bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microgeographical adaptation corresponds to elevational distributions of congeneric montane grasshoppers
Authors: Yadav Sonu , J. Stow Adam , Dudaniec Rachael Y. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLocal adaptation can occur at small spatial scales relative to the dispersal capacity of species. Alpine ecosystems have sharp environmental clines that offer an opportunity to investigate the effects of fine‐scale shifts in species’ niche breadth on adaptive genetic processes. Here we examine two grasshopper species endemic to the Australian Alps (Kosciuscola spp.) that differ in elevational niche breadth: one broader, K. usitatus (1400–2200 m), and one narrower, K. tristis (1600–2000 m). We examine signatures of selection with respect to environmental and morphological variables in two mountain regions using FST outlier tests and environmental association analyses (EAAs) applied to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data (K. usitatus: 9017 SNPs, n = 130; K. tristis: 7363 SNPs, n = 135). Stronger genetic structure was found in the more narrowly distributed K. tristis, which showed almost twice the number of SNPs under putative selection (10.8%) compared with K. usitatus (5.3%). When examining SNPs in common across species (n = 3058), 260 SNPs (8.5%) were outliers shared across species, and these were mostly associated with elevation, a proxy for temperature, suggesting parallel adaptive processes in response to climatic drivers. Additive polygenic scores (an estimate of the cumulative signal of selection across all candidate loci) were nonlinearly and positively correlated with elevation in both species. However, a steeper correlation in K. tristis indicated a stronger signal of spatially varying selection towards higher elevations. Our study illustrates that the niche breadth of co‐occurring and related species distributed along the same environmental cline is associated with differences in patterns of microgeographical adaptation.
The masking effect of extracellular DNA and robustness of intracellular DNA in anaerobic digester NGS studies: A discriminatory study of the total DNA pool
Authors: Nagler Magdalena , Podmirseg Sabine Marie , Mayr Markus , Ascher‐Jenull Judith , Insam Heribert 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMost commonly, next generation sequencing‐based microbiome studies are performed on the total DNA (totDNA) pool; however, this consists of extracellular‐ (exDNA) and intracellular (iDNA) DNA fractions. By investigating the microbiomes of different anaerobic digesters over time, we found that totDNA suggested lower species richness considering all and/or only common species and yielded fewer unique reads as compared to iDNA. Additionally, exDNA‐derived sequences were more similar to those from totDNA than from iDNA and, finally, iDNA showed the best performance in tracking temporal changes in microbial communities. We postulate that abundant sequences present within the exDNA fraction mask the overall results of totDNA and provide evidence that exDNA has the potential to qualitatively bias microbiome studies at least in the anaerobic digester environment as it contains information about cells that were lysed hours or days ago. iDNA, however, was found to be more appropriate in providing reliable genetic information about potentially alive as well as rare microbes within the target habitat.
The strength and form of natural selection on transcript abundance in the wild
Authors: Ahmad Freed , Debes Paul V. , Nousiainen Ilkka , Kahar Siim , Pukk Lilian , Gross Riho , Ozerov Mikhail , Vasemägi Anti 
Published: November 2020

AbstractGene transcription variation is known to contribute to disease susceptibility and adaptation, but we currently know very little about how contemporary natural selection shapes transcript abundance. Here, we propose a novel analytical framework to quantify the strength and form of ongoing natural selection at the transcriptome level in a wild vertebrate. We estimated selection on transcript abundance in a cohort of a wild salmonid fish (Salmo trutta) affected by an extracellular myxozoan parasite (Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae) through mark–recapture field sampling and the integration of RNA‐sequencing with classical regression‐based selection analysis. We show, based on fin transcriptomes of the host, that infection by the parasite and subsequent host survival is linked to upregulation of mitotic cell cycle process. We also detect a widespread signal of disruptive selection on transcripts linked to host immune defence, host–pathogen interactions, cellular repair and maintenance. Our results provide insights into how selection can be measured at the transcriptome level to dissect the molecular mechanisms of contemporary evolution driven by climate change and emerging anthropogenic threats. We anticipate that the approach described here will enable critical information on the molecular processes and targets of natural selection to be obtained in real time.
Accuracy of galactomannan testing on tracheal aspirates in COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Roman‐Montes Carla M. , Martinez‐Gamboa Areli , Diaz‐Lomelí Paulette , Cervantes‐Sanchez Axel , Rangel‐Cordero Andrea , Sifuentes‐Osornio Jose , Ponce‐de‐Leon Alfredo , Gonzalez‐Lara Maria F. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveOur aim was to evaluate the performance of two galactomannan (GM) assays (Platelia Aspergillus EIA, Bio‐Rad®, and Aspergillus GM LFA, IMMY®) in tracheal aspirate (TA) samples of consecutive critically ill patients with COVID‐19.MethodsWe included critically ill patients, performed GM‐EIA and GM‐Lateral Flow Assay (GM‐LFA) in TA and followed them until development of COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) or alternate diagnosis. CAPA was defined according to the modified AspICU criteria in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We estimated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for GM‐EIA, GM‐LFA, the combination of both or either positive results for GM‐EIA and GM‐LFA. We explored accuracy using different breakpoints, through ROC analysis and Youden index to identify the optimal cut‐offs. We described antifungal treatment and 30‐day mortality.ResultsWe identified 14/144 (9.7%) patients with CAPA, mean age was 50.35 (SD 11.9), the median time from admission to CAPA was 8 days; 28.5% received tocilizumab and 30‐day mortality was 57%. ROC analysis and Youden index identified 2.0 OD as the best cut‐off, resulting in sensitivity and specificity of 57.1% and 81.5% for GM‐EIA and 60% and 72.6% for GM‐LFA, respectively.ConclusionsThe diagnostic performance of GM in tracheal aspirates improved after using a cut‐off of 2 OD. Although bronchoalveolar lavage testing is the ideal test, centres with limited access to bronchoscopy may consider this approach to identify or rule out CAPA.
Prevalence of opportunistic invasive aspergillosis in COVID‐19 patients with severe pneumonia
Authors: Segrelles‐Calvo Gonzalo , Araújo Glauber R. S. , Llopis‐Pastor Estefanía , Carrillo Javier , Hernández‐Hernández Marta , Rey Laura , Rodríguez Melean Nestor , Escribano Inés , Antón Esther , Zamarro Celia , García‐Salmones Mercedes , Frases Susana 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundAs the global coronavirus pandemic (COVID‐19) spreads across the world, new clinical challenges emerge in the hospital landscape. Among these challenges, the increased risk of coinfections is a major threat to the patients. Although still in a low number, due to the short time of the pandemic, studies that identified a significant number of hospitalised patients with COVID‐19 who developed secondary fungal infections that led to serious complications and even death have been published.ObjectivesIn this scenario, we aim to determine the prevalence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) and describe possible associated risk factors in patients admitted due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection.Patients/MethodsWe designed an open prospective observational study at the Rey Juan Carlos University Hospital (Mostoles, Spain), during the period from February 1 to April 30, 2020.ResultsIn this article, we reported seven patients with COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) who had a poor prognosis. Severely ill patients represent a high‐risk group; therefore, we must actively investigate the possibility of aspergillosis in all of these patients. Larger cohort studies are needed to unravel the role of COVID‐19 immunosuppressive therapy as a risk factor for aspergillosis.ConclusionsAs the pandemic continues to spread across the world, further reports are needed to assess the frequency of emergent and highly resistant reemergent fungal infections during severe COVID‐19. These coinfections are leading a significant number of patients with COVID‐19 to death due to complications following the primary viral disease.
Dysphagia Screening in Parkinson's Disease. A diagnostic accuracy cross‐sectional study investigating the applicability of the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS)
Authors: Frank Ulrike , Radtke Julia , Nienstedt Julie Cläre , Pötter‐Nerger Monika , Schönwald Beate , Buhmann Carsten , Gerloff Christian , Niessen Almut , Flügel Till , Koseki Jana‐Christiane , Pflug Christina 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundSimple water‐swallowing screening tools are not predictive of aspiration and dysphagia in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of a multi‐texture screening tool, the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) to identify aspiration and dysphagia/penetration in PD patients compared to flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).MethodsSwallowing function was evaluated in 51 PD participants in clinical ‘on‐medication’ state with the GUSS and a FEES examination according to standardized protocols. Inter‐rater reliability and convergent validity were determined and GUSS‐ and FEES‐based diet recommendations were compared.Key ResultsInter‐rater reliability of GUSS ratings was high (rs = 0.8; p < 0.001). Aspiration was identified by the GUSS with a sensitivity of 50%, and specificity of 51.35% (PPV 28%, NPV 73%, LR+ 1.03, LR‐ 0.97), dysphagia/penetration was identified with 72.97% sensitivity and 35.71% specificity (PPV 75%, NPV 33.33%, LR+ 1.14, LR‐ 0.76). Agreement between GUSS‐ and FEES‐based diet recommendations was low (rs = 0.12, p = 0.42) with consistent NPO (Nil per Os) allocation by GUSS and FEES in only one participant.Conclusions and InferencesThe multi‐texture screening tool GUSS in its current form, although applicable with good inter‐rater reliability, does not detect aspiration in PD patients with acceptable accuracy. Modifications of the GUSS parameters “coughing,” “voice change” and “delayed swallowing” might enhance validity. The GUSS' diet recommendations overestimate the need for oral intake restriction in PD patients and should be verified by instrumental swallowing examination.
The effect of chronic nausea on gastric slow wave spatiotemporal dynamics in children
Authors: Somarajan Suseela , Muszynski Nicole D. , Olson Joseph D. , Comstock Andrew , Russell Alexandra C. , Walker Lynn S. , Acra Sari A. , Bradshaw Leonard A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundChronic nausea in adolescents with functional gastrointestinal disorders is an increasingly reported but poorly understood symptom that negatively affects quality of life. Functional gastrointestinal disorders are known to correlate closely with slow wave rhythm disturbances. The ability to characterize gastric electrophysiologic perturbations in functional nausea patients could provide potential diagnostic and therapeutic tools for nausea patients.MethodsWe used high‐resolution electrogastrograms (HR‐EGG) to measure gastric slow wave parameters in pediatric chronic nausea patients and healthy subjects both pre‐ and postprandial. We computed the dominant frequency, percentage power distribution, gastric slow wave propagation direction, and speed from HR‐EGG.Key ResultsWe observed significant differences in the dominant frequency and power distributed in normal and bradyarrhythmia frequency ranges when comparing patients and healthy subjects. Propagation patterns in healthy subjects were predominantly anterograde, while patients exhibited a variety of abnormalities including retrograde, anterograde, and disrupted patterns. There was a significant difference in the preprandial mean slow wave direction between healthy subjects (222° ± 22°) and patients (103° ± 66°; p ˂ 0.01), although the postprandial mean direction between healthy subjects and patients was similar (p = 0.73). No significant difference in slow wave propagation speed was found between patients and healthy subjects in either pre‐ (p = 0.21) or postprandial periods (p = 0.75).Conclusions and InferencesThe spatiotemporal characterization of gastric slow wave activity using HR‐EGG distinguishes symptomatic chronic nausea patients from healthy subjects. This characterization may in turn inform and direct clinical decision‐making and lead to further insight into its pathophysiology.
Single‐cell analysis clarifies mosaic color development in purple hydrangea sepal
Authors: Yoshida Kumi , Ito Daisuke , Miki Naoko , Kondo Tadao 
Published: November 2020

Summary

Hydrangea sepals exhibit a wide range of colors, from red, through purple, to blue; the purple color is a color mosaic. However, all of these colors are derived from the same components: simple anthocyanins, 3‐O‐glycosyldelphinidins, three co‐pigment components, acylquinic acids and aluminum ions (Al3+). We show the color mosaic is a result of graded differences in intravacuolar factors.

In order to clarify the mechanisms of mosaic color, we performed single‐cell analyses of vacuolar pH, and anthocyanin, co‐pigment and Al3+ content. From the sepals, a protoplast mixture of various colors was obtained. The cell color was evaluated by microspectrophotometry and vacuolar pH then was recorded by using a pH microelectrode. The organic and Al3+ contents were quantified by micro‐HPLC.

We found that the bluer the cell, the greater the ratio of 5‐O‐acylquinic acids and Al3+ to anthocyanins. Furthermore, reproducing experiments were conducted by mixing the components under various pH condition; all the colors could be reproduced in the various mixing conditions.

Based on the above, we provide experimental evidence for cell color variation in hydrangea. Our study demonstrates the expression of phenotypic differences without any direct genomic control.
Below‐ground competition favors character convergence but not character displacement in root traits
Authors: Colom Sara M. , Baucom Regina S. 
Published: November 2020

Summary

Character displacement can play a major role in species ecology and evolution; however, research testing whether character displacement can influence the evolution of root traits in plant systems remains scarce in the literature. Here we investigated the potential that character displacement may influence the evolution of root traits using two closely related morning glory species, Ipomoea purpurea and Ipomoea hederacea.

We performed a field experiment where we grew the common morning glory, I. purpurea, in the presence and absence of competition from I. hederacea and examined the potential that the process of character displacement could influence the evolution of root traits.

We found maternal line variation in root phenotypes and evidence that below‐ground competition acts as an agent of selection on these traits. Our test of character displacement, however, showed evidence of character convergence on our measure of root architecture rather than displacement.

These results suggest that plants may be constrained by their local environments to express a phenotype that enhances fitness. Therefore, the conditions of the competitive environment experienced by a plant may influence the potential for character convergence or displacement to influence the evolution of root traits.
F‐box protein CFK1 interacts with and degrades de novo DNA methyltransferase in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Jiani , Liu Jie , Jiang Jianjun , Qian Shuiming , Song Jingwen , Kabara Rachel , Delo Isabel , Serino Giovanna , Liu Fengquan , Hua Zhihua , Zhong Xuehua 
Published: November 2020

Summary

DNA methylation plays crucial roles in cellular development and stress responses through gene regulation and genome stability control. Precise regulation of DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASE 2 (DRM2), the de novo Arabidopsis DNA methyltransferase, is crucial to maintain DNA methylation homeostasis to ensure genome integrity. Compared with the extensive studies on DRM2 targeting mechanisms, little information is known regarding the quality control of DRM2 itself.

Here, we conducted yeast two‐hybrid screen assay and identified an E3 ligase, COP9 INTERACTING F‐BOX KELCH 1 (CFK1), as a novel DRM2‐interacting partner and targets DRM2 for degradation via the ubiquitin‐26S proteasome pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana. We also performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (BS‐seq) to determine the biological significance of CFK1‐mediated DRM2 degradation.

Loss‐of‐function CFK1 leads to increased DRM2 protein abundance and overexpression of CFK1 showed reduced DRM2 protein levels. Consistently, CFK1 overexpression induces genome‐wide CHH hypomethylation and transcriptional de‐repression at specific DRM2 target loci.

This study uncovered a distinct mechanism regulating de novo DNA methyltransferase by CFK1 to control DNA methylation level.
Changes in the upper airway, hyoid bone and craniofacial morphology between patients treated with headgear activator and Herbst appliance: A retrospective study on lateral cephalometry
Authors: Gu Min , Savoldi Fabio , Chan Eliza Y. L. , Tse Christine S. K. , Lau Michelle T. W. , Wey Mang C. , Hägg Urban , Yang Yanqi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe present study compared the treatment changes in the upper airway, hyoid bone position and craniofacial morphology between two groups of children with skeletal class II malocclusion treated with the headgear activator (HGA) and Herbst appliance (Herbst).Setting and sample populationOrthodontic population from the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Hong Kong.MethodsThirty‐four skeletal class II patients treated with the HGA (17 patients, mean age 10.6 ± 1.5 years) and the Herbst (17 patients, mean age 11.0 ± 1.4 years) were matched for sex, age, overjet, skeletal class and mandibular divergence. The patients received lateral cephalometric radiographs (LCRs) at the beginning of treatment (T1), after treatment (T2) and at follow‐up (T3). In the HGA group, patients underwent LCRs 7 months before the beginning of treatment (T0), which were used as growth reference for intra‐group comparison. Paired Student's t tests were used for intra‐ and inter‐group comparisons (α = .05).ResultsTreatment changes (T2‐T1) did not differ significantly between the groups. However, at follow‐up (T3‐T1) the Herbst group showed a smaller increase than the HGA group in the vertical position of the hyoid bone relative to the Frankfort plane (P = .013) and mandibular plane (P = .013).ConclusionsThere were no significant differences in the upper airway, hyoid bone position and craniofacial morphology between the groups at the end of treatment. However, the Herbst may provide better long‐term control of the vertical position of the hyoid bone than the HGA in children with skeletal class II malocclusion.
A bunch of grapes with a bag of marbles: The concurrence of the botryoid odontogenic cyst with a compound odontoma
Authors: Indermun Suvarna , Shaik Shoayeb , Opperman Johan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe botryoid odontogenic cyst is considered a rare multilocular variant of the lateral periodontal cyst. The clinical, radiological and histopathological features of a case with a coinciding compound odontoma, affecting the anterior mandible, are presented. A 33‐year‐old South African male presented with an asymptomatic, progressive, firm swelling of the right anterior mandible. Radiographic examination revealed a multilocular, radiolucent lesion with a corticated border causing buccal expansion and erosion of the buccal plate. In addition, well‐defined denticles were present impeding the eruption of the right mandibular canine. Removal of the lesion resulted in the loss of four teeth. Histopathological results provided a final diagnosis of a botryoid odontogenic cyst and a concurrent compound odontoma.Statement of Clinical SignificanceThe botryoid odontogenic cyst is a rare entity and, thus, the information provided in this report contributes to the growing repository of literature surrounding these cysts. Furthermore, the concurrence of a compound odontoma contributes to its rarity.
Effect of oral splints on muscular temporomandibular disorders in children: A systematic review
Authors: Blanchard Jessica , Palmer Julia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundTemporomandibular disorders (TMD) is a common chronic pain problem within the population. An increased prevalence of TMD in children has been noted within the literature (1%–50%). There is extensive published guidance for the treatment of TMD in adults, however, there has been little discussion with regards to advised treatment of TMD in children.MethodsThe aim of this systematic review was to analyse the effectiveness of an oral splint for the treatment of muscular TMD in children and understand the significance of this treatment intervention in reducing pain. The PRISMA guidelines were followed and searches were undertaken of MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify randomised controlled trials with a primary outcome measure of pain reduction. The Cochrane tool to assess risk of bias on interventional studies was used.ResultsTwenty‐nine potentially relevant articles were identified. Two articles met the inclusion criteria. Of the two articles, the main threats to validity were performance bias and attrition bias. Key findings and future research considerations are discussed in this review.ConclusionsThere is insufficient reliable evidence for the use of an oral splint for the treatment of myofascial pain in children. The authors believe that this is the first systematic review on this topic; it highlights the need for further research in this area. The authors suggest the need for well‐conducted RCTs that focus on sample size, method of allocation and duration of follow up.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO 2017 CRD42017080976.
Severe solitary canine intrusion and minimally invasive management utilising the Benex extraction system
Authors: Casaus Abdullah , Saund Daniel , McKaig Sarah J. , Dietrich Thomas 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSurgical extrusion is a recognised treatment modality in the management of an intrusion injury. Current surgical techniques available to immediately reposition a tooth may inflict further damage to a compromised periodontal ligament. Vertical extraction systems are available to preserve a tooth's supporting structure but have never been utilised in repositioning intruded teeth. This case report describes the successful management and outcome of a severely intruded upper maxillary canine using the Benex extractor system. This technique may be a promising method in preserving remaining vital periodontal ligament tissue in order to prevent further untoward sequelae.