bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyrethroid and organophosphate pesticide resistance in field populations of horn fly in Brazil
Authors: Brito L. G. , Barbieri F. S. , Rocha R. B. , Santos A. P. L. , Silva R. R. , Ribeiro E. S. , Guerrero F. , Foil L. , Oliveira M. C. S.
Published: August 2018

Pesticides are used worldwide to control arthropod parasites in cattle herds. The indiscriminate and/or inappropriate use of pesticides without veterinary guidance is a reality in several countries of South America. Improper pesticide use increases the chances of contamination of food and the environment with chemical pesticides and their metabolites. Reduction of these contamination events is an increasing challenge for those involved in livestock production. The horn fly, Haematobia irritans (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Muscidae), is one of the most economically important parasites affecting cattle herds around the world. As such, horn fly control efforts are often required to promote the best productive performance of herds. Pesticide susceptibility bioassays revealed that pyrethroid resistance was widespread and reached high levels in horn fly populations in the Brazilian state of Rondônia. The knockdown resistance (kdr) sodium channel gene mutation was detected in all horn fly populations studied (n = 48), and the super kdr sodium channel gene mutation was found in all homozygous resistant kdr individuals (n = 204). Organophosphate resistance was not identified in any of the fly populations evaluated.
Intensive care nurse conceptions of well‐being: a prototype analysis
Authors: Jarden Rebecca J , Sandham Margaret , Siegert Richard J , Koziol‐McLain Jane
Published: August 2018

Background

Accurately conceptualizing intensive care nurse work well‐being is fundamental for successful engagement with workplace well‐being interventions. Little is currently known about intensive care nurse work well‐being.

Aims

The study aimed to identify intensive care nurses' conceptions of work well‐being and ascertain whether the term ‘work well‐being’ is prototypically organized.

Methods

Three linked studies conceptualize intensive care nurse well‐being. For study one, participants listed key features of work well‐being as free‐text responses. Study two measured whether there was prototypical organization of these responses. Study three sought to confirm the prototypical organization of the term ‘work well‐being’ through narrative ratings.

Results

A total of 82 New Zealand intensive care nurses were randomly allocated to the three studies; 65 participated. In study one (n = 23), the most frequently endorsed elements included: workload (n = 14), job satisfaction (n = 13) and support (n = 13). In study two (n = 25), the highest rated elements included: feeling valued, respect, support, work‐life balance and workplace culture. Elements of support, work‐life balance and workload were in the top five most frequently endorsed elements and were also rated in the top 12 most central. Overall, the ratings of centrality and number of endorsements were positively correlated (r = 0.35, P < 0.05). In study three (n = 17), nine participants selected the same rating across both narratives with no differentiation on the 11‐point scale and were excluded from analysis. The mean score for the central narrative was 7.88 and for the peripheral narrative was 7.38. Confirmatory analyses did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Unique conceptions of work well‐being were identified. Workload and work‐life balance were central characteristics. Feeling valued and experiencing respect and support were considered most important.

Relevance to clinical practice

Intensive care nurse conceptions of work well‐being are fundamental for future measures of work well‐being and future interventional studies and initiatives.
Genomewide association analysis of salt tolerance in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
Authors: Huang Lei , Zeng Ailan , Chen Pengyin , Wu Chengjun , Wang Dechun , Wen Zixiang
Published: August 2018

Salinity is a common abiotic stress causing soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield loss worldwide. The use of tolerant cultivars is an effective and economic approach to coping with this stress. Towards this, research is needed to identify salt‐tolerant germplasm and better understand the genetic and molecular basis of salt tolerance in soybean. The objectives of this study were to identify salt‐tolerant genotypes, to search for single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and QTLs associated with salt tolerance. A total of 192 diverse soybean lines and cultivars were screened for salt tolerance in the glasshouse based on visual leaf scorch scores after 15–18 days of 120 mM NaCl stress. These genotypes were further genotyped using the SoySNP50K iSelect BeadChip. Genomewide association mapping showed that 62 SNP markers representing six genomic regions on chromosomes (Chr.) 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 18, respectively, were significantly associated with salt tolerance (p < 0.001). A total of 52 SNP markers on Chr. 3 are mapped at or near the major salt tolerance QTL previously identified in S‐100 (Lee et al., 2014). Three SNPs on Chr. 18 map near the salt tolerance QTL previously identified in Nannong1138‐2 (Chen, Cui, Fu, Gai, & Yu, 2008). The other significant SNPs represent four putative minor QTLs for salt tolerance, newly identified in this study. The results above lay the foundation for fine mapping, cloning and molecular breeding for soybean salt tolerance.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for seed isoflavone concentration in soybean (Glycine max) against soybean cyst nematode stress
Authors: Carter Adam , Tenuta Albert , Rajcan Istvan , Welacky Tom , Woodrow Lorna , Eskandari Mehrzad
Published: August 2018

Isoflavones are plant secondary metabolites produced in soybean (Glycine max), which provide plant defense against pathogens and are beneficial to human health. Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a major yield‐limiting pest in most soybean‐producing area across the world. Traits, seed isoflavones and SCN resistance are quantitative in nature, and their phenotypic evaluations are expensive. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying the two traits will be helpful to develop SCN‐resistant lines with elevated isoflavones using marker‐assisted‐selection (MAS). This study aims to identify isoflavones and SCN‐related QTL in a soybean population consisting of 109 RILs, which was developed from a cross between two commercial soybean cultivars viz. ‘RCAT1004’ and ‘DH4202’ and grown in four non‐SCN and SCN‐infested fields during 2015 and 2016. While single marker ANOVA identified 10 QTL for isoflavones and five for SCN (p < 0.01), simple interval and multiple QTL mappings identified four QTL associated with isoflavones (LOD ≥ 2.2). These results contribute to a better understanding of the genetics of the two traits and provide molecular markers that can be used in MAS to facilitate developing SCN‐resistant soybeans with increased isoflavones.
When I hurt others, and when I get hurt: Integrating victim and perpetrator experiences of harm into a sense of moral agency
Authors: Pasupathi Monisha , Wainryb Cecilia
Published: August 2018

In a social world, occasionally we all will harm others, as well as be harmed. Previous research has focused largely on how perpetration and victimization events are distinct rather than on how they might be integrated with one another, jointly shaping moral agency. We report on an exploratory qualitative analysis of narratives about perpetration and victimization. Our sample included 30 participants divided evenly by gender and age (ages 11–12, 16–17, and 19–26). Our aims were: (a) to identify potential forms of integration in moral agency across perpetration and victimization; (b) to explore developmental paths in integration; and (c) to examine forms of integration that were not tied directly to the construction of moral agency. We found three frequent integration patterns: harm was similarly understandable in perpetrator and victim narratives; harm was similarly incomprehensible in perpetrator and victim narratives; and harm was understandable in perpetration narratives but incomprehensible in victim narratives. Other forms of integration suggestive of how diminished moral agency can be reclaimed via narrative also were identified.
A novel approach to developing organized multi‐speed evacuation plans
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Qiuping , Xu Xianrui , Xu Dong , Zhang Xihui
Published: August 2018

Cities are becoming more vulnerable to all kinds of hazards or events, especially with the unpredictable impacts of global climate change. All these trends provide an urgent need for the development of comprehensive and efficient contingency plans in urban spaces. Evacuation plans are important solutions to protect people from unforeseen effects of disasters. However, evacuees’ speed differences have been ignored or little considered among most of the existing research on developing organized evacuation plans. This article presents a novel approach to planning a multi‐speed evacuation. The objective is to minimize the whole network clearance time. Evacuees are grouped and each group is allocated a departure time and an evacuation route in order to minimize traffic conflicts. Three scheduling strategies and four priority rules are defined for determining the departure time of evacuation groups. Experiments based on a real‐world case have been conducted to validate the approach and compare the performance of these strategies and rules. The major conclusion is that, with the proposed approach, an evacuation plan can avoid traffic congestion and minimize the whole network clearance time, and the choice of scheduling strategies and priority rules should be based on practical evacuation objectives.
Effectiveness of the Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction Program on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Solano López Ana L.
Published: August 2018

Background

In spite of the advances in hypertension prevention and treatment, there is a high percentage of people with elevated or uncontrolled blood pressure. New patient‐centered strategies are needed to support people managing their condition. A complementary behavioral treatment, the mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) program, needs to be evaluated for its potential to reduce blood pressure.

Aims

To examine the literature on MBSR program effectiveness for blood pressure in adults with hypertension or elevated blood pressure.

Methods

A systematic literature review of randomized control trials reporting the effectiveness of the MBSR program on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension or elevated blood pressure, published between 2012 and 2017 was conducted. Five databases were searched (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library). Data extraction and risk‐of‐bias assessment were performed.

Results

A total of five articles were included in the review. Most studies found a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the intervention and control groups; however, this reduction was only observed in clinical blood pressure (in office settings) and not in ambulatory blood pressure (in out‐of‐office settings) measurements. Analysis within intervention groups suggests that MBSR program reduces clinical blood pressure measurements. Even though these reductions in blood pressure may be of clinical relevance, the findings should be interpreted with caution in view of the lack of studies and study limitations.

Linking Evidence to Action

The MBSR program is a promising behavioral complementary therapy to help people with hypertension lower their blood pressure through modifications in their lifestyle. More research is needed not only to identify the effectiveness of the MBSR program on blood pressure, but also to explore the mechanisms by which the program influences blood pressure.
Bride Price and the State of Marriage in North-West Ghana
Authors: Forkuor John Boulard , Kanwetuu Vincent De Paul , Ganee Eugene Muobom , Ndemole Ignatus Kpobi
Published: August 2018

This paper sought to examine the role of bride price on the state of marriage among the Dagara of North-West Ghana. In the face of increasing scarcity of the items used in marriage in the study area, getting bride price has become a daunting task for many young men preparing to marry or already in marriage with consequences on the legitimacy and stability of families. Through purposive sampling, 5 FGDs and 9 personal interviews were conducted to obtain experiential information on bride price and state of marriage. The study revealed that the role of families, payback norms and incorporation (as part of bride price payment) are clear structures that have positive consequences for the stability of marriage; weakening potentially destabilising factors such as spousal abuse and the extra-marital sexual activities of men. Interestingly, the type and amount of items used for bride price have so much social and cultural significance that formal education and modernity has so far failed to completely change this practice among the people. The preceding allows us to conclude that the Dagara of Buo community are an epainogamous people, with societally supported marital norms and systems leading to marital stability. We recognise however that stability and longevity of marriage does not necessarily mean that spouses are ‘happy and content’ with their marriage. This is a relevant question that our current study did not explore. Thus, we recommend that a future quantitative study examine the relationship between marital stability and spousal ‘happiness and contentment.’
Process Optimization of Wire-Based Laser Metal Deposition of Titanium
Authors: Schulz Martin , Klocke Fritz , Riepe Jan , Klingbeil Nils , Arntz Kristian
Published: August 2018

Titanium alloys are used instead of steel and nickel-based alloys to lower the weight of turbines whenever it is applicable. Due to the high manufacturing costs of titanium, near-net-shape processes like laser metal deposition (LMD) processes are an approach to improve the production of new turbomachinery components. Additionally, these processes are also suitable for repair. LMD uses wire or powder as additional material. When highly reactive materials like titanium grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) are processed, wire-based laser metal deposition (LMD-W) processes are superior to powder-based processes due to the smaller reactive surface. Nowadays, three main challenges exist when titanium grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) is processed by additive manufacturing (AM): First of all, the high affinity to oxygen combined with the increased brittleness of the material in case of a contamination with already low amounts of oxygen has to be faced. Second, the material is prone to distortion induced by thermal stress during the manufacturing process. Finally, the material has a complex bimodal microstructure, which has to be adjusted properly to generate optimal strength. The following publication will present how these technical challenges are faced. The heat input into the workpiece and thereby the area that has to be covered with shielding gas is minimized. This is done by minimizing the laser spot size as well as adjusting the travel speed. Thereby a local shielding of the process was realized. With this optimized process, it was possible to generate several specimens for metallurgical analysis.
Design of Large Single-Mobility Surface-Deployable Mechanism Using Irregularly Shaped Triangular Prismoid Modules
Authors: Huang Hailin , Li Bing , Zhang Tieshan , Zhang Zhao , Qi Xiaozhi , Hu Ying
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the design methodology for a single-mobility, large surface-deployable mechanism using irregularly shaped triangular prismoid units. First, we demonstrate that the spherical shell, as the deployed profile of the large deployable mechanism, cannot be filled with identical regular-shaped triangular prismoids (truncated pyramid) without gaps, which makes the design challenging because a large set of nonidentical modules should be moved synchronously. Second, we discuss the design of a novel deployable mechanism that can be deployed onto irregularly shaped triangular prismoids, which will be used as the basic module to fill the spherical shell. Owing to high stiffness and ease of actuation, a planar scissor-shape deployable mechanism is applied. Third, we study the mobile assemblies of irregularly shaped modules in large surface-deployable mechanisms. We discover that hyper kinematic redundant constraints exist in a multiloop mechanism, making the design even more difficult. In order to address this issue, a methodology for reducing these redundant constraints is also discussed. Finally, a physical prototype is fabricated to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design methodology.
The Experimental Investigation of Impinging Heat Transfer of Pulsation Jet on the Flat Plate
Authors: Lyu Yuan-wei , Zhang Jing-zhou , Shan Yong , Tan Xiao-ming
Published: August 2018

A series of tests were performed for the pulsating jet impingement heat transfer by varying the Reynolds number (5000 ≤ Re ≤ 20,000), operation frequency (10 Hz ≤ f ≤ 25 Hz), and dimensionless nozzle-to-surface distance (1≤H/d≤8) while fixing the duty cycle (DC) = 0.5(280 measurement data in total). Specific attention was paid to examine the relationship between the pulsating jet impingement and the steady jet impingement. By using a modified Strouhal number (Sr(H/d)), the test data are analyzed according to three classifications of the enhancement factors a = Nupulsation jet/Nusteady jet (such as a ∈ (Min,0.899), a ∈ (0.95, 1.049) and a ∈ (1.1, Max)). The results show that the identification of pulsating jet impingement in related to the steady jet impingement is suitable by using the modified Strouhal number (Sr(H/d)). Within the scope of this study, the most possibilities for the heat transfer enhancement by using pulsating jet impingement are suggested as the following conditions: Re ≤ 7500 and Sr(H/d) ≥ 0.04, Re ≥ 17500, and 0.01 ≤ Sr(H/d) ≤ 0.03; 10 Hz ≤ f ≤ 20 Hz and Sr(H/d) ≥ 0.04; H/d ≥ 6 and most of current Sr(H/d). While under such conditions, 7500 ≤ Re ≤ 15,000 and Sr(H/d) ≤ 0.02; f ≥ 20 Hz and Sr(H/d) ≤ 0.04; H/d ≤ 2 and Sr(H/d) ≤ 0.02, the pulsating jet impingement makes the heat transfer weaker than the steady jet impingement more obviously.
Large Eddy Simulation of the Elliptic Jets in Film Cooling Controlled by Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuators With an Improved Model
Authors: Yu Jianyang , Wang Zhao , Chen Fu , Yan Guojun , Wang Cong
Published: August 2018

The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator, in which electrodes are asymmetric arranged, has already demonstrated its ability in flow control. In the present work, the configuration of DBD plasma actuator defined as DBD-vortex generator (VGs), which can induce streamwise vortices, has been employed in the flow control of the inclined jet in crossflow. The coherent turbulent structures around the cooling hole are examined by the large eddy simulation (LES) method with the improved plasma model. The mechanism of coherent structure controlled by the DBD-VGs is also elucidated in the processes of parametric study with the actuation conditions. The calculation results show that the DBD-VGs provides us an effective approach to further enhance the performance of the film cooling. When it is applied into the flow, symmetrical streamwise vortices are induced to break down the coherent vortex structure, leading to more coolant gathered on the surface, especially at the lateral area of the coolant jet. What is more, an overall improvement of the film cooling performance can be obtained when the actuation strength is strong enough.
Simulation on Pellet–Cladding Mechanical Interaction of Accident Tolerant Fuel With Coated Cladding
Authors: Deng Yangbin , Wu Yingwei , Zhang Dalin , Tian Wenxi , Su G. H. , Qiu Suizheng
Published: August 2018

In this study, based on the code Fuel ROd Behavior Analysis (FROBA), a thermal–mechanical analysis code initially developed for traditional UO2-Zr fuel elements by our research group, a modified version was developed to perform the fuel performance simulation of accident tolerant fuels (ATFs), named FROBA-ATF. Compared with initial version, the cladding could be divided into arbitrary number control volumes with different materials in the new code, so it can be used to perform the calculation for multilayer coatings. In addition, a new nonrigid pellet–cladding mechanical interaction (PCMI) calculation model was established in the new code. The FROBA-ATF code was used to predict PCMI performance of two kind fuels with coated claddings, including the internal surface coating and external surface coating. The calculation result indicates that because the coating surface was close to the inner surface of the cladding where also was the PCMI surface, the absolute value of the combine pressure of internal surface-coated cladding was substantial larger than that of the external surface-coated cladding, which might be harmful the coating behavior. However, the internal surface-coated mode can provide a protection for alloy due to the isolation from direct contact with fuel pellets, which can result in a much lower equivalent stress of zirconium body during the PCMI.
Differential Noncircular Pulleys for Cable Robots and Static Balancing
Authors: Fedorov Dmitri , Birglen Lionel
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we introduce a mechanism consisting of a pair of noncircular pulleys with a constant-length cable. While a single noncircular pulley is generally limited to continuously winding or unwinding, the differential cable routing proposed here allows to generate nonmonotonic motions at the output of the arrangement, i.e., the location of the idler pulley redirecting the cable. The equations relating its motion to rotation angles of the noncircular pulleys and to the cable length are presented in the first part of this paper. Next, we introduce a graphical method allowing us to obtain the required pulley profiles for a given output function. Our approach is finally demonstrated with two application examples: the guiding of a cable-suspended robot along a complex trajectory using a single actuator, and the static balancing of a pendulum with a 360 deg rotational range of motion.
The Two-Bullet Problem with Constant Magnitude Drag Force
Authors: Burris Jennifer L. , Hester Brooke C. , Mamola Karl C.
Published: August 2018

It is common in introductory physics to show that in the absence of air drag an object dropped from rest will reach the level ground at exactly the same time as one that is projected horizontally from the same height. However, the situation is different in the presence of a speed-dependent drag force, as either object may hit first or they may hit at the same time. Drag force is quite complex, and the dependence of the drag force on speed is related to a number of factors, some of which are beyond the scope of this paper. Here we specifically discuss the cases of drag forces with a magnitude dependent on an integer power (2, 1, and 0) of the speed v, as these are suitable for study in introductory courses.
New case of alleged bullying rocks the Max Planck Society
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: August 2018

Colleagues say empathy researcher Tania Singer created an atmosphere of fear at her lab.
Origin of the bright photoluminescence of few-atom silver clusters confined in LTA zeolites
Authors: Grandjean Didier , Coutiño-Gonzalez Eduardo , Cuong Ngo Tuan , Fron Eduard , Baekelant Wouter , Aghakhani Saleh , Schlexer Philomena , D’Acapito Francesco , Banerjee Dipanjan , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Nguyen Minh Tho , Hofkens Johan , Lievens Peter
Published: August 2018

Unmasking the glow of silver clusters

Small silver clusters stabilized by organic materials or inorganic surfaces can exhibit bright photoluminescence, but the origin of this effect has been difficult to establish, in part because the materials are heterogeneous and contain many larger but inactive clusters. Grandjean
et al.
studied silver clusters in zeolites, using x-ray excited optical luminescence to monitor only the emissive structures (see the Perspective by Quintanilla and Liz-Marzán). Aided by theoretical calculations, they identified the electronic states of four-atom silver clusters bound with water molecules that produce bright green emission—thus identifying candidate materials for application in lighting, imaging, and therapeutics.

Science
, this issue p.
686
; see also p.
645
3D printed polyamide membranes for desalination
Authors: Chowdhury Maqsud R. , Steffes James , Huey Bryan D. , McCutcheon Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2018

Spraying makes it smoother

Commercial reverse osmosis processes for water desalination use membranes made by the polymerization of polyamide at the oil/water interface. Chowdhury
et al.
show that thinner, smoother membranes can be made with an electrospray technique. Using high voltage, the two precursors are finely sprayed onto a substrate and polymerize on contact. The composition of the resulting membrane can be tuned on the basis of the proportion of the two components. At optimum conditions, the membranes appear to be better at desalination than current commercial reverse osmosis membranes.

Science
, this issue p.
682
Insulator-metal transition in dense fluid deuterium
Authors: Celliers Peter M. , Millot Marius , Brygoo Stephanie , McWilliams R. Stewart , Fratanduono Dayne E. , Rygg J. Ryan , Goncharov Alexander F. , Loubeyre Paul , Eggert Jon H. , Peterson J. Luc , Meezan Nathan B. , Le Pape Sebastien , Collins Gilbert W. , Jeanloz Raymond , Hemley Russell J.
Published: August 2018

Laser-shocking deuterium into metal

The conditions in which hydrogen disassociates and becomes an atomic metal occur in high-energy-density environments, such as the interiors of giant planets and nuclear explosions. Celliers
et al.
trained 168 lasers on deuterium samples at the National Ignition Facility to measure the pressure and temperature conditions of the hydrogen transition. Careful optical measurements led to the addition of four new points on the phase diagram, consistent with static estimates and theoretical calculations.

Science
, this issue p.
677
Quantum-inspired computational imaging
Authors: Altmann Yoann , McLaughlin Stephen , Padgett Miles J. , Goyal Vivek K , Hero Alfred O. , Faccio Daniele
Published: August 2018

More to imaging than meets the eye

Traditional imaging techniques involve peering down a lens and collecting as much light from the target scene as possible. That requirement can set limits on what can be seen. Altmann
et al.
review some of the most recent developments in the field of computational imaging, including full three-dimensional imaging of scenes that are hidden from direct view (e.g., around a corner or behind an obstacle). High-resolution imaging can be achieved with a single-pixel detector at wavelengths for which no cameras currently exist. Such advances will lead to the development of cameras that can see through fog or inside the human body.

Science
, this issue p.
eaat2298
Plant iron acquisition strategy exploited by an insect herbivore
Authors: Hu L. , Mateo P. , Ye M. , Zhang X. , Berset J. D. , Handrick V. , Radisch D. , Grabe V. , Köllner T. G. , Gershenzon J. , Robert C. A. M. , Erb M.
Published: August 2018

An insect herbivore thrives on plant-derived iron complexes that its host uses for micronutrient uptake.
Characterizing the Effects of Glutathione as an Immunoadjuvant in the Treatment of Tuberculosis
Authors: Cao Ruoqiong , Teskey Garrett , Islamoglu Hicret , Abrahem Rachel , Munjal Shalok , Gyurjian Karo , Zhong Li , Venketaraman Vishwanath
Published: August 2018

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is the etiological agent that is responsible for causing tuberculosis (TB), which continues to affect millions of people worldwide, and the rate of resistance of
M. tuberculosis
to antibiotics is ever increasing. We tested the synergistic effects of
N
-acetyl cysteine (NAC; the precursor molecule for the synthesis of glutathione [GSH]) and individual first-line antibiotics typically given for the treatment of TB, such as isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RIF), ethambutol (EMB), and pyrazinamide (PZA), to improve the ability of macrophages to control intracellular
M. tuberculosis
infection.
Biolog Phenotype Microarray Is a Tool for the Identification of Multidrug Resistance Efflux Pump Inducers
Authors: Blanco P. , Corona F. , Martínez J. L.
Published: August 2018

Multidrug resistance efflux pumps frequently present low levels of basal expression. However, antibiotic-resistant mutants that overexpress these resistance determinants are selected during infection.
Daqu Fermentation Selects for Heat-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Bacilli
Authors: Wang Zhiying , Li Pan , Luo Lixin , Simpson David J. , Gänzle Michael G.
Published: August 2018

Daqu fermentations select for mobile genetic elements conferring heat resistance in
Enterobacteriaceae
and bacilli. The locus of heat resistance (LHR), a genomic island conferring heat resistance in
Enterobacteriaceae
, and the
spoVA
2mob
operon, conferring heat resistance on bacterial endospores, were enriched 3- to 5-fold during Daqu fermentation and maturation. It is therefore remarkable that the LHR and the
spoVA
2mob
operon are accumulated in the same food fermentation. The presence of heat-resistant
Kosakonia
spp. and
Bacillus
spp. in Daqu is not of concern for food safety; however, both genomic islands are mobile and transferable to pathogenic bacteria or toxin-producing bacteria by horizontal gene transfer. The identification of the LHR and the
spoVA
2mob
operon as indicators of fitness of
Enterobacteriaceae
and bacilli in Daqu fermentation provides insights into environmental sources of heat-resistant organisms that may contaminate the food supply.
Blood Culture Turnaround Time in U.S. Acute Care Hospitals and Implications for Laboratory Process Optimization
Authors: Tabak Ying P. , Vankeepuram Latha , Ye Gang , Jeffers Kay , Gupta Vikas , Murray Patrick R.
Published: August 2018

The rapid identification of blood culture isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) results play critical roles for the optimal treatment of patients with bloodstream infections. Whereas others have looked at the time to detection in automated culture systems, we examined the overall time from specimen collection to actionable test results.
Evaluation of Whole-Genome Sequencing for Identification and Typing of Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Greig David R. , Schaefer Ulf , Octavia Sophie , Hunter Ebony , Chattaway Marie A. , Dallman Timothy J. , Jenkins Claire
Published: August 2018

Epidemiological and microbiological data on
Vibrio cholerae
strains isolated between April 2004 and March 2018 (
n
= 836) and held at the Public Health England culture archive were reviewed. The traditional biochemical species identification and serological typing results were compared with the genome-derived species identification and serotype for a subset of isolates (
n
= 152).
Evaluation of a Novel Microarray Immunoblot Assay for Detection of IgM- and IgG-Class Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Theel Elitza S. , Sorenson Marisa , Granger Dane
Published: August 2018

Diagnostic testing for Lyme disease (LD) remains dependent on detection of antibodies to LD
Borrelia
using serologic assays, in adherence to the standard two-tiered testing (STTT) algorithm. We present the first analytic evaluation of the automated
Borrelia
B31 ViraChip IgM and IgG microarray immunoblot (MIB) assays (Viramed Biotech AG, Planegg, Germany) in comparison to two different, semiautomated blot assays for LD, including the
Borrelia
B31 ViraStripe IgM and IgG line immunoassays (LIAs) (Viramed) and the MarDx
Borrelia burgdorferi
IgM and IgG Western blot (WB) assays (Trinity Biotech, Carlsbad, CA), using prospectively collected sera (
n
= 411) and archived, clinically characterized samples (
n
= 91).
Newly Distinguished Cell Punctures Associated with Transmission of the Semipersistent Phloem-Limited Beet Yellows Virus
Authors: Jiménez Jaime , Tjallingii W. Fred , Moreno Aránzazu , Fereres Alberto
Published: August 2018

We discovered the specific feeding activities of
Myzus persicae
(Sulzer, 1776) associated with the transmission of
Beet yellows virus
(BYV;
Closterovirus
). Our work strongly suggests that aphids can insert their stylets into the membranes of phloem cells—visualized as a unique type of waveform that is associated with the inoculation of BYV. This intracellular puncture (3 to 5 s) occurs just before the phloem salivation phase and can be distinguished from other nonvascular stylet cell punctures. This is the first time that the transmission of a phloem-limited semipersistent virus has been shown to be associated with a unique type of intracellular puncture. Our work offers novel information and strongly contributes to the existing literature on the transmission of plant viruses. Here we describe a new kind of aphid behavioral pattern that could be key in further works, such as studying the transmission of other phloem-limited viruses (e.g., luteoviruses).
Emerging Fungal Pathogen Candida auris Evades Neutrophil Attack
Authors: Johnson Chad J. , Davis J. Muse , Huttenlocher Anna , Kernien John F. , Nett Jeniel E.
Published: August 2018

Candida auris
has recently emerged as the first fungal pathogen to cause a global public health threat. The reason this species is causing hospital-associated outbreaks of invasive candidiasis with high mortality is unknown. In this study, we examine the interaction of
C. auris
with neutrophils, leukocytes critical for control of invasive fungal infections. We show that human neutrophils do not effectively kill
C. auris
. Compared to
Candida albicans
, neutrophils poorly recruited to
C. auris
and failed to form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are structures of DNA, histones, and proteins with antimicrobial activity. In mixed cultures, neutrophils preferentially engaged and killed
C. albicans
over
C. auris
. Imaging of neutrophils in a zebrafish larval model of invasive candidiasis revealed the recruitment of approximately 50% fewer neutrophils in response to
C. auris
compared to
C. albicans
. Upon encounter with
C. albicans
in the zebrafish hindbrain, neutrophils produced clouds of histones, suggesting the formation of NETs. These structures were not observed in
C. auris
infection. Evasion of neutrophil attack and innate immunity offers an explanation for the virulence of this pathogen.

IMPORTANCE
The emerging fungal pathogen
Candida auris
has produced numerous outbreaks of invasive disease in hospitals worldwide. Why this species causes deadly disease is unknown. Our findings reveal a failure of neutrophils to kill
C. auris
compared to the most commonly encountered
Candida
species,
C. albicans
. While neutrophils produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) upon encounter with
C. albicans
, these antimicrobial structures are not formed in response to
C. auris
. Using human neutrophils and a zebrafish model of invasive candidiasis, we show that
C. auris
poorly recruits neutrophils and evades immune attack. Identification of this impaired innate immune response to
C. auris
sheds light on the dismal outcomes for patients with invasive disease.
Discovery of New Genes Involved in Curli Production by a Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strain from the Highly Virulent O45:K1:H7 Lineage
Authors: Nhu Nguyen Thi Khanh , Phan Minh-Duy , Peters Kate M. , Lo Alvin W. , Forde Brian M. , Min Chong Teik , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan , Chromek Milan , Brauner Annelie , Chapman Matthew R. , Beatson Scott A. , Schembri Mark A.
Published: August 2018

Curli are bacterial surface-associated amyloid fibers that bind to the dye Congo red (CR) and facilitate uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) biofilm formation and protection against host innate defenses. Here we sequenced the genome of the curli-producing UPEC pyelonephritis strain MS7163 and showed it belongs to the highly virulent O45:K1:H7 neonatal meningitis-associated clone. MS7163 produced curli at human physiological temperature, and this correlated with biofilm growth, resistance of sessile cells to the human cationic peptide cathelicidin, and enhanced colonization of the mouse bladder. We devised a forward genetic screen using CR staining as a proxy for curli production and identified 41 genes that were required for optimal CR binding, of which 19 genes were essential for curli synthesis. Ten of these genes were novel or poorly characterized with respect to curli synthesis and included genes involved in purine
de novo
biosynthesis, a regulator that controls the Rcs phosphorelay system, and a novel repressor of curli production (referred to as
rcpA
). The involvement of these genes in curli production was confirmed by the construction of defined mutants and their complementation. The mutants did not express the curli major subunit CsgA and failed to produce curli based on CR binding. Mutation of
purF
(the first gene in the purine biosynthesis pathway) and
rcpA
also led to attenuated colonization of the mouse bladder. Overall, this work has provided new insight into the regulation of curli and the role of these amyloid fibers in UPEC biofilm formation and pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) strains are the most common cause of urinary tract infection, a disease increasingly associated with escalating antibiotic resistance. UPEC strains possess multiple surface-associated factors that enable their colonization of the urinary tract, including fimbriae, curli, and autotransporters. Curli are extracellular amyloid fibers that enhance UPEC virulence and promote biofilm formation. Here we examined the function and regulation of curli in a UPEC pyelonephritis strain belonging to the highly virulent O45:K1:H7 neonatal meningitis-associated clone. Curli expression at human physiological temperature led to increased biofilm formation, resistance of sessile cells to the human cationic peptide LL-37, and enhanced bladder colonization. Using a comprehensive genetic screen, we identified multiple genes involved in curli production, including several that were novel or poorly characterized with respect to curli synthesis. In total, this study demonstrates an important role for curli as a UPEC virulence factor that promotes biofilm formation, resistance, and pathogenesis.
Genomic Characterization and Copy Number Variation of
Bacillus anthracis
Plasmids pXO1 and pXO2 in a Historical Collection of 412 Strains
Authors: Pena-Gonzalez Angela , Rodriguez-R Luis M. , Marston Chung K. , Gee Jay E. , Gulvik Christopher A. , Kolton Cari B. , Saile Elke , Frace Michael , Hoffmaster Alex R. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T.
Published: August 2018

Bacillus anthracis
microorganisms are of historical and epidemiological importance and are among the most homogenous bacterial groups known, even though the
B. anthracis
genome is rich in mobile elements. Mobile elements can trigger the diversification of lineages; therefore, characterizing the extent of genomic variation in a large collection of strains is critical for a complete understanding of the diversity and evolution of the species. Here, we sequenced a large collection of
B. anthracis
strains (>400) that were recovered from human, animal, and environmental sources around the world. Our results confirmed the remarkable stability of gene content and synteny of the anthrax plasmids and revealed no signal of plasmid exchange between
B. anthracis
and pathogenic
B. cereus
isolates but rather predominantly vertical descent. These findings advance our understanding of the biology and pathogenomic evolution of
B. anthracis
and its plasmids.
A randomised placebo-controlled double-blind trial to assess the safety of intramuscular administration of allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells for digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis: the MANUS Trial protocol
Authors: van Rhijn-Brouwer Femke C C , Gremmels Hendrik , Fledderus Joost O , Schuurman Arnold H , Bonte-Mineur Femke , Vonk Madelon C , Voskuyl Alexandre E , de Vries-Bouwstra Jeska K , Coert J Henk , Radstake Timothy R D J , van Laar Jacob M , Verhaar Marianne C
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation, fibrosis and vasculopathy. Digital ulcers (DUs) are a frequent manifestation of vasculopathy in patients with SSc. Despite recent advances in pharmacological treatments, DU still have major health and economic implications. As there is currently no proven therapeutic strategy to promote DU healing, new treatments are urgently needed. Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs) may provide a novel therapy for DU in SSc, because of their immunomodulatory and vasculoregenerative properties. Allogeneic MSC therapy involves functionally competent MSCs from healthy donors and may be used as ‘off-the-shelf’ available treatment. This study will evaluate whether allogeneic MSC therapy is a safe and potentially efficacious treatment for DU of SSc.

Methods and analysis

The MANUS (Mesenchymal stromal cells forAngiogenesis andNeovascularization in digitalUlcers ofSystemic Sclerosis) Trial is a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial. 20 patients with SSc with refractory DU will be randomised to receive eight intramuscular injections with either placebo or 50*106MSCs. The primary outcome is the toxicity of the treatment at 12 weeks after administration. Secondary outcomes include (serious) adverse events, number and time to healing of DU, pain, reported hand function, quality of life and SSc disease activity. We will also evaluate changes in nailfold capillaroscopy pattern, as well as biochemical parameters and biomarkers in peripheral blood and skin biopsies. Follow-up visits will be scheduled at 48 hours and 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 52 weeks post-treatment. If the results confirm safety, feasibility and potential efficacy, a large multicentre randomised controlled trial with longer follow-up will be initiated focusing on efficacy.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Dutch Central Committee on Research Concerning Human Subjects (protocol no: NL51705.000.15). The results will be disseminated through patient associations and conventional scientific channels.

Trial registration number

NCT03211793; Pre-results.
Comparative morbidities and the share of emergencies in hospital admissions in deprived areas: a method and evidence from English administrative data
Authors: McCormick Barry , Hill Peter-Sam , Redding Stuart
Published: August 2018

Objective

Various studies find that the share of emergencies in hospital admissions is higher in deprived areas, but both the explanation and policy implications are unclear. We estimate the extent to which this finding is due to a different disease mix in deprived areas, rather than other explanations such as patient behaviour and general practitioner effectiveness.

Design

Secondary analysis using English Hospital Episode Statistics data, with disease for elective and emergency admissions in 2008/2009 coded at 186 blocks or 1230 categories and aggregated to lower layer super output area of residence. It is then linked to an appropriate measure of deprivation.

Outcome measures

The difference in the share of emergencies in hospital admissions between communities in the highest and lowest deciles of deprivation; and the percentage of this difference that is explained if areas in the least deprived decile have the same disease mix as those in the most deprived decile.

Results

Using the finest disease classification scheme (1230 categories), 71% of the higher share of admissions that were emergencies in decile 1 areas relative to decile 10, is explained by the “adverse” case mix (CM) in deprived areas. The remainder reflects the higher relative use of emergency care in deprived areas for the same conditions. Higher incidence of respiratory and circulatory diseases in deprived areas explains about 30% of the CM contribution. Diseases of the digestive system and abdomen have a high relative use of emergency care in deprived areas.

Conclusions

The higher use of emergency care in deprived areas is primarily a symptom of the higher prevalence of diseases which have high national rates of emergency to elective care—especially respiratory diseases—rather than an indication of less effective primary care. Nevertheless, there is a higher share of emergency care in admissions in deprived areas for several diseases, most notably of the digestive system.
Gout and hearing impairment in the elderly: a retrospective cohort study using the US Medicare claims data
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A , Cleveland John D
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To evaluate whether gout is associated with a higher risk of hearing loss in older adults.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

USA.

Participants

5% random sample of US Medicare claims 2006–2012, representative of US adults aged 65 years or older.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Incident (new) hearing loss identified by the presence of at least two claims at least 4 weeks apart with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, 389.xx, with no respective claim in the baseline 1-year observation period.

Results

Among the 1.71 million eligible people, 89 409 developed incident hearing impairment. The crude incidence rates of incident hearing impairment in people with versus without gout were 16.9 vs. 8.7 per 1000 person-years. Using Cox regression analyses adjusted for demographics, medical comorbidity and common cardiovascular and gout medications, we found that gout was associated with a significantly higher HR of incident hearing impairment, HR was 1.44 (95% CI 1.40 to 1.49, p<0.0001). Findings were confirmed in sensitivity analyses that substituted continuous Charlson-Romano Index with categorical variable or all comorbidities and additionally cardiovascular risk factors, with minimal attenuation of HR.

Conclusions

Gout is associated with a higher risk of development of hearing loss in older adults. Future studies need to assess the underlying mechanisms of this association.
Short-term outcomes after emergency surgery for complicated peptic ulcer disease from the UK National Emergency Laparotomy Audit: a cohort study
Authors: Byrne Benjamin E , Bassett Michael , Rogers Chris A , Anderson Iain D , Beckingham Ian , Blazeby Jane M
Published: August 2018

Objectives

This study used national audit data to describe current management and outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for complications of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), including perforation and bleeding. It was also planned to explore factors associated with fatal outcome after surgery for perforated ulcers. These analyses were designed to provide a thorough understanding of current practice and identify potentially modifiable factors associated with outcome as targets for future quality improvement.

Design

National cohort study using National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) data.

Setting

English and Welsh hospitals within the National Health Service.

Participants

Adult patients admitted as an emergency with perforated or bleeding PUD between December 2013 and November 2015.

Interventions

Laparotomy for bleeding or perforated peptic ulcer.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was 60-day in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of postoperative stay, readmission and reoperation rate.

Results

2444 and 382 procedures were performed for perforated and bleeding ulcers, respectively. In-hospital 60-day mortality rates were 287/2444 (11.7%, 95% CI 10.5% to 13.1%) for perforations, and 68/382 (17.8%, 95% CI 14.1% to 22.0%) for bleeding. Median (IQR) 2-year institutional volume was 12 (7–17) and 2 (1–3) for perforation and bleeding, respectively. In the exploratory analysis, age, American Society of Anesthesiology score and preoperative systolic blood pressure were associated with mortality, with no association with time from admission to operation, surgeon grade or operative approach.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing surgery for complicated PUD face a high 60-day mortality risk. Exploratory analyses suggested fatal outcome was primarily associated with patient rather than provider care factors. Therefore, it may be challenging to reduce mortality rates further. NELA data provide important benchmarking for patient consent and has highlighted low institutional volume and high mortality rates after surgery for bleeding peptic ulcers as a target for future research and improvement.