Polyclonal Dissemination of NDM-1- and NDM-9-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in French Polynesia.

The whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed a polyclonal dissemination of NDM-1 and NDM-9 variants in Escherichia coli (n = 20) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 2) in Tahiti since 2015 via interspecies transfer of three different blaNDM-carrying plasmids (IncR, IncHI2, and IncF) and patient-to-patient cross-transmission. It highlights the potential risk of importation of NDM producers in France, where French Polynesia is not considered stricto sensu a foreign country from which repatriated patients have to be screened.

Evaluation of Tahiti lemon shell flour (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) as a fat mimetic.

The citrus juice industry produces a significant amount of peel residues; it can represent between 18 and 30% of the total weight of the fruit. In recent years, there has been an increase in its use as a source of fiber. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Tahiti lemon peel flour (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) as a fat mimetic (10, 20 and 30%) in a cake. The chemical and nutritional characterization of the lemon peel, the determination of the drying conditions to obtain the flour of the lemon peel, and the physical, chemical, and nutritional characterization of the lemon peel flour and cake was evaluated. A high content of dietary fiber for Tahiti lemon peel (89.15 ± 0.00 g/100 g) and flour (85.30 ± 0.06 g/100 g) was obtained. For the drying conditions to obtain the lemon peel flour, a temperature of 60 °C during 16 h was selected. The cake with greater acceptability had a 10% fat replacement with lemon peel flour, which presented a reduction of 19.16% in the fat content and an approximately double increase in the dietary fiber content. This study suggests that the flour obtained from Tahiti lemon flavedo can be used as a mimetic of fat in cakes, contributing to the nutritional characteristics of the food in which it is included.

Life in the canopy: community trait assessments reveal substantial functional diversity among fern epiphytes.

The expansion of angiosperm-dominated forests in the Cretaceous and early Cenozoic had a profound effect on terrestrial biota by creating novel ecological niches. The majority of modern fern lineages are hypothesized to have arisen in response to this expansion, particularly fern epiphytes that radiated into the canopy. Recent evidence, however, suggests that epiphytism does not correlate with increased diversification rates in ferns, calling into question the role of the canopy habitat in fern evolution. To understand the role of the canopy in structuring fern community diversity, we investigated functional traits of fern sporophytes and gametophytes across a broad phylogenetic sampling on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia, including > 120 species and representatives of multiple epiphytic radiations. While epiphytes showed convergence in small size and a higher frequency of noncordate gametophytes, they showed greater functional diversity at the community level relative to terrestrial ferns. These results suggest previously overlooked functional diversity among fern epiphytes, and raise the hypothesis that while the angiosperm canopy acted as a complex filter that restricted plant size, it also facilitated diversification into finely partitioned niches. Characterizing these niche axes and adaptations of epiphytic ferns occupying them should be a priority for future pteridological research.

Leek or Garlic? A Chemical Evaluation of Elephant Garlic Volatiles.

"Aglione della Valdichiana" is listed among the Traditional Agronomic and Edible Products of Italy, as it is a typical product of the Chiana Valley (Tuscany, Italy). It is also known as "elephant garlic", due to the dimension of its cloves, and, other than in the Italian Mediterranean area, its presence is also reported in North Africa and Southwest Asia. The current botanical classification identifies it as a leek variety (Allium ampeloprasum L.), although its appearance, except for its larger dimensions, resembles that of garlic. In the present study, the spontaneous volatile emission of whole and cut cloves of "Aglione della Valdichiana" (elephant garlic), garlic, and leek has been profiled by headspace solid phase micro-extraction. The results have been subjected to statistical analyses (analysis of variance, hierarchical cluster, and principal component analysis) to assess whether the chemical profile confirmed the botanical proximity of elephant garlic and leek, rather than garlic. The phytochemical volatiles evaluation indicated a higher proximity of elephant garlic to garlic, rather than leek, at least for the Chiana Valley specimen analyzed in this study.

Blends of lemongrass derivatives and lime for the preparation of mixed beverages: antioxidant, physicochemical, and sensory properties.

BACKGROUND: Lemongrass is an aromatic plant with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, used for the preparation of medicinal tea and for essential oil production. Previous studies have shown that extracts of lemongrass leaves contain phenolic compounds associated with health benefits. Although essential oils have been widely used as flavoring agents, there is no scientific evidence regarding the use of lemongrass essential oils in beverages. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to develop blends with lemongrass derivatives (aqueous extract, lyophilized extract, and essential oil) and lime juice for the preparation of mixed beverages, to evaluate the antioxidant and physicochemical characteristics of blends, and to determine the sensory profile and acceptance of mixed beverages. RESULTS: The formulated blends showed favorable physicochemical characteristics such as acidity and color, and they contained bioactive compounds (phenolics and vitamin C) and important antioxidant properties. Mixed beverages prepared from blends containing aqueous extract or lyophilized extract plus essential oil, which showed higher intensity of lemongrass aroma and flavor, were more readily accepted. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that it is possible to make suitable blends with lemongrass derivatives and lime juice for the preparation of high-quality mixed beverages with sensory pleasantness, and potentially beneficial health components. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Outcomes for 2 Children after Peripartum Acquisition of Zika Virus Infection, French Polynesia, 2013-2014.

Congenital Zika virus infection is associated with severe brain anomalies and impaired function. To determine outcomes, we followed 2 affected children for ≈30 months. For 1 who was symptomatic at birth, transient hepatitis developed. However, neurodevelopment for both children was age appropriate.

Moorean and Tahitian Partula tree snail survival after a mass extinction: New genomic insights using museum specimens.

Natural history museum collections provide a biodiversity window into the past and are of particular importance to the study of extinction-impacted clades such as the Pacific Island tree snail family Partulidae. Deliberate introduction of the predatory rosy wolf snail Euglandina rosea in the late 20th century led to the extinction/extirpation of 55/61 Society Island Partulidae species. In this study, we phylogenomically investigated the inter-relationships of the three surviving Society Island valley Partula species: P. taeniata (Moorea), P. clara and P. hyalina (Tahiti). All three formed a distinct clade in earlier mitochondrial phylogenies. Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) double digested Restriction Associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq), we found that 46-year-old lyophilized museum specimens produced similar numbers of reads, sequencing depth, and loci as 10-year old ethanol-preserved collections. Phylogenomic trees indicated that Tahitian P. clara and P. hyalina are the result of a single founding lineage from Moorea, contrasting previous mitochondrial results and clarifying the enigmatic taxonomic status of P. c. incrassa. Our study highlights the utility and viability of NGS techniques for museum specimens and their increased resolution of evolutionary patterns. Sampling will be expanded to include the remaining Society Island partulid taxa to further explore the evolutionary history of this radiation.

The Elimination of Viroids through In Vitro Thermotherapy and a Meristem Tip Culture from a New Limonime Hybrid (Citrus x limon var. limon (L.) Burm. f. x Citrus latifolia var. latifolia).

Viruses and viroids pose a significant challenge in citriculture, and their control is crucial for plant health. This study evaluated the effectiveness of in vitro thermotherapy combined with a meristem tip culture for eliminating citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) and hop stunt viroid (HSVd) from a new limonime hybrid (Citrus x limon var. limon x Citrus latifolia var. latifolia). The elimination success was confirmed by RT-PCR assays. The in vitro elimination rate for CEVd during the shoot proliferation stage (43%) was higher than for HSVd (21%). Accordingly, in the subsequent rooting stage, the in vitro elimination rate for CEVd (50%) was higher than for HSVd (33%). Successful CEVd and HSVd eradication at a 100% rate was confirmed in the ex vitro acclimatized plants in the greenhouse. The study also established an efficient micropropagation protocol. The optimal treatment for in vitro shoot induction was 0.5-2 mg L-1 benzyladenine (BA) + 0.5 mg L-1 gibberellic acid (GA3) + 0.25 mg L-1 naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), while for shoot elongation, it was 0.5 mg L-1 BA + 0.5 mg L-1 kinetin (KIN) + 0.5 mg L-1 GA3 + 0.25 mg L-1 NAA. Rooting was best promoted by 1 mg L-1 NAA. This study provides valuable insights for the mass production of viroid-free propagation material in this new lemon x lime hybrid, contributing to the conservation of genetic resources in citrus breeding programs through the combined application of in vitro thermotherapy and an in vitro meristem tip culture, a novel and highlighted achievement reported for the first time in this study.

Linking breadfruit cultivar names across the globe connects histories after 230 years of separation.

Every crop has a story. The story of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), an increasingly valued staple crop in tropical agroforestry systems, is filled with intrigue, oppression, and remains incomplete. The Caribbean is a major producer and consumer of breadfruit, yet most breadfruit there came from a single 1793 introduction aimed at providing a cheap food source for slaves forced to work on British plantations. St. Vincent was the first significant point of Caribbean introduction and played a vital role in subsequent breadfruit distribution throughout the region. Hundreds of cultivars are documented in breadfruit's native Oceania. It remains a mystery, however, which ones were introduced to the Caribbean 230 years ago-still comprising the vast diversity found there today. Integrating local knowledge, historical documents and specimens, morphological data, and DNA, we identify eight major global breadfruit lineages-five of which are found in the Caribbean and likely represent the original 1793 introduction. Genetic data were able to match two Caribbean cultivar names confidently to their Oceania counterparts. Genetics and morphology together enabled additional possible matches. Many other named cultivars within lineages are too genetically similar to differentiate, highlighting difficulties of defining and identifying variation among clonally propagated triploid crops. Breadfruit is important in resilient agroforestry in tropical islands predicted to be especially affected by climate change. Findings reveal global links, building upon collective knowledge that can be used to inform breadfruit management. Results are also summarized in a brochure about breadfruit history and diversity in St. Vincent, and the Caribbean more broadly.

Extraction of potential bioactive compounds from industrial Tahiti lime (Citrus latifólia Tan.) by-product using pressurized liquids and ultrasound-assisted extraction.

This work evaluated two emerging techniques in extracting phenolic compounds from Tahiti lime pomace - pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). PLE was performed at different temperatures (60 - 110 °C) and times (5 - 40 min), and UAE was carried out varying ultrasound power (160 - 792 W), time (2 - 10 min), and solvent to feed mass ratio (20 - 40 kg solvent/kg dried pomace). Both used ethanol and water (3:1, wt.) as the solvent. The effects of these variables were evaluated on global extraction yield, polyphenols, hesperidin, narirutin yields, and antioxidant capacity. PLE was strongly affected by temperature and extraction time, and the highest temperature (110 °C) provided the best results for global yield, total phenolic, and ORAC, except for hesperidin and narirutin, which were not significative affected by temperature. UAE revealed a weak dependency on power, S/F, and time; however, the lowest power level significantly increased the yields compared to no power application. Thus, P = 480 W, t = 6 min, and S/F = 30 was chosen as the best condition in the UAE in terms of overall extraction yield, total phenolics, specific phenolics, antioxidant capacities, and solvent and energy expenditures. UAE mechanisms were investigated by comparing with heated and stirred maceration, and scanning electron microscopy suggested that total phenolic yield was influenced by mechanisms that only ultrasound can provide. Micrographics confirmed the cavitation effect on Tahiti lime pomace particles' surface. To sum up, PLE resulted in the highest yields and antioxidant capacity, followed by UAE.

Tangled compositions: Botany, agency, and authorship aboard HMS Endeavour.

By all accounts, James Cook's HMS Endeavour sojourn in Tahiti was a pivotal moment in Enlightenment engagements between Indigenous and European cultures. Among the voyage records that survive, the Endeavour draftsman Sydney Parkinson's Journal of a Voyage to the South Seas (1773) is widely viewed as anomalous for the depth and breadth of its interests in Indigenous Tahitian culture and plant knowledge. This essay complicates that view, with emphasis on the contingencies peculiar to the Journal's publication and to Parkinson's own authorial biography. Drawing on Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari's concept of the rhizome, I analyze Parkinson's account alongside the botanist Daniel Solander's historiographically underutilized "Plantae Otaheitenses" manuscript. In so doing, I offer an alternative reading of the Journal as archetypal rather than exceptional in its attention to Indigenous cultures and knowledges. At stake, I suggest, is an enhanced appreciation for Indigenous-European botanical engagements and for Enlightenment print culture more broadly, as well as for the nebulously adisciplinary and collaborative nature of Enlightenment natural history field practices.

Insights into the Metabolome of the Cyanobacterium Leibleinia gracilis from the Lagoon of Tahiti and First Inspection of Its Variability.

Cyanobacteria are known to produce a large diversity of specialized metabolites that can cause severe (eco)toxicological effects. In the lagoon of Tahiti, the benthic cyanobacterium Leibleinia gracilis is commonly found overgrowing the proliferative macroalga Turbinaria ornata or dead branching corals. The specialized metabolome of the cyanobacterium L. gracilis was therefore investigated together with its variability on both substrates and changes in environmental parameters. For the study of the metabolome variability, replicates of L. gracilis were collected in the same location of the lagoon of Tahiti before and after a raining event, both on dead corals and on T. ornata. The variability in the metabolome was inferred from a comparative non-targeted metabolomic using high resolution mass spectrometry (MS) data and a molecular network analysis built through MS/MS analyses. Oxidized fatty acid derivatives including the unusual 11-oxopalmitelaidic acid were found as major constituents of the specialized metabolome of this species. Significant variations in the metabolome of the cyanobacteria were observed, being more important with a change in environmental factors. Erucamide was found to be the main chemical marker highly present when the cyanobacterium grows on the macroalga. This study highlights the importance of combined approaches in metabolomics and molecular networks to inspect the variability in the metabolome of cyanobacteria with applications for ecological questions.

Deconstructing an infamous extinction crisis: Survival of Partula species on Moorea and Tahiti.

Eleven of eighteen Society Island Partula species endemic to the Windward Island subgroup (Moorea and Tahiti) have been extirpated by an ill-advised biological control program. The conservation status of this critically endangered tree snail radiation is of considerable import, but is clouded by taxonomic uncertainty due to the extensive lack of congruence among species designations, diagnostic morphologies, and molecular markers. Using a combination of museum, captive, and remnant wild snails, we obtained the first high-resolution nuclear genomic perspective of the evolutionary relationships and survival of fourteen Windward Island Partula species, totaling 93 specimens. We analyzed ~1,607-28,194 nuclear genomic loci collected with the double digest restriction-site associated sequencing method. Results from phylogenomic trees, species estimation, and population assignment tests yielded monophyly of the Windward Island subgroup. Within this group, two well-supported clades encompassing five species complexes were recovered. Clade 1 was restricted to Tahiti and contained two species complexes: "P. affinis" (three species) and "P. otaheitana" (five species). Clade 2 occurred on Moorea and on Tahiti and consisted of three species complexes: one Tahitian, "P. clara/P. hyalina"; the other two, "P. taeniata" (three species) and "P. suturalis" (six species), Moorean. Our genomic results largely corroborated previous mitochondrial DNA survival estimates for Moorea and Tahiti, with all five species complexes having members surviving in captivity and/or as remnant wild populations, although the details vary in each case. Continued, proactive conservation and management may yet ensure a phylogenetically representative survival of the fabled Partula species of Moorea and Tahiti.

A novel ehrlichial agent detected in tick in French Polynesia.

Ticks are hematophageous arthropods that are known to host and transmit miscellaneous pathogens including zoonotic bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of tick-associated microorganisms in Tahiti, French Polynesia with molecular tools. A total of 658 ticks from two species including Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and Rh. annulatus were collected with forceps on dogs and cattle respectively, or with a flag on pasture in several locations of Tahiti in 2013. Two Rickettsia belonging to the spotted fever group different from R. conorii and R. massiliae were detected by qPCR in two Rh. sanguineus s.l. ticks, but sequencing failed. A Rh. annulatus tick was found positive for a new ehrlichial agent characterized by amplification and sequencing of fragments of the Anaplasmataceae 23S and Ehrlichia 16S genes. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 23S and 16S sequences reveals that this bacterium is a new genotype, genetically close to Ehrlichia minasensis, a recently described Ehrlichia sp. close to Ehrlichia canis.

John Hunter's (1728-1793) account of venereal diseases.

John Hunter's work included description of the nature of digestion, child development, role of the lymphatic system and proof that the maternal and foetal blood supplies are separate. His contribution to the understanding of venereal diseases is reviewed. Hunter's argument of the unitary nature of venereal diseases is examined and the progress he made in diagnosis and management is discussed.

Testing Brief Intervention and Phone Contact among Subjects with Suicidal Behavior: A Randomized Controlled Trial in French Polynesia in the Frames of the World Health Organization/Suicide Trends in At-Risk Territories Study.

The World Health Organization Suicide trends in at-risk territories study is a multi-site regional research program operating first in French Polynesia and countries of the Western Pacific, then extended to the world. The aims of the study were to establish a monitoring system for suicidal behaviors and to conduct a randomised control trial intervention for non-fatal suicidal behaviors. The latter part is the purpose of the present article. Over the period 2008-2010, 515 patients were admitted at the Emergency Department of the Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie Française for suicidal behavior. Those then hospitalized in the Psychiatry Emergency Unit were asked to be involved in the study and randomly allocated to either Treatment As Usual (TAU) or TAU plus Brief Intervention and Contact (BIC), which provides a psycho-education session and a follow-up of 9 phone contacts over an 18-months period. One hundred persons were assigned to TAU, while 100 participants were allocated to the BIC group. At the end of the follow-up there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of number of presentations to the hospital for repeated suicidal behaviors. Although the study could not demonstrate the superiority of a treatment over the other, nevertheless - given its importance - the investigation captured public attention and was able to contribute to the awareness of the need of suicide prevention in French Polynesia. The BIC model of intervention seemed to particularly suit the geographical and health care context of the country.

Técnicas cromatográficas para a diferenciação de óleos essenciais cítricos de limão siciliano e Tahiti / Chromatographic techniques for the differentiation of Sicilian lemon and Tahiti citrus essential oils

Para verificação das diferenças qualitativas e quantitativas dos óleos essenciais de limão dos tipos Sieiliano e Tahiti, foram estudadas duas técnicas cromatográficas: a da camada delgada e a gasosa. A técnica da cromatografia em camada delgada baseou-se na utilização de placas de vidro de 20 x 20 em, recobertas com sílica gel G; a fase móvel utilizada foi benzeno - acetato de etila - ácido acético glacial, na proporção de 90: 10: 1. A detecção foi feita de duas maneiras: uma, através da visualização na câmara de luz ultravioleta, outra através de pulverização com reagente químico. A técnica de cromatografia em fase gasosa utilizou o detector de ionização de chama, com fase estacionária de 5% SP-1000 em Supelcoport, para mostrar as diferenças existentes entre estes dois óleos. Verificou-se que, tanto na técnica da cromatografía em camada delgada quanto na cromatografia em fase gasosa, houve diferenças de comportamento destes dois óleos que permitem facilmente identificá-Ios. Na cromatografia em camada delgada houve diferença no número de manchas e, também, na intensidade de algumas. Na cromatografia em fase gasosa foram identificados picos e áreas diferentes dos componentes dos óleos essenciais (AU).