bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cationic Peptides Facilitate Iron-induced Mutagenesis in Bacteria
Authors: Rodríguez-Rojas Alexandro , Makarova Olga , Müller Uta , Rolff Jens
Published: September 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosais the causative agent of chronic respiratory infections and is an important pathogen of cystic fibrosis patients. Adaptive mutations play an essential role for antimicrobial resistance and persistence. The factors that contribute to bacterial mutagenesis in this environment are not clear. Recently it has been proposed that cationic antimicrobial peptides such as LL-37 could act as a mutagen inP. aeruginosa. Here we provide experimental evidence that mutagenesis is the product of a joint action of LL-37 and free iron. By estimating mutation rate, mutant frequencies and assessing mutational spectra inP. aeruginosatreated either with LL-37, iron or a combination of both we demonstrate that mutation rate and mutant frequency were increased only when free iron and LL-37 were present simultaneously. The addition of an iron chelator completely abolished this mutagenic effect, suggesting that LL-37 enables iron to enter the cells resulting in DNA damage by Fenton reactions. This was also supported by the observation that the mutational spectrum of the bacteria under LL-37-iron regime showed one of the characteristic Fenton reaction fingerprints: C to T transitions. Free iron concentration in nature and within hosts is kept at a very low level, but the situation in infected lungs of cystic fibrosis patients is different. Intermittent bleeding and damage to the epithelial cells in lungs may contribute to the release of free iron that in turn leads to generation of reactive oxygen species and deterioration of the respiratory tract, making it more susceptible to the infection.

Author Summary

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (cAMPs) are small proteins naturally produced by the immune system to limit bacterial growth mainly through pore formation in the membrane. It has recently been suggested that sub-inhibitory concentrations of cAMPs promote bacterial mutagenesis, similarly to antibiotics. However, we previously reported that cAMPs do not increase mutation rate and do not activate bacterial stress responses. Here we resolve this contradiction. We report that free iron in the culture medium increases mutagenesis in the presence of cAMPs. We show that sub-inhibitory concentrations of cAMPs facilitate entry of free iron into bacterial cells, where it interacts with hydrogen peroxide, thereby resulting in production of DNA-damaging reactive oxygen species and increased mutagenesis. Moreover, these results may have clinically-relevant implications: while very little free iron is normally present in healthy individuals, this is not the case in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, where elevated bacterial mutagenesis promotes antibiotic resistance and contributes to persistence and severity of infection. Thus, an intervention aimed at reduction of free iron in the lungs could reduce the cAMPs-facilitation of iron-mediated mutagenesis; hence antibiotic resistance and pathoadaptation.
Foxa2 and Cdx2 cooperate with Nkx2-1 to inhibit lung adenocarcinoma metastasis
Authors: Li Carman Man-Chung , Gocheva Vasilena , Oudin Madeleine J. , Bhutkar Arjun , Wang Shi Yun , Date Saya R. , Ng Sheng Rong , Whittaker Charles A. , Bronson Roderick T. , Snyder Eric L. , Gertler Frank B. , Jacks Tyler
Published: September 2015

Despite the fact that the majority of lung cancer deaths are due to metastasis, the molecular mechanisms driving metastatic progression are poorly understood. Here, we present evidence that loss of Foxa2 and Cdx2 synergizes with loss of Nkx2-1 to fully activate the metastatic program. These three lineage-specific transcription factors are consistently down-regulated in metastatic cells compared with nonmetastatic cells. Knockdown of these three factors acts synergistically and is sufficient to promote the metastatic potential of nonmetastatic cells to that of naturally arising metastatic cells in vivo. Furthermore, silencing of these three transcription factors is sufficient to account for a significant fraction of the gene expression differences between the nonmetastatic and metastatic states in lung adenocarcinoma, including up-regulated expression of the invadopodia component Tks5long, the embryonal proto-oncogene Hmga2, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal mediator Snail. Finally, analyses of tumors from a genetically engineered mouse model and patients show that low expression of Nkx2-1, Foxa2, and Cdx2 strongly correlates with more advanced tumors and worse survival. Our findings reveal that a large part of the complex transcriptional network in metastasis can be controlled by a small number of regulatory nodes that function redundantly, and loss of multiple nodes is required to fully activate the metastatic program.
Myxococcus CsgA, Drosophila Sniffer, and human HSD10 are cardiolipin phospholipases
Authors: Boynton Tye O'Hara , Shimkets Lawrence Joseph
Published: September 2015

Myxococcus xanthus development requires CsgA, a member of the short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase (SCAD) family of proteins. We show that CsgA and SocA, a protein that can replace CsgA function in vivo, oxidize the 2′-OH glycerol moiety on cardiolipin and phosphatidylglycerol to produce diacylglycerol (DAG), dihydroxyacetone, and orthophosphate. A lipid extract enriched in DAGs from wild-type cells initiates development and lipid body production in a csgA mutant to bypass the mutational block. This novel phospholipase C-like reaction is widespread. SCADs that prevent neurodegenerative disorders, such as Drosophila Sniffer and human HSD10, oxidize cardiolipin with similar kinetic parameters. HSD10 exhibits a strong preference for cardiolipin with oxidized fatty acids. This activity is inhibited in the presence of the amyloid β peptide. Three HSD10 variants associated with neurodegenerative disorders are inactive with cardiolipin. We suggest that HSD10 protects humans from reactive oxygen species by removing damaged cardiolipin before it induces apoptosis.
Association of Taf14 with acetylated histone H3 directs gene transcription and the DNA damage response
Authors: Shanle Erin K. , Andrews Forest H. , Meriesh Hashem , McDaniel Stephen L. , Dronamraju Raghuvar , DiFiore Julia V. , Jha Deepak , Wozniak Glenn G. , Bridgers Joseph B. , Kerschner Jenny L. , Krajewski Krzysztof , Martín Glòria Mas , Morrison Ashby J. , Kutateladze Tatiana G. , Strahl Brian D.
Published: September 2015

The YEATS domain, found in a number of chromatin-associated proteins, has recently been shown to have the capacity to bind histone lysine acetylation. Here, we show that the YEATS domain of Taf14, a member of key transcriptional and chromatin-modifying complexes in yeast, is a selective reader of histone H3 Lys9 acetylation (H3K9ac). Structural analysis reveals that acetylated Lys9 is sandwiched in an aromatic cage formed by F62 and W81. Disruption of this binding in cells impairs gene transcription and the DNA damage response. Our findings establish a highly conserved acetyllysine reader function for the YEATS domain protein family and highlight the significance of this interaction for Taf14.
Ribosome profiling reveals an important role for translational control in circadian gene expression
Authors: Jang Christopher , Lahens Nicholas F. , Hogenesch John B. , Sehgal Amita
Published: September 2015

Physiological and behavioral circadian rhythms are driven by a conserved transcriptional/translational negative feedback loop in mammals. Although most core clock factors are transcription factors, post-transcriptional control introduces delays that are critical for circadian oscillations. Little work has been done on circadian regulation of translation, so to address this deficit we conducted ribosome profiling experiments in a human cell model for an autonomous clock. We found that most rhythmic gene expression occurs with little delay between transcription and translation, suggesting that the lag in the accumulation of some clock proteins relative to their mRNAs does not arise from regulated translation. Nevertheless, we found that translation occurs in a circadian fashion for many genes, sometimes imposing an additional level of control on rhythmically expressed mRNAs and, in other cases, conferring rhythms on noncycling mRNAs. Most cyclically transcribed RNAs are translated at one of two major times in a 24-h day, while rhythmic translation of most noncyclic RNAs is phased to a single time of day. Unexpectedly, we found that the clock also regulates the formation of cytoplasmic processing (P) bodies, which control the fate of mRNAs, suggesting circadian coordination of mRNA metabolism and translation.
Examining how marginalized stakeholders successfully redress their issues
Authors: Shivarajan Sridevi , DuBois Thomas , Srinivasan Aravind
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Can marginalized stakeholders whose issues with the firm are unaddressed because of their resource and legitimacy constraints (low salience) increase their salience by capitalizing on certain inherent properties of their stakeholder environment? The purpose of this paper is to examine this question using a real life case of the Coca-Cola controversy in Kerala, India, where a group of local aboriginals succeeded against all odds in shutting down a Coca-Cola plant which was allegedly polluting their water resources. The analysis of the longitudinal data collected in this case supported the hypotheses that the ability of marginalized stakeholders to increase their salience by influencing other stakeholders depends both on the attributes of other stakeholders (favorable, unfavorable and indifferent), and the triadic relationships among them. The triadic relationships among stakeholders show a tendency toward balance, and become particularly relevant when the marginalized stakeholder’s issues are perceived to have low legitimacy due to their normative nature (which makes them difficult to be translated into economic terms). The findings offer important insights to both marginalized stakeholders and firms, on proactively managing their stakeholder environments.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a single case: the controversy surrounding Coca-Cola in Kerala, India, and conduct a longitudinal study examining both qualitative and quantitative data.

Findings

– The findings indicate that marginalized stakeholders can capitalize on certain inherent properties of their stakeholder networks and increase their salience to influence the focal firm. Specifically, the authors find that stakeholder salience is a function of both the dyadic relationships between stakeholders, and the triadic relationships among them. These triadic relationships tend to a state of balance over time. The authors also find that when the stakeholder issue is normative in nature the triadic relationships are more important in increasing stakeholder salience.

Originality/value

– The authors conduct an original case study research, with primary qualitative data collected by the authors. The authors also develop a quantitative model to examine this data to arrive at the findings. Therefore the authors contribute both theoretically and empirically to stakeholder salience literature.
Influence of hole on shielding effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding fabric under incident polarization wave
Authors: Liu Zhe , Rong Xing , Wang Xiuchen , Zhou Zhong
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of hole on shielding effectiveness (SE) of electromagnetic shielding (EMS) fabric under incident polarization wave, and to propose a “Key Size” theory to explain the influence mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

– “Key Size” parameters describing hole shape are established, and a number of representative samples with rectangular and oval holes are made. SE of the samples are tested by waveguide testing system. Influence of the hole on the SE of the samples is analyzed according to vertical or horizontal maximum size and polarization wave direction. Finally, the “Key Size theory” and “Secondary Size theory” are proposed to explain the influencing mechanism.

Findings

– The hole influences on the SE are related to the vertical and the horizontal maximum size of the holes and the direction of the polarization wave. As the direction of the polarization wave is vertical (or horizontal), greater maximum size results in lower SE. As the maximum size is constant, greater maximum size causes lower SE. As the maximum size reaches to a certain value, a dividing point of the SE occurs. As the direction of the polarization wave is consistent with the direction of the maximum size, same hole area results in same SE.

Originality/value

– The explored influences and mechanism provide an important guiding reference for the hole design of the EMS fabric, and can be applied to the holes design of the EMS garment, composite materials, and tents.
Shape analysis of female torsos based on discrete cosine transform
Authors: Li Peng , Corner Brian , Paquette Steven
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present results of shape analysis of female torso shape using the discrete cosine transform (DCT) from a three-dimensional (3D) whole body scan database.

Design/methodology/approach

– Torso shape is a central part of body shape and difficult to describe by linear measurements. In order to analyze body shape variation within a population the authors employed a DCT-based shape description method to compresses a dense 3D body scan surface into a small vector that preserves shape and removes size. The DCT-based shape descriptors of torso surfaces are further fed to principal component analysis (PCA) that decompose shape variation into constituent shape components. A visualization program was developed to observe principal components of torso shape and interpret their meanings.

Findings

– Extreme shapes of the first ten principal components summarize major shape variations and identify shapes that are difficult to capture with traditional anthropometric measurements. PCA results also help to find and retrieve similar shapes from a population-level database.

Originality/value

– Using the DCT for PCA of torso shape is a unique and original approach. It provides a basis for the description and classification of torso shape in 3D and the results from the shape analysis are potentially useful for designers of clothing and personal protective equipment.
Interaction of laser beams with carbon textile materials
Authors: Sreckovic Milesa Ž , Kaludjerovic Branka , Kovacevic Aleksander G , Bugarinovic Aleksandar , Družijanic Dragan
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the results of interaction occurring during the exposition of some specific carbon textile materials obtained in laboratory conditions to beams of various laser types.

Design/methodology/approach

– Carbon fabric materials – fiber, felt and cloth – obtained from different precursor materials and prepared at various process conditions (oxidized, partially carbonized, carbonized, graphitized), were exposed to pulses of various lasers (Nd3+: YAG, alexandrite, ruby).

Findings

– Depending on the laser power, plasma and destructive phenomena occurred. In the case of an interaction between a Nd3+: YAG laser beam and specimens of thickness in millimeter range, the authors have estimated the threshold of the energy density for drilling and discussed the possible models of the interaction.

Research limitations/implications

– The results have implications in the estimations of quality as well as in the improvement of material processing, giving some new light to the changes of mechanical and optical constants of the material, as well as to the changes of carbon groups of the material, which would be useful for different types of modeling. Future research will be in the interaction of laser beams with various textile materials, where the investigation would cover the microstructure changes and the implications on cloth cutting and welding, concerning the damages as well as relief structures, specially renew for fs laser regimes.

Originality/value

– The area of laser applications in the textile industry is supported by scientific and applicative exploration. However, fewer results are concerned with deep introspection into the microstructure of the damages considering the laser interaction with carbon fiber and other carbon-based textiles.
Customer brand co-creation: a conceptual model
Authors: France Cassandra , Merrilees Bill , Miller Dale
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop conceptual understanding in the area of customer brand co-creation. The research considers the factors influencing customers to co-create and the impacts of customer co-creation on the brand.

Design/methodology/approach

– Theoretical development is progressed through conceptualisation of a series of research propositions which consider the antecedents and consequences of brand co-creation. Conceptualisation entails analysing and synthesising previous studies and reasoning new relationships between relevant concepts. Customer brand co-creation theory is improved by operationalizing the concept in a theoretical model.

Findings

– The Customer Brand Co-creation Model expresses the influence of brand engagement, self-congruity and involvement as antecedents to brand co-creation. Further, the model identifies the moderating effect of brand interactivity and brand communities. Finally, the model actualises the impact of brand co-creation upon brand value and brand knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

– The conceptual paper explores an emerging area of research interest. The study provides a level of clarity by defining the brand co-creation construct and developing several research propositions and a conceptual model for advancing knowledge of co-creation.

Practical implications

– The research provides new insight for brand managers who may be investing in co-creation programs and exposing their brand, but without understanding the impact of customer brand co-creation. Conceptual development of theory provides initial insight for practitioners and explores outcomes of co-creation.

Originality/value

– This work brings together disparate but highly relevant branding theories to progress the co-creation literature and improve understanding of the influence of co-creation upon the brand and customer.
Corporate brand as a contract with stakeholders – theology or pragmatism?
Authors: Tarnovskaya Veronika
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of brand contract in B2B from two perspectives: the theological and pragmatic.

Design/methodology/approach

– A review of the branding literature challenges the dominant notion of the brand covenant as a firm driven, unilateral promise, referred to as a theological contract. The study adds to this the pragmatic perspective of a social contract, as deployed by the social sciences and IMP literatures. A tentative framework of a dialectical contract is developed through drawing on three cases of Chinese suppliers for the focal firm, IKEA.

Findings

– First, both types of contract are identified in the firm’s practices. Second, the specific goals and roles of managers and suppliers in each contract are defined. The theological contract is used by managers to strengthen suppliers’ beliefs in the company’s vision and mission, while the pragmatic one is employed by both parties for the implementation of the brand’s norms and brand equity. Third, a new framework for and the definition of a dual, dialectical brand contract in B2B are developed.

Practical implications

– Managers are advised to mediate between the theological pledge of their brand and its pragmatic implementation.

Originality/value

– The paper challenges the dominant theological discourse in extant branding literature and puts forward a dialectical approach as a new proposition.
Reflecting a diversified country: a content analysis of newspaper advertisements in Great Britain
Authors: Mogaji Emmanuel
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Identifying the protected characteristics under the Equality Act of the UK, the purpose of this paper is to discover the extent to which the protected characteristics are featured in British newspaper advertisements, as evidence of diversity and equality in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

– Content analysis of advertisements obtained from nine national newspapers of the UK collected over 12 months. The criteria used to select the newspapers were category, popularity (circulation figures) and the readership demographics (range and variety of the audience).

Findings

– Disabled individuals are under-represented in print advertisements, and so are close relationships between individuals of the same sex signifying a civil partnership (or sexual orientation). There seems to be an equal level of portrayal of males and females, though men still feature more in a business setting while women are seen more in home settings.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest opportunities for advertisers to integrate disabled individuals into their marketing campaigns, not just as a business strategy for targeted markets but as individuals in a diversified community. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people could also be featured in advertisements for products and services that couples usually buy together, for example, holidays and mortgages.

Originality/value

– This study expands on the existing study on the portrayal in advertisements of stereotypes of genders, different age-groups and ethnic minorities. The portrayal of disability, sexuality and religious beliefs were considered within newspapers in UK, bridging some crucial gaps and providing outcomes relevant to numerous types of stakeholders, including the brands, advertising industry and academic researchers.
Determining the causal relationships that affect consumer-based brand equity
Authors: Torres Pedro Marcelo , Augusto Mário Gomes , Lisboa João Veríssimo
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the causal relationships among the dimensions that explain consumer-based brand equity, and to determine the importance of each dimension in the assessment of overall brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

– A research instrument proposed by Yoo and Donthu was applied to undergraduate students of the University of Coimbra. Two leading brands in the Portuguese beer market were used in the study. Respondents were randomly assigned to one brand and were asked to rate all items on seven Likert-type scales. Based on Aaker’s conceptual framework, a structural equation model (SEM) was designed to analyse the proposed relationships.

Findings

– A causal order between brand equity dimensions was established. The results suggest that the positive effects of perceived quality and brand awareness on overall brand equity are mediated by brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

– Although the exclusion of brand associations’ dimensions in the SEM improves the validity of the constructs, it should be regarded as a limitation, given its importance in brand equity building.

Practical implications

– Marketing managers should focus on brand loyalty in order to increase overall brand equity, and should give special attention to perceived quality, since it is the factor with the strongest impact on brand loyalty.

Originality/value

– The identification of the causal relations among brand equity dimensions and the analysis of their influence in overall brand equity, not yet clearly validated in the literature.
Effect of lemon peel extract on the oxidative stability and storage quality of Tabak-Maz, traditional fried mutton ribs
Authors: Dua Sourab , Bhat Z. F. , Kumar Sunil
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of utilization of lemon peel extract as a natural antioxidant source in muscle foods. The products incorporated with lemon peel extract were assessed for various oxidative stability and storage quality parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was designed to evaluate the effect of lemon peel extract on the oxidative stability and storage quality of Tabak-Maz, a popular traditional meat product. The products were prepared and treated with different concentrations of lemon peel extract (0.5, 1, 1.5 per cent) and were aerobically packaged in low-density polyethylene pouches and assessed for lipid stability and storage quality parameters under refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) conditions.

Findings

– Lemon peel extract showed a significant (p
<
0.05) effect on the lipid stability of the products as the treated products exhibited significantly (p
<
0.05) lower thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) (mg malonaldehyde/kg) and free fatty acid (FFA) (per cent oleic acid) values for the entire period of storage. A significant (p
<
0.05) effect was also observed on the microbiological characteristics of the products, as lemon peel extract treated products showed significantly (p
<
0.05) lower values for total plate count, psychrophillic count and yeast and mould count throughout the period of storage. Coliforms were not detected throughout the period of storage. Significantly (p
<
0.05) higher scores were observed for various sensory parameters of the treated products.

Originality/value

– Lemon peel extract successfully improved the oxidative stability and storage quality of Tabak-Maz during refrigerated (4 ± 10°C) storage and may be commercially exploited as a natural antioxidant source in muscle foods.
Quality characteristics of refined wheat flour (maida) based noodles containing chicken meat stored at ambient temperature under aerobic conditions
Authors: Verma Akhilesh Kumar , Pathak Vikas , Umaraw Pramila , Singh Veer Pal
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to explore the possibilities of utilization of chicken meat in the preparation of chicken meat noodles and subsequent storage at ambient temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

– Chicken meat was incorporated at the levels, viz., 0 and 40 per cent, replacing refined wheat flour in the formulation. Proximate composition, pH, water activity (aw), free fatty acid (FFA), thio-barbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), textural profile analysis (TPA), microbial quality and sensory evaluation were assessed at 10-day interval up to 30 days.

Findings

– Moisture, aw, TBARS, FFA, WAI, crispiness, total plate count (TPC) and yeast and mould values increased significantly (p
<
0.05), whereas, fibre, ash, pH, WSI, hardness, work of shearing and sensory attributes showed significant (p
<
0.05) decrease. However, all these parameter, viz., microbial quality, TBRS, FFA and sensory attributes, were within the acceptable limit during the entire storage study.

Research limitations/implications

– Quality of the products may be improved by the incorporation of some natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in chicken meat noodles.

Originality/value

– Consumption and demand of the noodles is increasing due to its easy preparation and taste; however, it is poor in nutritive quality. Incorporation of the chicken meat in the noodles improves the nutritive values and sensory attributes, which is important for the marketability of the meat products. The keeping quality of chicken meat noodles was comparable to the control noodles at ambient temperature up to 30 days. Noodles industry provides an alternate sector for the utilization of meat and enhancing its overall quality attributes.
Fortification of low-fat chicken meat patties with calcium, vitamin E and vitamin C
Authors: Mehta Nitin , Sharma B . D. , Kumar R. R. , Kumar Pavan , Malav Om Prakash , Verma Akhilesh Kumar
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to develop a chicken product that could supply calcium, vitamin E and vitamin C together with high sensory acceptability. The present study was envisaged to develop low-fat chicken patties fortified with calcium, vitamin E and vitamin C without any adverse effects on sensory attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three different levels of calcium lactate as a source of calcium viz. 1.5, 1.75 and 2.0 per cent, α-tocopherol acetate for vitamin E at 0.019, 0.023 and 0.029 per cent and ascorbic acid for vitamin C at 0.09, 0.12 and 0.15 per cent in low-fat chicken meat patties were tried and the optimum level was standardized based on physico-chemical, proximate and sensory parameters.

Findings

– The calcium lactate at 1.75 per cent, α-tocopherol acetate at 0.029 per cent and ascorbic acid at 0.15 per cent were found to be optimum on the basis of proximate, physico-chemical and sensory parameters. The textural attributes of the standardized product was comparable to that of the control. The a*, b* and Chroma values for the low-fat chicken patties fortified with calcium, α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid were significantly higher (p
<
0.01) than that of the control. The calcium and ascorbic acid concentration of the standardized product was significantly higher (p
<
0.01) than that of the control.

Originality/value

– The levels in the fortified product were found to be suitable to achieve a 20 per cent RDA of calcium and almost a complete RDA for vitamin C. The research findings demonstrated the development of a single-designer chicken product rich in calcium, vitamin C and vitamin E.
Requirements for microbiological quality management of the agricultural products
Authors: Noor Rashed , Feroz Farahnaaz
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to portray a general situation on the microbiological spoilage aspects of agriculture and focus on the necessary management schemes of microbiological contamination aiming to deliver information on the public health safety.

Design/methodology/approach

– A substantial number of local studies on nutritional policies have been performed earlier; however, the microbiological quality control of the agricultural products is still scarce. This review analyzes the microbiological aspects of local agricultural products together with the study findings relevant to food safety as published both globally and locally.

Findings

– Ongoing awareness on the microbiological quality in accordance to the recommended microbiological limit of different fresh produces would deliver a practical outcome in the safe crop management. Information on microorganisms contaminating agricultural products is expected to ensure public health safety especially within the developing countries along with Bangladesh.

Originality/value

– The improvements in agriculture status in Bangladesh, particularly in microbiological quality perspective, have been relatively slow, principally due to lack of knowledge on the health risks within the mass population caused by microorganisms harbored through the agricultural products. The novelty of the current review, thus, underlies the necessity of microbiological quality management of the agricultural products, projection on the specific microorganisms contaminating the agricultural products and possible disease outbreaks caused by the consumption of these contaminated products.
Evaluation of matricellular proteins in systemic and local immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Hasibuan Fakhrial Mirwan , Shiratori Beata , Senoputra Muhammad Andrian , Chagan‐Yasutan Haorile , Koesoemadinata Raspati Cundarani , Apriani Lika , Takahashi Yayoi , Niki Toshiro , Alisjahbana Bachti , Hattori Toshio
Published: September 2015

Matricellular proteins such as osteopontin (OPN), galectin‐9 (Gal‐9), and tenascin‐C (TN‐C) are expressed not only under normal physiological conditions, but also during infection, inflammation and tumorigenesis. Plasma concentrations of matricellular proteins were studied to determine their diagnostic value as potential markers of tuberculosis (TB) activity. It was found that concentrations of OPN and TN‐C were higher in patients with active TB than in healthy controls and individuals with latent infection. Moreover, LTBI patients had higher concentrations of OPN than did healthy controls. Gal‐9 concentrations did not differ significantly between groups. Concentrations of matricellular proteins were higher in pleural fluid than in the plasma of patients with TB. Expression of matricellular proteins was also investigated in TB granulomas and other granulomatous diseases. Positive OPN and Gal‐9 staining was observed in TB and sarcoidosis granulomas, but not in Crohn disease granulomas. The fibrotic ring around granulomas stained positive for TN‐C in TB and sarcoidosis, but not in Crohn disease. Of the three matricellular proteins studied, OPN and TN‐C may serve as reliable plasma markers for monitoring TB activity, whereas Gal‐9 seems to be expressed more at the site of infection than in the systemic circulation.
Emergency Department Central Line–associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) Incidence in the Era of Prevention Practices
Authors: Theodoro Daniel , Olsen Margaret A. , Warren David K. , McMullen Kathleen M. , Asaro Phillip , Henderson Adam , Tozier Michael , Fraser Victoria
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The incidence of central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) attributed to central venous catheters (CVCs) inserted in the emergency department (ED) is not widely reported. The goal was to report the incidence of ED CLABSI. Secondary goals included determining the effect of a CVC bundle introduced by the hospital infection prevention department to decrease CLABSI during the surveillance period.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study over a 28‐month period at an academic tertiary care center. A standardized electronic CVC procedure note identified CVC insertions in the ED. Abstractors reviewed inpatient records to determine ED CVC catheter‐days. An infection prevention specialist identified CLABSIs originating in the ED using National Hospital Safety Network definitions from blood culture results collected up to 2 days after ED CVC removal. During the period of surveillance, a hospital‐wide CVC insertion bundle was introduced to standardize insertion practices and prevent CLABSIs. Institutional CLABSI rates were determined by infection prevention from routine surveillance data.

Results

Over the 28‐month study period, 98 emergency physicians inserted 994 CVCs in 940 patients. The ED CVCs remained in place for more than 2 days in 679 patients, and the median number of days an ED CVC remained in use during the hospital stay was 3 (interquartile range = 2 to 7 days). There were 4,504 ED catheter‐days and nine CLABSIs attributed to ED CVCs. The ED CLABSI rate was 2.0/1,000 catheter‐days (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0 to 3.8). The concurrent institutional intensive care unit (ICU) CLABSI rate was 2.3/1,000 catheter‐days (95% CI = 1.9 to 2.7). The ED CLABSI rate prebundle was 3.0/1,000 catheter‐days and postbundle was 0.5/1,000 catheter‐days (p = 0.038).

Conclusions

The CLABSI rates in this academic medical center ED were in the range of those reported by the ICU. The effect of ED CLABSI prevention practices requires further research dedicated to surveying ED CLABSI rates.
How return and risk experiences shape investor beliefs and preferences
Authors: Hoffmann Arvid O. I. , Post Thomas
Published: September 2015

Combining brokerage records and matching monthly survey measurements of a sample of individual investors from the Netherlands for the period April 2008 through March 2009, we examine how individual investors update their beliefs (return expectations and risk perceptions) and preferences (risk tolerance) as a result of their personal return and risk experiences. We find that investors' past returns positively impact return expectations and risk tolerance, and negatively impact risk perceptions. Realised risk, however, has no effect. That is, even in a highly volatile stock market period in which risk appears very salient, investors do not take it into account when updating their beliefs and preferences.
Two pathogens change cuticular hydrocarbon profiles but neither elicit a social behavioural change in infected honey bees, Apis mellifera (Apidae: Hymenoptera)
Authors: Murray Zak L , Keyzers Robert A , Barbieri Rafael F , Digby Andrew P , Lester Philip J
Published: September 2015

Social immunity is the cooperation of individual group members towards the control of disease transmission arising from social living. It has been identified as an important mechanism of natural disease control in honey bees, Apis mellifera Linnaeus, which can exhibit hygienic behaviours such as evicting pathogen‐infected or parasitised nest mates. Here, we examine if these bees exhibit a change in behaviour towards nest mates infected by the microsporidian pathogens Nosema apis and N. ceranae. We observed no significant change in the frequency of interactive and non‐interactive behaviours of bees towards Nosema‐infected nest mates, for both N. apis and N. ceranae. Thus, uninfected bees interacted and were exposed to pathogen‐infected bees equally often compared with uninfected bees. This lack of any behavioural modification suggests that bees are unable to recognise Nosema‐infected nest mates. These results were surprising given our analysis indicated that Nosema infection changes the hydrocarbon profiles of the bees, enabling the statistical discrimination of uninfected, N. apis and N. ceranae infected bees. The hydrocarbons we analysed were 16 straight‐chain alkanes ranging from heptadecane (C17H36) to tritriacontane (C33H68). Our results and those of others suggest that hygienic behaviour is currently unlikely to provide resistance towards Nosema pathogens in honey bees. The lack of social immunity was unexpected given the co‐evolution of one of the pathogens and honey bees. However, the modification of cuticular hydrocarbons by these pathogens provides a specific cue that may enable future selection and rearing of bees for Nosema‐related social immunity.
Feasibility and construct validity of a Frailty index for patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hubbard Ruth E , Peel Nancye M , Smith Morgan , Dawson Blake , Lambat Zahed , Bak Melissa , Best Jennifer , Johnson David W
Published: September 2015

Aim

To determine whether the frailty status of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be measured using a Frailty index (FI).

Methods

One hundred and eleven attending a nephrology clinic were approached to complete a one‐page questionnaire evaluating cognitive, psychological and functional status. Data were coded as deficits, summed and divided by the total number of deficits considered, to derive an FI‐CKD.

Results

One hundred and ten (mean age 65.2 years) agreed to participate and assessments took approximately 10 minutes to complete. Mean FI‐CKD was 0.25 (SD 0.12). The FI‐CKD increased with age at 3% per year, correlated with a modified Fried phenotype (P < 0.001) and increased significantly across CKD stages (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The FI‐CKD is feasible in the outpatient setting and has good construct validity. The greater granularity of a continuous measure has the potential to inform decision‐making regarding appropriate interventions for patients at the ‘frail’ end of the health spectrum.
Basic characterization of avian β‐defensin genes in the Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica
Authors: Ishige Taichiro , Hara Hiromi , Hirano Takashi , Mannen Hideyuki , Kono Tomohiro , Hanzawa Kei
Published: September 2015

In this study, we identified a cluster of 14 avian β‐defensins (AvBD; approximately 66 kbp) in the Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica. Except for AvBD12 (CjAvBD12) and ‐13, the CjAvBDs coding sequences exhibited greater than 78.0% similarity to the respective orthologous chicken AvBD genes (GgAvBD). The putative amino acid sequence encoded by each CjAvBD contained six cysteine residues and the GXC (X1‐2) motif considered essential for the β‐defensin family. Each CjAvBDs also formed a sub‐group with the respective orthologous genes of various bird species in a phylogenetic tree analysis. Synteny between the CjAvBD cluster and GgAvBD cluster was confirmed. The CjAvBD cluster was mapped on the long‐arm end of chromosome 3 by linkage analysis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CjAvBD1 and CjAvBD12 (approximately 46kbp), as well as GgAvBD cluster. We also confirmed that CjAvBD1, ‐4, ‐5, ‐9, and ‐10 are transcribed in 20 tissues, including immune and digestive tissues. However, our experimental data indicated that the CjAvBD cluster lacks the AvBD3 and ‐7 loci, whereas the CjAvBD101α, ‐101β, and ‐101θ loci arose from gene duplication of the AvBD6 orthologous locus in the CjAvBD cluster after differentiation between Coturnix ‐ Gallus.
Genetic relationships of fertility traits with test‐day milk yield and fat‐to‐protein ratio in tropical smallholder dairy farms
Authors: Buaban Sayan , Duangjinda Monchai , Suzuki Mitsuyoshi , Masuda Yutaka , Sanpote Jureeratn , Kuchida Keigo
Published: September 2015

The test‐day milk fat‐to‐protein ratio (TD‐FPR) could serve as a measure of energy balance status and might be used as a criterion to improve metabolic stability and fertility through genetic selection. Therefore, genetic parameters for fertility traits, test‐day milk yield (TD‐MY) and TD‐FPR, as well as, their relationships during different stages of lactation, were estimated on data collected from 25 968 primiparous Thai dairy crossbred cows. Gibbs sampling algorithms were implemented to obtain (co)variance components using both univariate linear and threshold animal models and bivariate linear‐linear and linear‐threshold animal models with random regression. Average TD‐MY and TD‐FPR were 12.60 and 1.15. Heritability estimates for TD‐MY, TD‐FPR and selected fertility traits ranged from 0.31 to 0.58, 0.17 to 0.19 and 0.02 to 0.05, respectively. Genetic correlations among TD‐FPR and TD‐MY, TD‐FPR and fertility traits, and TD‐MY and fertility traits ranged from 0.05 to ‐0.44, from ‐0.98 to 0.98 and ‐0.22 to 0.79, respectively. Selection for lower TD‐FPR would decrease numbers of inseminations per conception and increase conception at first service and pregnancy within 90 days. In addition, cow selection based only on high milk production has strong effects to prolong days to first service, days open and calving interval.
What is a meeting? Municipal councils and the Ontario ombudsman
Authors: Sancton Andrew
Published: September 2015

In recent decisions, the Ontario ombudsman has developed his own definition of a “meeting” of a municipal council. The definition derives more from American statutes and judicial decisions than from any prior interpretation of Ontario (or other Canadian) law. The ombudsman's rulings claim that the law prevents municipal councillors from meeting together informally “to lay the groundwork necessary” for the council to exercise its authority. He mistakenly suggests that the policy‐making process is much more open at the federal and provincial levels of government. His rulings unduly restrain groups of municipal councillors from organizing themselves to promote policy change.
Mutation spectrum of the MTM1 gene in XLMTM patients: 10 years of experience in prenatal and postnatal diagnosis
Authors: Longo G. , Russo S. , Novelli G. , Sangiuolo F. , D'Apice M.R.
Published: September 2015

X‐linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) is a congenital neuromuscular disorder defined by severe hypotonia, respiratory failure and histopathologic changes in muscle biopsy. The objective of this report is to inform about our experience of genetic analysis on a group of 25 unrelated XLMTM patients, clinically diagnosed by several Italian and European Medical Institutes from 2006 to 2015. The molecular strategy used for genotyping involved Sanger sequencing of coding and intron/exon regions and the Multiplex Ligation Probe Amplification method. A total of 13 different point variants (6 nonsense, 5 missense, 1 splicing and 1 small deletion) were found in 15 patients (60%). Three were new missense variants: c.185G>T p.(Arg62Ile), c.719T>A p.(Val240Glu), and c.1262G>T p.(Arg421Leu). No large duplications/deletions have been identified. We performed carrier testing of at‐risk female relatives. Only one mutation was de novo. Successively, we offered XLMTM prenatal testing for seven pregnancies in five unrelated families. In this context, the aim to propose an effective molecular diagnostic service is to confirm clinical XLMTM diagnosis, to monitor the cause‐disease mutation segregation in the family and to offer genetic counseling to have correct information regarding offspring risks and the prenatal testing.
Mitochondrial NADH Dehydrogenase Subunit 3 Polymorphism Associated with an Earlier Age at Onset in Male Machado–Joseph disease Patients
Authors: Chen Sheng , Gan Shi‐Rui , Cai Ping‐Ping , Ni Wang , Zhou Qi , Dong Yi , Wang Ning , Wu Zhi‐Ying
Published: September 2015

Aims

To investigate the potential effect of six previously reported candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms on age at onset (AAO) among Chinese patients with Machado–Joseph disease (MJD).

Methods

Three hundred and twenty‐four unrelated molecular‐confirmed MJD patients were recruited between January 2006 and December 2014. The screening of candidate polymorphisms was first performed in 173 subjects using the SNaPshot® Multiplex System. The mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (MT‐ND3) polymorphism 10398A>G (rs2853826) was further verified with Sanger sequencing in additional 151 patients.

Results

An inverse correlation was found between expanded CAG repeat length and AAO. The expanded CAG repeat length can explain 63% of AAO variance. The 10398A polymorphism was significantly associated with a 3‐year earlier AAO in male patients with MJD (P = 0.001). Stepwise multiple regressions revealed that the 10398A polymorphism could account for nearly 2% of AAO variance in male patients.

Conclusion

Six candidate SNPs have been screened in Chinese patients with MJD. A remarkable earlier AAO was noted in male Chinese MJD patients with MT‐ND3 gene 10398A polymorphism.
ESSCA results with the baseline series, 2009–2012: rubber allergens
Authors: Warburton Katharine L. , Bauer Andrea , Chowdhury Mahbub M. U. , Cooper Susan , Kręcisz Beata , Chomiczewska‐Skóra Dorota , Kieć‐Świerczyńska Marta , Filon Francesca L. , Mahler Vera , Sánchez‐Pérez Javier , Schnuch Axel , Uter Wolfgang , Wilkinson Mark
Published: September 2015

Background

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by rubber allergens is common, and causes significant patient morbidity. Contemporary data are important to allow appropriate preventive measures and identification of contact allergy trends.

Objectives

To describe the pattern of patch test reactivity to rubber allergens, including those in theEuropean baseline series.

Methods

Data collected by theEuropeanSurveillanceSystem onContactAllergies (ESSCA) network between 2009 and 2012 from 12European countries were analysed.

Results

Contact allergy to thiuram mix declined over the studied time period, with an overall prevalence of 1.87%. The prevalence of allergy to carba mix was 2.29%, and was significantly increasing. Prevalence rates of sensitization to other rubber allergens were largely unchanged. Statistical analysis with theMOAHLFAindex confirmed the strong links between rubber allergy and occupational hand dermatitis.

Conclusions

Changing patterns of allergy to rubber additives have been identified. Inclusion of carba mix in theEuropean baseline series may be appropriate.