bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Race, Care Work, and the Private Law of Inheritance
Authors: Roberts Dorothy E.
Published: May 2015

In Someday All This Will Be Yours, Hendrik
Hartog (2012) examines how private inheritance law structured the strategies
people used at the turn of the twentieth century to induce relatives to care
for them as they aged. Reading it as a book about social inequality and the
family reveals how wealth, gender, and race not only worked to deny claims
of marginalized caregivers but also to hide the way these social hierarchies
affect family life. Although race does not figure in Hartog's analysis,
highlighting its latent presence illustrates the often unspoken yet
fundamental role race plays in legal regulation of families.
Somedays, I Have Second Thoughts
Authors: Hartog Hendrik
Published: May 2015

In this short response to the reviewers of Someday All This
Will Be Yours, A History of Inheritance and Old Age
(Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2012), the author identifies some
of the paradoxes and difficulties that researching and writing the book
posed and, along the way, qualifies and complicates some of the conclusions
that he then drew. In particular, he questions the extent to which a work of
history speaks to the concerns of the emerging field of elder law.
Rapid balloon distension as a tool to study cortical processing of visceral sensations and pain
Authors: Lelic D. , Nissen T. D. , Brock C. , Aziz Q. , Drewes A. M.
Published: May 2015

Background

The processing of discomfort and pain in the central nervous system is normally studied with experimental methods, but it is mandatory that they are reliable over time to ensure that any interventions will result in valid results. We investigated reliability of rapid balloon distension in the rectum to elicit cortical evoked potentials (CEPs) to study the reliability of central processing of visceral sensation and discomfort/pain.

Methods

Eighteen healthy volunteers had two series of rectal balloon distensions performed on two separate days. Individualized balloon pressure, corresponding to pain detection threshold or to the maximum possible distension (30 psi), was used. Within‐ and between days reliability was measured in terms of amplitudes and latencies of the CEP global field power, topography and underlying brain networks.

Key Results

There were two prominent peaks in the CEP recordings at mean latencies of 157 and 322 ms. There were no differences in latencies or amplitudes (p = 0.3) and they passed the Bland–Altman test for reproducibility. There were no differences in topographies (p > 0.7). Brain source connectivity revealed the cingulate‐operculum network as the most consistent network within and between subjects. There were no differences in the location of brain sources in this network (p = 0.9) and the source coordinates were reproducible. Finally, the cingulate source generally had higher strength than operculum source (p < 0.001).

Conclusions & Inferences

A reliable method to study central mechanisms underlying visceral sensation and pain was established. The method may improve our understanding of visceral pain and could be an objective method for studying efficacy of analgesics on visceral pain.
The contribution of mast cells to postoperative ileus in experimental and clinical studies
Authors: Peters E. G. , De Jonge W. J. , Smeets B. J. J. , Luyer M. D. P.
Published: May 2015

The persistent phase of postoperative ileus (POI) is mediated by inflammatory activation of the resident myeloid immune cell population in the gut wall, likely elicited by neurogenic activation. Mast cells are thought to play a critical role in this inflammatory response and involvement of mast cells in POI has been investigated and described thoroughly in experimental studies. Intestinal manipulation (IM) leads to degranulation of mast cells, resulting in an increase in mast cell proteases in peritoneal fluid and gut tissue. The inflammatory infiltrate formed in the intestinal wall thereby impairs gastrointestinal motility. In the clinical study by Berdun et al., the experimentally known association between mast cell degranulation and delayed motility is shown in a clinical setting. These findings are important and open up therapeutic opportunities to reduce or prevent POI. In this mini‐review, the role of mast cells in POI is discussed. Furthermore, an update is given on the involvement of the inflammatory response in POI and potential therapeutic strategies.
Hypertension in children after renal transplantation
Authors: Bulum Burcu , Özçakar Z. Birsin , Kavaz Aslı , Tutar Ercan , Ekim Mesiha , Yalçınkaya Fatoş
Published: May 2015

Background

Hypertension (HT) is a common and serious complication following renal transplantation in children, and an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the clinical characteristics of HT in children after renal transplantation.

Methods

Twenty‐four children who were followed up at least 6 months after renal transplantation were enrolled in the study. From the clinical records, demographic and laboratory data, casual blood pressure (BP) measurement, ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), medication, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) at echocardiogram were documented.

Results

Mean age at time of transplantation was 12.6 ± 3.0 years and mean follow‐up period was 19.6 ± 15.8 months. HT was detected in 21 children (87.5%) after renal transplantation. Twelve patients (50%) had HT both before and after transplantation and nine (38%) had HT only after transplantation. HT developed in 67% within the first week and in 95% within the first month. All hypertensive children had night‐time HT and no child had isolated daytime HT. The efficacy of HT control was 42%. Median LVMI in patients with HT after renal transplantation was 42.3 g/m2.7.

Conclusions

Severe HT, an important complication, was frequently seen in the early period after renal transplantation. Predominance of nocturnal HT and the lack of isolated daytime HT after transplantation underline the importance of ABPM. ABPM should be performed regularly in the first year after transplantation, not only for diagnosis but also for evaluation of HT control.
Prognostic factors of drug‐resistant epilepsy in childhood: An Italian study
Authors: Russo Angelo , Posar Annio , Conti Sara , Parmeggiani Antonia
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Background

Epilepsy is drug resistant in 30–40% of cases. We studied, retrospectively, the prognostic factors of drug resistance (DR) during a 15 year period, in an Italian sample of patients with childhood epilepsy.

Methods

A total of 117 patients were divided into two groups: one with DR, and the other without DR. The two groups were compared at the following time points: epilepsy onset (T0), and at 2, 5, 8 and 10 years after seizure onset (T2, T5, T8 and T10, respectively) using Fisher's exact test and randomization test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was then used to identify the most reliable predictive model of DR.

Results

Positive neurological examination at onset, symptomatic/probable symptomatic etiology, lack of response to the first drug, seizure clustering during follow up, intelligence quotient ≤ 70, altered neuropsychological examination at onset, and presence of cerebral lesions were predominant in cases of DR. The most reliable combinations of predictors of DR included partial or no response to the first drug, presence of seizure clustering during follow up, altered neurological examination at onset, and long latency between epilepsy onset and first drug at T2; partial or absent response to the first drug and positive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at T5; positive MRI and absence of generalized seizures at T8; and positive MRI at T10. DR also sometimes appeared after discontinuation of an effective therapy.

Conclusions

Predictive factors of DR can be recognized in a large number of patients with epilepsy at disease onset, although the current possibility of predicting epilepsy outcome remains limited. In the long term, evidence of cerebral lesions appears to become the most significant prognostic factor.
Perceived influence, decision‐making and access to information in family services as factors of parental empowerment: a cross‐sectional study of parents with young children
Authors: Vuorenmaa Maaret , Halme Nina , Perälä Marja‐Leena , Kaunonen Marja , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi
Published: May 2015

Background

Parental empowerment is known to increase parents' resources and to reduce stress, and therefore to improve family well‐being. Professionals working in family services (child health clinics, school health care, day care, preschool and primary school) encounter families in various everyday settings and can significantly support parental empowerment.

Aim

This study aimed (i) to identify associations between parental empowerment and demographic and family service characteristics (i.e. parents' participation and perceived influence, decision‐making and access to information) and (ii) to identify predictors of maternal and paternal empowerment.

Method

Study design was cross‐sectional. Participants were mothers (n = 571) and fathers (n = 384) of children aged 0–9 who were selected by stratified random sampling in 2009. Associations were analysed by t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Sufficient perceived influence and joint decision‐making by family and professionals on family service appointments emerged as significant variables of increased parental empowerment. Access to adequate information about municipal services was also associated with high empowerment. These family service characteristics were associated with parents' sense that they were able to manage in everyday life and had influence on specific service situations and family services in general. Mothers with a child aged under 3 or a child in home care or primary school, and fathers with a lower education feel less empowered in family services than other parents.

Conclusion

Knowledge about the factors associated with parental empowerment can contribute to further reinforce parental empowerment, help identify parents who need special attention and contribute to the development of family services.
A Cross‐Cultural Examination of the Disjuncture Between Aspirations and Expectations/Perceived Outcomes: Strain and Academic Deviance in the United States and Japan
Authors: Tedor Miyuki Fukushima , Sharp Susan F. , Kobayashi Emiko
Published: May 2015

Using comparable self‐reported survey data collected among college students in the United States (n = 502) and Japan (n = 441), this study examines a paradox of higher academic deviance among otherwise more conforming Japanese youth while revisiting the debate concerning the disjuncture between aspirations and expectations/perceived outcomes in Agnew's general strain theory (GST). Confirming the paradox, our results indicate that Japanese students are significantly more deviant academically than American students. However, contrary to the expectation of GST, but in support of past empirical studies, the higher academic deviance among the Japanese, as compared to Americans, is explained by their lower aspirations, irrespective of the levels of expectations/perceived outcomes
Progressive retinal atrophy in the Polski Owczarek Nizinny dog: a clinical and genetic study
Authors: Svensson Marika , Olsén Lena , Winkler Paige A. , Petersen‐Jones Simon M. , Bergström Tomas , Garncarz Yacek , Narfström Kristina
Published: May 2015

Objective

To describe ophthalmic, functional, structural, and genetical characteristics of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in the polski owczarek nizinny (PON) breed of dog.

Animals studied clinically

Client‐owned PON dogs (n = 82) from Sweden.

Procedures

Routine examination for presumed inherited eye disease was performed in all dogs. Bilateral full‐field electroretinography (ERG) was performed in 11 affected and 4 control dogs. Eyes from one affected dog were studied with light microscopy. DNA samples from 34 Swedish and 30 PON dogs collected by Michigan State University (MSU) were tested for the mutations causing the rcd4 and prcd forms of PRA.

Results

Sixteen of the eighty‐two Swedish dogs were diagnosed with PRA. Slight vascular attenuation, first seen at 4.5 years of age, preceded changes in tapetal reflectivity. The initial ERG changes in affected dogs showed markedly diminished rod responses, while cone responses were barely affected. Eventually, cone responses were also reduced. Retinal morphology showed approximately a 50% reduction of photoreceptor nuclei in the outer nuclear layer. Fourteen of fifteen PRA‐affected Swedish dogs and eighteen of twenty of the MSU PRA‐affected dogs tested genetically were positive for the rcd4 mutation. All tested dogs were negative for the mutation causing prcd‐PRA.

Conclusions

PRA of PON dogs is a late‐onset degenerative disease with slow progression. There is early loss of rod function, while the cone system deteriorates later. The rcd4 mutation in the C2ORF71 gene was associated with the majority of the PRA cases tested. The possibility of additional forms of PRA in the breed cannot be excluded.
Cerebral oxygenation in highlanders with and without high‐altitude pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Furian M. , Latshang T. D. , Aeschbacher S. S. , Ulrich S. , Sooronbaev T. , Mirrakhimov E. M. , Aldashev A. , Bloch K. E.
Published: May 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Cerebral hypoxia impairs cognitive function and exercise performance and may result in brain damage. Residents at high altitude, in particular those with high‐altitude pulmonary hypertension, are prone to hypoxaemia due to the exposure to reduced barometric pressure and impaired pulmonary gas exchange. Whether highlanders have a reduced cerebral oxygenation has not been studied.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We found that despite a reduced arterial oxygen saturation, healthy highlanders and even those with pulmonary hypertension have a similar cerebral oxygenation to healthy lowlanders, suggesting that compensatory mechanisms protect long‐term residents at high altitude from cerebral hypoxia.

High‐altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH), a chronic altitude‐related illness, causes hypoxaemia and impaired exercise performance. We evaluated the hypothesis that haemodynamic limitation and hypoxaemia in patients with HAPH are associated with impaired cerebral tissue oxygenation (CTO) compared with healthy highlanders (HH) and lowlanders (LL). We studied 36 highlanders with HAPH and 54 HH at an altitude of 3250 m, and 34 LL at 760 m. Mean(±SD) pulmonary artery pressures were 34(±3), 22(±5) and 16(±4) mmHg, respectively (P < 0.05, all comparisons). The CTO was monitored by near‐infrared spectroscopy along with pulse oximetry (peripheral arterial oxygen saturation, ) during quiet breathing of room air (RA) and oxygen for 20 min each, and during hyperventilation with RA and oxygen, respectively. In HAPH, HH and LL breathing RA, was 88(±4), 92(±2) and 95(±2)%, respectively (P < 0.001, all comparisons), and CTO was similar in the three groups, at 68(±3), 68(±4) and 69(±4)%, respectively (n.s., all comparisons). Breathing oxygen increased and CTO significantly more in HAPH than in HH and LL. Hyperventilation (RA) did not reduce CTO in HAPH but did in HH and LL; hyperventilation (oxygen) increased CTO in HAPH only. Highlanders with and without HAPH studied at 3250 m had a similar CTO to healthy lowlanders at 760 m even though highlanders were hypoxaemic. The physiological response to hyperoxia and hypocapnia assessed by cerebral near‐infrared spectroscopy suggests that healthy highlanders and even highlanders with HAPH effectively maintain an adequate CTO. This adaptation may be of particular relevance because adequate cerebral oxygenation is essential for vital brain functions.
Why resilience is unappealing to social science: Theoretical and empirical investigations of the scientific use of resilience
Authors: Olsson Lennart , Jerneck Anne , Thoren Henrik , Persson Johannes , O’Byrne David
Published: May 2015

Pluralism drawing on core social scientific concepts would facilitate integrated sustainability research.
High-performance transistors for bioelectronics through tuning of channel thickness
Authors: Rivnay Jonathan , Leleux Pierre , Ferro Marc , Sessolo Michele , Williamson Adam , Koutsouras Dimitrios A. , Khodagholy Dion , Ramuz Marc , Strakosas Xenofon , Owens Roisin M. , Benar Christian , Badier Jean-Michel , Bernard Christophe , Malliaras George G.
Published: May 2015

Transistors with tunable transconductance allow high-quality recordings of human brain rhythms.
Imaging atomic-scale effects of high-energy ion irradiation on superconductivity and vortex pinning in Fe(Se,Te)
Authors: Massee Freek , Sprau Peter Oliver , Wang Yong-Lei , Davis J. C. Séamus , Ghigo Gianluca , Gu Genda D. , Kwok Wai-Kwong
Published: May 2015

Atomic-scale imaging reveals how individual impact sites of high-energy ions prevent the disruptive motion of magnetic vortices.
Activation of GTP hydrolysis in mRNA-tRNA translocation by elongation factor G
Authors: Li Wen , Liu Zheng , Koripella Ravi Kiran , Langlois Robert , Sanyal Suparna , Frank Joachim
Published: May 2015

Cryo-EM study reveals key molecular structural features for activation of guanosine triphosphate cleavage by EF-G during translocation.
Feline Calicivirus, Murine Norovirus, Porcine Sapovirus, and Tulane Virus Survival on Postharvest Lettuce
Authors: Esseili Malak A. , Saif Linda J. , Farkas Tibor , Wang Qiuhong
Published: May 2015

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses, with an increasing number of outbreaks associated with leafy greens. Because HuNoV cannot be routinely cultured, culturable feline calicivirus (FCV), murine norovirus (MNV), porcine sapovirus (SaV), and Tulane virus (TV) have been used as surrogates. These viruses are generated in different cell lines as infected cell lysates, which may differentially affect their stability. Our objective was to uniformly compare the survival of these viruses on postharvest lettuce while evaluating the effects of cell lysates on their survival. Viruses were semipurified from cell lysates by ultrafiltration or ultracentrifugation followed by resuspension in sterile water. Virus survival was examined before and after semipurification: in suspension at room temperature (RT) until day 28 and on lettuce leaves stored at RT for 3 days or at 4°C for 7 and 14 days. In suspension, both methods significantly enhanced the survival of all viruses. On lettuce, the survival of MNV in cell lysates was similar to that in water, under all storage conditions. In contrast, the survival of FCV, SaV, and TV was differentially enhanced, under different storage conditions, by removing cell lysates. Following semipurification, viruses showed similar persistence to each other on lettuce stored under all conditions, with the exception of ultracentrifugation-purified FCV, which showed a higher inactivation rate than MNV at 4°C for 14 days. In conclusion, the presence of cell lysates in viral suspensions underestimated the survivability of these surrogate viruses, while viral semipurification revealed similar survivabilities on postharvest lettuce leaves.
Mining for Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase and Polyketide Synthase Genes Revealed a High Level of Diversity in the Sphagnum Bog Metagenome
Authors: Müller Christina A. , Oberauner-Wappis Lisa , Peyman Armin , Amos Gregory C. A. , Wellington Elizabeth M. H. , Berg Gabriele
Published: May 2015

Sphagnum
bog ecosystems are among the oldest vegetation forms harboring a specific microbial community and are known to produce an exceptionally wide variety of bioactive substances. Although the
Sphagnum
metagenome shows a rich secondary metabolism, the genes have not yet been explored. To analyze nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) and polyketide synthases (PKSs), the diversity of NRPS and PKS genes in
Sphagnum
-associated metagenomes was investigated by
in silico
data mining and sequence-based screening (PCR amplification of 9,500 fosmid clones). The
in silico
Illumina-based metagenomic approach resulted in the identification of 279 NRPSs and 346 PKSs, as well as 40 PKS-NRPS hybrid gene sequences. The occurrence of NRPS sequences was strongly dominated by the members of the
Protebacteria
phylum, especially by species of the
Burkholderia
genus, while PKS sequences were mainly affiliated with
Actinobacteria
. Thirteen novel NRPS-related sequences were identified by PCR amplification screening, displaying amino acid identities of 48% to 91% to annotated sequences of members of the phyla
Proteobacteria
,
Actinobacteria
, and
Cyanobacteria
. Some of the identified metagenomic clones showed the closest similarity to peptide synthases from
Burkholderia
or
Lysobacter
, which are emerging bacterial sources of as-yet-undescribed bioactive metabolites. This report highlights the role of the extreme natural ecosystems as a promising source for detection of secondary compounds and enzymes, serving as a source for biotechnological applications.
Dual Roles of Capsular Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Photocatalytic Inactivation of Escherichia coli: Comparison of E. coli BW25113 and Isogenic Mutants
Authors: Huang Guocheng , Xia Dehua , An Taicheng , Ng Tsz Wai , Yip Ho Yin , Li Guiying , Zhao Huijun , Wong Po Keung
Published: May 2015

The dual roles of capsular extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria were demonstrated in a TiO
2
-UVA system, by comparing wild-type
Escherichia coli
strain BW25113 and isogenic mutants with upregulated and downregulated production of capsular EPS. In a partition system in which direct contact between bacterial cells and TiO
2
particles was inhibited, an increase in the amount of EPS was associated with increased bacterial resistance to photocatalytic inactivation. In contrast, when bacterial cells were in direct contact with TiO
2
particles, an increase in the amount of capsular EPS decreased cell viability during photocatalytic treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that although capsular EPS can protect bacterial cells by consuming photogenerated reactive species, it also facilitates photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria by promoting the adhesion of TiO
2
particles to the cell surface. Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses further confirmed that high capsular EPS density led to more TiO
2
particles attaching to cells and forming bacterium-TiO
2
aggregates. Calculations of interaction energy, represented by extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) potential, suggested that the presence of capsular EPS enhances the attachment of TiO
2
particles to bacterial cells via acid-base interactions. Consideration of these mechanisms is critical for understanding bacterium-nanoparticle interactions and the photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria.
Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis and Genome-Wide Virulence Gene Identification of Riemerella anatipestifer Strain Yb2
Authors: Wang Xiaolan , Ding Chan , Wang Shaohui , Han Xiangan , Yu Shengqing
Published: May 2015

Riemerella anatipestifer
is a well-described pathogen of waterfowl and other avian species that can cause septicemic and exudative diseases. In this study, we sequenced the complete genome of
R. anatipestifer
strain Yb2 and analyzed it against the published genomic sequences of
R. anatipestifer
strains DSM15868, RA-GD, RA-CH-1, and RA-CH-2. The Yb2 genome contains one circular chromosome of 2,184,066 bp with a 35.73% GC content and no plasmid. The genome has 2,021 open reading frames that occupy 90.88% of the genome. A comparative genomic analysis revealed that genome organization is highly conserved among
R. anatipestifer
strains, except for four inversions of a sequence segment in Yb2. A phylogenetic analysis found that the closest neighbor of Yb2 is RA-GD. Furthermore, we constructed a library of 3,175 mutants by random transposon mutagenesis, and 100 mutants exhibiting more than 100-fold-attenuated virulence were obtained by animal screening experiments. Southern blot analysis and genetic characterization of the mutants led to the identification of 49 virulence genes. Of these, 25 encode cytoplasmic proteins, 6 encode cytoplasmic membrane proteins, 4 encode outer membrane proteins, and the subcellular localization of the remaining 14 gene products is unknown. The functional classification of orthologous-group clusters revealed that 16 genes are associated with metabolism, 6 are associated with cellular processing and signaling, and 4 are associated with information storage and processing. The functions of the other 23 genes are poorly characterized or unknown. This genome-wide study identified genes important to the virulence of
R. anatipestifer
.
Microbial Source Tracking in Adjacent Karst Springs
Authors: Ohad Shoshanit , Vaizel-Ohayon Dalit , Rom Meir , Guttman Joseph , Berger Diego , Kravitz Valeria , Pilo Shlomo , Huberman Zohar , Kashi Yechezkel , Rorman Efrat
Published: May 2015

Modern man-made environments, including urban, agricultural, and industrial environments, have complex ecological interactions among themselves and with the natural surroundings. Microbial source tracking (MST) offers advanced tools to resolve the host source of fecal contamination beyond indicator monitoring. This study was intended to assess karst spring susceptibilities to different fecal sources using MST quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays targeting human, bovine, and swine markers. It involved a dual-time monitoring frame: (i) monthly throughout the calendar year and (ii) daily during a rainfall event. Data integration was taken from both monthly and daily MST profile monitoring and improved identification of spring susceptibility to host fecal contamination; three springs located in close geographic proximity revealed different MST profiles. The Giach spring showed moderate fluctuations of MST marker quantities amid wet and dry samplings, while the Zuf spring had the highest rise of the GenBac3 marker during the wet event, which was mirrored in other markers as well. The revelation of human fecal contamination during the dry season not connected to incidents of raining leachates suggests a continuous and direct exposure to septic systems. Pigpens were identified in the watersheds of Zuf, Shefa, and Giach springs and on the border of the Gaaton spring watershed. Their impact was correlated with partial detection of the Pig-2-Bac marker in Gaaton spring, which was lower than detection levels in all three of the other springs. Ruminant and swine markers were detected intermittently, and their contamination potential during the wet samplings was exposed. These results emphasized the importance of sampling design to utilize the MST approach to delineate subtleties of fecal contamination in the environment.
Genetic Structure and Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli and Cryptic Clades in Birds with Diverse Human Associations
Authors: Blyton Michaela D. J. , Pi Hongfei , Vangchhia Belinda , Abraham Sam , Trott Darren J. , Johnson James R. , Gordon David M.
Published: May 2015

The manner and extent to which birds associate with humans may influence the genetic attributes and antimicrobial resistance of their commensal
Escherichia
communities through strain transmission and altered selection pressures. In this study, we determined whether the distribution of the different
Escherichia coli
phylogenetic groups and cryptic clades, the occurrence of 49 virulence associated genes, and/or the prevalence of resistance to 12 antimicrobials differed between four groups of birds from Australia with contrasting types of human association. We found that birds sampled in suburban and wilderness areas had similar
Escherichia
communities. The
Escherichia
communities of backyard domestic poultry were phylogenetically distinct from the
Escherichia
communities sourced from all other birds, with a large proportion (46%) of poultry strains belonging to phylogenetic group A and a significant minority (17%) belonging to the cryptic clades. Wild birds sampled from veterinary and wildlife rehabilitation centers (in-care birds) carried
Escherichia
isolates that possessed particular virulence-associated genes more often than
Escherichia
isolates from birds sampled in suburban and wilderness areas. The
Escherichia
isolates from both the backyard poultry and in-care birds were more likely to be multidrug resistant than the
Escherichia
isolates from wild birds. We also detected a multidrug-resistant
E. coli
strain circulating in a wildlife rehabilitation center, reinforcing the importance of adequate hygiene practices when handling and caring for wildlife. We suggest that the relatively high frequency of antimicrobial resistance in the in-care birds and backyard poultry is due primarily to the use of antimicrobials in these animals, and we recommend that the treatment protocols used for these birds be reviewed.
Automated Sampling Procedures Supported by High Persistence of Bacterial Fecal Indicators and Bacteroidetes Genetic Microbial Source Tracking Markers in Municipal Wastewater during Short-Term Storage at 5°C
Authors: Mayer R. E. , Vierheilig J. , Egle L. , Reischer G. H. , Saracevic E. , Mach R. L. , Kirschner A. K. T. , Zessner M. , Sommer R. , Farnleitner A. H.
Published: May 2015

Because of high diurnal water quality fluctuations in raw municipal wastewater, the use of proportional autosampling over a period of 24 h at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to evaluate carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal has become a standard in many countries. Microbial removal or load estimation at municipal WWTPs, however, is still based on manually recovered grab samples. The goal of this study was to establish basic knowledge regarding the persistence of standard bacterial fecal indicators and
Bacteroidetes
genetic microbial source tracking markers in municipal wastewater in order to evaluate their suitability for automated sampling, as the potential lack of persistence is the main argument against such procedures. Raw and secondary treated wastewater of municipal origin from representative and well-characterized biological WWTPs without disinfection (organic carbon and nutrient removal) was investigated in microcosm experiments at 5 and 21°C with a total storage time of 32 h (including a 24-h autosampling component and an 8-h postsampling phase). Vegetative
Escherichia coli
and enterococci, as well as
Clostridium perfringens
spores, were selected as indicators for cultivation-based standard enumeration. Molecular analysis focused on total (AllBac) and human-associated genetic
Bacteroidetes
(BacHum-UCD, HF183 TaqMan) markers by using quantitative PCR, as well as 16S rRNA gene-based next-generation sequencing. The microbial parameters showed high persistence in both raw and treated wastewater at 5°C under the storage conditions used. Surprisingly, and in contrast to results obtained with treated wastewater, persistence of the microbial markers in raw wastewater was also high at 21°C. On the basis of our results, 24-h autosampling procedures with 5°C storage conditions can be recommended for the investigation of fecal indicators or
Bacteroidetes
genetic markers at municipal WWTPs. Such autosampling procedures will contribute to better understanding and monitoring of municipal WWTPs as sources of fecal pollution in water resources.
Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus, and Arcobacter skirrowii Circulation in a Dairy Farm and Sources of Milk Contamination
Authors: Giacometti Federica , Lucchi Alex , Di Francesco Antonietta , Delogu Mauro , Grilli Ester , Guarniero Ilaria , Stancampiano Laura , Manfreda Gerardo , Merialdi Giuseppe , Serraino Andrea
Published: May 2015

Even though dairy cows are known carriers of
Arcobacter
species and raw or minimally processed foods are recognized as the main sources of human
Arcobacter
infections in industrialized countries, data on
Arcobacter
excretion patterns in cows and in milk are scant. This study aimed to identify potentially pathogenic
Arcobacter
species in a dairy herd and to investigate the routes of
Arcobacter
transmission among animals and the potential sources of cattle infection and milk contamination. A strategy of sampling the same 50 dairy animals, feed, water, and milk every month for a 10-month period, as well as the sampling of quarter milk, animal teats, the milking environment, and animals living on the farm (pigeons and cats), was used to evaluate, by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), the characteristic patterns in animals, their living environment, and the raw milk they produced. Of the 463 samples collected, 105 (22.6%) were positive for
Arcobacter
spp. by culture examination. All the matrices except quarter milk and pigeon gut samples were positive, with prevalences ranging from 15 to 83% depending on the sample. Only three
Arcobacter
species,
Arcobacter
cryaerophilus
(54.2%),
A. butzleri
(34.2%), and
A. skirrowii
(32.3%), were detected. PFGE analysis of 370 isolates from positive samples provided strong evidence of
Arcobacter
circulation in the herd: cattle likely acquire the microorganisms by orofecal transmission, either by direct contact or from the environment, or both. Water appears to be a major source of animal infection. Raw milk produced by the farm and collected from a bulk tank was frequently contaminated (80%) by
A. butzleri
; our PFGE findings excluded primary contamination of milk, whereas teats and milking machine surfaces could be sources of
Arcobacter
milk contamination.
Changes in Sodium, Calcium, and Magnesium Ion Concentrations That Inhibit Geobacillus Biofilms Have No Effect on Anoxybacillus flavithermus Biofilms
Authors: Somerton B. , Lindsay D. , Palmer J. , Brooks J. , Flint S.
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the effects of varied sodium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations in specialty milk formulations on biofilm formation by
Geobacillus
spp. and
Anoxybacillus flavithermus
. The numbers of attached viable cells (log CFU per square centimeter) after 6 to 18 h of biofilm formation by three dairy-derived strains of
Geobacillus
and three dairy-derived strains of
A. flavithermus
were compared in two commercial milk formulations. Milk formulation B had relatively high sodium and low calcium and magnesium concentrations compared with those of milk formulation A, but the two formulations had comparable fat, protein, and lactose concentrations. Biofilm formation by the three
Geobacillus
isolates was up to 4 log CFU cm
−2
lower in milk formulation B than in milk formulation A after 6 to 18 h, and the difference was often significant (
P
≤ 0.05). However, no significant differences (
P
≤ 0.05) were found when biofilm formations by the three
A. flavithermus
isolates were compared in milk formulations A and B. Supplementation of milk formulation A with 100 mM NaCl significantly decreased (
P
≤ 0.05)
Geobacillus
biofilm formation after 6 to 10 h. Furthermore, supplementation of milk formulation B with 2 mM CaCl
2
or 2 mM MgCl
2
significantly increased (
P
≤ 0.05)
Geobacillus
biofilm formation after 10 to 18 h. It was concluded that relatively high free Na
+
and low free Ca
2+
and Mg
2+
concentrations in milk formulations are collectively required to inhibit biofilm formation by
Geobacillus
spp., whereas biofilm formation by
A. flavithermus
is not impacted by typical cation concentration differences of milk formulations.
Coupling the CRISPR/Cas9 System with Lambda Red Recombineering Enables Simplified Chromosomal Gene Replacement in Escherichia coli
Authors: Pyne Michael E. , Moo-Young Murray , Chung Duane A. , Chou C. Perry
Published: May 2015

To date, most genetic engineering approaches coupling the type II
Streptococcus pyogenes
clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 system to lambda Red recombineering have involved minor single nucleotide mutations. Here we show that procedures for carrying out more complex chromosomal gene replacements in
Escherichia coli
can be substantially enhanced through implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. We developed a three-plasmid approach that allows not only highly efficient recombination of short single-stranded oligonucleotides but also replacement of multigene chromosomal stretches of DNA with large PCR products. By systematically challenging the proposed system with respect to the magnitude of chromosomal deletion and size of DNA insertion, we demonstrated DNA deletions of up to 19.4 kb, encompassing 19 nonessential chromosomal genes, and insertion of up to 3 kb of heterologous DNA with recombination efficiencies permitting mutant detection by colony PCR screening. Since CRISPR/Cas9-coupled recombineering does not rely on the use of chromosome-encoded antibiotic resistance, or flippase recombination for antibiotic marker recycling, our approach is simpler, less labor-intensive, and allows efficient production of gene replacement mutants that are both markerless and “scar”-less.
Microbiota Dynamics Associated with Environmental Conditions and Potential Roles of Cellulolytic Communities in Traditional Chinese Cereal Starter Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Li Pan , Liang Hebin , Lin Wei-Tie , Feng Feng , Luo Lixin
Published: May 2015

Traditional Chinese solid-state fermented cereal starters contain highly complex microbial communities and enzymes. Very little is known, however, about the microbial dynamics related to environmental conditions, and cellulolytic communities have never been proposed to exist during cereal starter fermentation. In this study, we performed Illumina MiSeq sequencing combined with PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to investigate microbiota, coupled with clone library construction to trace cellulolytic communities in both fermentation stages. A succession of microbial assemblages was observed during the fermentation of starters.
Lactobacillales
and
Saccharomycetales
dominated the initial stages, with a continuous decline in relative abundance. However, thermotolerant and drought-resistant
Bacillales
,
Eurotiales
, and
Mucorales
were considerably accelerated during the heating stages, and these organisms dominated until the end of fermentation.
Enterobacteriales
were consistently ubiquitous throughout the process. For the cellulolytic communities, only the genera
Sanguibacter
,
Beutenbergia
,
Agrobacterium
, and
Erwinia
dominated the initial fermentation stages. In contrast, stages at high incubation temperature induced the appearance and dominance of
Bacillus
,
Aspergillus
, and
Mucor
. The enzymatic dynamics of amylase and glucoamylase also showed a similar trend, with the activities clearly increased in the first 7 days and subsequently decreased until the end of fermentation. Furthermore, β-glucosidase activity continuously and significantly increased during the fermentation process. Evidently, cellulolytic potential can adapt to environmental conditions by changes in the community structure during the fermentation of starters.
Survival of Listeria monocytogenes in Soil Requires AgrA-Mediated Regulation
Authors: Vivant Anne-Laure , Garmyn Dominique , Gal Laurent , Hartmann Alain , Piveteau Pascal
Published: May 2015

In a recent paper, we demonstrated that inactivation of the Agr system affects the patterns of survival of
Listeria monocytogenes
(A.-L. Vivant, D. Garmyn, L. Gal, and P. Piveteau, Front Cell Infect Microbiol 4:160,
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2014.00160
). In this study, we investigated whether the Agr-mediated response is triggered during adaptation in soil, and we compared survival patterns in a set of 10 soils. The fate of the parental strain
L. monocytogenes
L9 (a rifampin-resistant mutant of
L. monocytogenes
EGD-e) and that of a Δ
agrA
deletion mutant were compared in a collection of 10 soil microcosms. The Δ
agrA
mutant displayed significantly reduced survival in these biotic soil microcosms, and differential transcriptome analyses showed large alterations of the transcriptome when AgrA was not functional, while the variations in the transcriptomes between the wild type and the Δ
agrA
deletion mutant were modest under abiotic conditions. Indeed, in biotic soil environments, 578 protein-coding genes and an extensive repertoire of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) were differentially transcribed. The transcription of genes coding for proteins involved in cell envelope and cellular processes, including the phosphotransferase system and ABC transporters, and proteins involved in resistance to antimicrobial peptides was affected. Under sterilized soil conditions, the differences were limited to 86 genes and 29 ncRNAs. These results suggest that the response regulator AgrA of the Agr communication system plays important roles during the saprophytic life of
L. monocytogenes
in soil.
The NDR Kinase Cbk1 Downregulates the Transcriptional Repressor Nrg1 through the mRNA-Binding Protein Ssd1 in Candida albicans
Authors: Lee Hye-Jeong , Kim Jong-Myeong , Kang Woo Kyu , Yang Heebum , Kim Jeong-Yoon
Published: May 2015

NDR (nuclear Dbf2-related) kinases are essential components for polarized morphogenesis, cytokinesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. The NDR kinase Cbk1 is required for the hyphal growth of
Candida albicans
; however, the molecular functions of Cbk1 in hyphal morphogenesis are largely unknown. Here, we report that Cbk1 downregulates the transcriptional repressor Nrg1 through the mRNA-binding protein Ssd1, which has nine Cbk1 phosphorylation consensus motifs. We found that deletion of
SSD1
partially suppressed the defective hyphal growth of the
C. albicans
cbk1
Δ/Δ mutant and that Ssd1 physically interacts with Cbk1. Cbk1 was required for Ssd1 localization to polarized growth sites. The phosphomimetic
SSD1
allele (
ssd1-9E
) allowed the
cbk1
Δ/Δ mutant to form short hyphae, and the phosphodeficient
SSD1
allele (
ssd1-9A
) resulted in shorter hyphae than did the wild-type
SSD1
allele, indicating that Ssd1 phosphorylation by Cbk1 is important for hyphal morphogenesis. Furthermore, we show that the transcriptional repressor Nrg1 does not disappear during hyphal initiation in the
cbk1
Δ/Δ mutant but is completely absent in the
cbk1
Δ/Δ
ssd1
Δ/Δ double mutant. Deletion of
SSD1
also increased Als3 expression and internalization of the
cbk1
Δ/Δ mutant in the human embryonic kidney cell line HEK293T. Collectively, our results suggest that one of the functions of Cbk1 in the hyphal morphogenesis of
C. albicans
is to downregulate Nrg1 through Ssd1.
The Candida albicans Exocyst Subunit Sec6 Contributes to Cell Wall Integrity and Is a Determinant of Hyphal Branching
Authors: Chavez-Dozal Alba A. , Bernardo Stella M. , Rane Hallie S. , Herrera Gloria , Kulkarny Vibhati , Wagener Jeanette , Cunningham Iain , Brand Alexandra C. , Gow Neil A. R. , Lee Samuel A.
Published: May 2015

The yeast exocyst is a multiprotein complex comprised of eight subunits (Sec3, Sec5, Sec6, Sec8, Sec10, Sec15, Exo70, and Exo84) which orchestrates trafficking of exocytic vesicles to specific docking sites on the plasma membrane during polarized secretion. To study
SEC6
function in
Candida albicans
, we generated a conditional mutant strain in which
SEC6
was placed under the control of a tetracycline-regulated promoter. In the repressed state, the tetR-
SEC6
mutant strain (denoted tSEC6) was viable for up to 27 h; thus, all phenotypic analyses were performed at 24 h or earlier. Strain tSEC6 under repressing conditions had readily apparent defects in cytokinesis and endocytosis and accumulated both post-Golgi apparatus secretory vesicles and structures suggestive of late endosomes. Strain tSEC6 was markedly defective in secretion of aspartyl proteases and lipases as well as filamentation under repressing conditions. Lack of
SEC6
expression resulted in markedly reduced lateral hyphal branching, which requires the establishment of a new axis of polarized secretion. Aberrant localization of chitin at the septum and increased resistance to zymolyase activity were observed, suggesting that
C. albicans
Sec6 plays an important role in mediating trafficking and delivery of cell wall components. The tSEC6 mutant was also markedly defective in macrophage killing, indicating a role of
SEC6
in
C. albicans
virulence. Taken together, these studies indicate that the late secretory protein Sec6 is required for polarized secretion, hyphal morphogenesis, and the pathogenesis of
C. albicans
.
Csr1/Zap1 Maintains Zinc Homeostasis and Influences Virulence in Candida dubliniensis but Is Not Coupled to Morphogenesis
Authors: Böttcher Bettina , Palige Katja , Jacobsen Ilse D. , Hube Bernhard , Brunke Sascha
Published: May 2015

The supply and intracellular homeostasis of trace metals are essential for every living organism. Therefore, the struggle for micronutrients between a pathogen and its host is an important determinant in the infection process. In this work, we focus on the acquisition of zinc by
Candida dubliniensis
, an emerging pathogen closely related to
Candida albicans
. We show that the transcription factor Csr1 is essential for
C. dubliniensis
to regulate zinc uptake mechanisms under zinc limitation: it governs the expression of the zinc transporter genes
ZRT1
,
ZRT2
, and
ZRT3
and of the zincophore gene
PRA1
. Exclusively, artificial overexpression of
ZRT2
partially rescued the growth defect of a
csr1
Δ/Δ mutant in a zinc-restricted environment. Importantly, we found that, in contrast to what is seen in
C. albicans
,
Csr1
(also called
Zap1
) is not a major regulator of dimorphism in
C. dubliniensis
. However, although a
csr1
Δ/Δ strain showed normal germ tube formation, we detected a clear attenuation in virulence using an embryonated chicken egg infection model. We conclude that, unlike in
C. albicans
, Csr1 seems to be a virulence factor of
C. dubliniensis
that is not coupled to filamentation but is strongly linked to zinc acquisition during pathogenesis.
Effects of Acupressure on Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Au Doreen W H , Tsang Hector W H , Ling Paul P M , Leung Christie H T , Ip P K , Cheung W M
Published: May 2015

Objective

To evaluate the evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quantify the effects of acupressure on anxiety among adults.

Methodology

RCTs published between January 1997 and February 2014, comparing acupressure with sham control, were identified from the databases Science Citation Index/Social Sciences Citation Index, Scopus, PubMed and PsycINFO. Meta-analysis of eligible studies was performed and the magnitude of the overall effect size was calculated for the anxiety outcome. Revised STRICTA (the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture) criteria were used to appraise the acupressure procedures, and the Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies.

Results

Of 39 potentially relevant studies, seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria for review while five studies met the criteria for meta-analysis. All studies reported the positive effect of acupressure on relieving anxiety from the anticipation of surgery or treatment. EX-HN3 ( Yintang), HT7 ( Shenmen) were the commonest points selected and two studies used bilateral points. The acupressure procedure was generally well reported and studies had a low risk of bias. The combined results of the five trials showed a greater overall reduction in anxiety in the acupressure group than in the sham controls (standardised mean differences (SMD)=−1.11; 95% CI −1.61 to −0.61; p<0.0001 heterogeneity: I2=75%; χ2=16.17; p=0.003; r=0.485).

Conclusions

Acupressure seems to be effective in providing immediate relief of pretreatment anxiety among adults, and has a medium effect size. However, conflicting results were found for the improvements on physiological indicators. More rigorous reporting, including allocation concealment procedure, is needed to strengthen the results.