bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The seismogenic thickness in Italy: constraints on potential magnitude and seismic hazard
Authors: Chiarabba Claudio , De Gori Pasquale 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe thickness of the seismogenic layer is a key parameter for seismic hazard, since it can be used to constrain the maximum depth of faulting and the potential magnitude. In this study, we compute the seismogenic thickness in the Italian region by defining the lower seismicity cut‐off, using high‐quality hypocentral locations of earthquakes that occurred in the past decade. Along the eastern Alps, the seismogenic thickness is about 12–14 km, laterally homogeneous along the entire south‐verging thrust front. In the Apennines extensional belt, lateral changes in seismogenic thickness are evident, and correlate with changes in the seismic energy released by past earthquakes. The potential magnitude is larger in the southern Apennines where the seismogenic thickness is greater (16–18 km) than in the northern Apennines where it is less (6–10 km) and seismic energy is partially released by the creeping of faults.
Using Spatial Analysis to Understand the Spatial Heterogeneity of Disability Employment in China
Authors: Liao Yilan , Wang Jinfeng , Du Wei , Gao Bingbo , Liu Xin , Chen Gong , Song Xinming , Zheng Xiaoying 
Published: August 2016

AbstractDuring the formulation of employment disability policy, policymakers are often interested in regional variations of disability employment. Decision‐makers are required to distinguish between various geographical factors. However, few previous studies take spatial heterogeneity into account and most of them conducted only a qualitative analysis. Geographical detectors based on spatial variation analyses of identified factors were applied in the study to establish connections between regional features and the disability employment rate, and to identify the city groups with significantly higher and lower percentage rates of disability employment. It is the first application of spatial statistics in studying the employment problem of the disabled. The findings can help the government formulate reasonable adjustments to both job opportunities for, and work roles of, disabled people.
High Prevalence of Diverse Insertion Sequences within the rRNA Operons of Mycoplasma bovis
Authors: Amram Eytan , Borovok Ilya , Nachum-Biala Yaarit , Ayling Roger , Lerner Uri , Harrus Shimon , Lysnyansky Inna 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Insertion sequences (ISs) are widespread in the genome of
Mycoplasma bovis
strain PG45, but no ISs were identified within its two tandemly positioned rRNA operons (
rrn1
and
rrn2
). However, characterization of the
rrn
locus in 70
M. bovis
isolates revealed the presence of ISs related to the IS
Mbov1
(IS
30
family) and IS
Mbov4
(IS
4
family) isomers in 35 isolates. ISs were inserted into intergenic region 1 (IGR-1) or IGR-3, which are the putative promoter regions of
rrn1
and
rrn2
, respectively, and into IGR-5, located downstream of the
rrl2
gene. Seven different configurations (A to G) of the
rrn
locus with respect to ISs were identified, including those in five annotated genomes. The transcriptional start site for the single
rrn
operon in
M. bovis
strain 88127 was mapped within IGR-1, 60 bp upstream of the
rrs
gene. Notably, only 1 nucleotide separated the direct repeat (DR) for IS
Mbov1
and the promoter –35 element in configuration D, while in configuration F, the −35 motif was a part of the IS
Mbov1
DR. Relative quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR analysis and growth rate comparisons detected a significant increase (
P
< 0.05) in the expression of the
rrs
genes and in the number of viable cells during log phase growth (8, 12, and 16 h) in the strains with configuration F in comparison to strains with one or two
rrn
operons that did not have ISs. A high prevalence of IS elements within or close to the
M. bovis
rrn
operon-promoter region may reflect their important role in regulation of both ribosome synthesis and function.

IMPORTANCE
Data presented in this study show a high prevalence of diverse ISs within the
M. bovis rrn
locus resulting in intraspecies variability and diversity. Such abundance of IS elements near or within the
rrn
locus may offer a selective advantage to
M. bovis
. Moreover, the fact that expression of the
rrs
genes as well as the number of viable cells increased in the group of strains with IS element insertion within a putative promoter −35 sequence (configuration F) in comparison to that in strains with one or two
rrn
operons that do not have ISs may serve as a basis for understanding the possible role of
M. bovis
IS elements in fundamental biological processes such as regulation of ribosome synthesis and function.
Comparison of Microbial and Chemical Source Tracking Markers To Identify Fecal Contamination Sources in the Humber River (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) and Associated Storm Water Outfalls
Authors: Staley Zachery R. , Grabuski Josey , Sverko Ed , Edge Thomas A. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Storm water runoff is a major source of pollution, and understanding the components of storm water discharge is essential to remediation efforts and proper assessment of risks to human and ecosystem health. In this study, culturable
Escherichia coli
and ampicillin-resistant
E. coli
levels were quantified and microbial source tracking (MST) markers (including markers for general
Bacteroidales
spp., human, ruminant/cow, gull, and dog) were detected in storm water outfalls and sites along the Humber River in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and enumerated via endpoint PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Additionally, chemical source tracking (CST) markers specific for human wastewater (caffeine, carbamazepine, codeine, cotinine, acetaminophen, and acesulfame) were quantified. Human and gull fecal sources were detected at all sites, although concentrations of the human fecal marker were higher, particularly in outfalls (mean outfall concentrations of 4.22 log
10
copies, expressed as copy numbers [CN]/100 milliliters for human and 0.46 log
10
CN/100 milliliters for gull). Higher concentrations of caffeine, acetaminophen, acesulfame,
E. coli
, and the human fecal marker were indicative of greater raw sewage contamination at several sites (maximum concentrations of 34,800 ng/liter, 5,120 ng/liter, 9,720 ng/liter, 5.26 log
10
CFU/100 ml, and 7.65 log
10
CN/100 ml, respectively). These results indicate pervasive sewage contamination at storm water outfalls and throughout the Humber River, with multiple lines of evidence identifying Black Creek and two storm water outfalls with prominent sewage cross-connection problems requiring remediation. Limited data are available on specific sources of pollution in storm water, though our results indicate the value of using both MST and CST methodologies to more reliably assess sewage contamination in impacted watersheds.

IMPORTANCE
Storm water runoff is one of the most prominent non-point sources of biological and chemical contaminants which can potentially degrade water quality and pose risks to human and ecosystem health. Therefore, identifying fecal contamination in storm water runoff and outfalls is essential for remediation efforts to reduce risks to public health. This study employed multiple methods of identifying levels and sources of fecal contamination in both river and storm water outfall sites, evaluating the efficacy of using culture-based enumeration of
E. coli
, molecular methods of determining the source(s) of contamination, and CST markers as indicators of fecal contamination. The results identified pervasive human sewage contamination in storm water outfalls and throughout an urban watershed and highlight the utility of using both MST and CST to identify raw sewage contamination.
Fitness of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC)/Enteroaggregative E. coli O104:H4 in Comparison to That of EHEC O157: Survival Studies in Food and
In Vitro
Authors: Böhnlein Christina , Kabisch Jan , Meske Diana , Franz Charles M. A. P. , Pichner Rohtraud 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

In 2011, one of the world's largest outbreaks of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) occurred, caused by a rare
Escherichia coli
serotype, O104:H4, that shared the virulence profiles of Shiga toxin-producing
E. coli
(STEC)/enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
(EHEC) and enteroaggregative
E. coli
(EAEC). The persistence and fitness factors of the highly virulent EHEC/EAEC O104:H4 strain, grown either in food or
in vitro
, were compared with those of
E. coli
O157 outbreak-associated strains. The log reduction rates of the different EHEC strains during the maturation of fermented sausages were not significantly different. Both the O157:NM and O104:H4 serotypes could be shown by qualitative enrichment to be present after 60 days of sausage storage. Moreover, the EHEC/EAEC O104:H4 strain appeared to be more viable than
E. coli
O157:H7 under conditions of decreased pH and in the presence of sodium nitrite. Analysis of specific EHEC strains in experiments with an EHEC inoculation cocktail showed a dominance of EHEC/EAEC O104:H4, which could be isolated from fermented sausages for 60 days. Inhibitory activities of EHEC/EAEC O104:H4 toward several
E. coli
strains, including serotype O157 strains, could be determined. Our study suggests that EHEC/EAEC O104:H4 is well adapted to the multiple adverse conditions occurring in fermented raw sausages. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that STEC strain cocktails composed of several serotypes, instead of
E. coli
O157:H7 alone, be used in food risk assessments. The enhanced persistence of EHEC/EAEC O104:H4 as a result of its robustness, as well as the production of bacteriocins, may account for its extraordinary virulence potential.

IMPORTANCE
In 2011, a severe outbreak caused by an EHEC/EAEC serovar O104:H4 strain led to many HUS sequelae. In this study, the persistence of the O104:H4 strain was compared with those of other outbreak-relevant STEC strains under conditions of fermented raw sausage production. Both O157:NM and O104:H4 strains could survive longer during the production of fermented sausages than
E. coli
O157:H7 strains.
E. coli
O104:H4 was also shown to be well adapted to the multiple adverse conditions encountered in fermented sausages, and the secretion of a bacteriocin may explain the competitive advantage of this strain in an EHEC strain cocktail. Consequently, this study strongly suggests that enhanced survival and persistence, and the presumptive production of a bacteriocin, may explain the increased virulence of the O104:H4 outbreak strain. Furthermore, this strain appears to be capable of surviving in a meat product, suggesting that meat should not be excluded as a source of potential
E. coli
O104:H4 infection.
Plasmids from Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strains with Rare Enterohemolysin Gene (
ehxA
) Subtypes Reveal Pathogenicity Potential and Display a Novel Evolutionary Path
Authors: Lorenz Sandra C. , Monday Steven R. , Hoffmann Maria , Fischer Markus , Kase Julie A. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Most Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) strains associated with severe disease, such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), carry large enterohemolysin-encoding (
ehxA
) plasmids, e.g., pO157 and pO103, that contribute to STEC clinical manifestations. Six
ehxA
subtypes (A through F) exist that phylogenetically cluster into
eae
-positive (B, C, F), a mix of
eae
-positive (E) and
eae
-negative (A), and a third, more distantly related, cluster of
eae
-negative (D) STEC strains. While subtype B, C, and F plasmids share a number of virulence traits that are distinct from those of subtype A, sequence data have not been available for subtype D and E plasmids. Here, we determined and compared the genetic composition of four subtype D and two subtype E plasmids to establish their evolutionary relatedness among
ehxA
subtypes and define their potential role in pathogenicity. We found that subtype D strains carry one exceptionally large plasmid (>200 kbp) that carries a variety of virulence genes that are associated with enterotoxigenic and enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
, which, quite possibly, enables these strains to cause disease despite being food isolates. Our data offer further support for the hypothesis that this subtype D plasmid represents a novel virulence plasmid, sharing very few genetic features with other plasmids; we conclude that these plasmids have evolved from a different evolutionary lineage than the plasmids carrying the other
ehxA
subtypes. In contrast, the 50-kbp plasmids of subtype E (pO145), although isolated from HUS outbreak strains, carried only few virulence-associated determinants, suggesting that the clinical presentation of subtype E strains is largely a result of chromosomally encoded virulence factors.

IMPORTANCE
Bacterial plasmids are known to be key agents of change in microbial populations, promoting the dissemination of various traits, such as drug resistance and virulence. This study determined the genetic makeup of virulence plasmids from rare enterohemolysin subtype D and E Shiga toxin-producing
E. coli
strains. We demonstrated that
ehxA
subtype D plasmids represent a novel
E. coli
virulence plasmid, and although subtype D plasmids were derived from nonclinical isolates, they encoded a variety of virulence determinants that are associated with pathogenic
E. coli
. In contrast, subtype E plasmids, isolated from strains recovered from severely ill patients, carry only a few virulence determinants. The results of this study reemphasize the plasticity and vast diversity among
E. coli
plasmids. This work demonstrates that, although
E. coli
strains of certain serogroups may not be frequently associated with disease, they should not be underestimated in protecting human health and food safety.
Pilot study on identification of incidents in healthcare transitions and concordance between medical records and patient interview data
Authors: van Melle Marije A , Erkelens Daphne C A , van Stel Henk F , de Wit Niek J , Zwart Dorien L M 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveTo investigate whether transitional incidents can be identified from the medical records of the general practitioners and the hospital and to assess the concordance of transitional incidents between medical records and patient interviews.DesignA pilot study.SettingThe study was conducted in 2 regions in the Netherlands: a rural and an urban region.ParticipantsA purposeful sample of patients who experienced a transitional incident or are at high risk of experiencing transitional incidents.Main outcome measuresTransitional incidents were identified from both the interviews with patients and medical records and concordance was assessed. We also classified the transitional incidents according to type, severity, estimated cause and preventability.ResultsWe identified 28 transitional incidents within 78 transitions of which 3 could not be found in the medical records and another 5 could have been missed without the patient as information source. To summarise, 8 (29%) incidents could have been missed using solely medical records, and 7 (25%) using the patients’ information exclusively. Concordance in transitional incidents between patient interviews and medical records was 64% (18/28). The majority of the transitional incidents were unsafe situations; however, 43% (12/28) of the incidents reached the patient and 18% (5/28) caused temporary patient harm. Over half of the incidents were potentially preventable.ConclusionsThis pilot study suggests that the majority of transitional incidents can be identified from medical records of the general practitioner and hospital. With this information, we aim to develop a measurement tool for transitional incidents in the medical record of general practitioner and hospital.
Parents' and carers' views about emollients for childhood eczema: qualitative interview study
Authors: Santer M , Muller I , Yardley L , Lewis-Jones S , Ersser S , Little P 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveLeave-on emollients form the mainstay of eczema treatment, but adherence is poor. We aimed to explore parents’/carers' views on effectiveness and acceptability of leave-on emollients for childhood eczema through secondary analysis of data from 2 qualitative data sets.SettingStudy 1 recruited through mail-out from 6 general practices in southern England. Study 2 recruited from a feasibility trial of an intervention to support eczema self-care in 31 practices in the same area.ParticipantsStudy 1 included 28 interviews with carers of children aged ≤5 years with eczema. Study 2 included 26 interviews with carers of children aged ≤5 years with eczema.MethodsInterviews followed semistructured guides: study 1 explored carers' understandings around eczema treatments in order to develop a web-based self-care support intervention; study 2 explored carers' understandings of eczema and eczema treatments after using the intervention. Interviews were carried out face to face or by telephone, audio-recorded and transcribed. Secondary analysis of data from both studies focused on views and experiences of emollient use. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach facilitated by NVivo V.10 software.ResultsIn study 1, most participants felt emollients improved eczema but held mixed views about long-term use to prevent flare-ups. In study 2, where carers had used the web-based intervention, all participants held positive views about long-term emollient use. In both studies, participants expressed a range of preferences about emollient ‘thickness’; some felt that ‘thick’ emollients (ointments) were most effective, while others found these difficult to use. Carers described a process of ‘trial and error’, trying emollients suggested by professionals, friends and family, or bought over-the-counter. Carers expressed a need for understanding differences between products and their effective use.ConclusionsProviding a rationale for long-term emollient use and choice of emollients could help improve adherence and help families gain more rapid control of eczema.
Epidemiology and temporal trend of suicide mortality in the elderly in Jiading, Shanghai, 2003–2013: a descriptive, observational study
Authors: Shao Yueqin , Zhu Chenghua , Zhang Yiying , Yu Hongjie , Peng Hui , Jin Yaqing , Shi Guozheng , Wang Na , Chen Zheng , Chen Yue , Jiang Qingwu 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesTo investigate and describe the epidemiological characteristics of suicide in the elderly in Jiading, Shanghai, for the period 2003–2013.DesignRetrospective, observational, epidemiological study using routinely collected data.SettingJiading District, Shanghai.MethodsSuicide data were retrieved from the Shanghai Vital Registry database for the period 2003–2013. Crude and age-standardised mortality rates were calculated for various groups according to sex and age. Joinpoint regression was performed to estimate the percentage change (PC) and annual percentage change (APC) for suicide mortality.ResultA total of 956 deaths due to suicide occurred among people aged ≥65 years during the study period, accounting for 76.7% (956/1247) of all suicide decedents. Among the 956 people with suicide deaths, 88.7% (848/956) had a history of a psychiatric condition. The age-standardised mortality rates for suicide without and with a psychotic history in people aged ≥65 years were much higher than those for people aged <65 years in both genders. Suicide mortality in the elderly showed a declining trend, with a PC of −51.5% for men and −47.5% for women. The APC was −29.1 in 2003–2005, 4.6 in 2005–2008 and −9.7 in 2008–2013 for aged men, and −12.2 in 2003–2006 and −5.2 in 2006–2013 for aged women, respectively. Women living in Jiading had a higher risk of suicide death than men, especially among the elderly. The mortality rate for suicide increased with age in the elderly, and was more marked for those with a psychiatric history than for those without.ConclusionsSuicide mortality declined in Jiading during the study period 2003–2013 overall, but remained high in the elderly, especially those with a psychiatric history.
Emergency Department care of childhood epistaxis
Authors: Béquignon E , Teissier N , Gauthier A , Brugel L , De Kermadec H , Coste A , Prulière-Escabasse V 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveThe aim of this review is to determine an efficient and safe primary strategy care for paediatric epistaxis.Data sourcesWe searched PubMed and Cochrane databases for studies referenced with key words ‘epistaxis AND childhood’. This search yielded 32 research articles about primary care in childhood epistaxis (from 1989 to 2015). Bibliographic references found in these articles were also examined to identify pertinent literature. We compared our results to the specific management of adult epistaxis classically described in the literature.ResultsEpistaxis is one of the most common reasons for referral of children to a hospital ENT outpatient department. The bleeding usually originates from the anterior septum, as opposed to adults. Crusting, digital trauma, foreign bodies and nasal colonisation withStaphylococcus aureushave been suggested as specific nosebleed factors in children. Rare aetiologies as juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma appear later during adolescence. There are different modes of management of mild epistaxis, which begin with clearing out blood clots and bidigital compression. An intranasal topical local anaesthetic and decongestant can be used over 6 years of age. In case ofactive bleeding,chemicalcauterisation is preferred to anterior packing andelectriccauterisation but is only feasible if the bleeding site is clearly visible. In case ofnon-active bleedingin children, and in those with recurrent idiopathic epistaxis, antiseptic cream is easy to apply and can avoid ‘acrobatic’ cauterisation liable to cause further nasal cavity trauma.ConclusionsAetiologies and treatment vary with patient age and the existence or not of active bleeding at the time of the examination. Local treatments are usually easy to perform, but physicians have to ponder their indications depending on the possible complications in order to inform parents and to know paediatric epistaxis specificities.