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Recent studies show that data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) is promising for basin- to global-scale water cycle research. This study provides varied assessments of errors associated with GRACE water storage estimates. Thirteen monthly GRACE gravity solutions from August 2002 to December 2004 are examined, along with synthesized GRACE gravity fields for the same period that incorporate simulated errors. The synthetic GRACE fields are calculated using numerical climate models and GRACE internal error estimates. We consider the influence of measurement noise, spatial leakage error, and atmospheric and ocean dealiasing (AOD) model error as the major contributors to the error budget. Leakage error arises from the limited range of GRACE spherical harmonics not corrupted by noise. AOD model error is due to imperfect correction for atmosphere and ocean mass redistribution applied during GRACE processing. Four methods of forming water storage estimates from GRACE spherical harmonics (four different basin filters) are applied to both GRACE and synthetic data. Two basin filters use Gaussian smoothing, and the other two are dynamic basin filters which use knowledge of geographical locations where water storage variations are expected. Global maps of measurement noise, leakage error, and AOD model errors are estimated for each basin filter. Dynamic basin filters yield the smallest errors and highest signal-to-noise ratio. Within 12 selected basins, GRACE and synthetic data show similar amplitudes of water storage change. Using 53 river basins, covering most of Earth's land surface excluding Antarctica and Greenland, we document how error changes with basin size, latitude, and shape. Leakage error is most affected by basin size and latitude, and AOD model error is most dependent on basin latitude.

This study was conducted to investigate the presence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates from layer hens and to characterize their molecular background. Among 142 E. coli isolates, 86 (60.6%) showed multidrug resistance and 15 (10.6%) were found to be β-lactamase-producing E. coli. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC) β-lactamase genes, bla CTX-M-14 and bla CMY-2, were identified in three and six E. coli isolates, respectively. The non-ESBL or pAmpC gene, bla TEM-1, was found in eight of the isolates. Two isolates had both genes, bla CTX-M-14 and bla TEM-1. Among the 15 β-lactamase-producing E. coli, six PMQR genes, qnrS1 (n = 3) and qnrB4 (n = 3), were identified. Among the six PMQR-positive E. coli isolates, four exhibited double amino acid exchanges at both gyr A and par C with ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentrations of ≥32 and ≥16 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, five transconjugants (33.3%) showed a transferability of β-lactamase and PMQR genes. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis was conducted to investigate the 15 β-lactamase-producing E. coli isolates. In PFGE, E. coli included three PFGE patterns showing the same farms and in accordance with both β-lactamase and PMQR genes and the antimicrobial resistance pattern. Layer hens may act as a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the PMQR gene in β-lactamase-producing E. coli isolates from layer hens has the potential to enter the food chain. Therefore, our findings suggest that comprehensive surveillance of antimicrobial use in laying operation systems is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) is involved in hypothalamic regulation of energy consumption. Also, the gut microbiome can influence neuronal signaling to the brain through vagal afferent neurons. Therefore, serotonin concentrations in the central nervous system and the composition of the microbiota can be related to obesity. Objective To examine adipokine, and, serotonin concentrations, and the gut microbiota in lean dogs and dogs with experimentally induced obesity. Animals Fourteen healthy Beagle dogs were used in this study. Methods Seven Beagle dogs in the obese group were fed commercial food ad libitum, over a period of 6 months to increase their weight and seven Beagle dogs in lean group were fed a restricted amount of the same diet to maintain optimal body condition over a period of 6 months. Peripheral leptin, adiponectin, 5HT, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF-5HT) levels were measured by ELISA. Fecal samples were collected in lean and obese groups 6 months after obesity was induced. Targeted pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed using a Genome Sequencer FLX plus system. Results Leptin concentrations were higher in the obese group (1.98 ± 1.00) compared to those of the lean group (1.12 ± 0.07, P = .025). Adiponectin and 5-hydroytryptamine of cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF-5 HT) concentrations were higher in the lean group (27.1 ± 7.28) than in the obese group (14.4 ± 5.40, P = .018). Analysis of the microbiome revealed that the diversity of the microbial community was lower in the obese group. Microbes from the phylum Firmicutes (85%) were predominant group in the gut microbiota of lean dogs. However, bacteria from the phylum Proteobacteria (76%) were the predominant group in the gut microbiota of dogs in the obese group. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Decreased 5 HT levels in obese group might increase the risk of obesity because of increased appetite. Microflora enriched with gram-negative might be related with chronic inflammation status in obese dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]