bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of agricultural practice on mobile bla genes: IncI1‐bearing CTX‐M, SHV, CMY and TEM in Escherichia coli from intensive farming soils
Authors: Jones‐Dias Daniela , Manageiro Vera , Caniça Manuela 
Published: August 2015

SummaryMany calls have been made to address antibiotic resistance in an environmental perspective. With this study, we showed the widespread presence of high‐level antibiotic resistant isolates on a collection of non‐susceptible Gram‐negative bacteria (n = 232) recovered from soils. Bacteria were selected using amoxicillin, cefotaxime and imipenem, from sites representing different agricultural practices (extensive, intensive and organic). Striking levels of non‐susceptibility were noticed in intensive soils for norfloxacin (74%), streptomycin (50.7%) and tetracycline (46.6%); indeed, the exposure to intensive agricultural practices constituted a risk factor for non‐susceptibility to many antibiotics, multidrug resistance and production of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBL). Analyses of non‐susceptibility highlighted that environmental and clinical bacteria from the same species might not share the same intrinsic resistance patterns, raising concerns for therapy choices in environment‐borne infections. The multiple sequence‐type IncI1‐driven spread of penicillinases (blaTEM‐1, blaTEM‐135), ESBL (blaSHV‐12 and blaCTX‐M‐1) and plasmid‐mediated AmpC β‐lactamases (blaCMY‐2), produced by isolates that share their molecular features with isolates from humans and animals, suggests contamination of agricultural soils. This is also the first appearance of IncI1/ST28‐harbouring blaCTX‐M‐1, which should be monitored to prevent their establishment as successfully dispersed plasmids. This research may help disclose paths of contamination by mobile antibiotic resistance determinants and the risks for their dissemination.
Life Stressors and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a Seriously Mentally Ill Jail Population,
Authors: Gosein Varendra J. , Stiffler Jon D. , Frascoia Alan , Ford Elizabeth B. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractInmates represent a vulnerable population with increased rates of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, little is known about the rates of trauma and PTSD among male inmates with acute psychiatric illness. This prospective, randomized study was conducted to assess the current rates of trauma and PTSD in this population. The sample consisted of 48 patients admitted to a hospital jail psychiatry service in New York City. Subjects were administered the Life Stressor Checklist‐Revised and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV‐TR Disorders, PTSD Module (SCID‐I). The rate of PTSD diagnosis via SCID‐I was 46.2% as compared to 2.1% diagnosis via clinical interview. All participants reported a history of at least one stressful and/or traumatic event, and many of these events occurred during incarceration. These results demonstrate that a great deal of trauma and PTSD goes unrecognized and untreated in this population, indicating the need for more effective treatment interventions.
Climate Change, Water and Agriculture: Challenges and Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Hardelin Julien , Lankoski Jussi 
Published: August 2015

SummaryClimate change is expected to have numerous and complex impacts on water resources, with consequences for agricultural production through changes in crop water requirements; the availability and quality of water; and increases in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. Although there is substantial uncertainty about the magnitude of impacts, especially at the local level, this does not call for inaction. On the basis of the recent work undertaken by OECD in this area, we identify and discuss three main dimensions for a comprehensive adaptation strategy for agricultural water management: i) creating an enabling environment to foster on‐farm adaptive capacities through policies targeted at innovation, education, and advisory and extension services; ii) improving agricultural water management through the development of flexible and robust instruments, such as water pricing and water markets, to deal with both short‐run water shortages and long‐run water stress; iii) developing and improving risk management tools for droughts and floods to ensure that the true cost of risks is signalled to farmers while at the same time improving the efficiency of risk allocation. We highlight the importance of policy coherence in recognising the linkages between climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Better Drip than Flood: Reaping the Benefits of Efficient Irrigation
Authors: Ignaciuk Ada , D'Croz Daniel , Islam Shahnila 
Published: August 2015

SummaryBy 2050, the global demand for land and water for agricultural use is projected to increase. Climate change is likely to affect agricultural production through increased temperatures as well as through altered precipitation patterns, which are likely to increase water deficiency in many regions. Measures seeking to increase water efficiency and resilience of the agricultural sector to climate change will therefore be critical. The benefits of more efficient irrigation systems are especially apparent in regions already suffering from water shortages, such as the Mediterranean Basin, or those that are likely to suffer in the future, such as the Southern Cone of South America. However, unless incentives for saving water are in place, farmers may decide to expand their area of irrigated land, or to switch to water‐intensive, higher‐value commodities. Extending irrigation generally constitutes mixed blessings. In regions experiencing water deficits, extending irrigation may lead to greater water stress on irrigated agriculture. Meanwhile, when applied globally and governed carefully, efficient irrigation techniques and extending irrigation can yield overall increases in agricultural production that can reduce agricultural commodity prices. Stimulating water‐efficient irrigation systems may thus prove crucial in improving farmers' resilience over time, though such measures should be supported by other economic instruments such as water pricing or water trading, where necessary.
Using GIS to Delineate Headwater Stream Origins in the Appalachian Coalfields of Kentucky
Authors: Villines Jonathan A. , Agouridis Carmen T. , Warner Richard C. , Barton Christopher D. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractHeadwater streams have a significant nexus or physical, chemical, and/or biological connection to downstream reaches. Generally, defined as 1st‐3rd order with ephemeral, intermittent, or perennial flow regimes, these streams account for a substantial portion of the total stream network particularly in mountainous terrain. Due to their often remote locations, small size, and large numbers, conducting field inventories of headwater streams is challenging. A means of estimating headwater stream location and extent according to flow regime type using publicly available spatial data is needed to simplify this complex process. Using field‐collected headwater point of origin data from three control watersheds, streams were characterized according to a set of spatial parameters related to topography, geology, and soils. These parameters were (1) compared to field‐collected point of origin data listed in three nearby Jurisdictional Determinations, (2) used to develop a geographic information system (GIS)‐based stream network for identifying ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial streams, and (3) applied to a larger watershed and compared to values obtained using the high‐resolution National Hydrography Dataset (NHD). The parameters drainage area and local valley slope were the most reliable predictors of flow regime type. Results showed the high‐resolution NHD identified no ephemeral streams and 9 and 65% fewer intermittent and perennial streams, respectively, than the GIS model.
The Effect of a Cardiovascular Polypill Strategy on Pill Burden
Authors: Truelove Michael , Patel Anushka , Bompoint Severine , Brown Alex , Cass Alan , Hillis Graham S. , Peiris David , Rafter Natasha , Reid Christopher M. , Rodgers Anthony , Tonkin Andrew , Usherwood Tim , Webster Ruth ,   the Kanyini GAP Collaboration
Published: August 2015

SummaryAimsRecent trials of cardiovascular polypills in high‐risk populations show improvements in the use of cardiovascular preventive treatments, compared to usual care. We describe patterns of pill burden in Australian practice, define the impact of polypill therapy on pill burden, and explore how physicians add medication to polypill therapy.MethodsThe Kanyini Guidelines Adherence with the Polypill Study was an open‐label trial involving 623 participants in Australia which randomized participants to a polypill strategy (containing a statin, antiplatelet agent, and two blood‐pressure‐lowering medications) or usual care. Participants either had established cardiovascular disease or were at high calculated risk (≥15% over 5 years). Current medications, daily pill burden, and self‐reported use of combination treatment were recorded prior to randomization and at study end. Median pill burden at baseline and study end was compared in both arms. Subgroup analysis of the polypill strategy on trial primary outcomes was conducted by pill burden at baseline.ResultsMedian total and cardiovascular pill burdens of the polypill group decreased from 7 to 5 and from 4 to 2, respectively (median change −2; IQR −3, 0), with no change in the usual care group (comparison of change; P < 0.001). No change was seen for noncardiovascular medications. Of those still using the polypill at study end, 43.8% were prescribed additional medications; 84.5% of these additional medications were blood‐pressure‐lowering medications. Within the polypill group, lower pill burden at baseline was associated with greater increases in the use of indicated cardiovascular preventive medications at study end compared to those with higher pill burdens. No trend was observed between the level of baseline pill burden and the effect of poylpill treatment on systolic blood pressure or total cholesterol.ConclusionA cardiovascular polypill in contemporary Australian practice reduces cardiovascular and total pill burdens, despite frequent prescription of additional medications.
Allergens in veterinary medicine
Authors: Mueller R. S. , Janda J. , Jensen‐Jarolim E. , Rhyner C. , Marti E. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAllergic diseases in animals are increasingly gaining importance in veterinary practice and as research models. For intradermal testing and allergen immunotherapy, a good knowledge of relevant allergens for the individual species is of great importance. Currently, the knowledge about relevant veterinary allergens is based on sensitization rates identified by intradermal testing or serum testing for allergen‐specific IgE; crude extracts are the basis for most evaluations. Only a few studies provide evidence about the molecular structure of (particularly) dust mite, insect and mould allergens in dogs and horses, respectively. In those species, some major allergens differ from those in humans. This position paper summarizes the current knowledge about relevant allergens in dogs, cats and horses.
Overweight and obesity decreased in Greek schoolchildren from 2009 to 2012 during the early phase of the economic crisis
Authors: Kleanthous Kleanthis , Dermitzaki Eleni , Papadimitriou Dimitrios T. , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Papadimitriou Anastasios 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimWe examined the weight status of Greek schoolchildren from November 2009 to May 2012, shortly before, and during the early years, of the Greek economic crisis.MethodsThis was a mixed longitudinal study that formed part of the West Attica Growth Study and followed children at the ages of 6–7, 9–10, 12–13 and 15–16 years every six months for 2.5 years. Each child's height and weight were measured and their body mass index calculated. We were able to determine the weight status of 1327 children (53% boys) based on their first and last measurements. Overweight, obesity and underweight were defined using the International Obesity Task Force criteria.ResultsDuring the 2.5‐year study period, there was a decrease in the total prevalence of overweight and obesity, which reached a statistical significance for both sexes. It decreased from 43% to 37.3% (p = 0.02) in boys and from 33.4% to 26.9% (p = 0.0056) in girls. There was also a statistically significant increase in normal weight children and a slight but insignificant increase in underweight children of both sexes.ConclusionDuring the initial years of the Greek economic crisis, there was a statistically significant reduction in overweight and obesity in children from six to 16 years of age.
T‐cell homeostasis in chronic HCV‐infected patients treated with interferon and ribavirin or an interferon‐free regimen
Authors: Hartling Hans Jakob , Birch Carsten , Gaardbo Julie C. , Hove Malene , Trøseid Marius , Clausen Mette Rye , Gerstoft Jan , Ullum Henrik , Nielsen Susanne Dam 
Published: August 2015

Direct‐acting antiviral has replaced pegylated interferon‐α and ribavirin‐based treatment in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. While interferon‐α is immune modulating and causes lymphopenia, interferon‐free regimens seem to be well‐tolerated. This study aimed to compare T‐cell homeostasis before, during, and after HCV treatment with or without interferon‐α in patients with chronic HCV infection. A total of 20 patients with chronic HCV infection were treated with pegylated interferon‐α and ribavirin, and six patients were treated with an interferon‐free regimen. All patients were treated for a minimum of 12 weeks. Interferon‐α treatment caused an increase in the density of the receptor for IL‐7 (IL‐7Rα) during treatment, while interferon‐free regimens caused a decrease in IL‐7Rα density. After a sustained viral response, proportions of IL‐7Rα+ T cells and IL‐7Rα density decreased compared to prior treatment values. Finally, a proportion of CD8+ effector memory was lower while proportion of apoptotic T cells was higher after sustained virologic response compared to prior treatment. Despite lymphopenia during interferon, alterations in T‐cell homeostasis during treatment were relatively similar in patients receiving interferon‐based treatment and in patients receiving interferon‐free treatment, and alterations during and after treatment seem to illustrate a reduced need for high levels of T cells aimed at controlling infection.
Effect of dexamethasone on the expression of atrogin‐1/MAFbx in chick skeletal muscle
Authors: Nakashima Kazuki , Ishida Aiko , Ijiri Daichi , Ohtsuka Akira 
Published: August 2015

AbstractExpression of atrogin‐1/MAFbx, a muscle‐specific E3 ubiquitin ligase, is high under catabolic conditions, that result in muscle atrophy. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of atrogin‐1/MAFbx is increased by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone in mammalian skeletal muscle. This study investigated the effects of dexamethasone on expression of atrogin‐1/MAFbx in skeletal muscle of neonatal chicks and in chick myotubes. Chicks were given a single intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone at a concentration of 10 mg/kg body weight. Twenty‐four hours after dexamethasone administration, the Pectoralis muscle weight of chicks was decreased. mRNA expression of atrogin‐1/MAFbx in skeletal muscle of chicks was significantly increased by dexamethasone administration. Expression of other proteolytic‐related genes (20S proteasome C2 subunit, m‐calpain large subunit, and cathepsin B) in skeletal muscle of chicks was not increased by dexamethasone administration. Chick myotubes were incubated with dexamethasone (1, 10 or 100 µmol/L) for 6 h. Expression of atrogin‐1/MAFbx mRNA in chick myotubes was increased in the presence of all concentrations of dexamethasone. However, expression of other proteolytic‐related genes (20S proteasome C2 subunit, m‐calpain large subunit and cathepsin B) in chick myotubes was not affected by dexamethasone treatment. These results indicate that dexamethasone enhances atrogin‐1/MAFbx expression in chick skeletal muscle, resulting in increased muscle atrophy.
Economic losses related to internal diseases in Japanese black cattle
Authors: Inoue Keiichi , Honda Takeshi , Oyama Kenji 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe objective of this study was to estimate the direct economic losses due to the condemnation of the liver and large intestine because of internal diseases (multifocal necrosis in the liver (MNL) and inflammation of the large intestine (ILI)), and the indirect losses because of reductions in carcass performance from MNL, bovine abdominal fat necrosis (BFN) and ILI using data from 5383 Japanese Black cattle. Direct losses were estimated by multiplying the price of the condemned part by the frequency of its occurrence owing to the disease. Similarly, indirect losses were estimated as the product of unit carcass price and reduction in carcass weight (CW) due to the disease. The direct impact on the beef cattle industry from MNL and ILI was estimated at around $1.29 million (US$1 = ¥120) per year. A least‐squares analysis showed that MNL had no influence on any carcass trait, whereas BFN and ILI significantly reduced CW, rib eye area and darkened the beef. ILI also reduced rib thickness. The indirect losses from BFN and ILI were estimated as a maximum of $131.7 and $256.4 per animal and around $6.26 million and $4.03 million for the industry, respectively, mostly because of the reduction in CW.
Mining ofluxSgenes from rumen microbial consortia by metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approaches
Authors: Ghali Ines , Shinkai Takumi , Mitsumori Makoto 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAlthough rumen bacterial communities vary depending on many factors such as diet, age and physiological conditions, a core microbiota exists within the rumen. In many natural environments, some bacteria use a quorum‐sensing (QS) system to regulate their physiological activities. However, very limited information is available about QS systems in rumen. To investigate the autoinducer 2 (AI‐2)‐mediated QS system in rumen, we detected genes (luxS) encoding the AI‐2 synthase (LuxS), from three datasets embedded in metagenomics RAST server (MG‐RAST) and from a metatranscriptome dataset. We collected 135luxSgenes from the metagenomic datasets, which were presumed to originate fromBacteroidetes,Firmicutes,FusobacteriaandActinobacteria, and 34luxSgenes from the metatranscriptome dataset, which probably originated fromBacteroidetes,FirmicutesandSpirochaetes. Because the essential amino acids for LuxS activity were conserved in the LuxS homologues predicted fromluxSgene sequences from both datasets, the LuxS homologues probably function in the rumen. Since the largest number of sequences ofluxSgenes were collected from the generaPrevotella,RuminococcusandEubacterium, which include many fibrolytic bacteria and constituent members of biofilm on feed particles, an AI‐2‐mediated QS system is likely involved in biofilm formation and fibrolytic activity in the rumen.
Concurrent Use of Low‐Dose Aspirin and Omega‐3 Fatty Acids and Risk of Upper Gastrointestinal Complications: A Cohort Study with Nested Case–Control Analysis
Authors: Roberto Giuseppe , Simonetti Monica , Cricelli Claudio , Cricelli Iacopo , Giustini Saffi Ettore , Parretti Damiano , Lapi Francesco 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe risk of upper gastrointestinal complications (UGIC) due to low‐dose aspirin (LDA) can be further increased by the concurrent exposure to other antithrombotic agents. Little is known on the combined therapy with LDA and medications containing omega‐3 (OM3) fatty acids, which also exert antiplatelet activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of UGIC in patients exposed to LDA–OM3 combination. The Italian Health Search IMS Health Longitudinal Patients Database was used to perform a population‐based cohort study. Patients aged ≥18 years with cardio‐ or cerebrovascular ischaemic disease recorded between 2002 and 2012 (cohort entry) were selected. All UGIC cases (index date) observed up to December 2013 were identified. According to a nested case–control analysis, up to 10 controls were matched to each case on age, sex and calendar period. The risk of UGIC was investigated among current (up to 30 days preceding index date), recent (31–60 days) and past users (61–365 days) of the LDA–OM3 combination. Exposure assessment was lagged by 30 days to minimize reverse causation. Additionally, a duration–response analysis was performed. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Non‐users of the LDA–OM3 combination were the reference category. Current (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.44–1.00), recent (OR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.52–1.33) and past users (OR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.57–1.15) did not statistically significantly increase the risk of UGIC. No duration–response relationship was found. Our results suggest that LDA–OM3 combination therapy does not affect the UGIC risk in patients with cardio‐ or cerebrovascular ischaemic diseases. Given the novelty of these findings, further studies are needed.
ALLOWING FOR JUMP MEASUREMENTS IN VOLATILITY: A HIGH‐FREQUENCY FINANCIAL DATA ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL STOCKS
Authors: Papavassiliou Vassilios G. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTFollowing recent advances in the non‐parametric realized volatility approach, we separately measure the discontinuous jump part of the quadratic variation process for individual stocks and incorporate it into heterogeneous autoregressive volatility models. We analyse the distributional properties of the jump measures vis‐à‐vis the corresponding realized volatility ones, and compare them to those of aggregate US market index series. We also demonstrate important gains in the forecasting accuracy of high‐frequency volatility models.
PRICE SETTING PRACTICES IN GREECE: EVIDENCE FROM A SMALL‐SCALE FIRM‐LEVEL SURVEY
Authors: Nicolitsas Daphne 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTThe paper documents the price setting practices followed by some 400 or so firms operating in Greece. Survey replies reveal a low percentage of firms changing prices with frequency higher than annual and staggering of price changes during the year. As to firms’ reactions to unexpected shocks, prices appear to adjust sluggishly to cost shocks with asymmetries in price adjustment across positive and negative shocks. Adjustments to increases in costs appear speedier than those to reductions in demand. The data confirm a result found for other countries: the existence of cross‐sectional variations in price setting strategies and in the extent to which prices are adjusted in reaction to unexpected shocks. The results suggest a positive association between, on the one hand, product market competition and, on the other hand, state‐dependent pricing, frequent price changes and the likelihood of a price adjustment following an adverse demand shock.
A Developmental Analysis of Caregiving Modalities Across Infancy in 38 Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Bornstein Marc H. , Putnick Diane L. , Lansford Jennifer E. , Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Bradley Robert H. 
Published: August 2015

Caregiving is requisite to wholesome child development from the beginning of life. A cross‐sectional microgenetic analysis of six caregiving practices across the child's 1st year (0–12 months) in 42,539 families from nationally representative samples in 38 low‐ and middle‐income countries is reported. Rates of caregiving varied tremendously within and across countries. However, caregiving practices followed one of two developmental trajectories: (a) greater proportions of caregivers read, told stories, and named, counted, and drew with each additional month of infant age, and (b) proportions of caregivers who played, sang songs, and took their infants outside increased each month from birth but reached an asymptote at 4–5 months. Rates and growth functions of caregiving have implications for infant care and development.