bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parallel gene expression evolution in natural and laboratory evolved populations
Authors: Hsu Sheng‐Kai , Belmouaden Chaimae , Nolte Viola , Schlötterer Christian 
Published: September 2020

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

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

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

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

AbstractObjectivesWith the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), clinicians have used personal protective equipment to avoid transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. However, they still face occupational risk of infection, when treating COVID‐19 patients. This may be highest during invasive diagnostic procedures releasing aerosols and droplets. Thereby, the use of diagnostic procedures for Covid‐19 associated aspergillosis may be delayed or impeded, as use of bronchoscopy has been discouraged. This leads to avoidance of a crucial procedure for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis. We intent to visualise aerosol and droplet spread and surface contamination during bronchoscopy and address which measures can avoid exposure of health‐care workers.MethodsWe created a simulation model to visualise aerosol and droplet generation as well as surface contamination by nebulising fluorescent solution detected by using ultraviolet light‐ and slow‐motion capture. We repurposed covers for ultrasound transducers or endoscopic cameras to prevent surface and ambient air contamination.ResultsIn our bronchoscopy simulation model, we noticed extensive aerosol generation, droplet spread and surface contamination. Exposure of health‐care workers and contamination of surfaces can be efficiently reduced by repurposing covers for ultrasound transducers or endoscopic cameras to seal the tube opening during bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated patients.ConclusionAdequate personal protective equipment and safety strategies allow to minimise contamination during bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated COVID‐19 patients.
FgSpa2 recruits FgMsb3, a Rab8 GAP, to the polarisome to regulate polarized trafficking, growth and pathogenicity in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Zheng Huawei , Li Lingping , Yu Zhi , Yuan Yanping , Zheng Qiaojia , Xie Qiurong , Li Guangpu , Abubakar Yakubu Saddeeq , Zhou Jie , Wang Zonghua , Zheng Wenhui 
Published: September 2020

Summary

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

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

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

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

Summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ObjectiveTo investigate the surgical approach, fixation, and clinical effect of comminuted coronal shear fracture of distal humerus.MethodsFrom March 2017 to February 2019, we had used open reduction and internal fixation to treat 19 cases of comminuted distal humeral coronal shear fracture. There were 8 males and 11 females, with an average age of 44.6 years (19–72 years). There were 10 cases on left side and 9 cases on right side. All cases were closed fractures. According to Dubberley's classification, there were six cases of type 1, six cases of type 2, and seven cases of type 3. The lateral Kocher approach, extended Kocher approach, extended Kocher approach combined with a medial incision and the olecranon osteotomy approach were used for exposure. Headless screw, Kirschner wire, and suture were used to fix the fractures. Two cases were fixed with hinged elbow fixators additionally. The follow‐up was evaluated by Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).ResultsAll patients were followed up for an average of 17.1 months (range, 12 to 30 months). The average time of fracture union was 8.8 ± 1.9 weeks. There were three cases of degenerative osteoarthritis of elbow and one case of heterotopic ossification after operation. A total of 10 patients underwent removal of implants. At the last follow‐up, the elbow flexion‐extension arc was 130.5° ± 10.5°. The forearm rotation arc was 167.4° ± 6.1°. The MEPS was 85.8 ± 8.5, the results were classified as excellent in nine cases, good in eight, and fair in two. The excellent and good rate was 89.5%. The time of fracture union of type 1 was shorter than type 3 (P = 0.024), the elbow flexion‐ extension arc of type 1 fracture was better than type 2 (P = 0.043) and type 3 (P = 0.012), the forearm rotation arc of type 1 fracture was better than type 3 (P = 0.006), the MEPS of type 1 fracture was better than type 2 (P = 0.009) and type 3 (P = 0.002).ConclusionOpen reduction and internal fixation with headless screw, Kirschner wire, and suture can be used for the treatment of comminuted distal humeral coronal shear fractures. The elbow joint function can be restored satisfactorily.
Efficacy of caudal vs intravenous administration of α2 adrenoceptor agonists to prolong analgesia in pediatric caudal block: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xing Manyu , Liang Xia , Li Lin , Liao Liping , Liang Shuang , Jiang Shasha , Li Jingyi , Zhang Chengliang , Zou Wangyuan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundα2 adrenoceptor agonists have been proposed as adjuncts to prolong analgesia in pediatric caudal block. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to compare the analgesic efficacy of caudal vs intravenous α2 adrenoceptor agonists during pediatric caudal block.MethodsA systematic search, data extraction, bias risk assessment, and pooled data analysis were performed following the PRISMA guidelines. All randomized controlled trials comparing caudal with intravenous α2 adrenoceptor agonists in pediatric caudal block were included. Relative risk and weighted mean differences (the corresponding 95% confidence intervals) were calculated for dichotomous and continuous data, respectively. Trial sequential analyses were performed to evaluate the credibility of the meta‐analysis.ResultsA total of 244 patients in five trials were identified. Compared with the intravenous group (9.56 ± 4.23 hours), the time to the first rescue analgesia was prolonged in the caudal α2 adrenoceptor agonists group (12.72 ± 5.99 hours) by a weighted mean difference of 2.98 hours [95% confidence interval: 0.59‐5.36 hours; P = .01]. The number of children requiring rescue analgesia in the caudal group (64, 66.67%) was lower than that in the intravenous group (80, 81.63%) [relative risk = 0.82; 95% confidence interval: 0.69‐0.97; P = .02]. These findings were also verified by trial sequential analysis. There were no significant differences in the side effects.ConclusionCaudal α2 adrenoceptor agonists as adjuncts to local anesthetic during pediatric caudal block are more effective than intravenous injection. However, the results were affected by small sample size and significant heterogeneity.
Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Daghmouri Mohamed Aziz , Akremi Soumaya , Chaouch Mohamed Ali , Mesbahi Meryam , Amouri Nouha , Jaoua Hazem , Ben Fadhel Kamel 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundErector spinae plane (ESP) block is a novel regional anesthetic technique. Its application for postoperative analgesia has been increasing since 2016; however, its effectiveness remains uncertain and varies according to the type of surgery. This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the analgesic efficacy of ESP block in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.MethodsLiterature searches of electronic databases and manual searches up to June 1, 2020 were performed. Review Manager Version 5.3 was used for pooled estimates. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in this meta‐analysis. The random‐effects meta‐analysis model was used, and metaregression was applied when appropriate.ResultsA total of five RCTs consisting of 250 patients were included (124 in the ESP block group vs. 126 in the control group). Bilateral ESP block showed a significant reduction in postoperative intravenous opioid consumption reported up to 24 hours after surgery (mean difference [MD] = −4.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−5.50 to −3.42], P < 0.001) and in the time to first rescue analgesic (MD = 73.27 minutes, 95% CI [50.39 to 96.15], P < 0.001). According to the results of four studies, the postoperative pain score was lower in the ESP group compared with the control group at both rest and movement. There were no differences between the two groups as concerns nausea (odds ratio [OR] = 0.45, 95% CI [0.13 to 1.52], P = 0.20) and vomiting (OR = 0.37, 95% CI [0.10 to 1.35], P = 0.13). No block‐related complications were noted.ConclusionThis meta‐analysis showed that bilateral ultrasound‐guided ESP block could be considered as an effective option to reduce opioid consumption and the time to first rescue analgesic and seems to be also a safe technique in adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.