bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herbal-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome with oral involvement and management in an HIV patient
Authors: Suniti S. , Sufiawati Irna
Published: January 2019

Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is an immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity reaction affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at increased risk of developing SJS which is predominantly caused by an adverse reaction to medications, including herbal varieties. In recent years, the consumption of herbal medicines has increased, while their safety remains a matter for investigation. Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to explain the occurrence of SJS caused by herbal medicine. Case: A 43-year-old male patient with body-wide skin erosion was referred to the Department of Oral Medicine and subsequently diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome due to his consumption of a herbal medicine containing zingiber rhizoma, coboti rhizoma, asari herbal and epimedi. The patient’s chief complaints included difficulty when opening the mouth, dysphagia and excessive production of saliva continuously contaminated with blood and sputum. Extraoral examination showed a sanguinolenta crust on the lips. Intra oral examination of oral mucous showed erosive lesions with bleeding and pain. A HIV test performed at a Clinical Pathology Laboratory was positive for antibodies against HIV with a CD4 cell count of 11 cells/ml. Case management: Treatment consisted of the administering of NaCl 0.9 %, hydrocortisone 0.1% and Chlorhexidine digluconate 0.12% for 12  days. Conclusion: SJS can be caused by herbal medicine and it is essential to be aware of the latter’s potential adverse effects, especially in immunocompromised patients. Symptomatic management of oral lesions should be planned as an early intervention in order to decrease morbidity and mortality in SJS patients.
DELIMITAÇÃO DE ÁREAS INUNDÁVEIS NO CENTRO URBANO DE AMARANTE, NORTE DE PORTUGAL, UTILIZANDO O SOFTWARE IBER
Authors: Martins Márcia Castro , Gomes António Alberto Teixeira , Santos Pedro Pinto
Published: January 2019

A análise das cheias e inundações, processos hidrogeomorfológicos extremos e potencialmente devastadores, é importante sobretudo em territórios frequentemente afetados, como é o caso do território português, onde estes desastres naturais provocam avultadas perdas e danos, afetando pessoas, bens e serviços em várias regiões do país. Neste sentido, procedemos à análise das cheias no centro urbano da cidade de Amarante (Norte de Portugal), tendo como principal objetivo a delimitação de áreas inundáveis, bem como a determinação de outros parâmetros descritivos da inundação: profundidade da água e velocidade do fluxo. Assim, recorremos à modelação hidráulica utilizando o software Iber que usa um modelo matemático bidimensional para a simulação do fluxo da água em rios e estuários (Bladé et al., 2012). Os resultados obtidos mostram as áreas mais críticas à ocorrência destes eventos extremos sendo que, no caso da cidade de Amarante, se destacam dois arruamentos da margem esquerda do rio Tâmega (Rua 31 de Janeiro e Largo Conselheiro António Cândido). Estas ruas concentram muitas atividades e serviços o que faz com que sejam bastante movimentadas podendo, em caso de cheia, provocar elevados prejuízos e danos materiais nos vários estabelecimentos comerciais. Para além disso, através dos resultados percebemos a grande influência que a ponte existente no setor em estudo (ponte histórica de São Gonçalo) tem no agravamento destes processos, visto que funciona como estrangulamento do vale e barreira à livre circulação da corrente. A aplicação da modelação hidráulica no estudo das cheias e inundações revela-se uma mais-valia, pois é um processo que gera resultados fiáveis que permitem avaliar as áreas críticas à ocorrência destes eventos, através da elaboração de cartografia que se assume como um importante instrumento de suporte a um adequado ordenamento do território. Contudo, é necessário salientar que a modelação hidráulica está muito dependente dos dados de base, nomeadamente, de um modelo digital de superfície (MDS) pormenorizado.
Body-Worn Camera Activations: Demographic, Attitudinal, and Job Function Predictors
Authors: Adams Ian , Mastracci Sharon , Mourtgos Scott
Published: January 2019

What drives an individual police officer to activate his body-worn camera (BWC)? Some evidence suggests officer attitudes and resistance to the technology contributes to the equivocal results in studies testing for BWCs effect on use-of-force, complaints, and other outcomes of interest. Leveraging a novel survey and administrative dataset, we investigate the predictors of BWC activation among 147 police officers in a single agency. With a test of three nested models, we find job function covariates offer robust predictive power of how often an officer activates her or his BWC. Neither demographic nor attitudinal measures significantly predict BWC activations, except for a negative relationship with how officers perceive BWC impacts on professional discretion. The study furnishes empirical support for understanding officers as Principled Agents: job function, guided by administrative policy is the most explanatory and parsimonious, while models of attitudes and demographics fail to improve upon the job function model.
An Examination of Bibliometrics in Calls for Major Canadian Research Awards
Authors: Alexander Krista Louise , McLaughlin Sean
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to determine if bibliometrics are being sought as part of research award competitions, through an examination of calls for fifteen major Canadian research awards. This study further aimed to determine if there were indications that including bibliometrics in the award application process could be helpful towards a nominee’s success. In so doing, this paper contributes a Canadian perspective to a growing body of related research which has sought to address the lack of clarity in funding application assessment criteria and the role bibliometrics can play in addressing this issue.The study revealed no explicit requests for bibliometric indicators in the calls for nominations for the major research awards examined. Nevertheless, requests for nominees’ CVs and/or publication histories, which can serve as one basis for the bibliometric evaluation of performance, were regularly observed, as were mentions of interest in internationality, which can in turn be illustrated with the use of bibliometrics. Additionally, a prevalence of multidisciplinary review panels was observed, pointing to potential utility of normalized bibliometric indicators in the award nomination process. These findings suggest that there are aspects of award calls that correspond to existing bibliometric indicators, and so their use may be warranted eventhough, so far, they have not been asked for by name.
Description of Longidorus azarbaijanensis n. sp. (Dorylaimida: Longidoridae) from Iran
Authors: Gharibzadeh Farshad , Pourjam Ebrahim , Pedram Majid
Published: January 2019

Longidorus azarbaijanensis n. sp. is described and illustrated using morphological and molecular data. It was recovered in West Azarbaijan province, northwestern Iran, from the rhizospheric soil of foxtail weed. The new species is characterized by having 5.4 to 6.8 mm long females, offset, anteriorly flat lip region and separated from the rest of the body by a shallow constriction, funnel-shaped amphidial pouches, the guiding ring at 23 to 27 µm from the anterior end, 73 to 81 and 44 to 50 µm long odontostyle and odontophore, respectively, 95.0 to 113.5 µm long pharyngeal bulb, didelphic-amphidelphic reproductive system with long tubular uteri lacking sperm cells, vulva located at 52.0% to 56.4%, conical tail dorsally convex, ventrally flat, with bluntly rounded wide tip, for juvenile developmental stages and absence of males. The general body shape of the new species is similar to that of five known species of the genus namely L. euonymus, L. perangustus, L. persicus, L. protae and L. sturhani. The morphological differences of the new species with the aforementioned species are discussed. For all the aforementioned species (except L. protae, currently lacking molecular data) the differences of the new species was also confirmed with differences in molecular sequences of D2-D3 expansion domains of 28S rDNA and the corresponding phylogenetic analyses. The partial sequence of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the new species was also used in phylogenetic analyses. In partial 28S tree, the clade including the new species and six other species (L. attenuatus, Longidorus sp. and four above-mentioned species having molecular data for this fragment) was well supported in Bayesian inference. In the ITS1 tree, the new species formed a clade with L. euonymus, L. perangustus and L. persicus, as in 28S tree. This is one of the cases from which the morphologically similar species are separated using molecular sequences.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Paralongidorus sali Siddiqi, Hooper, and Khan, 1963 with a Description of the First-Stage Juvenile and Male of Longidorus jonesi Siddiqi, 1962 from China
Authors: Cai Ruihang , Maria Munawar , Qu Nan , Castillo Pablo , Zheng Jingwu
Published: January 2019

Longidorids are economically important plant-parasitic nematodes because several species are virus vectors. Populations of Paralongidorus sali and Longidorus jonesi, isolated from woody perennials of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, were characterized molecularly and morphologically. The morphometric data of the Chinese populations of both species were compared with other populations. The present study provided a first record of the occurrence of Paralongidorus in China coupled with description of the first-stage Juvenile and male of L. jonesi. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S and D2–D3 expansion segments of 28S gene indicated that L. jonesi clustered with L. jonesi reported from Japan and P. sali grouped with P. bikanerensis from Iran. Considering the pathological and economic importance of this group of nematodes, the study emphasized the need of updated descriptions from accurately identified specimens, isolation of sufficient material for examination, and molecular and phylogenetic analysis for a better understanding and diagnostics of Longidorid nematodes.
Nematicidal Weeds, Solanum nigrum and Datura stramonium
Authors: Oplos Chrisostomos , Eloh Kodjo , Spiroudi Urania-Menkissoglu , Pierluigi Caboni , Ntalli Nikoletta
Published: January 2019

We investigated Solanum nigrum (seeds) and Datura stramonium (shoots) against root-knot nematodes in terms of J2 paralysis and egg hatch inhibition (methanol extract), as well as inhibition of nematode development in host roots (soil amending with either S. nigrum seeds’ or D. stramonium shoots’ meal). Datura stramonium was found equally effective at inhibiting motility of Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica (both EC50 = 427 μg mL−1 at 3 day), but inhibition occurred more quickly for M. incognita (1 day). Solanum nigrum was faster and more effective at inhibiting motility of M. incognita than M. javanica (EC50 = 481 and 954 μg mL−1 at 3 day, respectively). Datura stramonium was slower, but eventually more potent in decreasing egg hatch and cell division in M. incognita eggs, than S. nigrum. Specifically, D. stramonium significantly inhibited cell division in eggs immersed in at least 100 and 1 μg mL−1 at Day 6 and 10, respectively. Solanum nigrum impeded cell division in un-differentiated eggs immersed in not less than 10 and 100 μg mL−1 after days 2 and 6, respectively. Both extracts were similar in suppressing J2 exclosure but D. stramonium was effective in smaller test concentrations. Specifically, D. stramonium suppressed J2 emerging from eggs immersed in 10 μg mL−1 at day2, and in at least 1 μg mL−1 at day 6. Solanum nigrum significantly reduced J2 hatch from eggs immersed in a minimum of 100 μg mL−1 at day 2 and not less than 1,000 μg mL−1 at day 6. In pots, powdered S. nigrum seeds meal was more active than D. stramonium and the respective EC50 females/g values for M. incognita were 1.13 and 11.4 mg g−1 of soil, respectively. The chemical composition of active extracts was determined after derivatization by GC–MS. Chemical analysis of active extracts showed the presence of fatty acids with known nematicidal activity.
Molecular Identification of Entomopathogenic Nematode Isolates from the Philippines and their Biological Control Potential Against Lepidopteran Pests of Corn
Authors: Caoili Barbara L. , Latina Romnick A. , Sandoval Regina Faye C. , Orajay Joey I.
Published: January 2019

In search for local entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species as a biological control agent of lepidopterous insect pests of corn, a survey for EPN in the major islands in the Philippines was conducted. Seven EPN populations from 279 soil samples were isolated using Ostrinia furnacalis, the key target insect pest of corn in the country, as bait. Analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA sequence revealed the presence of Steinernema abbasi, Steinernema minutum, Steinernema tami, and Heterorhabditis indica. The pathogenicity of these EPN was tested in Ostrinia furnacalis, Spodoptera litura, and Helicoverpa armigera larvae under laboratory conditions. All the EPN isolates were pathogenic to the lepidopteran species with, H. indica PBCB and S. abbasi MBLB exhibiting the highest virulence (88%–99.33% and 90%–100% mortality, respectively) at 48 hr post infection (HPI) and thus, further studies were done on these two EPN. The highest penetration rate at 48 HPI was observed in H. armigera infected with S. abbasi MBLB (28.15%), while the lowest was in O. furnacalis infected with H. indica PBCB (14.25%). Nonetheless, based on LC50 at 48 HPI, H. indica PBCB was most virulent to S. litura (8.89 IJ per larva), but not significantly different from O. furnacalis (10.52 IJ per larva). Steinernema abbasi MBLB was most virulent to O. furnacalis (10.98 IJ per larva), but not significantly different to S. litura (17.08 IJ per larva). LT50 estimates showed that O. furnacalis was significantly the most susceptible to H. indica PBCB (21.90 hr) and S. abbasi (21.18 hr). Our results suggest that H. indica PBCB and S. abbasi MBLB are good candidates as biological control agents against these insect pests of corn. Moreover, O. furnacalis as alternative bait for EPN was discussed. To date, this is the most extensive research on Philippine EPN, comprised of wide sampling coverage, molecular identification and bioefficacy assays.
Description of Xiphinema parachambersi sp. n. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Imported Ornamental Plants in Japan with a Key to Xiphinema Species in Group 1
Authors: Maria Munawar , Ye Weimin , Yu Qing , Gu Jianfeng
Published: January 2019

Xiphinema parachambersi n. sp. recovered in Ningbo, China, from the rhizosphere of ornamental plants (Gardenia jasminoides and Euonymus hamiltonianus) imported from Japan is described. The new species is characterized by a long female body 1,830 to 2,109 μm long, odontostyle 105 to 116 μm long, reproductive system mono-opisthodelphic, vulva located anteriorly at 25.2 to 27.7% of total body, long ovary 119 to 292 μm with simple uterus and Z-organ absent, female tail elongated conoid with a rounded terminus. Only two juvenile stages were available to study and no male was found. The polytomous identification codes for this new species are A1, B4, C2, D23, E1, F2, G2, H2, I2, J2, K?, L1 and it belongs to the morphospecies group 1. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S, ITS1 and 28S D2/D3 sequences of the new species showed close relationships with X. chambersi. Morphologically, the new species is similar to X. chambersi, X. hangzhouense, and X. winotoi but can be differentiated by morphological characters and DNA sequences. To help identify the species, a diagnostic key to the group 1 species is presented.
NMR Analysis Reveals a Wealth of Metabolites in Root-Knot Nematode Resistant Roots of Citrullus amarus Watermelon Plants
Authors: Kantor Mihail , Levi Amnon , Thies Judith , Guner Nihat , Kantor Camelia , Parnham Stuart , Boroujerdi Arezue
Published: January 2019

Citrullus amarus (CA) (previously known as Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) accessions collected in southern Africa are known to have resistance to root-knot nematodes (RKN) and are suitable rootstocks for grafted watermelon. The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative metabolomics analysis and identify unique metabolites in roots of CA accessions versus roots of watermelon cultivars (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai var. lanatus; CL). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze and compare metabolic profiles of seven CA accessions resistant to RKN along with two RKN-susceptible watermelon cultivars (Charleston Gray and Crimson Sweet). Calculation of the Mahalanobis distance revealed that the CA United States Plant Introduction (PI) 189225 (Line number 1832) and PI 482324 (1849) have the most distinct metabolic profiles compared with the watermelon cultivars Charleston Gray and Crimson Sweet, respectively. Several amino acids identified in the CA accessions were reported in previous studies to have a nematicidal effect. The results in this study indicate that roots of watermelon accessions collected in the wild are rich in metabolic compounds. These metabolic compounds may have been diminished in watermelon cultivars as a consequence of many years of cultivation and selection for desirable fruit qualities.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Labrys filiformis n. sp. (Rhabditida: Tylenchidae) from Iran
Authors: Panahandeh Yousef , Abolafia Joaquín , Pourjam Ebrahim , Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Afshar Farahnaz Jahanshahi , Pedram Majid
Published: January 2019

Labrys filiformis n. sp., the second species of the rare genus Labrys, was recovered from natural forests of Gilan province and is described based upon morphological and molecular characters. The new species is characterized by its smooth cuticle under light microscopy, lateral field with two incisures forming a single plain band, lip region continuous with body contour, dorso-ventrally flattened and forming four poorly prominent lobes, having a dorso-ventrally narrower protuberant labial plate laterally extended to the amphidial margins, oral area (oral plate) dorso-ventrally elongated and embedded in the labial plate with six small labial sensilla surrounding the slightly prominent oral aperture, amphidial apertures as longitudinally lemniscatic slits bordered by the labial plate extensions which are overlapped at the middle length of amphids, stylet delicate, 6 to 7 µm long, elongate weakly developed fusiform median bulb with weak valve, wide excretory pore with long and heavily sclerotized duct, offset spermatheca filled with small spheroid sperm cells, 106 to 127 µm long elongate-conoid tail with filiform distal region and finely rounded tip. Molecular phylogenetic analyses were performed using a near-full length fragment of the 18S rDNA and the D2–D3 expansion segments of the 28S rDNA using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. In the inferred phylogenetic tree with 18S rDNA, the new species has a close affinity with several isolates of the type species, Labrys chinensis. The reconstructed phylogenetic tree using partial 28S rDNA, revealed the new species is nested inside the putative monophyletic group of several populations of L. chinensis.
Description of Aphelenchoides giblindavisi n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), and Proposal for a New Combination
Authors: Aliramaji Farzad , Pourjam Ebrahim , Álvarez-Ortega Sergio , Afshar Farahnaz Jahanshahi , Pedram Majid
Published: January 2019

One new and one known species of the genus Aphelenchoides from Iran are studied. Aphelenchoides giblindavisi n. sp. is mainly characterized by having five lines in the lateral fields at mid-body, and a single mucro with several tiny nodular protuberances, giving a warty appearance to it, as revealed by detailed scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies. The new species is further characterized by having a body length of 546 to 795 μm in females and 523 to 679 μm in males, rounded lip region separated from the rest body by a shallow depression, 10 to 11 μm long stylet with small basal swellings, its conus shorter than the shaft (m = 36–43), 52 to 69 µm long postvulval uterine sac (PUS), males with 16 to 18 μm long arcuate spicules, and three pairs of caudal papillae. The new species was morphologically compared with two species of the genus having five lines in the lateral fields namely A. paramonovi and A. shamimi and species having a warty-surfaced mucro at tail end and similar morphometric data ranges. The morphological features and morphometrics of the second studied species, A. helicus, agreed well with the data given for the type population. However, detailed study of fresh females revealed it has three drop-shaped stylet knobs and long PUS, making it typologically similar to the genus Robustodorus, meriting its taxonomic revision, i.e., transferring to it. In molecular phylogenetic analyses using partial small and large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU and LSU rDNA) sequences, the new species formed a clade with A. heidelbergi in both SSU and LSU D2-D3 trees. The species A. helicus, however, clustered inside a well-supported clade of the genus Robustodorus in both trees, corroborating its newly proposed taxonomic placement as Robustodorus helicus n. comb.
Nematotoxic coumarins from Angelica pubescens Maxim. f. biserrata Shan et Yuan roots and their physiological effects on Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Guo Qun-Qun , Du Gui-Cai , Li Yong-Xing , Liang Chen-Yan , Wang Chao , Zhang Ya-Nan , Li Rong-Gui
Published: January 2019

The ethanol extracts from the roots of Angelica pubescens Maxim. f. biserrata Shan et Yuan was toxic against the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. The ethyl acetate-soluble fraction derived from this extract increased its potency with a mortality of 95.25% in 72 hr at 1.0 mg/mL. Four nematotoxic coumarins were obtained from the ethyl acetate extract by bioassay-guided isolation. These were identified as osthole
1
, columbianadin
2
, bergapten
3
and xanthotoxin 4 by mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data analysis. The LC50 values against B. xylophilus in 72 hr were 489.17, 406.74, 430.08, and 435.66 μM, respectively. These compounds also altered the smooth morphology of the B. xylophilus exoskeleton to a rough and pitted appearance as visualized by electron microscopy. The coumarins
1-4
possessed significant acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities but had negligible effects on amylase and cellulase. This research provides additional clues to the nematotoxic mechanism of coumarins against the pine wood nematode B. xylophilus. This work will assist in the development of coumarin nematicides with enhanced activity using molecular modifications of the core coumarin structure.
Enhanced entomopathogenic nematode yield and fitness via addition of pulverized insect powder to solid media
Authors: Zhen Shiyu , Li Yang , Hou Yanli , Gu Xinghui , Zhang Limeng , Ruan Weibin , Shapiro-Ilan David
Published: January 2019

Beneficial nematodes are used as biological control agents. Low-cost mass production of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) is an important prerequisite toward their successful commercialization. EPNs can be grown via in vivo methods or in sold or liquid fermentation. For solid and liquid approaches, media optimization is paramount to maximizing EPN yield and quality. In solid media, the authors investigated the effects of incorporating pulverized insect powder from larvae of three insects (Galleria mellonella, Tenebrio molitor, and Lucillia sericata) at three dose levels (1, 3, and 5%). The impact of insect powder was assessed on infective juvenile (IJ) yield in solid media. Additionally, IJs produced in solid culture were subsequently assessed for virulence, and progeny production in a target insect, Spodoptera litura. The dose level of larval powder had a significant effect on IJ yield in both trials, whereas insect type had significant effect on IJ yield in trial 1 but not in trial 2. The maximum solid culture yield was observed in T. molitor powder at the highest dose in both trials. Moreover, the time-to-death in S. litura was substantially shortened in trial 1 and in trial 2 when IJs from the T. molitor powder treatment were applied. There was no significant effect of combining two insect powders relative to addition of powder from a single insect species. These findings indicate that addition of insect powder to solid media leads to high mass production yields, and the fitness of the IJs produced (e.g., in virulence and reproductive capacity) can be enhanced as well.
Improved 18S small subunit rDNA primers for problematic nematode amplification
Authors: Carta L. K. , Li S.
Published: January 2019

The 18S small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA sequence is one of the most useful molecular loci for identification and phylogeny reconstruction of agriculturally important nematodes. Various pairs of universal primers have been developed in the past to amplify short and long nematode sequences. However, certain nematode taxa were not readily amplified and/or sequenced with the existing primer tools. Frequently, the center region of a roughly 1,000 nucleotide segment would be lost. Therefore new primers were developed based on a very large 276 taxon alignment of 124 agriculturally important nematode species, and tested on problematic nematode taxa such as Aphelenchoides, Bursaphelenchus, Ditylenchus, and Panagrolaimus. New primers and protocols are provided for successful generation of sequences useful in future investigations of nematode systematics.
First report of Bursaphelenchus antoniae from Pinus strobus in the U.S.
Authors: Carta Lynn K. , Wick R. L.
Published: January 2019

Juvenile, female and male nematodes were discovered in wood chips of white pine Pinus strobus from Ashley Falls, MA. Initial observations suggested these nematodes might be PWN, but closer morphological and molecular characterization proved otherwise. Comparison of measured features with those in the literature indicated this nematode population had some unique characteristics. The specimens were identified as Bursaphelenchus antoniae Penas et al., 2006 based on 18S rDNA molecular sequence vs only 95% similarity with PWN B. xylophilus. Compared to the previously described Portuguese population of B. antoniae, the sequences generated for the MA population were 98.3% similar in the ITS1, 2 rDNA and 99.9% similar for 28S rDNA. There was 99.2% similarity between the COI sequences of the US and Portuguese isolates of B. antoniae. This population has morphology consistent with that of Penas et al., 2006; however, the female tail on this MA pine population is mucronate and more attenuated than in B. antoniae from Portuguese P. pinaster found in association with Hylobius sp. Ecological associations of both populations of B. antoniae are discussed.
Five life stage-specific transcriptome assemblies for the reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford & Oliveira
Authors: Showmaker Kurt C. , Sanders William S. , den Akker Sebastian Eves-van , Martin Brigitte E. , Callahan Franklin E. , Peterson Daniel G. , Wubben Martin J.
Published: January 2019

The reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford and Oliveira) is a semi-endoparasitic nematode that is a pathogen of numerous major crops such as cotton and soybean. Here, the authors present transcriptome assemblies of the egg, second-stage juvenile (J2), J3, vermiform adult, and sedentary female life stages of this important plant pathogen.
Effector gene vap1 based DGGE fingerprinting to assess variation within and among Heterodera schachtii populations
Authors: Nuaima Rasha Haj , Roeb Johannes , Hallmann Johannes , Daub Matthias , Otte Sandra , Heuer Holger
Published: January 2019

Populations of beet cyst nematodes Heterodera schachtii vary in aggressiveness and virulence toward sugar beet varieties, but also in traits like host range, or decline rate in the field. Diversity of their essential pathogenicity gene vap1 is shaped by diversifying selection and gene flow. The authors developed a technique to study inter-population variation and intra-population diversity and dynamics of H. schachtii based on the gene vap1. Degenerate primers were designed to amplify, clone, and sequence this gene from diverse species and populations of cyst nematodes. This resulted in a high diversity of sequences for H. schachtii, and allowed to design non-degenerated primers to amplify a fragment suitable for sequence dependent separation of gene variants in denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The developed primers span a highly variable intron and part of a slightly variable exon. A marker comprised of the 14 mostly detected gene variants was established for gel-to-gel comparisons. For individual juveniles up to six gene variants were resolved and substantial variation within and among cysts was observed. A fast and easy DNA extraction procedure for 20 pooled cysts was established, which provided DGGE patterns with high similarity among replicate samples from field populations. Permutation tests on pairwise similarities within and among populations showed significant differences among vap1 patterns of field populations of H. schachtii. Similarly, gene diversity as expressed by the Shannon index was statistically different among field populations. In conclusion, the DGGE technique is a fast and – compared to sequencing approaches – inexpensive tool to compare populations of H. schachtii and link observed biological characteristics to genetic pattern.
First report of Pratylenchus vulnus associated with apple in Tunisia
Authors: Chihani-Hammas Noura , Hajji-Hedfi Lobna , Regaieg Hajer , Larayedh Asma , Badiss Ahmed , Qing Yu , Najet Horrigue-Raouani
Published: January 2019

The root-lesion nematode of the genus Pratylenchus Filipjev (1936) has a worldwide distribution and cause severe production constraints on numerous important crops. In 2013-14, during a survey of the apple nurseries and orchards in center of Tunisia (Kairouan, Zaghouan, Monastir and Kasserine), 70 different roots and soil samples were collected. The populations of root-lesion nematode were identified on the basis of their morphological and morphometric characters, and by molecular methods. Microscopic observation of females and males demonstrated the occurrence of Pratylenchusd vulnus on apple trees. The ribosomal DNA D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA and of the Pratylenchus populations were PCR amplified and sequenced. The sequences were compared with those of Pratylenchus species in the GenBank database with high similarity (99%). This comparison reconfirmed the morphological identifications. Phylogenetic studies placed those populations with P. vulnus. This is the first report of P. vulnus infecting apple in Tunisia.
Trends in major climatic parameters and sensitivity of evapotranspiration to climatic parameters in the eastern Himalayan region of Sikkim, India
Authors: Patle G. T. , Sengdo D. , Tapak M.
Published: January 2019

In this study, temporal trends in daily time series data of key climatic parameters were analyzed using Mann–Kendall and Sen's slope estimator. Sensitivity analysis of each climatic parameter on reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was performed to estimate the sensitivity coefficients and to evaluate the impact of global warming on ETo in the eastern Himalayan region of Sikkim, India. Results of trend analysis showed a significant increasing trend for minimum temperature and mean temperature. Mean relative humidity and sunshine duration showed decreasing trends. Reference evapotranspiration also showed a significant decreasing trend by 0.008 mm year–1 in Sikkim state of India. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the seasonal and annual ETo were most sensitive to maximum temperature followed by sunshine hours whereas wind speed, minimum temperature and relative humidity had a fluctuating effect on mean ETo. The sensitivity coefficient indicated that ETo changes positively with maximum and minimum temperature, sunshine hour, and wind speed, while it changes negatively with relative humidity. Analysis indicated that increase in relative humidity would decrease the ETo in the study area. The findings of this study would be useful for sustainable water resources planning and management of agriculture in hilly regions of the state and for development of adaptation strategies in adverse climatic conditions.
Nanotechnological Strategies as Smart ways for Diagnosis and Treatment of the Atherosclerosis
Authors: Giménez Virna M. Martín , Camargo Alejandra B. , Kassuha Diego , Manucha Walter
Published: January 2019

Atherosclerosis provokes a continuous worsening of affected vessels causing a blood flow diminution
with several complications and with clinical manifestations that generally appear in advanced phases of the illness.
Hence, the conventional therapies are not enough because the atherosclerotic injuries are often irrevocable.
For this reason, emerges the necessity to implement smart ways of drug supply and develop new therapeutic
targets that decrease the advance atherosclerotic lesion. It results due to particular interest to use new tools for
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this cardiovascular disease, thus concentrating our attention to accomplish
better management on the immune system. Finally, this mini-review highlights the most recent knowledge about
nanotechnology as a robust, novel and promissory therapeutic option applied to atherosclerotic pathology, nevertheless,
we also alert for possible issues associated with their use.
The Therapeutic Effect of Nigella sativa Seed on Indomethacin-induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats
Authors: Paseban Maryam , Niazmand Saeed , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Meibodi Naser T. , Abbasnezhad Abbasali , Mousavi Seyed M. , Niazmand Mohammad J.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to relieve
pain and reduce inflammation. However, gastric complications remain a major problem limiting their
clinical usage. This study was carried out to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Nigella sativa seed
(N. sativa seed) hydroalcoholic extract on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats and its possible
mechanism.

Methods:

This study was carried out on forty-eight male Wistar rats. Gastric ulcer was induced by
indomethacin (35 mg/kg). N. sativa seed extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and ranitidine (50 mg/kg)
was administered orally for five days after ulcer induction. Ulcer index, gastric acid secretion, gastric
mucus content, total thiol, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total hexose, and protein content in gastric
juice were determined.

Results:

The ulcer index in groups of N. sativa seed was significantly lower as compared to indomethacin
group. N. sativa seed significantly decreased MDA and protein content, but increased total
thiol, total hexose, and mucus content as compared to indomethacin group. N. sativa seed did not affect
gastric acid secretion.

Conclusion:

These findings showed that the gastroprotective effect of N. sativa seed against indomethacin-
induced ulcer was mainly exerted by antioxidant activity, stimulation of gastric mucus secretion
and also increased total hexose in the gastric mucosa.
Screening of Actinomycetes For α-amylase Inhibitors Production
Authors: Chandwad Shivabai , Gutte Sudhakar
Published: January 2019

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is the most common and fastest growing disease in the world. One of the therapies to treat diabetes is the inhibition of α-amylase activity by inhibitors from microbial and plant source. Actinomycetes are potential sources of enzyme inhibitors, drugs, amino acids, vitamins etc.

Objective:

Our work mainly highlights the isolation of actinomycetes from soil samples of different habitats and screening of α -amylase inhibitors.

Methods:

Actinomycetes were isolated from soil samples of different habitats by different methods; these include a variety of pre-treatment of soil samples in combination with an appropriate supplement medium with selective antibacterial agents. Isolated actinomycetes grown in fermentation condition and metabolites were extracted with Isopropyl alcohol and concentrated to obtain solid material. The extract of each isolate was tested for α -amylase inhibition using starch Iodine plate method and DNS- spectroscopic method.

Results:

Total 110 actinomycetes strains were isolated from various sources. Among 110 extracts of actinomycetes, eight extracts have shown positive results for α-amylase inhibition in starch Iodine plate assay method. Extracts selected from primary results were used for the confirmation of inhibitory activity using DNS- spectroscopic method. Out of eight extracts, six extracts showed Porcine pancreatic α -amylase inhibitory activity ranging from 40-86%. The actinomycetes strains that produce α -amylase inhibitory activity are A-24, A-29, B-5, B-18, C-15 and D-24.

Conclusion:

These results show that actinomycetes are a potential source for α -amylase inhibitors, which may lead to valuable novel drugs for diabetic treatment.
New Anti-Cancer Strategies in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Chieffi Paolo , De Martino Marco , Esposito Francesco
Published: January 2019

Background: The most common solid malignancy of young men aged 20 to 34 years is testicular germ cell tumor. In addition, the incidence of these tumors has significantly increased throughout the last years. Testicular germ cell tumors are classified into seminoma and nonseminoma germ cell tumors, which take in yolk sac tumor, embryonal cell carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma. There are noteworthy differences about therapy and prognosis of seminomas and nonseminoma germ cell tumors, even though both share characteristics of the primordial germ cells.  Objectives: The study is focused on different molecular mechanisms strongly involved in testicular germ cell line tumors underlying new strategies to treat this human neoplasia.

Methods:

Bibliographic data from peer-reviewed research, patent and clinical trial literature, and around eighty papers and patents have been included in this review.

Results:

Our study reveals that several biomarkers are usefully utilized to discriminate among different histotypes. Moreover, we found new patents regarding testicular germ cell tumor treatments such as the expression of claudin 6, monoclonal antibody (Brentuximab Vedotin), immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with the FDA-approved drugs pembrolizumab and nivolumab or the oncolytic virus Pelareorep, the combination of selective inhibitors of Aurora kinase.

Conclusion:

Finally, the pathogenesis of testicular germ cell tumor needs to be deeply understood so that it will improve data on stem cells, tumorigenesis and disease tumor management by more selective treatment.
Alcohol Consumption, Risky Sexual Behaviors, and HIV in Nigeria: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Okoro Uzoamaka J. , Carey Kate B. , Johnson Blair T. , Carey Michael P. , Scott-Sheldon Lori A.J.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Alcohol consumption is associated with risky sex, which increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV.

Objective:

To examine the prevalence of, and associations among alcohol, risky sex, and HIV, in Nigeria.

Methods:

We searched electronic databases and reviewed reference sections of relevant papers to locate studies that sampled people living in Nigeria and assessed both alcohol and sexual risk behavior. We calculated effect sizes to determine (a) prevalence of alcohol and sex behaviors and (b) associations between alcohol consumption and risky sex, and examined moderators to determine if sample characteristics predicted behavioral or biological outcomes.

Results:

Of the 696 unique records identified, 35 manuscripts reporting on 42 separate studies met the inclusion criteria. Participants in these studies (N = 83,350; M age = 26 years; 48% women; 10% HIV-infected) reported high rates of heavy drinking (63%) and low rates of consistent condom use (24%). One-third of participants (30%) also reported using alcohol before sexual activity. Participants who consumed alcohol were more likely to report sexual activity (OR = 3.66, 95% CI = 3.09, 4.33), multiple partners (OR = 3.22, 95% CI = 2.38, 4.36), and condomless sex or inconsistent use of condoms (OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.54, 3.43).

Conclusion:

High rates of heavy drinking and low rates of condom use have been well-documented in Nigeria. Results from this meta-analysis can be used to inform critically needed alcohol-related HIV interventions.
The "Chinese Learner": A Historical and Cultural Biography
Authors: Li Elizabeth
Published: January 2019

There are two main factors that have contributed to the emergence of a modern educational phenomenon known as the "Chinese Leaner." The "Chinese learner" is described as, "...being obedient to authority, passive in class, lacking in critical thinking, and adopting inadequate learning strategies" (Clark & Gieve, 2006, p. 54). The concept of the "Chinese Learner" cannot be understood without understanding the historical and cultural roots that precede its emergence. This paper will address the cultural and sociopolitical influences that may underlie the descriptions commonly associated with Chinese students. Although culture is deeply embedded and influences individuals in their educational contexts, it is crucial to acknowledge that the "Chinese Learner" only exists when contrasted and applied to Westernized standards and ideals of education and learning. The "Chinese Learner" presents a paradox since many Chinese students rise above the stereotype of being superficial learners and perform quite well in their studies. This prompts one to use a more critical lens when evaluating whether or not being a "Chinese Learner" is at an advantage or disadvantage in the classroom. The paradox of the "Chinese Learner" leads to the realization that this construct is only possible in Western educational settings. Without the contrast between the two, there would be no such concept. Therefore, in order to understand the phenomenon of the "Chinese Learner," it is important to explore the cultural traditions, sociopolitical changes, and Western educational practices that are intertwined that allow for people to establish such a concept within a group of specific learners in the first place.
Curriculum and Pedagogy of Transformation: How to Improve EAL Students’ Places and Roles at Simon Fraser University
Authors: Pan Christine
Published: January 2019

Traditionally, university students are deemed to be the people who have to take most of the responsibilities for their academic and lived experiences. Teachers and the university set a stage for the students to perform, yet it is the performers’ motivation and competency that determines

the quality of their performance and experiences. Even though universities in Canada have sought to provide a variety of resources and supports, this perception is still deeply rooted in the mind of the people who are involved in the operation of higher educaton, especially the students themselves. This ideology is manifested to the greatest extent in the case of international students who speak English as an additional language (EAL) because not only do they experience difficulty in accessing their host community of practice, but also undergo tremendous stress and disappointment as they interpret their places and roles in EAL context to be subordinate. EAL students’ low self-efficacy and the institution’s denial of funds of knowledge (e.g. writing skills in L1) often cause them to reconstruct subordinate identities which require external supports and internal transformation to alter the status-quo. This paper examines

ways to promote both the external supports, from the institution and its members in authority, and internal transformations that can occur within the EAL students themselves based on the supports given.
A Program Aimed Towards the Struggling Science Teachers of English Language Learners: A Proposition
Authors: Murad Faatimah M.
Published: January 2019

Increasing intakes of English Language Learners in British Columbia’s education system brought a wave of unforeseen challenges; with teachers insufficiently equipped to face this rapidly growing student demographic, and these students who similarly are undergoing challenges of their own. This research article explores some of these challenges while researching current systems set in place to minimize the struggles teachers report, and ultimately proposes a new and unique program that is built on a more supportive educational theoretical framework. A specific focus is drawn on the ELL science teachers’ struggles to modify content so as to maintain its rigor and lessen the language demands, while another is their struggle to employ a culturally responsive pedagogy in their practice. The findings showed much of the BC Ministry of Education’s approaches to be centered around reminders of roles and responsibilities upon teachers and their respective school districts, a select number of workshops that provide teachers with a multitude of strategies, and the sponsorship of outside sources that provide a deeper more prescribed set of strategies. The intention of this article is achieved through the design of a proposed program that uses a number of theoretical frameworks (i.e. Vygotskian perspective, Cummins’ (1983) language model, Tylerian Objectives-based approach) to ensure its success. Using activity theory with a Vygotskian framework, and a Tylerian objectives-based approach, a dual-purpose program is designed.