bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chlorobaculum tepidum Modulates Amino Acid Composition in Response to Energy Availability, as Revealed by a Systematic Exploration of the Energy Landscape of Phototrophic Sulfur Oxidation
Authors: Levy Amalie T. , Lee Kelvin H. , Hanson Thomas E. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTMicrobial sulfur metabolism, particularly the formation and consumption of insoluble elemental sulfur (S0), is an important biogeochemical engine that has been harnessed for applications ranging from bioleaching and biomining to remediation of waste streams.Chlorobaculum tepidum, a low-light-adapted photoautolithotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacterium, oxidizes multiple sulfur species and displays a preference for more reduced electron donors: sulfide > S0> thiosulfate. To understand this preference in the context of light energy availability, an “energy landscape” of phototrophic sulfur oxidation was constructed by varying electron donor identity, light flux, and culture duration. Biomass and cellular parameters ofC. tepidumcultures grown across this landscape were analyzed. From these data, a correction factor for colorimetric protein assays was developed, enabling more accurate biomass measurements forC. tepidum, as well as other organisms.C. tepidum's bulk amino acid composition correlated with energy landscape parameters, including a tendency toward less energetically expensive amino acids under reduced light flux. This correlation, paired with an observation of increased cell size and storage carbon production under electron-rich growth conditions, suggests thatC. tepidumhas evolved to cope with changing energy availability by tuning its proteome for energetic efficiency and storing compounds for leaner times.IMPORTANCEHow microbes cope with and adapt to varying energy availability is an important factor in understanding microbial ecology and in designing efficient biotechnological processes. We explored the response of a model phototrophic organism,Chlorobaculum tepidum, across a factorial experimental design that enabled simultaneous variation and analysis of multiple growth conditions, what we term the “energy landscape.”C. tepidumbiomass composition shifted toward less energetically expensive amino acids at low light levels. This observation provides experimental evidence for evolved efficiencies in microbial proteomes and emphasizes the role that energy flux may play in the adaptive responses of organisms. From a practical standpoint, our data suggest that bulk biomass amino acid composition could provide a simple proxy to monitor and identify energy stress in microbial systems.
Sedimentary DNA Reveals Cyanobacterial Community Diversity over 200 Years in Two Perialpine Lakes
Authors: Monchamp Marie-Eve , Walser Jean-Claude , Pomati Francesco , Spaak Piet 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

We reconstructed cyanobacterial community structure and phylogeny using DNA that was isolated from layers of stratified sediments spanning 200 years of lake history in the perialpine lakes Greifensee and Lake Zurich (Switzerland). Community analysis based on amplification and sequencing of a 400-nucleotide (nt)-long 16S rRNA fragment specific to
Cyanobacteria
revealed operational taxonomic units (OTUs) capturing the whole phylum, including representatives of a newly characterized clade termed
Melainabacteria
, which shares common ancestry with
Cyanobacteria
and has not been previously described in lakes. The reconstruction of cyanobacterial richness and phylogenetic structure was validated using a data set consisting of 40 years of pelagic microscopic counts from each lake. We identified the OTUs assigned to common taxa known to be present in Greifensee and Lake Zurich and found a strong and significant relationship (adjusted
R
2
= 0.89;
P
< 0.001) between pelagic species richness in water and OTU richness in the sediments. The water-sediment richness relationship varied between cyanobacterial orders, indicating that the richness of
Chroococcales
and
Synechococcales
may be underestimated by microscopy. PCR detection of the microcystin synthetase gene
mcyA
confirmed the presence of potentially toxic cyanobacterial taxa over recent years in Greifensee and throughout the last century in Lake Zurich. The approach presented in this study demonstrates that it is possible to reconstruct past pelagic cyanobacterial communities in lakes where the integrity of the sedimentary archive is well preserved and to explore changes in phylogenetic and functional diversity over decade-to-century timescales.

IMPORTANCE
Cyanobacterial blooms can produce toxins that affect water quality, especially under eutrophic conditions, which are a consequence of human-induced climate warming and increased nutrient availability. Lakes worldwide have suffered from regular cyanobacterial blooms over the last century. The lack of long-term data limits our understanding of how these blooms form. We successfully reconstructed the past diversity of whole cyanobacterial communities over two hundred years by sequencing genes preserved in the sediments of two perialpine lakes in Switzerland. We identified changes in diversity over time and validated our results using existing data collected in the same two lakes over the past 40 years. This work shows the potential of our approach for addressing important ecological questions about the effects of a changing environment on lake ecology.
Orenia metallireducens sp. nov. Strain Z6, a Novel Metal-Reducing Member of the Phylum Firmicutes from the Deep Subsurface
Authors: Dong Yiran , Sanford Robert A. , Boyanov Maxim I. , Kemner Kenneth M. , Flynn Theodore M. , O'Loughlin Edward J. , Chang Yun-juan , Locke Randall A. , Weber Joseph R. , Egan Sheila M. , Mackie Roderick I. , Cann Isaac , Fouke Bruce W. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTA novel halophilic and metal-reducing bacterium,Orenia metallireducensstrain Z6, was isolated from briny groundwater extracted from a 2.02 km-deep borehole in the Illinois Basin, IL. This organism shared 96% 16S rRNA gene similarity withOrenia marismortuibut demonstrated physiological properties previously unknown for this genus. In addition to exhibiting a fermentative metabolism typical of the genusOrenia, strain Z6 reduces various metal oxides [Fe(III), Mn(IV), Co(III), and Cr(VI)], using H2as the electron donor. Strain Z6 actively reduced ferrihydrite over broad ranges of pH (6 to 9.6), salinity (0.4 to 3.5 M NaCl), and temperature (20 to 60°C). At pH 6.5, strain Z6 also reduced more crystalline iron oxides, such as lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH), goethite (α-FeOOH), and hematite (α-Fe2O3). Analysis of X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) following Fe(III) reduction by strain Z6 revealed spectra from ferrous secondary mineral phases consistent with the precipitation of vivianite [Fe3(PO4)2] and siderite (FeCO3). The draft genome assembled for strain Z6 is 3.47 Mb in size and contains 3,269 protein-coding genes. Unlike the well-understood iron-reducingShewanellaandGeobacterspecies, this organism lacks thec-type cytochromes for typical Fe(III) reduction. Strain Z6 represents the first bacterial species in the genusOrenia(orderHalanaerobiales) reported to reduce ferric iron minerals and other metal oxides. This microbe expands both the phylogenetic and physiological scopes of iron-reducing microorganisms known to inhabit the deep subsurface and suggests new mechanisms for microbial iron reduction. These distinctions from otherOreniaspp. support the designation of strain Z6 as a new species,Orenia metallireducenssp. nov.IMPORTANCEA novel iron-reducing species,Orenia metallireducenssp. nov., strain Z6, was isolated from groundwater collected from a geological formation located 2.02 km below land surface in the Illinois Basin, USA. Phylogenetic, physiologic, and genomic analyses of strain Z6 found it to have unique properties for iron reducers, including (i) active microbial iron-reducing capacity under broad ranges of temperatures (20 to 60°C), pHs (6 to 9.6), and salinities (0.4 to 3.5 M NaCl), (ii) lack ofc-type cytochromes typically affiliated with iron reduction inGeobacterandShewanellaspecies, and (iii) being the only member of theHalanaerobialescapable of reducing crystalline goethite and hematite. This study expands the scope of phylogenetic affiliations, metabolic capacities, and catalytic mechanisms for iron-reducing microbes.
Invasive meningococcal disease in children in Ireland, 2001–2011
Authors: Ó Maoldomhnaigh Cilian , Drew Richard J , Gavin Patrick , Cafferkey Mary , Butler Karina M 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundIn 1999, invasive meningococcal disease was hyperendemic in Ireland at 14.75/100 000 population, with 60% group B and 30% group C diseases. National sepsis guidelines and meningococcal C vaccines were introduced in 2000. Despite a spontaneous decline in group B infection, invasive meningococcal disease remains a leading cause of sepsis. This study characterises the epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease in children in Ireland since the introduction of meningococcal C vaccine and reviews its clinical presentation, hospital course and outcome in anticipation of meningococcal B vaccine introduction.MethodsNational surveillance data were obtained from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. A retrospective study of all meningococcal cases at two tertiary paediatric hospitals was conducted from 2001 to 2011. Records were reviewed using a standardised assessment tool. A study of 407 meningococcal cases published in 2002 provided comparative data.ResultsOf 1820 cases <19 years of age notified nationally, 382 (21%) cases attended a study hospital; 94% group B, 3% group C, 225 (59%) male, median age 5 years (range 0.1–18). Fever was absent at presentation in 18%. Fifteen patients (3.6%) died. 221 (61%) were admitted to paediatric intensive care units (PICU). Permanent sequelae occurred in 9.4%. Compared with the historical cohort, there were differences in presentation, an increase in PICU interventions, but no significant decline in morbidity or mortality.ConclusionsDespite the meningococcal C vaccination campaign, invasive meningococcal disease continues to cause serious morbidity and claim lives. Group B infections remain dominant. As children who die often present with fulminant disease, preventive strategies including use of meningococcal B vaccine are needed to avert death and sequelae.
Impact of symptomatic upper respiratory tract infections on insulin absorption and action of Technosphere inhaled insulin
Authors: Levin Philip A , Heinemann Lutz , Boss Anders , Rosenblit Paul D 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveUncomplicated, acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) occur in patients with diabetes at a similar frequency to the general population. This study (NCT00642681) investigated the effect of URTIs on the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of Technosphere inhaled insulin (TI) in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.Research design and methodsThis was a phase 2 study conducted in patients who developed a URTI while being treated with TI in a phase 3 study (N=20, mean age 50 years, 60% men). Patients underwent two 4-hour meal challenges, during which blood samples were drawn to measure serum fumaryl diketopiperazine (FDKP; the excipient representing an essential part of TI), serum insulin, serum C-peptide, and plasma glucose. The primary outcome was the ratio of serum FDKP area under the concentration–time curve from 0 to 240 min (AUC0–240 min) during URTI and after clinical resolution of URTI symptoms (≥15 to ≤45 days).ResultsNo significant differences in PK parameters were seen during URTI versus post-URTI for FDKP. The ratio of serum FDKP AUC0–240 minduring URTI and post-URTI was 1.1 (SD 0.6), p=0.4462. Plasma glucose concentrations during each 4-hour meal challenge were similar, showing small non-significant differences. No adverse events, including hypoglycemia, occurred during meal challenge visits.ConclusionsDevelopment of an active, symptomatic URTI during treatment with TI had no significant impact on the PK/PD properties of TI, suggesting that no adjustment in prandial insulin dosing is needed. However, if patients are unable to conduct proper inhalation, they should administer their prandial insulin subcutaneously.Trial registration numberNCT00642681; Results.
Parity and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a study of insulin resistance and β-cell function in women with multiple pregnancies
Authors: Iversen Ditte Smed , Støy Julie , Kampmann Ulla , Voss Thomas Schmidt , Madsen Lene Ring , Møller Niels , Ovesen Per Glud 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveIncreasing parity may be a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the metabolic alterations during a normal pregnancy induces a prediabetic state; thus, multiple pregnancies may act as a risk factor for development of type 2 diabetes if these physiological alterations in glucose homeostasis are not reversed postpartum. We hypothesize that multiple pregnancies may lead to β-cell exhaustion and that the insulin resistance that occurs during pregnancy may persist after multiple births.Research design and measuresA total of 28 healthy premenopausal women were recruited: 15 high parity women (≥4 children) and 13 body mass index (BMI)-matched and age-matched low parity women (1 and 2 children). The study consisted of an intravenous glucose tolerance test for assessment of β-cell function followed by a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp for assessment of insulin sensitivity. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed to assess body composition.ResultsAll anthropometric measures, measures of body composition and baseline blood samples were comparable between the 2 groups. Neither first phase insulin release (0–10 min, p=0.92) nor second phase insulin release (10–60 min, p=0.62), both measured as area under the curve, differed between the 2 groups. The M-value, calculated as the mean glucose infusion rate during the last 30 min of the clamp period, was 8.66 (7.70 to 9.63) mg/kg/min in the high parity group compared with 8.41 (7.43 to 9.39) mg/kg/min in the low parity group (p=0.69).ConclusionsWe did not detect any effects of increasing parity on insulin sensitivity or β-cell function.
Internet-based self-management support for adults with asthma: a qualitative study among patients, general practitioners and practice nurses on barriers to implementation
Authors: van Gaalen Johanna L , van Bodegom-Vos Leti , Bakker Moira J , Snoeck-Stroband Jiska B , Sont Jacob K 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore barriers among patients, general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses to implement internet-based self-management support as provided by PatientCoach for asthma in primary care.SettingPrimary care within South Holland, the Netherlands.ParticipantsTwenty-two patients (12 women, mean age 38 years), 21 GPs (6 women, mean age 52 years) and 13 practice nurses (all women, mean age 41 years).DesignA qualitative study using focus groups and interviews.OutcomesBarriers as perceived by patients, GPs and practice nurses to implementation of PatientCoach.Methods10 focus groups and 12 interviews were held to collect data: 4 patient focus groups, 4 GP focus groups, 2 practice nurse focus group, 2 patient interviews, 5 GP interviews and 5 practice nurse interviews. A prototype of PatientCoach that included modules for coaching, personalised information, asthma self-monitoring, medication treatment plan, feedback, e-consultations and a forum was demonstrated. A semistructured topic guide was used. Directed content analysis was used to analyse data. Reported barriers were classified according to a framework by Grol and Wensing.ResultsA variety of barriers emerged among all participant groups. Barriers identified among patients include a lack of a patient–professional partnership in using PatientCoach and a lack of perceived benefit in improving asthma symptoms. Barriers identified among GPs include a low sense of urgency towards asthma care and current work routines. Practice nurses identified a low level of structured asthma care and a lack of support by colleagues as barriers. Among all participant groups, insufficient ease of use of PatientCoach, lack of financial arrangements and patient characteristics such as a lack of asthma symptoms were reported as barriers.ConclusionsWe identified a variety of barriers to implementation of PatientCoach. An effective implementation strategy for internet-based self-management support in asthma care should focus on these barriers.
Inclusion of persons with disabilities in systems of social protection: a population-based survey and case–control study in Peru
Authors: Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio , Diez-Canseco Francisco , Vasquez Alberto , Kuper Hannah , Walsham Matthew , Blanchet Karl 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the needs of people with disabilities and their level of inclusion in social protection programmes.DesignPopulation based-survey with a nested case–control study.SettingMorropon, a semiurban district located in Piura, northern Peru.ParticipantsFor the population survey, a two-stage sampling method was undertaken using data from the most updated census available and information of each household member aged ≥5 years was collected. In the nested case–control study, only one participant, case or control, per household was included in the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresDisability was screened using the Washington Group short questionnaire. A case, defined as an individual aged ≥5 years with disabilities, was matched with one control without disabilities by sex and age (±5 years). Information was collected on socioeconomic status, education, health and rehabilitation and social protection participation.ResultsThe survey included 3684 participants, 1848 (50.1%) females, mean age: 36.4 (SD: 21.7). A total of 290 participants (7.9%; 95% CI 7.0% to 8.7%) were classified as having disability. Adults with disabilities were more likely to be single (OR=3.40; 95% CI 1.54 to 7.51) and not to be working (OR=4.36; 95% CI 2.26 to 8.40), while those who did work were less likely to receive the national minimum wage (ie, 750 PEN or about US$265; p=0.007). People with disabilities were more likely to experience health problems. There was no difference between those enrolled in any social protection programme among participants with and without disabilities.ConclusionsPeople with disabilities were found to have higher needs for social protection, but were not more likely to be enrolled in social protection programmes. The Peruvian social protection system should consider adding disability status to selection criteria in their cash transfer programmes as well as implementing disability-specific interventions.
Sexual and testing behaviour associated withChlamydia trachomatisinfection: a cohort study in an STI clinic in Sweden
Authors: Veličko Inga , Ploner Alexander , Sparén Pär , Marions Lena , Herrmann Björn , Kühlmann-Berenzon Sharon 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundGenital chlamydia infection (chlamydia) is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Sweden. To guide prevention needs, we aimed to investigate factors associated with chlamydia.MethodsA cohort of visitors aged 20–40 years at an urban STI clinic in Sweden was recruited. Behavioural data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Self-sampled specimens were tested for chlamydia by a DNA amplification assay. Statistically significant (p<0.05) and epidemiologically relevant covariates were entered in a multivariate Poisson model adjusted for potential confounders (age and gender). Backward stepwise elimination produced a final model. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing values.ResultsOut of 2814 respondents, 1436 were men with a chlamydia positivity rate of 12.6% vs 8.9% in women. Lifetime testing for chlamydia and HIV was high (82% and 60%, respectively). Factors significantly associated with chlamydia were: 20–24 years old (adjusted risk ratio (ARR)=2.10, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.65); testing reason: contact with a chlamydia case (ARR=6.55, 95% CI 4.77 to 8.98) and having symptoms (ARR=2.19, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.24); 6–10 sexual partners (ARR=1.53, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.21); last sexual activity ‘vaginal sex and oral sex and anal sex and petting’ (ARR=1.84, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.10); alcohol use before sex (ARR=1.98, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.57); men with symptoms (ARR=2.09, 95% CI 1.38 to 3.18); tested for chlamydia (ARR=0.72, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.94).ConclusionsRisk factors associated with chlamydia were consistent with previous reports in similar settings and suggest no major changes over time. Increased risk for chlamydia infection associated with high-risk behaviour (eg, alcohol use, increased number of sexual partners) supports the need for behavioural interventions in this population such as promotion of safer sex behaviour (condom use) and testing.
Comparative study analysing women's childbirth satisfaction and obstetric outcomes across two different models of maternity care
Authors: Conesa Ferrer Ma Belén , Canteras Jordana Manuel , Ballesteros Meseguer Carmen , Carrillo García César , Martínez Roche M Emilia 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesTo describe the differences in obstetrical results and women's childbirth satisfaction across 2 different models of maternity care (biomedical model and humanised birth).Setting2 university hospitals in south-eastern Spain from April to October 2013.DesignA correlational descriptive study.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 406 women participated in the study, 204 of the biomedical model and 202 of the humanised model.ResultsThe differences in obstetrical results were (biomedical model/humanised model): onset of labour (spontaneous 66/137, augmentation 70/1, p=0.0005), pain relief (epidural 172/132, no pain relief 9/40, p=0.0005), mode of delivery (normal vaginal 140/165, instrumental 48/23, p=0.004), length of labour (0–4 hours 69/93, >4 hours 133/108, p=0.011), condition of perineum (intact perineum or tear 94/178, episiotomy 100/24, p=0.0005). The total questionnaire score (100) gave a mean (M) of 78.33 and SD of 8.46 in the biomedical model of care and an M of 82.01 and SD of 7.97 in the humanised model of care (p=0.0005). In the analysis of the results per items, statistical differences were found in 8 of the 9 subscales. The highest scores were reached in the humanised model of maternity care.ConclusionsThe humanised model of maternity care offers better obstetrical outcomes and women's satisfaction scores during the labour, birth and immediate postnatal period than does the biomedical model.