bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myogenous temporomandibular disorders and salivary markers of oxidative stress—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Madariaga Víctor Ignacio , Jasim Hajer , Ghafouri Bijar , Ernberg Malin
Published: September 2020

Background

The clinical care of chronic pain requires personalised understanding of the mechanisms involved. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the most common chronic orofacial pain conditions, and oxidative stress has been proposed to be implicated in their pathophysiology, especially in arthrogenous TMD. However, few studies have explored oxidative stress in myogenous TMD (TMDM).

Objective

The aims of this study were to compare the salivary oxidative stress profiles between individuals with TMDM and healthy controls, and to explore associations of these markers with clinical characteristics.

Methodology

Saliva samples were collected from 39 individuals with TMDM and 37 age and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. Psychological stress levels and clinical characteristics were assessed in all participants. The samples were analysed for total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidative capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase activity (SODa). Comparisons between groups were performed using parametric and non‐parametric tests depending on data distribution.

Results

Psychological stress was higher in TMDM compared to controls (P < .001). TAC levels were significantly higher (P < .05) whereas TOS levels were significantly lower (P < .05) in TMDM compared to controls. There were no differences in SODa levels between groups and no correlations were found between clinical characteristics and oxidative stress markers.

Conclusion

Individuals with TMDM showed higher levels of antioxidative markers, but lower levels of oxidative markers. These results can be explained in part by chronicity and adaptation to the disease and other factors, such as psychological stress. Longitudinal studies must be conducted to clarify the role of oxidative stress in TMDM.
Evaluation of the efficacy of treatment modalities in burning mouth syndrome—A systematic review
Authors: Ślebioda Zuzanna , Lukaszewska‐Kuska Magdalena , Dorocka‐Bobkowska Barbara
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a medical entity characterised by a spontaneous sensation of burning, numbness or pain of the oral mucosa in the absence of clinical symptoms. The goal of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of various current treatments for BMS.

Methods

The literature search used the following inclusion criteria: randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared one or more treatment strategies for patients with primary/idiopathic BMS with a placebo group describing all types of interventions. The primary and secondary outcome measures included: relief of pain/burning sensations, changes in psychosocial factors and feeling of sensation of dryness. A computer and manual search was performed in Pubmed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library up to 5 November 2019 and updated on 28 June 2020. The risk of bias was measured with the Cochrane Collaboration tool.

Results

Thirty RCTs which included 727 study participants and 589 controls were identified. The following interventions were introduced: dietary supplements, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, analgesics, topical agents, electromagnetic radiation or induction, physical barriers and psychological therapies. The most successful therapeutic outcomes were observed for clonazepam tested in 3 RCTs, where significant pain reduction appeared after both topical and systemic application. Evident pain reduction was also reported for tongue protectors and capsaicin in 2 separate studies.

Discussion

Short follow‐up periods, low numbers of participants, variability of the metrics used in the evaluation of the results and heterogeneous study design were the main limitations of the reviewed studies. Based on our analysis, clonazepam appears to be the most effective treatment option for BMS.
The Influence of Surface Roughening and Polishing on Microbial Biofilm Development on Different Ceramic Materials
Authors: Abdalla Mohamed Mahmoud , Ali Islam A.A. , Khan Khadija , Mattheos Nikos , Murbay Sukhdeep , Matinlinna Jukka Pekka , Neelakantan Prasanna
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that surface roughening and polishing of ceramics have no effect on their surface roughness and biofilm adhesion.

Materials and methods

Feldspathic ceramic Vitablocks™ TriLuxe forte (VTF), lithium disilicate glass IPS e.max Press™ (IPS) and zirconia reinforced lithium silicate Vita Suprinity™ (VS) ceramic blocks (n = 27 per group) were prepared from sintered CAD blocks using a water‐cooled saw. They were further subdivided into 3 subgroups according to the surface treatment protocols (n = 9): as prepared, roughened and polished. The surface roughness of the ceramic blocks was measured using an electro‐mechanical profilometer. The ceramic sections were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans and incubated for 48 hours to form a biofilm. The ceramic surfaces with the biofilms were analyzed using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy to calculate the percentage of live bacteria and substratum coverage by the biofilm, and further visualized using scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS software using two‐way ANOVA, followed by post hoc Bonferroni test to identify significant differences between the groups. The level of significance was set at p = 0.05.

Results

As prepared VTF showed significantly higher mean surface roughness values than as prepared IPS and VS. The mean percentage of live bacteria and biofilm coverage of the substrate were significantly higher in the roughened ceramic blocks than the as prepared and polished blocks for all three ceramic types (p < 0.05). Polished specimens of VS significantly lower percentage of biofilm coverage than the other groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study sheds new light that adjustments of ceramic restorations prior to cementation increases the likelihood for formation and adhesion of microbial biofilms on the surface. Polished zirconia reinforced lithium disilicate ceramics demonstrated the lowest bacterial adhesion among the evaluated ceramics.
Management of an Imminent Pathological Fracture of a Fibular Neomandible Via a Minimally Invasive Approach—A Case Report
Authors: Yang David H. , Chubb David W.R. , Nguyen Caroline Tram
Published: September 2020

Fibular free flap reconstruction remains the workhorse of postmandibulectomy reconstruction. Dental implantation to support a dental prosthesis is a sought‐after outcome when the area of resection involves tooth‐bearing zones.

Chronic perisoft tissue pedicle hyperplasia with secondary infection leading to gradual bone loss is a simple complication to manage in the general population, but it becomes a serious issue in the fibula mandibular reconstruction patient in that it can lead to pathological fracture of the fibula.

A case of a patient with a near fracture of his fibula mandibular reconstruction, and its management via a minimally invasive approach is presented.
The distinction between symptoms and traits in the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP)
Authors: DeYoung Colin G. , Chmielewski Michael , Clark Lee Anna , Condon David M. , Kotov Roman , Krueger Robert F. , Lynam Donald R. , Markon Kristian E. , Miller Joshua D. , Mullins‐Sweatt Stephanie N. , Samuel Douglas B. , Sellbom Martin , South Susan C. , Thomas Katherine M. , Watson David , Watts Ashley L. , Widiger Thomas A. , Wright Aidan G. C. ,   the HiTOP Normal Personality Workgroup
Published: September 2020

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) is an empirically and quantitatively derived dimensional classification system designed to describe the features of psychopathology and, ultimately, to replace categorical nosologies. Among the constructs that HiTOP organizes are “symptom components” and “maladaptive traits,” but past HiTOP publications have not fully explicated the distinction between symptoms and traits. We propose working definitions of symptoms and traits and explore challenges, exceptions, and remaining questions. Specifically, we propose that the only systematic difference between symptoms and traits in HiTOP is one of time frame. Maladaptive traits are dispositional constructs that describe persistent tendencies to manifest features of psychopathology, whereas symptoms are features of psychopathology as they are manifest during any specific time period (from moments to days to months). This has the consequence that almost every HiTOP dimension, at any level of the hierarchy, can be assessed as either a trait or a symptom dimension, by adjusting the framing of the assessment. We discuss the implications of these definitions for causal models of the relations between symptoms and traits and for distinctions between psychopathology, normal personality variation, and dysfunction.
“I Would Have Taken This to My Grave, Like Most Women”: Reporting Sexual Harassment during the #MeToo movement in India
Authors: Sambaraju Rahul
Published: September 2020

One core concern of workplace sexual harassment is the low rate of reporting, which arguably adds to its suppression and consequent individualization of harassment. The recent #MeToo movements across the globe have been focal points for women to report incidents of sexual harassment. I examined what it has meant for women in India to speak about their experiences of sexual harassment in broadcast media news interviews during the #MeToo movement. Discursive psychological examination showed that interviewers and interviewees (women who were reporting) attended to and managed issues with the perceived legitimacy of reporting sexual harassment. Interviewees had to account for their reporting in the context of the #MeToo movement while managing not to be seen as being swept up by it. Women treated these concerns as gendered phenomena rather than merely interpersonal in justifying their reporting and the #MeToo movement. These findings are discussed in relation to research on silencing of women's voices in reporting, the role of media, and broadly addressing sexism and sexual harassment at the workplace.
The hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of lotus leaf on liver injury induced by Genkwa Flos
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Zhao Panpan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Shi Shan , Chen Xiaohui
Published: September 2020

Objectives

As a traditional Chinese medicine, lotus leaf was reported to have significant hepatoprotective effect. To explore the hepatoprotective mechanism of lotus leaf, a rapid and reliable UPLC-MS/MS method was conducted to simultaneously determine six specific endogenous substances including 5-oxoproline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, C18-phytosphingosine, lysophosphatidylcholine (16 : 0) and lysophosphatidylcholine (18 : 1).

Methods

With the help of HPLC–FT-ICR-MS, the chemical constituents of louts leaf extract were elucidated. By observing histopathological changes and determining hepatotoxicity-related biochemical indicators, rat model of liver injury was developed and the hepatoprotective effect of lotus leaf was verified. With the developed UPLC-MS/MS method, six endogenous metabolites related to hepatotoxicity were monitored to investigate the hepatoprotective mechanism of lotus leaf.

Key findings

In the qualitative analysis, a total of twenty compounds including ten flavonoids, nine alkaloids and one proanthocyanidin were identified. Based on the results of determining six endogenous metabolites related to hepatotoxicity, it was predicted that the hepatoprotective mechanism of lotus leaf might be related to glutathione metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism and phospholipid metabolism.

Conclusions

This study could be a meaningful investigation to provide mechanistic insights into the hepatoprotective effect of lotus leaf and further lay a theoretical basis for the clinical application of lotus leaf.
The case for simplifying and using absolute targets for viral hepatitis elimination goals
Authors:   Polaris Observatory Collaborators
Published: September 2020

The 69th World Health Assembly endorsed the Global Health Sector Strategy for Viral Hepatitis, embracing a goal to eliminate hepatitis infection as a public health threat by 2030. This was followed by the World Health Organization's (WHO) global targets for the care and management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. These announcements and targets were important in raising awareness and calling for action; however, tracking countries’ progress towards these elimination goals has provided insights to the limitations of these targets. The existing targets compare a country's progress relative to its 2015 values, penalizing countries who started their programmes prior to 2015, countries with a young population, or countries with a low prevalence. We recommend that (1) WHO simplify the hepatitis elimination targets, (2) change to absolute targets and (3) allow countries to achieve these disease targets with their own service coverage initiatives that will have the maximum impact. The recommended targets are as follows: reduce HCV new chronic cases to ≤5 per 100 000, reduce HBV prevalence among 1‐year‐olds to ≤0.1%, reduce HBV and HCV mortality to ≤5 per 100 000, and demonstrate HBV and HCV year‐to‐year decrease in new HCV‐ and HBV‐related HCC cases. The objective of our recommendations is not to lower expectations or diminish the hepatitis elimination standards, but to provide clearer targets that recognize the past and current elimination efforts by countries, help measure progress towards true elimination, and motivate other countries to follow suit.
Environmental variables driving species composition in subarctic springs in the face of climate change
Authors: Miller Tara K. , Heegaard Einar , Hassel Kristian , Kapfer Jutta
Published: September 2020

Questions

Which environmental variables are most important in determining plant species composition in subarctic springs? Do observed patterns differ between typical wetland and general matrix‐derived species?

Location

Helocrenic (seepage) springs, Northern Norway.

Methods

We sampled 49 helocrenic spring sites, measuring environmental variables (water temperature, water pH, electrical conductivity, discharge volume, geographic position) and recording all species present. We performed a partial canonical correspondence analysis (pCCA) to determine the relative importance of water quality, spatial, and climatic variables for patterns in species composition and to compare the differences in these patterns between wetland and matrix‐derived species.

Results

We found that climatic and water quality variables were almost equally important in determining species composition in subarctic springs, with climatic variables explaining 26.62% of variation in species composition and water quality variables explaining 26.14%. Spatial variables explained the least variation (21.53%). When looking at the variables individually, altitude (10.93%) and mean summer temperature (9.25%) explained the most variation. The trend was the same for matrix‐derived species and wetland species, with climatic variables explaining the most variation (matrix‐derived: 27.26%; wetland: 24.42%), followed by water quality (matrix‐derived: 26.40%; wetland: 24.13%) and spatial variables (matrix‐derived: 24.87%; wetland: 16.27%). The main difference between matrix‐derived species and typical wetland species was that the spatial variables explained less variation for wetland species.

Conclusions

The close relationship of species composition (total vegetation as well as separated into wetland and matrix‐derived species) with climatic and water quality conditions indicates a sensitivity of subarctic springs to future climate change. In combination with altitude, which was found to be the most important individual variable, it is likely that the future distribution of spring species tracking climate change will be limited by the occurrence of suitable spring habitats, especially at high altitudes.
Genomic differentiation and local adaptation on a microgeographic scale in a resident songbird
Authors: Mikles Chloe S. , Aguillon Stepfanie M. , Chan Yvonne L. , Arcese Peter , Benham Phred M. , Lovette Irby J. , Walsh Jennifer
Published: September 2020

Elucidating forces capable of driving species diversification in the face of gene flow remains a key goal in evolutionary biology. Song sparrows, Melospiza melodia, occur as 25 subspecies in diverse habitats across North America, are among the continent's most widespread vertebrate species, and are exemplary of many highly variable species for which the conservation of locally adapted populations may be critical to their range‐wide persistence. We focus here on six morphologically distinct subspecies resident in the San Francisco Bay region, including three salt‐marsh endemics and three residents in upland and riparian habitats adjacent to the Bay. We used reduced‐representation sequencing to generate 2,773 SNPs to explore genetic differentiation, spatial population structure, and demographic history. Clustering separated individuals from each of the six subspecies, indicating subtle differentiation at microgeographic scales. Evidence of limited gene flow and low nucleotide diversity across all six subspecies further supports a hypothesis of isolation among locally adapted populations. We suggest that natural selection for genotypes adapted to salt marsh environments and changes in demography over the past century have acted in concert to drive the patterns of diversification reported here. Our results offer evidence of microgeographic specialization in a highly polytypic bird species long discussed as a model of sympatric speciation and rapid adaptation, and they support the hypothesis that conserving locally adapted populations may be critical to the range‐wide persistence of similarly highly variable species.
Parallel gene expression evolution in natural and laboratory evolved populations
Authors: Hsu Sheng‐Kai , Belmouaden Chaimae , Nolte Viola , Schlötterer Christian
Published: September 2020

Ecological adaptation is frequently inferred by the comparison of natural populations from different environments. Nevertheless, inference of the selective forces suffers the challenge that many environmental factors covary. With well‐controlled environmental conditions, experimental evolution provides a powerful approach to complement the analysis of natural populations. On the other hand, it is apparent that laboratory conditions differ in many ways from natural environments, which raises the question as to what extent selection responses in experimental evolution studies can inform us about adaptation processes in the wild. In this study, we compared the expression profiles of replicatedDrosophila melanogasterpopulations which have been exposed to two distinct temperature regimes (18/28 and 10/20°C) in the laboratory for more than 80 generations. Using gene‐wise differential expression analysis and co‐expression network analysis, we identified 541 genes and three coregulated gene modules that evolved in the same direction in both temperature regimes, and most of these changes probably reflect an adaptation to the space constraint or diurnal temperature fluctuation that is common in both selection regimes. In total, 203 genes and seven modules evolved temperature‐specific expression changes. Remarkably, we detected a significant overlap of these temperature‐adaptive genes/modules from experimental evolution with temperature‐adaptive genes inferred from naturalDrosophilapopulations covering two different temperature clines. We conclude that well‐designed experimental evolution studies are a powerful tool to dissect evolutionary responses.
Homogeneous environmental selection dominates microbial community assembly in the oligotrophic South Pacific Gyre
Authors: Allen Ro , Hoffmann Linn J. , Larcombe Matthew J. , Louisson Ziva , Summerfield Tina C.
Published: September 2020

Oligotrophic subtropical gyres are the largest continuous biomes on Earth and play a key role in global biogeochemical cycles. Microbial communities govern primary production and carbon cycling in the oligotrophic South Pacific Gyre, yet the ecological processes which underpin microbial biogeography in the region remain understudied. We investigated microbial biogeography and community assembly processes at three depths over a ~2,000‐km the transect was longitudinal, so ran from 32°S, 170°W to 32°S, 152°W). Thus the latitude (32°S) was constant. Microbial communities in the surface waters (15 and 50 m) were remarkably similar across the transect, whilst communities at the deep chlorophyll maximum were distinct from the surface waters and displayed greater compositional heterogeneity. An ecological null model approach indicated that homogeneous selection was the dominant community assembly process in both the surface waters (100%) and at the deep chlorophyll maximum (91.81%), although variable selection (2.34%) and stochastic processes (5.85%) had a minor influence at the deep chlorophyll maximum. Homogeneous selection (76.69%77.90%), dispersal limitation (15.00%–20.05%) and variable selection (3.01%–7.11%) influenced community assembly between the surface waters and the deep chlorophyll maximum. Seawater density and temperature, which were correlated, were the most important environmental modulators of the balance between stochastic and deterministic assembly processes. Our findings demonstrate remarkable similarity in microbial community composition across longitudinal scales in the oligotrophic South Pacific Gyre, underpinned by strong environmental selection which overwhelms the influence of ecological drift. These data significantly advance our understanding of microbial community dynamics in the oligotrophic subtropical gyres which dominate the Earth's surface.
A genetic screen to identify factors affected by undecaprenyl phosphate recycling uncovers novel connections to morphogenesis in Escherichia coli
Authors: Jorgenson Matthew A. , Bryant Joseph C.
Published: September 2020

Undecaprenyl phosphate (Und‐P) is an essential lipid carrier that ferries cell wall intermediates across the cytoplasmic membrane in bacteria. Und‐P is generated by dephosphorylating undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (Und‐PP). In Escherichia coli, BacA, PgpB, YbjG, and LpxT dephosphorylate Und‐PP and are conditionally essential. To identify vulnerabilities that arise when Und‐P metabolism is defective, we developed a genetic screen for synthetic interactions which, in combination with ΔybjG ΔlpxT ΔbacA, are lethal or reduce fitness. The screen uncovered novel connections to cell division, DNA replication/repair, signal transduction, and glutathione metabolism. Further analysis revealed several new morphogenes; loss of one of these, qseC, caused cells to enlarge and lyse. QseC is the sensor kinase component of the QseBC two‐component system. Loss of QseC causes overactivation of the QseB response regulator by PmrB cross‐phosphorylation. Here, we show that deleting qseB completely reverses the shape defect of ΔqseC cells, as does overexpressing rprA (a small RNA). Surprisingly, deleting pmrB only partially suppressed qseC‐related shape defects. Thus, QseB is activated by multiple factors in QseC’s absence and prior functions ascribed to QseBC may originate from cell wall defects. Altogether, our findings provide a framework for identifying new determinants of cell integrity that could be targeted in future therapies.
Mode of action of lipoprotein modification enzymes—Novel antibacterial targets
Authors: Legood Simon , Boneca Ivo G. , Buddelmeijer Nienke
Published: September 2020

Lipoproteins are characterized by a fatty acid moiety at their amino‐terminus through which they are anchored into membranes. They fulfill a variety of essential functions in bacterial cells, such as cell wall maintenance, virulence, efflux of toxic elements including antibiotics, and uptake of nutrients. The posttranslational modification process of lipoproteins involves the sequential action of integral membrane enzymes and phospholipids as acyl donors. In recent years, the structures of the lipoprotein modification enzymes have been solved by X‐ray crystallography leading to a greater insight into their function and the molecular mechanism of the reactions. The catalytic domains of the enzymes are exposed to the periplasm or external milieu and are readily accessible to small molecules. Since the lipoprotein modification pathway is essential in proteobacteria, it is a potential target for the development of novel antibiotics. In this review, we discuss recent literature on the structural characterization of the enzymes, and the in vitro activity assays compatible with high‐throughput screening for inhibitors, with perspectives on the development of new antimicrobial agents.
Bronchoscopy safety precautions for diagnosing COVID‐19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis—A simulation study
Authors: Koehler Philipp , Cornely Oliver A. , Kochanek Matthias
Published: September 2020

Objectives

With the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), clinicians have used personal protective equipment to avoid transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. However, they still face occupational risk of infection, when treating COVID‐19 patients. This may be highest during invasive diagnostic procedures releasing aerosols and droplets. Thereby, the use of diagnostic procedures for Covid‐19 associated aspergillosis may be delayed or impeded, as use of bronchoscopy has been discouraged. This leads to avoidance of a crucial procedure for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis. We intent to visualise aerosol and droplet spread and surface contamination during bronchoscopy and address which measures can avoid exposure of health‐care workers.

Methods

We created a simulation model to visualise aerosol and droplet generation as well as surface contamination by nebulising fluorescent solution detected by using ultraviolet light‐ and slow‐motion capture. We repurposed covers for ultrasound transducers or endoscopic cameras to prevent surface and ambient air contamination.

Results

In our bronchoscopy simulation model, we noticed extensive aerosol generation, droplet spread and surface contamination. Exposure of health‐care workers and contamination of surfaces can be efficiently reduced by repurposing covers for ultrasound transducers or endoscopic cameras to seal the tube opening during bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated patients.

Conclusion

Adequate personal protective equipment and safety strategies allow to minimise contamination during bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated COVID‐19 patients.
Alternative electron pathways in photosynthesis: strength in numbers
Authors: Leister Dario
Published: September 2020

This article is a Commentary on Storti et al. (2020), 228: 1316–1326.
FgSpa2 recruits FgMsb3, a Rab8 GAP, to the polarisome to regulate polarized trafficking, growth and pathogenicity in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Zheng Huawei , Li Lingping , Yu Zhi , Yuan Yanping , Zheng Qiaojia , Xie Qiurong , Li Guangpu , Abubakar Yakubu Saddeeq , Zhou Jie , Wang Zonghua , Zheng Wenhui
Published: September 2020

In filamentous fungi, hyphal growth depends on the continuous delivery of vesicles to the growing tips. It is unclear how fast‐growing hyphae coordinate simultaneous cell extension and expansion in the tip cells.

We have functionally characterized 12 TBC (Tre‐2/Bub2/Cdc16) domain‐containing proteins in Fusarium graminearum. Among them, FgMsb3 is found to regulate hyphal tip expansion and to be required for pathogenicity. The regulatory mechanism of FgMsb3 has been further investigated by genetic, high‐resolution microscopy and high‐throughput co‐immunoprecipitation strategies.

The FgMsb3 protein localizes at the polarisome and the hyphal apical dome (HAD) where it acts as a GTPase‐activating protein for FgRab8 which is required for apical secretion‐mediated growth and pathogenicity. Deletion of FgMSB3 causes excessive polarized trafficking but blocks the fusion of FgSnc1‐associated vesicles to the plasma membrane. Moreover, we establish that FgSpa2 interacts with FgMsb3, enabling FgMsb3 tethering to the polarisome. Loss of FgSpa2 or other polarisome components (FgBud6 and FgPea2) causes complete shifting of FgMsb3 to the HAD and this affects the polarized growth and pathogenicity of the fungus.

In summary, we conclude that FgSpa2 regulates FgMsb3–FgRab8 cascade and this is crucial for creating a steady‐state equilibrium that maintains continuous polarized growth and contributes to the pathogenicity of F. graminearum.
Virus‐induced spore formation as a defense mechanism in marine diatoms
Authors: Pelusi Angela , De Luca Pasquale , Manfellotto Francesco , Thamatrakoln Kimberlee , Bidle Kay D. , Montresor Marina
Published: September 2020

Algal viruses are important contributors to carbon cycling, recycling nutrients and organic material through host lysis. Although viral infection has been described as a primary mechanism of phytoplankton mortality, little is known about host defense responses.

We show that viral infection of the bloom‐forming, planktonic diatom Chaetoceros socialis induces the mass formation of resting spores, a heavily silicified life cycle stage associated with carbon export due to rapid sinking.

Although viral RNA was detected within spores, mature virions were not observed. ‘Infected’ spores were capable of germinating, but did not propagate or transmit infectious viruses.

These results demonstrate that diatom spore formation is an effective defense strategy against viral‐mediated mortality. They provide a possible mechanistic link between viral infection, bloom termination, and mass carbon export events and highlight an unappreciated role of viruses in regulating diatom life cycle transitions and ecological success.
Systemic propagation of immunity in plants
Authors: Vlot A. Corina , Sales Jennifer H. , Lenk Miriam , Bauer Kornelia , Brambilla Alessandro , Sommer Anna , Chen Yuanyuan , Wenig Marion , Nayem Shahran
Published: September 2020

Systemic immunity triggered by local plant–microbe interactions is studied as systemic acquired resistance (SAR) or induced systemic resistance (ISR) depending on the site of induction and the lifestyle of the inducing microorganism. SAR is induced by pathogens interacting with leaves, whereas ISR is induced by beneficial microbes interacting with roots. Although salicylic acid (SA) is a central component of SAR, additional signals exclusively promote systemic and not local immunity. These signals cooperate in SAR‐ and possibly also ISR‐associated signaling networks that regulate systemic immunity. The non‐SA SAR pathway is driven by pipecolic acid or its presumed bioactive derivative N‐hydroxy‐pipecolic acid. This pathway further regulates inter‐plant defense propagation through volatile organic compounds that are emitted by SAR‐induced plants and recognized as defense cues by neighboring plants. Both SAR and ISR influence phytohormone crosstalk towards enhanced defense against pathogens, which at the same time affects the composition of the plant microbiome. This potentially leads to further changes in plant defense, plant–microbe, and plant–plant interactions. Therefore, we propose that such inter‐organismic interactions could be combined in potentially highly effective plant protection strategies.
Highly proficient, balanced bilingualism is related to thinner cortex in two cognitive control regions
Authors: Claussenius‐Kalman Hannah L. , Vaughn Kelly A. , Archila‐Suerte Pilar , Hernandez Arturo E.
Published: September 2020

Whereas some bilinguals have one language that is dominant, others attain high proficiency in both languages. This variation is likely explained by a combination of environmental and genetic factors; however, there is a lapse in research on the neural underpinnings of bilingual proficiency. No study to date has examined how highly proficient bilingualism that is balanced relates to brain morphology in adults. Our present study analyzed the brains of 200 Spanish‐English bilingual adults. Bilingual proficiency was measured and weighted by the degree of balance across the two languages. It was found that having higher dual language proficiency was related to thinner cortex in two regions: the left anterior prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Neither English nor Spanish proficiency alone could account for neuroanatomical differences. Our findings suggest that thinner cortex of the left anterior PFC and the right ACC in adults with highly proficient, balanced bilingualism is how the adult brain reflects a lifetime of learning to flexibly adapt and utilize both languages and suggests the involvement of these structures in maintaining and increasing dual language proficiency.
Spatialization in working memory: can individuals reverse the cultural direction of their thoughts?
Authors: Guida Alessandro , Mosinski Francis , Cipora Krzysztof , Mathy Fabien , Noël Yvonnick
Published: September 2020

A recent study based on the SPoARC effect (spatial position association response codes) showed that culture heavily shapes cognition and more specifically the way thought is organized; when Western adults are asked to keep in mind a sequence of colors, they mentally organize them from left to right, whereas right‐to‐left reading/writing adults spatialize them in the opposite direction. Here, we investigate if the spontaneous direction of spatialization in Westerners can be reversed. Lists of five consonants were presented auditorily at a rate of 3 s per item, participants were asked to mentally organize the memoranda from right to left. Each list was followed by a probe. Participants had to indicate whether the probe was part of the sequence by pressing a “yes” key or a “no” key with the left or right index finger. Left/right‐hand key assignment was switched after half of the trials were completed. The results showed a reverse SPoARC effect that was comparable in magnitude to the spontaneous left‐to‐right SPoARC effect found in a previous study. Overall, our results suggest that individuals can reverse the cultural direction of their thoughts.
Surgical Treatment of Comminuted Coronal Shear Fracture of Distal Humerus
Authors: Teng Lin , Zhong Gang
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate the surgical approach, fixation, and clinical effect of comminuted coronal shear fracture of distal humerus.

Methods

From March 2017 to February 2019, we had used open reduction and internal fixation to treat 19 cases of comminuted distal humeral coronal shear fracture. There were 8 males and 11 females, with an average age of 44.6 years (19–72 years). There were 10 cases on left side and 9 cases on right side. All cases were closed fractures. According to Dubberley's classification, there were six cases of type 1, six cases of type 2, and seven cases of type 3. The lateral Kocher approach, extended Kocher approach, extended Kocher approach combined with a medial incision and the olecranon osteotomy approach were used for exposure. Headless screw, Kirschner wire, and suture were used to fix the fractures. Two cases were fixed with hinged elbow fixators additionally. The follow‐up was evaluated by Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).

Results

All patients were followed up for an average of 17.1 months (range, 12 to 30 months). The average time of fracture union was 8.8 ± 1.9 weeks. There were three cases of degenerative osteoarthritis of elbow and one case of heterotopic ossification after operation. A total of 10 patients underwent removal of implants. At the last follow‐up, the elbow flexion‐extension arc was 130.5° ± 10.5°. The forearm rotation arc was 167.4° ± 6.1°. The MEPS was 85.8 ± 8.5, the results were classified as excellent in nine cases, good in eight, and fair in two. The excellent and good rate was 89.5%. The time of fracture union of type 1 was shorter than type 3 (P = 0.024), the elbow flexion‐ extension arc of type 1 fracture was better than type 2 (P = 0.043) and type 3 (P = 0.012), the forearm rotation arc of type 1 fracture was better than type 3 (P = 0.006), the MEPS of type 1 fracture was better than type 2 (P = 0.009) and type 3 (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Open reduction and internal fixation with headless screw, Kirschner wire, and suture can be used for the treatment of comminuted distal humeral coronal shear fractures. The elbow joint function can be restored satisfactorily.
Efficacy of caudal vs intravenous administration of α2 adrenoceptor agonists to prolong analgesia in pediatric caudal block: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xing Manyu , Liang Xia , Li Lin , Liao Liping , Liang Shuang , Jiang Shasha , Li Jingyi , Zhang Chengliang , Zou Wangyuan
Published: September 2020

Background

α2 adrenoceptor agonists have been proposed as adjuncts to prolong analgesia in pediatric caudal block. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to compare the analgesic efficacy of caudal vs intravenous α2 adrenoceptor agonists during pediatric caudal block.

Methods

A systematic search, data extraction, bias risk assessment, and pooled data analysis were performed following the PRISMA guidelines. All randomized controlled trials comparing caudal with intravenous α2 adrenoceptor agonists in pediatric caudal block were included. Relative risk and weighted mean differences (the corresponding 95% confidence intervals) were calculated for dichotomous and continuous data, respectively. Trial sequential analyses were performed to evaluate the credibility of the meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 244 patients in five trials were identified. Compared with the intravenous group (9.56 ± 4.23 hours), the time to the first rescue analgesia was prolonged in the caudal α2 adrenoceptor agonists group (12.72 ± 5.99 hours) by a weighted mean difference of 2.98 hours [95% confidence interval: 0.59‐5.36 hours; P = .01]. The number of children requiring rescue analgesia in the caudal group (64, 66.67%) was lower than that in the intravenous group (80, 81.63%) [relative risk = 0.82; 95% confidence interval: 0.69‐0.97; P = .02]. These findings were also verified by trial sequential analysis. There were no significant differences in the side effects.

Conclusion

Caudal α2 adrenoceptor agonists as adjuncts to local anesthetic during pediatric caudal block are more effective than intravenous injection. However, the results were affected by small sample size and significant heterogeneity.
Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Daghmouri Mohamed Aziz , Akremi Soumaya , Chaouch Mohamed Ali , Mesbahi Meryam , Amouri Nouha , Jaoua Hazem , Ben Fadhel Kamel
Published: September 2020

Background

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a novel regional anesthetic technique. Its application for postoperative analgesia has been increasing since 2016; however, its effectiveness remains uncertain and varies according to the type of surgery. This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the analgesic efficacy of ESP block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

Literature searches of electronic databases and manual searches up to June 1, 2020 were performed. Review Manager Version 5.3 was used for pooled estimates. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in this meta‐analysis. The random‐effects meta‐analysis model was used, and metaregression was applied when appropriate.

Results

A total of five RCTs consisting of 250 patients were included (124 in the ESP block group vs. 126 in the control group). Bilateral ESP block showed a significant reduction in postoperative intravenous opioid consumption reported up to 24 hours after surgery (mean difference [MD] = −4.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−5.50 to −3.42], P < 0.001) and in the time to first rescue analgesic (MD = 73.27 minutes, 95% CI [50.39 to 96.15], P < 0.001). According to the results of four studies, the postoperative pain score was lower in the ESP group compared with the control group at both rest and movement. There were no differences between the two groups as concerns nausea (odds ratio [OR] = 0.45, 95% CI [0.13 to 1.52], P = 0.20) and vomiting (OR = 0.37, 95% CI [0.10 to 1.35], P = 0.13). No block‐related complications were noted.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis showed that bilateral ultrasound‐guided ESP block could be considered as an effective option to reduce opioid consumption and the time to first rescue analgesic and seems to be also a safe technique in adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Liver transplant in a recently COVID‐19 positive child with hepatoblastoma
Authors: Goss Matthew B. , Munoz Flor M. , Ruan Wenly , Galván N. Thao N. , O'Mahony Christine A. , Rana Abbas , Cotton Ronald T. , Moreno Nicolas F. , Heczey Andras A. , Leung Daniel H. , Goss John A.
Published: September 2020

We describe the successful pediatric liver transplant for unresectable hepatoblastoma in a 4‐year‐old male with COVID‐19 prior to transplant. The first negative NP swab was documented 1 month after initial diagnosis, when SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies were also detected. The patient was actively listed for liver transplant after completing four blocks of a SIOPEL‐4 based regimen due to his PRETEXT IV disease which remained unresectable. Following three additional negative NP swabs and resolution of symptoms for 4 weeks, he underwent a whole‐organ pediatric liver transplant. COVID‐19 positivity determined via NP swab SARS‐CoV‐2 real‐time RT‐PCR (Hologic Aptima SARS‐CoV‐2 RT‐PCR assay). IgG and IgM total SARS‐ CoV‐2 antibodies detected by Ortho Clinical Diagnostics VITROS® Immunodiagnostics Products Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 Test. Patient received standard prednisone and tacrolimus‐based immunosuppression without induction therapy following transplant. Post‐transplant course was remarkable for neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, with discharge home on post‐transplant day #11. Surveillance tests have remained negative with persistent SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies at 6 weeks after transplant. We describe one of the earliest, if not the first case of liver transplant following recent recovery from COVID‐19 in a pediatric patient with a lethal malignant liver tumor. A better understanding of how to balance the risk profile of transplant in the setting of COVID‐19 with disease progression if transplant is not performed is needed. We followed existing ASTS guidelines to document clearance of the viral infection and resolution of symptoms before transplant. This case highlights that pediatric liver transplantation can be safely performed upon clearance of COVID‐19.
γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) mitigates drought and heat stress in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) by regulating its physiological, biochemical and molecular pathways
Authors: Abdel Razik Elsayed S. , Alharbi Basmah M. , Pirzadah Tanveer Bilal , Alnusairi Ghalia S. H. , Soliman Mona H. , Hakeem Khalid Rehman
Published: September 2020

Drought and heat stress are two dominant abiotic stress factors that often occur simultaneously in nature causing oxidative damage in plants and thus decline in yield. The present study was conducted to examine the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐induced heat and drought tolerance in sunflower through physiological, biochemical and molecular analysis. The results showed that drought and heat stress triggered oxidative stress as revealed by enhanced level in hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and electrolyte leakage. Moreover, the photosynthetic attributes such as photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and quantum efficiency declined when subjected to drought and heat stress. In this study, GABA treatment effectively alleviated the drought and heat‐induced stress as reflected by significantly higher levels of proline, soluble sugar and total protein content. Besides, the data also revealed the direct relationship between antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase, monodehydroascorbate peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase) and the relative expression of genes (Heat Shock Proteins, Dehydrin, Osmotin, Aquaporin, Leaf Embryogenesis Protein), under drought and heat stress. Moreover, a significant increase in gene expression was observed upon GABA treatment with respect to control. This data suggest that GABA‐induced drought and heat tolerance in sunflower could involve the improvement in osmolyte metabolism, gene expression and antioxidant enzyme activities and thus a rise in the GABA shunt which in turn provides intermediates during long‐term drought and heat stress, thus maintaining homeostasis.
Towards a new understanding of the genesis of chalk: Diagenetic origin of micarbs confirmed by clumped isotope analysis
Authors: Tagliavento Mattia , John Cédric M. , Anderskouv Kresten , Stemmerik Lars
Published: September 2020

Chalk is usually thought to be a homogeneous sediment with a relatively simple early diagenetic history. Here, clumped isotope analyses of samples from a core of Campanian Maastrichtian chalk are presented, indicating that material smaller than 5 µm has a different origin than the coccolith‐dominated coarser fraction. The smallest size fraction (1 to 5 µm) of chalk is dominated by calcite particles without a distinct morphology (micarbs). Clumped isotope data of the micarbs reveals formation temperatures of 14 to 18°C which is 8 to 10°C colder than those derived from coeval coccoliths. The micarbs are interpreted as the product of calcite neoformation, precipitated in the uppermost part of the sediment column (100 metres below sea floor) and linked to early dissolution of aragonitic fossils. These findings prove that early cements can be an abundant component in chalk, and thus challenge the common notion that chalk is always largely composed of calcareous nannofossils, and differs only in terms of minor constituents and degree of lithification.
Two randomized controlled trials of the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy‐based educational course for body shape dissatisfaction
Authors: Selvi Kerim , Parling Thomas , Ljótsson Brjánn , Welch Elisabeth , Ghaderi Ata
Published: September 2020

The main aim of this project was to explore the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)‐based educational course in different formats (i.e., pure and guided self‐help with different durations, and guided self‐help with and without access to a discussion forum) for body shape dissatisfaction. Two randomized controlled studies (RCT) were carried out. In the first RCT, the participants were randomized to a 12‐ or 16‐week guided self‐help, a 16‐week pure self‐help, or a waitlist control condition. In the second RCT, the efficacy of 12‐week guided self‐help with or without access to a discussion forum was investigated. ACT‐based self‐help resulted in promising improvements in body shape dissatisfaction, and modest effects on general health indicators (i.e., symptom of depression, self‐esteem, satisfaction with life, and quality of life). The findings also showed no additional effects of support, access to the online discussion forum, and longer duration of self‐help, suggesting the 12‐week self‐help with or without support is a viable option for reducing body shape dissatisfaction.