bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health‐related Quality of Life in Patients with Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression
Authors: Morgen Søren S , Engelholm Svend A , Larsen Claus F , Søgaard Rikke , Dahl Benny 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveImprovements in cancer treatment have resulted in an increased number of patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). Because patients with MSCC often have a limited expected survival time, maintenance of a high functional level and quality of life are important. However, there is limited information about health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with MSCC. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of routine assessment of HRQoL based on the Euroqol‐5 dimensions (EQ‐5D) questionnaire in a cohort of patients consecutively admitted for evaluation of acute symptoms of MSCC.MethodsFrom 1 January to 31 December 2011, 544 patients diagnosed with acute symptoms of MSCC were consecutively enrolled in a cohort study. All patients were evaluated through a centralized referral system at one treatment facility. Data were prospectively registered, the variables age, sex, primary oncologic diagnosis, Tokuhashi Revised score, EQ‐5D score and treatment modality being recorded on admission. The study patients were treated conservatively with radiotherapy alone or with surgery and subsequent radiotherapy. The EQ‐5D questionnaire was administered on admission (baseline) and 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks after admission. Response rates, completion rates and HRQoL scores were analyzed by relevant subgroups. Response rates were based on all questionnaires returned regardless of whether or not they had been completed, whereas completion rates were based on fully completed questionnaires (i.e., containing responses to all five questions.ResultsThe mean age was 65 years (range, 20–95 years); 57% of the patients were men. The overall response rate to the Euroqol‐5 dimensions (EQ‐5D) questionnaires was 84% and the overall completion rate 72%. At baseline, mean EQ‐5D scores were significantly lower for patients treated with surgery and subsequent radiotherapy 0.28 (95% CI, 0.19–0.36) than for those treated with radiotherapy alone 0.42 (95% CI, 0.38–0.46). At the one‐year follow‐up, the mean EQ‐5D scores had improved to 0.71 (95% CI, 0.64–0.77) for patients treated with surgery and subsequent radiotherapy and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.56–0.70) for patients treated with radiotherapy alone.ConclusionsMeasurement of HRQoL in patients consecutively admitted for evaluation of acute symptoms of MSCC is feasible and detects significant changes over time between treatment modalities and different strata of expected survival.
Three‐dimensional Computer‐assisted Modeling of Talus Morphology in Chinese Patients
Authors: He Jin‐quan , Ma Xin‐long , Zhang Xi , Xin Jing‐yi , Li Nan 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo provide more accurate reference data for the assessment and treatment of talar injuries by constructing 3‐D computer‐assisted models of the talus and comparing them with reference data obtained from measurements on cadaver specimens.MethodsThree‐dimensional talus models were constructed from CT data recorded for healthy Chinese volunteers using SuperImage Orthopedics software. Structural variables such as length, width, height and volume of talus were compared using the Fisher least significant difference test to determine the significance of bilateral or sex‐specific differences in the study cohort.ResultsMeasurement data were normally distributed. No significant difference between the left and right talus in either men or women was identified for any measurement (P > 0.05). The bilateral mean volume of the talus in men (37.87 ± 6.69 mm) was significantly larger than that in women (26.95 ± 5.73 mm; P < 0.05). Although the dimensions of most of the structural features and articular surfaces of the talus were significantly larger in men than in women (P < 0.05), no significant differences in the angles of the talar neck and head were observed between men and women in our cohort (P > 0.05).ConclusionOur method of 3‐D model construction provided precise measurements of the structural features of the talus. The talar dimensions in our Chinese study cohort differ from those previously reported for people of different ethnic groups. Our models should provide accurate reference data for constructing models based on CT images for the assessment and treatment of talar injuries in Chinese patients.
Characterization of a Wheat Breeders’ Array suitable for high‐throughput SNP genotyping of global accessions of hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Allen Alexandra M. , Winfield Mark O. , Burridge Amanda J. , Downie Rowena C. , Benbow Harriet R. , Barker Gary L. A. , Wilkinson Paul A. , Coghill Jane , Waterfall Christy , Davassi Alessandro , Scopes Geoff , Pirani Ali , Webster Teresa , Brew Fiona , Bloor Claire , Griffiths Simon , Bentley Alison R. , Alda Mark , Jack Peter , Phillips Andrew L. , Edwards Keith J. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryTargeted selection and inbreeding have resulted in a lack of genetic diversity in elite hexaploid bread wheat accessions. Reduced diversity can be a limiting factor in the breeding of high yielding varieties and crucially can mean reduced resilience in the face of changing climate and resource pressures. Recent technological advances have enabled the development of molecular markers for use in the assessment and utilization of genetic diversity in hexaploid wheat. Starting with a large collection of 819 571 previously characterized wheat markers, here we describe the identification of 35 143 single nucleotide polymorphism‐based markers, which are highly suited to the genotyping of elite hexaploid wheat accessions. To assess their suitability, the markers have been validated using a commercial high‐density Affymetrix Axiom® genotyping array (the Wheat Breeders’ Array), in a high‐throughput 384 microplate configuration, to characterize a diverse global collection of wheat accessions including landraces and elite lines derived from commercial breeding communities. We demonstrate that the Wheat Breeders’ Array is also suitable for generating high‐density genetic maps of previously uncharacterized populations and for characterizing novel genetic diversity produced by mutagenesis. To facilitate the use of the array by the wheat community, the markers, the associated sequence and the genotype information have been made available through the interactive web site ‘CerealsDB’.
OsDi19‐4 acts downstream of OsCDPK14 to positively regulate ABA response in rice
Authors: Wang Lili , Yu Changchun , Xu Shanglin , Zhu Yingguo , Huang Wenchao 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe drought‐induced 19 protein family consists of several atypical Cys2/His2‐type zinc finger proteins in plants and plays an important role in abiotic stress. In this study, we found that overexpressing OsDi19‐4 in rice altered the expression of a series of abscisic acid (ABA)‐responsive genes, resulting in strong ABA‐hypersensitive phenotypes including ABA‐induced seed germination inhibition, early seedling growth inhibition and stomatal closure. On the contrary, OsDi19‐4 knockdown lines were less sensitive to ABA. Additionally, OsCDPK14 was identified to interact with OsDi19‐4 and be responsible for the phosphorylation of OsDi19‐4, and the phosphorylation of OsDi19‐4 was further enhanced after the treatment of ABA. Apart from these, OsDi19‐4 was shown to directly bind to the promoters of OsASPG1 and OsNAC18 genes, two ABA‐responsive genes, and regulate their expression. Transient expression assays confirmed the direct regulation role of OsDi19‐4, and the regulation was further enhanced by the increased phosphorylation of OsDi19‐4 after the treatment of ABA. Taken together, these data demonstrate that OsDi19‐4 acts downstream of OsCDPK14 to positively regulate ABA response by modulating the expression of ABA‐responsive genes in rice.
Risk factors and clinical characteristics of the depressive state induced by pegylated interferon therapy in patients with hepatitis C virus infection: A prospective study
Authors: Kawase Kohei , Kondo Kenji , Saito Takeo , Shimasaki Ayu , Takahashi Atsushi , Kamatani Yoichiro , Kawabe Naoto , Hashimoto Senju , Ikeda Masashi , Kubo Michiaki , Yoshioka Kentaro , Iwata Nakao 
Published: September 2016

AimPegylated interferon (PegIFN) therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often induce a depressive state. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for and clinical characteristics of PegIFN‐induced depressive state.MethodsSixty‐nine subjects with HCV who received PegIFN therapy were enrolled. Before beginning therapy, all subjects were evaluated using the Neuroticism–Extraversion–Openness Five‐Factor Inventory and the List of Threatening Events Questionnaire. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were also evaluated at baseline, 2–4 weeks after initiating therapy, and every 4 weeks thereafter.ResultsDuring the study, 18 subjects (24.3%) developed a depressive state (BDI ≥ 10). A bimodal peak of onset was observed during the early (2–8 weeks) and late (after 20 weeks) therapy phases. Moreover, we observed that baseline BDI scores (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40,
P
= 0.0104) and neuroticism (OR = 1.14,
P
= 0.0275) were significant risk factors for developing a depressive state. To determine the specific characteristics of this condition, we compared the BDI subscales between the ‘PegIFN‐induced’ and ‘general’ depressive state reported previously. We found that the score at ‘somatic symptoms’ was higher in the ‘PegIFN‐induced’ group.ConclusionOur results indicate the following: (i) PegIFN‐induced depressive state most frequently develops during the first 8 weeks of therapy; (ii) baseline BDI and neuroticism scores are risk factors for PegIFN‐induced depressive state; and (iii) the core symptoms of PegIFN‐induced depressive state are different from those of ‘general’ depression.
Multicriteria decision analysis for the evaluation of water quality improvement and ecosystem service provision
Authors: McInnes Robert , Smith Graham , Greaves Julian , Watson David , Wood Nikki , Everard Mark 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWater and land management decisions require consideration of multiple factors. Multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) provides a structured, auditable and transparent tool that helps inform and add rigour to multioption decisions. MCDA was used in a payment for ecosystem services (PES) project to evaluate options for delivering good ecological status in Tortworth Brook, Gloucestershire, UK. Following a process of stakeholder engagement, final options considered were: (1) doing nothing; (2) modifying existing sewage treatment works; (3) a single integrated constructed wetland (ICW) targeting multiple ecosystem service outcomes; and (4) catchment wide multiple ICWs. The analysis concluded that the ‘do nothing’ option and modifying the existing works are both likely to provide poor utility and value for money. Both ICW options offered the greatest utility in terms of optimising the benefits to all stakeholders.
A general algorithm for calculation of recombination losses in ionization chambers exposed to ion beams
Authors: Christensen Jeppe Brage , Tölli Heikki , Bassler Niels 
Published: September 2016

PurposeDosimetry with ionization chambers in clinical ion beams for radiation therapy requires correction for recombination effects. However, common radiation protocols discriminate between initial and general recombination and provide no universal correction method for the presence of both recombination types in ion beams of charged particles heavier than protons. The advent of multiple field optimization in ion beams, allowing for complex patterns of dose delivery in both temporal and spatial domains, results in new challenges for recombination correction where the resulting recombination depends on the plan delivered. Here, the authors present the open source code IonTracks version 1.0, where the combined initial and general recombination effects in principle can be predicted for any ion beam with arbitrary particle‐energy spectrum and temporal structure.MethodsIonTracks uses track structure theory to distribute the charge carriers in ion tracks. The charge carrier movements are governed by a pair of coupled differential equations, based on fundamental physical properties as charge carrier drift, diffusion, and recombination, which are solved numerically while the initial and general charge carrier recombination is computed. A space charge screening of the electric field is taken into account and the algorithm furthermore allows an inclusion of a free‐electron component.ResultsThe algorithm is numerically stable and in accordance with experimentally validated theories for initial recombination in heavy ion tracks and general recombination in a proton beam.ConclusionsGiven IonTracks’ ability to handle arbitrary inputs, IonTracks can in principle be applied to any complex particle field in the spatial and temporal domain. IonTracks is validated against the Jaffé's and Boag's theory of recombination in pulsed beams of multiple ion species. IonTracks is able to calculate the correction factor for initial and general recombination losses in parallel‐plate ionization chambers. Even if only few experimental data on recombination effects in ionization chambers are available today, the universal concept of IonTracks is not limited to the ions investigated here. Future experimental investigations of recombination in pulsed and possibly also continuous ion beams may be conducted with IonTracks, which ultimately may lead to a more precise prediction of recombination factors in complex radiation fields.
Maintenance of Transcription-Translation Coupling by Elongation Factor P
Authors: Elgamal Sara , Artsimovitch Irina , Ibba Michael 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Under conditions of tight coupling between translation and transcription, the ribosome enables synthesis of full-length mRNAs by preventing both formation of intrinsic terminator hairpins and loading of the transcription termination factor Rho. While previous studies have focused on transcription factors, we investigated the role of
Escherichia coli
elongation factor P (EF-P), an elongation factor required for efficient translation of mRNAs containing consecutive proline codons, in maintaining coupled translation and transcription. In the absence of EF-P, the presence of Rho utilization (
rut
) sites led to an ~30-fold decrease in translation of polyproline-encoding mRNAs. Coexpression of the Rho inhibitor Psu fully restored translation. EF-P was also shown to inhibit premature termination during synthesis and translation of mRNAs encoding intrinsic terminators. The effects of EF-P loss on expression of polyproline mRNAs were augmented by a substitution in RNA polymerase that accelerates transcription. Analyses of previously reported ribosome profiling and global proteomic data identified several candidate gene clusters where EF-P could act to prevent premature transcription termination.
In vivo
probing allowed detection of some predicted premature termination products in the absence of EF-P. Our findings support a model in which EF-P maintains coupling of translation and transcription by decreasing ribosome stalling at polyproline motifs. Other regulators that facilitate ribosome translocation through roadblocks to prevent premature transcription termination upon uncoupling remain to be identified.

IMPORTANCE
Bacterial mRNA and protein syntheses are often tightly coupled, with ribosomes binding newly synthesized Shine-Dalgarno sequences and then translating nascent mRNAs as they emerge from RNA polymerase. While previous studies have mainly focused on the roles of transcription factors, here we investigated whether translation factors can also play a role in maintaining coupling and preventing premature transcription termination. Using the polyproline synthesis enhancer elongation factor P, we found that rapid translation through potential stalling motifs is required to provide efficient coupling between ribosomes and RNA polymerase. These findings show that translation enhancers can play an important role in gene expression by preventing premature termination of transcription.
Eukaryotic-Like Virus Budding in
Archaea
Authors: Quemin Emmanuelle R. J. , Chlanda Petr , Sachse Martin , Forterre Patrick , Prangishvili David , Krupovic Mart 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Similar to many eukaryotic viruses (and unlike bacteriophages), viruses infecting archaea are often encased in lipid-containing envelopes. However, the mechanisms of their morphogenesis and egress remain unexplored. Here, we used dual-axis electron tomography (ET) to characterize the morphogenesis of Sulfolobus spindle-shaped virus 1 (SSV1), the prototype of the family
Fuselloviridae
and representative of the most abundant archaea-specific group of viruses. Our results show that SSV1 assembly and egress are concomitant and occur at the cellular cytoplasmic membrane via a process highly reminiscent of the budding of enveloped viruses that infect eukaryotes. The viral nucleoprotein complexes are extruded in the form of previously unknown rod-shaped intermediate structures which have an envelope continuous with the host membrane. Further maturation into characteristic spindle-shaped virions takes place while virions remain attached to the cell surface. Our data also revealed the formation of constricted ring-like structures which resemble the budding necks observed prior to the ESCRT machinery-mediated membrane scission during egress of various enveloped viruses of eukaryotes. Collectively, we provide evidence that archaeal spindle-shaped viruses contain a lipid envelope acquired upon budding of the viral nucleoprotein complex through the host cytoplasmic membrane. The proposed model bears a clear resemblance to the egress strategy employed by enveloped eukaryotic viruses and raises important questions as to how the archaeal single-layered membrane composed of tetraether lipids can undergo scission.

IMPORTANCE
The replication of enveloped viruses has been extensively studied in eukaryotes but has remained unexplored for enveloped viruses infecting
Archaea
. Here, we provide a sequential view on the assembly and egress of SSV1, a prototypic archaeal virus. The observed process is highly similar to the budding of eukaryotic enveloped viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus, influenza virus, and Ebola virus. The present study is the first to characterize such a phenomenon in archeal cells, showing that membrane budding is not an exclusive feature of eukaryotic viruses. Our results provide significant insights into the biogenesis and architecture of unique, spindle-shaped virions that infect archaea. Furthermore, our findings open doors for future inquiries into (i) the evolution of the virus budding process, (ii) mechanistic details of virus-mediated membrane scission in
Archaea
, and (iii) elucidation of virus- and host-encoded molecular players responsible for archaeal membrane and surface remodeling.
What do young people think about their school-based sex and relationship education? A qualitative synthesis of young people's views and experiences
Authors: Pound Pandora , Langford Rebecca , Campbell Rona 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesAlthough sex and relationship education (SRE) represents a key strand in policies to safeguard young people and improve their sexual health, it currently lacks statutory status, government guidance is outdated and a third of UK schools has poor-quality SRE. We aimed to investigate whether current provision meets young people's needs.DesignSynthesis of qualitative studies of young people's views of their school-based SRE.SettingEligible studies originated from the UK, Ireland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Iran, Brazil and Sweden.ParticipantsStudies of students aged 4–19 in full-time education, young adults ≤19 (not necessarily in full-time education) or adults ≤25 if recalling their experiences of school-based SRE.Results–69 publications were identified, with 55 remaining after quality appraisal (representing 48 studies). The synthesis found that although sex is a potent and potentially embarrassing topic, schools appear reluctant to acknowledge this and attempt to teach SRE in the same way as other subjects. Young people report feeling vulnerable in SRE, with young men anxious to conceal sexual ignorance and young women risking sexual harassment if they participate. Schools appear to have difficulty accepting that some young people are sexually active, leading to SRE that is out of touch with many young people's lives. Young people report that SRE can be negative, gendered and heterosexist. They expressed dislike of their own teachers delivering SRE due to blurred boundaries, lack of anonymity, embarrassment and poor training.ConclusionsSRE should be ‘sex-positive’ and delivered by experts who maintain clear boundaries with students. Schools should acknowledge that sex is a special subject with unique challenges, as well as the fact and range of young people's sexual activity, otherwise young people will continue to disengage from SRE and opportunities for safeguarding and improving their sexual health will be reduced.
Influenza vaccination for healthcare workers in the UK: appraisal of systematic reviews and policy options
Authors: Kliner Merav , Keenan Alex , Sinclair David , Ghebrehewet Sam , Garner Paul 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundThe UK Department of Health recommends annual influenza vaccination for healthcare workers, but uptake remains low. For staff, there is uncertainty about the rationale for vaccination and evidence underpinning the recommendation.ObjectivesTo clarify the rationale, and evidence base, for influenza vaccination of healthcare workers from the occupational health, employer and patient safety perspectives.DesignSystematic appraisal of published systematic reviews.ResultsThe quality of the 11 included reviews was variable; some included exactly the same trials but made conflicting recommendations. 3 reviews assessed vaccine effects in healthcare workers and found 1 trial reporting a vaccine efficacy (VE) of 88%. 6 reviews assessed vaccine effects in healthy adults, and VE was consistent with a median of 62% (95% CI 56 to 67). 2 reviews assessed effects on working days lost in healthcare workers (3 trials), and 3 reported effects in healthy adults (4 trials). The meta-analyses presented by the most recent reviews do not reach standard levels of statistical significance, but may be misleading as individual trials suggest benefit with wide variation in size of effect. The 2013 Cochrane review reported absolute effects close to 0 for laboratory-confirmed influenza, and hospitalisation for patients, but excluded data on clinically suspected influenza and all-cause mortality, which had shown potentially important effects in previous editions. A more recent systematic review reports these effects as a 42% reduction in clinically suspected influenza (95% CI 27 to 54) and a 29% reduction in all-cause mortality (95% CI 15 to 41).ConclusionsThe evidence for employer and patient safety benefits of influenza vaccination is not straightforward and has been interpreted differently by different systematic review authors. Future uptake of influenza vaccination among healthcare workers may benefit from a fully transparent guideline process by a panel representing all relevant stakeholders, which clearly communicates the underlying rationale, evidence base and judgements made.