bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathways and substrate‐specific regulation of amino acid degradation in Phaeobacter inhibens DSM 17395 (archetype of the marine Roseobacter clade)
Authors: Drüppel Katharina , Hensler Michael , Trautwein Kathleen , Koßmehl Sebastian , Wöhlbrand Lars , Schmidt‐Hohagen Kerstin , Ulbrich Marcus , Bergen Nils , Meier‐Kolthoff Jan P. , Göker Markus , Klenk Hans‐Peter , Schomburg Dietmar , Rabus Ralf 
Published: September 2013

SummaryCombining omics and enzymatic approaches, catabolic routes of nine selected amino acids (tryptophan, phenylalanine, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, histidine, lysine and threonine) were elucidated in substrate‐adapted cells of Phaeobacter inhibens DSM 17395 (displaying conspicuous morphotypes). The catabolic network [excluding tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle] was reconstructed from 71 genes (scattered across the chromosome; one‐third newly assigned), with 69 encoded proteins and 20 specific metabolites identified, and activities of 10 different enzymes determined. For example, Ph. inhibens DSM 17395 does not degrade lysine via the widespread saccharopine pathway but might rather employ two parallel pathways via 5‐aminopentanoate or 2‐aminoadipate. Tryptophan degradation proceeds via kynurenine and 2‐aminobenzoate; the latter is metabolized as known from Azoarcus evansii. Histidine degradation is analogous to the Pseudomonas‐type Hut pathway via N‐formyl‐l‐glutamate. For threonine, only one of the three genome‐predicted degradation pathways (employing threonine 3‐dehydrogenase) is used. Proteins of the individual peripheral degradation sequences in Ph. inhibens DSM 17395 were apparently substrate‐specifically formed contrasting the non‐modulated TCA cycle enzymes. Comparison of genes for the reconstructed amino acid degradation network in Ph. inhibens DSM 17395 across 27 other complete genomes of Roseobacter clade members revealed most of them to be widespread among roseobacters.
Using Google Adwords to recruit family carers of people with dementia
Authors: O'Dwyer Siobhan T , Moyle Wendy 
Published: September 2013

AimOnline advertising is a new frontier in research recruitment and Google Adwords (GA) is one method of online advertising. Only a handful of studies, however, have described its cost and effectiveness and none have focused on older adults. The aim of this paper is to describe a GA campaign used to recruit family carers of people with dementia and provide insight for researchers planning to use GA to recruit other older adults.MethodA GA campaign was used to recruit family carers of people with dementia to a cross‐sectional study of wellbeing.ResultsThe ads were viewed more than 450,000 times in a six‐week period, but only 49 surveys were completed, at a cost of $122 per survey.ConclusionGA has promise, but much remains to be understood about how to maximize its potential in ageing research. Recommendations for the design of future GA campaigns are provided.
Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Suppresses the Apoptosis of Decidual Gamma‐delta T Cells via Regulation of the Signal Transduction and Activation of Transcription 3/Caspase‐3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Duan Jie , Jiang Xiao‐Ping , Li Ming‐Qing , Fan Deng‐Xuan , Wang Ying , Li Da‐Jin , Jin Li‐Ping 
Published: September 2013

ProblemTo investigate whether thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) regulates the apoptosis of decidual γδ T cells and to elucidate the mechanism.Method of studyPrimary human decidual γδ T cells were treated with TSLP only or TSLP combined with different signaling inhibitors (STAT3, STAT5, AKT, and ERK). The levels of signal transduction and activation of transcription 3 (STAT3) tyrosine phosphorylation and caspase3 expression were determined using Western blot analysis, and the apoptosis of decidual γδ T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry.ResultsThe proportions of γδ T cells in the peripheral circulation and in decidual CD3+ cell population in women with normal pregnancy were higher than the proportions of γδ T cells in either non‐pregnant control or miscarriage. Decidual γδ T cells co‐expressed the TSLP receptors (TSLPR) and IL‐7Rα, and the expression of TSLPR in decidual γδ T cells was higher than that in decidual CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Treatment with TSLP significantly suppressed the apoptosis of decidual γδ T cells and enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation. Moreover, STAT3, and not other inhibitors, completely abrogated the anti‐apoptotic effect and expression of caspase3 in decidual γδ T cells induced by recombinant human TSLP.ConclusionThese results suggest that TSLP may down‐regulate caspase3 expression through activation of the STAT3 pathway, thereby suppressing the apoptosis of decidual γδ T cells.
Review of calls to an Australian teratogen information service regarding psychotropic medications over a 12‐year period
Authors: Kennedy Debra , Eamus Maya , Hill Majella , Oei Ju Lee 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundTelephone counselling services are increasingly utilised by consumers to obtain contemporary and confidential information about perinatal drug and toxin exposure. The use of such services in regard to psychotropic agents is unknown.AimTo determine the frequency and types of calls to a New South Wales (NSW)‐based telephone counselling service regarding perinatal psychotropic agent exposure between 2000 and 2011.MethodsRetrospective analyses of MotherSafe call data between two epochs: I (2000–2005, n = 46,277) and II (2006–2011, n = 118,587), total 164,864 calls.Results25,698 (15.6%) calls were made about psychotropic agents: 16,218 (9.8%) about antidepressants, 3,145 calls (1.9%) about mood stabilisers/antiepileptic agents, 2,878 (1.7%) about benzodiazepines and 3,457 (2.1%) about antipsychotic drugs. Calls regarding psychotropic agents doubled in epoch II (18,231 vs 7,467, epoch I) but decreased as a proportion of total calls (I: 16.1% vs II: 15.4%, P < 0.001). Selective serotonin inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most common drugs of concern (>44% of total psychotropic calls). The proportion of calls regarding particular agents changed significantly between epochs, for example paroxetine (epoch I: 14.8% vs epoch II: 6.7% of all antidepressant calls, P < 0.001) and quetiapine (epoch 1: 10.6% vs epoch II: 34.7% of all antipsychotic calls (P < 0.001). Calls from rural areas of NSW increased from 22.6 to 24.7% (P < 0.001).ConclusionConsumer demand for information about the use of psychotropic agents for women of child‐bearing age has increased considerably over the last decade, particularly in rural areas of Australia. This indicates a need to review current existing services, particularly for rural consumers.
Influence of a modified propofol equilibration rate constant (ke0) on the effect‐site concentration at loss and recovery of consciousness with the Marsh model
Authors: Seo J. H. , Goo E. K. , Song I. A. , Park S. H. , Park H. P. , Jeon Y. T. , Hwang J. W. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryThis study compared the predicted effect‐site concentration of propofol at loss and recovery of consciousness when using target‐controlled infusion devices with the same pharmacokinetic model (Marsh) but a different plasma effect‐site equilibration rate constant (ke0), the DiprifusorTM (ke0 0.26 min−1) and Base Primea™ (ke0 1.21 min−1). We studied 60 female patients undergoing minor gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia. Although the total dose of propofol and time until loss of consciousness were comparable, the effect‐site concentration at loss of consciousness was significantly lower with the Diprifusor than with the Base Primea (1.2 (0.3) μg.ml−1 vs 4.5 (0.9) μg.ml−1, respectively, p < 0.001). The effect‐site concentration at recovery of consciousness was significantly higher with the Diprifusor than with the Base Primea (1.8 (0.4) μg.ml−1 vs 1.5 (0.2) μg.ml−1, respectively, p = 0.01). In conclusion, the effect‐site concentration of propofol differs depending on the ke0, despite the use of the same pharmacokinetic model. Therefore, the ke0 should be considered when predicting loss and recovery of consciousness based on the effect‐site concentration of propofol.
Relationships between flavin‐containing mono‐oxygenase 3 (FMO3) genotype and trimethylaminuria phenotype in a Japanese population
Authors: Shimizu Makiko , Allerston Charles K. , Shephard Elizabeth A. , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Phillips Ian R. 
Published: September 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate relationships between flavin‐containing mono‐oxygenase 3 (FMO3) genotype and phenotype (conversion of odorous trimethylamine into non‐odorous trimethylamine N‐oxide) in a large Japanese cohort suffering from trimethylaminuria.MethodsUrinary excretion of trimethylamine and trimethylamine N‐oxide was determined for 102 volunteers with self‐reporting symptoms of trimethylaminuria. For each we determined the sequence of the entire coding region, plus 1.3 kb of flanking intronic and 2.5 kb of the upstream region of the FMO3 gene. The affect of upstream variants on transcription was determined with a reporter gene assay.ResultsSeventy‐eight subjects were diagnosed as suffering from trimethylaminuria, based on urinary excretion of <90% of total TMA as TMA N‐oxide. Of these, 13 were classified as severe, 56 as moderate and nine as mild cases, excreting <43%, 48–70% and 73–83% of trimethylamine as trimethylamine N‐oxide, respectively. Twenty‐seven mutations were identified in FMO3, 15 in the coding region, of which eight abolish or severely impair FMO3 activity (Pro70Leu, Cys197fsX, Thr201Lys, Arg205Cys, Met260Val, Trp388Ter, Gln470Ter and Arg500Ter), and 12 in the upstream region. The mutations segregate into 19 haplotypes, including four different combinations of upstream mutations, each of which reduces transcriptional activity in comparison with the ancestral upstream sequence of FMO3.ConclusionsComparisons of genotype and phenotype reveal that severe trimethylaminuria is caused by loss of function mutations in FMO3. For moderate and mild cases the situation is more complex, with most resulting from factors other than FMO3 genotype. Our results have implications for the diagnosis and management of the disorder.
Treatment of elderly patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia using a paediatric‐based protocol
Authors: Poch Martell Marc , Atenafu Eshetu G. , Minden Mark D. , Schuh Andre C. , Yee Karen W. L. , Schimmer Aaron D. , Gupta Vikas , Brandwein Joseph M. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryAll newly diagnosed patients aged 60–79 years with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) receiving induction chemotherapy with a modified paediatric‐based regimen over a 7‐year period were retrospectively analysed (n = 51, median age 65 years). The treatment regimen consisted of induction, central nervous system prophylaxis, seven cycles of intensification and 24 cycles of maintenance. BCR‐ABL1 negative patients received weekly asparaginase during intensification, while BCR‐ABL1+ patients received daily imatinib. Post‐remission therapy was given in an outpatient setting. The complete response rate was 75%, with an induction mortality of 20%; 6% of patients had resistant disease. 37% of patients who achieved a complete remission relapsed. The estimated 5‐year overall survival was 40% for BCR‐ABL1 negative and 47% for BCR‐ABL1+ patients (P = not significant); the 5‐year disease‐free survival was 57% and 39%, respectively (P = NS). The post‐induction phase was generally well tolerated, with 81% able to complete the intensification phase and proceed to maintenance. In conclusion, administration of this modified paediatric‐based protocol is feasible and active for elderly patients with ALL. Survival is superior to most previously reported series in this age group, but remains worse compared to younger patients. Further improvement of the toxicity profile, particularly during induction, is required to improve outcomes.
Incidence of haematological malignancies by ethnic group in England, 2001–7
Authors: Shirley Megan H. , Sayeed Shameq , Barnes Isobel , Finlayson Alexander , Ali Raghib 
Published: September 2013

SummaryThe aetiology of most haematological malignancies is largely unknown. Studies of migrant populations can provide insights into the relative importance of genetic and environmental risk factors for these diseases. This study compares incidence rates in British Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Black Africans, Black Caribbeans, Chinese and Whites in England from 2001 to 2007. We analysed 134 302 haematological cancer registrations with ethnicity obtained by linkage to the Hospital Episodes Statistics database. Mid‐year population estimates from 2001 to 2007 were used. Incidence rate ratios adjusted for age, sex and income were calculated, comparing the six ethnic groups to Whites and to each other. Whites had the highest rates for most subtypes. However, Blacks experienced more than double the incidence of plasma cell and mature T‐cell neoplasms compared to other ethnic groups. There were also significant differences in incidence between Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis for Hodgkin lymphoma and mature B‐cell neoplasms and between Black African and Black Caribbeans for mature B‐cell and other lymphoid neoplasms (all P < 0·001). Our results show that the risk of haematological cancers varies greatly by ethnic group, including within those groups that have traditionally been grouped together (South Asians and Blacks) with many of these differences not explicable by known risk factors.
Endometrial stem cell differentiation into smooth muscle cell: a novel approach for bladder tissue engineering in women
Authors: Shoae‐Hassani Alireza , Sharif Shiva , Seifalian Alexander M. , Mortazavi‐Tabatabaei Seyed Abdolreza , Rezaie Sassan , Verdi Javad 
Published: September 2013

Objective
To investigate manufacturing smooth muscle cells (SMCs) for regenerative bladder reconstruction from differentiation of endometrial stem cells (EnSCs), as the recent discovery of EnSCs from the lining of women's uteri, opens up the possibility of using these cells for tissue engineering applications, such as building up natural tissue to repair prolapsed pelvic floors as well as building urinary bladder wall.
Materials and Methods
Human EnSCs that were positive for cluster of differentiation 146 (CD146), CD105 and CD90 were isolated and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle/F12 medium supplemented with myogenic growth factors.
The myogenic factors included: transforming growth factor β, platelet‐derived growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor.
Differentiated SMCs on bioabsorbable polyethylene‐glycol and collagen hydrogels were checked for SMC markers by real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), western blot (WB) and immunocytochemistry (ICC) analyses.
Results
Histology confirmed the growth of SMCs in the hydrogel matrices.
The myogenic growth factors decreased the proliferation rate of EnSCs, but they differentiated the human EnSCs into SMCs more efficiently on hydrogel matrices and expressed specific SMC markers including α‐smooth muscle actin, desmin, vinculin and calponin in RT‐PCR, WB and ICC experiments.
The survival rate of cultures on the hydrogel‐coated matrices was significantly higher than uncoated cultures.
Conclusions
Human EnSCs were successfully differentiated into SMCs, using hydrogels as scaffold.
EnSCs may be used for autologous bladder wall regeneration without any immunological complications in women.
Currently work is in progress using bioabsorbable nanocomposite materials as EnSC scaffolds for developing urinary bladder wall tissue.
Understanding the parents of children with special needs: collaboration between health, social and education networks
Authors: Tétreault S. , Freeman A. , Carrière M. , Beaupré P. , Gascon H. , Marier Deschênes P. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractContextIn 2003, Quebec's Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) and the Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sports (MELS) concluded the Agreement for the complementarity of services between the health and social services network and the education network. The objectives of the current investigation were to evaluate the implementation of this Agreement and its impact upon renewal of practices and services, and to investigate the consequences for children with special needs and their families. The specific focus of this article is to describe parents' perspectives regarding the impact of this Agreement upon them and their children.MethodsInterviews were conducted with 56 parents of children with disabilities, social maladjustment or learning difficulties across the province of Quebec. Data were analysed using content analysis.ResultsMost parents were not directly aware of any contact between school staff and health or social professionals, although discussions might have been held without their knowledge. The intervention plans seemed to be the main vehicle through which some parents perceived collaboration to be occurring. For parents, the impact upon actual practices or collaborative work is either minimal or non‐existent.ConclusionSchool inclusion of children with special needs is a challenge for all societies. The Agreement illustrates the Quebec government's intent to promote an alliance between two complex networks and has the potential to greatly benefit children and their families. However, more concrete action is required in order to realize specific changes regarding work cohesion and service organization for these groups.
Reproducibility of a soil organic carbon fractionation method to derive RothC carbon pools
Authors: Poeplau C. , Don A. , Dondini M. , Leifeld J. , Nemo R. , Schumacher J. , Senapati N. , Wiesmeier M. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryFractionation of soil is undertaken to isolate organic carbon with distinct functional properties, such as stability and turnover times. Soil organic carbon (SOC) fractionation helps us to understand better the response of SOC to changes in land use, management or climate. However, fractionation procedures are often poorly defined and there is little information available on their reproducibility in different laboratories. In a ring trial, we assessed the reproducibility of a SOC fractionation method introduced by Zimmermann et al. (2007). The isolated fractions were linked to the model pool sizes of the Rothamsted carbon model (RothC). We found significant differences between six laboratories for all five defined fractions in three different soils with coefficients of variation ranging from 14 to 138%. During ultrasonic dispersion, the output power (energy per unit time) was identified as an important factor controlling the distribution of SOC within these five fractions, while commonly only the output energy is standardized. The amount of water used to wet‐sieve dispersed soil slurry significantly influenced the amount of extracted dissolved organic carbon (DOC). We therefore suggest using a fixed amount of power for ultrasonic dispersion (20 W) and a minimum amount of water for wet sieving (2000 ml). RothC pool sizes were predicted from the measured fractions and compared with RothC equilibrium pool size distributions. This model initialization using measured SOC fractions, however, led to an over‐estimation of stable RothC SOC pools when compared with pool size distributions derived from RothC equilibrium runs under a bare fallow soil model simulation. To improve the isolation of particulate organic matter from stable mineral‐bound organic matter, we suggest that the density should be increased from 1.8 to 2.0 g cm−3 in the density fractionation step. We formulated a modified fractionation procedure, which aims specifically to enhance reproducibility across laboratories and to improve the match of the isolated SOC fractions with RothC's SOC pools.
Incorporating adaptive responses into future projections of coral bleaching
Authors: Logan Cheryl A. , Dunne John P. , Eakin C. Mark , Donner Simon D. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractClimate warming threatens to increase mass coral bleaching events, and several studies have projected the demise of tropical coral reefs this century. However, recent evidence indicates corals may be able to respond to thermal stress though adaptive processes (e.g., genetic adaptation, acclimatization, and symbiont shuffling). How these mechanisms might influence warming‐induced bleaching remains largely unknown. This study compared how different adaptive processes could affect coral bleaching projections. We used the latest bias‐corrected global sea surface temperature (SST) output from the NOAA/GFDL Earth System Model 2 (ESM2M) for the preindustrial period through 2100 to project coral bleaching trajectories. Initial results showed that, in the absence of adaptive processes, application of a preindustrial climatology to the NOAA Coral Reef Watch bleaching prediction method overpredicts the present‐day bleaching frequency. This suggests that corals may have already responded adaptively to some warming over the industrial period. We then modified the prediction method so that the bleaching threshold either permanently increased in response to thermal history (e.g., simulating directional genetic selection) or temporarily increased for 2–10 years in response to a bleaching event (e.g., simulating symbiont shuffling). A bleaching threshold that changes relative to the preceding 60 years of thermal history reduced the frequency of mass bleaching events by 20–80% compared with the ‘no adaptive response’ prediction model by 2100, depending on the emissions scenario. When both types of adaptive responses were applied, up to 14% more reef cells avoided high‐frequency bleaching by 2100. However, temporary increases in bleaching thresholds alone only delayed the occurrence of high‐frequency bleaching by ca. 10 years in all but the lowest emissions scenario. Future research should test the rate and limit of different adaptive responses for coral species across latitudes and ocean basins to determine if and how much corals can respond to increasing thermal stress.
Vegetation controls on northern high latitude snow‐albedo feedback: observations and CMIP5 model simulations
Authors: Loranty Michael M. , Berner Logan T. , Goetz Scott J. , Jin Yufang , Randerson James T. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe snow‐masking effect of vegetation exerts strong control on albedo in northern high latitude ecosystems. Large‐scale changes in the distribution and stature of vegetation in this region will thus have important feedbacks to climate. The snow‐albedo feedback is controlled largely by the contrast between snow‐covered and snow‐free albedo (Δα), which influences predictions of future warming in coupled climate models, despite being poorly constrained at seasonal and century time scales. Here, we compare satellite observations and coupled climate model representations of albedo and tree cover for the boreal and Arctic region. Our analyses reveal consistent declines in albedo with increasing tree cover, occurring south of latitudinal tree line, that are poorly represented in coupled climate models. Observed relationships between albedo and tree cover differ substantially between snow‐covered and snow‐free periods, and among plant functional type. Tree cover in models varies widely but surprisingly does not correlate well with model albedo. Furthermore, our results demonstrate a relationship between tree cover and snow‐albedo feedback that may be used to accurately constrain high latitude albedo feedbacks in coupled climate models under current and future vegetation distributions.