bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GEOPHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SANGU GAS FIELD, OFFSHORE, BANGLADESH: CONSTRAINTS ON RESERVOIRS
Authors: Shahriar Md. Upal , Hossain Delwar , Hossain Md. Sakawat , Rahman M. Julleh Jalalur , Kamruzzaman
Published: September 2020

The only produced offshore gas field in Bangladesh, known as the Sangu field, is located in the Hatiya Trough in the east of the Bay of Bengal, and has estimated total reserves of about 1055 BCF GIIP. The early shut‐down of the field in October 2013 may have resulted in significant volumes of recoverable gas being left in the subsurface over a depth range of 1893 m to 3640 m. In this paper, seismic and well log data were analyzed and interpreted in order to investigate the structure and stratigraphy of the Sangu field, together with the lithology, extent and petrophysical properties of the reservoir. The general lithostratigraphy at Sangu has some similarity to that of the Surma Basin of the Bengal Foredeep. Reservoir rocks consist of Miocene and Pliocene deltaic sandstones and deep‐water clastics. The source rock is the Miocene Bhuban Shale which is mature for gas generation in the Hatiya Trough.

Three Neogene seismic stratigraphic megasequences were recognised at Sangu and are interpreted to have been deposited respectively in fluvial, delta front and shelf slope or marginal marine settings. Based on an analysis of wireline logs from wells Sangu‐1 and Sangu‐5 and on seismic‐to‐well ties, a series of reservoir units referred to (from the base up) as the T1 (E, D, C, A&B), Supra‐T1, T2 and T3 have been identified. Petrophysical analyses showed that the average total porosity of these reservoir units is >13%, the permeability is in general less than10 mD, and the gas saturation ranges from 24% to 80%. Mapping of the reservoirs shows that the structure at Sangu is an asymmetric anticline with a NNW‐SSE axial trend. Amplitude data have allowed the delineation of two other potential reservoir zones in the field at depths of 2900‐3000 m and 3550‐3750 m. The study will contribute to future offshore gas exploration and development in the Bay of Bengal region based on the geological and geophysical characteristics of the reservoirs delineated.
Co‐suppression in Pyropia yezoensis (Rhodophyta) Reveals the Role of PyLHCI in Light Harvesting and Generation Switch
Authors: Zheng Zhenbing , He Bangxiang , Xie Xiujun , Wang Guangce
Published: September 2020

The red macroalga Pyropia yezoensis is an economically important seaweed widely cultured in Asian countries and is a model organism for molecular biological and commercial research. This species is unique in that it utilizes both phycobilisomes and transmembrane light‐harvesting proteins as its antenna system. Here, one of the genes of P. yezoensis (PyLHCI) was selected for introduction into its genome to overexpress PyLHCI. However, the co‐suppression phenomenon occurred. This is the first documentation of co‐suppression in algae, in which it exhibits a different mechanism from that in higher plants. The transformant (T1) was demonstrated to have higher phycobilisomes and lower LHC binding pigments, resulting in a redder color, higher sensitivity to salt stress, smaller in size, and slower growth rate than the wildtype (WT). The photosynthetic performances of T1 and WT showed similar characteristics; however, P700 reduction was slower in T1. Most importantly, T1 could release a high percentage of carpospores in young blades to switch generation during its life cycle, which was rarely seen in WT. The co‐suppression of PyLHCI revealed its key roles in light harvesting, stress resistance, and generation alternation (generation switch from gametophytes to sporophytes, and reproduction from asexual to sexual).
Extensive Miocene speciation in and out of Indochina: The biogeographic history of Typhonium sensu stricto (Araceae) and its implication for the assembly of Indochina flora
Authors: Low Shook Ling , Yu Chih‐Chieh , Ooi Im Hin , Eiadthong Wichan , Galloway Alan , Zhou Zhe‐Kun , Xing Yao‐Wu
Published: September 2020

The Asian paleotropical flora is characterized by abundance of endemic species, high biodiversity, and complex geological and climatic histories. However, the main driving mechanism underlying such high tropical biodiversity remains unclear. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the biogeographic origin of the Asian paleotropical flora by tracking the speciation and diversification history of a typical tropical perennial, Typhonium sensu stricto (s.s.) (Araceae), using a time‐calibrated whole‐plastome phylogeny. In particular, we tested whether the Asian paleotropic region is a macroevolutionary source or sink. We observed that Typhonium s.s. originated in Indochina during the early–middle Miocene epoch, ca. 17.24 Ma (95% highest posterior density [HPD]: 12.83 ̶ 21.99 Ma). Most of the in situ diversification within the genus Typhonium s.s. has been underway since 14.73 Ma, with an accelerated lineage diversification at ca. 15−17 Ma, which may have been triggered by the intensification of the Asian monsoon system around the middle Miocene. Furthermore, the underground tuberous stem of Typhonium s.s. might have played an essential role in the adaptation to the seasonality caused by the monsoon in Indochina. Our results also suggested that peripatric speciation may be important in the diversification of T. trilobatum and T. roxburghii. This study provides a framework for studies in biogeography and evolution of the Asian paleotropical flora.
Agreement of 2 electrolyte analyzers for identifying electrolyte and acid‐base disorders in sick horses
Authors: Gomez Diego E. , Buczinski Sébastien , Darby Shannon , Palmisano Megan , Beatty Sarah S. K. , Mackay Robert J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Use of different analyzers to measure electrolytes in the same horse can lead to different interpretation of acid‐base balance when using the simplified strong ion difference (sSID) approach.

Objective

Investigate the level of agreement between 2 analyzers in determining electrolytes concentrations,sSID variables, and acid‐base disorders in sick horses.

Animals

One hundred twenty‐four hospitalized horses.

Methods

Retrospective study using paired samples. Electrolytes were measured using a Beckman Coulter AU480 Chemistry analyzer (PBMA) and a Nova Biomedical Stat Profile (WBGA), respectively. CalculatedsSID variables included strong ion difference, SID4; unmeasured strong ions, USI; and total nonvolatile buffer ion concentration in plasma (Atot). Agreement between analyzers was explored using Passing‐Bablok regression and Bland‐Altman analysis. Kappa (κ) test evaluated the level of agreement between analyzers in detecting acid‐base disorders.

Results

Methodologic differences were identified in measured Na+and Cl−and calculated values of SID4and USI. Mean bias (95% limits of agreement) for Na+, Cl−, SID4, and USI were: −1.2 mmol/L (−9.2 to 6.8), 4.4 mmol/L (−4.4 to 13), −5.4 mmol/L (−13 to 2), and −6.2 mmol/L (−14 to 1.7), respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient for SID4and USI was .55 (95%CI: −0.2 to 0.8) and .2 (95%CI: −0.15 to 0.48), respectively. There was a poor agreement between analyzers for detection of SID4(κ = 0.20, 95%CI, 0.1 to 0.31) or USI abnormalities (κ = −0.04, 95%CI, −0.11 to 0.02).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Differences between analyzer methodology in measuring electrolytes led to a poor agreement between the diagnosis of acid‐base disorders in sick horses when using thesSID approach.
Species and functional plant diversity enhance ecosystem functions in the central Monte desert
Authors: Chaves Jimena E. , Aranibar Julieta N. , Gatica Gabriel
Published: September 2020

Questions

Niche complementarity has been proposed as the underlying mechanism for optimizing resource use of plants in diverse ecosystems, usually associated with their functional traits and not with the species number per se. Our main questions were: (a) does species diversity optimize the use of resources in arid ecosystems; (b) is there redundancy of species in the use of water and nutrients; and (c) what diversity components most affect ecosystem functions of water regulation and material cycling?

Location

Central Monte desert, Argentina.

Methods

We selected vegetation patches with different species (SD) and functional diversities (FD), where we measured indicators of water regulation and material cycling. At two soil depths, we measured soil nitrate, phosphate, organic matter, chloride, electrical conductivity, and pH. We also determined decomposition, plant water use efficiency (foliar δ13C of C3 plants), and nitrogen use (δ15N). These variables were used as response variables, while total plant cover, species richness, Shannon, Simpson, evenness, and Rao's functional diversity indexes were used as predictors.

Results

At the soil surface, response variables were better explained by models that included diversity (SD,FDor both) instead of evenness, total plant cover or null model. A diversity effect was not detected in deeper soil layers for most variables, except for electric conductivity, which had a positive effect onFD. Richness explained plant δ13C but had no influence on plant δ15N.

Conclusions

Diversity of plant community influences ecosystem processes, as it increases decomposition, soil organic matter, and nutrient availability at the surface, and decreases water losses to the subsoil and plant water use efficiency. BothSDandFDexplained one or more ecosystem processes of water regulation and material cycling, suggesting that individual species contribute to ecosystem functioning, with a low redundancy for arid areas.
Price and quantity competition in a differentiated duopoly with heterogeneous beliefs
Authors: Xia Haiyang
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of heterogeneous beliefs about market demand on the profitability of firms under different competitive settings. To this end I consider a differentiated duopoly model where two firms with different beliefs about the market demand can compete in quantity (Cournot competition) or in price (Bertrand competition). The results show that the optimistic firm can outperform the pessimistic firm in profits under Cournot competition even in the state of Low demand as long as the ratio of High demand over Low demand is sufficiently low. Under Bertrand competition, however, if the ratio of High demand over Low demand is sufficiently low or the overall optimism of the two firms is sufficiently high, the pessimistic firm can gain higher profit than the optimistic one even when demand is high.
Experiences of breastfeeding during COVID‐19: Lessons for future practical and emotional support
Authors: Brown Amy , Shenker Natalie
Published: September 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown and social distancing led to changes to breastfeeding support available to women in the United Kingdom. Face‐to‐face professional support was reduced, and face‐to‐face peer support was cancelled. Anecdotal media accounts highlighted practices separating some mothers and babies in hospitals, alongside inaccurate stories of the safety of breastfeeding circulating. Meanwhile, new families were confined to their homes, separated from families and support networks. Given that we know breastfeeding is best supported by practices that keep mother and baby together, high‐quality professional and peer‐to‐peer support, and positive maternal well‐being, it is important to understand the impact of the pandemic upon the ability to breastfeed. To explore this, we conducted an online survey with 1219 breastfeeding mothers in the United Kingdom with a baby 0–12 months old to understand the impact of the pandemic upon breastfeeding duration, experiences and support. The results highlighted two very different experiences: 41.8% of mothers felt that breastfeeding was protected due to lockdown, but 27.0% of mothers struggled to get support and had numerous barriers stemming from lockdown with some stopped breastfeeding before they were ready. Mothers with a lower education, with more challenging living circumstances and from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds were more likely to find the impact of lockdown challenging and stop breastfeeding. The findings are vital in understanding how we now support those women who may be grieving their loss of breastfeeding and are affected by their negative experiences and how we can learn from those with a positive experience to make sure all breastfeeding women are better supported if similar future events arise.
Contingency, Historicity, and Integrity
Authors: Colapietro Vincent
Published: September 2020

The author of this paper contends that Kathleen Wallace’s model of the self is a highly original contribution to contemporary thought. He, however, highlights important respects in which Wallace is adumbrating themes highlighted by Justus Buchler’s scattered insights into human selfhood. In addition, the author identifies two possible lines of inquiry rooted in Wallace’s project calling for further pursuit. Questions regarding self‐division, ones importantly bearing upon the topic of autonomy, and also questions regarding the somatic mechanisms, processes, and practices by which embodied selves maintain themselves as cumulative networks are ones that, above all else, he tries to throw into sharp relief through the defining features of Wallace’s network model and to underscore the inherent power of Wallace’s nuanced approach to a highly contested and intricately complex topic.
Coronary microvascular dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Pathophysiology, assessment, and clinical impact
Authors: Aguiar Rosa Sílvia , Rocha Lopes Luís , Fiarresga António , Ferreira Rui Cruz , Mota Carmo Miguel
Published: September 2020

Myocardial ischemia constitutes one of the most important pathophysiological features in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Chronic and recurrent myocardial ischemia leads to fibrosis, which may culminate in myocardial dysfunction. Since the direct visualization of coronary microcirculation in vivo is not possible, its function must be studied indirectly. Invasive and noninvasive techniques allow microcirculatory dysfunction to be evaluated, including echocardiography, magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography, and cardiac catheterization. Blunted myocardial blood flow and coronary flow reserve have been suggested to associate with unfavorable prognosis. Microcirculatory dysfunction may be one additional important parameter to take into account for risk stratification beyond the conventional risk factors.
Role of arthroconidia in biofilm formation by Trichosporon asahii
Authors: Kurakado Sanae , Miyashita Tomoaki , Chiba Ryota , Sato Chisato , Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Sugita Takashi
Published: September 2020

Background

Trichosporon asahii is the major causative agent of disseminated and deep‐seated trichosporonosis. It is capable of forming biofilms on surfaces, leading to medical device‐related infection.Trichosporon asahii may be present as yeast form, hyphae and/or arthroconidia; however, the relationship between its biofilm‐forming ability and its morphological transition is unclear.

Objectives

We investigated whether the T. asahii morphological transition contributes to its biofilm formation. We also determined the conditions required to induce each of the morphologies.

Methods

Three high‐ and three low‐biofilm‐producing strains (HBS and LBS, respectively) were selected using a biofilm formation assay, and the cell surface hydrophobicity of these six strains was measured. For each strain, the morphology was observed and the number of each morphological form (yeast form, hypha and arthroconidium) was counted to calculate the ratio. Finally, the ability of cells each morphological type to adhere to the polystyrene substrate was evaluated.

Results

The HBS exhibited abundant arthroconidia and hyphae; in contrast, the LBS produced mainly hyphae with few or no arthroconidia. The production of hyphae was increased by nitrogen‐containing medium, and the production of arthroconidia was increased by nitrogen‐deficient medium. Cells incubated under nitrogen‐deficient conditions showed higher adherence to a polystyrene surface than those incubated in the presence of nitrogen.

Conclusion

Arthroconidia of T. asahii play a key role in biofilm formation by promoting cellular adhesion.
Different susceptibility of spores and hyphae of Trichophyton rubrum to methylene blue mediated photodynamic treatment in vitro
Authors: Li Chanchan , Jia Xinrui , Bian Yawen , Qi Di , Wu Jianbo
Published: September 2020

Background

In recent years, methylene blue mediated‐photodynamic therapy (MB‐PDT) has proved to be an effective inhibitor to a variety of microorganisms, including Trichophyton rubrum, the most common dermatophyte worldwide. However, previous studies mainly focused on the spore form of T rubrum, but rarely on its hyphal form, although the latter is the main pathogenic form of T rubrum in vivo.

Objective

To investigate the inhibitory effect of MB‐PDT on T rubrum in different growth phases in vitro.

Methods

The suspensions of spores and hyphae obtained from T rubrum (ATCC28188) were prepared, respectively, incubated with MB solution (0.15‐40 μg/mL) and irradiated with 635 nm red light. Varied light energy and MB concentration were used. The specimen in the absence of light exposure or/and MB served as controls. MIC determination, colony counts and MTT assay were employed to evaluate the antifungal effect of MB‐PDT.

Results

The MICs of MB‐PDT for hyphae and spores of T. rubrum were 6.300 ± 1.072 μg/mL and 1.984 ± 1.072 μg/mL, respectively, at a fixed light dose of 60 J/cm2. CFU counts gave the minimum critical combinations of MB concentration and light dose to achieve 100% inhibitory rate. For hyphae, they were 5 μg/mL + 100 J/cm2 or 10 μg/mL + 60 J/cm2. For spores, they were 1.25 μg/mL + 40 J/cm2 or 5 μg/mL + 20 J/cm2. The outcomes of MTT assay were consistent with those of CFU counts, but less accurate.

Conclusion

MB‐PDT is a potent inhibitor to both spores and hyphae of T. rubrum in vitro, and the spores are more sensitive to it. Its antifungal efficacy is positively correlated with the concentration of MB and light dose.
Putative invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in critically ill patients with COVID‐19: An observational study from New York City
Authors: Mitaka Hayato , Perlman David C. , Javaid Waleed , Salomon Nadim
Published: September 2020

Background

Critically ill patients with coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) are at the theoretical risk of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) due to known risk factors.

Patients/Methods

We aimed to describe the clinical features of COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis at a single centre in New York City. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with COVID‐19 with Aspergillus isolated from respiratory cultures.

Results

A total of seven patients with COVID‐19 who had one or more positive respiratory cultures for Aspergillus fumigatus were identified, all of whom were mechanically ventilated in the ICU. Four patients were classified as putative IPA. The median age was 79 years, and all patients were male. The patients had been mechanically ventilated for a mean of 6.8 days (range: 1‐14 days) before Aspergillus isolation. Serum galactomannan level was positive for only one patient. The majority of our cases received much higher doses of glucocorticoids than the dosage with a proven mortality benefit. All four patients died.

Conclusions

Vigilance for secondary fungal infections will be needed to reduce adverse outcomes in critically ill patients with COVID‐19.
Global Transitional Justice Norms and the Framing of Truth Commissions in the Absence of Transition
Authors: Wiebelhaus‐Brahm Eric
Published: September 2020

As global transitional justice norms strengthen, governments face increasingly pressure to enact formal transitional justice mechanisms to resolve domestic conflict. This article examines how Bahrain, Morocco, and Sri Lanka attempted to exploit these norms to appease demands and stave off international transitional justice intervention by employing truth commissions. Governments framed truth commissions and their responses to their investigations as sufficient to address the past. To varying degrees, though, domestic audiences and the international community refused to accept this framing. As such, truth commission investigations and their reports failed to resolve the respective conflicts. Rather, they prolonged attention on governments’ past and present misdeeds. For governments, the risk this strategy backfires is higher when human rights violations have been more extensive and extreme, when governments construct a more obviously biased truth‐seeking process and display little interest in enacting recommendations, and when governments have failed to cultivate strong ties with Western powers.
WOX9 functions antagonistic to STF and LAM1 to regulate leaf blade expansion in Medicago truncatula and Nicotiana sylvestris
Authors: Wolabu Tezera W. , Wang Hui , Tadesse Dimiru , Zhang Fei , Behzadirad Marjan , Tvorogova Varvara E. , Abdelmageed Haggag , Liu Ye , Chen Naichong , Chen Jianghua , Allen Randy D. , Tadege Million
Published: September 2020

WOX family transcription factors regulate multiple developmental programs. The intermediate clade transcriptional activator WOX9 functions together with the modern clade transcriptional repressor WOX genes in embryogenesis and meristems maintenance, but the mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

STF and LAM1 are WOX1 orthologs required for leaf blade outgrowth in Medicago truncatula and Nicotiana sylvestris, respectively. Using biochemical methods and genome editing technology, here we show that WOX9 is an abaxial factor and functions antagonistically to STF and LAM1 to regulate leaf blade development.

While NsWOX9 ectopic expression enhances the lam1 mutant phenotype, and antisense expression partially rescues the lam1 mutant, both overexpression and knockout of NsWOX9 in N. sylvestris resulted in a range of severe leaf blade distortions, indicating important role in blade development. Our results indicate that direct repression of WOX9 by WUS clade repressor STF/LAM1 is required for correct blade architecture and patterning in M. truncatula and N. sylvestris.

These findings suggest that controlling transcriptional activation and repression mechanisms by direct interaction of activator and repressor WOX genes may be required for cell proliferation and differentiation homeostasis, and could be an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for the development of complex and diverse morphology in flowering plants.
Linking drought‐induced xylem embolism resistance to wood anatomical traits in Neotropical trees
Authors: Levionnois Sébastien , Jansen Steven , Wandji Ruth Tchana , Beauchêne Jacques , Ziegler Camille , Coste Sabrina , Stahl Clément , Delzon Sylvain , Authier Louise , Heuret Patrick
Published: September 2020

Drought‐induced xylem embolism is considered to be one of the main factors driving mortality in woody plants worldwide. Although several structure–functional mechanisms have been tested to understand the anatomical determinants of embolism resistance, there is a need to study this topic by integrating anatomical data for many species.

We combined optical, laser, and transmission electron microscopy to investigate vessel diameter, vessel grouping, and pit membrane ultrastructure for 26 tropical rainforest tree species across three major clades (magnoliids, rosiids, and asteriids). We then related these anatomical observations to previously published data on drought‐induced embolism resistance, with phylogenetic analyses.

Vessel diameter, vessel grouping, and pit membrane ultrastructure were all predictive of xylem embolism resistance, but with weak predictive power. While pit membrane thickness was a predictive trait when vestured pits were taken into account, the pit membrane diameter‐to‐thickness ratio suggests a strong importance of the deflection resistance of the pit membrane. However, phylogenetic analyses weakly support adaptive coevolution.

Our results emphasize the functional significance of pit membranes for air‐seeding in tropical rainforest trees, highlighting also the need to study their mechanical properties due to the link between embolism resistance and pit membrane diameter‐to‐thickness ratio. Finding support for adaptive coevolution also remains challenging.
The combined effects of water and nitrogen on the relationship between a native hemiparasite and its invasive host
Authors: Cirocco Robert M. , Watling Jennifer R. , Facelli José M.
Published: September 2020

Stem hemiparasites are dependent on their hosts for water and nitrogen. Most studies, however, have assessed the influence of one factor on parasite : host associations, thus limiting our mechanistic understanding of their performance in nature.

We investigated the combined effects of water and nitrogen (N) availability on both a host (Ulex europaeus) and its parasite (Cassytha pubescens).

Parasite infection significantly decreased host shoot biomass and shoot : root ratio more severely in high water than low water, irrespective of N supply. Parasite stem [N] was significantly higher in high water than low water treatments, regardless of N supply, but parasite biomass did not vary among treatments. Irrespective of water and N supply, infected plants had significantly lower total, root and nodule biomass, predawn and midday quantum yields, maximum electron transport rates, water potentials and nitrogen concentration [N]. Parasite δ13C was significantly higher than that of the host.

Our results suggested that stem hemiparasites can better extract resources from hosts when water availability is high, resulting in a greater impact on the host under these conditions. When hemiparasitic plants are being investigated as a biocontrol for invasive weeds, they may be more effective in wetter habitats than in drier ones.
Transcriptional memories mediate the plasticity of cold stress responses to enable morphological acclimation in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Mayer Boris F. , Charron Jean‐Benoit
Published: September 2020

Plants that successfully acclimate to stress can resume growth under stressful conditions. The grass Brachypodium distachyon can grow a cold‐adaptive morphology during cold acclimation. Studies on transcriptional memory (TM) have revealed that plants can be primed for stress by adjusting their transcriptional responses, but the function of TM in stress acclimation is not well understood. We investigated the function of TM during cold acclimation in B. distachyon.

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), RNA‐seq and chromatin immunoprecipitation qPCR analyses were performed on plants exposed to repeated episodes of cold to characterize the presence and stability of TM during the stress and growth responses of cold acclimation.

Transcriptional memory mainly dampened stress responses as growth resumed and as B. distachyon became habituated to cold stress. Although permanent on vernalization gene VRN1, TMs were short‐term and reversible on cold‐stress genes. Growing under cold conditions also coincided with the acquisition of new and targeted cold‐induced transcriptional responses.

Overall, TM provided plasticity to cold stress responses during cold acclimation in B. distachyon, leading to stress habituation, acquired stress responses, and resumed growth. Our study shows that chromatin‐associated TMs are involved in tuning plant responses to environmental change and, as such, regulate both stress and developmental components that characterize cold‐climate adaptation in B. distachyon.
Short‐term variation in the subgingival microbiota in two groups of patients treated with clear aligners and vestibular fixed appliances: A longitudinal study
Authors: Lombardo Luca , Palone Mario , Scapoli Luca , Siciliani Giuseppe , Carinci Francesco
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the subgingival microbiological changes during the first six months of therapy with clear aligners (CAs) and fixed appliances (FAs). The null hypothesis was that there would be no microbiological differences between the two.

Setting/Sample

Two groups of patients to be treated, respectively, with CAs (14 patients; 9 females and 5 males; mean age 21 years ± 0.25) and FAs (13 patients; 8 females and 5 males; mean 14 years ± 0.75) were consecutively recruited.

Materials and Methods

Subgingival microbiological samples were obtained at the right upper central incisor and right first molar at four different time points: before appliance fitting (T0), and at 1 month (T1), 3 months (T3) and 6 months (T6) thereafter. Total bacterial load (TBL) and counts of the bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Campylobacter rectus, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia were determined using real‐time PCR.

Results

Total bacterial load did not vary in the CA group, while a significant increase was detected after 3 and 6 months of treatment in the FA group. Unlike red complex species, C rectus and F nucleatum were often detected: levels remained stable in the CA group but increased progressively in the FA group.

Conclusion

The type of orthodontic appliance influences the subgingival microbiota. TBL increased in the FA group but not in the CA group, although the levels of the individual periodontal pathogenic bacteria species did not significantly increase during the observation period.
A novel homozygous SCN5A variant detected in sick sinus syndrome
Authors: Alkorashy Maarab , Al‐Ghamdi Bandar , Tulbah Sahar , Al‐Numair Nouf S. , Alhadeq Faten , A Takroni Saud , Al‐Hassnan Zuhair N.
Published: September 2020

Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a group of disorders characterized by an abnormal cardiac impulse formation or propagation from the sinoatrial node. Mutated SCN5A has been reported in SSS, however, homozygosity of SCN5A is exceedingly rare. Here, we report a consanguineous family with four affected children with SSS. Symptomatic bradycardia necessitated implanting a pacemaker in all of them. Sequencing SCN5A revealed a novel homozygous variant (p.Cys1850Arg), which was predicted to interfere with protein folding. Our report describes the phenotype of a novel homozygous SCN5A variant and contributes to the compendium of molecular pathology of inherited arrhythmias in consanguineous populations.
Implementation of a spinal anesthesia and sedation protocol that reliably prolongs infant spinal anesthesia: Case series of 102 infants who received spinal anesthesia for urologic surgery
Authors: Handlogten Kathryn , Warner Lindsay , Granberg Candace , Gargollo Patricio , Thalji Leanne , Haile Dawit
Published: September 2020

Background

The use of spinal anesthesia in infants is seeing resurgence as an alternative to general anesthesia.

Aims

Our primary aims are to describe our institution's experience introducing a spinal anesthesia and sedation protocol for infants undergoing urologic surgery, to describe methods of improving prolonged anesthesia, and to describe the failure rate of spinal anesthesia in these patients. Sedation was provided for some infants with intranasal dexmedetomidine ± fentanyl.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series examining infants aged 1‐<14 months who received spinal anesthesia for circumcision, orchiopexy, orchiectomy, hypospadias repair, or epispadias repair. The electronic medical record was reviewed and compared with unmatched historical controls who received general anesthesia.

Results

A total of 230 patients underwent a urologic procedure; 102 patients received spinal anesthesia and 128 received general anesthesia. Length of surgical time with spinal anesthesia ranged from 4 to 189 minutes. The hospital length of stay was shorter in the spinal anesthesia group (median [IQR] of 5.3 hours [4.3, 7.2]) compared to the general anesthesia group (17.1 hours [15.6, 17.5]).The median bupivacaine dose was 0.75 mg/kg [0.67, 0.85]. There was one case in which cerebral spinal fluid was unable to be obtained, and one case that required conversion to general anesthesia after surgery had started. There were no cases of apnea, bleeding, infection, or neurologic compromise.

Conclusions

We describe the successful implementation of an infant spinal anesthesia and sedation protocol and a technique that uniquely provides prolonged surgical anesthesia with a low failure rate. We also report shorter anesthesia time, surgical time, and recovery room length of stay in patients who received spinal anesthesia compared to general anesthesia.
Metastatic Crohn's disease in a boy presenting with genital swelling
Authors: Mazzoni Daniel , Bodapati Sarath , Mortimore Rohan , Davies Janene , Wheller Laura
Published: September 2020

Cutaneous manifestations of Crohn's disease are uncommon and occasionally can affect the genitals with varying symptomatology. When cutaneous features precede or occur in the absence of GI symptoms, this condition may remain undiagnosed. We report the case of a 14‐year‐old boy who presented for evaluation of persistent penile edema with clinicopathological features consistent with a diagnosis of genital metastatic Crohn's disease, successfully treated with infliximab.
Romantic relationship distress, gender, socioeconomic status, and inflammation: A preregistered report
Authors: Jaremka Lisa M. , Kane Heidi S. , Sunami Naoyuki , Lebed Olga , Austin Kathryn A.
Published: September 2020

Poor quality romantic relationships increase risk for health problems; elevated systemic inflammation is one promising underlying mechanism. This registered report utilized data from three publicly available data sets with large sample sizes (Add Health, MIDUS, NSHAP) to test this possibility. An internal meta‐analysis across all three studies determined that romantic relationship distress was unrelated to inflammation (assessed via C‐reactive protein levels). In addition, this link was not moderated by gender, socioeconomic status (SES), or the combination of gender and SES.
Adam Marushak on the hypothetical given
Authors: Gupta Anil
Published: September 2020

Adam Marushak raises a dilemma for the proponents of the hypothetical given. On one of its horns, the proponents are said to be committed to rationalism; and on the other horn, to skepticism. I argue, in response, that even if we grant that the arguments of both horns are sound, the commitments incurred are light and unproblematic. I argue also that the dilemma is based on a reading of the hypothetical that, though valuable, needs to be refined in light of certain distinctions. These distinctions concern the different support relations that can obtain between beliefs are various elements of a view.
TiO2/SiO2‐NHOC‐FA Nanocomposite as a Photosensitizer with Targeting Ability for Photocatalytic Killing MCF‐7 Cells in Vitro and its Mechanism Exploration
Authors: Huilan Zhang , Juan Wang , Wen Zhang , Dong Han , Aiping Zhang
Published: September 2020

In the paper, a composite TiO2/SiO2‐NHOC‐FA was prepared using the coupling method which is a folic acid‐targeted silica‐coated titanium dioxide. Their structures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐vis), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and zeta potential method. The results showed that the average diameter of the prepared TiO2/SiO2‐NHOC‐FA composite is 18 nm, which is spherical. Compared with unmodified TiO2, TiO2/SiO2‐NHOC‐FA composite had superior water solubility and dispersion, and enhanced its photokilling activity by folic acid‐targeted to FR (+) cells. In addition, photocatalytic TiO2/SiO2‐NHOC‐FA arrested cell cycle in G2/M phase of MCF‐7 cells, resulting in a significant reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and also made the apoptosis rate, ROS components and intracellular calcium concentration increased. It killed the MCF‐7 cells through apoptosis pathway. These results for the TiO2/SiO2‐NHOC‐FA composite can provide a theoretical basis for the photodynamic development of TiO2.
Pathogenicity and population structure analysis of Pyricularia oryzae in different districts of Jiangsu province, China
Authors: Qi Zhong‐Qiang , Pan Xiayan , Du Yan , Shen Lerong , Yu Mi‐Na , Cao Hui‐Juan , Song Tian‐Qiao , Yu Jun‐Jie , Zhang Rong‐Sheng , Yong Ming‐Li , Yin Xiao‐Le , Liu Yong‐Feng
Published: September 2020

Rice blast caused by Pyricularia oryzae is one of the most destructive rice diseases worldwide. In this study, 224 isolates were isolated from neck blast samples from nine districts in Jiangsu. We analysed the resistance frequency of 24 resistance (R) genes using 32 monogenic rice lines from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), including Pii, Pik‐h, Pi5, Piz‐5, and Piz, which exhibit high resistance frequencies. PAC (pathogenicity association coefficients) and VAC (virulence association coefficients) analyses identified three combinations of R genes, Piz/Pii, Piz/Piz‐5, and Piz/Pi5, as being suitable for use in Jiangsu. Mating‐type analysis of P. oryzae isolates indicated that sexual reproduction occurred less frequently in northern Jiangsu than in other areas, which may affect genetic diversity and dissemination. Pot2‐TIR analysis indicated that the genetic diversity of P. oryzae in Xuzhou was mainly due to the insertion of transposable elements, while that of Nanjing was due to both the insertion of transposable elements and sexual recombination. Therefore, some R genes or gene combinations were suitable for resistance breeding in Jiangsu, and repetitive‐PCR (rep‐PCR) is a cost‐effective tool for genetically differentiating distinct cultivar‐specific populations or lineages with well‐defined virulence patterns, because of the close correspondence between rep‐PCR based clusters and pathotypes of inbred lines.
Molecular identification and pathogenicity of Fusarium and Alternaria species associated with root rot disease of wolfberry in Gansu and Ningxia provinces, China
Authors: Uwaremwe Constantine , Yue Liang , Liu Yang , Tian Yuan , Zhao Xia , Wang Yun , Xie Zhongkui , Zhang Yubao , Cui Zengtuan , Wang Ruoyu
Published: September 2020

Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) ranks in the top 10 best‐selling medicinal plants in China and it has been used for centuries as a medicine and a food supplement. It is suggested to have benefits on human health due to the rich content of polysaccharides, carotenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids contained in its fruits, leaves, and root bark. Recently, severe root rot diseases have been causing plant losses in major growing areas. Here, we report fungi causing root rot disease in Chinese wolfberry plants. The analysis of nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed a total of 92 isolates isolated from both soil and plant material samples. Fusarium spp. were the most abundant (58%), followed by Penicillium spp. (9%), and Alternaria spp. (5%). Fusarium spp. included F. oxysporum (36%), F. solani (30%), F. chlamydosporum (9%), F. nematophilum (9%), and F. tricinctum (8%). Sequences from the translation elongation factor 1‐α gene (TEF‐1α) were used to confirm the identity of Fusarium spp. and showed the predominance of F. oxysporum and F. solani. To confirm the pathogenicity of isolates, four isolates belonging to Fusarium spp. and one isolate belonging to Alternaria spp., isolated from wolfberry root tissues with root rot symptoms, were tested in outdoor and laboratory conditions. Results revealed that the five tested isolates were pathogenic with varying degrees of aggressiveness and ability to induce symptoms of root rot in wolfberry seedlings. The five isolates were recovered from inoculated seedlings, completing Koch's postulates. This is the first report on causative agents of root rot in Chinese wolfberry.
Dose–Response Modeling: Extrapolating From Experimental Data to Real‐World Populations
Authors: Pratt Adrian , Bennett Emma , Gillard Joseph , Leach Steve , Hall Ian
Published: September 2020

Dose–response modeling of biological agents has traditionally focused on describing laboratory‐derived experimental data. Limited consideration has been given to understanding those factors that are controlled in a laboratory, but are likely to occur in real‐world scenarios. In this study, a probabilistic framework is developed that extends Brookmeyer's competing‐risks dose–response model to allow for variation in factors such as dose‐dispersion, dose‐deposition, and other within‐host parameters. With data sets drawn from dose–response experiments of inhalational anthrax, plague, and tularemia, we illustrate how for certain cases, there is the potential for overestimation of infection numbers arising from models that consider only the experimental data in isolation.
Donor derived hepatitis B virus infection: Analysis of the Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing Ad Hoc Disease Transmission Advisory Committee
Authors: Theodoropoulos Nicole M. , La Hoz Ricardo M. , Wolfe Cameron , Vece Gabriel , Bag Remzi , Berry Gerald J. , Bucio Jamie , Danziger‐Isakov Lara , Florescu Diana F. , Goldberg David , Ho Chak‐Sum , Lilly Kathleen , Malinis Maricar , Mehta Aneesh K. , Nalesnik Michael A. , Sawyer Robert , Strasfeld Lynne , Wood R. Patrick , Michaels Marian G.
Published: September 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be transmitted from organ donor to recipient, but details of transmission events are not widely published. The Disease Transmission Advisory Committee (DTAC) evaluated 105 cases of potential donor derived transmission events of HBV between 2009‐2017. Proven, probable or possible transmission of HBV occurred in 25 (23.8%) cases. Recipients of liver grafts were most commonly infected (20 of 21 exposed recipients) compared to 9 of 21 exposed non‐hepatic recipients. Eleven of 25 donors were HBV core antibody (HBcAb) positive/HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) negative and infected 8/20 recipients. Of the 10 liver recipients and 1 liver‐kidney recipient who received organs from these donors: six were not given antiviral prophylaxis, two developed infection after antiviral prophylaxis was discontinued, two developed HBV while on lamivudine prophylaxis, one was on antiviral prophylaxis and did not develop HBV viremia or antigenemia. One recipient of a HBcAb positive/HBsAg negative kidney developed active HBV infection. Unexpected donor‐derived transmission of HBV was a rare event in reports to DTAC, but was often detected in the recipient late post‐transplant. Six of 11 recipients (54.5%) of a liver from a HBcAb positive donor did not receive prophylaxis; all of these were potentially preventable with the use of anti‐viral prophylaxis.
Myoepithelial cells and extracellular matrix in the cytologic differentiation of canine mammary tumors
Authors: Emanuelli Mauren P. , Kommers Glaucia D. , Antoniazzi Alfredo Q. , Bernardes Fernanda C. S. , Lopes Sonia T. A. , Fighera Rafael A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Mammary neoplasms are common tumors in intact female dogs. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a valuable diagnostic tool and has gained some credibility in the diagnosis of mammary tumors in dogs. Prompt classification of canine mammary tumors using cytology would enhance feasibility as a prognostic tool and guide clinical and surgical management.

Objectives

We aimed to examine background elements to differentiate mammary tumors using FNAC. We proposed to distinguish simple from complex and mixed tumors by identifying myoepithelial (ME) cells and different types of extracellular matrix. Additionally, we determined the accuracy of FNAC to differentiate benign from malignant tumors.

Methods

One hundred and one mammary tumors from female dogs were included in this study. We compared FNAC using histopathology as the gold standard. Cellular and background components were evaluated and identified. The cytologic accuracy, sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosing malignancy were determined, excluding inadequate samples.

Results

The cytologic‐histologic agreement was 92.5% for simple carcinomas, 57.9% for complex‐type carcinomas, 57.1% for mixed‐type carcinomas, 27.3% for carcinosarcomas, and 100% for osteosarcomas. Myoepithelial cells were successfully identified using FNAC. Myxoid and chondroid/osteoid matrix were satisfactorily recognized. Cytologic accuracy, Se, Sp, PPV, and NPV for diagnosing malignancy were 99%, 100%, 83%, 99%, and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

Chondroid/osteoid matrix was noted in mixed tumors but not in complex tumors. Myxoid matrix, often associated with ME cells, was noted in complex and mixed tumors. Mesenchymal cells were differentiated from ME cells, allowing the distinction of simple carcinomas with scirrhous reaction from complex and mixed tumors.
Noise levels in an academic veterinary intensive care unit
Authors: Dornbusch Josephine , Boston Sarah , Colee James
Published: September 2020

Objective

To quantify the noise levels in a veterinary Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and ascertain how they compare to current recommendations in the human literature.

Design

A Larson Davis SoundTrack LXT Sound Meter device measured noise levels in a veterinary ICU for 41 days.

Setting

Specialty referral academic small animal teaching hospital ICU.

Animals

Passive involvement of dogs and cats housed in the ICU during the study period of 41 days.

Interventions

No alterations to the hospital environment or patient care were made.

Measurements

A‐weighted average (LAeq) and maximum decibel measurements (LFmax) were recorded. The data were analyzed to look for correlations in elevated noise levels with the number and type of patients hospitalized, the time of day, and whether it was a weekday or weekend.

Main Results

The average, median, and maximum decibel levels measured in our ICU were 76.97 dB(A), 76.13 dB(A), and 86.54 dB(A), respectively, for the duration of this study. The time frames of 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm were associated with higher decibel levels in this study.

Conclusions

The noise levels recorded in this study exceed the World Health Organization recommendations for noise levels in hospital care settings and are higher than the previously reported elevated noise levels in 2 veterinary referral private practice ICUs. Increased noise levels in veterinary ICUs may have adverse effects on our veterinary patients and staff and warrant further investigation.
Clinical outcomes of cardiac surgery patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange for heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Moreno‐Duarte Ingrid , Cooter Mary , Onwuemene Oluwatoyosi A. , Ghadimi Kamrouz , Welsby Ian J
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an antibody‐mediated condition that leads to thrombocytopenia and possible thrombosis. Patients with HIT who require cardiac surgery pose a challenge as high doses of heparin or heparin alternatives are required to permit cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Intraoperative therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a valuable adjunct in the management of antibody‐mediated syndromes including HIT. The clinical impact of TPE on thromboembolic events, bleeding and mortality after heparin re‐exposure is not well established. We hypothesized that TPE with heparin re‐exposure will not lead to HIT‐related thromboembolic events, bleeding or increased mortality after cardiac surgery with CPB.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed 330 patients who received perioperative TPE between September 2012 and September 2017.

Results

Twenty four patients received TPE for HIT before anticipated heparin use for CPB. Most patients were males (79%) scheduled for advanced heart failure therapies. Three patients (12·5%) died within 30 days after surgery but none of the deaths were considered HIT‐related. Thromboembolic events (TE) occurred in 3 patients within 7 days of surgery; of those, two were possibly HIT‐related.

Conclusion

Therapeutic plasma exchange with heparin re‐exposure was not strongly associated with HIT‐related thrombosis/death after cardiac surgery with CPB.