaltrials.gov.
Study of How Adiposity in Pregnancy has an Effect on outcomeS (SHAPES): protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Heslehurst Nicola , Vinogradov Raya , Nguyen Giang T , Bigirumurame Theophile , Teare Dawn , Hayes Louise , Lennie Susan C , Murtha Victoria , Tothill Rebecca , Smith Janine , Allotey John , Vale Luke 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionMaternal obesity increases the risk of multiple maternal and infant pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Current UK guidelines use body mass index (BMI) to identify which women require additional care due to increased risk of complications. However, BMI may not accurately predict which women will develop complications during pregnancy as it does not determine amount and distribution of adipose tissue. Some adiposity measures (eg, waist circumference, ultrasound measures of abdominal visceral fat) can better identify where body fat is stored, which may be useful in predicting those women who need additional care.Methods and analysisThis prospective cohort study (SHAPES, Study of How Adiposity in Pregnancy has an Effect on outcomeS) aims to evaluate the prognostic performance of adiposity measures (either alone or in combination with other adiposity, sociodemographic or clinical measures) to estimate risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women (n=1400) will be recruited at their first trimester ultrasound scan (11+2–14+1weeks’) at Newcastle upon Tyne National Health Service Foundation Trust, UK. Early pregnancy adiposity measures and clinical and sociodemographic data will be collected. Routine data on maternal and infant pregnancy outcomes will be collected from routine hospital records. Regression methods will be used to compare the different adiposity measures with BMI in terms of their ability to predict pregnancy complications. If no individual measure performs better than BMI, multivariable models will be developed and evaluated to identify the most parsimonious model. The apparent performance of the developed model will be summarised using calibration, discrimination and internal validation analyses.Ethics and disseminationEthical favourable opinion has been obtained from the North East: Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee (REC reference: 22/NE/0035). All participants provide informed consent to take part in SHAPES. Planned dissemination includes peer-reviewed publications and additional dissemination appropriate to target audiences, including policy briefs for policymakers, media/social-media coverage for public and conferences for researchTrial registration numberISRCTN82185177.
Development of clinically meaningful quality indicators for contemporary lung cancer care, and piloting and evaluation in a retrospective cohort; experiences of the Embedding Research (and Evidence) in Cancer Healthcare (EnRICH) Program
Authors: Brown Bea , Galpin Kirsty , Simes John , Boyer Michael , Brown Chris , Chin Venessa , Young Jane 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesLung cancer continues to be the most common cause of cancer-related death and the leading cause of morbidity and burden of disease across Australia. There is an ongoing need to identify and reduce unwarranted clinical variation that may contribute to these poor outcomes for patients with lung cancer. An Australian national strategy acknowledges clinical quality outcome data as a critical component of a continuously improving healthcare system but there is a need to ensure clinical quality indicators adequately measure evidence-based contemporary care, including novel and emerging treatments. This study aimed to develop a suite of lung cancer-specific, evidence-based, clinically acceptable quality indicators to measure quality of care and outcomes, and an associated comparative feedback dashboard to provide performance data to clinicians and hospital administrators.DesignA multistage modified Delphi process was undertaken with a Clinical Advisory Group of multidisciplinary lung cancer specialists, with patient representation, to update and prioritise potential indicators of lung cancer care derived from a targeted review of published literature and reports from national and international lung cancer quality registries. Quality indicators were piloted and evaluated with multidisciplinary teams in a retrospective observational cohort study using clinical audit data from the Embedding Research (and Evidence) in Cancer Healthcare Program, a prospective clinical cohort of over 2000 patients with lung cancer diagnosed from May 2016 to October 2021.Setting and participantsSix tertiary specialist cancer centres in metropolitan and regional New South Wales, Australia.ResultsFrom an initial 37 potential quality indicators, a final set of 10 indicators spanning diagnostic, treatment, quality of life and survival domains was agreed.ConclusionsThese indicators build on and update previously available measures of lung cancer care and outcomes in use by national and international lung cancer clinical quality registries which, to our knowledge, have not been recently updated to reflect the changing lung cancer treatment paradigm.
Investigating experiences of people with advanced breast or lung cancer in their natural context: protocol for an experience sampling study
Authors: Geeraerts Joran , Pivodic Lara , De Nooijer Kim , Naert Eline , Crombez Geert , De Ridder Mark , Van den Block Lieve 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionPeople with advanced cancer can experience a wide range of multidimensional symptoms or concerns, but little is known about when and how these fluctuate in daily life. Experience sampling methods (ESMs) involve repeated self-reports in people’s natural contexts aimed at uncovering everyday life experiences. ESM has limited recall bias and good ecological validity but might be burdensome to patients. This study aims to pretest and evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of a validated ESM and use it to explore everyday experiences of people living with advanced breast or lung cancer.Methods and analysisIn step 1, we will optimise our ESM method by pretesting it through usability interviews and a pilot ESM study. In step 2, we will evaluate and use the ESM method through an observational ESM study to investigate the daily experiences of people with advanced breast or lung cancer. Step 2 also includes interviews with healthcare professionals to determine the clinical utility of ESM in oncology. Participants will complete a digital questionnaire ten times per day, measuring momentary experiences in the physical, psychological, social, spiritual-existential domains and context. Multilevel regression models will analyse fluctuations and temporal relations among measured experiences and context. Analyses also include evaluation of compliance and participation rates. We will apply content analysis to the usability interviews and follow-up interviews of the pilot ESM study.Ethics and disseminationWe obtained approval from the ethics committees of the University Hospitals of Brussels (BUN: 1432023000043) and Ghent (ONZ-2023-0136). Results will be published in open-access, peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. If ESM appears feasible in this population, it could offer new insights into the daily experiences and help optimise support for people with advanced cancer.
Rates of visual field change and functional progression in glaucoma following trabecular microbypass implantation of iStent technologies: a meta-analysis
Authors: Gillmann Kevin , Hornbeak Dana M 
Published: February 2024

Background/aimWhile intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma progression, the ultimate goal of glaucoma management is to preserve patients’ functional vision and quality of life. To this end, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGSs) aim to reduce IOP with minimal eye trauma. Commonly used MIGS devices include iStent technologies, which have well-documented IOP-reducing potential and favourable safety profiles. However, no study concluded on their effect on the rates of visual field (VF) changes. The aim of this meta-analysis is to determine the long-term effect of iStent technology implantation on glaucoma functional progression.MethodsElectronic medical literature databases were searched to identify studies reporting on iStent technologies. Reports with follow-up durations <12 months, retention rates <75% and missing VF data were excluded. Fifteen studies reporting on 1115 eyes were identified. The overall weighted mean VF mean deviation (MD) progression, IOP reduction and follow-up duration were calculated.ResultsWeighted mean IOP at baseline was 19.0±3.1 mm Hg. At the end of a 37.9-month mean follow-up (range 12–96 months), a weighted mean 26.6% IOP reduction was achieved (range 15.2%–42.3%). Over the same duration, the weighted mean VF MD progression rate was −0.02±0.34 dBs/year, from a mean baseline of −5.76±5.68 dBs.ConclusionIn this review, which examines functional stability of 1115 eyes, iStent technologies achieved a mean rate of progression of −0.024 dBs/year with serial standard automated perimetry, which is similar to that reported in non-glaucomatous eyes and slower than that reported in medically treated glaucoma.
Athletes who have already experienced an injury are more prone to adhere to an injury risk reduction approach than those who do not: an online survey of 7870 French athletics (track and field) athletes
Authors: Edouard Pascal , Sorg Marine , Martin Simon , Verhagen Evert , Ruffault Alexis 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo compare the perception towards injury risk reduction approach between athletes who have already experienced an injury and those who have not.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using a one-time online survey asking athletics athletes licensed at the French Federation of Athletics (http://www.athle.fr) about their perceptions regarding injuries and injury risk reduction behaviours. We statistically compared athletes who already experienced an injury and those who did not.ResultsA total of 7870 athletes were included. 90% of athletes declared having experienced at least one injury. They (1) were proportionally more men than women, (2) had significantly more years of experience in athletics, (3) had a significant difference in disciplines (more hurdles, jumps and combined events and fewer sprint athletes), (4) had a significant difference in competition levels (more national and less departmental levels) and (5) reported significantly higher values or agreements in favour of injury risk reduction approach, compared with uninjured athletes. There were significantly more athletes declaring following injury risk reduction programmes among athletes who experienced at least one injury than those who did not.ConclusionsAthletes who experienced at least one injury during their lifetime were more prone to adhere to injury risk reduction strategies than athletes who have never experienced an injury. Their entourage (coaches and health professionals) should use this fertile ground to implement injury risk reduction strategies. In addition, their experience should be disseminated to uninjured athletes to help them adhere to injury risk reduction without injury experience.
Legionnaires’ disease in transportation, construction and other occupations in 39 US jurisdictions, 2014–2016
Authors: Harduar Morano Laurel , Morawski Bozena M , Herzig Carolyn T A , Edens Chris , Barskey Albert E , Luckhaupt Sara E 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundCertain workers are at increased risk for acquiring Legionnaires’ disease compared with other workers. This study aims to identify occupations at increased risk for acquiring Legionnaires’ disease.MethodsUsing data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Supplemental Legionnaires’ Disease Surveillance System, this study identified Legionnaires’ disease confirmed patients ≥16 years of age in 39 states with reported symptom onset during 2014–2016. Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) stratified by occupation group were calculated by comparing Legionnaires’ disease patients in an occupation group (eg, transportation) to those in all other occupation groups (eg, non-transportation).ResultsA total of 2553 patients had a known occupation group. The two occupations with the highest burden were transportation (N=287; IRR=2.11) and construction (N=269; IRR=1.82). Truck drivers comprised the majority (69.7%) of the transportation occupation group and construction labourers comprised almost half (49%) of the construction occupation group. The healthcare support occupation had the highest IRR (N=75; IRR=2.16).ConclusionTransportation and construction workers, who are generally not covered by guidance related to building water systems, have increased risk of Legionnaires’ disease compared with other workers. One hypothesised risk factor for truck drivers is the use of non-genuine windshield cleaner in their vehicles. A simple intervention is to use genuine windshield cleaner with bactericidal properties (ie, includes isopropanol/methanol) which can reduce the risk ofLegionellagrowth and transmission. To improve surveillance of Legionnaires’ disease and identification of similar exposures, the authors encourage the collection of occupation and industry information for all patients with Legionnaires’ disease.