bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Activity of Blue Light against Nosocomial Wound Pathogens Growing Planktonically and as Mature Biofilms
Authors: Halstead Fenella D. , Thwaite Joanne E. , Burt Rebecca , Laws Thomas R. , Raguse Marina , Moeller Ralf , Webber Mark A. , Oppenheim Beryl A. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTThe blue wavelengths within the visible light spectrum are intrinisically antimicrobial and can photodynamically inactivate the cells of a wide spectrum of bacteria (Gram positive and negative) and fungi. Furthermore, blue light is equally effective against both drug-sensitive and -resistant members of target species and is less detrimental to mammalian cells than is UV radiation. Blue light is currently used for treating acnes vulgaris andHelicobacter pyloriinfections; the utility for decontamination and treatment of wound infections is in its infancy. Furthermore, limited studies have been performed on bacterial biofilms, the key growth mode of bacteria involved in clinical infections. Here we report the findings of a multicenterin vitrostudy performed to assess the antimicrobial activity of 400-nm blue light against bacteria in both planktonic and biofilm growth modes. Blue light was tested against a panel of 34 bacterial isolates (clinical and type strains) comprisingAcinetobacter baumannii,Enterobacter cloacae,Stenotrophomonas maltophilia,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus,Enterococcus faecium,Klebsiella pneumoniae, andElizabethkingia meningoseptica. All planktonic-phase bacteria were susceptible to blue light treatment, with the majority (71%) demonstrating a ≥5-log10decrease in viability after 15 to 30 min of exposure (54 J/cm2to 108 J/cm2). Bacterial biofilms were also highly susceptible to blue light, with significant reduction in seeding observed for all isolates at all levels of exposure. These results warrant further investigation of blue light as a novel decontamination strategy for the nosocomial environment, as well as additional wider decontamination applications.IMPORTANCEBlue light shows great promise as a novel decontamination strategy for the nosocomial environment, as well as additional wider decontamination applications (e.g., wound closure during surgery). This warrants further investigation.
Development of an Avirulent Salmonella Surrogate for Modeling Pathogen Behavior in Pre- and Postharvest Environments
Authors: de Moraes Marcos H. , Chapin Travis K. , Ginn Amber , Wright Anita C. , Parker Kenneth , Hoffman Carol , Pascual David W. , Danyluk Michelle D. , Teplitski Max 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Recurrent outbreaks of bacterial gastroenteritis linked to the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables highlight the paucity of understanding of the ecology of
Salmonella enterica
under crop production and postharvest conditions. These gaps in knowledge are due, at least in part, to the lack of suitable surrogate organisms for studies for which biosafety level 2 is problematic. Therefore, we constructed and validated an avirulent strain of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium. The strain lacks major
Salmonella
pathogenicity islands SPI-1, SPI-2, SPI-3, SPI-4, and SPI-5 as well as the virulence plasmid pSLT. Deletions and the absence of genomic rearrangements were confirmed by genomic sequencing, and the surrogate behaved like the parental wild-type strain on selective media. A loss-of-function (
phoN
) selective marker allowed the differentiation of this strain from wild-type strains on a medium containing a chromogenic substrate for alkaline phosphatase. Lack of virulence was confirmed by oral infection of female BALB/c mice. The strain persisted in tomatoes, cantaloupes, leafy greens, and soil with the same kinetics as the parental wild-type and selected outbreak strains, and it reached similar final population levels. The responses of this strain to heat treatment and disinfectants were similar to those of the wild type, supporting its potential as a surrogate for future studies on the ecology and survival of
Salmonella
in production and processing environments.

IMPORTANCE
There is significant interest in understanding the ecology of human pathogens in environments outside of their animal hosts, including the crop production environment. However, manipulative field experiments with virulent human pathogens are unlikely to receive regulatory approval due to the obvious risks. Therefore, we constructed an avirulent strain of
S. enterica
serovar Typhimurium and characterized it extensively.
Distinct Mineral Weathering Behaviors of the Novel Mineral-Weathering Strains Rhizobium yantingense H66 and Rhizobium etli CFN42
Authors: Chen Wei , Luo Long , He Lin-Yan , Wang Qi , Sheng Xia-Fang 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Bacteria play important roles in mineral weathering, soil formation, and element cycling. However, little is known about the interaction between silicate minerals and rhizobia. In this study,
Rhizobium yantingense
H66 (a novel mineral-weathering rhizobium) and
Rhizobium etli
CFN42 were compared with respect to potash feldspar weathering, mineral surface adsorption, and metabolic activity during the mineral weathering process. Strain H66 showed significantly higher Si, Al, and K mobilization from the mineral and higher ratios of cell numbers on the mineral surface to total cell numbers than strain CFN42. Although the two strains produced gluconic acid, strain H66 also produced acetic, malic, and succinic acids during mineral weathering in low- and high-glucose media. Notably, higher Si, Al, and K releases, higher ratios of cell numbers on the mineral surface to total cell numbers, and a higher production of organic acids by strain H66 were observed in the low-glucose medium than in the high-glucose medium. Scanning electron microscope analyses of the mineral surfaces and redundancy analysis showed stronger positive correlations between the mineral surface cell adsorption and mineral weathering, indicated by the dissolved Al and K concentrations. The results showed that the two rhizobia behaved differently with respect to mineral weathering. The results suggested that
Rhizobium yantingense
H66 promoted potash feldspar weathering through increased adsorption of cells to the mineral surface and through differences in glucose metabolism at low and high nutrient concentrations, especially at low nutrient concentrations.

IMPORTANCE
This study reported the potash feldspar weathering, the cell adsorption capacity of the mineral surfaces, and the metabolic differences between the novel mineral-weathering
Rhizobium yantingense
H66 and
Rhizobium etli
CFN42 under different nutritional conditions. The results showed that
Rhizobium yantingense
H66 had a greater ability to weather the mineral in low- and high-glucose media, especially in the low-glucose medium. Furthermore,
Rhizobium yantingense
H66 promoted mineral weathering through the increased adsorption of cells to the mineral surface and through increased organic acid production. Our results allow us to better comprehend the roles of different rhizobia in silicate mineral weathering, element cycling, and soil formation in various soil environments, providing more insight into the geomicrobial contributions of rhizobia to these processes.
Heat Stress Modulates Mycelium Growth, Heat Shock Protein Expression, Ganoderic Acid Biosynthesis, and Hyphal Branching of Ganoderma lucidum via Cytosolic Ca
2+
Authors: Zhang Xue , Ren Ang , Li Meng-Jiao , Cao Peng-Fei , Chen Tian-Xi , Zhang Guang , Shi Liang , Jiang Ai-Liang , Zhao Ming-Wen 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Heat stress (HS) influences the growth and development of organisms. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of how organisms sense HS and respond to it is required.
Ganoderma lucidum
, a higher basidiomycete with bioactive secondary metabolites, has become a potential model system due to the complete sequencing of its genome, transgenic systems, and reliable reverse genetic tools. In this study, we found that HS inhibited mycelium growth, reduced hyphal branching, and induced the accumulation of ganoderic acid biosynthesis and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in
G. lucidum
. Our data showed that HS induced a significant increase in cytosolic Ca
2+
concentration. Further evidence showed that Ca
2+
might be a factor in the HS-mediated regulation of hyphal branching, ganoderic acid (GA) biosynthesis, and the accumulation of HSPs. Our results further showed that the calcium-permeable channel gene (
cch
)-silenced and phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase gene (
plc
)-silenced strains reduced the HS-induced increase in HSP expression compared with that observed for the wild type (WT). This study demonstrates that cytosolic Ca
2+
participates in heat shock signal transduction and regulates downstream events in filamentous fungi.

IMPORTANCE
Ganoderma lucidum
, a higher basidiomycete with bioactive secondary metabolites, has become a potential model system for evaluating how environmental factors regulate the development and secondary metabolism of basidiomycetes. Heat stress (HS) is an important environmental challenge. In this study, we found that HS inhibited mycelium growth, reduced hyphal branching, and induced HSP expression and ganoderic acid biosynthesis in
G. lucidum
. Further evidence showed that Ca
2+
might be a factor in the HS-mediated regulation of hyphal branching, GA biosynthesis, and the accumulation of HSPs. This study demonstrates that cytosolic Ca
2+
participates in heat shock signal transduction and regulates downstream events in filamentous fungi. Our research offers a new way to understand the mechanism underlying the physiological and metabolic responses to other environmental factors in
G. lucidum
. This research may also provide the basis for heat shock signal transduction studies of other fungi.
‘FIFA 11 for Health’ for Europe. II: effect on health markers and physical fitness in Danish schoolchildren aged 10–12 years
Authors: Ørntoft Christina , Fuller Colin W , Larsen Malte Nejst , Bangsbo Jens , Dvorak Jiri , Krustrup Peter 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether a modified ‘FIFA 11 for Health’ programme for non-communicable diseases had effects on body composition, blood pressure and physical fitness of Danish schoolchildren aged 10–12 years.DesignA cluster-randomised controlled study with 7 intervention and 2 control schools.Participants546 Danish 5th grade municipal schoolchildren allocated to an intervention group (IG; n=402: 11.1±0.4 (±SD) years, 150.1±7.0 cm, 41.3±8.4 kg) and a control group (CG; n=144: 11.0±0.5 years, 151.2±7.8 cm, 41.3±9.0 kg).InterventionAs part of the physical education (PE) curriculum, IG carried out 2 weekly 45 min ‘FIFA 11 for Health’ sessions focusing on health issues, football skills and 3v3 games. CG continued regular school PE activities. Measurements of body composition, blood pressure at rest, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 children's test (YYIR1C), balance, jump and sprint performance were performed before and after the 11-week study period.ResultsDuring the 11-week study period, systolic blood pressure (−3.5 vs 0.9 mm Hg), mean arterial blood pressure (−1.9 vs 0.4 mm Hg), body mass index (−0.02 vs 0.13 kg/m2) and body fat percentage (−0.83% vs −0.04%) decreased more (p<0.05) in IG than in CG. Within-group improvements (p<0.05) were observed in IG for 20 m sprint (4.09±0.29 to 4.06±0.28 s) and YYIR1C performance (852±464 to 896±517 m), but these changes were not significantly different from CG, and balance or jump performance remained unchanged in both groups.ConclusionsThe modified ‘FIFA 11 for Health’ programme has beneficial effects on body composition and blood pressure for Danish schoolchildren aged 10–12 years, thereby providing evidence that this football-based health education programme can directly impact participants' cardiovascular health profile.
Blood glucose self-monitoring and internet diabetes management on A1C outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chow Nelson , Shearer Daniel , Aydin Plaa Jessica , Pottinger Betty , Pawlowska Monika , White Adam , Tildesley Hugh D 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine any correlation between frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), frequency of patient-provider communication of SMBG (reporting), and hemoglobin A1C for patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes solely on oral medications.Research design and methods191 charts of patients with type 2 diabetes treated solely with oral hypoglycemic agents were reviewed retrospectively. A1C, SMBG frequency, and frequency of online communication with an endocrinologist within the most recent 6-month period were used in the analyses. Regression analysis was used to determine correlations to A1C. For subsequent subgroup analysis, patients were separated into infrequent and frequent SMBG groups, defined as those who test on average once or less per day or twice or more per day.ResultsAlthough testing frequency did not correlate with A1C, higher reporting frequency correlated with lower A1C. Subgroup analysis of the frequent SMBG group showed a significantly lower A1C in frequent reporters when compared to infrequent reporters (N=118, p<0.05). This trend was not observed in the infrequent SMBG group (N=73, p=0.161).ConclusionsThe inverse correlation between reporting frequency and A1C, as well as the significant difference in A1C only for the frequent testers, suggests that frequent SMBG has an effect on reducing A1C only when combined with regular, frequent communication of SMBG with a healthcare provider.
Improving performance in the detection and management of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes in the Mountain West Cystic Fibrosis Consortium
Authors: Liou Theodore G , Jensen Judith L , Allen Sarah E , Brayshaw Sara J , Brown Mark A , Chatfield Barbara , Koenig Joni , McDonald Catherine , Packer Kristyn A , Peet Kimberly , Radford Peggy , Reineke Linda M , Otsuka Kim , Wagener Jeffrey S , Young David , Marshall Bruce C 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveCystic fibrosis (CF)-related diabetes (CFRD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Improved detection and management may improve outcomes; however, actual practice falls short of published guidelines. We studied efforts to improve CFRD screening and management in the Mountain West CF Consortium (MWCFC).Research design and methodsThis is a prospective observational cohort study evaluating quality improvement by accredited CF centers in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah performed between 2002 and 2008. After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, centers evaluated adherence with CF Foundation guidelines for CFRD. Each center developed and implemented quality improvement plans to improve both screening and management. Centers were reassessed 1 year later.ResultsInitially, each CF center had low adherence with screening recommendations (26.5% of eligible patients) that did not improve during the study. However, patients with confirmed CFRD markedly increased (141 (12% of MWCFC patients) to 224 (17%), p<0.001), and with improved adherence to management guidelines, patients with CFRD had increased weight (56.8–58.9 kg, p<0.001), body mass index (21.1–21.4, p=0.003), and weight-for-age z-score (−1.42 to –0.84, p<0.001). Quality improvement methods were specific to the practice settings of each center but shared the common goal of adhering to CFRD care guidelines. 1 year after implementation, no center significantly differed from any other in level of adherence to guidelines.ConclusionsImproving adherence with CFRD care guidelines requires substantial effort and may be incompletely successful, particularly for CFRD screening, but the effort may significantly improve patient monitoring and clinically relevant outcomes such as weight.
Histone H2AX phosphorylation as a measure of DNA double-strand breaks and a marker of environmental stress and disease activity in lupus
Authors: Namas Rajaie , Renauer Paul , Ognenovski Mikhail , Tsou Pei-Suen , Sawalha Amr H 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveDefective or inefficient DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair results in failure to preserve genomic integrity leading to apoptotic cell death, a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Compelling evidence linked environmental factors that increase oxidative stress with SLE risk and the formation of DSBs. In this study, we sought to further explore genotoxic stress sensitivity in SLE by investigating DSB accumulation as a marker linking the effect of environmental stressors and the chromatin microenvironment.MethodsDSBs were quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cell subsets from patients with SLE, healthy controls, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by measuring phosphorylated H2AX (phospho-H2AX) levels with flow cytometry. Phospho-H2AX levels were assessed in G0/G1, S and G2 cell-cycle phases using propidium iodide staining, and after oxidative stress using 0.5 µM hydrogen peroxide exposure for 0, 2, 5, 10, 30 and 60 min.ResultsDSB levels were significantly increased in CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and monocytes in SLE compared with healthy controls (p=2.16×10−4, 1.68×10−3and 4.74×10−3, respectively) and RA (p=1.05×10−3, 1.78×10−3and 2.43×10−2, respectively). This increase in DSBs in SLE was independent of the cell-cycle phase, and correlated with disease activity. In CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and monocytes, oxidative stress exposure induced significantly higher DSB accumulation in SLE compared with healthy controls (60 min; p=1.64×10−6, 8.11×10−7and 2.04×10−3, respectively).ConclusionsOur data indicate that SLE T cells and monocytes have increased baseline DSB levels and an increased sensitivity to acquiring DSBs in response to oxidative stress. Although the mechanism underlying DSB sensitivity in SLE requires further investigation, accumulation of DSB may serve a biomarker for disease activity in SLE and help explain increased apoptotic cell accumulation in this disease.
Cancer Mortality Risks from Long-term Exposure to Ambient Fine Particle
Authors: Wong Chit Ming , Tsang Hilda , Lai Hak Kan , Thomas G. Neil , Lam Kin Bong , Chan King Pan , Zheng Qishi , Ayres Jon G. , Lee Siu Yin , Lam Tai Hing , Thach Thuan Quoc 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Background: Few studies have assessed long-term effects of particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter &lt; 2.5 μm (PM2.5) on mortality for causes of cancer other than the lung; we assessed the effects on multiple causes. In Hong Kong, most people live and work in urban or suburban areas with high-rise buildings. This facilitates the estimation of PM2.5 exposure of individuals, taking into account the height of residence above ground level for assessment of the long-term health effects with sufficient statistical power.
Methods: We recruited 66,820 persons who were ≥65 in 1998 to 2001 and followed up for mortality outcomes until 2011. Annual concentrations of PM at their residential addresses were estimated using PM2.5 concentrations measured at fixed-site monitors, horizontal–vertical locations, and satellite data. We used Cox regression model to assess the HR of mortality for cancer per 10 μg/m3 increase of PM2.5.
Results: PM2.5 was associated with increased risk of mortality for all causes of cancer [HR, 1.22 (95% CI, 1.11–1.34)] and for specific cause of cancer in upper digestive tract [1.42 (1.06–1.89)], digestive accessory organs [1.35 (1.06–1.71)] in all subjects; breast [1.80 (1.26–2.55)] in females; and lung [1.36 (1.05–1.77)] in males.
Conclusions: Long-term exposures to PM2.5 are associated with elevated risks of cancer in various organs.
Impact: This study is particularly timely in China, where compelling evidence is needed to support the pollution control policy to ameliorate the health damages associated with economic growth. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(5); 839–45. ©2016 AACR.
Industrial policies at a time of liberalization: the internationalization of European transport enterprises
Authors: Di Giulio Marco 
Published: April 2016

For more than three decades, European institutions have been committed to opening up the markets of public services, which were traditionally managed under monopolistic arrangements within each member state. The internationalization of firms previously operating in this sector is a phenomenon that will reshape the relationships between national governments and national industry. The creation of a comparative advantage in these markets is thus emerging as a crucial issue within each national political economy. While many scholars have emphasized the role of mercantilist strategies as the most prominent strategy for the creation of national champions, others have suggested that market-building and the pursuit of industrial goals may be self-reinforcing. Adopting a firm-level analysis of the EU market for public transport, this article adds empirical evidence to the debate on the relationship between regulation and industrial policy. Points for practitioners This article describes the evolution of 13 European firms operating in the fields of infrastructure management and public transport services. It tries to assess the linkage between national policy styles and concrete policy outcomes at the sectorial level. Three kinds of practitioners may benefit from the knowledge of these case studies. (1) Policy-makers might have a wider understanding of the impact of regulation on firms’ strategies and the potential trade-offs related to this connection. (2) Managers might benefit from a deeper knowledge of the different national approaches to regulatory issues. (3) Stakeholders might increase their awareness of the complex mechanisms operating behind privatization processes.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in palliative care: A prospective study of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus prevalence in a hospital-based palliative care unit
Authors: Schmalz Oliver , Strapatsas Tobias , Alefelder Christof , Grebe Scott Oliver 
Published: April 2016

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a common organism in hospitals worldwide and is associated with morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the prevalence in palliative care patients. Furthermore, there is no standardized screening protocol or treatment for patients for whom therapy concentrates on symptom control. Aim: Examining the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in palliative care patients as well as the level of morbidity and mortality. Design: We performed a prospective study where methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening was undertaken in 296 consecutive patients within 48 h after admission to our palliative care unit. Medical history was taken, clinical examination was performed, and the Karnofsky Performance Scale and Palliative Prognostic Score were determined. Prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was compared to data of general hospital patients. Results: In total, 281 patients were included in the study having a mean age of 69.7 years (standard deviation = 12.9 years) and an average Karnofsky Performance Scale between 30% and 40%. The mean length of stay was 9.7 days (standard deviation = 7.6 days). A total of 24 patients were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus positive on the first swab. Median number of swabs was 2. All patients with a negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus swab upon admission remained Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus negative in all subsequent swabs. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among patients in an in-hospital palliative care unit is much higher than in other patient populations.