bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Shiga‐like toxin producing Escherichia coli strain (E. coli O157) in freshly consumed vegetables and its characterization
Authors: B. Sai Cayalvizhi , D Balachandhar 
Published: November 2018

AbstractEscherichia coli is a vast genus with various beneficial to harmful species. O157:H7 is a shiga‐like toxin (stx) producing E. coli that cause's major health threats in humans, through oral route. However, the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in vegetables is not yet reported in India. Hence, we surveyed the vegetables markets and enumerated the presence of E. coli O157 in freshly consumed vegetables namely, cucumber, radish, lettuce, cabbage, and menthos. Three consecutive surveys from three different market areas were done with 1 month interval. A total of 603 E. coli colonies were isolated. Presence of shiga toxin genes (Stx) were confirmed by colony polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using Stx1 and Stx2 markers that showed 25 and 12 positive colonies, respectively. Among the five vegetables, cabbage had the highest Stx positive colonies (16%). Compared to supermarkets, vegetables from the farmers market did not have much load of E. coli O157. Further, characterization of isolated E. coli colonies were performed using PCR techniques with gene specific markers namely, E. coli uidA, E. coli O157 specific uidA and intimin gene markers. Our analysis showed 6% of E. coli O157 population in the freshly consumed vegetables much above than 2% threshold level, thus providing a warning foresight related to disease outbreak.Practical applicationsMolecular survey using a number of Escherichia coli O157 specific genes through PCR is an easy, rapid, and a reliable method for pathogenic bacteria identification and characterization amidst other indigenous microbial load. Additionally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based enumeration of E. coli O157 in vegetables assist us in determining the threshold level for forewarning of pathogenic disease outbreaks. Further, the severity of outbreak could be predicted using E. coli O157 specific shiga toxin (stx) and receptor genes (intimin). The presence of E. coli O157 specific shiga toxins and intimins in a pathogen signifies severity and virulence of strains in causing potential outbreaks. PCR‐based studies enables rapid identification of inoculums source (E. coli O157 spread) from farmers field/cattle shed. Thus, it could be reliably used to stop the further spread of disease from the source inoculums during the outbreaks.
Morphology of GNAT3‐immunoreactive chemosensory cells in the rat larynx
Authors: Masuda Haruka , Nakamuta Nobuaki , Yamamoto Yoshio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe upper airways play important roles in respiratory defensive reflexes. Although solitary chemosensory cells and chemosensory cell clusters have been reported in the laryngeal mucosa of mammalian species, the distribution and cellular morphology of chemosensory cells remain unclear. In the present study, the distribution and morphology of solitary chemosensory cells and chemosensory cell clusters were examined by immunofluorescence for GNAT3 on whole‐mount preparations of the rat laryngeal mucosa. Electrophysiological experiments were performed to analyze the respiratory reflexes evoked by bitter stimuli to the laryngeal cavity. In the whole area of the laryngeal mucosa, the numbers of GNAT3‐immunoreactive solitary chemosensory cells and chemosensory clusters were 421.0 ± 20.3 and 62.7 ± 6.9, respectively. GNAT3‐immunoreactive solitary chemosensory cells were mainly distributed in the mucosa overlying epiglottic and arytenoid cartilage, and chemosensory clusters were mainly distributed on the edge of the epiglottis and aryepiglottic fold. GNAT3‐immunoreactive solitary chemosensory cells were slender with elongated processes or had a flask‐like/columnar shape. The number of GNAT3‐immunoreactive cells in chemosensory clusters was 6.1 ± 0.4, ranging between 2 and 14 cells. GNAT3‐immunoreactive cells in the cluster were variform and the tips of apical processes gathered at one point at the surface of the epithelium. The tips of apical cytoplasmic processes in solitary chemosensory cells and cells in the cluster were immunoreactive for espin, and faced the laryngeal cavity. Physiological experiments showed that the application of 10 mm quinine hydrochloride to the laryngeal cavity decreased respiratory frequency. The present results revealed the chemosensory field of the larynx and the morphological characteristics of the laryngeal chemosensory system for respiratory depression.
A study on preganglionic connections and possible viscerofugal projections from urinary bladder intramural ganglia to the caudal mesenteric ganglion in the pig
Authors: Lepiarczyk Ewa , Bossowska Agnieszka , Skowrońska Agnieszka , Majewski Mariusz 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe present study was designed to (1) ascertain the distribution and immunohistochemical characteristics of sympathetic preganglionic neurons supplying the caudal mesenteric ganglion (CaMG) and (2) verify the existence of viscerofugal projections from the urinary bladder trigone intramural ganglia (UBT‐IG) to the CaMGin female pigs (n = 6). Combined retrograde tracing and immunofluorescence methods were used. Injections of the neuronal tracer Fast Blue (FB) into the right CaMGrevealed no retrogradely labelled (FB‐positive;FB+) nerve cells in the intramural ganglia; however, manyFB+neurons were found in the spinal cord sympathetic nuclei. Double‐labelling immunohistochemistry revealed that nearly all (99.4 ± 0.6%) retrogradely labelled neurons were cholinergic (choline acetyltransferase‐positive;ChAT+) in nature. ManyFB+/ChAT+perikarya stained positive for vesicular acetylcholine transporter (63.11 ± 5.34%), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (53.48 ± 9.62%) or cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript peptide (41.13 ± 4.77%). A small number of the retrogradely labelled cells revealed immunoreactivity for calcitonin gene‐related peptide (7.60 ± 1.34%) or pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (4.57 ± 1.43%). The present study provides the first detailed information on the arrangement and chemical features of preganglionic neurons projecting to the porcine CaMGand, importantly, strong evidence suggesting the absence of viscerofugal projections from theUBT‐IG.
Impact of Intraoperative Hyperglycemia on Brain Structures and Volumes
Authors: Lachmann Gunnar , Spies Claudia , Windmann Victoria , Wollersheim Tobias , Engelhardt Lilian Jo , Winterer Georg , Kuehn Simone ,   on behalf of the BIOCOG Study Group
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEIn hyperglycemic patients, who succumbed to septic shock, an increased rate of apoptosis of microglial cells and damaged neurons of the hippocampus were found. However, the influence of perioperative glucose levels on hippocampal brain structures has not yet been investigated.METHODSAs part of the ongoing BIOCOG project, a subgroup of N = 65 elderly nondemented patients were analyzed who underwent elective surgery of ≥60 minutes. In these patients, at least one intraoperative blood glucose (BG) measurement was available from the medical charts. Intraoperative glucose maximum was determined in each patient. Preoperatively and at 3 months follow‐up, structural neuroimaging was performed with T1‐weighted magnetization prepared rapid gradient‐echo sequence (MP‐Rage) and a dedicated high‐resolution hippocampus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI scans were analyzed to assess pre‐ or postoperative volume changes of the hippocampus as a whole and hippocampal subfields. We also assessed changes of frontal lobe volume and cortical thickness.RESULTSOverall, 173 intraoperative BG levels were obtained in 65 patients (median 2 per patient). A total of 18 patients showed intraoperative hyperglycemia (glucose maximum ≥150 mg/dL). Controlling for age and diabetes status, no significant impact of intraoperative hyperglycemia was found on the pre–post volume change of the hippocampus as a whole, hippocampal subfields, frontal lobe, and frontal cortical thickness.CONCLUSIONSThis study found no effect of intraoperative hyperglycemia on postoperative brain structures and volumes including volumes of hippocampus and hippocampal subfields, frontal lobe, and frontal cortical thickness. Further studies investigating the impact of intraoperatively elevated glucose levels should consider a tighter or even continuous glycemic measurement and the determination of central microglial activation.
Predictive data mining for diagnosing periodontal disease: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES V and VI) from 2010 to 2015
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hong , Jeong Seong‐Nyum , Choi Seong‐Ho 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to identify patients with the highest risk of periodontal disease (PD), and to provide recommendations for the effective use and application of data mining (DM) techniques when establishing evidence‐based dental‐care policies for vulnerable groups at a high risk of PD.MethodsThis study used the SEMMA (Sample, Explore, Modify, Model, and Assess) methodology to construct DM models based on data acquired from the fifth and sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2000‐2015). We analyzed the sociodemographic and comorbidity variables that influence PD by applying the popular DM techniques of decision‐tree, neural‐network, and regression models, and also attempted to improve the predictive power and reliability by comparing the results obtained by these three models.ResultsOur comparisons of the three DM algorithms confirmed that the average squared error, misclassification rate, receiver operating characteristic index, Gini coefficient, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test results were the most appropriate for the decision‐tree model. The analysis of the decision‐tree model revealed that age and smoking status exert major effects on the risk of PD, and that stress and education level exert effects in rural areas, whereas education level, sex, hyperlipidemia, and alcohol intake exert effects in urban areas.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that the decision‐tree model is an effective DM technique for identifying the complex risk factors for PD. These results are expected to be helpful in improving the equality and efficacy of dental‐care policies for vulnerable groups at a high risk of PD.
Genome size‐dependent pcna gene copy number in dinoflagellates and molecular evidence of retroposition as a major evolutionary mechanism
Authors: Hou Yubo , Ji Nanjing , Zhang Huan , Shi Xinguo , Han Hansen , Lin Senjie 
Published: November 2018

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays critical roles in eukaryotic DNA replication and replication‐associated processes. It is typically encoded by one or two gene copies (pcna) in eukaryotic genomes. Recently reported higher copy numbers of pcna in some dinoflagellates raised a question of how this gene has uniquely evolved in this phylum. Through real‐time PCR quantification, we found a wide range of pcna copy number (2–287 copies) in 11 dinoflagellate species (n = 38), and a strong positive correlation between pcna copy number and genome size (log10–log10 transformed). Intraspecific pcna diverged up to 21% and are dominated by nonsynonymous substitutions, indicating strong purifying selection pressure on and hence functional necessity of this gene. By surveying pcna copy numbers in eukaryotes, we observed a genome size threshold at 4 pg DNA, above which more than two pcna copies are found. To examine whether retrotransposition is a mechanism of pcna duplication, we measured the copy number of retroposed pcna, taking advantage of the 22‐nt dinoflagellate‐specific spliced leader (DinoSL) capping the 5′ end of dinoflagellate nuclear‐encoded mRNAs, which would exist in the upstream region of a retroposed gene copy. We found that retroposed pcna copy number increased with total pcna copy number and genome size. These results indicate co‐evolution of dinoflagellate pcna copy number with genome size, and retroposition as a major mechanism of pcna duplication in dinoflagellates. Furthermore, we posit that the demand of faithful replication and maintenance of the large dinoflagellate genomes might have favored the preservation of the retroposed pcna as functional genes.
Light capture and pigment diversity in marine and freshwater cryptophytes
Authors: Cunningham Brady R. , Greenwold Matthew J. , Lachenmyer Eric M. , Heidenreich Kristin M. , Davis Abigail C. , Dudycha Jeffry L. , Richardson Tammi L. 
Published: November 2018

Phenotypic traits associated with light capture and phylogenetic relationships were characterized in 34 strains of diversely pigmented marine and freshwater cryptophytes. Nuclear SSU and partial LSU rDNA sequence data from 33 of these strains plus an additional 66 strains produced a concatenated rooted maximum likelihood tree that classified the strains into 7 distinct clades. Molecular and phenotypic data together support: (i) the reclassification of Cryptomonas irregularis NIES 698 to the genus Rhodomonas, (ii) revision of phycobiliprotein (PBP) diversity within the genus Hemiselmis to include cryptophyte phycocyanin (Cr‐PC) 569, (iii) the inclusion of previously unidentified strain CCMP 2293 into the genus Falcomonas, even though it contains cryptophyte phycoerythrin 545 (Cr‐PE 545), and (iv) the inclusion of previously unidentified strain CCMP 3175, which contains Cr‐PE 545, in a clade with PC‐containing Chroomonas species. A discriminant analysis‐based model of group membership correctly predicted 70.6% of the clades using three traits: PBP concentration · cell−1, the wavelength of PBP maximal absorption, and habitat. Non‐PBP pigments (alloxanthin, chl‐a, chl‐c2, α‐carotene) did not contribute significantly to group classification, indicating the potential plasticity of these pigments and the evolutionary conservation of the PBPs. Pigment data showed evidence of trade‐offs in investments in PBPs vs. chlorophylls (a +c2).
Oral Health Literacy and Outcomes in Rural Wisconsin Adults
Authors: VanWormer Jeffrey J. , Tambe Sailee R. , Acharya Amit 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeLow oral health literacy (OHL) is an emerging risk factor for several oral health outcomes, but there are very few studies of OHL overall and no studies of OHL in the rural United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between OHL and sociodemographic factors, as well as several oral health outcomes, in rural adults served by an integrated medical and dental care system in Wisconsin.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was administered to a stratified random sample of patients from 2 rural communities. Survey data were linked to local electronic health records. Multivariable regression was used to identify sociodemographic determinants of low OHL, as well as associations between OHL and: oral hygiene, oral health quality of life, dentist visits, and emergency/urgent care visits for nontraumatic dental conditions.FindingsAmong the 164 respondents, OHL scores were generally high but were significantly lower among nonwhite participants (P < .001), as well as those without a college degree (P < .001) and those with an annual household income under $40,000 (P = .029). Lower OHL scores were significantly associated with lower quality of life scores (P = .005), fewer visits to the dentist (P = .007), and more emergency room visits for nontraumatic dental conditions (P = .021).ConclusionIn rural Wisconsin, low OHL tracked closely with markers of socioeconomic status and appeared most influential in the context of appropriate dental care utilization. Future research should consider longitudinal explorations of how OHL influences preventive and emergency dental visits over time.
Identification of critical control points using water quality as an indicator of hygiene for artisanal fisheries on Lake Malawi
Authors: Samikwa Evance , Kapute Fanuel , Tembo Mavuto , Phiri Titus , Holm Rochelle H. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFish are a highly perishable commodity, and unhygienic fresh fish supply chains have been documented over the past two decades in sub‐Saharan Africa. Fishers spend long hours on boats with no provision of sanitary facilities, and even after landing, they are often in environments without sanitary facilities. The purpose of the present study was to explore the impacts of water, sanitation and hygiene practices in an artisanal fishery on food safety by analysing water samples in close contact with fresh fish at various checkpoints from capture to sale at the local market along the shores of Lake Malawi (Malawi). The four checkpoints included (a) fishing boats at the fishing ground before fishing commenced (n = 85); (b) in the same boats at the landing site before offloading fresh fish (n = 85); (c) with fresh fish transporters at the landing site (n = 71); and (d) among vendors at the market (n = 63). Escherichia coli was found in a high percentage of samples at each of the four checkpoints during the dry, wet and cold seasons. The highest risk for contamination (represented by E. coli concentrations) was the transition from transport to vendor, regardless of the season during which the samples were taken. The product value chain demands food safety. The results of the present study have potential applications in informing future interventions to develop behavioural change strategies regarding handwashing and toileting practices, norms unique for highly mobile fishing communities through the integration of hardware and software solutions and using better‐quality water to store fish on the boat, in transport and at the market.
Mutual interplay between phytopathogenic powdery mildew fungi and other microorganisms
Authors: Panstruga Ralph , Kuhn Hannah 
Published: November 2018

SummaryPowdery mildew is a common and widespread plant disease of considerable agronomic relevance. It is caused by obligate biotrophic fungal pathogens which, in most cases, epiphytically colonize aboveground plant tissues. The disease has been typically studied as a binary interaction of the fungal pathogen with its plant hosts, neglecting, for the most part, the mutual interplay with the wealth of other microorganisms residing in the phyllo‐ and/or rhizosphere and roots. However, the establishment of powdery mildew disease can be impacted by the presence/absence of host‐associated microbiota (epi‐ and endophytes) and, conversely, plant colonization by powdery mildew fungi might disturb indigenous microbial community structures. In addition, other (foliar) phytopathogens could interact with powdery mildews, and mycoparasites may affect the outcome of plant–powdery mildew interactions. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding the intricate and multifaceted interplay of powdery mildew fungi, host plants and other microorganisms, and outline current gaps in our knowledge, thereby setting the basis for potential future research directions.
It's Déjà vu all over again
Authors: Haldane John 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe latest sex abuse scandal in the American Catholic Church involving Cardinal McCarrick is compared with that of 2002 in the archdiocese of Boston, and that of 2012 involving Cardinal O'Brien of St Andrews and Edinburgh. Attention is given to aspects of the latter in part because of the privileged perspective of the author. Thereafter, sociological and other reasons are proposed as to why the Catholic priesthood has been afflicted with cases of sexual abuse and sexual impropriety. The issue is considered of the genesis of homosexuality, and apriori assumptions are rejected taking it instead to be an empirical question. There is analysis of the common distinction between (homosexual) orientation and activity, and of its relevance to the issue of admission to seminary formation. Noting that Vatican documents and statements do not refer to ‘orientation’ but to ‘deep-seated homosexual tendencies’ (tendenze omosessuali profondamente) these notions are related to those of disposition and activity, and it is argued that the important distinction is between orientation and the rest. Finally, it is noted that both traditional and progressive Catholics are often given to idolatry about the Church and to Pelagianism about their faith and practice.
Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in Australian general practice: National Prescribing Service MedicineWise MedicineInsight dataset
Authors: Radford Janette , Kitsos Alex , Stankovich Jim , Castelino Ronald , Khanam Masuma , Jose Matthew , Peterson Gregory , Saunder Timothy , Wimmer Barbara , Razizaidi Tabish 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTAimTo describe sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities of a large cohort of Australian general practice‐based patients identified as having chronic kidney disease (CKD), using data from National Prescribing Service (NPS) MedicineWise's MedicineInsight dataset, and compare this dataset to the 2011–2012 Australian Health Survey's (AHS) CKD prevalence estimates.MethodsThis was a cohort study using deidentified, longitudinal, electronic health record data collected from 329 practices and 1 483 416 patients distributed across Australia, from 1 June 2013 until 1 June 2016. Two methods were used to calculate the CKD prevalence. One used the same method as used by the 2011–2012 AHS, based on one estimate of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or albumin/creatinine ratios (ACR). The other defined CKD more rigorously using eGFR or ACR results at least 90 days apart.ResultsIn 2016, of 1 310 602 active patients, 710 674 (54.2%) did not have an eGFR or ACR test, while 524 961 (40.1%) had an eGFR or ACR test but did not meet AHS criteria for CKD. Age–sex adjusted rates of CKD (compared to AHS) were CKD 1–0.45% (3.9%), CKD 2–0.62% (2.5%), CKD 3a: 3.1% (2.7%), CKD 3b: 1.14% (0.6%), CKD 4–5: 0.41% (0.3%). The CKD cohort defined more rigorously using eGFR and ACR measures >90 days apart, had comorbidities of atrial fibrillation (30.5%), cardiovascular disease (25.0%), diabetes mellitus (17.1%) and hypertension (14.8%).ConclusionThe MedicineInsight dataset contains valuable and timely information about Australian patients with CKD, and provides prevalence estimates similar to those from AHS data.
Single‐molecule real‐time sequencing reveals diverse allelic variations in carotenoid biosynthetic genes in pepper (Capsicum spp.)
Authors: Jeong Hyo‐Bong , Kang Min‐Young , Jung Ayoung , Han Koeun , Lee Joung‐Ho , Jo Jinkwan , Lee Hea‐Young , An Jong‐Wook , Kim Suna , Kang Byoung‐Cheorl 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThe diverse colours of mature pepper (Capsicum spp.) fruit result from the accumulation of different carotenoids. The carotenoid biosynthetic pathway has been well elucidated in Solanaceous plants, and analysis of candidate genes involved in this process has revealed variations in carotenoid biosynthetic genes in Capsicum spp. However, the allelic variations revealed by previous studies could not fully explain the variation in fruit colour in Capsicum spp. due to technical difficulties in detecting allelic variation in multiple candidate genes in numerous samples. In this study, we uncovered allelic variations in six carotenoid biosynthetic genes, including phytoene synthase (PSY1, PSY2), lycopene β‐cyclase, β‐carotene hydroxylase, zeaxanthin epoxidase and capsanthin‐capsorubin synthase (CCS) genes, in 94 pepper accessions by single‐molecule real‐time (SMRT) sequencing. To investigate the relationship between allelic variations in the candidate genes and differences in fruit colour, we performed ultra‐performance liquid chromatography analysis using 43 accessions representing each allelic variation. Different combinations of dysfunctional mutations in PSY1 and CCS could explain variation in the compositions and levels of carotenoids in the accessions examined in this study. Our results demonstrate that SMRT sequencing technology can be used to rapidly identify allelic variation in target genes in various germplasms. The newly identified allelic variants will be useful for pepper breeding and for further analysis of carotenoid biosynthesis pathways.