bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The genetic and functional analysis of flavor in commercial tomato: the FLORAL4 gene underlies a QTL for floral aroma volatiles in tomato fruit
Authors: Tikunov Yury M. , Roohanitaziani Raana , Meijer‐Dekens Fien , Molthoff Jos , Paulo Joao , Finkers Richard , Capel Iris , Carvajal Moreno Fatima , Maliepaard Chris , Nijenhuis‐de Vries Mariska , Labrie Caroline W. , Verkerke Wouter , van Heusden Adriaan W. , van Eeuwijk Fred , Visser Richard G. F. , Bovy Arnaud G. 
Published: May 2020

SUMMARYTomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has become a popular model for genetic studies of fruit flavor in the last two decades. In this article we present a study of tomato fruit flavor, including an analysis of the genetic, metabolic and sensorial variation of a collection of contemporary commercial glasshouse tomato cultivars, followed by a validation of the associations found by quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of representative biparental segregating populations. This led to the identification of the major sensorial and chemical components determining fruit flavor variation and detection of the underlying QTLs. The high representation of QTL haplotypes in the breeders’ germplasm suggests that there is great potential for applying these QTLs in current breeding programs aimed at improving tomato flavor. A QTL on chromosome 4 was found to affect the levels of the phenylalanine‐derived volatiles (PHEVs) 2‐phenylethanol, phenylacetaldehyde and 1‐nitro‐2‐phenylethane. Fruits of near‐isogenic lines contrasting for this locus and in the composition of PHEVs significantly differed in the perception of fruity and rose‐hip‐like aroma. The PHEV locus was fine mapped, which allowed for the identification of FLORAL4 as a candidate gene for PHEV regulation. Using a gene‐editing‐based (CRISPR‐CAS9) reverse‐genetics approach, FLORAL4 was demonstrated to be the key factor in this QTL affecting PHEV accumulation in tomato fruit.
Blood transfusion safety in the country of Georgia: collateral benefit from a national hepatitis C elimination program
Authors: Bloch Evan M. , Kipiani Eteri , Shadaker Shaun , Alkhazashvili Maia , Gvinjilia Lia , Kuchuloria Tinatin , Chitadze Nazibrola , Keating Sheila M. , Gamkrelidze Amiran , Turdziladze Alexander , Getia Vladimer , Nasrullah Muazzam , Averhoff Francisco , Izoria Mariam , Skaggs Beth 
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUNDIn April 2015, the government of Georgia (country) initiated the worldʼs first national hepatitis C elimination program. An analysis of blood donor infectious screening data was conducted to inform a strategic plan to advance blood transfusion safety in Georgia.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSDescriptive analysis of blood donation records (2015‐2017) was performed to elucidate differences in demographics, donor type, remuneration status, and seroprevalence for infectious markers (hepatitis C virus antibody [anti‐HCV], human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], hepatitis B virus surface antigen [HBsAg], and Treponema pallidum). For regression analysis, final models included all variables associated with the outcome in bivariate analysis (chi‐square) with a p value of less than 0.05.RESULTSDuring 2015 to 2017, there were 251,428 donations in Georgia, representing 112,093 unique donors; 68.5% were from male donors, and 51.2% of donors were paid or replacement (friends or family of intended recipient). The overall seroprevalence significantly declined from 2015 to 2017 for anti‐HCV (2.3%‐1.4%), HBsAg (1.5%‐1.1%), and T. pallidum (1.1%‐0.7%) [p < 0.0001]; the decline was not significant for HIV (0.2%‐0.1%). Only 41.0% of anti‐HCV seropositive donors underwent additional testing to confirm viremia. Infectious marker seroprevalence varied by age, sex, and geography. In multivariable analysis, first‐time and paid donor status were associated with seropositivity for all four infectious markers.CONCLUSIONA decline during the study period in infectious markers suggests improvement in blood safety in Georgia. Areas that need further improvement are donor recruitment, standardization of screening and diagnostic follow‐up, quality assurance, and posttransfusion surveillance.
FcγR2B B2.4 haplotype predicts increased risk of red blood cell alloimmunization in sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Costa Neto Abel , Santos Flávia , Ribeiro Ingrid , Oliveira Valeria , Dezan Marcia , Kashima Simone , Covas Dimas , Pereira Alexandre , Fonseca Guilherme , Moreira Frederico , Krieger José , Gualandro Sandra , Rocha Vanderson , Mendrone Alfredo , Dinardo Carla L. 
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUNDRed blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization is an important transfusion complication which is prevalent among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Autoimmune diseases are a known risk factor for RBC alloimmunization, suggesting that autoimmunity and post‐transfusion alloantibody development occur through similar physiopathological pathways. Polymorphisms in the FcγR2B gene have already been associated with several autoimmune disorders and hypothetically could be associated with RBC alloimmunization. Our goal was to evaluate if important polymorphisms of FcγR2B have an impact on the risk of RBC alloimmunization among SCD patients.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis was a case–control study in which alloimmunized and non‐alloimmunized SCD patients were compared in terms of the genotype frequency of the FcγR2B polymorphisms ‐386G/C, ‐120 T/A, and 695C/T, genotyped through direct Sanger sequencing.RESULTSA total of 237 patients met the eligibility criteria, 120 cases (alloimmunized) and 117 controls (non‐alloimmunized). RBC alloimmunization was associated with female sex (p < 0.001), lifetime number of RBC units transfused (p = 0.002) and 120 T/A FcγR2B genotype (p = 0.031). The FcγR2B promoter region haplotype 2B.4 (386C120A) was positively associated with RBC alloimunization (p = 0.045). The logistic regression (LR) model identified female sex (OR 10.03, CI 95% 5.16‐19.49; p < 0.001) and FcγR2B 2B.4 haplotype (OR 4.55, CI95% 1.1118.65; p = 0.035) as independent predictors of RBC alloimmunization in SCD patients.CONCLUSIONSCD patients with the FcγR2B 2B.4 haplotype had over a fourfold higher risk for RBC alloimmunization. This highlights the role played by FcγR2B on RBC alloimmunization and may be helpful in identifying the immune responders.
Factors associated withEchinococcus multilocularisinfection in coyotes in southern Ontario
Authors: Kotwa Jonathon D. , Pearl David L. , Isaksson Mats , Jardine Claire M. , Berke Olaf , Mercer Nicola J. , Osterman‐Lind Eva , Peregrine Andrew S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEchinococcus multiloculariswas recently reported in wild canids across southern Ontario, a newly recognized endemic area in Canada. In such areas, a comprehensive understanding of factors associated with infection in definitive hosts (wild canids) is critical for mitigating risk of transmission to humans. However, little is known about the transmission dynamics of the parasite in definitive hosts for this region. A study was therefore carried out to investigate the association of host‐level (sex, body condition), environmental (southern Ontario region, land cover), temporal (season, hunting season, calendar year) and extraneous factors (submitter type) withE. multilocularisinfection in coyotes in southern Ontario. Between November 2015 and March 2017, 416 coyotes were collected from across the region as part of a study that investigated the prevalence and distribution of the parasite in wild canids; approximately 24% of coyotes were positive forE. multilocularis.Associations between infection and factors of interest were assessed via a mixed‐effects logistic regression model with a random intercept for submitter to account for clustering. Coyotes with poor body condition were at greater odds ofE. multilocularisinfection than those in good condition (odds ratio [OR] 2.14; 95% CI: 1.08–4.26;p = .030). A negative association was observed between infection in coyotes and the proportion of natural land in a coyote's estimated home range (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.52–0.85;p = .001). Coyotes from the western region of southern Ontario had lower odds of infection compared to coyotes from the central region (OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.12–0.55;p < .001). These results can be used to help guide future public health prevention strategies for human alveolar echinococcosis.
Nutrition students and mathematics: Competent but not confident
Authors: Clark Karin M , Cooke Audrey , James Anthony P , Halse Rhiannon E 
Published: May 2020

Aim: To assess skills, competence and disposition of nutrition students towards mathematics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, to assess the numeracy of undergraduate nutrition students enrolled in a level 2 biochemistry unit (n = 40). Primary outcome measures were evaluations of competence when answering discipline-specific questions and students’ confidence and perceived ease and disposition towards mathematics. Results: The majority of students were competent (mean diagnostic test score = 72%), with only four students scoring below the competence midpoint. However, many students reported low confidence and a high perception of difficulty, indicated by the majority of scores above the line of equality in self-confidence and ease of questions. Furthermore, 30% of students identified as having anxiety related to mathematical understanding and mathematical knowledge below the midpoint. Conclusions: Results showed a significant proportion of students were not confident with mathematics, despite being competent. Anxiety concerning knowledge and understanding was present in 30% of students. These findings are important for tailoring a numeracy support framework that specifically addresses confidence and disposition towards mathematics to ensure that students can succeed in the mathematical challenges inherent to their course and future nutrition career.
Discussion Paper: Social accountability for students in a machine learning era
Authors: Williams Logan Zane John , Grainger Rebecca 
Published: May 2020

Over the last 30 years, there have been repeated calls to integrate health informatics into undergraduate health professional curricula, in recognition of the integral role computing plays in medicine. The rise of big data sets in health, and the application of advanced computer algorithms to interrogate these, is yet another call for health professionals to receive appropriate training in these technologies. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can learn tasks or make decisions without a requirement for specific behaviours to be pre-programmed. High-impact literature has described ML approaches to clinical problems such as achieving more accurate and timely diagnoses, increasing precision of prognosis and guiding treatment. Despite the promise of ML in healthcare, there are risks of adverse outcomes, unanticipated consequences, misuse and even abuse of ML technologies. For health professionals to advocate for patients and hold those developing ML algorithms in healthcare accountable, they must feel comfortable discussing the fundamental concepts and limitations of ML in healthcare. Healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to identify problems that could be solved by ML and related technologies. Yet, there is inadequate coverage of ML, or of the wider field of health informatics, in most medical curricula. To create future health professionals who can advocate for positive change and ensure that patients remain at the centre of ML applications in healthcare, we must provide future health professionals with an understanding of how ML will change healthcare delivery and the doctor–patient dynamic, as well as new ethical challenges that arise with the digital healthcare revolution.
Stable and Unstable Load Carriage Effects on the Postural Control of Older Adults
Authors: Walsh Gregory S. , Low Daniel C. , Arkesteijn Marco 
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of backpack load carriage on quiet standing postural control and limits of stability (LOS) of older adults. Fourteen older adults (65 [6] y) performed quiet standing and a forward, right, and left LOS test in 3 conditions, unloaded, stable, and unstable backpack loads while activity of 4 leg muscles was recorded. Stable and unstable loads decreased postural sway (main effect , stable P < .001, unstable P < .001), mediolateral (main effect , stable P = .002, unstable P = .018) and anterior–posterior (main effect , stable P < .001, unstable P = .001) fractal dimension, and LOS distance (main effect , stable P = .011, unstable P = .046) compared with unloaded. Rectus femoris (main effect , stable P = .001, unstable P = .010) and gastrocnemius (main effect , unstable P = .027) activity increased in loaded conditions during LOS and quiet standing. Gastrocnemius–tibialis anterior coactivation was greater in unstable load than stable loaded quiet standing (main effect , P = .040). These findings suggest older adults adopt conservative postural control strategies minimizing the need for postural corrections in loaded conditions. Reduced LOS may also increase fall risk when carrying a load. However, there was no difference between unstable and stable loads for postural control variables.
Does Low-Level Laser Therapy Decrease Muscle-Damaging Mediators After Performance in Soccer Athletes Versus Sham Laser Treatment? A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Bettleyon Jordan , Kaminski Thomas W. 
Published: May 2020

Clinical Scenario: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a controversial topic for its use in athletic recovery, mainly due to inconsistency in research regarding the application of LLLT. Articles on LLLT have assessed its effectiveness in untrained humans through pain scales, functional scales, and blood draws, and it has been found capable in nonathletic rehabilitative use. The controversy lies with LLLT in the recovering athlete. Not only do athletes need to perform at high levels, but each sport is unique in the metabolic demands placed on the athletes’ bodies. This modality can alter chemical mediators of the inflammatory process, specifically blood lactate (BL) and creatine kinase (CK). During soccer contests, it is a common problem for athletes to have an average CK level of 800 U/L and BL of 8 mmol·L, increasing delayed-onset muscle soreness and fatigue. Micro-CK level elevation is associated with cellular membrane damage, localized hypoxia, and electrolyte imbalances, hindering the recovery process. Clinical Question: Does LLLT decrease muscle-damaging mediators effecting player fatigue and delayed-onset muscle soreness after performance in soccer athletes versus sham treatment? Summary of Key Findings: In 3 studies, preperformance, postperformance, or preperformance and postperformance LLLT was performed and evaluated BL (2 of 3) and CK (2 of 3). In each article, BL and CK showed a significant decrease (P < .05) when performed either preperformance or postperformance versus the control group. The greatest decrease in these mediators was noticed when postperformance laser therapy was performed. Clinical Bottom Line: LLLT at 10, 30, or 50 J performed at a minimum of 2 locations on the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis bilaterally for 10 seconds each is significant in decreasing blood serum levels of BL and CK when performed postexercise. Strength of Recommendations: All 3 articles obtained a Physiotherapy Evidence Database score of ≥8/10.
Correcting imbalance of sex hormones by a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor improves copulatory dysfunction in male rats with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Itoga Akiko , Zha Xinmin , Nagase Keiko , Aoki Yoshitaka , Ito Hideaki , Yokoyama Osamu 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionSexual dysfunction is a common complication in men with type 2 diabetes and is often refractory to treatment. This study investigated the long-term influence of the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5I) tadalafil on the level of sex hormones and sexual function in male Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats as an animal model of spontaneous type 2 diabetes.Research design and methodsWe treated 36-week-old male OLETF and non-diabetic Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats with oral tadalafil (100 µg/kg/day) for 12 weeks; sham groups received vehicle for 12 weeks. Before and after tadalafil treatment, serum levels of total and free testosterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone and proinflammatory cytokines were compared among four treatment groups. Copulatory function was examined by matching each rat to an estrous female. After completion of the experiment, total fat mass in the abdomen was measured.ResultsTestosterone levels were significantly lower in OLETF versus LETO rats at 36 weeks. After 12 weeks of tadalafil treatment, levels of testosterone were significantly increased both in OLETF-tadalafil and LETO-tadalafil groups versus vehicle groups. Tadalafil decreased estradiol levels both in OLETF and LETO rats. Furthermore, tadalafil increased serum LH levels with a reduction of proinflammatory cytokines. Total fat mass was significantly lower in the OLETF-tadalafil group versus the OLETF-vehicle group. A significant suppression of copulatory behavior, that is, elongation of intromission latency was found in OLETF rats. However, tadalafil treatment for 12 weeks shortened the intromission latency.ConclusionOur results indicate that tadalafil treatment might improve copulatory disorder in the type 2 diabetic model via improvement of an imbalance in sex hormones and an increase in LH levels.
SIRT1-dependent mechanisms and effects of resveratrol for amelioration of muscle wasting in NASH mice
Authors: Liu Chih-Wei , Huang Chia-Chang , Hsu Chien-Fu , Li Tzu-Hao , Tsai Yu-Lien , Lin Ming-Wei , Tsai Hung-Cheng , Huang Shiang-Fen , Yang Ying-Ying , Hsieh Yun-Cheng , Lee Tzung-Yan , Tsai Chang-Youh , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Hou Ming-Chih , Lin Han-Chieh 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundIn non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), muscle wasting was an aggravating factor for the progression of hepatic steatosis. This study explores the potential benefits of chronic treatment with resveratrol, a strong activator of SIRT1 on the muscle wasting of NASH mice.MethodsIn vivo and in vitro study, we evaluate the SIRT1-dependent mechanisms and effects of resveratrol administration for 6 weeks with high-fat-methionine and choline deficient diet-induced NASH mice and palmitate-pretreated C2C12 myoblast cells.ResultsResveratrol treatment improved grip strength and muscle mass of limbs, increased running distance and time on exercise wheels in NASH mice. There is a negative correlation between muscular SIRT1 activity and 3-nitrotyrosine levels of NASH and NASH-resv mice. The SIRT1-dependent effect of muscle wasting was associated with the suppression of oxidative stress, upregulation of antioxidants, inhibition of protein degradation, activation of autophagy, suppression of apoptotic activity, upregulation of lipolytic genes and the reduction of fatty infiltration in limb muscles of NASH mice. In vitro, resveratrol alleviated palmitate acid-induced oxidative stress, lipid deposition, autophagy dysfunction, apoptotic signals, and subsequently reduced fusion index and myotube formation of C2C12 cells. The beneficial effects of resveratrol were abolished by EX527.ConclusionsOur study suggests that chronic resveratrol treatment is a potential strategy for amelioration of hepatic steatosis and muscle wasting in NASH mouse model.
Diagnostic performance of a point-of-care saliva urea nitrogen dipstick to screen for kidney disease in low-resource settings where serum creatinine is unavailable
Authors: Evans Rhys D R , Hemmila Ulla , Mzinganjira Henry , Mtekateka Mwayi , Banda Enos , Sibale Naomi , Kawale Zuze , Phiri Chimota , Dreyer Gavin , Calice-Silva Viviane , Raimann Jochen G , Levin Nathan , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Mehta Ravi , Macedo Etienne 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundKidney disease is prevalent in low-resource settings worldwide, but tests for its diagnosis are often unavailable. The saliva urea nitrogen (SUN) dipstick is a laboratory and electricity independent tool, which may be used for the detection of kidney disease. We investigated the feasibility and performance of its use in diagnosing kidney disease in community settings in Africa.MethodsAdult patients at increased risk of kidney disease presenting to three community health centres, a rural district hospital and a central hospital in Malawi were recruited between October 2016 and September 2017. Patients underwent concurrent SUN and creatinine testing at enrolment, and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months thereafter.ResultsOf 710 patients who presented at increased risk of kidney disease, 655 (92.3%) underwent SUN testing at enrolment, and were included (aged 38 (29-52) years, 367 (56%) female and 333 (50.8%) with HIV). Kidney disease was present in 482 (73.6%) patients and 1479 SUN measurements were made overall. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) correlated with SUN (r=−0.39; p<0.0001). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.61 for presenting SUN to detect acute or chronic kidney disease, and 0.87 to detect severe (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2) kidney disease (p<0.0001; sensitivity 82.3%, specificity 81.8%, test accuracy 81.8%). In-hospital mortality was greater if enrolment SUN was elevated (>test pad #1) compared with patients with non-elevated SUN (p<0.0001; HR 3.3 (95% CI 1.7 to 6.1).ConclusionsSUN, measured by dipstick, is feasible and may be used to screen for kidney disease in low resource settings where creatinine tests are unavailable.