bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Positional differences of intronic transposons in pAMT affect the pungency level in chili pepper through altered splicing efficiency
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiyuki , Asano Takaya , Kanemitsu Yorika , Goto Tanjuro , Yoshida Yuichi , Yasuba Kenichiro , Misawa Yuki , Nakatani Sachie , Kobata Kenji 
Published: July 2019

SummaryCapsaicinoids are unique compounds that give chili pepper fruits their pungent taste. Capsaicinoid levels vary widely among pungent cultivars, which range from low pungency to extremely pungent. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this quantitative variation have not been elucidated. Our previous study identified various loss‐of‐function alleles of the pAMT gene which led to low pungency. The mutations in these alleles are commonly defined by Tcc transposon insertion and its footprint. In this study, we identified two leaky pamt alleles (pamtL1 and pamtL2) with different levels of putative aminotransferase (pAMT) activity. Notably, both alleles had a Tcc transposon insertion in intron 3, but the locations of the insertions within the intron were different. Genetic analysis revealed that pamtL1, pamtL2 and a loss‐of‐function pamt allele reduced capsaicinoid levels to about 50%, 10% and less than 1%, respectively. pamtL1 and pamtL2 encoded functional pAMT proteins, but they exhibited lower transcript levels than the functional type. RNA sequencing analysis showed that intronic transposons disrupted splicing in intron 3, which resulted in simultaneous expression of functional pAMT mRNA and non‐functional splice variants containing partial sequences of Tcc. The non‐functional splice variants were more dominant in pamtL2 than in pamtL1. This suggested that the difference in position of the intronic transposons could alter splicing efficiency, leading to different pAMT activities and reducing capsaicinoid content to different levels. Our results provide a striking example of allelic variations caused by intronic transposons; these variations contribute to quantitative differences in secondary metabolite contents.
Radiotherapy isocenters verified by matching to bony landmarks of the canine and feline head differ when localized using volumetric versus planar imaging
Authors: Magestro Leanne M. , Cahoon Joyce Y. , Gieger Tracy L. , Nolan Michael W. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe “gold standard” for verification of patient positioning before linear accelerator‐based stereotactic radiation therapy is kilovoltage cone‐beam computed tomography (kV‐CBCT), which is not uniformly available or utilized; planar imaging is sometimes used instead. The primary aim of this study was to determine if the position of the bony skull, when used as a surrogate for isocenter verification, is different when orthogonal megavoltage (MV) portal or kilovoltage (kV/kV) radiographs are used for image guidance, rather than kV‐CBCT. A secondary aim was to determine the influence of intra‐observer variability, body size and skull conformation on positioning, as determined using these three imaging modalities. Dogs and cats receiving radiotherapy of the head were recruited for this prospective analytical study. Planar (MV portal and kV/kV images) and volumetric (kV‐CBCT) images were acquired before treatment, and manually coregistered with reference images. Differences in skull position when matched based on MV portal, kV/kV images and kV‐CBCT were compared. A total of 65 subjects and 148 unique datasets were evaluated. The Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was used to evaluate effects of transitioning between imaging modalities. When comparing magnitude of shifts in MV to kV‐CBCT, MV to kV/kV and kV/kV to kV‐CBCT, there were statistically significant differences. Results were not measurably impacted by body size, skull conformation or interobserver differences. Based on shift magnitude and direction, an isotropic setup margin of at least 1 mm should be incorporated within the planning target volume when MV or kV planar imaging is used for position verification.
Assessing transfusion practice in elective surgical patients: a baseline audit
Authors: Delaforce Alana , Moore Diana , Duff Jed , Munday Judy , Hardy Janet 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundExternally generated hospital benchmarking data indicated that the blood transfusion rate within elective surgical orthopaedic and gastrointestinal patients at a metropolitan, tertiary healthcare facility was higher than comparable Australian hospitals. An investigation of transfusion practices was undertaken with the aim of understanding the reasons contributing to this higher incidence.Study MethodsA chart audit was undertaken of every major, elective, surgical orthopaedic and gastrointestinal patient who received a blood transfusion between July and December 2017. The audit aimed to ascertain whether patients were screened and treated for preoperative anaemia and measure the clinical appropriateness of transfusions according to the National Blood Authority (NBA) Perioperative Patient Blood Management (PBM) recommendations. The key recommendations include the utilisation of restrictive transfusion thresholds (in conjunction with clinical assessment) and the administration of a single unit followed by clinical reassessment.ResultsForty‐five patients had 72 transfusion episodes; 40% of episodes were considered inappropriate (n = 29). Of these, 76% (n = 22) did not have evidence of decompensation, and of the remaining that did (24%, n = 7), there was no evidence of clinical reassessment after transfusion. 42% (n = 19) of patients were anaemic preoperatively, of which only 21% (n = 4) had iron studies, and only one patient received intravenous iron preoperatively.ConclusionOpportunities exist to improve the preoperative anaemia screening processes and clinical decision‐making in transfusion practice. The baseline results of this audit will inform an improvement plan to develop interventions to enhance practice.
The Staphylococcal Cell Wall
Authors: Sobral Rita , Tomasz Alexander 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT
Dating back to the 1960s, initial studies on the staphylococcal cell wall were driven by the need to clarify the mode of action of the first antibiotics and the resistance mechanisms developed by the bacteria. During the following decades, the elucidation of the biosynthetic path and primary composition of staphylococcal cell walls was propelled by advances in microbial cell biology, specifically, the introduction of high-resolution analytical techniques and molecular genetic approaches. The field of staphylococcal cell wall gradually gained its own significance as the complexity of its chemical structure and involvement in numerous cellular processes became evident, namely its versatile role in host interactions, coordination of cell division and environmental stress signaling.

This chapter includes an updated description of the anatomy of staphylococcal cell walls, paying particular attention to information from the last decade, under four headings: high-resolution analysis of the
Staphylococcus aureus
peptidoglycan; variations in peptidoglycan composition; genetic determinants and enzymes in cell wall synthesis; and complex functions of cell walls. The latest contributions to a more precise picture of the staphylococcal cell envelope were possible due to recently developed state-of-the-art microscopy and spectroscopy techniques and to a wide combination of -omics approaches, that are allowing to obtain a more integrative view of this highly dynamic structure.
Poor prognosis of child and adolescent musculoskeletal pain: a systematic literature review
Authors: Pourbordbari Negar , Riis Allan , Jensen Martin Bach , Olesen Jens Lykkegaard , Rathleff Michael Skovdal 
Published: July 2019

ObjectivesTo identify baseline patient characteristics that are (1) associated with a poor outcome on follow-up regardless of which treatment was provided (prognosis) or (2) associated with a successful outcome to a specific treatment (treatment effect modifiers).DesignSystematic literature review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines.Data sourcesMedline, Embase, Cinahl, Web of Science, Cochrane, SportDiscus, OT Seeker and PsychInfo were searched for prospective cohort studies up to February 2019 without limitation in publication date.Eligibility criteriaProspective cohort studies reporting either prognostic factors or treatment effect modifiers on persistent musculoskeletal pain in 0-year-old to 19-year-old children and adolescents. Pain caused by tumours, fractures, infections, systemic and neurological conditions were excluded.Outcome measuresOur primary outcome was musculoskeletal pain at follow-up and identification of any baseline characteristics that were associated with this outcome (prognostic factors). No secondary outcomes were declared.MethodTwo reviewers independently screened abstracts and titles. We included prospective cohort studies investigating the prognosis or treatment effect modifiers of 0-year-old to 19-year-old children and adolescents with self-reported musculoskeletal pain. Risk of bias assessment was conducted with the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool.ResultsTwenty-six studies yielding a total of 111 unique prognostic factors were included. Female sex and psychological symptoms were the most frequent investigated prognostic factors. Increasing age, generalised pain, longer pain duration and smoking were other identified prognostic factors. No treatment effect modifiers were identified.ConclusionSeveral prognostic factors are associated with a poor prognosis in children and adolescents with musculoskeletal pain. These prognostic factors may help guide clinical practice and shared decision-making. None of the included studies was conducted within a general practice setting which highlights an area in need of research.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016041378.
Association between osteosarcopenic obesity and hypertension among four minority populations in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Xingcai , Kong Cunqing , Yu Hongrong , Gong Jiangu , Lan Ling , Zhou Lining , Gong Jichun , Liu Peng , Xu Lin , Deng Qiongying 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveOsteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) may be associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension. The aim of this study was to examine the difference in the prevalence of OSO and hypertension among four minority populations in China and explore the relationship between OSO and hypertension by sex.DesignThis study adopted a cross-sectional design.ParticipantsIn total, 1939 participants aged ≥50 years, including 459 Jing, 514 Maonan, 535 Hmong and 431 Yao participants from Guangxi Province, China, were included using stratified cluster random sampling.Main outcome measuresThe body composition, bone mineral density and blood pressure were measured by an MC-180 body composition analyser, Achilles Express ultrasound bone densitometer and OMRON HEM-1000 electronic sphygmomanometer, respectively.ResultsThe results showed that 65.77% of Hmong men, 58.79% of Hmong women, 54.82% of Maonan men, 50.00% of Maonan women, 41.92% of Jing men, 45.21% of Jing women, 53.66% of Yao men and 42.32% of Yao women suffered from hypertension. Compared with those among the normal group, the adjusted OR and 95% CI of age among the women with OSO was 3.15 (1.13 to 8.78). After adjusting for age, ethnicity, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity and menopausal status, the women with OSO also had a higher OR (OR=3.18, 95% CI 1.14 to 8.88) for hypertension than those in the normal group. However, the ORs (95% CI) for hypertension in men with one or more components were not significant after adjusting for age and ethnicity.ConclusionThese results suggest that OSO is a risk factor for hypertension, especially in women. Furthermore, the prevalence of OSO and hypertension in the present study displayed sex-specific and ethnic-specific differences among the four minority populations.
Assessing the effects of water extract of Narcissus tazetta bulb on hatching, mortality, chemotaxis and reproduction of the soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines
Authors: Hu Yanfeng , You Jia , Li Chunjie , Pan Fengjuan , Wang Congli 
Published: July 2019

Summary
The aim of this study was to examine the impact of water extracts of Narcissus tazetta bulb on hatching, behaviour and mortality of second-stage juveniles (J2) and reproduction of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines) in laboratory and glasshouse assays. Results demonstrated that N. tazetta bulb extracts did not affect hatching but significantly reduced J2 motility and nematode attraction to the soybean root tip, and resulted in considerable nematode mortality relative to the control. J2 exposure to different concentrations of bulb extracts caused 59-93% reduction in nematode reproduction on soybean roots. Compared with the monoculture control, soybean-N. tazetta intercropping in a pot trial reduced SCN reproduction by 37%. In addition, N. tazetta bulb powder as a soil amendment is effective in controlling SCN reproduction. Thus, the results suggest that N. tazetta bulb extract or derived active compounds may be considered as potential natural nematicides against SCN.
An Ethical Foundation for Social Good: Virtue Theory and Solidarity
Authors: Garlington Sarah B. , Collins Mary Elizabeth , Bossaller Margaret R. Durham 
Published: July 2019

Purpose: Virtue theorists debate qualities of society leading to human flourishing. Thus, aspects of scholarship on virtue theory may refine conceptualization of social good. We focus on the virtue of solidarity and its contributions to the ethical foundations of social good, providing a core connection to macro-level social work interventions and settings. Methods: We first identify a theoretical gap in the conceptual framework of social good, then use virtue theory and the example of solidarity to connect the concept of social good to social work professional values and macro practice. Results: Our primary critique of the concept of social good is the lack of a sufficient ethical frame that addresses social justice, value foundations, or power analysis. Discussion: Without this, the discussion of social good lacks tools needed to critically assess relevant systems of change and innovative technologies. Consequently, the work of social good risks reinforcing existing status quo and oppressive systems.
Does Intra-articular Injection of the Ankle With Corticosteroids Increase the Risk of Subsequent Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA)? If So, How Long After a Prior Intra-articular Injection Can TAA Be Safely Performed?
Authors: Uçkay Ilker , Hirose Christopher B. , Assal Mathieu 
Published: July 2019

Recommendation: Every intra-articular injection of the ankle is an invasive procedure associated with potential healthcare-associated infections, including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Based on the limited current literature, the ideal timing for elective TAA after corticosteroid injection for the symptomatic native ankle joint is unknown. The consensus workgroup recommends that at least 3 months pass after corticosteroid injection and prior to performing TAA. Level of Evidence: Limited. Delegate Vote: Agree: 92%, Disagree: 8%, Abstain: 0% (Super Majority, Strong Consensus)
Should Culture Samples Be Taken During All Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA)?
Authors: Fuchs Daniel 
Published: July 2019

Recommendation: We recommend that intraoperative cultures be taken during revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). The result of intraoperative cultures should be interpreted together with clinical suspicion for infection and the results of the laboratory and imaging investigations. We also recommend that multiple tissue specimens be collected. Given a lack of evidence for routine intraoperative cultures for revision TAA literature, this recommendation is based on analogous evidence in the total hip and knee replacement literature. Level of Evidence: Consensus. Delegate Vote: Agree: 100%, Disagree: 0%, Abstain: 0% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus)
Ankle Arthritis
Authors: Le Vu , Veljkovic Andrea , Salat Peter , Wing Kevin , Penner Murray , Younger Alastair 
Published: July 2019

Ankle arthritis is a major source of morbidity impacting a younger working age population than hip and knee arthritis. Unlike the hip and knee, more than 70% of ankle arthritis cases are post-traumatic, with the remainder being inflammatory or primary arthritis. Nonoperative treatment begins with lifestyle and shoe-wear modifications and progresses to bracing, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and intra-articular injections. Ankle arthrodesis and total ankle arthroplasty are the 2 main surgical options for end-stage ankle arthritis, with debridement, realignment osteotomy, and distraction arthroplasty being appropriate for limited indications. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
Fludarabine exposure in the conditioning prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation predicts outcomes
Authors: Langenhorst J. B. , van Kesteren C. , van Maarseveen E. M. , Dorlo T. P. C. , Nierkens S. , Lindemans C. A. , de Witte M. A. , van Rhenen A. , Raijmakers R. , Bierings M. , Kuball J. , Huitema A. D. R. , Boelens J. J. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Fludarabine is the most frequently used agent in conditioning regimens for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Body surface area–based dosing leads to highly variable fludarabine exposure. We studied the relation between fludarabine exposure and clinical outcomes. A retrospective, pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis was conducted with data from patients undergoing HCT with fludarabine (160 mg/m2) as part of a myeloablative conditioning (busulfan targeted to an area under the plasma-concentration-time curve [AUC] of 90 mg*h/L) and rabbit antithymocyte globulin (6-10 mg/kg; from day −9/−12) between 2010 and 2016. Fludarabine exposure as AUC was calculated for each patient using a previously published population pharmacokinetic model and related to 2-year event-free survival (EFS) by means of (parametric) time-to-event models. Relapse, nonrelapse mortality (NRM), and graft failure were considered events. One hundred ninety-two patients were included (68 benign and 124 malignant disorders). The optimal fludarabine exposure was determined as an AUC of 20 mg*h/L. In the overexposed group, EFS was lower (hazard ratio [HR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.5; P = .02), due to higher NRM (HR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.6-6.9; P &lt; .001) associated with impaired immune reconstitution (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.26-0.70; P &lt; .001). The risks of NRM and graft failure were increased in the underexposed group (HR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.2-9.4; P = .02; HR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.2-19; P = .02, respectively). No relationship with relapse was found. Fludarabine exposure is a strong predictor of survival after HCT, stressing the importance of optimum fludarabine dosing. Individualized dosing, based on weight and “renal function” or “therapeutic drug monitoring,” to achieve optimal fludarabine exposure might improve survival.
Quality of Life During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in a West African Population in Dakar, Senegal: A Prospective Study
Authors: Dano Domitille , Hénon Clémence , Sarr Ousseynou , Ka Kanta , Ba Mouhamadou , Badiane Awa , Thiam Ibrahima , Diene Papa , Diop Mamadou , Dem Ahmadou , Marino Patricia , Mancini Julien , Annede Pierre , Gonçalves Anthony , Diouf Doudou , Monneur Audrey 
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE The prevalence of breast cancer is increasing in low- to middle-income countries such as Senegal. Our prospective study assessed the quality of life (QoL) of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in Senegal. PATIENTS AND METHODS Our study included women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy as initial treatment at the Center Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar. Clinical, sociodemographic, and QoL data were collected and analyzed at three different times: baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after the start of systemic therapy. Health-related QoL was assessed using a Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapies-Breast (FACT-B) questionnaire after translation into the Wolof language. Linear mixed-effects models were performed to assess the changes in QoL scores. RESULTS Between July 2017 and February 2018, 120 patients were included in the study. Their median age was 45 years. Most patients (n = 105; 92%) had locally advanced disease (T3 to T4 stage) and lymph node involvement (n = 103; 88%), and half had metastatic disease. The FACT-B total scores significantly improved over time (β = 1.58; 95% CI, 0.50 to 2.67; P < .01). Nausea and vomiting were significantly associated with a decrease in FACT-B total scores (β = −16.89, 95% CI, −29.58 to −4.24, P = .012; and β = −13.44, 95% CI, −25.15 to −1.72, P = .028, respectively). CONCLUSION Our study confirmed the feasibility of standardized QoL assessment in Senegalese patients with breast cancer. Our results indicated a potential improvement of QoL over the course of chemotherapy. Optimizing nausea and vomiting prevention may improve QoL.
Patient-Defined Treatment Success: Perspectives of Patients With Advanced-Stage Lung Cancer
Authors: Islam K.M. , Deviany Poppy E. , Anggondowati Trisari , Ryan June E. , Fetrick Ann , Bagenda Danstan , Copur Mehmet S. , Tolentino Addison , Vaziri Irfan , McKean Heidi A. , Dunder Steven , Gray Jhanelle E. , Huang Chao M.D. , Ganti Apar Kishor 
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE: In the United States, lung cancer accounts for 14% of cancer diagnoses and 28% of cancer deaths annually. Because no cure exists for advanced lung cancer, the primary treatment goal is to prolong survival. OBJECTIVES: The study aim was to determine whether individual preferences, characteristics, and treatment experiences affect the meaning of treatment success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative study using an observational, longitudinal cohort of patients with advanced stage non–small-cell lung cancer was conducted. Data sources included medical records and patient interviews. Data were analyzed using χ2, Fisher’s exact, and McNemar’s tests, as well as logistic regressions. RESULTS: At the first interview of 235 individuals, 12% considered survival alone as their definition of treatment success; others defined treatment success as survival plus other aspects, such as quality of life and reaching an important personal goal. As they moved through chemotherapy, 47% of the patients changed their definition of treatment success. Bivariate analysis showed that patients with lower incomes tended to be more likely to change their definition of treatment success compared with their counterparts with higher income ( P = .0245). CONCLUSION: By taking chemotherapy, patients expect to increase their odds of survival and want to maintain the quality of life and functionality. A patient’s definition of treatment success is often changing as treatment continues, making it appropriate to ensure patient-provider communication throughout their clinical care. The study results are limited to patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer and drawn from a predominantly white patient population, mainly from the US Midwest.