bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly specific assays to detect isolates ofPseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiaebiovar 3 andPseudomonas syringaepv.actinidifoliorumdirectly from plant material
Authors: Andersen M. T. , Templeton M. D. , Rees‐George J. , Vanneste J. L. , Cornish D. A. , Yu J. , Cui W. , Braggins T. J. , Babu K. , Mackay J. F. , Rikkerink E. H. A. 
Published: December 2017

Pseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiae(Psa) is responsible for bacterial canker of kiwifruit. Biovar 3 of Psa (Psa3) has been causing widespread damage to yellow‐ and green‐fleshed kiwifruit (Actinidiaspp.) cultivars in all the major kiwifruit‐producing countries in the world. In some areas, including New Zealand,P. syringaepv.actinidifoliorum(Pfm), another bacterial pathogen of kiwifruit, was initially classified as a low virulence biovar of Psa. Ability to rapidly distinguish between these pathovars is vital to the management of bacterial canker. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data were used to developPCRassays to specifically detect Psa3 and Pfm from field‐collected material without the need to culture bacteria. Genomic data from 36 strains of Psa, Pfm or related isolates enabled identification of areas of genomic variation suitable for primer design. The developed assays were tested on 147 non‐target bacterial species including strains likely to be found in kiwifruit orchards. A number of assays did not proceed because although they were able to discriminate between the different Psa biovars and Pfm, they also produced amplicons from other unrelated bacteria. This could have resulted in false positives from environmental samples, and demonstrates the care that is required when applying assays devised for pure cultures to field‐collected samples. The strategy described here for developing assays for distinguishing strains of closely related pathogens could be applied to other diseases with characteristics similar to Psa.
Patriotism and Food Sovereignty: Changes in the Social Imaginary of Small‐Scale Farming in Post‐Euromaidan Ukraine
Authors: Mamonova Natalia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article discusses the relations between patriotism and food sovereignty in post‐Euromaidan Ukraine. It investigates how the rising Ukrainian national identity and patriotic sentiments during the geopolitical conflict with Russia led to a change in the social imaginary of traditional small‐scale farming. Formerly, household farming was seen as a coping strategy of the post‐Soviet population and a relic of the socialist past, doomed to disappear in the nearest future. Nowadays, more and more Ukrainians view small‐scale farming as a sustainable alternative to large‐scale industrial agriculture, which could feed Ukraine (and Europe) with ecological and healthy food. This study uses primary qualitative and quantitative data collected during field research before and after the Euromaidan revolution to reveal how pro‐European aspirations and rising patriotism contribute to the emerging discourses on the ‘rights to food and to farm’ in Ukraine. This transformation could bring a new trajectory to the country's agricultural development and might lead to the emergence of a food sovereignty movement.
Conceptualizing similarities and differences between purpose in life and self‐affirmation
Authors: Burd Kayla A. , Burrow Anthony L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIndividuals contend with a variety of threats in daily life and may attempt to deal with them using various cognitive strategies. Two constructs borne from different literatures, purpose in life and self‐affirmation, serve to promote well‐being and to protect individuals from such threats. While self‐affirmation has often been examined as a manipulation, purpose has, until recently, been considered a dispositional resource. However, both self‐affirmation and purpose seem to confer similar advantages in response to threat. This paper reviews the evidence for the protective benefits of both purpose in life and self‐affirmation, describes the mechanisms by which each confers these advantages, and considers the boundary conditions of each. Key similarities and differences are discussed, and we argue that there are broad gaps in the literature regarding where and when these constructs might operate differentially, or why these differences exist. We conclude with a call to researchers to explore empirically how and when these important interventions might be differentially beneficial to those who cultivate them.
A farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase gene expressed in pollen functions in S‐RNase‐independent unilateral incompatibility
Authors: Qin Xiaoqiong , Li Wentao , Liu Yang , Tan Meilian , Ganal Martin , Chetelat Roger T. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryMultiple independent and overlapping pollen rejection pathways contribute to unilateral interspecific incompatibility (UI). In crosses between tomato species, pollen rejection usually occurs when the female parent is self‐incompatible (SI) and the male parent self‐compatible (SC) (the ‘SI × SC rule’). Additional, as yet unknown, UI mechanisms are independent of self‐incompatibility and contribute to UI between SC species or populations. We identified a major quantitative trait locus on chromosome 10 (ui10.1) which affects pollen‐side UI responses in crosses between cultivated tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, and Solanum pennelliiLA0716, both of which are SC and lack S‐RNase, the pistil determinant of S‐specificity in Solanaceae. Here we show that ui10.1 is a farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase gene (FPS2) expressed in pollen. Expression is about 18‐fold higher in pollen of S. pennellii than in S. lycopersicum. Pollen with the hypomorphic S. lycopersicum allele is selectively eliminated on pistils of the F1 hybrid, leading to transmission ratio distortion in the F2 progeny. CRISPR/Cas9‐generated knockout mutants (fps2) in S. pennelliiLA0716 are self‐sterile due to pollen rejection, but mutant pollen is fully functional on pistils of S. lycopersicum. F2 progeny of S. lycopersicum × S. pennellii (fps2) show reversed transmission ratio distortion due to selective elimination of pollen bearing the knockout allele. Overexpression of FPS2 in S. lycopersicum pollen rescues the pollen elimination phenotype. FPS2‐based pollen selectivity does not involve S‐RNase and has not been previously linked to UI. Our results point to an entirely new mechanism of interspecific pollen rejection in plants.
Rabbits with naturally occurring cataracts referred for phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation: a preliminary study of 12 cases
Authors: Sanchez Rick F. , Everson Richard , Hedley Joanna , Dawson Charlotte , Lam Richard , Priestnall Simon L. , Garcia de Carellan Alejandra , de Miguel Cristina , Seymour Christopher 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the presentation of 15 rabbits with naturally occurring cataracts referred for phacoemulsification surgery, the procedure in 13 cases and the follow‐up in 12.Animals includedFifteen rabbits (30 eyes), nine of which stopped following visual cues in association with cataract progression.Materials and MethodsRabbits underwent preoperative ophthalmic and ocular ultrasound examination.ResultsThirteen rabbits (22 eyes) had mature cataracts. Ten were bilateral and three unilateral. Two rabbits had an anterior chamber abscess. The cataract in one of these was incipient. One rabbit had bilateral immature cataracts. One rabbit had a subluxated lens, and one had a retinal detachment. Thirteen rabbits (22 eyes) underwent phacoemulsification. Eighteen, 13.5‐mm capsular tension rings (CTRs) and seventeen, 13‐mmIOLs (Acrivet®, Berlin, Germany) were fitted including one 41D 60V‐model, and three 49D and thirteen 58D 20S‐models. Intraoperative complications included one unilateral posterior‐capsular tear, one lens subluxation, and one expulsive choroidal hemorrhage. One rabbit died during anesthetic recovery. Nine cases werePCR‐tested forEncephalitozoon cuniculi,and only three were positive. The median follow‐up time was 12 months (4‐24 months). Rabbits that were not following visual cues preoperatively did so postoperatively, and surgery resulted in a clear visual axis for the follow‐up period in every case except in two, due to reasons other than the surgery.ConclusionsPhacoemulsification withCTRandIOLimplantation offers good long‐term results and can improve the quality of life of pet rabbits. Retinal detachment, lens luxation, expulsive choroidal hemorrhage, and anesthetic death are potential complications.
Vessel sealer and divider instrument temperature during laparoscopic ovariectomy in horses
Authors: Easley Jeremiah T. , McGilvray Kirk C. , Hendrickson Dean A. , Bruemmer Jason , Hackett Eileen S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the temperature of a vessel sealer and divider device during unilateral paralumbar laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing, sedated mares.Study DesignProspective study.AnimalsFifteen healthy research mares.MethodsHealthy mares with normal ovarian palpation and ultrasonographic appearance were enrolled. Horses were restrained in standing stocks and sedated. A right or left paralumbar ovariectomy was performed with a laparoscopic portal and 2 instrument portals. Ovaries were excised with traumatic forceps and a blunt tip vessel sealer and divider. Temperatures of the vessel sealer and divider were recorded with a thermocouple device adhered to the tip of the instrument. Variables were reported as median and interquartile range (IQR).ResultsSurgical time was 30 minutes (IQR, 25‐32) including use of the vessel sealer and the divider for 4.1 minutes (IQR, 3.2‐5.8). The tip of the instrument reached temperatures of 77°C (IQR, 72‐85) during activation and 64°C (IQR, 61‐67) at end cycle. The median increase in end‐cycle instrument tip temperature per activation cycle was 2°C (IQR, −1‐6). All mares returned to their intended use.ConclusionDespite the instrument temperatures observed during unilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy, surgical complications were minimal. The clinical relevance of the increase in instrument tip temperature of the vessel sealer and divider is presently unclear, but surgeons should use the instrument with caution, especially in close proximity to viscera. The increase in temperature observed at the tip of the vessel sealer and divider during unilateral ovariectomy could be associated with morbidity. The clinical relevance of instrument tip heating during other procedures, such as adhesiolysis and intestinal resection, is unknown and should be evaluated.
Effectiveness of wetlands in retaining metals from mine water, South Africa
Authors: Abiye Tamiru , Mkansi Shichavo , Masindi Khuliso , Leshomo Joyce 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWetlands are effectively used to treat mine water effluent in South Africa, where they retain toxic metals that can potentially contaminate the environment. Wetlands that are located close to the abandoned tailings dams were chosen and solidified substrate samples were collected for thin section microscopy, X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. In order to determine the concentration of selected metals in the tailings dams, fine grained samples were collected and leached with a diluted nitric acid and deionised water to simulate leaching by rainwater. The results from the substrate analysis revealed an overall oxide abundance of 71.76 weight percent (%) and an elevated metal concentration, which suggest a crucial role played by pH, redox, wetland sediments and wetland plants in maintaining oxygen circulation and triggering reactions. The study confirmed the efficiency of wetlands in the attenuation of toxic metals from the mine water.
Systematic Review: Impact of point sources on antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in the natural environment
Authors: Bueno I. , Williams‐Nguyen J. , Hwang H. , Sargeant J. M. , Nault A. J. , Singer R. S. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryPoint sources such as wastewater treatment plants and agricultural facilities may have a role in the dissemination of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARG). To analyse the evidence for increases in ARB in the natural environment associated with these point sources of ARB and ARG, we conducted a systematic review. We evaluated 5,247 records retrieved through database searches, including both studies that ascertained ARG and ARB outcomes. All studies were subjected to a screening process to assess relevance to the question and methodology to address our review question. A risk of bias assessment was conducted upon the final pool of studies included in the review. This article summarizes the evidence only for those studies with ARB outcomes (n = 47). Thirty‐five studies were at high (n = 11) or at unclear (n = 24) risk of bias in the estimation of source effects due to lack of information and/or failure to control for confounders. Statistical analysis was used in ten studies, of which one assessed the effect of multiple sources using modelling approaches; none reported effect measures. Most studies reported higher ARB prevalence or concentration downstream/near the source. However, this evidence was primarily descriptive and it could not be concluded that there is a clear impact of point sources on increases in ARB in the environment. To quantify increases in ARB in the environment due to specific point sources, there is a need for studies that stress study design, control of biases and analytical tools to provide effect measure estimates.
Inservice Examination and Testing Issues for Dynamic Restraints (Snubbers) in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Bedi Gurjendra S. 
Published: December 2017

This paper discusses recent issues related to the inservice examination and testing of dynamic restraints (snubbers) at U.S. nuclear power plants. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff identified these issues during its review of examination and testing snubber programs and relief requests, as well as operating experience. This discussion includes information that could apply generically to the implementation of effective snubber programs at U.S. nuclear power plants.
Paper published with permission.
Expectations for Inservice Testing Programs at New Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Scarbrough Thomas G. 
Published: December 2017

In a series of Commission papers, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) described its policy for inservice testing (IST) programs to be developed and implemented at nuclear power plants licensed under 10 CFR Part 52. This paper discusses the expectations for IST programs based on those Commission policy papers as applied in the NRC staff review of combined license (COL) applications for new reactors. For example, the design and qualification of pumps, valves, and dynamic restraints through implementation of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Standard QME-1-2007, “Qualification of Active Mechanical Equipment Used in Nuclear Power Plants,” as accepted in NRC Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.100 (Revision 3), “Seismic Qualification of Electrical and Active Mechanical Equipment and Functional Qualification of Active Mechanical Equipment for Nuclear Power Plants,” will enable IST activities to assess the operational readiness of those components to perform their intended functions. ASME has updated the Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants (OM Code) to improve the IST provisions for pumps, valves, and dynamic restraints that are incorporated by reference in the NRC regulations with applicable conditions. In addition, lessons learned from performance experience and testing of motor-operated valves (MOVs) will be implemented as part of the IST programs together with application of those lessons learned to other power-operated valves (POVs). Licensee programs for the Regulatory Treatment of Non-Safety Systems (RTNSS) will be implemented for components in active nonsafety-related systems that are the first line of defense in new reactors that rely on passive systems to provide reactor core and containment cooling in the event of a plant transient. This paper also discusses the overlapping testing provisions specified in ASME Standard QME-1-2007; plant-specific inspections, tests, analyses, and acceptance criteria; the applicable ASME OM Code as incorporated by reference in the NRC regulations; specific license conditions; and Initial Test Programs as described in the final safety analysis report and applicable RGs.
Paper published with permission.
Epidemiology of UK neonatal infections: the neonIN infection surveillance network
Authors: Cailes Benjamin , Kortsalioudaki Christina , Buttery Jim , Pattnayak Santosh , Greenough Anne , Matthes Jean , Bedford Russell Alison , Kennea Nigel , Heath Paul T 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology of neonatal infection over the past decade in UK neonatal units.DesignRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected infection surveillance network data from 2005 to 2014.Setting30 neonatal units in the UK.PatientsNewborns on participating neonatal units who had a positive blood, cerebrospinal fluid or urine culture and were treated with at least 5 days of appropriate antibiotics.Results2171 episodes of neonatal infection in 1922 infants were recorded. The incidence of infection was 6.1/1000 live births and 48.8/1000 neonatal admissions (2.9 and 23.5 respectively if coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) cultures excluded). The incidence of infection showed a statistically significant reduction over time with reductions in the rates of both early-onset sepsis (EOS) and late-onset sepsis (LOS).The majority of episodes (76%) represented LOS (diagnosed > 48 hours after birth), and infection was more common in premature (<37 weeks gestation) and low birth weight (<2500 g) neonates (84% and 81%, respectively). Commonly identified pathogens included group B streptococci (43%) and Escherichia coli (18%) for EOS, while E. coli (15%), Staphylococcus aureus (14%) and CoNS were prominent causes of LOS.ConclusionsThis paper describes the epidemiology of neonatal infection in the UK over the past decade. These data enable benchmarking of practice and inform areas of future research and guideline development. The results support the hypothesis that the introduction of infection prevention care bundles and antibiotic stewardship programmes in the UK has reduced the burden of LOS.
Why attempt en bloc resection of non-pedunculated colorectal adenomas? A systematic review of the prevalence of superficial submucosal invasive cancer after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Fuccio Lorenzo , Repici Alessandro , Hassan Cesare , Ponchon Thierry , Bhandari Pradeep , Jover Rodrigo , Triantafyllou Konstantinos , Mandolesi Daniele , Frazzoni Leonardo , Bellisario Cristina , Bazzoli Franco , Sharma Prateek , Rösch Thomas , Rex Douglas K 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) aims to achieve en bloc resection of non-pedunculated colorectal adenomas which might be indicated in cases with superficial submucosal invasive cancers (SMIC), but the procedure is time consuming and complex. The prevalence of such cancers is not known but may determine the clinical necessity for ESD as opposed to the commonly used piecemeal mucosal resection (endoscopic mucosal resection) of colorectal adenomas. The main aim was to assess the prevalence of SMIC SM1 (ie, invasion ≤1000 µm or less than one-third of the submucosa) on colorectal lesions removed by ESD.DesignA literature review was conducted using electronic databases (up to March 2017) for colorectal ESD series reporting the histology of the dissected lesions.Results51 studies with data on 11 260 colorectal dissected lesions were included. Most resected lesions (82.2%; 95% CI 78.8% to 85.3%) were adenomas (low- and high-grade dysplasia, 26.8% and 55.4%, respectively). Overall, 15.7% were submucosal cancers, but only slightly more than half (8.0%; 95% CI 6.1% to 10.3%) had an infiltration depth of ≤1000 µm, providing a number needed to treat (NNT) to avoid one surgery of 12.5. Estimating an oncologically curative (R0; G1/2; L0/V0) resection rate of 75.3% (95% CI 52.2% to 89.4%) for malignant lesions, the prevalence of curative resection lowered to 6% (95% CI 4.2% to 7.2%) with an NNT of 16.7.ConclusionThe low prevalence of SMIC SM1 in lesions selected for ESD as well as the even lower rate of curative resection limits the clinical applicability of endoscopic en bloc resection. This calls for caution over an indiscriminate use of this technique in the resection of colorectal neoplasia.
Right ventricular exercise contractile reserve and outcomes after early surgery for primary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Vitel Emilie , Galli Elena , Leclercq Christophe , Fournet Maxime , Bosseau Christian , Corbineau Hervé , Bouzille Guillame , Donal Erwan 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo assess if the lack of development of right ventricular (RV) contractile reserve during exercise echocardiography (ex-echo) might be a predictor of postoperative major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with primary mitral regurgitation (pMR) undergoing early surgery.MethodsComprehensive resting and ex-echo were performed in 142 asymptomatic patients (58±21 years, 68% men, New York Heart Association functional class ≤2) with isolated severe pMR and preserved left ventricular (LV) function (LV ejection >60%, LV end-systolic diameter <45 mm) undergoing mitral valve replacement (n=20) or repair. Postoperative MACEs were defined as occurrence of atrial fibrillation, stroke, cardiac-related hospitalisation or death. RV function was evaluated at rest in every patient during ex-echo by measuring their tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) value.ResultsAfter median follow-up of 30 months (IQR 16–60 months), MACEs occurred in 48 (34%) patients. Using Bayesian model averaging, among all the characteristics including the type of surgery, exercise TAPSE (ex-TAPSE) emerged as the most likely predictor of prognosis (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.96). Other probable predictors were exercise fractional area change (HR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.80), male gender (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.75) and RV basal diameter (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.14). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, an ex-TAPSE value of <26 mm (sensitivity 73% (95% CI 61 to 84) and specificity of 86% (95% CI 77% to 93%)) defined RV dysfunction. Event-free survival at 5 years was significantly lower in the patient group that exhibited no development of RV contractile reserve during exercise: 43.9% (95% CI 31.3 to 61.4) vs 75.8% (95% CI 64.8 to 88.7).ConclusionLack of development of exercise-induced RV contractile reserve is a prognostic predictor in patients with severe pMR undergoing early mitral valve surgery.