bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Plasmidome of Firmicutes: Impact on the Emergence and the Spread of Resistance to Antimicrobials
Authors: Lanza Val Fernández , Tedim Ana P. , Martínez José Luís , Baquero Fernando , Coque Teresa M. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

The phylum
Firmicutes
is one of the most abundant groups of prokaryotes in the microbiota of humans and animals and includes genera of outstanding relevance in biomedicine, health care, and industry. Antimicrobial drug resistance is now considered a global health security challenge of the 21st century, and this heterogeneous group of microorganisms represents a significant part of this public health issue.

The presence of the same resistant genes in unrelated bacterial genera indicates a complex history of genetic interactions. Plasmids have largely contributed to the spread of resistance genes among
Staphylococcus
,
Enterococcus
, and
Streptococcus
species, also influencing the selection and ecological variation of specific populations. However, this information is fragmented and often omits species outside these genera. To date, the antimicrobial resistance problem has been analyzed under a “single centric” perspective (“gene tracking” or “vehicle centric” in “single host-single pathogen” systems) that has greatly delayed the understanding of gene and plasmid dynamics and their role in the evolution of bacterial communities.

This work analyzes the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance genes using gene exchange networks; the role of plasmids in the emergence, dissemination, and maintenance of genes encoding resistance to antimicrobials (antibiotics, heavy metals, and biocides); and their influence on the genomic diversity of the main Gram-positive opportunistic pathogens under the light of evolutionary ecology. A revision of the approaches to categorize plasmids in this group of microorganisms is given using the 1,326 fully sequenced plasmids of Gram-positive bacteria available in the GenBank database at the time the article was written.
Ecology of
Bacillaceae
Authors: Mandic-Mulec Ines , Stefanic Polonca , van Elsas Jan Dirk 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Members of the family
Bacillaceae
are among the most robust bacteria on Earth, which is mainly due to their ability to form resistant endospores. This trait is believed to be the key factor determining the ecology of these bacteria. However, they also perform fundamental roles in soil ecology (i.e., the cycling of organic matter) and in plant health and growth stimulation (e.g., via suppression of plant pathogens and phosphate solubilization). In this review, we describe the high functional and genetic diversity that is found within the
Bacillaceae
(a family of low-G+C% Gram-positive spore-forming bacteria), their roles in ecology and in applied sciences related to agriculture. We then pose questions with respect to their ecological behavior, zooming in on the intricate social behavior that is becoming increasingly well characterized for some members of
Bacillaceae
. Such social behavior, which includes cell-to-cell signaling via quorum sensing or other mechanisms (e.g., the production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, toxins, antibiotics and/or surfactants) is a key determinant of their lifestyle and is also believed to drive diversification processes. It is only with a deeper understanding of cell-to-cell interactions that we will be able to understand the ecological and diversification processes of natural populations within the family
Bacillaceae
. Ultimately, the resulting improvements in understanding will benefit practical efforts to apply representatives of these bacteria in promoting plant growth as well as biological control of plant pathogens.
Risk factors influencing the prescription of tiotropium Respimat formulation: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Trotta Francesco , Da Cas Roberto , Rajevic Maja , Rossi Mariangela , Traversa Giuseppe 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThe study aims at investigating the influence of several factors on the probability of receiving one of the two tiotropium formulations (Respimat or Handihaler).DesignDrug utilisation study.SettingAll residents in the Region Umbria, Italy, aged ≥45 years, who received prescriptions of tiotropium during 2011–2012.ParticipantsTwo groups of patients were studied: (1) incident users of the two tiotropium formulations (ie, without tiotropium prescriptions in the previous 6 months); (2) switchers from Handihaler to Respimat. Users of the two formulations were compared with regard to baseline characteristics and medical history. The adjusted OR of receiving Respimat was estimated for several factors.ResultsIncident users of the two formulations (4390 participants) had similar characteristics. They were older and with more comorbidities than patients included in randomised control trials (RCTs). Among prevalent users of Handihaler, the probability of switching to Respimat was greater in patients with severe respiratory disease (users of ≥4 respiratory drugs: adjusted OR=4.62; 95% CI 2.46 to 8.69) and among β-blocker users (adjusted OR=1.76; 95% CI 1.13 to 2.75). Age above 75 years and lipid-lowering drug use reduced the probability of switching. A positive association was also found between neurological conditions and the use of Respimat.ConclusionsWhen starting tiotropium treatment, the choice between the two formulations is weakly affected by comorbidities and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity. Instead, these characteristics influence the likelihood of switching from Handihaler to Respimat. Since tiotropium users in clinical practice are more severe than those included in RCTs, further aetiological studies are needed to compare the safety profile of the two formulations in routine care.
Surgical care for the aged: a retrospective cross-sectional study of a national surgical mortality audit
Authors: Allen Jennifer , North John B , Wysocki Arkadiusz Peter , Ware Robert S , Rey-Conde Therese 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesIt is assumed that increased age signifies increased surgical care. Few surgical studies describe the differences in care provided to older patients compared with younger patients. We aimed to examine the relationships between increasing age, preoperative factors and markers of postoperative care in adults who died in-hospital after surgery in Australia.DesignThis retrospective cross-sectional study extracted data from a national surgical mortality audit—an independent, peer-reviewed process.SettingFrom January 2009 to December 2012, 111 public and 61 private Australian hospitals notified the audit of in-hospital deaths after general anaesthetic surgery or if the patient was admitted under a surgeon.ParticipantsNotified deaths totalled 19 723. We excluded deaths if patients were brain dead, younger than 17 years or never had an operation (n=11 376). From this baseline population, we divided 11 201 deaths into three patient age groups: youngest (17–64 years), medium (65–79 years) and oldest (≥80 years).Outcome measuresUnivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses determined the relationships between increasing age and the measured preoperative factors and postoperative variables.ResultsThe baseline population's median age was 78 years (IQR 66–85), 43.7% (4892/11 201) were 80 years or older and 83.4% (9319/11 173) had emergency admissions. The oldest group had increased trauma and emergency admissions than the medium and youngest age groups. Seven of the eight measured markers of postoperative care demonstrate strong and significant relationships with increasing age. The oldest group compared with the medium group had decreased rates of: unplanned returns to theatre (11.2% (526/4709) vs 20.2% (726/3586)), unplanned intensive care admissions (16.3% (545/3350) vs 24.0% (601/2504)) and treatment in intensive care units (59.7% (2689/4507) vs 76.7% (2754/3590)).ConclusionsThe oldest patients received lower levels of care than the medium and youngest age groups.
Dynamics of an Interhemispheric Teleconnection across the Critical Latitude through a Southerly Duct during Boreal Winter*
Authors: Zhao Sen , Li Jianping , Li Yanjie 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this study, an interhemispheric teleconnection pattern across the critical latitude from southern Africa through South Asia to the North Pacific was revealed in boreal winter monthly averaged 250-hPa streamfunction fields obtained from both the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data from 1957/58 to 2001/02. Classical Rossby wave theory for zonally varying flow in which the effects of the basic-state meridional wind are ignored predicts that stationary Rossby waves cannot propagate across easterlies. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for this interhemispheric teleconnection, the theoretical basis for stationary wave propagation across the critical latitude is considered, taking into account meridional ambient flow. The theoretical results suggest that the southerly flow over East Africa, the western Indian Ocean, and South Asia creates a path for the northward propagation of stationary waves across the critical latitude. Stationary wavenumber and group velocity analysis, ray tracing, and simple model experiments applied to nearly realistic boreal winter mean flows confirm that disturbances excited in southern Africa and the western Indian Ocean can propagate across the critical latitude to South Asia through the southerly duct and then continue downstream along the North African–Asian subtropical jet.
Raindrop Size Distribution and Rain Characteristics during the 2013 Great Colorado Flood
Authors: Friedrich Katja , Kalina Evan A. , Aikins Joshua , Steiner Matthias , Gochis David , Kucera Paul A. , Ikeda Kyoko , Sun Juanzhen 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Drop size distributions observed by four Particle Size Velocity (PARSIVEL) disdrometers during the 2013 Great Colorado Flood are used to diagnose rain characteristics during intensive rainfall episodes. The analysis focuses on 30 h of intense rainfall in the vicinity of Boulder, Colorado, from 2200 UTC 11 September to 0400 UTC 13 September 2013. Rainfall rates R, median volume diameters D0, reflectivity Z, drop size distributions (DSDs), and gamma DSD parameters were derived and compared between the foothills and adjacent plains locations. Rainfall throughout the entire event was characterized by a large number of small- to medium-sized raindrops (diameters smaller than 1.5 mm) resulting in small values of Z (&lt;40 dBZ), differential reflectivity Zdr (&lt;1.3 dB), specific differential phase Kdp (&lt;1° km−1), and D0 (&lt;1 mm). In addition, high liquid water content was present throughout the entire event. Raindrops observed in the plains were generally larger than those in the foothills. DSDs observed in the foothills were characterized by a large concentration of small-sized drops (d &lt; 1 mm). Heavy rainfall rates with slightly larger drops were observed during the first intense rainfall episode (0000–0800 UTC 12 September) and were associated with areas of enhanced low-level convergence and vertical velocity according to the wind fields derived from the Variational Doppler Radar Analysis System. The disdrometer-derived Z–R relationships reflect how unusual the DSDs were during the 2013 Great Colorado Flood. As a result, Z–R relations commonly used by the operational NEXRAD strongly underestimated rainfall rates by up to 43%.
Gout and the risk of dementia: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Hong Jen-Yee , Lan Tzuo-Yun , Tang Gau-Jun , Tang Chao-Hsiun , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Lin Hsiao-Yi 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Uric acid was proposed to have anti-oxidant property and possible neuroprotective effects. We examined the association between gout and dementia with population database.

Methods
The study utilized the claims data from the nationwide representative sample of Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). We ascertained patients with gout and dementia covering vascular and non-vascular (including Alzheimer’s) subtypes using International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD9-CM) codes. A control group matched on sex, age, and index date of gout patients was randomly sampled with a ratio of 1:4 from the same database for comparison.

Results
From 2002 to 2008, 28,769 gout patients who were older than 50 years old were identified, and 114,742 control patients was matched into the study. During follow-up, 7,119 patients developed dementia (1,214 with gout, and 5,905 without gout). After adjusting for age, sex, and relevant comorbidities, a Cox regression analysis showed that gout patients had a lower risk of developing non-vascular dementia (hazard ratio (HR): 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72 - 0.83; p < 0.001) and vascular dementia (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.65 - 0.88; p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Patients with gout have a lower risk of developing dementia. This phenomenon exists for both non-vascular and vascular types of dementia.
Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid monoglycerides are more potent than docosahexaenoic acid monoglyceride to resolve inflammation in a rheumatoid arthritis model
Authors: Morin Caroline , Blier Pierre U , Fortin Samuel 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the joints and bones. Omega-3 (ω3) fatty acid supplementation has been associated with a decreased production of inflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids involved in RA pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic potential of ω3 monoglyceride (MAG-ω3) compounds in an in vivo rat model of RA induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA).

Method
CFA rats were untreated or treated per os with three specific compounds, namely, MAG-docosahexaenoic acid (MAG-DHA), MAG-eicosapentaenoic acid (MAG-EPA) and MAG-docosapentaenoic acid (MAG-DPA). Morphological and histological analyses, as well as pro-inflammatory marker levels were determined following MAG-ω3 treatments.

Results
Morphological and histological analyses revealed that MAG-EPA and MAG-DPA exhibited strong activity in reducing the progression and severity of arthritic disease in CFA rats. Following MAG-EPA and MAG-DPA treatments, plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines; interleukin 17A (IL-17A), IL-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were markedly lower when compared to CFA-untreated rats. Results also revealed a decreased activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) pathways correlated with a reduced expression of TNFα, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in paw homogenates derived from MAG-EPA and MAG-DPA-treated rats. Of interest, the combined treatment of MAG-EPA and vitamin E displayed an antagonistic effect on anti-inflammatory properties of MAG-EPA in CFA rats.

Conclusion
Altogether, the present data suggest that MAG-EPA, without vitamin E, represents a new potential therapeutic strategy for resolving inflammation in arthritis.
Mechanism of regulation of stem cell differentiation by matrix stiffness
Authors: Lv Hongwei , Li Lisha , Sun Meiyu , Zhang Yin , Chen Li , Rong Yue , Li Yulin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractStem cell behaviors are regulated by multiple microenvironmental cues. As an external signal, mechanical stiffness of the extracellular matrix is capable of governing stem cell fate determination, but how this biophysical cue is translated into intracellular signaling remains elusive. Here, we elucidate mechanisms by which stem cells respond to microenvironmental stiffness through the dynamics of the cytoskeletal network, leading to changes in gene expression via biophysical transduction signaling pathways in two-dimensional culture. Furthermore, a putative rapid shift from original mechanosensing to de novo cell-derived matrix sensing in more physiologically relevant three-dimensional culture is pointed out. A comprehensive understanding of stem cell responses to this stimulus is essential for designing biomaterials that mimic the physiological environment and advancing stem cell-based clinical applications for tissue engineering.
Markers of adiposity among children and adolescents: implications of the isotemporal substitution paradigm with sedentary behavior and physical activity patterns
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Cardinal Bradley J. , Lee Hyo , Tudor-Locke Catrine 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to examine the association between daily movement patterns and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry-determined body fat percent (DXA-BF%) among children and adolescents while applying both traditional and novel analytical procedures.

Methods
Using data from the cross-sectional 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 5607), physical activity was assessed via accelerometry, with the following movement patterns assessed: 1) meeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines and engaging in more light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) than sedentary behavior (SB); 2) meeting MVPA guidelines, but engaging in less LIPA than SB; 3) not meeting MVPA guidelines, but engaging in more LIPA than SB; and 4) not meeting MVPA guidelines and engaging in less LIPA than SB. Various markers of adiposity (e.g., DXA-BF%) were assessed.

Results
Children in movement pattern 1 (52 %), compared to those in movement pattern 4, had significantly lower levels of BMI (∆ 2.2 kg/m2), waist circumference (∆ 6.5 cm), tricep skinfold (∆ 4.2 mm), subscapularis skinfold (∆ 2.6 mm), android BF% (∆ 7.6 %), gynoid BF% (∆ 5.1 %), and total BF% (∆ 5.2 %). Substituting 60 min/day of SB with MVPA resulted in a 4.6 % decreased estimate of total DXA-BF%. No findings were significant for adolescents.

Conclusions
The low proportion of children engaging in ≥ 60 min/day of MVPA and accumulating relatively more LIPA than SB had the lowest DXA-BF%.
Adsorbed water clusters in garnet cracks detected by impedance and Raman spectroscopies at the supercooled water phase transition
Authors: Prezas Pedro , Silva Hugo Gonçalves , Vinagre Ana , Graça Manuel Pedro F. , Moita Patrícia , Bezzeghoud Mourad 
Published: May 2015

The combination of electric impedance and Raman spectroscopies at the analysis of the supercooled water phase transition enables the detection of adsorbed water clusters in garnet minerals of leucogranite samples. This transition is revealed by a change in the parameters measured by both techniques at low temperatures, [Formula: see text], and it is attributed to adsorbed water clusters in the walls of garnet cracks. The study of this transition gives important insights into the water-rock interaction, one of the most important points in the study of rock alteration. The dielectric spectra were fitted to the Havriliak-Negami model of dielectric relaxation and enabled the estimation of the activation energy of the dielectric relaxation process as [Formula: see text], which is higher than the energy attributed to water molecule reorientation in bulk ice. We determined that this energy should be related with the interaction forces between the adsorbed water clusters and the crack walls that hinder the reorientation of those molecules. The logarithmic frequency dependence of the critical transition temperature was also verified. Raman spectra allowed the identification of the water cluster vibration band, [Formula: see text], in the garnet minerals. The band disappears for temperatures around 423 K where the joint action of the laser beam and the temperature evaporates the adsorbed water clusters. This excludes the possibility that the observed supercooled phase transition could be related with structural water in chlorite minerals. The samples had low apparent porosity [Formula: see text], specific surface area, and adsorption average crack width (using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method) of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively.
Investigation of the Cleanliness of Transferred Graphene: The First Step toward Its Application as a Window Material for Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy
Authors: Ma Tao , Miyazaki Kotaro , Ariga Hiroko , Takakusagi Satoru , Asakura Kiyotaka 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The cleanliness of transferred graphene is of significant importance for its application as the window material in environmental cells used for electron microscopy and spectroscopy. We investigated the dependence of the cleanliness of graphene on transfer routes, including FeCl3 etching, (NH4)2S2O8 etching, electrochemical delamination, and O2-bubbling, by means of transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that electrochemical delamination provided the cleanest graphene with only a small amount of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) residue existing on the surface.
Mechanical Properties of Chinese Larch (Larix gmelini) Dimension Lumber
Authors: Zhou Haibin , Ren Haiqing , Lu Jianxiong 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
A testing program was conducted to investigate mechanical properties such as bending, tensile, and compressive strengths of Chinese larch (Larix gmelini) dimension lumber. The species was sampled in three sizes: 40 by 65, 40 by 90, and 40 by 140 mm. These lumber test samples were conditioned to a standard moisture content of 12 percent. After grading and grouping, mechanical properties were measured in full-size testing. The data developed in this study will be used to make technical submissions for the assignment of design properties of Chinese larch in the Chinese timber design code.
Synthesis and characterization of some novel 1,2,4-triazoles, 1,3,4-thiadiazoles and Schiff bases incorporating imidazole moiety as potential antimicrobial agents
Authors: Aouad Mohamed Reda , Messali Mouslim , Rezki Nadjet , Ali Adeeb Al-Sheikh , Lesimple Alain 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
(1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-yl-thio)butyric acid hydrazide (3) was obtained via alkylation of 1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2- thiol (1) with ethylbromobutyrate, followed by addition of hydrazine hydrate. Treatment of acid hydrazide 3 with carbon disulfide in an ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution gave the intermediate potassium dithiocarbazinate salt, which was cyclized to 4-amino-5-[(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol- -2-yl)thiopropyl]-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione (4) in the presence of hydrazine hydrate. Condensation of compound 3 with alkyl/arylisothiocyanate afforded the corresponding 1-[4-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-ylthio)butanoyl]-4-alkyl/arylthiosemicarbazides (5-7), which upon refluxing with sodium hydroxide, yielded the corresponding 1,2,4-triazole - -3-thiols 8-10. Under acidic conditions, compounds 4-6 were converted to aminothiadiazoles 11-13. Moreover, the series of Schiff bases 14-18 were synthesized from the condensation of compound 3 with different aromatic aldehydes. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral analyses. They were also preliminarily screened for their antimicrobial activity.