bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Groundwater Seeps Facilitate Exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Baker Anthony , Tahani Donald , Gardiner Christopher , Bristow Keith L. , Greenhill Andrew R. , Warner Jeffrey 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

Burkholderia pseudomallei
is a saprophytic bacterium which is the causative agent of melioidosis, a common cause of fatal bacterial pneumonia and sepsis in the tropics. The incidence of melioidosis is clustered spatially and temporally and is heavily linked to rainfall and extreme weather events. Clinical case clustering has recently been reported in Townsville, Australia, and has implicated Castle Hill, a granite monolith in the city center, as a potential reservoir of infection. Topsoil and water from seasonal groundwater seeps were collected around the base of Castle Hill and analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR targeting the type III secretion system genes for the presence of
B. pseudomallei
. The organism was identified in 65% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49.5 to 80.4) of soil samples (
n
= 40) and 92.5% (95% CI, 83.9 to 100) of seasonal groundwater samples (
n
= 40). Further sampling of water collected from roads and gutters in nearby residential areas after an intense rainfall event found that 88.2% (95% CI, 72.9 to 100) of samples (
n
= 16) contained viable
B. pseudomallei
at concentrations up to 113 CFU/ml. Comparison of isolates using multilocus sequence typing demonstrated clinical matches and close associations between environmental isolates and isolates derived from clinical samples from patients in Townsville. This study demonstrated that waterborne
B. pseudomallei
from groundwater seeps around Castle Hill may facilitate exposure to
B. pseudomallei
and contribute to the clinical clustering at this site. Access to this type of information will advise the development and implementation of public health measures to reduce the incidence of melioidosis.
Improvement in the Thermostability of
d
-Psicose 3-Epimerase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens by Random and Site-Directed Mutagenesis
Authors: Choi Jin-Geun , Ju Yo-Han , Yeom Soo-Jin , Oh Deok-Kun 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

The S213C, I33L, and I33L S213C variants of
d
-psicose 3-epimerase from
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
, which were obtained by random and site-directed mutagenesis, displayed increases of 2.5, 5, and 7.5°C in the temperature for maximal enzyme activity, increases of 3.3-, 7.2-, and 29.9-fold in the half-life at 50°C, and increases of 3.1, 4.3, and 7.6°C in apparent melting temperature, respectively, compared with the wild-type enzyme. Molecular modeling suggests that the improvement in thermostability in these variants may have resulted from increased putative hydrogen bonds and formation of new aromatic stacking interactions. The immobilized wild-type enzyme with and without borate maintained activity for 8 days at a conversion yield of 70% (350 g/liter psicose) and for 16 days at a conversion yield of 30% (150 g/liter psicose), respectively. After 8 or 16 days, the enzyme activity gradually decreased, and the conversion yields with and without borate were reduced to 22 and 9.6%, respectively, at 30 days. In contrast, the activities of the immobilized I33L S213C variant with and without borate did not decrease during the operation time of 30 days. These results suggest that the I33L S213C variant may be useful as an industrial producer of
d
-psicose.
The Microbial Carbon Pump: from Genes to Ecosystems
Authors: Jiao Nianzhi , Zheng Qiang 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

The majority of marine dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is resistant to biological degradation and thus can remain in the water column for thousands of years, constituting carbon sequestration in the ocean. To date the origin of such recalcitrant DOC (RDOC) is unclear. A recently proposed conceptual framework, the microbial carbon pump (MCP), emphasizes the microbial transformation of organic carbon from labile to recalcitrant states. The MCP is concerned with both microbial uptakes and outputs of DOC compounds, covering a wide range from gene to ecosystem levels. In this minireview, the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter is used as an example for the microbial processing of DOC at the genetic level. The compositions of the ABC transporter genes of the two major marine bacterial clades
Roseobacter
and SAR11 demonstrate that they have distinct patterns in DOC utilization:
Roseobacter
strains have the advantage of taking up carbohydrate DOC, while SAR11 bacteria prefer nitrogen-containing DOC. At the ecosystem level, bacterially derived RDOC based on
d
-amino acid biomarkers is reported to be responsible for about a quarter of the total marine RDOC pool. Under future global warming scenarios, partitioning of primary production into DOC could be enhanced, and thus the MCP could play an even more important role in carbon sequestration by the ocean. Joint efforts to study the MCP from multiple disciplines are required to obtain a better understanding of ocean carbon cycle and its coupling with global change.
Evolution of Secondary Metabolite Genes in Three Closely Related Marine Actinomycete Species
Authors: Freel Kelle C. , Nam Sang-Jip , Fenical William , Jensen Paul R. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

The marine actinomycete genus
Salinispora
is composed of three closely related species. These bacteria are a rich source of secondary metabolites, which are produced in species-specific patterns. This study examines the distribution and phylogenetic relationships of genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in the salinosporamide and staurosporine classes, which have been reported for
S. tropica
and
S. arenicola
, respectively. The focus is on “
Salinispora pacifica
,” the most recently discovered and phylogenetically diverse member of the genus. Of 61
S. pacifica
strains examined, 15 tested positive for a ketosynthase (KS) domain linked to the biosynthesis of salinosporamide K, a new compound in the salinosporamide series. Compound production was confirmed in two strains, and the domain phylogeny supports vertical inheritance from a common ancestor shared with
S. tropica
, which produces related compounds in the salinosporamide series. There was no evidence for interspecies recombination among
salA
KS sequences, providing further support for the geographic isolation of these two salinosporamide-producing lineages. In addition, staurosporine production is reported for the first time for
S. pacifica
, with 24 of 61 strains testing positive for
staD
, a key gene involved in the biosynthesis of this compound. High levels of recombination were observed between
staD
alleles in
S. pacifica
and the cooccurring yet more distantly related
S. arenicola
, which produces a similar series of staurosporines. The distributions and phylogenies of the biosynthetic genes examined provide insight into the complex processes driving the evolution of secondary metabolism among closely related bacterial species.
Opinions of patients with cancer on the relative importance of place of death in the context of a ‘good death’
Authors: Waghorn Melanie , Young Holly , Davies Andrew 
Published: August 2011

ObjectiveThe primary objective of the study was to determine the relative importance of place of death to patients with advanced cancer being treated at a cancer centre in England.MethodsDemographic data were collected from the electronic patient record system, with additional information obtained from the patients themselves. Patients were questioned about a variety of end of life issues, including preferred place of death (PPD), and ‘acceptable’ places of death. They were also asked to rank the importance of factors previously linked to a ‘good death’.Results120 patients participated in the study. 51 (42.5%) patients stated that ‘home’ was their PPD, while 80 (67%) patients stated that home was an acceptable place of death. Patients from areas with worse deprivation scores were less likely to want to die at home than patients from areas with better deprivation scores (p=0.03). The most important factors associated with a good death were ‘to have my pain/symptoms well controlled’, ‘to not be a burden to my family’ and ‘to have sorted out my personal affairs’ respectively. Place of death was ranked as the seventh most important factor.DiscussionPlace of death is undoubtedly an important factor in achieving a good death for some patients and carers. However, for others a home death is either unimportant or to be avoided. The results of this study, and the results of similar studies, suggest that place of death may not be a good marker of the quality of end of life care.
Patients with pancreatic cancer and relatives talk about preferred place of death and what influenced their preferences: a qualitative study: Table 1
Authors: Chapple Alison , Evans Julie , McPherson Ann , Payne Sheila 
Published: August 2011

ObjectiveTo explore reasons why people with pancreatic cancer, who are reaching the end of their lives, say they wish to die at home or elsewhere, and why preferences may change.DesignQualitative study using semistructured interviews followed by thematic analysis.SettingRespondents recruited from different parts of the UK during 2009/2010.Participants16 people with experience of pancreatic cancer (8 patients and 8 bereaved relatives) who discussed place of death in detail during an in-depth interview (from a total sample of 32 people with pancreatic cancer and eight relatives of others who had died of this disease).ResultsPeople's preferences were affected by their perceptions and previous experiences of care available at home, in a hospice or hospital. Preferences were also shaped by fears about possible loss of dignity, or fears of becoming a burden. Some people thought that a home death might leave bad memories for other members of the family. People with pancreatic cancer and their relatives were aware that preferences might change (or had changed) as death approached.ConclusionsThe National Health Service End of Life Care Strategy for England seeks to meet the needs of people who are dying and promotes better support for home deaths. More information is needed about why patients hold different views about place of care and place of death, why patients' preferences change and what importance patients attach to place of death. Health professionals should bear this in mind if the subject is raised during advance care planning.
Proximity to vacant buildings is associated with increased fire risk in Baltimore, Maryland, homes
Authors: Schachterle Stephen E , Bishai David , Shields Wendy , Stepnitz Rebecca , Gielen Andrea C 
Published: August 2011

BackgroundFires and burns are a leading cause of unintentional injury death in the USA. Although it has been anecdotally reported that vacant dwellings are at a higher risk for fire, the association between vacancy and fire risk at the individual household level has not been empirically measured.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, geocoded residential vacant properties (VP) and fire events are analysed in Baltimore City at the census tract level and the individual household level.ResultsOn average, a 10% increase in the proportion of vacancies in a census tract was associated with a 9.9% increase in fires (95% CI: 5% to 15%). Random-effects Poisson models, controlling for housing and neighbourhood conditions, found contagion effects. The risk of fire in an occupied dwelling increased by 8% (95% CI: 1% to 10%) for every vacant structure within 10 m, and the risk of fire decreased by half (95% CI: 45% to 62%) for every km between an occupied dwelling and vacant building. Close proximity to VP was associated with trash fires within dwellings (p=0.039) and structure fires (p=0.012).ConclusionsWe believe that this is the first study to demonstrate increased risk posed by nearby VP at the household level, confirming earlier ecological analyses of the role of VP as strong correlates of home fires. Measurement of this risk can motivate property owners, policy makers and insurers to invest in risk reduction measures that include building maintenance and trash removal.
Prevalence of helmet use by users of bicycles, push scooters, inline skates and skateboards in Toronto and the surrounding area in the absence of comprehensive legislation: an observational study
Authors: Page Jessica L , Macpherson Alison K , Middaugh-Bonney Tara , Tator Charles H 
Published: August 2011

BackgroundLegislation in the province of Ontario, Canada, mandates users under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when they ride a bicycle, and legislation has been shown to significantly increase rates of bicycle helmet use. Legislation does not exist in Ontario for older bicyclists or for users of other non-motorised modes of transportation, and there are no current data available regarding rates of helmet use in these categories. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of helmet use among users of bicycles, skateboards, push scooters and inline skates in Toronto, Ontario, and the surrounding area. Further analysis was performed to examine factors associated with helmet use.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional, observational study. Three trained, stationary observers captured 6038 users of bicycles (5783), skateboards (77), inline skates (165) and push scooters (13) in the summer of 2009. Observations were separated into three time periods capturing commuters, midday users and recreational users. A general linear model was used to assess the factors associated with helmet use among bicyclists.ResultsHelmets were worn by 48.9% of all users observed and 50.0% of all bicyclists. Among bicyclists, females were more likely to wear helmets than males (prevalence ratio 1.27, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.36), while children were significantly more likely to wear helmets than adults (prevalence ratio 1.17, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.15). Significant behavioural variation was observed among users during the three observation periods (p<0.001), with commuters being the most likely to wear a helmet.ConclusionIn the absence of comprehensive legislation encompassing all ages of users, only half of users of non-motorised, wheeled transportation devices are choosing to wear a helmet to protect against traumatic brain injury. Implementation of evidence-based strategies to increase helmet use, such as the introduction of legislation encompassing all ages and all equipment, is required.
Association of cardiac and non-cardiac chronic disease comorbidity on glycaemic control in a multi-ethnic population with type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mehta R L , Davies M J , Ali S , Taub N A , Stone M A , Baker R , McNally P G , Lawrence I G , Khunti K 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

Aims
To determine the prevalence of chronic disease comorbidity in south Asians (SAs) and white Europeans (WEs) with diabetes and to quantify the relationship of cardiac disease comorbidity (CDCM) and non-cardiac disease comorbidity (NCCM) to glycaemic control in SAs and WEs with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods
A cross-sectional study using a database of patients of SA (25.5%) and WE (74.5%) origin attending a specialist diabetes clinic in the UK between 2003 and 2005 (n=5664).

Results
The prevalence of SAs and WEs with type 1 diabetes was 12% and 88%, respectively; for those with type 2 diabetes the prevalence was 30% and 70%, respectively. Overall, the prevalence of comorbidity in people with type 1 diabetes was 25.5% and with type 2 diabetes was 47%. NCCM was more prevalent in WEs than SAs (17.6% vs 12.8%, p&lt;0.001). In type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of suboptimal glycaemic control was significantly greater in SAs compared to WEs with NCCM and CDCM (79% vs 62%, p&lt;0.001; 78% vs 65%, p&lt;0.001, respectively). SAs with type 2 diabetes and comorbidity had excess odds of suboptimal glycaemic control compared to WEs: OR 2.27 (95% CI 1.50 to 3.43) for those with NCCM and OR 1.91 (95% CI 1.49 to 2.44) for those with CDCM.

Conclusions
The prevalence of CDCM is higher in SAs compared to WEs with type 2 diabetes, whereas the prevalence of NCCM is higher in WEs compared to SAs. Taking into account comorbidities, SAs (compared to WEs) with type 2 diabetes had an excess risk of having HbA1c ≥7% ranging from 1.86- to 2.27-fold. Further research is needed to identify the reasons for unfavourable metabolic conditions in SAs and also develop and evaluate interventions.
Climatic effects on the reproductive biology of Caiman latirostris (Crocodylia: Alligatoridae)
Authors: Larriera Alejandro , Simoncini Melina Soledad , Cruz Félix Benjamín , Piña Carlos Ignacio 
Published: August 2011

AbstractReproductive aspects, like number of nests produced per season or clutch size (number of eggs per nest), of broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) may be affected by a climatic variables such as rainfall and temperature. The success of caiman reproduction is not only affected by the amount of rainfall, but also by the time elapsed during which it takes place. In this study, we present evidence of a positive relationship between the number of nests produced and the amount of precipitation on the water heads (“Bajos Submeridionales”) during March. Surprisingly, there was not a significant relationship when considering local rainfall and temperature. During one event of El Niño phenomena the number of caiman nests was the highest in eight years of monitoring, besides a remarkable low number of nests were produced during La Niña. There was not a significant relationship between clutch size and rainfall or temperature. This information is useful for the ranching programs, because managers will be able to estimate, nine months in advance, the number of nests for harvesting. Another positive aspect is that this information can be used to establish nests' searching strategies, and number of eggs to incubate and hatchlings to raise. Thus, this will help planning management strategies in support of conservation efforts for the species during extreme climatic events.
The superpopulation approach for estimating the population size of 'prolonged' breeding amphibians: Examples from Europe
Authors: Pellet Jérôme , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Wagner Norman , Lötters Stefan , Schmitt Thomas 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIndividual members of a population of 'prolonged' breeding amphibian species are asynchronously present at their breeding sites. Therefore, population size estimates can be misleading when based on commonly used closed or open-population capture-mark-recapture approaches. The superpopulation approach, a modified Jolly-Seber model, has been successfully applied in taxa other than amphibians with distinct migratory behaviour and where individuals are asynchronously present at the sampling site. In this paper, we suggest that the superpopulation approach is a useful population size estimator for 'prolonged' breeding amphibian species. Two case studies on European anurans show that superpopulation estimates are much higher than simple population counts. A simulation study showed that superpopulation estimates are unbiased but that accuracy can be low when either survival or detection probabilities (or both) are low. We recommend the superpopulation approach because it matches the natural history and phenology of amphibian species with prolonged breeding seasons.
Unique courtship and spawning behaviour in the wrinkled frog, Nyctibatrachus humayuni
Authors: Gramapurohit Narahari P. , Gosavi Sachin M. , Phuge Samadhan K. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractFrogs of the genus Nyctibatrachus (family Nyctibatrachidae) exhibit a unique reproductive behaviour. They may completely lack or have an abbreviated amplexus, deposit terrestrial eggs and even offer paternal care. We studied the courtship and spawning behaviour of Nyctibatrachus humayuni from Matheran located in the northern region of the Western Ghats of India. The breeding season of N. humayuni coincides with the onset of south-west monsoon. Adult males vocalise from their calling sites on wet rocks/dead logs that often harbour egg clutches and females approach the calling males, resulting in a loose cephalic amplexus that lasts up to 10 minutes. The male dismounts and sits aside; then the female deposits the eggs and moves away from the spawning site or into the water. The mean clutch size and the egg diameter are found to be 30.3 ± 1.89 and 2.44 ± 0.04 mm, respectively. Once the female moves away following spawning, the male slowly moves on to the eggs and fertilises them. The males of N. humayuni appear to be territorial and offer parental care by attending the eggs only during night. Paternal egg attendance most probably reduces the risk of predation by nocturnal predators.
Embodied Signs of Elite Distinction:Franco-Mauritians’ White Skin-Colour in the Face of Change
Authors: Salverda Tijo 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis article examines the symbolic elite distinction of the Franco-Mauritians’ white skin colour, as a contribution to literature on symbols of elite distinction. The case study is set to analyse how Franco-Mauritians’ white skin colour works as a sign of elite distinction in addition to cultural differences between them and other Mauritians - which are influenced by labour division and reinforced by the structure of Mauritian society. The article underlines the intricacy of physical appearance in the transition from the colonial period (ending in 1968) to independence. It also shows how such embodied signs are persistent and ambiguous.
A Rural Jewish Community in Late Roman Mesopotamia, and the Question of a “Split” Jewish Diaspora
Authors: Millar Fergus 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis paper emphasises the significance of Syriac evidence for the history of the Jewish Diaspora, and then focuses on an episode in the Syriac Lives of the Eastern Saints by John of Ephesus, which records the demolition by the local Christians of the synagogue of a Jewish community established in a village in the territory of Amida. The significance of this story is explored in two inter-related ways. Firstly, there is the relevance of Syriac-speaking Christianity which, like Judaism, was practised on both sides of the Roman-Sasanid border. Secondly, the article suggests that the presence of Jewish communities in those areas of the Roman empire where Syriac or other dialects of Aramaic were spoken complicates the recently-proposed conception of a “split” Jewish Diaspora, of which a large part was unable to receive rabbinic writings because it knew only Greek. But for Jews living in areas where Aramaic or Syriac was spoken, there should have been no major linguistic barrier to the reception of the rabbinic learning of either Palestine or Babylonia.