bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The occurrence of Toxocara species in naturally infected broiler chickens revealed by molecular approaches
Authors: Zibaei M. , Sadjjadi S.M. , Maraghi S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractConsuming raw and undercooked meat is known to enhance the risk of human toxocariasis because Toxocara species have a wide range of paratenic hosts, including chickens. The aim of this study was to identify species of Toxocara in naturally infected broiler chickens using molecular approaches. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used for the differentiation of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati larvae recovered from tissues and organs, and identified by microscopic observations. Thirty-three 35- to 47-day-old broiler chickens were used for examination of Toxocara larvae. The duodenum, liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, skeletal muscles and brain of each chicken were examined using the pepsin method, and DNA from each tissue was extracted as the template for PCR assay. The findings revealed that 5 of 33 (15.2%) broiler chickens were infected with Toxocara larvae. Larvae were recovered from the liver (n = 19), duodenum (n = 8), skeletal muscles (n = 8) and brain (n = 2) of broiler chickens naturally infected with Toxocara spp. The results showed that the frequencies of the species in the chickens were T. canis larvae (n = 5, 83.3%) and T. cati larvae (n = 1, 16.7%). Our data from the present study demonstrated the importance of broiler chickens as a paratenic host for the parasite's life cycle in the environment. The implementation of DNA amplification as a routine diagnostic technique is a specific and alternative method for identification of Toxocara larvae, and allowed the observation of specific species under field conditions within the locations where broiler chickens are typically raised and exposed to Toxocara spp. eggs or larvae.
Clashing over Cuba: The United States, Spain and Britain, 1853–55
Authors: GLEIJESES PIERO 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBefore 1898, the most sustained attempt by the United States to acquire Cuba occurred during the presidency of Franklin Pierce when the debate about slavery was roiling US domestic politics. Spain responded to the threat with a dramatic change of policy: in order to gain the favour and protection of Britain, it ordered that the slave trade to Cuba be ended. This article analyses Pierce's strategy and examines the complex jockeying it precipitated among Washington, London and Madrid. Mining US, British and Spanish archives, it is the first international history of the crisis that Washington's avarice provoked.
Making the Indigenous Desert from the European Oasis: The Ethnopolitics of Water in Mendoza, Argentina
Authors: ESCOLAR DIEGO , SALDI LETICIA 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis article analyses the ethno-politics of water in Argentina at the high point of European immigration, the first three decades of the twentieth century. Focusing on the drying of the Guanacache wetlands, located in the wine-producing region of Cuyo, we show how national and provincial ideologies based on ‘whitening’ and ‘civilisation’ shaped policies that favoured European immigrants at the expense of autochthonous populations in the geographic and social struggle for irrigation water. A large-scale redistribution of water resources drove the indigenisation of indigenous and criollo populations and the desertification of their land.
Governance and Territorial Development in Ecuador: The Plan Nacional del Buen Vivir in Zaruma, Piñas and Portovelo
Authors: PRADA-TRIGO JOSÉ 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis article analyses the impact at a local level of the changes that have been introduced within the framework of the Plan Nacional del Buen Vivir (National Plan for Good Living, PNBV) in Ecuador since 2007. It assesses the extent to which there has been real change in local administration and governance and, if so, the impact in areas such as economic development, innovation and quality of life. Fieldwork was carried out across three towns and cantons – Zaruma, Piñas and Portovelo – in the province of El Oro. Historically, these have been characterised by their dependence on the primary export model that the government of Rafael Correa has sought to move beyond. The progress and limitations of this process are assessed within the context of the National Plan for Good Living.
Seasonal and spatial trends of Mayan octopus, Octopus maya, population dynamics from Campeche, Mexico
Authors: Markaida Unai , Méndez-Loeza Iván , Rosales-Raya Martha Laura 
Published: August 2016

High plasticity in cephalopod populations shows dramatic changes in their biological traits. Commercial catches of Mayan octopus (Octopus maya) in six localities of the state of Campeche, Mexico, were sampled monthly for five consecutive fishing seasons (2005–2009) in order to describe variations in population structure and maturation. Octopus maya grows and matures during the fishing season, from August to December. Spent individuals predominate in January and February, revealing a year-long life cycle. However, the presence of a few spent females in all months sampled suggests that a small part of the population shows an extended spawning period. Overall sex ratios did not significantly shift from the expected 1:1 in most samples. Males are mostly mature while the majority of females are immature during the season. Use of illegal fishing gears (spear diving or pots) in central localities accounts for a larger share in mature females. Octopus size showed large interannual and geographic differences. Females mature at a larger size (1024 g body weight, BW; 124 mm mantle length, ML) than males (484 g BW; 91 mm ML). Size at maturity in both sexes varies more between seasons than between localities. Female ML at maturity is larger than the current minimum legal size and implications for current octopus fishing regulations are discussed.
Hybridizations within the GenusSchistosoma: implications for evolution, epidemiology and control
Authors: LEGER ELSA , WEBSTER JOANNE P. 
Published: August 2016

SUMMARYHybridization of parasites is an emerging public health concern in our changing world. Hybridization and introgression in parasites and pathogens can have major impacts on the host and the epidemiology and evolution of disease. Schistosomiasis is a Neglected Tropical Disease of profound medical and veterinary importance across many parts of the world, with the greatest human burden within sub-Saharan Africa. Here we review how early phenotypic identification and recent confirmation through molecular studies on naturally occurring infections, combined with experimental manipulations, have revealed evidence of viable hybridization and introgressions within and between human and animal schistosome species. Environmental and anthropogenic changes in selective pressures following, for instance, new dam constructions, altered agricultural practices, together with mass drug administration programmes, may all be predicted to further impact the availability of suitable definitive and intermediate hosts for schistosomes. It is therefore imperative to understand the distribution and role of such novel zoonotic hybrid schistosomes on host range, drug efficacy, and hence ultimately transmission potential, if we are to achieve and maintain sustainable control.
Concentration and retention of Toxoplasma gondii surrogates from seawater by red abalone (Haliotis rufescens)
Authors: SCHOTT KRISTEN C. , KRUSOR COLIN , TINKER M. TIM , MOORE JAMES , CONRAD PATRICIA A. , SHAPIRO KAREN 
Published: August 2016

SUMMARYSmall marine snails and abalone have been identified as high- and low-risk prey items, respectively, for exposure of threatened southern sea otters to Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic parasite that can cause fatal encephalitis in animals and humans. While recent work has characterized snails as paratenic hosts for T. gondii, the ability of abalone to vector the parasite has not been evaluated. To further elucidate why abalone predation may be protective against T. gondii exposure, this study aimed to determine whether: (1) abalone are physiologically capable of acquiring T. gondii; and (2) abalone and snails differ in their ability to concentrate and retain the parasite. Abalone were exposed to T. gondii surrogate microspheres for 24 h, and fecal samples were examined for 2 weeks following exposure. Concentration of surrogates was 2–3 orders of magnitude greater in abalone feces than in the spiked seawater, and excretion of surrogates continued for 14 days post-exposure. These results indicate that, physiologically, abalone and snails can equally vector T. gondii as paratenic hosts. Reduced risk of T. gondii infection in abalone-specializing otters may therefore result from abalone's high nutritional value, which implies otters must consume fewer animals to meet their caloric needs.
Larvicidal activity ofBacillus thuringiensisvar.israelensisCry11Aa toxin againstHaemonchus contortus
Authors: DE LARA ANA PAULA DE SOUZA STORI , LORENZON LUCAS BIGOLIN , VIANNA ANA MUÑOZ , SANTOS FRANCISCO DENIS SOUZA , PINTO LUCIANO SILVA , AIRES BERNE MARIA ELISABETH , LEITE FÁBIO PEREIRA LEIVAS 
Published: August 2016

SUMMARYEffective control of gastrointestinal parasites is necessary in sheep production. The development of anthelmintics resistance is causing the available chemically based anthelmintics to become less effective. Biological control strategies present an alternative to this problem. In the current study, we tested the larvicidal effects ofBacillus thuringiensisvar.israelensisCry11Aa toxin againstHaemonchus contortuslarvae. Bacterial suspensions [2 × 108colony-forming units (CFU) g−1of the feces] ofB. thuringiensisvar.israelensisand recombinantEscherichia coliexpressing Cry11Aa toxin were added to naturallyH. contortusegg-contaminated feces. The larvae were quantified, and significant reductions of 62 and 81% (P< 0·001) were, respectively observed, compared with the control group. A 30 mL bacterial suspension (1 × 108CFU mL−1) ofB. thuringiensisvar.israelensisand recombinantE. coliexpressing Cry11Aa toxin were then orally administered to lambs naturally infected withH. contortus. Twelve hours after administration, feces were collected and submitted to coprocultures. Significant larvae reductions (P< 0·001) of 79 and 90% were observed respectively compared with the control group. The results suggest that the Cry11Aa toxin ofB. thuringiensisvar.israelensisis a promising new class of biological anthelmintics for treating sheep againstH. contortus.
Evolutionary characterization ofTy3/gypsy-like LTR retrotransposons in the parasitic cestodeEchinococcus granulosus
Authors: BAE YOUNG-AN 
Published: August 2016

SUMMARYCyclophyllidean cestodes includingEchinococcus granulosushave a smaller genome and show characteristics such as loss of the gut, a segmented body plan, and accelerated growth rate in hosts compared with other tissue-invading helminths. In an effort to address the molecular mechanism relevant to genome shrinkage, the evolutionary status of long-terminal-repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, which are known as the most potent genomic modulators, was investigated in theE. granulosusdraft genome. A majority of theE. granulosusLTR retrotransposons were classified into a novel characteristic clade, namedSaci-2, of theTy3/gypsyfamily, while the remaining elements belonged to theCsRn1clade of identical family. Their nucleotide sequences were heavily corrupted by frequent base substitutions and segmental losses. The ceased mobile activity of the major retrotransposons and the following intrinsic DNA loss in their inactive progenies might have contributed to decrease in genome size. Apart from the degenerate copies, agaggene originating from aCsRn1-like element exhibited substantial evidences suggesting its domestication including a preserved coding profile and transcriptional activity, the presence of syntenic orthologues in cestodes, and selective pressure acting on the gene. To my knowledge, the endogenizedgaggene is reported for the first time in invertebrates, though its biological function remains elusive.
High-resolution phylogeography of zoonotic tapewormEchinococcus granulosussensu stricto genotype G1 with an emphasis on its distribution in Turkey, Italy and Spain
Authors: KINKAR LIINA , LAURIMÄE TEIVI , SIMSEK SAMI , BALKAYA IBRAHIM , CASULLI ADRIANO , MANFREDI MARIA TERESA , PONCE-GORDO FRANCISCO , VARCASIA ANTONIO , LAVIKAINEN ANTTI , GONZÁLEZ LUIS MIGUEL , REHBEIN STEFFEN , VAN DER GIESSEN JOKE , SPRONG HEIN , SAARMA URMAS 
Published: August 2016

SUMMARYEchinococcus granulosusis the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis. The disease is a significant global public health concern and human infections are most commonly associated withE. granulosussensu stricto (s. s.) genotype G1. The objectives of this study were to: (i) analyse the genetic variation and phylogeography ofE. granulosuss. s. G1 in part of its main distribution range in Europe using 8274 bp of mtDNA; (ii) compare the results with those derived from previously used shorter mtDNA sequences and highlight the major differences. We sequenced a total of 91E. granulosuss. s. G1 isolates from six different intermediate host species, including humans. The isolates originated from seven countries representing primarily Turkey, Italy and Spain. Few samples were also from Albania, Greece, Romania and from a patient originating from Algeria, but diagnosed in Finland. The analysed 91 sequences were divided into 83 haplotypes, revealing complex phylogeography and high genetic variation ofE. granulosuss. s. G1 in Europe, particularly in the high-diversity domestication centre of western Asia. Comparisons with shorter mtDNA datasets revealed that 8274 bp sequences provided significantly higher phylogenetic resolution and thus more power to reveal the genetic relations between different haplotypes.
Neural alterations of fronto-striatal circuitry during reward anticipation in euthymic bipolar disorder
Authors: Schreiter S. , Spengler S. , Willert A. , Mohnke S. , Herold D. , Erk S. , Romanczuk-Seiferth N. , Quinlivan E. , Hindi-Attar C. , Banzhaf C. , Wackerhagen C. , Romund L. , Garbusow M. , Stamm T. , Heinz A. , Walter H. , Bermpohl F. 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundBipolar disorder (BD), with the hallmark symptoms of elevated and depressed mood, is thought to be characterized by underlying alterations in reward-processing networks. However, to date the neural circuitry underlying abnormal responses during reward processing in BD remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate whether euthymic BD is characterized by aberrant ventral striatal (VS) activation patterns and altered connectivity with the prefrontal cortex in response to monetary gains and losses.MethodDuring functional magnetic resonance imaging 20 euthymic BD patients and 20 age-, gender- and intelligence quotient-matched healthy controls completed a monetary incentive delay paradigm, to examine neural processing of reward and loss anticipation. A priori defined regions of interest (ROIs) included the VS and the anterior prefrontal cortex (aPFC). Psychophysiological interactions (PPIs) between these ROIs were estimated and tested for group differences for reward and loss anticipation separately.ResultsBD participants, relative to healthy controls, displayed decreased activation selectively in the left and right VS during anticipation of reward, but not during loss anticipation. PPI analyses showed decreased functional connectivity between the left VS and aPFC in BD patients compared with healthy controls during reward anticipation.ConclusionsThis is the first study showing decreased VS activity and aberrant connectivity in the reward-processing circuitry in euthymic, medicated BD patients during reward anticipation. Our findings contrast with research supporting a reward hypersensitivity model of BD, and add to the body of literature suggesting that blunted activation of reward processing circuits may be a vulnerability factor for mood disorders.
The interplay of fa (law) and ren (benevolence) in the construction and application of the institution of liu yang (remaining at home to support parents)
Authors: MacCormack Geoffrey 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis article seeks to show that the frequent invocation by the Qing Board of Punishments of the adage that liu yang represents an exercise of imperial benevolence outside the law is not a mere formality without substantive meaning, but rather reflects the role played by the adage in the reasoning by which permission to remain at home to support an elderly or sick parent was granted or withheld. The Board may argue either that “benevolence” supplies a reason for a grant of liu yang in a given case or, on the contrary, that “benevolence” should not be extended to permit such a result. In addition, the article examines the role of the concepts of “pity” and “filial piety” in relation to the operation of “benevolence”.
Predictors of loneliness and different types of social isolation of rural-living older adults in the United Kingdom
Authors: DE KONING JOLANTHE LOUISE , STATHI AFRODITI , RICHARDS SUZANNE 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTLoneliness and social isolation are recognised, conceptually distinct threats to health and wellbeing in older age but limited evidence is available on their predictors in rural populations. This study performed logistical regression modelling to explore the predictors of loneliness, isolation from one's family and isolation from one's community in 884 British rural-living older adults (57.9% female; mean age = 71.5, standard deviation = 8.1 years) within the Grey and Pleasant Land data-set. While 13 per cent of participants reported feeling lonely, 49 per cent reported isolation from their family and 9 per cent reported isolation from their community. Minimal cross-over between groups was observed. Widowhood, financial difficulties, area deprivation, and self-reported impairments in physical and mental health predicted loneliness. Greater financial difficulty gave lower odds of isolation from one's family, and higher levels of community engagement gave lower odds of isolation from the community. Ageing in place (longer residency) was the only common predictor for all three dependent variables. Initiatives aimed at tackling loneliness and social isolation in rural-living older people must recognise that the two concepts are distinct, affecting different population sub-groups with mostly different risk factor profiles. Future interventions and policies should clearly identify whether their target is loneliness or social isolation and tailor their interventions appropriately.
‘I'm happy in my life now, I'm a positive person’: approaches to successful ageing in older adults living with HIV in Ontario, Canada
Authors: EMLET CHARLES A. , HARRIS LESLEY , FURLOTTE CHARLES , BRENNAN DAVID J. , PIERPAOLI CHRISTINA M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWorldwide approximately 3.6 million people aged 50 and older are living and ageing with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Few studies have explored successful ageing from the insider perspective of those living well and ageing with HIV. This study draws upon the lived experience and wisdom of older, HIV-positive adults living in Ontario, Canada in order to understand their views and strategies for successful ageing. This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 30 individuals age 50 years and older who are HIV-positive. Purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit individuals who shared their experiences of successful ageing. Constructivist grounded theory coding techniques were used for analysis. Themes related to successful ageing included resilience strategies and challenges, social support and environmental context. Stigma and struggles to maintain health were identified as impediments to successful ageing. Models of successful ageing must take into account the potential for a subjective appraisal of success in populations suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses including HIV. Practitioners can draw upon organically existent strengths in this population in order to provide intervention development for older adults around the world who are struggling to manage their HIV.
The meal as a performance: food and meal practices beyond health and nutrition
Authors: NYBERG MARIA , OLSSON VIKTORIA , ÖRTMAN GERD , PAJALIC ZADA , ANDERSSON HÅKAN S. , BLÜCHER ANNA , LINDBORG ANN-LOUISE , WENDIN KARIN , WESTERGREN ALBERT 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTThe proportion of elderly people in the population is increasing, presenting a number of new challenges in society. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate how elderly persons with motoric eating difficulties perceive and perform their food and meal practices in everyday life. By using Goffman's concept of performance as a theoretical framework together with Bourdieu's thinking on habitus, a deeper understanding of food and meal practices is obtained. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 elderly people (aged between 67 and 87 years) and meal observations were carried out with 11 of these people. Participants were found to manage food and meal practices by continuously adjusting and adapting to the new conditions arising as a result of eating difficulties. This was displayed by conscious planning of what to eat and when, avoiding certain foods and beverages, using simple eating aids, but also withdrawing socially during the meals. All these adjustments were important in order to be able to demonstrate proper food and meal behaviour, to maintain the façade and to act according to the perceived norms. As well as being a pleasurable event, food and meals were also perceived in terms of being important for maintaining health and as ‘fuel’ where the main purpose is to sustain life. This was strongly connected to the social context and the ability to enjoy food and meals with family members and friends, which appeared to be particularly crucial due to the impending risk of failing the meal performance.
Generation of terahertz radiation by beating of two laser beams in collisional magnetized plasma
Authors: Hematizadeh A. , Jazayeri S.M. , Ghafary B. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis paper presents analytical calculations for terahertz (THz) radiation by beating of two cosh-Gaussian laser beams in a density rippled collisional magnetized plasma. Lasers beams exert a ponderomotive force on the electrons of plasma in beating frequency which generates THz waves. The magnetic field was considered parallel to the direction of lasers which leads to propagate right-hand circularly polarized or left-hand circularly polarized waves in the plasma depending on the phase matching conditions. Effects of collision frequency, decentered parameter of lasers and the magnetic field strength are analyzed for THz radiation generation. By the optimization of laser and plasma parameters, the efficiency of order 27% can be achieved.