bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two bi‐functional cytochrome P450 CYP72 enzymes from olive (Olea europaea) catalyze the oxidative C‐C bond cleavage in the biosynthesis of secoxy‐iridoids – flavor and quality determinants in olive oil
Authors: Rodríguez‐López Carlos E. , Hong Benke , Paetz Christian , Nakamura Yoko , Koudounas Konstantinos , Passeri Valentina , Baldoni Luciana , Alagna Fiammetta , Calderini Ornella , O'Connor Sarah E. 
Published: October 2020

Summary

Olive (Olea europaea) is an important crop in Europe, with high cultural, economic and nutritional significance. Olive oil flavor and quality depend on phenolic secoiridoids, but the biosynthetic pathway of these iridoids remains largely uncharacterized.

We discovered two bifunctional cytochrome P450 enzymes, catalyzing the rare oxidative C‐C bond cleavage of 7‐epi‐loganin to produce oleoside methyl ester (OeOMES) and secoxyloganin (OeSXS), both through a ketologanin intermediary. Although these enzymes are homologous to the previously reported Catharanthus roseus secologanin synthase (CrSLS), the substrate and product profiles differ.

Biochemical assays provided mechanistic insights into the two‐step OeOMES and CrSLS reactions. Model‐guided mutations of OeOMES changed the product profile in a predictable manner, revealing insights into the molecular basis for this change in product specificity.

Our results suggest that, in contrast to published hypotheses, in planta production of secoxy‐iridoids is secologanin‐independent. Notably, sequence data of cultivated and wild olives point to a relation between domestication and OeOMES expression. Thus, the discovery of this key biosynthetic gene suggests a link between domestication and secondary metabolism, and could potentially be used as a genetic marker to guide next‐generation breeding programs.
The thermal tolerance of photosynthetic tissues: a global systematic review and agenda for future research
Authors: Geange Sonya R. , Arnold Pieter A. , Catling Alexandra A. , Coast Onoriode , Cook Alicia M. , Gowland Kelli M. , Leigh Andrea , Notarnicola Rocco F. , Posch Bradley C. , Venn Susanna E. , Zhu Lingling , Nicotra Adrienne B. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryUnderstanding plant thermal tolerance is fundamental to predicting impacts of extreme temperature events that are increasing in frequency and intensity across the globe. Extremes, not averages, drive species evolution, determine survival and increase crop performance. To better prioritize agricultural and natural systems research, it is crucial to evaluate how researchers are assessing the capacity of plants to tolerate extreme events. We conducted a systematic review to determine how plant thermal tolerance research is distributed across wild and domesticated plants, growth forms and biomes, and to identify crucial knowledge gaps. Our review shows that most thermal tolerance research examines cold tolerance of cultivated species; c. 5% of articles consider both heat and cold tolerance. Plants of extreme environments are understudied, and techniques widely applied in cultivated systems are largely unused in natural systems. Lastly, we find that lack of standardized methods and metrics compromises the potential for mechanistic insight. Our review provides an entry point for those new to the methods used in plant thermal tolerance research and bridges often disparate ecological and agricultural perspectives for the more experienced. We present a considered agenda of thermal tolerance research priorities to stimulate efficient, reliable and repeatable research across the spectrum of plant thermal tolerance.
The “Difficult Learner” in anesthesiology: Challenges, pitfalls, and recommendations
Authors: Margolis Rebecca D. , Ku Cindy M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractStruggling learners often require interventions that are time‐consuming and emotionally exhausting for both the trainee and faculty. Numerous barriers, including lack of resources, faculty development, and fear of legal retribution, can impede medical educators from developing and implementing robust remediation plans. Despite the large volume of literature citing professionalism education and the “hidden curriculum” as problem areas in medical education, frontline educators lack practical tools and empowerment to address unprofessionalism in trainees. The paucity of resources in this arena has led to decreased job satisfaction, increased burnout, and an exodus from academic medicine. Department leadership acknowledgment and investment in training faculty on remediation strategies for learners in difficulty and providing tools to meet these challenging job demands will improve faculty's job satisfaction and overall well‐being. The authors review salient literature and methodology for diagnosing learners in difficulty, with focus on a high‐yield, pragmatic approach that can be taken by medical training programs, including those that lack a robust medical education infrastructure.
Implications of ionizing radiation on pollen performance in comparison with diverse models of polar cell growth
Authors: Stephan Octavian O. H. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractResearch concerning the effects of ionizing radiation (IR) on plant systems is essential for numerous aspects of human society, as for instance, in terms of agriculture and plant breeding, but additionally for elucidating consequences of radioactive contamination of the ecosphere. This comprehensive survey analyses effects of x‐ and γ‐irradiation on male gametophytes comprising primarily in vitro but also in vivo data of diverse plant species. The IR‐dose range for pollen performance was compiled and 50% inhibition doses (ID50) for germination and tube growth were comparatively related to physiological characteristics of the microgametophyte. Factors influencing IR‐susceptibility of mature pollen and polarized tube growth were evaluated, such as dose‐rate, environmental conditions, or species‐related variations. In addition, all available reports suggesting bio‐positive IR‐effects particularly on pollen performance were examined. Most importantly, for the first time influences of IR specifically on diverse phylogenetic models of polar cell growth were comparatively analysed, and thus demonstrated that the gametophytic system of pollen is extremely resistant to IR, more than plant sporophytes and especially much more than comparable animal cells. Beyond that, this study develops hypotheses regarding a molecular basis for the extreme IR‐resistance of the plant microgametophyte and highlights its unique rank among organismal systems.
Transfusion reactions associated with COVID‐19 convalescent plasma therapy for SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Nguyen Freddy T. , van den Akker Tayler , Lally Kimberly , Lam Hansen , Lenskaya Volha , Liu Sean T. H. , Bouvier Nicole M. , Aberg Judith A. , Rodriguez Denise , Krammer Florian , Strauss Donna , Shaz Beth H. , Rudon Louella , Galdon Patricia , Jhang Jeffrey S. , Arinsburg Suzanne A. , Baine Ian ,   The Mount Sinai Health System Convalescent Plasma Team
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundConvalescent plasma (CP) for treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has shown preliminary signs of effectiveness in moderate to severely ill patients in reducing mortality. While studies have demonstrated a low risk of serious adverse events, the comprehensive incidence and nature of the spectrum of transfusion reactions to CP is unknown. We retrospectively examined 427 adult inpatient CP transfusions to determine incidence and types of reactions, as well as clinical parameters and risk factors associated with transfusion reactions.Study Design and MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed for 427 transfusions to 215 adult patients with coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) within the Mount Sinai Health System, through the US Food and Drug Administration emergency investigational new drug and the Mayo Clinic Expanded Access Protocol to Convalescent Plasma approval pathways. Transfusions were blindly evaluated by two reviewers and adjudicated by a third reviewer in discordant cases. Patient demographics and clinical and laboratory parameters were compared and analyzed.ResultsFifty‐five reactions from 427 transfusions were identified (12.9% incidence), and 13 were attributed to transfusion (3.1% incidence). Reactions were classified as underlying COVID‐19 (76%), febrile nonhemolytic (10.9%), transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (9.1%), and allergic (1.8%) and hypotensive (1.8%) reactions. Statistical analysis identified increased transfusion reaction risk for ABO blood group B or Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores of 12 to 13, and decreased risk within the age group of 80 to 89 years.ConclusionOur findings support the use of CP as a safe, therapeutic option from a transfusion reaction perspective, in the setting of COVID‐19. Further studies are needed to confirm the clinical significance of ABO group B, age, and predisposing disease severity in the incidence of transfusion reaction events.
Validation of a SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA RT‐PCR assay for high‐throughput testing in blood of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors and patients
Authors: Strasser Erwin F. , Steininger Philipp A. , Korn Klaus , Achenbach Susanne , Tenbusch Matthias , Cunningham Sarah , Zimmermann Robert , Überla Klaus , Hackstein Holger 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe frequency of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) RNAemia in blood donors is uncertain. Thus, assays for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detection in blood, validated on commercially available polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems, are required to allow a good comparability of data.Study Design and MethodsThe cobas SARS‐CoV‐2 dual‐target reverse transcriptase PCR (RT‐PCR) assay, licensed for respiratory swab SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA testing, was validated for detection of viral RNA in blood. For the validation panel, SARS‐CoV‐2–positive plasma samples were prepared by spiking SARS‐CoV‐2–positive respiratory specimens in negative human plasma. The 95% limit of detection (LOD95) was determined by probit analysis. For clinical validation, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) convalescent plasma (CCP) donors and patients with COVID‐19 with a severe disease course treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) were included.ResultsThe validation of the SARS‐CoV‐2 RT‐PCR assay for blood demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity and intra‐ and inter‐assay precision and efficiency. The LOD95 for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was 5.0 genome copies/mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3‐12 copies/mL) for target 1 and 4.3 genome copies/mL (95% CI, 2.9‐10 copies/mL) for target 2. In a cohort of 39 CCP donors with 66 CCP donations no SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in plasma was detected. Screening of 25 blood samples of 19 ICU patients with COVID‐19 showed six positive results for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in at least one target of the assay.ConclusionThe SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA assay, only licensed for respiratory swabs, performed on a PCR system for high‐throughput testing, showed a good assay performance for blood testing.
Income-related inequities of adult obesity and central obesity in China: evidence from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 1997–2011
Authors: Zhou Ling , Cao Dan , Si Yafei , Zhu Xuexue , Du Liang , Zhang Yu , Zhou Zhongliang 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyse the status regarding inequities in adult obesity and central obesity in China. Thus, income-related inequality for both diseases and the underlying factors were examined.Methods and designThe China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS)—conducted from 1997 to 2011—included 128 307 participants; in this study, 79 566 individuals classified as obese and 65 250 regarded as suffering from central obesity according to the CHNS were analysed. A body mass index greater than 27 was considered indicative of obesity; men and women with a waist circumference of more than 102 cm and 80 cm, respectively, were considered as suffering from central obesity. The concentration index was employed to analyse inequality in adult obesity and central obesity. The decomposition of this index based on a probit model was used to calculate the horizontal inequality index.ResultsThe prevalence of adult obesity increased from 8.34% in 1997 to 17.74% in 2011, and that of central obesity increased from 6.52% in 1997 to 16.79% in 2011. The horizontal inequality index for adult obesity decreased from 0.1377 in 1997 to 0.0164 in 2011; for central obesity, it decreased from 0.0806 in 1997 to −0.0193 in 2011. The main causes of inequality for both diseases are, among others, economic status, marital status and educational attainment.ConclusionsFrom 1997 to 2011, the prevalence of adult obesity and central obesity increased annually. The pro-rich inequalities in both adult and central obesity decreased from 1997 to 2011. The inequality in central obesity was more prominent in the low-income group in 2011. Future policies may need to address obesity reduction among the poor.
Study protocol for a prospective, longitudinal cohort study investigating the medical and psychosocial outcomes of UK combat casualties from the Afghanistan war: the ADVANCE Study
Authors: Bennett Alexander N , Dyball Daniel Mark , Boos Christopher J , Fear Nicola T , Schofield Susie , Bull Anthony M J , Cullinan Paul 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionThe Afghanistan war (2003–2014) was a unique period in military medicine. Many service personnel survived injuries of a severity that would have been fatal at any other time in history; the long-term health outcomes of such injuries are unknown. The ArmeD SerVices TrAuma and RehabilitatioN OutComE (ADVANCE) study aims to determine the long-term effects on both medical and psychosocial health of servicemen surviving this severe combat related trauma.Methods and analysisADVANCE is a prospective cohort study. 1200 Afghanistan-deployed male UK military personnel and veterans will be recruited and will be studied at 0, 3, 6, 10, 15 and 20 years. Half are personnel who sustained combat trauma; a comparison group of the same size has been frequency matched based on deployment to Afghanistan, age, sex, service, rank and role. Participants undergo a series of physical health tests and questionnaires through which information is collected on cardiovascular disease (CVD), CVD risk factors, musculoskeletal disease, mental health, functional and social outcomes, quality of life, employment and mortality.Ethics and disseminationThe ADVANCE Study has approval from the Ministry of Defence Research Ethics Committee (protocol no:357/PPE/12) agreed 15 January 2013. Its results will be disseminated through manuscripts in clinical/academic journals and presentations at professional conferences, and through participant and stakeholder communications.Trial registration numberThe ADVANCE Study is registered at ISRCTN ID: ISRCTN57285353.
Normal range of serum potassium, prevalence of dyskalaemia and associated factors in Chinese older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jin Aoming , Zhao Minghui , Sun Yihong , Feng Xiangxian , Zhang Ruijuan , Qiao Qianku , Wang Hongxia , Yuan Jianhui , Wang Yuqi , Cheng Lili , Zhang Hui , Li Hui-Juan , Wu Yangfeng 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo investigate the normal range of serum potassium, the prevalence of dyskalaemia and the associated factors in Chinese older adults.DesignA cross-sectional study conducted from September 2017 to March 2018.SettingForty-eight community elderly care facilities in four regions in northern China.ParticipantsA total of 1266 (308 apparently healthy and 958 unhealthy) participants 55 years or older and with fasting serum potassium measured.Main outcome measures and methodsSerum potassium <3.5 mEq/L and >5.5 mEq/L (guidelines definition) and <2.5th and >97.5th percentiles of the distribution among healthy participants (our study definition) were both used to define hypokalaemia and hyperkalaemia, respectively. Multivariable generalised estimating equation models were used to adjust for clustering effect in the analyses of factors associated with risk of dyskalaemia and with variations in serum potassium.ResultsThe study participants had a mean age of 70 (8.8) years. Among apparently healthy participants, the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of serum potassium distribution were 3.7 mEq/L and 5.3 mEq/L, respectively. Using the study definition, the prevalence of hyperkalaemia was 4.3% (95% CI 3.2% to 5.4%) and of hypokalaemia was 4.0% (95% CI 2.9% to 5.1%). Multivariable analyses showed that risk of hyperkalaemia was associated with unhealthy conditions (OR=2.21; 95% CI 1.17 to 4.18); risk of hypokalaemia was associated with unhealthy conditions (OR=2.56; 95% CI 1.05 to 6.23), older age (OR=1.70 per 10-year increase; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.79) and region (OR=16.87; 95% CI 6.41 to 44.38); and higher serum potassium was associated with male gender (mean difference (MD)=0.12; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.19) and estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (MD=0.29; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.46). Using the guidelines definition, hyperkalaemia accounted for 2.7% (1.8%, 3.6%) and hypokalaemia 1.8% (1.1%, 2.5%). Analyses of the associated factors showed similar trends.ConclusionsThe study suggested a narrower normal range of serum potassium for defining dyskalaemia, which was common in older Chinese and more prevalent in unhealthy ones.Trial registration numberNCT03290716; Pre-results.
Proactive telephone-based peer support for breastfeeding: a cross-sectional survey of women’s experiences of receiving support in the RUBY randomised controlled trial
Authors: McLardie-Hore Fiona E , McLachlan Helen L , Shafiei Touran , Forster Della A 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveThe Ringing Up about Breastfeeding earlY (RUBY) randomised controlled trial (RCT) of proactive telephone-based peer support for breastfeeding found that infants of women allocated to the intervention were more likely to be receiving breast milk at 6 months of age than those receiving usual care. This study explores women’s experiences of receiving the RUBY peer support intervention.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingWomen were recruited from the postnatal units of three tertiary hospitals in Melbourne, Australia.ParticipantsWomen allocated to receive telephone peer support in the RUBY RCT who completed a telephone interview at 6 months postpartum (501/574 (87%) in trial intervention arm) were invited to complete a postal survey on their experience of receiving support.OutcomesExperiences of support from the allocated peer, perceived helpfulness, topics discussed, overall satisfaction with the support and frequency and duration of contact were explored.ResultsSurveys were sent between August 2013 and March 2016, and 72% (360/501) responded of whom 341 recalled receiving peer support. Women reported high levels of perceived helpfulness (79%) and overall satisfaction with the peer support (93%). Discussions included breastfeeding topics (milk supply, attachment), baby care, baby behaviour, and reassurance and emotional support. Women valued the practical and realistic support from another mother, as well as the proactive nature, continuity and accessibility of the support. The empathy, reassurance and encouragement provided helped the mothers to ‘cope’, to continue breast feeding and to feel empowered.ConclusionMost respondents were positive about their experience of receiving proactive telephone peer support for breastfeeding, further supporting the roll-out of this model as a strategy for increasing breastfeeding maintenance to 6 months. Recommendations include flexibility in the scheduling of calls according to individual need, and the use of text messages in conjunction with proactive calls, to enhance and facilitate communication between the peer and the mother.Trial registration numberACTRN12612001024831.
Working lives of GPs in Scotland and England: cross-sectional analysis of national surveys
Authors: Hayes Helen , Gibson Jonathan , Fitzpatrick Bridie , Checkland Kath , Guthrie Bruce , Sutton Matt , Gillies John , Mercer Stewart W 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesThe UK faces major problems in retaining general practitioners (GPs). Scotland introduced a new GP contract in April 2018, intended to better support GPs. This study compares the career intentions and working lives of GPs in Scotland with GPs in England, shortly after the new Scotland contract was introduced.Design and settingComparison of cross-sectional analysis of survey responses of GPs in England and Scotland in 2017 and 2018, respectively, using linear regression to adjust the differences for gender, age, ethnicity, urbanicity and deprivation.Participants2048 GPs in Scotland and 879 GPs in England.Main outcome measuresFour intentions to reduce work participation (5-point scales: 1=‘none’, 5=‘high’): reducing working hours; leaving medical work entirely; leaving direct patient care; or continuing medical work but outside the UK. Four domains of working life: job satisfaction (7-point scale: 1=‘extremely dissatisfied’, 7=‘extremely satisfied’); job stressors (5-point-scale: 1=‘no pressure’, 5=‘high pressure); positive and negative job attributes (5-point scales: 1=‘strongly disagree’, 5=‘strongly agree’).ResultsCompared with England, GPs in Scotland had lower intention to reduce work participation, including a lower likelihood of reducing work hours (2.78 vs 3.54; adjusted difference=−0.52; 95% CI −0.64 to −0.41), a lower likelihood of leaving medical work entirely (2.11 vs 2.76; adjusted difference=−0.32; 95% CI −0.42 to −0.22), a lower likelihood of leaving direct patient care (2.23 vs 2.93; adjusted difference=−0.37; 95% CI −0.47 to −0.27), and a lower likelihood of continuing medical work but outside of the UK (1.41 vs 1.61; adjusted difference=−0.2; 95% CI −0.28 to −0.12). GPs in Scotland reported higher job satisfaction, lower job stressors, similar positive job attributes and lower negative job attributes.ConclusionFollowing the introduction of the new contract in Scotland, GPs in Scotland reported significantly better working lives and lower intention to reduce work participation than England.
Impact of trauma centre accreditation on mortality and complications in a Canadian trauma system: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Batomen Brice , Moore Lynne , Strumpf Erin , Champion Howard , Nandi Arijit 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPeriodic external accreditation visits aiming to determine whether trauma centres are fulfilling the criteria for optimal care are part of most trauma systems. However, despite the growing trend towards accreditation of trauma centres, its impact on patient outcomes remains unclear. In addition, a recent systematic review found inconsistent results on the association between accreditation and patient outcomes, mostly due to the lack of robust controls. We aim to address these gaps by assessing the impact of trauma centre accreditation on patient outcomes, specifically in-hospital mortality and complications, using an interrupted time series (ITS) design.MethodsWe included all major trauma admissions to five level I and four level II trauma centres in Quebec, Canada between 2008 and 2017. In order to perform ITS, we first obtained monthly and quarterly estimates of the proportions of in-hospital mortality and complications, respectively, for level I and level II centres. Prognostic scores were used to standardise these proportions to account for changes in patient case mix and segmented regressions with autocorrelated errors were used to estimate changes in levels and trends in both outcomes following accreditation.ResultsThere were 51 035 admissions, including 20 165 for major trauma during the study period. After accounting for changes in patient case mix and secular trend in studied outcomes, we globally did not observe an association between accreditation and patient outcomes. However, associations were heterogeneous across centres. For example, in a level II centre with worsening preaccreditation outcomes, accreditation led to −9.08 (95% CI −13.29 to −4.87) and −9.60 (95% CI −15.77 to −3.43) percentage point reductions in mortality and complications, respectively.ConclusionAccreditation seemed to be beneficial for centres that were experiencing a decrease in performance preceding accreditation.