bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel 3-Sulfinopropionyl Coenzyme A (3SP-CoA) Desulfinase from Advenella mimigardefordensis Strain DPN7
T
Acting as a Key Enzyme during Catabolism of 3,3′-Dithiodipropionic Acid Is a Member of the Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Superfamily
Authors: Schürmann Marc , Deters Anika , Wübbeler Jan Hendrik , Steinbüchel Alexander 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

3-Sulfinopropionyl coenzyme A (3SP-CoA) desulfinase (Acd
DPN7
) is a new desulfinase that catalyzes the sulfur abstraction from 3SP-CoA in the betaproteobacterium
Advenella mimigardefordensis
strain DPN7
T
. During investigation of a Tn
5
::
mob
-induced mutant defective in growth on 3,3′-dithiodipropionate (DTDP) and also 3-sulfinopropionate (3SP), the transposon insertion was mapped to an open reading frame with the highest homology to an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (Acd) from
Burkholderia phenoliruptrix
strain BR3459a (83% identical and 91% similar amino acids). An
A. mimigardefordensis
Δ
acd
mutant was generated and verified the observed phenotype of the Tn
5
::
mob
-induced mutant. For enzymatic studies, Acd
DPN7
was heterologously expressed in
Escherichia coli
BL21(DE3)/pLysS by using pET23a::
acd
DPN7
. The purified protein is yellow and contains a noncovalently bound flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor, as verified by high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analyses. Size-exclusion chromatography revealed a native molecular mass of about 173 kDa, indicating a homotetrameric structure (theoretically 179 kDa), which is in accordance with other members of the acyl-CoA dehydrogenase superfamily.
In vitro
assays unequivocally demonstrated that the purified enzyme converted 3SP-CoA into propionyl-CoA and sulfite (SO
3
2−
). Kinetic studies of Acd
DPN7
revealed a
V
max
of 4.19 μmol min
−1
mg
−1
, an apparent

K
m

of 0.013 mM, and a
k
cat
/

K
m

of 240.8 s
−1
mM
−1
for 3SP-CoA. However, Acd
DPN7
is unable to perform a dehydrogenation, which is the usual reaction catalyzed by members of the acyl-CoA dehydrogenase superfamily. Comparison to other known desulfinases showed a comparably high catalytic efficiency of Acd
DPN7
and indicated a novel reaction mechanism. Hence, Acd
DPN7
encodes a new desulfinase based on an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.8.x) scaffold. Concomitantly, we identified the gene product that is responsible for the final desulfination step during catabolism of 3,3′-dithiodipropionate (DTDP), a sulfur-containing precursor substrate for biosynthesis of polythioesters.
Police officers: a high-risk group for the development of mental health disturbances? A cohort study
Authors: van der Velden Peter G , Rademaker Arthur R , Vermetten Eric , Portengen Marie-Anne , Yzermans Joris C , Grievink Linda 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesPolicing is generally considered a high-risk profession for the development of mental health problems, but this assumption lacks empirical evidence. Research question of the present study is to what extent mental health disturbances, such as (very) severe symptoms of anxiety, depression and hostility are more prevalent among police officers than among other occupational groups.DesignMulticomparative cross-sectional study using the data of several cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in the Netherlands.ParticipantsTwo samples of police officers (N=144 and 503), employees of banks (N=1113) and employees of banks who were robbed (N=144); employees of supermarkets (N=335), and a psychiatric hospital (N=219), employees of a governmental social welfare organisation (N=76), employees who followed a training based on rational-motive therapy to strengthen their assertiveness (N=710), soldiers before deployment (N=278) and before redeployment (N=236) and firefighters (N=123). The numbers refer to respondents with complete data.Primary outcomesPrevalence of severe (subclinical level) and very severe symptoms (clinical level) were computed using the Dutch norm tables (80th percentile and 95th percentile, respectively) of the Symptom Check List Revised (SCL-90-R). All comparisons were controlled for age, gender and education.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression and analyses showed that the prevalence of clinical and subclinical levels of symptoms of anxiety, depression and hostility among police officers were not significantly higher than among comparison groups. The same pattern was found for the other SCL-90-R subscales.ConclusionsWe found no indications that self-reported mental health disturbances were more prevalent among police officers than among groups of employees that are not considered high-risk groups, such as employees of banks, supermarkets, psychiatric hospital and soldiers before deployment.
Cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular hospital admissions associated with atrial fibrillation: a Danish nationwide, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Christiansen Christine Benn , Olesen Jonas Bjerring , Gislason Gunnar , Lock-Hansen Morten , Torp-Pedersen Christian 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the excess risk of hospitalisation in patients with incident atrial fibrillation (AF).DesignA nationwide, retrospective cohort study.SettingDenmark.ParticipantsData on all admissions in Denmark from 1997 to 2009 were collected from nationwide registries. After exclusion of subjects previously admitted for AF, data on 4 602 264 subjects and 10 779 945 hospital admissions contributed to the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAge-stratified and sex-stratified admission rates were calculated for cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular admissions. Temporal patterns of readmission, relative risk and duration of frequent types of admission were calculated.ResultsOf 10 779 945 hospital admissions, 729 088(6.8%) were associated with AF. Admissions for cardiovascular reasons after 1, 3 and 6 months occurred for 6.0, 14.3 and 28.4% of AF patients versus 0.2, 0.6 and 1.8 of non-AF patients. Admissions for non-cardiovascular reasons after 1, 3 and 6 months comprised 6.8, 16.1 and 33.3% of AF patients and 1.2, 3.2 and 9.7% of non-AF patients. When stratified for age, AF was associated with similar cardiovascular admission rates across all age groups, while non-cardiovascular admission rates were higher in older patients. Within each age group and for both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular admissions, AF was associated with higher rates of admission. When adjusted for age, sex and time period, patients with AF had a relative risk of 8.6 (95% CI 8.5 to 8.6) for admissions for cardiovascular reasons and 4.0 (95% CI 4.0 to 4.0) for admission for non-cardiovascular reasons.ConclusionsThis study confirms that the burden of AF is considerable and driven by both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular admissions. These findings underscore the importance of using clinical and pharmacological means to reduce the hospital burden of AF in Western healthcare systems.
Determinants of self-reported smoking and misclassification during pregnancy, and analysis of optimal cut-off points for urinary cotinine: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aurrekoetxea Juan J , Murcia Mario , Rebagliato Marisa , López María José , Castilla Ane Miren , Santa-Marina Loreto , Guxens Mónica , Fernández-Somoano Ana , Espada Mercedes , Lertxundi Aitana , Tardón Adonina , Ballester Ferran 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence and factors associated with smoking and misclassification in pregnant women from INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente, Environment and Childhood) project, Spain, and to assess the optimal cut-offs for urinary cotinine (UC) that best distinguish daily and occasional smokers with varying levels of second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure.DesignWe used logistic regression models to study the relationship between sociodemographic variables and self-reported smoking and misclassification (self-reported non-smokers with UC >50 ng/ml). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate the optimal cut-off point for discriminating smokers. The cut-offs were also calculated after stratification among non-smokers by the number of sources of SHS exposure. The cut-off points used to discriminate smoking status were the level of UC given by Youden's index and for 50 and 100 ng/ml for daily smokers, or 25 and 50 ng/ml for occasional smokers.ParticipantsAt the third trimester of pregnancy, 2263 pregnant women of the INMA Project were interviewed between 2004 and 2008 and a urine sample was collected.ResultsPrevalence of self-reported smokers at the third trimester of pregnancy was 18.5%, and another 3.9% misreported their smoking status. Variables associated with self-reported smoking and misreporting were similar, including born in Europe, educational level and exposure to SHS. The optimal cut-off was 82 ng/ml (95% CI 42 to 133), sensitivity 95.2% and specificity 96.6%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.986 (95% CI 0.982 to 0.990). The cut-offs varied according to the SHS exposure level being 42 (95% CI 27 to 57), 82 (95% CI 46 to 136) and 106 ng/ml (95% CI 58 to 227) for not being SHS exposed, exposed to one, and to two or more sources of SHS, respectively. The optimal cut-off for discriminating occasional smokers from non-smokers was 27 ng/ml (95% CI 11 to 43).ConclusionsPrevalence of smoking during pregnancy in Spain remains high. UC is a reliable biomarker for classifying pregnant women according to their smoking status. However, cut-offs would differ based on baseline exposure to SHS.
Is it intelligent to intercalate? A two centre cross-sectional study exploring the value of intercalated degrees, and the possible effects of the recent tuition fee rise in England
Authors: Stubbs Timothy Alan , Lightman Elewys G , Mathieson Peter 
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore the value of intercalated degrees, including student perceptions and academic sequelae. To gauge the likely effect of the recent tuition fee rise and to identify any differences in intercalated degrees between Bristol and Sheffield universities.DesignCross-sectional study using questionnaires.SettingBristol and Sheffield Medical Schools, UK.Participants1484 medical students in their clinical years were e-mailed the questionnaire. 578 students responded: 291 from Bristol and 287 from Sheffield (n=578; mean age=22.41; SD 1.944; 38.9% male; 61.1% female). The response rate from previous intercalators was 52.5% from Bristol and 58.7% from Sheffield, while for non-intercalators it was 27.7% and 34.6%, respectively.Main outcome measures(1) Student preconceptions, opinions, results and academic sequelae from intercalated degrees at both centres. (2) Students’ attitudes concerning the effect of the increase in tuition fees.ResultsThose with clinical academic supervisors gained significantly more posters (p=0.0002) and publications (p<0.0001), and also showed a trend to gain more first class honours (p=0.055). Students at Sheffield had a significantly greater proportion of clinical academic supervisors than students at Bristol (p<0.0001). 89.2% said that an intercalated degree was the right decision for them; however, only 27.4% stated they would have intercalated if fees had been £9000 per annum.ConclusionsStudents clearly value intercalated degrees, feel they gained a substantial advantage over their peers as well as skills helpful for their future careers. The rise in tuition fees is likely to reduce the number of medical students opting to undertake an intercalated degree, and could result in a further reduction in numbers following an academic path. Sheffield University have more intercalating students supervised by clinical academics. Clinical academics appear more effective as supervisors for medical students undertaking an intercalated degree in terms of results and additional academic sequelae.
Direct treatment comparison of DAbigatran and RIvaroxaban versus NAdroparin in the prevention of venous thromboembolism after total knee arthroplasty surgery: design of a randomised pilot study (DARINA)
Authors: Veen Lucia van der , van Raay Jos JAM , Gerritsma-Bleeker Carina L E , Veeger Nic JGM , Hulst Marinus van 
Published: January 2013

IntroductionTwo novel agents, dabigatran and rivaroxaban, recently gained market authorisation for prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after hip and knee arthroplasty. However, safety data of the new oral anticoagulants with a long-term use of 42 days are not available for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Furthermore, there are no clinical trials comparing dabigatran and/or rivaroxaban with nadroparin, which is used in most Dutch departments of orthopaedic surgery. Our aim is to compare the 42-day use of dabigatran and rivaroxaban versus nadroparin after TKA in a clinical explorative pilot study by assessing the incidence of major bleeding and clinically relevant non-major bleeding using a standardised model of bleeding definitions.Methods and analysisA randomised open-label pilot study was conducted. Patients ≥18 years and weighing more than 40 kg who were scheduled for a primary elective TKA were included. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups. Patients took either a daily oral dose of dabigatran etexilate 220 mg (n=50), 10 mg of oral rivaroxaban (n=50) or subcutaneous nadroparin 0.3 ml (n=50) for 42 days. The primary safety outcome measure was the incidence of bleeding events. Major bleeding events and clinically relevant non-major bleeding events were defined according to accepted guidelines. The secondary measures of this study were the occurrence of VTE, time until the bleeding event, compliance, duration of hospital stay, rehospitalisation, outpatient clinic visits and interventions following complications. Additionally, coagulation monitoring, knee flexion range of motion and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score were evaluated.DisseminationThe results of this trial provided insight into the validity of design for an adequately powered multicentre study investigating the safety of the new oral anticoagulants compared with nadroparin, an anticoagulant applied for prevention of VTE after knee arthroplasty in the Dutch situation.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01431456.
Semen quality of fertile Japanese men: a cross-sectional population-based study of 792 men
Authors: Iwamoto Teruaki , Nozawa Shiari , Yoshiike Miki , Namiki Mikio , Koh Eitetsu , Kanaya Jiro , Okuyama Akihiko , Matsumiya Kiyomi , Tsujimura Akira , Komatsu Kiyoshi , Tsukamoto Taiji , Itoh Naoki , Mieno Makiko Naka , Vierula Matti , Toppari Jorma , Skakkebæk Niels E , Jørgensen Niels 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo establish a base line for future studies on temporal trends, to describe potential geographical differences in semen quality and reference values for studies of men from the general population.DesignCross-sectional study of fertile men from four areas in Japan. Inclusion criteria were: age 20–45 years at the time of invitation, and both the man and his mother had to be born in Japan. Additionally, the current pregnancy of the female partner had to be achieved by normal sexual relations without any fertility treatment.SettingFour Japanese study centres at urban areas located in Sapporo, Osaka, Kanazawa and Fukuoka.Participants792 men, median age 31.4 years, included from 1999 to 2002.Outcome measuresSemen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility and sperm morphology.ResultsSemen volumes, percentages of motile spermatozoa and morphologically normal spermatozoa differed slightly between the four groups, whereas no differences in sperm concentrations or total sperm counts were found. In total, 1.2% of men had a sperm concentration below 5 million/ml, 2.1% below 10 million/ml, 3.5% below 15 million/ml and 16.3% below 40 million/ml. For morphology, 14.7% had less than 5% normal spermatozoa. Reproductive hormone levels varied significantly, however, only little from a biological point of view.ConclusionsThis is the first cross-sectional study on semen quality covering fertile men from the major regions of Japan. It showed that semen quality of fertile Japanese men is comparable to that of the best in European regions. The results may serve as reference values for studies of men from the general population.
Are physicians required during winch rescue missions in an Australian helicopter emergency medical service?
Authors: Sherren Peter Brendon , Hayes-Bradley Clare , Reid Cliff , Burns Brian , Habig Karel 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundA helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) capable of winching offers several advantages over standard rescue operations. Little is known about the benefit of physician winching in addition to a highly trained paramedic.ObjectiveTo analyse the mission profiles and interventions performed during rescues involving the winching of a physician in the Greater Sydney Area HEMS (GSA-HEMS).MethodsAll winch missions involving a physician from August 2009 to January 2012 were identified from the prospectively completed GSA-HEMS electronic database. A structured case sheet review for a predetermined list of demographic data and physician-only interventions (POIs) was conducted.ResultsWe identified 130 missions involving the winching of a physician, of which 120 case sheets were available for analysis. The majority of patients were traumatically injured (90%) and male (85%) with a median age of 37 years. Seven patients were pronounced dead at the scene. A total of 63 POIs were performed on 48 patients. Administration of advanced analgesia was the most common POI making up 68.3% of interventions. Patients with abnormal RTSc2scores were more likely to receive a POI than those with normal RTSc2(84.8% vs 15.2%; p=0.03). The performance of a POI had no effect on median scene times (45 vs 43 min; p=0.51).ConclusionsOur high POI rate of 40% (48/120) coupled with long rescue times and the occasional severe injuries support the argument for winching Physicians. Not doing so would deny a significant proportion of patients time-critical interventions, advanced analgesia and procedural sedation.
The impact of consultation on length of stay in tertiary care emergency departments
Authors: Brick Craig , Lowes Justin , Lovstrom Lindsay , Kokotilo Andrea , Villa-Roel Cristina , Lee Patricia , Lang Eddy , Rowe Brian H 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundConsultations in the emergency department (ED) are infrequently studied. This study quantifies the contribution of consultations to ED length of stay (LOS) and examines patient and consultation characteristics associated with prolonged ED LOS.MethodsProspective cohort study of a convenience sample of shifts by volunteering emergency physicians (EP) at two urban tertiary care Canadian EDs. EPs completed standardised forms on all patients for whom a consultation was requested. Medical chart reviews and secondary analyses of administrative databases were also performed. Factors associated with longer LOS were determined through linear regression modelling.Results1180 patients received at least one consultation during study shifts and EPs completed data collection on 841 (71%) of these. Median patient age was 54 years, 53.3% were male, and 2.9% had documented dementia. Admitted patients receiving consultations had a longer overall LOS compared to discharged patients. Median time from triage to consultation request accounted for approximately 28% of the total median LOS in admitted patients compared to 46% for discharged patients. Consultation decision time accounted for 33% and 54% of the LOS for admitted and discharged patients, respectively. Linear regression modelling revealed that advanced age, longer latency between arrival and first consultation request, history of dementia and multiple consultations were significantly associated with longer LOS. Conversely, undergoing procedures while in the ED was associated with a shorter LOS.ConclusionsConsultation decision time contributes significantly to ED LOS. Further efforts are needed to validate these results in other ED settings and improve this aspect of ED throughput.
Trichomonas vaginalisinfection in men who submit self-collected penile swabs after internet recruitment
Authors: Gaydos Charlotte A , Barnes Mathilda R , Quinn Nicole , Jett-Goheen Mary , Hsieh Yu-Hsiang 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundSubmission of self-collected penile samples collected at home could remove barriers that men face in getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).MethodsFrom December 2006 to July 2012, sexually active men aged ≥14 years were recruited by an educational internet program (http://www.iwantthekit.org) which offered free testing forTrichomonas vaginalisinfection. Kits were ordered online and swabs were sent via US mail to the laboratory and tested by nucleic acid amplification tests. Demographics and sexual risk factors were accessed by questionnaires. Men called or were contacted to receive their results. Risk factors for trichomonas infection were determined by multivariate logistic regressionResultsOf 4398 men requesting kits, 1699 (38.6%) returned swabs by mail (55.4% returned in 2012). Forty-one percent of men were aged <25 years, 43% were black subjects and 45% were white. The overall prevalence for trichomonas in the 1699 men was 3.7%; the highest prevalence by age group was for men aged 40–49 years (5.2%) and, by year, 216 men screened in 2008 had the highest prevalence (12.5%). Risk factors for 919 men whose risk information was collected by questionnaire (prevalence 6.0%) indicated that 9.6% had a concurrent chlamydia infection. Significantly associated risks factors included: black race (adjusted OR 2.67), residence in Illinois (OR 12.02), age 30–39 years (OR 6.63) and age >40 years (OR 5.31).ConclusionsA fairly high prevalence of trichomonas and sexual risk factors were demonstrated from internet recruitment of men. This method of engaging men to get screened for trichomonas may augment screening in STI clinics.