bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First report of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in tank cultured dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus), and evaluation of three phenotypic methods in the detection of MRSA
Authors: Fri Justine , Ndip Roland Ndip , Njom Henry Akum , Clarke Anna Maria
Published: November 2017

This study was conducted to ascertain the occurrence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in marine finfish (Argyrosomus japonicus) harvested from the wild and two re‐circulatory aquaculture systems, and evaluating the reliability of three phenotypic methods in the detection of methicillin resistance. A total of 120 dusky kob fish were sampled for S. aureus detection using conventional methods and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the nuc gene. Methicillin resistance was determined by molecular detection of the mecA gene. Using mecA as the defining standard, the specificities and sensitivities of cefoxitin disc diffusion, oxacillin screen agar, and growth of S. aureus on Brilliance MRSA II Agar were evaluated. A total of 321 presumptive S. aureus isolates were recovered by culture, out of which 202 (62.9%) were confirmed by PCR. Of these, 33 (16.3%) strains were mecA positive while 169 (83.7%) were mecA negative. The sensitivities and specificities of MRSA detection was 93.9 and 91.7%, 81.8 and 92.3%, and 87.9 and 94.1% for cefoxitin disc, oxacillin screen agar test, and Brilliance MRSA II agar, respectively. This is so far the first report of MRSA in dusky kob aquaculture in South Africa. In the absence of molecular techniques, cefoxitin disc diffusion test is recommended along with any other phenotypic method to improve MRSA detection from samples of veterinary origin.

Practical implications

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus currently presents one of the greatest challenges for medical research worldwide, as well as is one of the most important causes of bacteria gastroenteritis due to preformed toxins in foods. There is a dearth of knowledge on marine foods as carriers/sources of MRSA infection. There are also major discrepancies obtained with MRSA detection methods, making effective detection of this pathogen complicated. The results from this study show that healthy aquaculture fish are reservoirs of MRSA, thus it is necessary to regularly monitor marine foods. Cefoxitin disc diffusion test is recommended as the preferred method for detection of MRSA from fish/food samples where molecular methods are lacking.
Novel endoscopic categorization for prediction of chemoradiotherapy response in locally advanced esophageal cancer
Authors: Cho Charles J , Kang Hyo Jeong , Park Se Jeong , Kim Ga Hee , Park Seong Hwan , Eo Soo‐Heang , Kim Min‐Ju , Kim Yong‐Hee , Park Sook Ryun , Kim Jong Hoon , Ahn Ji Yong , Kim Do Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Park Young Soo , Lee Gin Hyug
Published: November 2017

Background and Aim

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by esophagectomy is a well‐known treatment modality for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer (EC). This study developed an algorithm to predict pathological complete response (CR) in these patients using post‐CRT endoscopic category with biopsy and validated the proposed algorithm.

Methods

A retrospective review of 141 consecutive patients who completed preoperative CRT and underwent surgical resection for locally advanced EC was performed. The post‐CRT endoscopic findings of each patient were stratified into five categories.

Results

The distribution of post‐CRT endoscopic categories was significantly different between the pathological CR and non‐pathological CR groups (P < 0.001). About 76.8% (73/95) of patients in category 0, 1, or 2 achieved pathological CR. In contrast, 91.3% (42/46) of endoscopic categories 3 and 4 patients did not achieve pathological CR. Sensitivity of post‐CRT biopsy was 11.1%. Therefore, an algorithm combining biopsy results and dichotomized post‐CRT endoscopic category (category 0, 1, or 2 vs category 3 or 4) was developed. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in predicting pathological CR by the proposed algorithm were 64.8%, 95.9%, and 82.8%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the proposed algorithm remained a significant negative factor of survival (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Algorithm using post‐CRT endoscopic category with biopsy may help identify locally advanced EC patients who achieved pathological CR after preoperative CRT. Modalities to accurately detect subepithelial remnant EC may further aid in predicting pathological CR.
Comparative evaluation of salivary hepatocyte growth factor in smokers and non‐smokers with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Guru Sanjeela , Sam Sheena Elizabeth , Rajan Sukanya , Padmanabhan Shyam
Published: November 2017

Aim

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a multifunctional cytokine with a wide range of actions, and plays a role in periodontal disease (PD) progression. Smoking significantly increases the risk for PD progression. Thus, aim of the present study was to estimate salivary HGF levels of non‐smokers and smokers with chronic periodontitis (CP) and to compare its levels before and after therapy.

Methods

A total of 75 participants were recruited and divided into three groups: group 1 included 25 healthy participants, group 2 included 25 non‐smokers with CP, and group 3 included 25 smokers with CP. Salivary HGF levels were estimated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and correlated with clinical parameters before and after treatment.

Results

Salivary HGF levels of non‐smokers and smokers with CP were significantly higher than the control group. There was a significant reduction in salivary HGF in smokers and non‐smokers with CP after non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT).

Conclusion

Salivary HGF levels positively correlated with PD progression and smoking status. A significant reduction in HGF levels was seen after NSPT. Thus, within limits, it can be suggested that HGF plays a role in PD progression and can be used as a diagnostic biomarker to detect disease activity. Salivary HGF levels could also be useful to monitor response to periodontal therapy.
A substitution mutation in OsPELOTA confers bacterial blight resistance by activating the salicylic acid pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Bo , Feng Bao‐Hua , Wang Hui‐Mei , Xu Xia , Shi Yong‐Feng , He Yan , Chen Zheng , Sathe Atul Prakash , Shi Lei , Wu Jian‐Li
Published: November 2017

We previously reported a spotted‐leaf mutant pelota (originally termed HM47) in rice displaying arrested growth and enhanced resistance to multiple races of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Here, we report the map‐based cloning of the causal gene OsPELOTA (originally termed splHM47). We identified a single base substitution from T to A at position 556 in the coding sequence of OsPELOTA, effectively mutating phenylalanine to isoleucine at position 186 in the translated protein sequence. Both functional complementation and over‐expression could rescue the spotted‐leaf phenotype. OsPELOTA, a paralogue to eukaryotic release factor 1 (eRF1), shows high sequence similarity to Drosophila Pelota and also localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane. OsPELOTA is constitutively expressed in roots, leaves, sheaths, stems, and panicles. Elevated levels of salicylic acid and decreased level of jasmonate were detected in the pelota mutant. RNA‐seq analysis confirmed that genes responding to salicylic acid were upregulated in the mutant. Our results indicate that the rice PELOTA protein is involved in bacterial leaf blight resistance by activating the salicylic acid metabolic pathway.
What Aspects of Rural Life Contribute to Rural‐Urban Health Disparities in Older Adults? Evidence From a National Survey
Authors: Cohen Steven A. , Cook Sarah K. , Sando Trisha A. , Sabik Natalie J.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Rural‐urban health disparities are well‐documented and particularly problematic for older adults. However, determining which specific aspects of rural or urban living initiate these disparities remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess associations between place‐based characteristics of rural‐urban status and health among adults age 65+.

Methods

Data from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were geographically linked to place‐based characteristics from the American Community Survey. Self‐reported health (SRH), obesity, and health checkup within the last year were modeled against rural‐urban status (distance to nearest metropolitan area, population size, population density, percent urban, Urban Influence Codes [UIC], Rural‐Urban Continuum Codes [RUCC], and Rural‐Urban Commuting Area [RUCA]) using generalized linear models, accounting for covariates and complex sampling, overall, and stratified by area‐level income.

Findings

In general, increasing urbanicity was associated with a reduction in negative SRH for all 7 measures of rural‐urban status. For low‐income counties, this association held for all measures and characteristics of rural‐urban status except population density. However, for high‐income counties, the association was reversed—respondents living in areas of increasing urbanicity were more likely to report negative SRH for 4 of the 7 measures (RUCC, UIC, RUCA, and percent urban). Findings were mixed for the outcome of obesity, where rural areas had higher levels, except in low‐income counties, where the association between rurality and obesity was reversed (OR 1.033, 95%CI: 1.002‐1.064).

Conclusion

These results suggest that rural‐urban status is both a continuum and multidimensional. Distinct elements of rural‐urban status may influence health in nuanced ways that require additional exploration in future studies.
Spectrophotometry and Ultracentrifugation for Measurement of Plasma Lipids in Dogs with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Seage E.C. , Drobatz K.J. , Hess R.S.
Published: November 2017

Background

There are conflicting reports of plasma lipoprotein lipid content in dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Objectives

To determine lipoprotein lipid content of plasma of dogs with DM by spectrophotometry and ultracentrifugation; to compare lipoprotein lipid content in diabetic and healthy dogs; and to quantify apolipoprotein B‐100 (ApoB) in dogs with DM.

Animals

22 dogs with DM and 9 healthy dogs.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study. Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentrations were measured by spectrophotometry. Very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) concentrations were calculated after ultracentrifugation. Non‐HDL‐C cholesterol was calculated by subtracting HDL‐C from TC. ApoB was quantified by ELISA. The Mann‐Whitney test was used for comparison of median lipoprotein concentrations, and Spearman's correlation was used to assess associations between ApoB and lipoprotein fractions.

Results

All values are reported in mg/dL. Median TG (122), TC (343.5), HDL‐C, (200), VLDL‐C, (27) LDL‐C (68), non‐HDL‐C (114), and ApoB (320) were significantly higher in dogs with DM, compared to healthy dogs (57, 197, 168, 12, 16, 31, and 258, respectively, P‐values 0.0079, <0.001, 0.029, 0.011, <0.001, <0.001, 0.025, respectively). A significant association was found between ApoB and LDL‐C (Spearman's rho = 0.41, P = 0.022) and between ApoB and non‐HDL‐C (Spearman's rho = 0.40, P = 0.027).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dyslipidemia of dogs with DM is characterized by pronounced increases in LDL‐C and non‐HDL‐C concentrations, although all lipoprotein fractions are significantly increased. Knowledge of specific lipoprotein fraction alterations in dogs with DM can enhance treatment options for diabetic dyslipidemia in dogs.
Ethanol‐mediated suppression of IL‐37 licenses alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Grabherr Felix , Grander Christoph , Adolph Timon E. , Wieser Verena , Mayr Lisa , Enrich Barbara , Macheiner Sophie , Sangineto Moris , Reiter Andreas , Viveiros Andre , Zoller Heinz , Bufler Philip , Moschen Alexander R. , Dinarello Charles A. , Tilg Herbert
Published: November 2017

Background & Aims

Chronic alcohol consumption and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) afflicts individuals with substantial morbidity and mortality with limited treatment options available. Hepatic inflammation, triggered by activated Kupffer cells, is a driving force in alcoholic liver disease. Interleukin 37 (IL‐37) exerts anti‐inflammatory effects in hepatic diseases, however, the impact of Interleukin 37 on alcoholic liver disease is unknown. In this study, we addressed the role of Interleukin 37 in alcoholic liver disease.

Methods

We utilized Interleukin 37 expressing transgenic mice and human recombinant Interleukin 37 in models of alcoholic liver disease. Interleukin 37 expression was measured in liver samples of 20 alcoholic steatohepatitis and 36 non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.

Results

Interleukin 37 transgenic mice are not protected against hepatic injury and inflammation in alcoholic liver disease. Ethanol suppressed Interleukin 37 expression in transgenic mice. Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) patients similarly exhibited reduced Interleukin 37 expression when compared to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. Human recombinant Interleukin 37 ameliorated hepatic inflammation in a binge drinking model of alcoholic liver disease.

Conclusion

We provide evidence for an exogenous noxae that suppresses Interleukin 37 expression which limits its anti‐inflammatory effects in alcoholic liver disease.
Impacts of Nile Perch, Lates niloticus, introduction on the ecology, economy and conservation of Lake Victoria, East Africa
Authors: Aloo Peninah A. , Njiru J. , Balirwa J. S. , Nyamweya C. S.
Published: November 2017

Nile perch were secretly introduced into Lake Victoria in the 1950s, and officially in the 1960s, amid unresolved controversy. Proponents were of the view that the introduction would improve fisheries production and sport fishing. Although the former objective was achieved, the side effects were dire, including extinction of many native species, especially the ecologically important haplochromines, because of predation. The introduction also changed the habitat, trophic dynamics and water clarity. The change in water clarity is thought to be responsible for hybridization of haplochromines, further contributing to the loss of species diversity among cichlids. The establishment and expansion of the Nile perch also altered the fishery and socio‐economic settings characterizing the lake. A local economy which, until the early 1980s, was based on native fish species has been replaced by an export‐oriented exotic fish processing industry that destroyed the once‐cherished traditional resource. Other socio‐economic issues associated with Nile perch include the high HIV/AIDS prevalence among fishers, and border conflicts attributable to the migratory and transboundary nature of the fishery resource. Conservation measures for the fishery should include establishment of co‐management units that have so far registered both successes and challenges. Other efforts include establishment of the Nile perch Fisheries Management Plans that focus on curbing overfishing and eradicating illegal fishing.
With adaptation, the WHO guidelines on calcium supplementation for prevention of pre‐eclampsia are adopted by pregnant women
Authors: Omotayo Moshood O. , Martin Stephanie L. , Stoltzfus Rebecca J. , Ortolano Stephanie E. , Mwanga Erick , Dickin Katherine L.
Published: November 2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends calcium supplementation for prevention of pre‐eclampsia, but factors affecting adoption and acceptability of the recommendations among pregnant women have not been examined. We explored adoption of the WHO guidelines in Kenya, using the trials of improved practices. We recruited 38 pregnant women and assigned participants to three regimens representing potential trade‐offs among daily dose, bioavailability, and acceptability. Participants were provided with supplements, requested to select preferred product type, counselled on how to take them, and interviewed 4 times over 6 weeks to assess their experiences. We tracked bottle opening with electronic monitors, as proxy for supplement consumption. We analysed interview transcripts thematically. All participants were willing to try the supplements. Average daily consumption ranged from 77 to 1,577 mg/d. Most participants (74%) chose the chewable product. Participants preferred its “sweet taste” and liked the ability to consume it without water. Women in the 2‐dose regimen were least likely to switch; however, women assigned to the 3‐dose regimen, or who switched to the 3‐dose regimen, consumed the most calcium per day. Difficulties with the 4‐dose regimen included afternoon doses when women were likely to forget and having to wait hours after supper for last dose. Use of an illustrated calendar, keeping supplements in conspicuous locations and requesting support from relatives were strategies that supported adherence. Pregnant women are likely to adopt Ca supplementation, with appropriate programmatic adaptations. Careful attention to product attributes, regimen complexity, and strategies for reassuring and reminding women are needed to adapt the WHO guidelines.
Site‐specific gene expression analysis from archived human intestine samples combining laser‐capture microdissection and multiplexed color‐coded probes
Authors: Braun A. , Martinez C. , Schmitteckert S. , Röth R. , Lasitschka F. , Niesler B.
Published: November 2017

Background

Alterations of site‐specific gene expression profiles in disease‐relevant networks within the different layers of the intestinal wall may contribute to the onset and clinical course of gastrointestinal disorders. To date, no systematic analysis has assessed and compared sub‐regional gene expression patterns in all distinct layers of the gut using fresh frozen human samples. Our aim was to establish an optimized protocol for site‐specific RNA isolation in order to achieve maximum RNA quality and amount for subsequent gene expression analysis combining laser‐capture microdissection (LCM) with a probe‐based technology, the NanoString nCounter Analysis system.

Methods

Four full‐thickness colon samples from patients who underwent surgery due to pathological conditions were processed and separated into epithelium, lamina propria, myenteric plexus, submucosa, and tunica muscularis by LCM. Site‐specific marker expression by nCounter technology was performed on total RNA from each sub‐region, respectively.

Key Results

Collecting ~10 mm² (~100 000‐250 000 cells) of tissue from the epithelial layer, lamina propria, and myenteric plexus provided sufficient amounts of RNA of appropriate quality for subsequent analyses. In contrast, ~40 mm² (~250 000‐650 000 cells) of tissue were dissected from the less cell‐rich submucosal and tunica muscularis layer. nCounter analysis revealed a site‐specific expression pattern of marker genes in the different layers of the colonic wall which were highly correlating (r > .9).

Conclusions and Inferences

LCM in combination with nCounter expression analysis enables site‐specific, sensitive, reliable detection, and quantification of mRNA from histologically heterogeneous tissues.
Additional information on the primitive contour and wing feathering of paravian dinosaurs
Authors: Saitta Evan T. , Gelernter Rebecca , Vinther Jakob
Published: November 2017

Identifying feather morphology in extinct dinosaurs is challenging due to dense overlapping of filaments within fossilized plumage and the fact that some extinct feather morphologies are unlike those of extant birds or those predicted from an ‘evo‐devo’ model of feather evolution. Here, we compare a range of dinosaur taxa with preserved integumentary appendages using high‐resolution photographs to better understand fossil feather morphology and gain insight into their function and evolution. A specimen of the basal paravian Anchiornis possesses contour feathers disarticulated from the plumage, revealing a novel feather type: a ‘shaggy’, open‐vaned, bifurcated feather with long barbs attached to a short rachis, which is much simpler than the contour feathers of most extant birds. In contrast, it is likely that the contour feathers of Sinosauropteryx were simpler than those seen in Anchiornis; a ‘tuft’ morphology of multiple barbs connected at their bases (e.g. via a shared follicle), but lacking a rachis, is tentatively inferred. However, conclusive morphological descriptions await the discovery of isolated Sinosauropteryx contour feathers. Paravian wing feathers also show potentially plesiomorphic traits. Comparison with Confuciusornis suggests that Anchiornis wing feathers were at least partially open‐vaned. Combined with the interpretation of Anchiornis contour feathers, this suggests that differentiated barbicels are relatively derived compared to pennaceous feathers and the appearance of wings. ‘Shaggy’ contour feathers probably influenced thermoregulatory and water repellence abilities, and, in combination with open‐vaned wing feathers, would have decreased aerodynamic efficiency. Simplified, open‐vaned wing feathers were also observed on the oviraptorosaur Caudipteryx, consistent with, but not necessarily diagnostic of, its suggested flightlessness. Taken together, these observations have broad implications for how we depict a wide variety of dinosaurs and how we view the function and evolution of feathers.
The C2H2 zinc‐finger protein SlZF3 regulates AsA synthesis and salt tolerance by interacting with CSN5B
Authors: Li Ying , Chu Zhuannan , Luo Jinying , Zhou Yuhong , Cai Yujing , Lu Yongen , Xia Junhui , Kuang Hanhui , Ye Zhibiao , Ouyang Bo
Published: November 2017

Abiotic stresses are a major cause of crop loss. Ascorbic acid (AsA) promotes stress tolerance by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), which accumulate when plants experience abiotic stress. Although the biosynthesis and metabolism of AsA are well established, the genes that regulate these pathways remain largely unexplored. Here, we report on a novel regulatory gene from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) named SlZF3 that encodes a Cys2/His2‐type zinc‐finger protein with an EAR repression domain. The expression of SlZF3 was rapidly induced by NaCl treatments. The overexpression of SlZF3 significantly increased the levels of AsA in tomato and Arabidopsis. Consequently, the AsA‐mediated ROS‐scavenging capacity of the SlZF3‐overexpressing plants was increased, which enhanced the salt tolerance of these plants. Protein–protein interaction assays demonstrated that SlZF3 directly binds CSN5B, a key component of the COP9 signalosome. This interaction inhibited the binding of CSN5B to VTC1, a GDP‐mannose pyrophosphorylase that contributes to AsA biosynthesis. We found that the EAR domain promoted the stability of SlZF3 but was not required for the interaction between SlZF3 and CSN5B. Our findings indicate that SlZF3 simultaneously promotes the accumulation of AsA and enhances plant salt‐stress tolerance.
Breeding for insect resistance in oilseed rape: Challenges, current knowledge and perspectives
Authors: Hervé Maxime R.
Published: November 2017

Dealing with insect pests is one of the biggest challenges facing the cultivation of oilseed rape (Brassica napus, OSR). Insect pests are usually controlled using insecticides, but the increasing occurrence of insecticide‐resistant populations and the socio‐economic context argue against the sole use of these substances. Plant resistance is a classical and proven alternative crop protection strategy that is the basic tool of integrated pest management. However, no insect‐resistant OSR cultivar is currently available on the market. Here, I review some of the constraints that make phenotyping for insect resistance particularly challenging with OSR and give perspectives to develop this resistance. Some studies have proved that breeding OSR for insect resistance could be achieved, and three strategies have been considered: introducing resistance transgenes into the OSR genome, exploiting natural variation in resistance already present in B. napus and introgressing resistance from other brassicaceous species. The white mustard, Sinapis alba, seems a particularly promising source of resistance against most of the OSR insect pests.
Cucumis metuliferus is resistant to root‐knot nematode Mi1.2 gene (a)virulent isolates and a promising melon rootstock
Authors: Expósito A. , Munera M. , Giné A. , López‐Gómez M. , Cáceres A. , Picó B. , Gisbert C. , Medina V. , Sorribas F. J.
Published: November 2017

Pot experiments were carried out to characterize the response of two Cucumis metuliferus accessions (BGV11135 and BGV10762) against Mi1.2 gene (a)virulent Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica isolates and to determine the compatibility and the effect on physicochemical properties of fruit melons. In addition, histopathological studies were conducted. One week after transplanting, plants were inoculated with one J2 cm−3 of sterilized sand (200 cm3 pots) and maintained in a growth chamber at 25 °C for 40 days. The susceptible cucumber cv. Dasher II or melon cv. Paloma were included for comparison. The number of egg masses and number of eggs per plant were assessed, and the reproduction index (RI) was calculated as the percentage of eggs produced on the C. metuliferus accessions compared to those produced on the susceptible cultivars. The compatibility and fruit quality were assessed by grafting three scions, two of Charentais type and one of type piel de sapo, under commercial greenhouse conditions. The resistance level of both C. metuliferus accessions ranged from highly resistant (RI < 1%) to resistant (1% ≤ RI ≤ 10%) irrespective of Meloidogyne isolates. Melon plants grafted onto C. metuliferus accession BGV11135 grew as self‐grafted plants without negatively impacting fruit quality traits. Giant cells induced by Meloidogyne spp. on C. metuliferus were in general poorly developed compared to those on cucumber. Furthermore, necrotic areas surrounding the nematode were observed. Cucumis metuliferus accession BGV11135 could be a promising melon rootstock to manage Meloidogyne spp., irrespective of their Mi1.2 (a)virulence, without melon fruit quality reduction.
Of Barriers to Entry for Medium and Large n Multiple Streams Applications: Methodological and Conceptual Considerations
Authors: Engler Fabian , Herweg Nicole
Published: November 2017

Recent literature reviews on contributions applying the multiple streams framework (MSF) concluded that although the framework is prolific, there is a lack of contributions testing it in a larger sample size. By addressing which barriers to entry medium and large n MSF applications face and by suggesting ways to handle them, we aim at providing researchers with a benchmark contribution for developing MSF‐guided research designs based on a medium to a high number of cases. Building on an overview of the few existing medium and large n MSF studies, we address three challenges researchers must deal with: (1) choice of dependent variables and case selection; (2) operationalization and measurement of the framework's (predominantly figurative) key concepts; and (3) choice of a method that corresponds with the framework's research questions. In the latter regard, we focus on the pros and cons of employing regression analysis and qualitative comparative analysis. We conclude that although the barriers to entry are high for testing the MSF in a larger sample size, they are not insurmountable.
Appropriate‐ing Rubber: scalar translations in Southern Thailand
Authors: Shattuck Will
Published: November 2017

Drawing on qualitative interviews conducted in two provinces of southern Thailand, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung in 2015 and 2016, this paper engages with literature on the politics of scale to consider the relationships among the practice of growing rubber and regional belonging. In many ways decoupling low rubber prices (at the time of writing) from a larger story of substantial, multinational increases in rubber cultivation and production since the early 2000s, a common calculus in southern Thailand among smallholder rubber farmers, or chao suan yang in Thai, of current price woes points in large measure to past policy moves by the Thai government, and especially under the administration of Thaksin Shinawatra in the mid‐2000s, to promote rubber cultivation into northern and northeastern provinces. I contend that emphasis given to such a regional‐national, in other words Thai, story of declines in rubber prices entails noteworthy moments of translation whereby rubber's scales are reconstru(ct)ed through appeals to regional legacies and perceptions of a transmission of ‘southern Thai rubber’ outside of the south.
Effects of wobble board training on single‐leg landing neuromechanics
Authors: Silva P. B. , Oliveira A. S. , Mrachacz‐Kersting N. , Kersting U. G.
Published: November 2017

Balance training programs have been shown to reduce ankle sprain injuries in sports, but little is known about the transfer from this training modality to motor coordination and ankle joint biomechanics in sport‐specific movements. This study aimed to investigate the effects of wobble board training on motor coordination and ankle mechanics during early single‐leg landing from a lateral jump. Twenty‐two healthy men were randomly assigned to either a control or a training group, who engaged in 4 weeks of wobble board training. Full‐body kinematics, ground reaction force, and surface electromyography (EMG) from 12 lower limb muscles were recorded during landing. Ankle joint work in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane was calculated from 0 to 100 ms after landing. Non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF) was applied on the concatenated EMG Pre‐ and Post‐intervention. Wobble board training increased the ankle joint eccentric work 1.2 times in the frontal (P < .01) and 4.4 times in the transverse plane (P < .01) for trained participants. Wobble board training modified the modular organization of muscle recruitment in the early landing phase by separating the activation of plantar flexors and mediolateral ankle stabilizers. Furthermore, the activation of secondary muscles across motor modules was reduced after training, refocusing the activation on the main muscles involved in the mechanical main subfunctions for each module. These results suggest that wobble board training may modify motor coordination when landing from a lateral jump, focusing on the recruitment of specific muscles/muscle groups that optimize ankle joint stability during early ground contact in single‐leg landing.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender families and health
Authors: Thomeer Mieke Beth , Paine Emily Allen , Bryant Chénoia
Published: November 2017

Research consistently demonstrates that family relationships are key determinants of health, but most research on health and families focuses on a heterosexual and cisgender context. Sexual and gender identities often are overlooked or erased in family and health research. We present an overview of the current state of research on LGBT families and health, using a life course approach and pointing to the ways that LGBT people's experiences of families occur within a broader social structural context, with implications for their health and the health of their family members. We focus on parenthood, parent–child ties, intimate relationships, and caregiving. We also identify two theoretical obstacles for studies of LGBT families and health as well as important research areas for moving forward, such as the inclusion of non‐binary and queer identities in our studies of family and health. Incorporation of LGBT and other queer families and family forms into our health research interrogates assumptions within family and health research and offers insight into how to move the field forward.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*27:04:06 allele in a Chinese bone marrow donor
Authors: Wang F. , Han Z.‐D. , Dong L.‐N. , He J. , Zhu F. M.
Published: November 2017

HLA‐B*27:04:06 differs from HLA‐B*27:04:01 by a single‐nucleotide substitution at position 396 C > A.
Phenotypic and genotypic comparison of salmonellae from diarrhoeic and healthy humans and cattle, Nigeria
Authors: Fashae K. , Leekitcharoenphon P. , Hendriksen R. S.
Published: November 2017

The sources and modes of transmission of non‐typhoidal Salmonella particularly zoonotic transmission are poorly understood in Africa. This study compared phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Salmonellae isolated from cattle and humans. Faecal samples of diarrhoeic patients (n = 234), and a healthy population (n = 160), beef cattle at slaughter (n = 250), farms (n = 72) and market (n = 100) were cultured for salmonellae and serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility were determined. Whole‐genome sequence typing (WGST) of selected isolates and bioinformatic analysis were used to identify the multilocus sequence type (MLST), plasmid replicons, antimicrobial resistance genes and genetic relatedness by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. The Salmonella isolates, diarrhoeic patients (n = 17), healthy population (n = 13), cattle (abattoir, n = 67; farms, n = 10; market n = 5), revealed 49 serovars; some serovars were common to humans and cattle. Rare serovars were prevalent: Colindale (cattle and humans); Rubislaw and Bredeney (humans); and Dublin, Give, Eastbourne, Hadar, Marseille, Sundsvall, Bergen, Ekotedo, Carno and Ealing (cattle). The sequence types (ST) include ST 584, ST 198, ST 562 and ST 512 for S. Colindale, S. Kentucky S. Rubislaw and S. Urbana, respectively. Clonal cluster shared by cattle and human WGST isolates was not found. Antimicrobial resistance rates were generally low and towards only chloramphenicol, ampicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and streptomycin, range 2.7% (chloramphenicol) to 8.9% (streptomycin). Multiply resistant isolates included serovars Kentucky, 4,5,12:i:‐ and Typhimurium. The study presents a baseline description of the prevalence, serotypes, antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genetic relatedness of Salmonella isolated from healthy and diarrhoeic humans, and cattle at harvest, on farm and at market. Cattle are a reservoir of diverse salmonellae with shared serovars with humans, but WGST does not support zoonotic transmission. Further study with larger samples is recommended to determine whether epidemiological link exists between cattle and humans.
Governance Factors and Mismanagement of Public Project Funds in Nigeria: A Case Study of Ondo State
Authors: Adedeji Deborah Bose , Lawal Akinloye Fatai , Simon-Oke Olayemi Oladehinde
Published: November 2017

This paper evaluates the governance factors that are responsible to the mismanagement of public project funds in Nigeria. Governance factors are variables that influence the effective usage of project funds to achieve project delivery while public projects relate to works done by the government to meet public interest. The target population for this study include ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the public sector in Ondo State comprising a total number of seventy-four (74) establishments in the state. Primary and secondary data were collected. Principal component analysis method and explorative factor analysis were combined to extract the five relevant governance factors that impact public project delivery in the study area. Findings reveal that execution of public projects could be fettered with different types of corrupt practices such as bribery, favour-to-favour, nepotism, percentage sharing and contract inflation in the study area; however, weaknesses and lapses were observed in bureaucracy, accountability and due process. Therefore, the study suggests among others, that there should be a political will to redress corruption dilemma, tighten accountability, due process and bureaucratic control in project environment.
Investigation of Mathematics Teacher Candidates’ Conceptual Structures about “Measurement” through Word Association Test: The Example of Turkey
Authors: Erdogan Ahmet
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this research is to determine mathematics teacher candidates’ conceptual structures about the concept of “measurement” that is the one of the important learning fields of mathematics. Qualitative research method was used in this study. Participants of this study were 58 mathematics teacher candidates studying in one of the public universities in Turkey. The free word-association test was used as data collection tool. The “Measurement” stimulus concept was presented to mathematics teacher candidates through the free word-association test. A total of 118 response words obtained from the test have been arranged in frequency tables. The response words divided into 9 categories with the help of content analysis. A network of concepts has been created that the conceptual structures of mathematics teacher candidates about “measurement” using the frequencies and categories of response words. The findings of this study indicates that the response words with the highest frequency of the mathematics teacher candidates related to the “measurement” stimulus word are evaluation, exam, length, meter, test, etc. and the categories of response words are meaning of measurement, measurement and evaluation lesson, measurement learning domain, measurement in daily life, measurement units, etc.
The Views of Pre-Service Teachers Regarding the Effectiveness of Peer Assisted Learning Method in the Science and Technology Laboratory Practices Course
Authors: Şimşekli Yeter , Özer Dilek Zeren , Güngör Sema Nur
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study is to show the views of pre-service teachers about peer-assisted learning method which is a common practice. The peer student group of the research sample (N:40) consisted of 2nd grade pre-service primary teachers attending the Uludag University Faculty of Education during the 2010-2011 academic year and taking the Science and Technology Laboratory Practices course. The peer teacher group (N:10), on the other hand, consisted of 3rd grade pre-service science teachers attending the same faculty and taking the Community Service Practices course. The peer teachers assisted the peer students in the Science and Technology Laboratory Practices course for 10 weeks. This a phenomenological research, which is a qualitative research method. The Peer Teacher Evaluation Form and the Peer Student Evaluation Form, which included 6 open-ended questions, were used for the/our data collection. The data were analyzed through content analysis. It was concluded that peer-assisted learning method makes the Science and Technology Laboratory Practices course more effective, benefits peer teachers and peer students, and contributes to group work.
Thermal and Microstructure Study of the Chip Formation During Turning of Ti64 β Lamellar Titanium Structure
Authors: Wagner Vincent , Barelli Floran , Dessein Gilles , Laheurte Raynald , Darnis Phillipe , Cahuc Olivier , Mousseigne Michel
Published: November 2017

In recent years, many titanium alloys have emerged, each of them associated with a range of different heat treatments. Thus, several microstructures have been studied to varying degrees. For example, the Ti64 titanium alloy, mostly known for its α + β structure, can display a different state: the structure, inducing nonstandard mechanical behavior. This work presents chip formation in this specific microstructure where a strong heterogeneity is observed and where the shear band formation is a function of the relationship between the shear direction and the microstructure orientation. From these reasons, major differences are found in the chip morphology, within the same cutting condition, in comparison to the bimodal structure where a single chip morphology is obtained for each cutting condition. A section of this paper is devoted to the presentation of the β microstructure where different configurations can be seen within the same chip. Next, the influence of cutting conditions on the chip formation is studied. To highlight the specific chip formation process, a temperature model has been developed and combined with cutting force analysis to understand clearly the specificity of the chip formation for this structure. Finally, the discussion explains the different chip formation scenarios according to the workpiece microstructure to be cut.
Could nail and joint alterations make the difference between psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis during the ultrasonographic evaluation of the distal interphalangeal joints?
Authors: Batticciotto Alberto , Idolazzi Luca , De Lucia Orazio , Tinazzi Ilaria , Iagnocco Annamaria
Published: November 2017

.
Feel the burn to improve cognition
Authors: Morris Jill K.
Published: November 2017

Increased brain lactate uptake is related to improved executive function following high-intensity interval exercise.
A Real Pain: Diagnostic Quandaries and Septic Arthritis
Authors: Costales Cristina , Butler-Wu Susan M.
Published: November 2017

Rapid diagnosis and treatment of an infected joint are paramount in preserving orthopedic function. Here, we present a brief review of the many challenges associated with the diagnosis of both septic arthritis and prosthetic joint infections. We also discuss the many laboratory tests currently available to aid in the accurate diagnosis of joint infection, as well as emerging diagnostics that may have future utility in the diagnosis of these challenging clinical entities.
Genetically Intact but Functionally Impaired HIV-1 Env Glycoproteins in the T-Cell Reservoir
Authors: de Verneuil Anne , Migraine Julie , Mammano Fabrizio , Molina Jean-Michel , Gallien Sébastien , Mouquet Hugo , Hance Allan J. , Clavel François , Dutrieux Jacques
Published: November 2017

HIV-infected subjects under antiretroviral treatment (ART) harbor a persistent viral reservoir in resting CD4
+
T cells, which accounts for the resurgence of HIV replication after ART interruption. A large majority of HIV reservoir genomes are genetically defective, but even among intact proviruses few seem able to generate infectious virus. To understand this phenomenon, we examined the function and expression of HIV envelope glycoproteins reactivated from the reservoir of four HIV-infected subjects under suppressive ART. We studied full-length genetically intact
env
sequences from both replicative viruses and cell-associated mRNAs. We found that these Env proteins varied extensively in fusogenicity and infectivity, with strongest functional defects found in Envs from cell-associated mRNAs. Env functional impairments were essentially explained by defects in Env protein expression. Our results support the idea that defects in HIV Env expression, preventing cytopathic or immune HIV clearance, contribute to the persistence of the HIV T-cell reservoir
in vivo
.

IMPORTANCE
In most individuals, evolution of HIV infection is efficiently controlled on the long-term by combination antiviral therapies. These treatments, however, fail to eradicate HIV from the infected subjects, a failure that results both in resurgence of virus replication and in resumption of HIV pathogenicity when the treatment is stopped. HIV resurgence, in these instances, is widely assumed to emerge from a reservoir of silent virus integrated in the genomes of a small number of T lymphocytes. The silent HIV reservoir is mostly composed of heavily deleted or mutated HIV DNA. Moreover, among the seemingly intact remaining HIV, only very few are actually able to efficiently propagate in tissue culture. In this study, we find that intact HIV in the reservoir often carry strong defects in their capacity to promote fusion to neighboring cells and infection of target cells, a defect related to the function and expression of the HIV envelope glycoprotein. Impaired envelope glycoprotein expression and function could explain why cells harboring these viruses tend to remain undetected and unharmed in the reservoir.
Interventions on Metabolism: Making Antibiotic-Susceptible Bacteria
Authors: Baquero Fernando , Martínez José-Luis
Published: November 2017

Antibiotics act on bacterial metabolism, and antibiotic resistance involves changes in this metabolism. Interventions on metabolism with drugs might therefore modify drug susceptibility and drug resistance. In their recent article, Martin Vestergaard et al. (mBio 8:e01114-17, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01114-17
) illustrate the possibility of converting intrinsically resistant bacteria into susceptible ones. They reported that inhibition of a central metabolic enzyme, ATP synthase, allows otherwise ineffective polymyxin antibiotics to act on
Staphylococcus aureus
. The study of the intrinsic resistome of bacterial pathogens has shown that several metabolic genes, including multigene transcriptional regulators, contribute to antibiotic resistance. In some cases, these genes only marginally increase antibiotic resistance, but reduced levels of susceptibility might be critical in the evolution or resistance under low antibiotic concentrations or in the clinical response of highly resistant bacteria. Drug interventions on bacterial metabolism might constitute a critical adjuvant therapy in combination with antibiotics to ensure susceptibility of pathogens with intrinsic or acquired antimicrobial resistance.
Amyloid-Like β-Aggregates as Force-Sensitive Switches in Fungal Biofilms and Infections
Authors: Lipke Peter N. , Klotz Stephen A. , Dufrene Yves F. , Jackson Desmond N. , Garcia-Sherman Melissa C.
Published: November 2017

Cellular aggregation is an essential step in the formation of biofilms, which promote fungal survival and persistence in hosts. In many of the known yeast cell adhesion proteins, there are amino acid sequences predicted to form amyloid-like β-aggregates. These sequences mediate amyloid formation
in vitro. In vivo
, these sequences mediate a phase transition from a disordered state to a partially ordered state to create patches of adhesins on the cell surface. These β-aggregated protein patches are called adhesin nanodomains, and their presence greatly increases and strengthens cell-cell interactions in fungal cell aggregation. Nanodomain formation is slow (with molecular response in minutes and the consequences being evident for hours), and strong interactions lead to enhanced biofilm formation. Unique among functional amyloids, fungal adhesin β-aggregation can be triggered by the application of physical shear force, leading to cellular responses to flow-induced stress and the formation of robust biofilms that persist under flow. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that this phenomenon may be widespread. Analysis of fungal abscesses shows the presence of surface amyloids
in situ
, a finding which supports the idea that phase changes to an amyloid-like state occur
in vivo
. The amyloid-coated fungi bind the damage-associated molecular pattern receptor serum amyloid P component, and there may be a consequential modulation of innate immune responses to the fungi. Structural data now suggest mechanisms for the force-mediated induction of the phase change. We summarize and discuss evidence that the sequences function as triggers for protein aggregation and subsequent cellular aggregation, both
in vitro
and
in vivo
.