bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical biogeography of Caribbean Podocarpus does not support the progression rule
Authors: Nieto‐Blázquez María Esther , Peña‐Castillo Lourdes , Roncal Julissa
Published: December 2020

Aim

The Progression Rule, that older lineages inhabit older islands and colonize newer ones as they emerge, has seldom been tested in the Caribbean due to its geological complexity. Here, we use the conifer genus Podocarpus to explore this hypothesis. We infer the evolutionary history, biogeography, and diversification rates of this genus under a hypothesis testing framework.

Location

The Caribbean archipelago (Antilles).

Taxon

Podocarpus (Podocarpaceae).

Methods

We present the most comprehensive sampling for Caribbean Podocarpus to date in a Bayesian dated phylogenetic tree using a genotyping by sequencing DNA matrix of 67,589 bp. We inferred ancestral ranges and inter‐island divergence patterns using several models available. We explored diversification rates associated with island colonization, and checked for diversification rate shifts in the phylogeny.

Results

Caribbean Podocarpus is the result of colonization from the Andes during the Eocene to Oligocene (c. 45–31 Ma). Lesser Antillean species originated during the Oligocene from the Andes or the Greater Antilles, depending on the model of choice. Vicariance can explain the divergence of Cuban and Hispaniolan species, with subsequent dispersals into Jamaica. Despite the availability of new habitat opportunities, which might promote cladogenesis, insular Podocarpus did not show higher diversification rates than continental taxa.

Main conclusions

The conditions for progression rule were not met because colonization of younger islands (Lesser Antilles) occurred from the continent, or because suitable habitat in the partially emerged younger islands was likely present at the time older islands (Greater Antilles) were colonized. An improved palaeogeographical knowledge of the Caribbean will allow testing this hypothesis in multiple lineages. Our finding that diversification rates did not increase with island colonization might be common in other Caribbean lineages. Genotyping by sequencing proved promising to reveal complex historical assembly processes of vicariance and dispersal at a fine phylogenetic scale.
Association of CHI3L1 gene variants with YKL‐40 levels and hypertension incidence: A population‐based nested case‐control study in China
Authors: Xu Tian , Zheng Xiaowei , Wang Aili , Guo Zhirong , Zhang Yonghong
Published: December 2020

YKL‐40 was reported to be associated with the risk of hypertension. Whether the variants of CHI3L1 gene were associated with both YKL‐40 levels and hypertension needs to be further elucidated. In a 1:1 matched case‐control study of 507 pairs with available YKL‐40 levels and DNA samples nested in a prospective cohort of Chinese subjects, the 15 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CHI3L1 gene were genotyped. The levels of YKL‐40 among different genotypes of each SNP were compared after false discovery rate adjustment. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses were used to explore the association between the genotypes and the risk of hypertension. Subjects with the genetic variants for rs10399931, rs1538372, rs2071580, rs2297839 and rs4950928 had lower YKL‐40 levels. The genetic variant for rs10399805 was associated with higher YKL‐40 level. Subjects with the genotype of GA/AA of rs10399805 had a 1.34‐fold risk of hypertension compared with those with GG genotype in the total population (P = .05). Subjects with heterozygote/rare homozygote genotype of rs4950928 and rs2297839 both had a significantly lower risk of hypertension compared with those with major homozygote genotype among men. The ORs (95% CIs) were 0.46 (0.23‐0.89) and 0.49 (0.26‐0.91), respectively. The above three SNPs could significantly improve the accuracy of risk prediction for hypertension based on the conventional factors. The genotypes of rs10399805, rs4950928 and rs2297839 may hopefully become stable biomarkers for predicting the risk of hypertension.
Complement C5 activation promotes type 2 diabetic kidney disease via activating STAT3 pathway and disrupting the gut‐kidney axis
Authors: Li Ling , Wei Tiantian , Liu Shuyun , Wang Chengshi , Zhao Meng , Feng Yanhuan , Ma Liang , Lu Yanrong , Fu Ping , Liu Jingping
Published: December 2020

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a severe DM complication. While complement C5 up‐regulation and gut dysbiosis are found in T2DM, their roles in DKD are unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of C5 on the gut microbiota during DKD development. Renal C5a/C5a receptor (C5aR) expression changes were measured in T2DM patients and db/db mice. Db/db mice were treated with a C5aR antagonist (C5aRA), and renal function, gut microbiota and renal genome changes were analysed. The effects of C5a and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway were examined in vitro. C5a was up‐regulated in glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) of T2DM patients and db/db mice. Although glucose and lipid metabolism were unchanged, C5aR blockade alleviated renal dysfunction, ECM deposition, macrophage infiltration and proinflammatory factor expression in db/db mice. C5aRA partly reversed the declines in gut microbiota diversity and abundance and gut SCFA levels in db/db mice. C5aRA down‐regulated the expression of many immune response‐related genes, such as STAT3, in db/db mouse kidneys. C5aRA and SCFAs suppressed C5a‐induced STAT3 activation in human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs). Based on our results, C5 hyperactivation promotes DKD by activating STAT3 in GECs and impairing the gut‐kidney axis, suggesting that this hyperactivation is a potential target for the treatment of DKD.
Observations on the growth of temporalis muscle: A 3D CT imaging study
Authors: Moltoni Giulia , D’Arco Felice , Rossi‐Espagnet Maria Camilla , James Greg , Hayward Richard
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the hypothesis that there is, during childhood, a disproportionate age‐related expansion of the origin of temporalis muscle compared to the growth of the underlying skull. Lateral projections of 50 randomly selected 3D reformatted computerized tomographic (CT) scans (yielding 100 temporalis muscles) of children aged >0.6 to 15 years scanned for conditions that did not affect the shape of their head or face were windowed to provide the optimum delineation of temporalis muscle against the underlying bone. Vertical and anterior–posterior measurements of the muscle made independently by two observers were compared with those of the skull along the same planes. The development of the anterior temporal crest was also assessed. The intraclass correlation coefficient for differences in the measurements made by each observer ranged from good to excellent. The muscle and skull measurements were used to produce a ratio of muscle‐to‐skull lengths in both vertical and horizontal planes. Analysis of these ratios showed a statistically significant increase in the vertical reach of temporalis with age (Pearson correlation coefficient (R) =0.7826; p < 0.05) compared to the growth of the skull along the planes chosen for the study—but less so for its horizontal reach (R = 0.5073. p < .001). There were no significant differences between right/left or male/female measurements. There was also a substantial level of agreement between both observers in their assessment of the development of the temporal crest. The mean age of children in whom a fully formed temporal crest could be identified (10.6 years) was significantly greater (p < 0.001) than that of the 38 remaining subjects (6.0 years). These results confirm that there is, in response to increased masticatory/dietary demands during childhood, a disproportionate increase in the vertical and (to a lesser extent) horizontal reach of temporalis muscle over its origin from the temporal, frontal, sphenoid, and parietal bones compared the growth of the skull. It is proposed that surgical interference with this normal process is responsible for the soft tissue component of late‐developing deformity that can occur following early (at 6–18 months of age) operations for the correction of trigonocephalic head shape associated with metopic synostosis.
Frequency of awake bruxism behaviour in orthodontic patients: Randomised clinical trial: Awake bruxism behaviour in orthodontic patients
Authors: Pereira Nayara C. , Oltramari Paula V. P. , Conti Paulo C. R. , Bonjardim Leonardo R. , de Almeida‐Pedrin Renata R. , Fernandes Thaís M. F. , de Almeida Marcio R. , Conti Ana C. C. F.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The influence of aligners on the activity of the masticatory muscles is still controversial, especially regarding the behaviour associated with awake bruxism (AB).

Objective

To compare the frequency of AB behaviours between patients treated with aligners and fixed appliances.

Methods

The sample comprised 38 Class I patients (mean age 22.08 years), divided by simple randomisation into two groups: OA group; orthodontic aligners (n 19) and FA group; fixed appliance (n 19). The frequency of AB was investigated by the ecological momentary assessment using an online device (mentimeter), during 7 following days at different timepoints, before and after appliance placement and in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th months of orthodontic treatment. These variables were also evaluated: level of anxiety by the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, stress by the Perceived Stress Scale, catastrophising related to pain and degree of hypervigilance by the Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire, and the presence of facial pain evaluated by the DC/TMD.

Results

There was no difference between groups in the frequency of AB behaviours, with mean of 53.5% for group OA and 51.3% for FA. The most frequent behaviour was slightly touching the teeth, and in FA group, there was a significant reduction in this behaviour soon after appliance placement. The groups did not differ concerning the degree of anxiety, stress, catastrophising, hypervigilance and facial pain.

Conclusion

The orthodontic treatment performed with aligners or fixed appliances did not influence the frequency of AB during the 6 months of treatment.

Registry of Clinical Trials

(REBEC): RBR‐9zytwf.
Exploring Disproportionate Minority Contact in the Juvenile Justice System Over the Year Following First Arrest
Authors: Padgaonkar Namita Tanya , Baker Amanda E. , Dapretto Mirella , Galván Adriana , Frick Paul J. , Steinberg Laurence , Cauffman Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Minority youth are disproportionately represented in the juvenile justice system. Examining how racial disparities relate to biased entry into and continued involvement with the system, while accounting for past and current offending, can provide context about the mechanisms behind overrepresentation. 1,216 adolescents were examined after first arrest to explore associations between race and history of self‐reported offending, likelihood of formal processing, and likelihood of rearrest. Black youth committed fewer offenses prior to arrest than White youth, Black and Latino youth were more likely to be formally processed, and Black youth were most likely to be rearrested (even controlling for postbaseline offending), highlighting that minority youth are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system despite similar or lower levels of criminal behavior.
Pathogenic analyses of fungus strains isolated from medicinal Fritillaria przewalskii Maxim. bulb rot
Authors: Wu Rui , Chen Yuan , Guo Fengxia , Gao Yuan , Zhou Yang
Published: December 2020

Bulb rot causes a great loss of rare perennial medicinal Fritillaria przewalskii Maxim., which is exacerbated with growth year and seriously constrains the plant productivity, but the pathogens responsible for the disease were still unknown. In this paper, we attempted to explore the potential pathogens leading to bulb rotting and their occurrence patterns in artificial domesticated F. przewalskii. Fungus strains were isolated from the bulb rot spot of the 3‐ to 5‐year‐old diseased F. przewalskii plants by tissue separation, further assayed for pathogenicity according to Koch's law and finally identified by both morphological and molecular methods. Seven pathogenic strains (F1‐F7) were detected in 5‐year‐old rot bulbs, six (F1‐F6) in 4‐year‐old rot bulbs and four (F1, F2, F5, F6) in 3‐year‐old rot bulbs. All of the strains were able to infect bulbs by stabbing and some exhibited varying levels of aggressiveness. Relative to the non‐stabbing controls, the bulbs stab‐inoculated with F5, F2, F7, F4, F1, F6, and F3 showed 76.65%, 75.15%, 71.44%, 40.37%, 39.09%, 36.87%, and 34.93% rot after 8 days, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these seven strains were clustered into Bionectria ochroleuca (F1, F3, F4), Fusarium oxysporum (F2, F7), Fusarium tricinctum (F5), and Clonostachys rosea (F6). The two species of Fusarium had the strongest pathogenicity, followed by Bionectria ochroleuca and Clonostachys rosea. Although leading to low bulb rot incidence by stab inoculation, F1 showed the highest isolation rate (48.9%) among all strains. Thus, the edible and medicinal bulbs of F. przewalskii are susceptible to synergetic contamination by these seven pathogens at some point after their third year of growth, which has contributed to the species endangered status, with the two strains of Fusarium being the predominant pathogens. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the seven strains of four fungal species causing F. przewalskii bulb rot in China.
Rural Availability of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs)
Authors: Thiede Elizabeth , Miyamoto Sheridan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Sexual assault care provided by sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) is associated with improved health and prosecutorial outcomes. Upon completion of SANE training, nurses can demonstrate their experience and expertise by obtaining SANE certification. Availability of nurses with SANE training or certification is often limited in rural areas, and no studies of rural certified SANEs exist. The purpose of this study is to describe rural SANE availability.

Methods

We analyze both county‐level and hospital‐level data to comprehensively examine SANE availability. We first describe the geographic distribution of certified SANEs across rural and nonrural (ie, urban or suburban) Pennsylvania counties. We then analyze hospital‐level data from semistructured interviews with rural hospital emergency department administrators using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

We identified 49 certified SANEs across Pennsylvania, with 24.5% (n = 12) located in 8 (16.7%) of Pennsylvania's 48 rural counties. The remaining 37 certified SANEs (75.5%) were located in 13 (68.4%) of Pennsylvania's 19 nonrural counties. Interview data were collected from 63.9% of all eligible rural Pennsylvania hospitals (n = 63) and show that 72.5% (n = 29) have SANEs. Of these, 20.7% (n = 6) have any certified SANE availability. A minority of hospitals (42.5%; n = 17) have continuous SANE coverage.

Conclusions

Very few SANEs in rural Pennsylvania have certification, suggesting barriers to certification may exist for rural SANEs. Though a majority of hospitals have SANEs, availability of SANEs was limited by inconsistent coverage. A lack of certified SANEs and inconsistent SANE coverage may place rural sexual assault victims at risk of receiving lower quality sexual assault care.
One Conception of Secularism for All? A Comparison of Conceptions of Laïcité among Nonbelievers, Catholics, and Muslims in France
Authors: Cohu Medhi , Maisonneuve Christelle , Testé Benoit
Published: December 2020

In European countries, a large number of people feel that Islam is incompatible with secularism. France's legal principle of laïcité (a type of state “secularism”) has governed the relationship between religion and society since 1905. However, recent research suggests that there coexist two distinct lay conceptions of laïcité that differ most notably in their tolerance for the presence of religious symbols in public places, one inclusive, the other restrictive. This latter conception appears to target mainly Muslims. The present research examined the lay conceptions of laïcité held by Catholics, Muslims, and nonbelievers. Analyses of participants’ responses (N = 375) to a scale measuring lay beliefs about laïcité confirmed the existence of two distinct lay conceptions of laïcité that differed in the importance given to public expression of religious beliefs, religious neutrality of the state, and equal treatment of different religions. The results also showed that, independent of participants’ religiosity, the restrictive conception was more prevalent among nonbelievers, the two conceptions were equally prevalent among Catholics, and the inclusive conception was more prevalent among Muslims.
Identifiability of structural singular vector autoregressive models
Authors: Funovits Bernd , Braumann Alexander
Published: December 2020

We generalize well‐known results on structural identifiability of vector autoregressive (VAR) models to the case where the innovation covariance matrix has reduced rank. Singular structural VAR models appear, for example, as solutions of rational expectation models where the number of shocks is usually smaller than the number of endogenous variables, and as an essential building block in dynamic factor models. We show that order conditions for identifiability are misleading in the singular case and we provide a rank condition for identifiability of the noise parameters. Since the Yule–Walker equations may have multiple solutions, we analyse the effect of restricting system parameters on over‐ and underidentification in detail and provide easily verifiable conditions.
Intracardiac heartworms in dogs: Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics in 72 cases (2010‐2019)
Authors: Romano Abigail E. , Saunders Ashley B. , Gordon Sonya G. , Wesselowski Sonya
Published: December 2020

Background

Heartworms, a cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in dogs, can migrate from the pulmonary arteries into the heart resulting in life‐threatening caval syndrome (CS).

Objectives

To describe clinical and echocardiographic characteristics in dogs with intracardiac heartworms including estimated heartworm burden and frequency of PH and pigmenturia.

Animals

Seventy‐two client‐owned dogs with heartworms.

Methods

Retrospective study. Data collected from an electronic medical records search for dogs with intracardiac heartworms included clinicopathologic, echocardiographic, and procedural findings. Dogs with heartworms isolated to the pulmonary arteries were excluded.

Results

Estimated intracardiac heartworm burden was low in 14 of 72 (19%) and high in 58 of 72 (81%) dogs. The majority were small breed (54/72; 75%; 29/72; 40% Chihuahuas) and had a high likelihood of PH (67/72; 93%). Pigmenturia was the second most common clinical finding (31/72; 43%) after lethargy (32/72; 44%). Anemia (37/55; 36%), pigmenturia (30/58; 52%), and bilirubinuria (28/36; 78%) were significantly more common in dogs with a high worm burden (P < .05). Based on the presence of anemia, pigmenturia, and clinical signs, 18 of 72 dogs (25%) were considered to have CS.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Although the majority of dogs with intracardiac heartworms had a high worm burden and high likelihood of PH, only 25% had clinical evidence of CS. Echocardiography is a useful tool to identify intracardiac heartworms, detect likelihood of PH, and could be useful for staging heartworm positive small breed dogs for intracardiac heartworm migration.
Evaluation of urine concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanate in cats
Authors: KuKanich Kate , Woodruff Kallie , Bieberly Zackery , Papich Mark G. , KuKanich Butch
Published: December 2020

Background

To characterize urinary isolates, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) uses an amoxicillin breakpoint for cats based on plasma (not urine) drug concentrations (≤0.25 μg/mL), but a urine‐specific breakpoint for dogs exists (≤8 μg/mL).

Objectives

To measure urine concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanate after PO administration of amoxicillin‐clavulanate to cats, and to suggest updated urine‐specific susceptibility breakpoints for PO amoxicillin and amoxicillin‐clavulanate in cats.

Animals

Eleven healthy purpose‐bred cats.

Methods

Cats were given 3 62.5 mg doses of amoxicillin‐clavulanate PO q12h. After the third dose, urine was collected over 28 hours, recording urination time and volume. At least 3 urine samples were collected per cat. Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry was used to determine the urine concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanate.

Results

Amoxicillin concentrations were >8 μg/mL in all urine samples collected within 12 hours after administration (range, 31.6‐1351 μg/mL), with means of 929 μg/mL (0‐6 hours) and 532 μg/mL (6‐12 hours). The mean half‐life of amoxicillin in urine was 1.99 hours, and mean recovery was 30%. Clavulanate was detected in all urine samples, with mean half‐life of 2.17 hours.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Orally administered amoxicillin‐clavulanate resulted in urine amoxicillin concentrations above the cutoff (8 μg/mL) for wild‐type Escherichia coli in all cats. Because urine‐specific susceptibility testing breakpoints can be determined using urine concentrations, this information should allow new CLSI uropathogen susceptibility breakpoints for amoxicillin and amoxicillin‐clavulanate in healthy cats, increasing the urine breakpoint from ≤0.25 to ≤8 μg/mL.
Does cognitive inflexibility predict violent extremist behaviour intentions? A registered direct replication report of Zmigrod, Rentfrow, & Robbins, 2019
Authors: Schumann Sandy , Salman Nadine L. , Clemmow Caitlin , Gill Paul
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Research assessing violent extremist risk factors thus far largely ignored the role of cognitive processes. Zmigrod and colleagues (2019a) addressed this gap and presented first systematic evidence that lower levels of cognitive flexibility predict a higher willingness to fight and, ultimately, die for a national ingroup. This finding has important theoretical and practical implications. In order to strengthen the potential contribution of Zmigrod et al.’s work, we will conduct a registered direct replication of Study 1. Extending the original study, we further examine whether the documented relationship still holds when a self‐report measure for cognitive flexibility is introduced and when analyses control for identity fusion. We also investigate if cognitive inflexibility solely predicts violent or also normative pro‐group behaviour intentions.

Methods

Following Zmigrod, Rentfrow, and Robbins (2019a), we will administer a cross‐sectional survey study. Participants (N = 1,378) report their willingness to fight, die, and sacrifice themselves for the ingroup and complete the Remote Associates as well as Wisconsin Card Sorting tests. Afterwards, additional measures of self‐reported cognitive flexibility, identity fusion, and normative pro‐group behaviour are assessed.

Results

To be completed.

Conclusions

To be completed.
Is psychological treatment equally effective for intimate partner violence perpetrators with and without childhood family violence?
Authors: Fernández‐Montalvo Javier , Echauri José A. , Siria Sandra , López‐Goñi José J. , Azcárate Juana M. , Martínez María
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study assessed the differential long‐term effectiveness of a standard treatment programme for intimate partner violence male perpetrators (IPV‐P), depending on the presence of childhood family violence (CFV).

Methods

A sample of 1,008 male IPV‐P were included in the study. Comparisons between men with CFV (n = 339) and without CFV (n = 669) on sociodemographic characteristics and psychopathological variables were carried out at pre‐treatment. The differential effectiveness of the treatment was assessed at post‐treatment and at 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

The pre‐treatment assessment showed that IPV‐P with CFV had a lower level of education, higher rates of previous psychiatric history, and more voluntary access to the treatment. Moreover, they began the treatment programme with more psychopathological symptoms, assessed by the SCL‐90‐R and STAXI‐2. Regarding treatment results, the attrition rates did not reach significant differences between groups. The repeated‐measures ANOVA evidenced statistically significant improvement in psychopathological symptoms on most of the variables for both groups. However, comparisons between groups on psychopathological symptoms showed that IPV‐P with CFV were affected to a significantly higher degree on many variables at post‐treatment and follow‐up, although no differences were found in the global rates of treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

This investigation highlights the heterogeneity of IPV‐P and the differential progression along the treatment programmes according to the presence of CFV.
High subcutaneous adipose tissue density correlates negatively with survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: von Hessen Leona , Roumet Marie , Maurer Martin Helmut , Lange Naomi , Reeves Helen , Dufour Jean‐François , Radu Pompilia
Published: December 2020

Background & Aims

Body composition parameters have been reported to add information, which can lead to tailored treatment and prognostication for oncological patients. Data for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are scarce. We assessed the association between different body composition parameters and overall survival (OS) in two different newly diagnosed HCC populations.

Methods

The area (cm2) and density (Hounsfield Units [HU]) of skeletal muscle (SM) and adipose tissue (subcutaneous [SAT], visceral [VAT] and intermuscular [IMAT]) were measured on computed tomography (CT) scans at the level of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) in two cohorts of patients diagnosed in different HCC stages (Bern, Switzerland n = 187 and Newcastle, United Kingdom n = 216). Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions analyses were used to assess the crude and adjusted association of body composition parameters with OS.

Results

By univariate analysis, in both cohorts, Bern and Newcastle, high SAT density (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.35; 1.12‐1.62, P < .001 and 1.44; 1.27‐1.63, P < .001, respectively) and high VAT density (HR: 1.38; 1.1‐1.72, P = .005 and HR: 1.53; 1.3‐1.81, P < .001, respectively) correlated negatively with survival. After model adjustment for potential baseline confounders (gender, age, diabetes, cirrhosis, MELD score, BCLC stage) in a multivariate analysis, SAT density remained associated with mortality in Bern and Newcastle (Bern: HR: 1.27; 1.04‐1.57, P = .022; Newcastle: HR: 1.23; 1.03‐1.48, P = .022) and VAT remained associated with mortality in Bern (HR: 1.31; 1.05‐1.65, P = .019).

Conclusions

Based on two HCC cohorts, our data show that high SAT density correlates negatively with OS in HCC patients.
Time to challenge our approaches to education
Authors: Palermo Claire
Published: December 2020

In this commentary Palermo offers reflections on He et al.'s systematic review, arguing that online approaches to teaching, learning and assessment cannot completely capture the complex nature of healthcare.
MltG activity antagonizes cell wall synthesis by both types of peptidoglycan polymerases in Escherichia coli
Authors: Bohrhunter Jessica L. , Rohs Patricia D. A. , Torres Grasiela , Yunck Rachel , Bernhardt Thomas G.
Published: December 2020

Bacterial cells are surrounded by a peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall. This structure is essential for cell integrity and its biogenesis pathway is a key antibiotic target. Most bacteria utilize two types of synthases that polymerize glycan strands and crosslink them: class A penicillin‐binding proteins (aPBPs) and complexes of SEDS proteins and class B PBPs (bPBPs). Although the enzymatic steps of PG synthesis are well characterized, the steps involved in terminating PG glycan polymerization remain poorly understood. A few years ago, the conserved lytic transglycosylase MltG was identified as a potential terminase for PG synthesis in Escherichia coli. However, characterization of the in vivo function of MltG was hampered by the lack of a growth or morphological phenotype in ΔmltG cells. Here, we report the isolation of MltG‐defective mutants as suppressors of lethal deficits in either aPBP or SEDS/bPBP PG synthase activity. We used this phenotype to perform a domain‐function analysis for MltG, which revealed that access to the inner membrane is important for its in vivo activity. Overall, our results support a model in which MltG functions as a terminase for both classes of PG synthases by cleaving PG glycans as they are being actively synthesized.
Lower esophageal sphincter muscle of patients with achalasia exhibits profound mast cell degranulation
Authors: Nelson Melissa , Zhang Xi , Genta Robert M. , Turner Kevin , Podgaetz Eitan , Paris Shere , Cardenas Jacob , Gu Jinghua , Leeds Steven , Ward Marc , Nguyen Anh , Konda Vani , Furuta Glenn T. , Pan Zui , Souza Rhonda F. , Spechler Stuart Jon
Published: December 2020

Background

Eosinophils and mast cells are key effectors of allergy. When they accumulate in the esophagus, their myoactive, pro‐inflammatory, and cytotoxic products potentially could cause achalasia‐like motility abnormalities and neuronal degeneration. We hypothesized that there is an allergy‐mediated form of achalasia.

Methods

LES muscle samples obtained during Heller myotomy from patients with achalasia or EGJ outflow obstruction (EGJOO) and from organ donor controls were immunostained for tryptase. Eosinophil and mast cell density, and mast cell degranulation were assessed. LES muscle was evaluated by qPCR for genes mediating smooth muscle Ca2+ handling and contraction.

Key Results

There were 13 patients (7 men, median age 59; 10 achalasia, 3 EGJOO) and 7 controls (4 men, median age 42). Eosinophils were infrequent in LES muscle, but mast cells were plentiful. Patients and controls did not differ significantly in LES mast cell density. However, 12 of 13 patients exhibited profound LES mast cell degranulation involving perimysium and myenteric plexus nerves, while only mild degranulation was seen in 2 of 7 controls. Hierarchical clustering analysis of qPCR data revealed two “mototype” LES gene expression patterns, with all type II patients in one mototype, and type I and III patients in the other.

Conclusions & Inferences

LES muscle of patients with achalasia or EGJOO exhibits striking mast cell degranulation, and patients with different achalasia manometric phenotypes exhibit different LES patterns of expression for genes mediating Ca2+ handling and muscle contraction. Although these findings are not definitive, they support our hypothesis that achalasia can be allergy‐driven.
The role of serotonin in the control of esophageal sensitivity assessed by multimodal stimulation in health
Authors: Broers Charlotte , Geeraerts Annelies , Boecxstaens Veerle , Van Houtte Brecht , Geysen Hannelore , Peersman Nele , Vermeersch Pieter , Vanuytsel Tim , Tack Jan , Pauwels Ans
Published: December 2020

Background

Esophageal hypersensitivity is considered an important pathophysiological mechanism in refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients. Serotonin (5‐HT) plays an important role in the regulation of GI (gastrointestinal) secretion, motility and sensitivity. Previous studies found that altered 5‐HT availability has no clear effects on esophageal/GI sensations. Our aim was therefore to investigate the role of 5‐HT in esophageal sensitivity in healthy volunteers (HV).

Methods

Esophageal sensitivity to thermal, mechanical, electrical, and chemical stimuli was assessed in 3 different placebo‐controlled studies. In the first study, the effect of citalopram (40 mg; 5‐HT reuptake inhibitor; intravenous) was investigated (n = 14). In the second study, the effect of buspirone (20 mg; 5HT1A agonist; oral) was investigated (n = 10). In the third study, acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) was used to decrease 5‐HT levels to investigate the effect of reduced 5‐HT availability on esophageal sensitivity (n = 15).

Key Results

No difference was observed in esophageal sensitivity after the administration of citalopram or buspirone (all p > 0.06). In contrast, pain perception threshold to chemical stimulation was increased after ATD (p = 0.017, Cohen's d+ = 0.67). No effect was found on the first perception or pain tolerance threshold. ATD had no influence on esophageal sensitivity to thermal, mechanical, and electrical stimulation compared with placebo.

Conclusions and Inferences

ATD, which induces 5‐HT depletion, significantly decreased pain perception threshold during chemical stimulation, without affecting sensitivity to mechanical, thermal, or electrical stimulation. These findings confirm the involvement of 5‐HT in the control of esophageal acid sensitivity, but identifying the receptors involved requires more ligands and studies.
Network analyses identify a transcriptomic proximodistal prepattern in the maize leaf primordium
Authors: Leiboff Samuel , Strable Josh , Johnston Robyn , Federici Silvia , Sylvester Anne W. , Scanlon Michael J.
Published: December 2020

The formation of developmental boundaries is a common feature of multicellular plants and animals, and impacts the initiation, structure and function of all organs. Maize leaves comprise a proximal sheath that encloses the stem, and a distal photosynthetic blade that projects away from the plant axis. An epidermally derived ligule and a joint‐like auricle develop at the blade/sheath boundary of maize leaves. Mutations disturbing the ligule/auricle region disrupt leaf patterning and impact plant architecture, yet it is unclear how this developmental boundary is established.

Targeted microdissection followed by transcriptomic analyses of young leaf primordia were utilized to construct a co‐expression network associated with development of the blade/sheath boundary.

Evidence is presented for proximodistal gradients of gene expression that establish a prepatterned transcriptomic boundary in young leaf primordia, before the morphological initiation of the blade/sheath boundary in older leaves.

This work presents a conceptual model for spatiotemporal patterning of proximodistal leaf domains, and provides a rich resource of candidate gene interactions for future investigations of the mechanisms of blade/sheath boundary formation in maize.
Reversing extinction trends: new uses of (old) herbarium specimens to accelerate conservation action on threatened species
Authors: Albani Rocchetti Giulia , Armstrong Chelsey Geralda , Abeli Thomas , Orsenigo Simone , Jasper Caroline , Joly Simon , Bruneau Anne , Zytaruk Maria , Vamosi Jana C.
Published: December 2020

Although often not collected specifically for the purposes of conservation, herbarium specimens offer sufficient information to reconstruct parameters that are needed to designate a species as ‘at‐risk’ of extinction. While such designations should prompt quick and efficient legal action towards species recovery, such action often lags far behind and is mired in bureaucratic procedure. The increase in online digitization of natural history collections has now led to a surge in the number new studies on the uses of machine learning. These repositories of species occurrences are now equipped with advances that allow for the identification of rare species. The increase in attention devoted to estimating the scope and severity of the threats that lead to the decline of such species will increase our ability to mitigate these threats and reverse the declines, overcoming a current barrier to the recovery of many threatened plant species. Thus far, collected specimens have been used to fill gaps in systematics, range extent, and past genetic diversity. We find that they also offer material with which it is possible to foster species recovery, ecosystem restoration, and de‐extinction, and these elements should be used in conjunction with machine learning and citizen science initiatives to mobilize as large a force as possible to counter current extinction trends.
Evolution of rapid blue‐light response linked to explosive diversification of ferns in angiosperm forests
Authors: Cai Shengguan , Huang Yuqing , Chen Fei , Zhang Xin , Sessa Emily , Zhao Chenchen , Marchant D. Blaine , Xue Dawei , Chen Guang , Dai Fei , Leebens‐Mack James H. , Zhang Guoping , Shabala Sergey , Christie John M. , Blatt Michael R. , Nevo Eviatar , Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E. , Franks Peter J. , Wu Feibo , Chen Zhong‐Hua
Published: December 2020

Ferns appear in the fossil record some 200 Myr before angiosperms. However, as angiosperm‐dominated forest canopies emerged in the Cretaceous period there was an explosive diversification of modern (leptosporangiate) ferns, which thrived in low, blue‐enhanced light beneath angiosperm canopies. A mechanistic explanation for this transformative event in the diversification of ferns has remained elusive.

We used physiological assays, transcriptome analysis and evolutionary bioinformatics to investigate a potential connection between the evolution of enhanced stomatal sensitivity to blue light in modern ferns and the rise of angiosperm‐dominated forests in the geological record.

We demonstrate that members of the largest subclade of leptosporangiate ferns, Polypodiales, have significantly faster stomatal response to blue light than more ancient fern lineages and a representative angiosperm. We link this higher sensitivity to levels of differentially expressed genes in blue‐light signaling, particularly in the cryptochrome (CRY) signaling pathway. Moreover, CRYs of the Polypodiales examined show gene duplication events between 212.9–196.9 and 164.4–151.8 Ma, when angiosperms were emerging, which are lacking in other major clades of extant land plants.

These findings suggest that evolution of stomatal blue‐light sensitivity helped modern ferns exploit the shady habitat beneath angiosperm forest canopies, fueling their Cretaceous hyperdiversification.
Perioperative anxiety in pediatric surgery: Induction room vs. operating room
Authors: Wingler Deborah , Liston David , Joseph Anjali , Wang Yifan , Feng Haotian , Martin Lynn
Published: December 2020

Background

Perioperative anxiety can have a profound and lasting effect on children and their parents, with up to 70 percent of children undergoing outpatient surgery experiencing significant physiologic and/or psychological manifestations of anxiety throughout the ambulatory surgical process. The physical healthcare environment itself can contribute to these feelings, substantially impacting the level of anxiety experienced by both the child and their parent.

Objective

This study sought to examine whether a difference exists between utilization of an induction room vs. the operating room on child and parent perioperative anxiety for parent present induction.

Methods

A single institution multi‐site prospective observational study was conducted with a cohort of 51 healthy children aged 6‐12 years, receiving an outpatient tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy and their parent. The methodological approach utilized for this study was Ecological Momentary Assessment. Two psychological measures of anxiety, (i) momentary and (ii) environmental, and one physiologic measure of anxiety (i) electrodermal activity were used. Data were captured separately for child and parent.

Results

For children who underwent anesthetic induction in the induction room, all three anxiety responses were significantly lower and exhibited a large positive effect [momentary (P = .0002,d = 1.984, induction room = 3.76, operating room = 7.07), environmental (P = .018,d = 1.160, induction room = 1.72, operating room = 0.85), and electrodermal activity (P = .039,d = 1.007, induction room = 0.76, operating room = 1.51)], as compared to children who were induced in the operating room. Electrodermal activity was also statistically significantly lower, with a large positive effect, in the postoperative environment (P = .004,d = 1.454, induction room = 0.21, operating room = 0.60) for Children who were induced in the induction room, as compared to the operating room cohort. No significant differences were found between parents for momentary and environmental anxiety, and electrodermal anxiety.

Conclusions

The nonpharmacological strategy of using an induction room for anesthetic induction of children may be clinically effective in reducing anxiety as compared to an operating room.
A comparison of anesthetic protective barriers for the management of COVID‐19 pediatric patients
Authors: Lee‐Archer Paul , Boyd Daniel , Du Trung , Elliott Robert , Graydon Cameron , Paterson Neil , Morawska Lidia
Published: December 2020

Background

Barrier techniques, such as plastic sheets or intubation boxes, are purported to offer additional protection for healthcare workers.

Aims

To assess the functionality, perceived safety, droplet protection, and aerosol protection of several barrier techniques.

Methods

Firstly, a simulation study with 12 different laryngoscopists was conducted to assess the time taken to perform an intubation (via direct laryngoscopy, via video laryngoscopy, and via a bougie) with four different barrier techniques (personal protective equipment only, a plastic sheet, a tented plastic sheet, and an intubation box). Secondly, a cough at the time of intubation was simulated using ultraviolet dye to assess the spread of droplets; and thirdly, smoke was used to assess the spread of aerosols.

Results

Intubation time using the box was noninferior to using no barrier. Based on subjective ratings by the laryngoscopists, the most functional technique was no barrier followed by the intubation box, then the tented sheet, and then the plastic sheet. The technique that conferred the highest feeling of safety to the laryngoscopists was the intubation box, followed by the tented sheet, then no barrier, and then the plastic sheet. All the barriers prevented the ultraviolet dye contaminating the head and torso of the laryngoscopist. Smoke remained within the intubation box if plastics sheets were used to cover the openings and suction was ineffective at clearing it. With no barrier in place, smoke was effectively cleared away from the patient in a theater with laminar flow but tended to spread up toward the laryngoscopist in a room without laminar flow.

Conclusions

A well‐designed intubation box is an effective barrier against droplets and is noninferior to no barrier in relation to intubation time. However, a box interferes with laminar flow in theaters with formal ventilation systems and may result in accumulation of aerosols if it is completely enclosed.
Dividing the pie: A quantitative review on plant density responses
Authors: Postma Johannes A. , Hecht Vera L. , Hikosaka Kouki , Nord Eric A. , Pons Thijs L. , Poorter Hendrik
Published: December 2020

Plant population density is an important variable in agronomy and forestry and offers an experimental way to better understand plant–plant competition. We made a meta‐analysis of responses of even‐aged mono‐specific stands to population density by quantifying for 3 stand and 33 individual plant variables in 334 experiments how much both plant biomass and phenotypic traits change with a doubling in density. Increasing density increases standing crop per area, but decreases the mean size of its individuals, mostly through reduced tillering and branching. Among the phenotypic traits, stem diameter is negatively affected, but plant height remains remarkably similar, partly due to an increased stem length‐to‐mass ratio and partly by increased allocation to stems. The reduction in biomass is caused by a lower photosynthetic rate, mainly due to shading of part of the foliage. Total seed mass per plant is also strongly reduced, marginally by lower mass per seed, but mainly because of lower seed numbers. Plants generally have fewer shoot‐born roots, but their overall rooting depth seems hardly affected. The phenotypic plasticity responses to high densities correlate strongly with those to low light, and less with those to low nutrients, suggesting that at high density, shading affects plants more than nutrient depletion.
Externalism and exploitability
Authors: Das Nilanjan
Published: December 2020

According to Bayesian orthodoxy, an agent should update—or at least should plan to update—her credences by conditionalization. Some have defended this claim by means of a diachronic Dutch book argument. They say: an agent who does not plan to update her credences by conditionalization is vulnerable (by her own lights) to a diachronic Dutch book, i.e., a sequence of bets which, when accepted, guarantee loss of utility. Here, I show that this argument is in tension with evidence externalism, i.e., the view that an agent's evidence can entail non‐trivial propositions about the external world. I argue that this tension casts doubt on the idea that diachronic Dutch books can be used to justify or vindicate updating plans.
Effect of UV‐B radiation on growth, flavonoid and podophyllotoxin accumulation, and related gene expression in Sinopodophyllum hexandrum
Authors: Lv M. , Su H.‐Y. , Li M.‐L. , Yang D.‐L. , Yao R.‐Y , Li M.‐F. , Wei J.‐H.
Published: December 2020

Sinopodophyllum hexandrum is an alpine medicinal plant that produces the anticancer compound podophyllotoxin (PPT). Although a positive relationship between PPT content and altitude has been proved and low temperature enhances plant growth and PPT accumulation has also been revealed, the role of UV radiation in regulating growth and PPT accumulation is still unclear

In this study, morphophysiological traits, metabolites content and related genes expression were investigated by exposing S. hexandrum seedlings to treatment with UV‐B radiation.

The results showed that the contents of soluble sugars and flavonoids, and the expression levels of genes involved in glycometabolism (XET and β‐1,3‐glucanase) and flavonoid biosynthesis (PAL,C4H,4CL,CHS1 and DTX41) were enhanced in response to UV‐B compared to CK. Moreover, genes involved in stress tolerance (MYB, WRKY,APX3 and EX2) were also upregulated in response to UV‐B radiation. Although the whole plant biomass exhibited slightly increased values that depended largely on root development, the contents of chlorophyll and PPT and the expression levels of genes involved in photosynthesis (matK, ndhF,rbcL and ycf5) and PPT biosynthesis (C3H,CCoAMT,CCR,CAD, DPO, PLR,SDH, CPY719A23,OMT3,CYP71CU1,OMT1and 2‐ODD) were significantly decreased in response to UV‐B compared to CK.

It can be concluded that UV‐B radiation promotes soluble sugars and flavonoids accumulation, but inhibits PPT biosynthesis in S. hexandrum.