bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic and Phenotypic Biology of Novel Strains of Dickeya zeae Isolated From Pineapple and Taro in Hawaii: Insights Into Genome Plasticity, Pathogenicity, and Virulence Determinants
Authors: Boluk Gamze , Arizala Dario , Dobhal Shefali , Zhang Jingxin , Hu John , Alvarez Anne M. , Arif Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Dickeya zeae, a bacterial plant pathogen of the family Pectobacteriaceae, is responsible for a wide range of diseases on potato, maize, rice, banana, pineapple, taro, and ornamentals and significantly reduces crop production.D. zeaecauses the soft rot of taro (Colocasia esculenta) and the heart rot of pineapple (Ananas comosus). In this study, we used Pacific Biosciences single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing to sequence two high-quality complete genomes of novel strains ofD. zeae: PL65 (size: 4.74997 MB; depth: 701x; GC: 53.6%) and A5410 (size: 4.7792 MB; depth: 558x; GC: 53.5%) isolated from economically important Hawaiian crops, taro, and pineapple, respectively. Additional complete genomes ofD. zeaerepresenting three additional hosts (philodendron, rice, and banana) and other species used for a taxonomic comparison were retrieved from the NCBI GenBank genome database. Genomic analyses indicated the truncated type III and IV secretion systems (T3SS and T4SS) in the taro strain, which only harbored one and two genes of T3SS and T4SS, respectively, and showed high heterogeneity in the type VI secretion system (T6SS). Unlike strain EC1, which was isolated from rice and recently reclassified asD. oryzae, neither the genome PL65 nor A5410 harbors the zeamine biosynthesis gene cluster, which plays a key role in virulence of otherDickeyaspecies. The percentages of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) between the two genomes were 94.47 and 57.00, respectively. In this study, we compared the major virulence factors [plant cell wall-degrading extracellular enzymes and protease (Prt)] produced byD. zeaestrains and evaluated the virulence on taro corms and pineapple leaves. Both strains produced Prts, pectate lyases (Pels), and cellulases but no significant quantitative differences were observed (p> 0.05) between the strains. All the strains produced symptoms on taro corms and pineapple leaves, but the strain PL65 produced symptoms more rapidly than others. Our study highlights the genetic constituents of pathogenicity determinants and genomic heterogeneity that will help to understand the virulence mechanisms and aggressiveness of this plant pathogen.
Phylogeography Reveals Geographic and Environmental Factors Driving Genetic Differentiation of Populus sect. Turanga in Northwest China
Authors: Gai Zhongshuai , Zhai Juntuan , Chen Xiangxiang , Jiao Peipei , Zhang Shanhe , Sun Jianhao , Qin Rui , Liu Hong , Wu Zhihua , Li Zhijun
Published: August 2021

Populus sect. Turanga (hereafter referred to as “Populus”), including Populus euphratica and Populus pruinosa, are the predominant tree species in desert riparian forests in northwestern China. These trees play key roles in maintaining ecosystem balance, curbing desertification, and protecting biodiversity. However, the distribution area of Populus forests has been severely diminished and degraded in recent years due to increased habitat destruction and human activity. Understanding the genetic diversity among Populus individuals and populations is essential for designing conservation strategies, but comprehensive studies of their genetic diversity in northwest China are lacking. Here, we assessed the population structures and genetic diversity of 1,620 samples from 85 natural populations of Populus (59 P. euphratica and 26 P. pruinosa populations) covering all of northwestern China using 120 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Analysis of population structure revealed significant differentiation between these two sister species and indicated that strong geographical distribution patterns, a geographical barrier, and environmental heterogeneity shaped the extant genetic patterns of Populus. Both P. euphratica and P. pruinosa populations in southern Xinjiang had higher genetic diversity than populations in other clades, perhaps contributing to local geographic structure and strong gene flow. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) identified 15% variance among and 85% variance within subpopulations. Mantel tests suggested that the genetic variation among P. euphratica and P. pruinosa populations could be explained by both geographical and environmental distance. The genetic diversity of P. euphratica showed a significant negative correlation with latitude and longitude and a positive correlation with various environmental factors, such as precipitation of warmest quarter and driest month, temperature seasonality, and annual mean temperature. These findings provide insights into how the genetic differentiation of endangered Populus species was driven by geographical and environmental factors, which should be helpful for designing strategies to protect these genetic resources in the future.
Reassessing Banana Phylogeny and Organelle Inheritance Modes Using Genome Skimming Data
Authors: Wu Chung-Shien , Sudianto Edi , Chiu Hui-Lung , Chao Chih-Ping , Chaw Shu-Miaw
Published: August 2021

Bananas (Musa spp.) are some of the most important fruit crops in the world, contributing up to US$10 billion in export values annually. In this study, we use high-throughput sequencing to obtain genomic resources of high-copy DNA molecules in bananas. We sampled 13 wild species and eight cultivars that represent the three genera (Ensete, Musa, and Musella) of the banana family (Musaceae). Their plastomic, 45S rDNA, and mitochondrial scaffolds were recovered from genome skimming data. Two major clades (Clades I & II) within Musa are strongly supported by the three genomic compartment data. We document, for the first time, that the plastomes of Musaceae have expanded inverted repeats (IR) after they diverged from their two close relatives, Heliconiaceae (the lobster-claws) and Strelitziaceae (the traveler's bananas). The presence/absence of rps19 within IR regions reinforces the two intra-generic clades within Musa. Our comparisons of the bananas' plastomic and mitochondrial DNA sequence trees aid in identifying hybrid bananas' parentage. As the mitochondrial genes of Musa have elevated substitution rates, paternal inheritance likely plays an influential role on the Musa mitogenome evolution. We propose genome skimming as a useful method for reliable genealogy tracing and phylogenetics in bananas.
No Evidence of Unexpected Transgenic Insertions in T1190 – A Transgenic Apple Used in Rapid Cycle Breeding – Following Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Patocchi Andrea , Keilwagen Jens , Berner Thomas , Wenzel Stefanie , Broggini Giovanni A. L. , Altschmied Lothar , Hanke Magda-Viola , Flachowsky Henryk
Published: August 2021

Rapid cycle breeding uses transgenic early flowering plants as crossbreed parents to facilitate the shortening of breeding programs for perennial crops with long-lasting juvenility. Rapid cycle breeding in apple was established using the transgenic genotype T1190 expressing the BpMADS4 gene of silver birch. In this study, the genomes of T1190 and its non-transgenic wild-type PinS (F1-offspring of ‘Pinova’ and ‘Idared’) were sequenced by Illumina short-read sequencing in two separate experiments resulting in a mean sequencing depth of 182× for T1190 and 167× for PinS. The sequencing revealed 8,450 reads, which contain sequences of ≥20 bp identical to the plant transformation vector. These reads were assembled into 125 contigs, which were examined to see whether they contained transgenic insertions or if they are not using a five-step procedure. The sequence of one contig represents the known T-DNA insertion on chromosome 4 of T1190. The sequences of the remaining contigs were either equally present in T1190 and PinS, their part with sequence identity to the vector was equally present in apple reference genomes, or they seem to result from endophytic contaminations rather than from additional transgenic insertions. Therefore, we conclude that the transgenic apple plant T1190 contains only one transgenic insertion, located on chromosome 4, and shows no further partial insertions of the transformation vector.

Accession Numbers: JQ974028.1.
Economic Crisis and Attitudes Towards Democracy: How Ideology Moderates Reactions to Economic Downturns
Authors: Jurado Ignacio , Navarrete Rosa M.
Published: August 2021

This paper studies the extent to which economic crises bust different reactions depending on individual ideological identity. Our argument is that individual left-right identification shapes how citizens evaluate the functioning of democracy, and consequently, it moderates the impact of economic crises on democratic discontent. We argue that left-wing individuals’ views on democratic performance would be more heavily affected by economic results and strongly shaped by the (in)capacity of a democracy to represent its citizens in its reaction to the economic crisis. After testing our argument with data from the ESS, we provide evidence from a survey experiment conducted in Spain. Both analyses show that economic crises are relevant in explaining democratic dissatisfaction, but the strength of their impact depends on ideological identities. Economic results have a stronger effect on the satisfaction with democracy of left-wing individuals by negatively affecting their perception of the functioning of democratic representation.
Singing the Individual: Name Tunes in Oyda and Yopno
Authors: Amha Azeb , Slotta James , Sarvasy Hannah S.
Published: August 2021

Music beats spoken language in identifying individuals uniquely in two disparate communities. In addition to their given names, which conform to the conventions of their languages, speakers of the Oyda (Omotic; SW Ethiopia) and Yopno (Finisterre-Huon; NE Papua New Guinea) languages have “name tunes,” short 1–4 s melodies that can be sung or whistled to hail or to identify for other purposes. Linguistic given names, for both communities, are often non-unique: people may be named after ancestors or contemporaries, or bear given names common to multiple individuals. But for both communities, name tunes are generally non-compositional and unique to individuals. This means that each new generation is likely to bring thousands of new name tunes into existence. In both communities, name tunes are produced in a range of contexts, from quotidian summoning and mid-range communication, to ceremonial occasions. In their use of melodies to directly represent individual people, the Oyda and Yopno name tune systems differ from surrogate speech systems elsewhere that either: (a) mimic linguistic forms, or (b) use music to represent a relatively small set of messages. Also, unlike some other musical surrogate speech traditions, the Oyda and Yopno name tune systems continue to be used productively, despite societal changes that have led to declining use in some domains.
Latent Congruence Model to Investigate Similarity and Accuracy in Family Members' Perception: The Challenge of Cross-National and Cross-Informant Measurement (Non)Invariance
Authors: Tagliabue Semira , Zambelli Michela , Sorgente Angela , Sommer Sabrina , Hoellger Christian , Buhl Heike M. , Lanz Margherita
Published: August 2021

Several methods are available to answer questions regarding similarity and accuracy, each of which has specific properties and limitations. This study focuses on the Latent Congruence Model (LCM; Cheung, 2009), because of its capacity to deal with cross-informant measurement invariance issues. Until now, no cross-national applications of LCM are present in the literature, perhaps because of the difficulty to deal with both cross-national and cross-informant measurement issues implied by those models. This study presents a step-by-step procedure to apply LCM to dyadic cross-national research designs controlling for both cross-national and cross-informant measurement invariance. An illustrative example on parent–child support exchanges in Italy and Germany is provided. Findings help to show the different possible scenarios of partial invariance, and a discussion related to how to deal with those scenarios is provided. Future perspectives in the study of parent–child similarity and accuracy in cross-national research will be discussed.
The Predictive Effect of Parental Adult Attachment on Parent–Adolescent Attachment: The Mediating Role of Harsh Parenting
Authors: Li Mengge , Chen Xin , Gong Huoliang , Ji Wanghua , Wang Wei , Liang Shifeng , Kong Anran
Published: August 2021

This study examines the relationship between parental adult attachment and parent–adolescent attachment and investigates the mediating role of harsh parenting from the perspective of family systems theory. The sample included adolescents and their parents from 1,030 families in Henan Province, China. Measures included the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment Scale, and Harsh Parenting Scale. The results showed that paternal avoidance negatively predicts father–adolescent and mother–adolescent attachments, while maternal avoidance and maternal anxiety negatively predict father–adolescent attachment and mother–adolescent attachment, respectively. Paternal harsh parenting not only mediated the relationship between paternal adult and father–adolescent attachment but also between paternal adult and mother–adolescent attachment. However, maternal harsh parenting only plays an intermediary role between maternal adult and mother–adolescent attachment. The results of the study show that compared with the adverse effects of maternal adult attachment and maternal harsh parenting on parent–adolescent attachment, paternal avoidance and paternal harsh parenting more negatively affect parent–adolescent attachment, which is not conducive to familial harmony.
The Relationship Between Inflammation and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Sun Yajing , Qu Yuanyuan , Zhu Jianwei
Published: August 2021

Background: Stress disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are attracting much attention. However, the relationship between traumatic stress and inflammation is rarely discussed.

Subjects and Methods: As studies have linked PTSD to altered susceptibility to various diseases, such a psychiatric condition may lead to long-term systematic changes in physiological functions. We searched PubMed with the keywords “traumatic stress,” “stress disorders,” “post-traumatic stress disorder,” and “inflammation.”

Results: Based on 65 previously published studies, we reviewed the long-term effects of PTSD, as well as traumatic events, on inflammatory function from both epidemiological and biological perspectives. Post-traumatic stress disorder is related to the immune response, including an increase in inflammatory factors and a reduction in anti-inflammatory factors. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that traumatic stress disorder and immune disease share a common genetic basis at the gene expression level.

Conclusions: Understanding this relationship is of great significance for optimizing treatment plans for patients with PTSD.
A Systematic Review of Opioid Use Disorder and Related Biomarkers
Authors: Bryant Bianca M. , Eaton Ellen , Li Li
Published: August 2021

The objective of this systematic review is to examine the relationship between opioid use disorder (OUD) and its related biomarkers, as well as the effects of pharmacotherapy for OUD on biomarkers. The eligibility criteria are the inclusion of human population studies focusing on biomarkers, including the immune system, related to OUD or opioid-related disorders. English, peer reviewed, original research, case studies or case series, and clinical trials were included in this review. Papers were excluded if they met one or more of the following criteria: animal studies, review articles, studies focusing only on OUD or opioid-related disorders without mention of potential biomarkers, studies focusing only on biomarkers and/or the immune system without relating to OUD or opioid-related disorders, and studies that focused on other substance use disorders other than OUD specifically. A PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases search on August 25, 2020, yielded 101 results; only 14 articles met inclusion criteria that were included in this review. However, heterogeneity of study definitions and measurements should be noted. Various potential biomarkers indicated systemic, peripheral, and chronic inflammation in patients with OUD or opioid-related disorders. Medications, including buprenorphine and methadone, significantly decreased chronic inflammation in this population. Our results suggest that patients with OUD or opioid-related disorders have potential biomarkers that can be targeted to provide optimal treatment options for this population. A better understanding of potential biomarkers may assist to identify at-risk populations, monitor disease progression and treatment response, and develop therapeutic strategies for OUD.

Systematic Review Registration:This review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020202014).
Migrants With Schizophrenia in Forensic Psychiatric Hospitals Benefit From High-Intensity Second Language Programs
Authors: Lutz Maximilian , Streb Judith , Titze Larissa , Büsselmann Michael , Riemat Nadja , Prüter-Schwarte Christian , Dudeck Manuela
Published: August 2021

Background: As a result of migration, an increasing number of patients in forensic psychiatric hospitals show poor skills in the national language, which can affect their treatment. Improving the second language (L2) of inpatients with schizophrenia may help to enable effective psychotherapy and thus reduce the risk of criminal recidivism and facilitate reintegration into society, for example because of a language-related higher degree of social functioning. For this purpose, a Hessian forensic psychiatric hospital established a ward specialized in L2 acquisition. The ward accommodates up to 21 patients with schizophrenia, who attend an L2 program consisting of 800–900 lessons within 1 year.

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate whether patients on the specialized ward (experimental group) achieve at least Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level A2 in the L2 program. Additionally, it examined whether language acquisition is better among participants in the experimental group than among those on regular wards (control group).

Methods: Achievements in the L2 were assessed by an L2 test 3 times: at the beginning of the program, after 6 months, and after 1 year. The impact of intelligence on achievements in L2 was evaluated using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices.

Results: The experimental group showed significantly better improvement than the control group. Literacy was a significant predictor of improvement in the L2. The majority of the experimental group reached at least CEFR level A2 after 1 year.

Conclusions: High-intensity L2 programs are an effective way to improve the L2 of inpatients with schizophrenia in forensic psychiatric hospitals.
Anxiety Regarding COVID-19 Is Related to Attentional Control: The Mediating Role of Anxiety Sensitivity
Authors: Guo Yawen , Yang Haibo , Elhai Jon , McKay Dean
Published: August 2021

Background: As an emergent public health event, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on mental health, particularly causing anxiety. Some cognitive-affective related studies have demonstrated that attentional control is related to levels of anxiety. More specifically, recent research has shown that anxiety sensitivity is uniquely associated with mental health responses to COVID-19. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of anxiety sensitivity during COVID-19 outbreak period, especially physical and cognitive concerns, in relation to attentional control and anxiety.

Methods: It is a questionnaire study. A total of 464 participants were recruited through online sampling between February and March, 2020. They were surveyed by the Attentional Control Scale (ATTC), Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. We also tested the mediating effect.

Results: The results showed that attentional control is negatively correlated with physical concern, cognitive concern and anxiety. And results support that physical and cognitive concerns play a mediating role between attentional control and anxiety.

Conclusions: Anxiety sensitivity plays a mediating role between attentional control and anxiety. These findings can help effective prevention and intervention of anxiety.
Racism as Public Health Crisis: Assessment and Review of Municipal Declarations and Resolutions Across the United States
Authors: Mendez Dara D. , Scott Jewel , Adodoadji Linda , Toval Christina , McNeil Monica , Sindhu Mahima
Published: August 2021

Racism in the United States has been cited as a key driver of racial health inequities. Racism as a public health crisis has been in the forefront, particularly with respect to state and municipal governments that have developed legislation, resolutions, and declarations. This policy brief includes a review of resolutions and declarations across the US related to Racism as a Public Health Crisis through the end of September 2020. There were 125 resolutions reviewed for content related to the history of racism, reference to racial health equity data, content related to action steps or implementation, and any accompanying funding or resources. We found that the majority of policies name racism as critical in addressing racial inequities in health with limited details about specific actions, funding, or resources.
Modeling the Multidimensional Predictors of Multisite Musculoskeletal Pain Across Adulthood—A Generalized Estimating Equations Approach
Authors: Ahlholm Ville-Heikki , Rönkkö Viljami , Ala-Mursula Leena , Karppinen Jaro , Oura Petteri
Published: August 2021

Background: Multisite pain is commonly chronic and often lacks its initial role as a potential tissue damage signal. Chronic pain among working-age individuals is a risk for disability and imposes a major burden on health care systems and society. As effective treatments for chronic pain are largely lacking, better identification of the factors associated with pain over working years is needed.

Methods: Members of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 participated in data collection at the ages of 31 (n = 4,028) and 46 (n = 3,429). Using these two time points, we performed a multivariable analysis of the association of socioeconomic, occupational, psychological and lifestyle factors (i.e., low education, living alone, low household income, unemployment, occupational physical exposures [hard physical labor, leaning forward, back twisting, constant moving, lifting loads of ≥ 1 kg], physical inactivity, regular smoking, regular drinking, overweight, and psychiatric symptoms) with the number of musculoskeletal pain sites (i.e., upper extremity, lower extremity, lower back, and the neck-shoulder region; totalling 0–4 pain sites). The data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

Results: At the age of 31, multisite pain was reported by 72.5% of men and 78.6% of women. At the age of 46, the prevalence of multisite pain was 75.7% among men and 82.7% among women. Among men, the number of pain sites was positively associated with age (rate ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.08), low household income (1.05, 1.01–1.08), unemployment (1.13, 1.06–1.19), any occupational exposure (1.17, 1.12–1.22), regular smoking (1.06, 1.02–1.11), and psychiatric symptoms (1.21, 1.17–1.26). Among women, the number of pain sites was positively associated with age (1.06, 1.04–1.10), unemployment (1.10, 1.05–1.15), any occupational exposure (1.10, 1.06–1.13), regular smoking (1.06, 1.02–1.10), overweight (1.08, 1.05–1.11), and psychiatric symptoms (1.19, 1.15–1.22); living alone was negatively associated with the number of pain sites (0.95, 0.91–0.99).

Conclusion: Of the studied predictors, psychiatric symptoms, occupational physical exposures and unemployment were most strongly associated with multisite pain among both sexes. The results of this study deepen the understanding of the underlying factors of and comorbidities behind multisite pain, and help develop pain relief and rehabilitation strategies for working-age individuals with multisite pain.
Novel Clinimetric Toolset to Quantify the Stability of Blood Pressure and Its Application to Evaluate Cardiovascular Function After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Mesbah Samineh , Legg Ditterline Bonnie , Wang Siqi , Wu Samuel , Weir Joseph , Wecht Jill , Forrest Gail , Harkema Susan , Ugiliweneza Beatrice
Published: August 2021

Profound dysfunction of the cardiovascular system occurs after spinal cord injury (SCI), which is a leading cause of mortality in this population. Most individuals with chronic SCI experience transient episodes of hypotensive and hypertensive blood pressure in response to daily life activities. There are currently limited tools available to evaluate the stability of blood pressure with respect to a reference range. The aim of this study was to develop a clinimetric toolset for accurately quantifying stability of the blood pressure measurements and taking into consideration the complex dynamics of blood pressure variability among individuals with SCI. The proposed toolset is based on distribution of the blood pressure data points within and outside of the clinically recommended range. This toolset consists of six outcome measures including 1) total deviation of the 90% of the blood pressure data points from the center of the target range (115 mmHg); 2) The area under the cumulative distribution curve starting from the percentage of blood pressure measurements within the range, and the percentage of values within symmetrically expanded boundary ranges, above and below the target range; 3) the slope of the cumulative distribution curve that is calculated by fitting an exponential cumulative distribution function and the natural logarithm of its rate parameter; 4) its x- and 5) y-axis intercepts; and 6) the fitting error. These outcome measures were validated using blood pressure measurements recorded during cardiovascular perturbation tests and prolonged monitoring period from individuals with chronic SCI and non-injured controls. The statistical analysis based on the effect size and intra-class correlation coefficient, demonstrated that the proposed outcome measures fulfill reliability, responsiveness and discrimination criteria. The novel methodology proposed in this study is reliable and effective for evaluating the stability of continuous blood pressure in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury.
The Sparkling Tan: How Giant Clams Avoid Sunburns
Authors: Rossbach Susann , Overmans Sebastian , Subedi Ram C. , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: August 2021

As their name suggests, giant clams are among the biggest clams on earth, and they are very colorful animals that live in coral reefs. Giant clams get help from tiny organisms inside their mantles, the colorful part between their shells. These little helpers, tiny microalgae, can use sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce food, which they share with the clams. That is why these clams can grow so big! In return, the clams provide the microalgae with some nutrients. Although sunlight is very important for food production in these organisms, excessive sunlight can lead to a sunburn, like in humans. Therefore, the clams had to evolve their special sparkling tan, a natural sun protection that is a very effective way to protect themselves, and the microalgae inside their mantles, from too much sunlight and from getting a sunburn.
Teaching for Student and Societal Wellbeing in HPE: Nine Pedagogies for Social Justice
Authors: Gerdin Göran , Philpot Rod , Smith Wayne , Schenker Katarina , Mordal Moen Kjersti , Larsson Lena , Linnér Susanne , Westlie Knut
Published: August 2021

We currently find ourselves living in precarious times, with old and new social inequities on the rise due to the challenges associated with an unprecedented rise of global migration and neoliberalism, amplified in our post COVID-19 world. Research has demonstrated that there is a high correlation between inequality at the societal level and the overall health and wellbeing of individuals within those societies. We believe that school health and physical education (HPE) has a significant role to play in addressing and acting on social inequities that impact on the wellbeing of both students and society as a whole. Based on the findings of an international research project called EDUHEALTH which explored pedagogies for social justice in school health and physical education (HPE) across Sweden, Norway and New Zealand, this paper aims to highlight the addressing of (in)equality and student wellbeing through HPE practice. In particular, the paper presents nine different but complementary pedagogies for social justice that we believe can improve individual, collective, and societal wellbeing. We conclude by proposing that, if adopted across a whole school curriculum, these nine pedagogies for social justice could form the basis of a holistic school-wide community approach aimed at improving both student and societal wellbeing.
Ruptured Suprasellar Dermoid Cyst Treated With Lumbar Drain to Prevent Postoperative Hydrocephalus: Case Report and Focused Review of Literature
Authors: Blitz Sarah E. , Bernstock Joshua D. , Dmytriw Adam A. , Ditoro Daniel Francis , Kappel Ari D. , Gormley William B. , Peruzzi Pierpaolo
Published: August 2021

Background: Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts are extremely rare. Standard treatment consists of endonasal decompression or craniotomy with evacuation and copious irrigation of subarachnoid spaces to remove any disseminated cystic contents. Disseminated fat particles in the subarachnoid space may be the cause of further sequalae, including the subsequent development of chemical meningitis and hydrocephalus. Here, we present a case of ruptured suprasellar dermoid cyst treated with craniotomy for emergent optic nerve decompression, followed by postoperative hydrocephalus successfully treated with lumbar drain.

Case description: We describe a 30-year-old man with a history of migraines who presented with acute onset of headache, photophobia, nausea, vomiting, and vision loss in the left eye. Head CT and brain MRI demonstrated a ruptured suprasellar dermoid cyst with associated mass effect on the optic nerves and frontal lobes as well as fat attenuation material within the subarachnoid spaces. The patient underwent left frontotemporal craniotomy for cyst resection and developed non-obstructive hydrocephalus on postoperative day 1, refractory to external ventricular drainage. Placement of a lumbar drain cleared the subarachnoid space of debris derived from the ruptured dermoid cyst, and the hydrocephalus resolved. The patient did not require permanent CSF diversion.

Conclusions: Intracranial dermoid cysts are uncommon, and rupture is a rare event. Standard surgical treatment with craniotomy for evacuation may leave disseminated dermoid contents and fat particles throughout the subarachnoid spaces. We highlight a case of ruptured suprasellar dermoid cyst with postoperative communicating hydrocephalus treated with lumbar drain when external ventricular drain (EVD) was ineffective. Review of the current literature reveals inconsistent findings on the effects of remaining fat particles. In cases with clinical evidence of increased intracranial pressure due to non-obstructive hydrocephalus attributable to chemical meningitis, temporary lumbar drainage is an option to be considered before committing the patient to permanent shunting.
The A756T Mutation of the ERG11 Gene Associated With Resistance to Itraconazole in Candida Krusei Isolated From Mycotic Mastitis of Cows
Authors: Du Jun , Ma Wenshuang , Fan Jiaqi , Liu Xiaoming , Wang Yujiong , Zhou Xuezhang
Published: August 2021

Candida krusei (C. krusei) has been recently recognized as an important pathogen involved in mycotic mastitis of cows. The phenotypic and molecular characteristics of 15 C. krusei clinical isolates collected from cows with clinical mastitis in three herds of Yinchuan, Ningxia, were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry. In addition to sequencing analysis, the ERG11 gene that encodes 14α-demethylases, the expression of the ERG11 gene, and efflux transporters ABC1 and ABC2 in itraconazole-susceptible (S), itraconazole-susceptible dose dependent (SDD), and itraconazole-resistant (R) C. krusei isolates was also quantified by a quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Sequencing analysis revealed three synonymous codon substitutions of the ERG11 gene including T939C, A756T, and T642C in these C. krusei clinical isolates. Among them, T642C and T939C mutations were detected in itraconazole-resistant and -susceptible C. krusei isolates, but the A756T substitution was found only in itraconazole-resistant isolates. Importantly, the expression of the ERG11 gene in itraconazole-resistant isolates was significantly higher compared with itraconazole-SDD and itraconazole-susceptible isolates (p = 0.052 and p = 0.012, respectively), as determined by the qRT-PCR assay. Interestingly, the expression of the ABC2 gene was also significantly higher in itraconazole-resistant isolates relative to the itraconazole-SDD and itraconazole-susceptible strains. Notably, the expression of ERG11 was positively associated with resistance to itraconazole (p = 0.4177 in SDD compared with S, p = 0.0107 in SDD with R, and p = 0.0035 in S with R, respectively). These data demonstrated that mutations of the ERG11 gene were involved in drug resistance in C. krusei. The A756T synonymous codon substitution of the ERG11 gene was correlated with an increased expression of drug-resistant genes including ERG11 and ABC2 in itraconazole-resistant C. krusei isolates examined in this study.
Exploring With Transcriptomic Approaches the Underlying Mechanisms of an Essential Oil-Based Phytogenic in the Small Intestine and Liver of Pigs
Authors: Le Coz Jeremy , Ilic Suzana , Fibi-Smetana Silvia , Schatzmayr Gerd , Zaunschirm Mathias , Grenier Bertrand
Published: August 2021

Phytogenics are plant-based feed additives utilized in animal nutrition to support animal growth and health. Worldwide restrictions and bans on the use of antibiotic growth promoters resulted in an increased demand for in-feed alternatives including phytogenics. However, several challenges remain for technology readiness in animal industry, especially regarding the standardization of the ingredients as well as our knowledge on the cellular mechanisms underlying their biological effects. In the present study, 32 weaned piglets were allocated for 28 days to four experimental diets, a control diet, a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) diet, or the same two diets but with the addition of oxidized oil (OO) at 10%. The last two diets aimed at evaluating the antioxidant properties of PFA. At the end of the trial, the ileum and the liver of the pigs were sampled, and RNA were isolated for profiling their transcriptomeviaRNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). In the ileum, the gene set enrichment analysis showed that the activity of several immune pathways (NF-kB, interferon α/β, antimicrobial peptide, and collagen pathways) was reduced in piglets fed PFA compared to the control piglets. As expected, the addition of OO induced strong effects on the liver transcriptome and most likely accounted for the significant growth impairment. The likelihood ratio test across the four diets revealed a global response driven by the oxidative stress challenge with hundreds of genes associated with fatty acid β-oxidation and peroxisome in the liver. The expression levels of those genes in the piglets fed OO+PFA were much less affected by the challenge. Collectively, the effects seen at day 28 suggest that substances in the PFA formulation provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The use of RNA-Seq in animal nutrition allows exploring and deciphering novel mechanisms of natural growth promoters.
Evaluation of P22 ELISA for the Detection of Mycobacterium bovis-Specific Antibody in the Oral Fluid of Goats
Authors: Ortega Javier , Infantes-Lorenzo José A. , Bezos Javier , Roy Álvaro , de Juan Lucia , Romero Beatriz , Moreno Inmaculada , Gómez-Buendía Alberto , Agulló-Ros Irene , Domínguez Lucas , Domínguez Mercedes
Published: August 2021

The ante-mortem diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in ruminants is based mainly on the intradermal tuberculin test and the IFN-γ assay. Antibody (Ab)-based tests have emerged as potential tools for the detection of TB infected animals using serum, plasma, or even milk samples. Oral fluids have also been evaluated as alternative samples with which to detect specific Abs againstMycobacterium bovisin pigs or wild boars, but not in ruminants. The objective of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the performance of an in house-ELISA for TB diagnosis (P22 ELISA) in goats as an experimental model for the diagnosis of TB using oral fluid samples. Oral fluid samples from 64 goats from a TB-infected herd (n= 197) and all the animals from a TB-free herd (n= 113) were analyzed using the P22 ELISA. The estimated sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) were 34.4% (95% CI: 22.4–45.6) and 100% (95% CI: 97.4–100), respectively. The optimal cut-off point was set at 100% according to the ROC analysis. Those animals with a higher level of Abs in their oral fluid attained a higher lesion score (p= 0.018). In fact, when taking into account only the setting of the animals with severe lesions (n= 16), the ELISA showed a Se of 75% (95% CI: 53.7–96.2). Results of the present study suggest that the P22 ELISA is highly specific but has a limited value detecting infected animals in oral fluid samples. Nevertheless, its performance is significantly higher in the presence of severe lesions.
Plasma Metabolomics Reveals Pathogenesis of Retained Placenta in Dairy Cows
Authors: Li Yuqiong , Zhao Zhengwei , Yu Yang , Liang Xiaojun , Wang Shengyi , Wang Lei , Cui Dongan , Huang Meizhou
Published: August 2021

The complex etiology and pathogenesis of retained placenta (RP) bring huge challenges for researchers and clinical veterinarians in investigating the pathogenesis and treatment schedule. This study aims to investigate the pathogenesis of RP in dairy cows by plasma metabolomics. As subjects, 10 dairy cows with RP and 10 healthy dairy cows were enrolled according to strict enrollment criteria. Imbalanced antioxidant capacity, reduced Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio, and deregulation of total bilirubin (T-bil), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and reproductive hormones were shown in dairy cows with RP by detecting biochemical indicators, oxidation and antioxidant markers, and cytokines in serum. Plasma metabolites were detected and analyzed by a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) system coupled with multivariate statistical analysis software. A total of 23 potential biomarkers were uncovered in the plasma of dairy cows with RP. The metabolic pathways involved in these potential biomarkers are interconnected, and the conversion, utilization, and excretion of nitrogen were disturbed in dairy cows with RP. Moreover, these potential biomarkers are involved in the regulation of antioxidant capacity, inflammation, and autocrine or paracrine hormone. All of these findings suggest that an imbalance of these potential biomarkers might be responsible for the imbalanced antioxidant capacity, reduced Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio, and deregulation of reproductive hormones in dairy cows with RP. The regulation of metabolic pathways involved in these potential biomarkers represents a promising therapeutic strategy for RP.
Elimination of Non-cytopathic Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus From the LFBK-αvβ6 Cell Line
Authors: Gray Ashley R. , Wood Britta A. , Henry Elisabeth , King Donald P. , Mioulet Valérie
Published: August 2021

The LFBK-αvβ6 cell line is highly sensitive for the isolation of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and porcinophilic vesicular viruses. However, LFBK-αvβ6 cells are contaminated with a non-cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), which complicates handling procedures in areas where other cell lines are maintained, as well downstream use of viral isolates. In this study, we used an aromatic cationic compound (DB772) to treat LFBK-αvβ6 cells using an approach that has been previously used to eliminate persistent BVDV from fetal fibroblast cell lines. After three cell passages with 4 μM DB772, BVDV could no longer be detected in unclarified cell suspensions using a pan-pestivirus real-time RT-PCR assay, and remained undetectable after treatment was stopped (nine passages) for an additional 28 passages. The analytical sensitivity of the DB772-treated LFBK-αvβ6 cultures (renamed WRL-LFBK-αvβ6) to titrations of FMDV and other vesicular virus isolates was comparable to untreated LFBK-αvβ6 cells. These new BVDV-free cells can be handled without the risk of cross-contaminating other cells lines or reagents, and used for routine diagnostics, in vivo studies and/or preparation of new vaccine strains.
Pest Control in Primary Sector: Towards the Identification of Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Stefopoulou Angeliki , Maselou Dionyssia A. , Papachristos Dimitrios , Kolimenakis Antonios , Michaelakis Antonios , Athanassiou Christos , Vlontzos George
Published: August 2021

Pest control provides important and useful services in rural and urban environments, activities, and value chains. Despite the significance of them, under operational, environmental and food security and safety terms, there are still gaps in the awareness level of targeted groups. Therefore, in the current work, we have carried out questionnaire-based surveillance to pest control operators in Greece and Cyprus, in an attempt to illustrate their knowledge regarding pest control in conjunction with demographic characteristics. In this context, the results underlined the need for further training in all aspects of pest control, but also relative activities that are often are operated by pest controllers, such as food safety activities and applications in the urban and sub-urban environment. The replies that had been obtained during the survey showed good correlations of knowledge with specific variables, such as the size of the company, the age group, and the educational background, in conjunction with the country in which the professional activities are carried out. To our knowledge, this is the first work of its kind, in terms of pest controllers’ perceptions and self-evaluation, illustrating specific knowledge gaps that have to be alleviated towards improved services in urban pest control, especially in sensitive urban areas and facilities, and improved measures for safety during the applications.
A Review of Two Decades of Conservation Efforts on Tigers, Co-Predators and Prey at the Junction of Three Global Biodiversity Hotspots in the Transboundary Far-Eastern Himalayan Landscape
Authors: Sarkar Mriganka Shekhar , Amonge Diana Ethel , Pradhan Nawraj , Naing Hla , Huang Zhipang , Lodhi Mahendra Singh
Published: August 2021

Addressing the effects of human-caused habitat destruction on free-ranging threatened large carnivores requires actions that go ‘beyond borders’ in conserving and protecting their habitat and prey base. In this review, we compiled information from available literature on 20 years of conservation efforts aimed at tigers, co-predators, and their prey in the Far-Eastern Himalayan Landscape that is situated at the confluence of three global biodiversity hotspots covering parts of India, Myanmar, and China. The vast area of the proven biodiversity-rich forested landscape is highly suitable for long-term survival of carnivores, such as tigers. Habitat loss, ritual hunting, commercial exploitation, and poaching are the prevailing threats that have resulted in low tiger, co-predator, and prey population densities. Studies suggest that tiger presence is confined to a few areas, while other tiger populations have been extirpated across most parts of the landscape. Past research also suggests that the landscape holds low abundance of diverse prey species richness (n = 22), and urgent conservation measures are required to improve their habitat and numbers. This calls for greater regional and transboundary co-operation on research and knowledge sharing, conservation awareness programs for locals, and cross-border co-operation on wildlife monitoring. Strict policies are also required to enable PA managers to develop strategic plans to conserve large predators and protect their habitats and corridors.
De Novo Transcriptome Assembly, Functional Annotation and SSR Marker Discovery of Qinling Takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi)
Authors: Qiu Ju , Guo Rui , Li Yidan , Zhang Yuyao , Jia Kangsheng , Lei Yinghu , Zan Linsen , Li Anning
Published: August 2021

The takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is an endemic ruminant species belonging to the bovine family. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed it as an endangered and vulnerable species. However, little is known about its molecular characterization since it lacks a reference genome. This study used RNA sequencing followed by de novo assembly, annotation and simple sequence repeats (SSRs) prediction to assess the transcriptome of Qinling takin (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) muscles. In total, 21,648 unigenes with an N50 and mean length of 1388 bp and 817 bp, respectively, were successfully detected and annotated against the public databases (NR, GO, KEGG, and EggNOG). Furthermore, 6222 SSRs were identified using the MIcroSAtellite (MISA) identification tool software. Taken together, these findings will provide valuable information for genetic, genomic, and evolutionary studies on takin.
Surgical Margins in Canine Cutaneous Soft-Tissue Sarcomas: A Dichotomous Classification System Does Not Accurately Predict the Risk of Local Recurrence
Authors: Chiti Lavinia Elena , Ferrari Roberta , Roccabianca Paola , Boracchi Patrizia , Godizzi Francesco , Busca Giuseppe Achille , Stefanello Damiano
Published: August 2021

Adjuvant treatments are recommended in dogs with incompletely excised cutaneous soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) to reduce the risk of local recurrence (LR), although guidelines are lacking on how to manage clean but close margins (CbCM). This retrospective study investigates the impact of CbCM on LR of canine STS. Ninety-eight surgically excised canine STS at first presentation were included. Tissue samples were routinely trimmed and analyzed. Cumulative incidence of LR was estimated for each category of margins (tumor-free, infiltrated, CbCM), and included CbCM in the tumor-free and infiltrated category, respectively. The prognostic impact on LR was then adjusted for relevant prognostic factors. Cumulative incidence of LR at three years differed significantly between the three categories (p = 0.016), and was estimated to be 42% with infiltrated margins, 23% with CbCM, 7% with tumor-free margins. Both when CbCM were grouped with infiltrated margins (p = 0.033; HR = 5.05), and when CbCM were grouped with tumor-free margins (p = 0.011; HR = 3.13), a significant difference between groups was found. STS excised with infiltrated margins had the greatest risk of LR. The rate of LR with CbCm was greater than recurrence rate of tumor-free margins. The category CbCM may be considered as a separate prognostic category.