bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a fungal loop in shrublands
Authors: Carvajal Janke Niko , Coe Kirsten K.
Published: February 2021

Dryland communities may mitigate the loss of limited resources by exchanging nutrients through subterranean fungal connections, termed fungal loops. In arid grasslands, fungal loops can influence community composition and primary productivity, yet their ecological significance across dryland systems remains unexplored. We investigated the functional role of fungal loops in nutrient translocation in a North American shrubland ecosystem.

We traced the movement of15N from moss‐dominated biocrusts to the dominant xeric shrubLarrea tridentata, and the movement of13C fromL. tridentatato biocrusts in plots established in situ in the Sonoran Desert. Measurements occurred at three time points spanning 1 week following a simulated 2.5 mm rainfall event, and at distances up to 1 m from tracer application. We also used ITS sequencing to investigate changes in fungal community composition in soils over the 1‐week period.

We discovered movement of15N from biocrusts intoL. tridentatafoliage as well as15N movement to other spatially isolated moss‐dominated biocrust patches, yet this movement did not occur until 4–6 days post‐rainfall, when significantly higher δ15N was observed inL. tridentataand biocrusts compared to previous days. We did not observe consistent patterns of13C movement fromL. tridentatainto neighbouring shrubs or biocrusts, suggesting differential environmental drivers for carbon movement in this system. Fungal communities exhibited a decrease in alpha diversity on the last day of the study, indicative of a delayed community response to rainfall concomitant with nutrient translocation. Fungal endophyte orders Pleosporales and Pezizales dominated all plot soils, and order Pleosporales was significantly more abundant in15N enriched plots, suggesting that dark septate endophytic fungi were involved in nitrogen translocation. The delay in nutrient translocation may reflect a rainfall‐triggered rebuilding of mycelial networks between community members following drought.

Synthesis. Our results point to fungal‐mediated nutrient exchange pathways in a previously uninvestigated vegetation type, shrublands, where nutrients are translocated between moss‐dominated biocrusts and nearby shrubs. We provide the first evidence that nutrient transfer may be delayed up to 6 days following rainfall, consistent with pulse‐dynamic responses in drylands, and that moss‐dominated biocrusts play a role in fungal loops.
Root economics spectrum and construction costs in Mediterranean woody plants: The role of symbiotic associations and the environment
Authors: de la Riva Enrique G. , Prieto Iván , Marañón Teodoro , Pérez‐Ramos Ignacio M. , Olmo Manuel , Villar Rafael
Published: February 2021

Many studies have quantified the functional variation of fine root traits to understand the overarching trade‐off between maximizing resource acquisition or conservation (root economics spectrum [RES]). However, we know remarkably less on how plant strategies along the RES are actually constrained by the amount of photosynthates required to construct roots (i.e. construction costs, CC) or how below‐ground interactions with symbiotic organisms modify root trait patterns and their relationships with CC.

Our main aim was to quantify CC of fine roots (<2 mm) and their underlying components (carbon, minerals and organic nitrogen concentrations) in 60 Mediterranean woody species with contrasting symbiotic association types (ectomycorrhizas, arbuscular and ericoid mycorrhizas and N‐fixing bacteria). We examined (a) whether the covariation among fine root traits along the RES was related to the intrinsic cost of producing roots and whether this relationship was dependent on the type of root symbiosis; (b) whether the relationship of each CC component with the RES was dependent on the type of root symbiosis and (c) whether soil water and nutrient availability determined differences in CC across sites.

According to the RES hypothesis, fine root traits showed a main covariation trend (acquisition vs. conservation), defined by the first PCA axis, which also segregated species by their two main contrasting symbiotic types (arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal). We found a positive relationship between root CC and the RES (i.e. PCA axis 1) and, interestingly, slopes differed among symbiotic types, in response to the different role of each specific CC component. In addition, independently of symbiotic type, root CC decreased linearly with soil nutrient availability and quadratically with plant water availability.

Synthesis. Our study demonstrates that woody plants display different functional strategies in their root CC, related with their position on the RES, and that CC differ among symbiotic groups. The influence of the root CC components across species varied among symbiotic associations, pointing to a trade‐off between structural and metabolic compounds. Root CC were also strongly modulated by soil resource availability (nutrients and water). This study highlights that root CC are fundamental to better understand below‐ground resource‐use strategies.
Diversity and identity of economics traits determine the extent of tree mixture effects on ecosystem productivity
Authors: Zheng Li‐Ting , Chen Han Y. H. , Biswas Shekhar R. , Bao Di‐Feng , Fang Xiao‐Chen , Abdullah Muhammad , Yan En‐Rong
Published: February 2021

Although both observational and experimental studies have shown that positive tree species diversity–productivity relationships are predominant in global forests, weak or the lack of tree species diversity and productivity relationships also exist. Growing evidence has revealed that ecosystem productivity depends more on the functional characteristics of species than on their number. However, exactly to what extent tree diversity effects on ecosystem productivity are influenced by the variability and composition of functional traits have rarely been tested both across and at given species richness (SR) levels.

Here, we employed a meta‐analysis of global‐scale data from 59 tree diversity experiments to examine how the diversity and community‐weighted means (CWMs) of economics traits determine the outcomes of tree mixture effects on productivity across and within SR levels.

We found that the positive effects of tree mixtures on productivity were strengthened by the increasing multidimensional functional dispersion (FDis) and the CWM of leaf nitrogen content both across and within two‐ and four‐species mixtures. Moreover, the multidimensional FDis and the CWM of leaf nitrogen content increased the complementarity effect rather than the selection effect.

Synthesis. Our findings suggest that both diversity in the leaf economics spectrum and trait concentration on the ‘fast’ end of the spectrum strengthen biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships. This study provides mechanistic insights into the potent roles of plant economics traits, especially leaf nitrogen content, in determining the magnitude (and even directionality) of the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships in forest ecosystems.
At least three families of hyphosphere small secreted cysteine‐rich proteins can optimize surface properties to a moderately hydrophilic state suitable for fungal attachment
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Cai Feng , Gao Renwei , Ding Mingyue , Jiang Siqi , Chen Peijie , Pang Guan , Chenthamara Komal , Shen Qirong , Bayram Akcapinar Günseli , Druzhinina Irina S.
Published: February 2021

The secretomes of filamentous fungi contain a diversity of small secreted cysteine‐rich proteins (SSCPs) that have a variety of properties ranging from toxicity to surface activity. Some SSCPs are recognized by other organisms as indicators of fungal presence, but their function in fungi is not fully understood. We detected a new family of fungal surface‐active SSCPs (saSSCPs), here named hyphosphere proteins (HFSs). An evolutionary analysis of the HFSs in Pezizomycotina revealed a unique pattern of eight single cysteine residues (C‐CXXXC‐C‐C‐C‐C‐C) and a long evolutionary history of multiple gene duplications and ancient interfungal lateral gene transfers, suggesting their functional significance for fungi with different lifestyles. Interestingly, recombinantly produced saSSCPs from three families (HFSs, hydrophobins and cerato‐platanins) showed convergent surface‐modulating activity on glass and on poly(ethylene‐terephthalate), transforming their surfaces to a moderately hydrophilic state, which significantly favoured subsequent hyphal attachment. The addition of purified saSSCPs to the tomato rhizosphere had mixed effects on hyphal attachment to roots, while all tested saSSCPs had an adverse effect on plant growth in vitro. We propose that the exceptionally high diversity of saSSCPs in Trichoderma and other fungi evolved to efficiently condition various surfaces in the hyphosphere to a fungal‐beneficial state.
Inhibition of α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase by herbal compounds for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: A validation of in silico reverse docking with in vitro enzyme assays
Authors: Tolmie Morné , Bester Megan Jean , Apostolides Zeno
Published: February 2021

Background

α‐Amylase and α‐glucosidase are important therapeutic targets for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The inhibition of these enzymes decreases postprandial hyperglycemia. In the present study, compounds found in commercially available herbs and spices were tested for their ability to inhibit α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase. These compounds were acetyleugenol, apigenin, cinnamic acid, eriodictyol, myrcene, piperine, and rosmarinic acid.

Methods

The enzyme inhibitory nature of the compounds was evaluated using in silico docking analysis with Maestro software and was further confirmed by in vitro α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase biochemical assays.

Results

The relationships between the in silico and in vitro results were well correlated; a more negative docking score was associated with a higher in vitro inhibitory activity. There was no significant (P > .05) difference between the inhibition constant (Ki) value of acarbose, a widely prescribed α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitor, and those of apigenin, eriodictyol, and piperine. For α‐amylase, there was no significant (P > .05) difference between the Ki value of acarbose and those of apigenin, cinnamic acid, and rosmarinic acid. The effect of the herbal compounds on cell viability was assessed with the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay in C2C12 and HepG2 cells. Acetyleugenol, cinnamic acid, myrcene, piperine, and rosmarinic acid had similar (P > .05) IC50 values to acarbose.

Conclusions

Several of the herbal compounds studied could regulate postprandial hyperglycemia. Using herbal plants has several advantages including low cost, natural origin, and easy cultivation. These compounds can easily be consumed as teas or as herbs and spices to flavor food.
Body size during adulthood, but not in childhood, associates with endometriosis, specifically in the peritoneal subtype—population‐based life‐course data from birth to late fertile age
Authors: Rossi Henna‐Riikka , Nedelec Rozenn , Jarvelin Marjo‐Riitta , Sebert Sylvain , Uimari Outi , Piltonen Terhi T.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition causing chronic pain and infertility. Only limited data exist on body size during childhood and adolescence in affected women. A leaner body shape has been associated with endometriosis in adults. However, longitudinal follow‐up data from birth to adulthood are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the association between body size and endometriosis from birth to age 46 years. We also performed in‐depth analysis of the endometriosis subtypes.

Material and Methods

This was a population‐based study including 96% of the children born in Northern Finland in 1966. Endometriosis case identification was based on (a) the World Health Organization’s International Statistical Classification of Diseases code documentation from national hospital discharge registers and (b) self‐reported diagnosis. A total of 348 women with endometriosis (203 in subtype analysis) and 3487 women without endometriosis were identified. Pregnancy, birth, and growth data up to adolescence were collected from welfare clinical records. Follow‐up data of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 were collected at ages 14, 31, and 46 years through postal questionnaires and clinical examinations and included height, weight, and waist and hip circumference measurements. The associations between endometriosis and body size were assessed using logistic regression models.

Results

Body sizes in childhood and adolescence were comparable between women developing endometriosis and those not developing endometriosis. On average, the risk for endometriosis was 2% lower for every kilogram of weight (odds ratio [OR] 0.98, 95% CI 0.97‐1.00) and 6% lower for every body mass index unit (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90‐0.99) at age 31. By age 46, a lower risk for peritoneal endometriosis was observed with greater weight (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92‐0.98), weight gain from age 14 to age 46 years (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.93‐1.00), body mass index (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82‐0.98), waist circumference (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92‐0.99), and waist‐hip ratio (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21‐0.78).

Conclusions

This study provides further evidence of the associations between endometriosis and body size and adiposity, specifically in women with peritoneal endometriosis. The associations are evident in adulthood but not in childhood or adolescence.
Outcomes of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair among young adult patients
Authors: Safadi Khaled , Chowers Itay , Khateb Samer
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the functional and anatomical outcomes of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair in young adults.

Methods

A retrospective, comparative case series study. Patients between the ages of 18 and 40 years who underwent surgical repair of primary RRD between the years 2006 and 2013 were included. Patients were divided into three groups according to the surgical technique used: scleral buckle (SB), pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or combined surgery (SB‐PPV).

Results

Ninety eyes (90 patients) were included. The mean age (SD) was 31.5 ± 5.1 years (range 22–40). Sixty‐seven patients underwent SB, 10 had PPV and 13 had SB‐PPV. Anatomical success rates were similar between the three groups (87%, 90% and 85% for SB, PPV and SB‐PPV groups, respectively; p‐value = 0.9). Mean (SD) preoperative LogMAR visual acuity (VA) was 0.46 ± 0.6, 1.73 ± 1.1, 1.1 ± 1.1 for SB, PPV and SB‐PPV groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). The VA improved at last follow‐up to 0.23 ± 0.4, 0.7 ± 1.5 and 1.09 ± 1.08 in SB, PPV and SB‐PPV groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). Macula‐off was diagnosed in 19.4% of SB, 80% of PPV and 53.9% of SB‐PPV groups (p < 0.0001). In the SB group one phakic patient (1.5%) needed cataract extraction, while following PPV, all phakic eyes (100%) underwent cataract extraction eventually (p‐value < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The study emphasizes the efficacy of SB as a primary procedure for the repair of retinal detachment in young adults in terms of anatomical and functional success. Furthermore, preservation of the lens as a result of using SB rather than PPV when possible is of great importance in this age group.
Immediate effects of a very brief planning intervention on fruit and vegetable consumption: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Domke Antonia , Keller Jan , Heuse Silke , Wiedemann Amelie U. , Lorbeer Noemi , Knoll Nina
Published: February 2021

Action planning interventions can effectively promote fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, but not much is known about the day‐to‐day translation of intervention planning into action. In this randomized controlled trial, immediate intervention effects of a very brief planning intervention on FV consumption during the following 13 days were investigated. After a 13‐day pre‐intervention diary, N = 206 participants (aged 19–66 years) were randomly allocated to a waiting‐list control condition or a planning condition, where they formed one FV plan. Participants from both conditions completed a 13‐day post‐intervention diary. Self‐reported daily FV consumption, FV‐specific self‐efficacy, and action control were assessed. Segmented linear mixed models estimating a discrete change (i.e. “jump”) between diary phases showed a positive “jump” of FV intake and self‐efficacy in the planning condition when compared to the control condition. For action control, such effects were not observed. Changes in study variables throughout the post‐intervention phase did not differ between both conditions. Present findings extend previous evidence on action planning interventions by showing that increases in self‐regulatory (i.e. self‐efficacy) and behavioral (i.e. FV intake) outcomes can occur very rapidly and already on the first day for which behavioral increases were planned.
Reduced white matter microstructure in bipolar disorder with and without psychosis
Authors: Brown Jennifer A. , Jackson Brooke S. , Burton Courtney R. , Hoy Jennifer E. , Sweeney John A. , Pearlson Godfrey D. , Keshavan Matcheri S. , Keedy Sarah S. , Gershon Elliot S. , Tamminga Carol A. , Clementz Brett A. , McDowell Jennifer E.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Affective and psychotic features overlap considerably in bipolar I disorder, complicating efforts to determine its etiology and develop targeted treatments. In order to clarify whether mechanisms are similar or divergent for bipolar disorder with psychosis (BDP) and bipolar disorder with no psychosis (BDNP), neurobiological profiles for both the groups must first be established. This study examines white matter structure in the BDP and BDNP groups, in an effort to identify portions of white matter that may differ between the bipolar and healthy groups or between the bipolar subgroups themselves.

Methods

Diffusion‐weighted imaging data were acquired from participants with BDP (n = 45), BDNP (n = 40), and healthy comparisons (HC) (n = 66). Fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), and spin distribution function (SDF) values indexing white matter diffusivity or spin density were calculated and compared between the groups.

Results

In comparisons between both the bipolar groups and HC, FA (FDR < 0.00001) and RD (FDR = 0.0037) differed minimally, in localized portions of the left cingulum and corpus callosum, while reductions in SDF (FDR = 0.0002) were more widespread. The bipolar subgroups did not differ from each other on FA, RD, or SDF metrics.

Conclusions

Together, these results demonstrate a novel profile of white matter differences in bipolar disorder and suggest that this white matter pathology is associated with the affective disturbance common to those with bipolar disorder rather than the psychotic features unique to some. The white matter alterations identified in this study may provide substrates for future studies examining specific mechanisms that target affective domains of illness.
Research integrity codes of conduct in Europe: Understanding the divergences
Authors: Desmond Hugh , Dierickx Kris
Published: February 2021

In the past decade, policy‐makers in science have been concerned with harmonizing research integrity standards across Europe. These standards are encapsulated in the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity. Yet, almost every European country today has its own national‐level code of conduct for research integrity. In this study we document in detail how national‐level codes diverge on almost all aspects concerning research integrity—except for what constitutes egregious misconduct. Besides allowing for potentially unfair responses to joint misconduct by international collaborations, we argue that the divergences raise questions about the envisaged self‐regulatory function of the codes of conduct.
Respect for persons and the allocation of lifesaving healthcare resources
Authors: Symons Xavier
Published: February 2021

Many ethicists argue that we should respect persons when we distribute resources. Yet it is unclear what this means in practice. For some, the idea of respect for persons is synonymous with the idea of respect for autonomy. Yet a principle of respect for autonomy provides limited guidance for how we should distribute scarce medical interventions. In this article, however, I sketch an alternative conception of respect for persons—one that is based on an ethic of mutual accountability. I draw in particular upon Stephen Darwall’s writings on respect and the second‐person standpoint. I consider the implications of this conception of respect for the distribution of scarce, lifesaving healthcare resources. A second‐personal account of respect rules out aggregative approaches to distribution, and instead requires that we give individual consideration to the claims that persons in need make on the resources in our control. The principles that we use to govern our allocation of resources, furthermore, should be principles that are acceptable to all reasonable agents. Building on this insight, the final section of this paper considers how a principle of need can be used as a means to make decisions about the allocation of lifesaving resources.
Testing normal fault growth models by seismic stratigraphic architecture: The case of the Pliocene‐Quaternary Fucino Basin (Central Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Patruno Stefano , Scisciani Vittorio
Published: February 2021

Normal faults grow either by radial propagation and segment linkage or by accruing displacement without a proportional increase in fault length. To test these competing models of fault growth, a novel 2D seismic stratigraphic interpretation of the recent Fucino Basin of the central Apennines (Italy) has been performed. The Fucino is a major Pliocene‐Quaternary non‐marine ‘extensional collapse basins’, developed immediately after the Apenninic compressional strain had locally abated, and bounded by seismogenic faults that generate strong (Mw = 6–7) and destructive earthquakes. The Fucino is an overall dual polarity half‐graben, built around two border fault systems: the northern one lies along the east‐northeast striking Avezzano‐Bussi regional fault‐zone; the other, south‐eastern trending, bounds the basin to the east. Two separate fault‐driven depocentres of fluvio‐lacustrine sequences (maximum thicknesses of ~1,750 m) are present. One is associated to the northern border faults, with mainly Late Pliocene activity; the second is to the hanging‐wall of the eastern border‐faults and reveals a stepwise Pleistocene‐Recent activity. Tectonic depocentres have migrated clockwise through time, and new‐born fault systems have developed at the south‐eastern basin periphery (Gioia dei Marsi area). This, together with the progressive accumulation of throw in time without significant fault lengthening, suggests that the model of fault growth by segment linkage is not the best explanation for this basin. Instead, the stepwise onset and growth of the Fucino extensional collapse faulting, and its ongoing earthquake hazard, may have been promoted by polyphase inversion tectonics of inherited deep‐seated zones of weaknesses (e.g. Avezzano‐Bussi Line).
The interplay of stratal and vertical migration pathways in shallow hydrocarbon plumbing systems
Authors: Sun Qiliang , Cartwright Joe , Foschi Martino , Lu Xiangyang , Xie Xinong
Published: February 2021

Hydrocarbon plumbing systems have been extensively documented in the past two decades using high‐resolution 3D seismic data, exploiting the ability of seismic imaging techniques to reveal the subsurface geometry of gas charged sediments. In this paper, we present a detailed study of a hydrocarbon plumbing system from the South China Sea, that involves both vertical and lateral (stratal) hydrocarbon migration in Miocene to Recent clastic sediments that comprise multilayer stacking of thinly layered clays, silts and sands. We show that a transtensive fault system that provides lateral seal for fault‐dip traps of deep Miocene reservoirs, and offers a vertical pathway for migration to shallower silty units. These silty units in turn form a ‘spillway’ in a regional, northward migration path. This path involves filling each shallow fault‐dip trap to spill point towards the fault tips, with stratal migration forced around the outer flanks of the fault‐related folds. Successive fill‐to‐spill leads to a continuous trail of amplitude anomalies that merge into a continuous, larger, gas‐charged anomaly pattern. The migrating gas finally accumulates within a zone bounded by a large boundary fault with full juxtaposition seal. The pattern of anomaly distribution suggests that the hydrocarbon migration has been active in the Late Pleistocene and is probably continuing at the present day. Hence this plumbing system may be one of very few examples described to date in which dynamic hydrocarbon migration pathways have been directly imaged by seismic data.
Growth and relationship of phenotypic characteristics with gonadal pathology and tumour risk in patients with 45, X/46, XY mosaicism
Authors: Poyrazoglu Sukran , Bas Firdevs , Karaman Birsen , Yildiz Melek , Basaran Seher , Darendeliler Feyza
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate the growth data, gonadal functions and tumour risk in children with 45, X/46, XY mosaicism.

Design

We reviewed retrospectively the records of 45 patients with 45, X/46, XY mosaicism or variants presented to our Unit from 1989 to 2019.

Results

The age at diagnosis ranged from 0.03 to 17.5 years. Twenty‐eight patients had genital anomaly, 14 patients had female external genitalia and 3 patients had normal male genitalia. Patients showed normal height under 2 years of age. Mean height standard deviation score (HSDS) of 19 patients diagnosed before 2 years of age was −0.9 ± 0.6 and that of 26 patients diagnosed after 2 years of age was −2.6 ± 1.5. Ten patients diagnosed before 2 years of age showed growth deceleration after 2 years of age (HSDS decreasing from −0.6 ± 0.7 to −1.4 ± 0.9). Twenty‐one patients reached adult height (AH). Growth hormone (GH) treatment was initiated in 10 patients. Although AHSDS of GH‐treated patients was significantly greater than their mean HSDS before GH therapy (p =.013), it was not significantly different from AHSDS of the untreated group. Seventeen (37.8%) patients exhibited phenotypical features of Turner syndrome (TS) other than short stature. Two patients with genital anomaly had gonadoblastoma and germ cell neoplasia in situ, and one patient with female external genitalia had gonadoblastoma.

Conclusions

GH therapy seems to improve AH of patients. Both patients with genital anomaly and female external genitalia have increased risk of germ cell tumours.
Rebleeding in patients with delayed bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer
Authors: Hashimoto Minami , Hatta Waku , Tsuji Yosuke , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Yabuuchi Yohei , Hoteya Shu , Doyama Hisashi , Nagami Yasuaki , Hikichi Takuto , Kobayashi Masakuni , Morita Yoshinori , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Iguchi Mikitaka , Tomida Hideomi , Inoue Takuya , Mikami Tatsuya , Hasatani Kenkei , Nishikawa Jun , Matsumura Tomoaki , Nebiki Hiroko , Nakamatsu Dai , Ohnita Ken , Suzuki Haruhisa , Ueyama Hiroya , Hayashi Yoshito , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Masamune Atsushi , Ohira Hiromasa ,   Collaborators
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Delayed bleeding is a major adverse event in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC). Some patients may experience rebleeding after successful hemostasis for delayed bleeding, yet the details of rebleeding remain unclear. We aimed to clarify the frequency and risk factors of rebleeding.

Methods

Among 11,452 patients who underwent ESD for EGC at 33 institutions in Japan between 2013 and 2016, we analyzed 489 patients showing delayed bleeding. The rate of rebleeding was investigated. Subsequently, 15 candidate variables were evaluated for their influence on the risk of rebleeding via logistic regression analysis.

Results

Rebleeding occurred in 11.2% (55/489) of the enrolled patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that warfarin [odds ratio (OR), 2.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.26–5.84] and a resection size >40 mm (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.08–3.67) were independent risk factors for rebleeding. In the analysis of the management of warfarin after index bleeding, only warfarin discontinuation (OR, 3.66; 95% CI, 1.37–9.78) was significantly associated with rebleeding in comparison with no use of warfarin. However, many rebleeding events (75.0%) occurred following the resumption of warfarin. The rebleeding rate during discontinuation status and that in taking warfarin (continuation or resumption) were 6.1% and 20.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

Rebleeding was not a rare event in patients experiencing delayed bleeding after ESD for EGC. In addition to having a resection size >40 mm, warfarin usage placed patients at high risk for rebleeding, especially at the timing of its resumption following discontinuation as well as its continuation.
Clinical trials of botulinum neurotoxin A: is there a link between funding, pharma, and findings?
Authors: Graham Kerr
Published: February 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Delgado et al. on pages 592–600 of this issue.
Migration of pinewood nematode promotes the colonization of Esteya vermicola in pine tree
Authors: Wang Hai‐Hua , Yin Can , Tao Ran , Gao Jie , Sun Yu‐Lou , Cho Jeong‐Hee , Wang Zhen , Wang Yun‐Bo , Wang Chun‐Yan , Sung Chang‐Keun
Published: February 2021

Esteya vermicola is a potential biological agent of the pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, due to its high infectivity. However, knowledge of E. vermicola colonization in the host pine tree is less known. To reveal the distribution pattern of E. vermicola inside the pine tree and the interactions between fungus and PWN, biocontrol tests were conducted on 10 years old Pinus densiflora. A green fluorescence protein (GFP)‐tagged E. vermicola was used to observe the fungal hyphae. Real‐time TaqMan PCR quantification was applied to quantify the fungal hyphae in host tree. The results suggest that inoculation with the fungus significantly improved the survival rate of tested trees. Besides, the number of PWN extracted from fungal inoculated tested trees significantly decreased. Moreover, the fungal hyphae and lunate conidia grown in tested trees were observed with the GFP‐tagged E. vermicola. The real‐time quantification of E. vermicola illustrated the differential distribution of E. vermicola in wilted, wilting and healthy pine trees. Additionally, the promotion of fungal hyphal dispersion by B. xylophilus was found in the pine trees artificially infected with PWN. This study reveals the distribution of E. vermicola and PWN during biocontrol of pine wilt disease and provides direct evidence of the effectiveness of this fungus to control PWN. The migration of PWN infected by E. vermicola was supposed to improve the fungal extension in host pine tree.
Accuracy of cold sensibility testing on teeth with full‐coverage restorations: a clinical study
Authors: Hazard M. L. , Wicker C. , Qian F. , Williamson A. E. , Teixeira F. B.
Published: February 2021

Aim

This clinical study evaluated the reliability of the 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (Endo Ice) cold test to determine the pulpal diagnosis of teeth with full‐coverage restorations (FCR). The effect of several variables on its reliability was also investigated.

Methodology

Data collected from 825 patients treated in the Advanced Education Program in Endodontics at the University of Iowa, USA were analysed. The experimental group included 425 teeth with FCR, whilst the control group consisted of 400 teeth with natural crowns (NC). The pulp sensibility test results, tooth type, tooth number, type of crown, age, gender, presence or absence of caries and recent use of analgesics were recorded. Bivariate analyses were performed to assess the variables associated with the accuracy of dental pulp sensibility tests for either teeth with crowns or teeth without crowns using chi‐square tests, Fisher’s exact tests, Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel tests, and the Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests. A P‐value of less than 0.05 was used as a criterion for statistical significance, and a P‐value in 0.05 < P < 0.10 was used as a criterion for marginal relevance.

Results

The sensibility test results for FCR teeth had an accuracy of 0.866; sensitivity of 0.835; specificity of 0.879; a positive predictive value of 0.746; and a negative predictive value of 0.926. The data indicated a significant difference in the accuracy of pulp sensibility test results between the experimental and control groups (P < 0.001). Although the cold test in FCR teeth still had high accuracy, teeth with NC were significantly more likely to have true‐positive and true‐negative results (91.5% NC vs. 86.6% FCR, P = 0.024). No significant differences between FCR and NC were found concerning gender, tooth type, type of crown, the presence of abutment and recent use of analgesic (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Pulp sensibility cold testing with 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (TFE) on teeth with FCR was less accurate than on teeth without full‐coverage crowns. However, the use of TFE cold testing is still a relevant and reliable diagnostic tool, particularly for teeth with a pulpal diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Clinicians should routinely carry out cold pulp sensibility testing on teeth when making a pulpal diagnosis.
Pharmacists’ awareness of COVID‐19 and perceptions of their roles, barriers, and roles of policymakers: Exploring the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
Authors: Basheti Iman A. , El‐hajji Feras , Nassar Razan , Thiab Samar , Barakat Muna , Basheti Mariam , Berardi Alberto , Saini Bandana
Published: February 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) was declared in January 2020 as a public health emergency of international concern. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) suffered from several pandemics previously. Pharmacists have vital roles to play to prevent the spread of this virus.

Objectives

To assess the COVID‐19 awareness amongst pharmacists from Arabic‐speaking countries located in the MENA region, and to assess their perspectives of their role, barriers, and roles of the educational institutions/pharmaceutical associations.

Methods

An online survey was conducted to run a descriptive cross‐sectional study in Jordan from 12th to 22nd April 2020. The questionnaire was validated (face validity) and put on Facebook and directed for pharmacists only (clarified in the introduction of the questionnaire). Assessment of pharmacists’ awareness (20 questions) about pandemics and COVID‐19, their perceived roles and barriers, and roles of the educational institutions (eg, universities) and pharmaceutical associations (eg, Pharmacists Syndicate) was performed. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS).

Results

Study participants (n = 2589) had a mean age of 29.3 (8.2) years and 1329 (51.5%) were females. Most of the participants were from Egypt (n = 819, 40.8%), followed by Jordan, Algeria, and Syria. Regarding the sources of information about coronavirus management, 60.8% of participants got their information from social media. Fear of contracting the coronavirus while performing their duties was reported by the majority of pharmacists as the main barrier to delivering their roles (82.3%). The majority of pharmacists identified positive roles for the pharmaceutical institutions (74.8%) and pharmaceutical associations (63.6%).

Conclusion

Pharmacists from the MENA countries believe they got enough education previously about pandemics, and the majority follow the latest coronavirus updates from social media. Fear was reported as the major barrier that requires resolution by the policymakers. Certain gaps in the awareness about COVID‐19 were identified.
Therapeutic efficacy, mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, and mortality rate in severe COVID‐19 patients treated with tocilizumab
Authors: Sarhan Rania M , Madney Yasmin M. , Abou Warda Ahmed E. , Boshra Marian S.
Published: February 2021

Background

The treatment of severe cases of COVID‐19 disease remains a dilemma so far, because there is no approved therapy for it. This study aimed to estimate the therapeutic efficacy of tocilizumab and its role in reducing the need for mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, mortality rate for these cases.

Method

The study included 25 adult patients with confirmed severe COVID‐19 infection. Treatment of all patients followed Egyptian Ministry of Health COVID‐19 protocol in addition to tocilizumab IV (400‐800 mg) as a single dose and then the dose was repeated after at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours from the previous dose. All laboratory and clinical parameters were assessed before and within 24 hours after tocilizumab administration.

Results

After receiving TCZ, all patients showed significantly lower median IL 6, LDH, CRP, ferritin , TLC at P < .001, and D‐Dimer at P = .223 than their baseline levels. Also, the number of patients who required mechanical ventilation decreased from 11 to 8. Only five patients died after TCZ treatment. A moderate correlation was found between therapeutic failure and death outcomes and mechanical ventilation need at baseline. The median days of hospitalisation (IQR) were 10 (6‐16).

Conclusion

Tocilizumab treatment in patients with severe COVID‐19 is safe and has significant therapeutic effects and a significant role in the improvement of all laboratory parameters. Also TCZ plays a significant role in the reduction of the length of stay in hospital and ICU, need for mechanical ventilation, and mortality rate.

What’s known

IL‐6 plays the main role in the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with severe COVID‐19 infection. Consequently, serum IL‐6 can be considered as an important target in therapeutic management of severe COVID‐19 patients.

What’s new

Prospective study, carried on 25 adult patients with confirmed severe COVID‐19 infection using tocilizumab, showed significant improvement in their case.

Tocilizumab, as an IL‐6 inhibitor, not only lowered IL‐6 level put also showed a significant reduction on median LDH, CRP, ferritin , TLC at P < .001 and D‐Dimer at P = .223 than their baseline levels.

Improvement of all laboratory parameters using TCZ was reflected in the reduction of the length of stay in hospital and ICU, need for mechanical ventilation and mortality rate.
Use of nanoliposome loaded with chitosan‐epigallocatechin gallate conjugate for shelf‐life extension of refrigerated Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) slices
Authors: Mittal Ajay , Singh Avtar , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: February 2021

Treatments of chitosan‐epigallocatechin gallate (CE) conjugate nanoliposome (CELP) and unencapsulated CE conjugate (UNCE) at different concentrations (0.025  and 0.05 g 100 g−1) on quality and shelf‐life of Asian sea bass slices (ASB‐S) kept at 4 °C were studied. Total viable count of ASB‐S treated with 0.05 g 100 g−1 CELP (SB‐CELP‐0.05) was less than permissible limit (6 log CFUg−1 sample) within 15 days. Moreover, SB‐CELP‐0.05 sample had the lowest pathogenic and spoilage bacterial count than remaining samples during the storage (P < 0.05). Lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and peroxide values were obtained for SB‐CELP‐0.05 sample than those treated with 0.05 g 100 g−1 UNCE (SB‐UNCE‐0.05) at the end of storage (P < 0.05). The result was also advocated by higher polyunsaturated fatty acid content of SB‐CELP‐0.05 than SB‐UNCE‐0.05 (P < 0.05). Therefore, CELP efficiently extended ASB‐S shelf‐life with high consumer acceptability at 4 °C for minimum 12 days, whereas control had the shelf‐life less than 6 days.
Nitric oxide inhibits interleukin‐1‐mediated protection against Escherichia coli K1‐induced sepsis and meningitis in a neonatal murine model
Authors: Chambers Catherine A , Lacey Carolyn A , Brown Dana C , Skyberg Jerod A
Published: February 2021

Neonatal meningitis‐associated Escherichia coli (NMEC) is a leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborn infants. Neonates are known to have impaired inflammasome activation and interleukin (IL)‐1 production. However, it is unknown what role this plays in the context of NMEC infection. Here we investigated the role of IL‐1 signaling in the pathogenesis of NMEC infection. We found both IL‐1β and IL‐1α were secreted from macrophages and microglial cells in response to NMEC in a Toll‐like receptor 4‐ and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NPLR3)‐dependent manner. Intracerebral infection of adult mice indicated a protective role of IL‐1 signaling during NMEC infection. However, IL‐1 receptor blockade in wild‐type neonatal mice did not significantly alter bacterial loads in the blood or brain, and we, therefore, investigated whether protection conferred by IL‐1 was age dependent. Neonates are known to have increased nitric oxide (NO) levels compared with adults, and we found NO inhibited the secretion of IL‐1 by macrophages in response to NMEC. In contrast to our results in wild‐type neonates, blockade of IL‐1 receptor in neonates lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) led to significantly increased bacterial loads in the blood and brain. These data indicate IL‐1 signaling is protective during NMEC infection in neonates only when iNOS is absent. Collectively, our findings suggest that increased NO production by neonates inhibits IL‐1 production, and that this suppresses the protective role of IL‐1 signaling in response to NMEC infection. This may indicate a general mechanism for increased susceptibility of neonates to infection and could lead to new therapeutic strategies in the future.
First steps toward suctorial feeding in millipedes: Comparative morphology of the head of the Platydesmida (Diplopoda: Colobognatha)
Authors: Moritz Leif , Blanke Alexander , Hammel Jörg U. , Wesener Thomas
Published: February 2021

Although most millipedes (Diplopoda) show a biting–chewing feeding mode, representatives of the so‐called Colobognatha (Platydesmida, Polyzoniida, Siphonocryptida, Siphonophorida), with their more or less reduced mouthparts, are assumed to have evolved a suctorial feeding mode, which enables them to exploit food sources like algal film and fungi hyphae. The Platydesmida are viewed as the key taxon for the understanding of mouthpart adaptations in Colobognatha, as their mouthpart elements still closely resemble those of biting–chewing millipedes. Studies of the skeletomuscular system of the Platydesmida are rare, impeding further understanding of the mouthpart evolution in millipedes. To overcome this impediment in the understanding of millipede evolution, we study the internal morphology of the head in specimens from four genera of Platydesmida: Brachycybe lecontii, Dolistenus spp., Gosodesmus claremontus, and Pseudodesmus spp. Although all Platydesmida show similarly structured skeletal elements and accompanying musculature, they are distinct from all other Diplopoda. Their head lacks eyes and organs of Tömösváry, and is pyriform and posteriorly bulging, overlapping the collum. The narrow mandibles are hidden underneath the broad genae. A previously described gnathochilarial postmentum is absent. Muscle attachment sites, such as the transverse mandibular tendon and the median septum, are reduced. The strong modifications of the head capsule, mandibles, and musculature limit the movability of the mandible for biting–chewing motions based on simulations of possible gape angles. Platydesmida likely show a scraping and slurping feeding mode, which is facilitated by the comparably well‐developed pharyngeal dilator muscles. We suggest that the Platydesmida show an intermediate state between the biting–chewing millipedes and the other suctorially feeding Colobognatha.
Metformin as a potential protective therapy against tuberculosis in patients with diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study in a single teaching hospital
Authors: Fu Chia‐Po , Lee Chia‐Lin , Li Yu‐Hsuan , Lin Shih‐Yi
Published: February 2021

Aims/Introduction

The convergence of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is a new challenge in Asia as a result of the rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus with higher TB infection rates, and also because diabetes mellitus itself enhances TB disease activity and consequently the spread of TB. We aimed to address the risk presented by diabetes mellitus for TB infection.

Materials and Methods

Patients with diabetes mellitus were retrospectively recruited. The baseline assessments included age, sex, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate. TB was determined by meeting the international classification of disease, for TB diagnosis and receiving anti‐TB treatment for at least 2 months.

Results

In total, 9,750 individuals with diabetes mellitus were recruited. The event rate of TB was 47 (0.48%). Younger age, lower proportion of men, higher fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin values, and better renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio) were observed in the metformin‐exposed groups. Old age and male sex were associated with higher TB infection risk on multivariate analysis. Metformin users had a significantly lower risk for TB infection, whereas insulin users had a higher risk for TB infection. However, glycemic status had no effect on TB infection risk.

Conclusions

This study provides clinical evidence from a survey of TB in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Old age, male sex and insulin use were risk factors for TB infection. Metformin remains the first choice of treatment for diabetes mellitus and has a potential protective effect against TB infection.
Kyanite preserves prograde and retrograde metamorphic events as revealed by cathodoluminescence, geochemistry, and crystallographic orientation
Authors: Peterman Emily M. , Jercinovic Michael J. , Beane Rachel J. , de Wet Cameron B.
Published: February 2021

Cathodoluminescence (CL) images of kyanite reveal several internal textures, including sector zoning, oscillatory zoning, and cross‐cutting relationships among different domains. Many textures observed in kyanite correspond to discrete events, thereby connecting kyanite textures to the pressure–temperature (P–T) history of the rock. To evaluate the record of metamorphism preserved by kyanite, metapelites were selected from three different orogens that reflect P–T conditions ranging from amphibolite to ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) facies. Cross‐correlation of variations in CL intensity, chemistry, and crystal orientation within kyanite indicate the following findings. First, the preservation of original growth zones in kyanite from poly‐metamorphic rocks demonstrates that growth zoning in kyanite persists through metamorphic events and is not erased by diffusion or complete recrystallization. In some samples, kyanite retains evidence of its reaction history during growth. Second, measured changes in absolute crystallographic orientation do not correspond with changes in CL intensity in any of the measured samples, including kyanite twins. Third, both kink banding and undulatory extinction are present across all samples, consistent with rotation about <010> in the (100)[001] slip system. Kyanite from (U)HP samples exhibits higher amplitude undulations than kyanite from lower‐grade lithologies, suggesting that crystallographic orientation data may provide complementary insight about deformation along the P–T path. Fourth, specific CL and trace element signatures in kyanite can be correlated with discrete metamorphic histories; yet, CL intensity and colour are affected by multiple elements, not a single controlling element. In sum, multiple generations of kyanite can be identified by careful cross‐correlation of CL and geochemical data, and when combined with crystal orientation data, kyanite provides a robust record of a rock's P–T evolution.