bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Responses of sex steroid hormones to different intensities of exercise in endurance athletes
Authors: Sato Koji , Iemitsu Motoyuki , Katayama Keisho , Ishida Koji , Kanao Yoji , Saito Mitsuru 
Published: October 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
What is the effect of different exercise intensities on sex steroid hormone concentrations in individuals with different degrees of physical fitness?

What is the main finding and its importance?
In endurance athletes, serum concentrations of sex steroid hormones increased only with high‐intensity exercise. Moreover, different responses of sex steroid hormone secretions were induced by different exercise intensities in individuals with low and high levels of physical fitness.

Previous studies have shown that acute exercise elevates sex steroid hormone concentrations in rodents and that sprint exercise increases circulating testosterone in healthy young men. However, the effect of different exercise intensities on sex steroid hormone responses at different levels of physical fitness is still unclear. In this study, we compared circulating sex steroid hormone responses at different exercise intensities in athletes and non‐athletes. Eight male endurance athletes and 11 non‐athletes performed two 15 min sessions of submaximal exercise at 40 and 70% peak oxygen uptake (), respectively, and exercised at 90% until exhaustion. Venous blood samples were collected during the last minute of each submaximal exercise session and immediately after exhaustion. Acute exercise at 40, 70 and 90% induced significant increases in serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and free testosterone concentrations in non‐athletes. On the contrary, only 90% exercise led to an increase in serum DHEA and free testosterone concentrations in athletes. Serum 5α‐dihydrotestosterone concentrations increased with 90% exercise in both athletes and non‐athletes. Additionally, serum estradiol concentrations were significantly increased at moderate and high exercise intensities in both athletes and non‐athletes. These results indicate that in endurance athletes, serum sex steroid hormone concentrations, especially serum DHEA and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone concentrations, increased only with high‐intensity exercise, suggesting that different responses of sex steroid hormone secretion are induced by different exercise intensities in individuals with low and high levels of physical fitness. In athletes, therefore, high‐intensity exercise may be required to increase circulating sex steroid hormone concentrations.
A Branch Point of Streptomyces Sulfur Amino Acid Metabolism Controls the Production of Albomycin
Authors: Kulkarni Aditya , Zeng Yu , Zhou Wei , Van Lanen Steven , Zhang Weiwen , Chen Shawn 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Albomycin (ABM), also known as grisein, is a sulfur-containing metabolite produced by
Streptomyces griseus
ATCC 700974. Genes predicted to be involved in the biosynthesis of ABM and ABM-like molecules are found in the genomes of other actinomycetes. ABM has potent antibacterial activity, and as a result, many attempts have been made to develop ABM into a drug since the last century. Although the productivity of
S. griseus
can be increased with random mutagenesis methods, understanding of
Streptomyces
sulfur amino acid (SAA) metabolism, which supplies a precursor for ABM biosynthesis, could lead to improved and stable production. We previously characterized the gene cluster (
abm
) in the genome-sequenced
S. griseus
strain and proposed that the sulfur atom of ABM is derived from either cysteine (Cys) or homocysteine (Hcy). The gene product, AbmD, appears to be an important link between primary and secondary sulfur metabolic pathways. Here, we show that propargylglycine or iron supplementation in growth media increased ABM production by significantly changing the relative concentrations of intracellular Cys and Hcy. An SAA metabolic network of
S. griseus
was constructed. Pathways toward increasing Hcy were shown to positively impact ABM production. The
abmD
gene and five genes that increased the Hcy/Cys ratio were assembled downstream of
hrdB
p promoter sequences and integrated into the chromosome for overexpression. The ABM titer of one engineered strain, SCAK3, in a chemically defined medium was consistently improved to levels ∼400% of the wild type. Finally, we analyzed the production and growth of SCAK3 in shake flasks for further process development.
Diversity of Pseudomonas Genomes, Including Populus-Associated Isolates, as Revealed by Comparative Genome Analysis
Authors: Jun Se-Ran , Wassenaar Trudy M. , Nookaew Intawat , Hauser Loren , Wanchai Visanu , Land Miriam , Timm Collin M. , Lu Tse-Yuan S. , Schadt Christopher W. , Doktycz Mitchel J. , Pelletier Dale A. , Ussery David W. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

The
Pseudomonas
genus contains a metabolically versatile group of organisms that are known to occupy numerous ecological niches, including the rhizosphere and endosphere of many plants. Their diversity influences the phylogenetic diversity and heterogeneity of these communities. On the basis of average amino acid identity, comparative genome analysis of >1,000
Pseudomonas
genomes, including 21
Pseudomonas
strains isolated from the roots of native
Populus deltoides
(eastern cottonwood) trees resulted in consistent and robust genomic clusters with phylogenetic homogeneity. All
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
genomes clustered together, and these were clearly distinct from other
Pseudomonas
species groups on the basis of pangenome and core genome analyses. In contrast, the genomes of
Pseudomonas fluorescens
were organized into 20 distinct genomic clusters, representing enormous diversity and heterogeneity. Most of our 21
Populus
-associated isolates formed three distinct subgroups within the major
P. fluorescens
group, supported by pathway profile analysis, while two isolates were more closely related to
Pseudomonas chlororaphis
and
Pseudomonas putida
. Genes specific to
Populus
-associated subgroups were identified. Genes specific to subgroup 1 include several sensory systems that act in two-component signal transduction, a TonB-dependent receptor, and a phosphorelay sensor. Genes specific to subgroup 2 contain hypothetical genes, and genes specific to subgroup 3 were annotated with hydrolase activity. This study justifies the need to sequence multiple isolates, especially from
P. fluorescens
, which displays the most genetic variation, in order to study functional capabilities from a pangenomic perspective. This information will prove useful when choosing
Pseudomonas
strains for use to promote growth and increase disease resistance in plants.
Genetic Diversity of Clostridium sporogenes PA 3679 Isolates Obtained from Different Sources as Resolved by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis and High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Schill Kristin M. , Wang Yun , Butler Robert R. , Pombert Jean-François , Reddy N. Rukma , Skinner Guy E. , Larkin John W. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Clostridium sporogenes
PA 3679 is a nonpathogenic, nontoxic model organism for proteolytic
Clostridium botulinum
used in the validation of conventional thermal food processes due to its ability to produce highly heat-resistant endospores. Because of its public safety importance, the uncertain taxonomic classification and genetic diversity of PA 3679 are concerns. Therefore, isolates of
C. sporogenes
PA 3679 were obtained from various sources and characterized using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole-genome sequencing. The phylogenetic relatedness and genetic variability were assessed based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. All
C. sporogenes
PA 3679 isolates were categorized into two clades (clade I containing ATCC 7955 NCA3679 isolates 1961-2, 1990, and 2007 and clade II containing PA 3679 isolates NFL, UW, FDA, and Campbell and ATCC 7955 NCA3679 isolate 1961-4). The 16S maximum likelihood (ML) tree clustered both clades within proteolytic
C. botulinum
strains, with clade I forming a distinct cluster with other
C. sporogenes
non-PA 3679 strains. SNP analysis revealed that clade I isolates were more similar to the genomic reference PA 3679 (NCTC8594) genome (GenBank accession number
AGAH00000000.1
) than clade II isolates were. The genomic reference
C. sporogenes
PA 3679 (NCTC8594) genome and clade I
C. sporogenes
isolates were genetically distinct from those obtained from other sources (University of Wisconsin, National Food Laboratory, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Campbell's Soup Company). Thermal destruction studies revealed that clade I isolates were more sensitive to high temperature than clade II isolates were. Considering the widespread use of
C. sporogenes
PA 3679 and its genetic information in numerous studies, the accurate identification and genetic characterization of
C. sporogenes
PA 3679 are of critical importance.
Mechanisms of Inactivation by High-Voltage Atmospheric Cold Plasma Differ for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Han L. , Patil S. , Boehm D. , Milosavljević V. , Cullen P. J. , Bourke P. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) is a promising nonthermal technology effective against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial inactivation role when air or other oxygen-containing gases are used. With strong oxidative stress, cells can be damaged by lipid peroxidation, enzyme inactivation, and DNA cleavage. Identification of ROS and an understanding of their role are important for advancing ACP applications for a range of complex microbiological issues. In this study, the inactivation efficacy of in-package high-voltage (80 kV [root mean square]) ACP (HVACP) and the role of intracellular ROS were investigated. Two mechanisms of inactivation were observed in which reactive species were found to either react primarily with the cell envelope or damage intracellular components.
Escherichia coli
was inactivated mainly by cell leakage and low-level DNA damage. Conversely,
Staphylococcus aureus
was mainly inactivated by intracellular damage, with significantly higher levels of intracellular ROS observed and little envelope damage. However, for both bacteria studied, increasing treatment time had a positive effect on the intracellular ROS levels generated.
Ex Vivo
Application of Secreted Metabolites Produced by Soil-Inhabiting Bacillus spp. Efficiently Controls Foliar Diseases Caused by Alternaria spp
Authors: Ali Gul Shad , El-Sayed Ashraf S. A. , Patel Jaimin S. , Green Kari B. , Ali Mohammad , Brennan Mary , Norman David 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Bacterial biological control agents (BCAs) are largely used as live products to control plant pathogens. However, due to variable environmental and ecological factors, live BCAs usually fail to produce desirable results against foliar pathogens. In this study, we investigated the potential of cell-free culture filtrates of 12 different bacterial BCAs isolated from flower beds for controlling foliar diseases caused by
Alternaria
spp.
In vitro
studies showed that culture filtrates from two isolates belonging to
Bacillus subtilis
and
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
displayed strong efficacy and potencies against
Alternaria
spp. The antimicrobial activity of the culture filtrate of these two biological control agents was effective over a wider range of pH (3.0 to 9.0) and was not affected by autoclaving or proteolysis. Comparative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses showed that a complex mixture of cyclic lipopeptides, primarily of the fengycin A and fengycin B families, was significantly higher in these two BCAs than inactive
Bacillus
spp. Interaction studies with mixtures of culture filtrates of these two species revealed additive activity, suggesting that they produce similar products, which was confirmed by LC-tandem MS analyses. In
in planta
pre- and postinoculation trials, foliar application of culture filtrates of
B. subtilis
reduced lesion sizes and lesion frequencies caused by
Alternaria alternata
by 68 to 81%. Taken together, our studies suggest that instead of live bacteria, culture filtrates of
B. subtilis
and
B. amyloliquefaciens
can be applied either individually or in combination for controlling foliar diseases caused by
Alternaria
species.
Genus-Specific Primers for Study of Fusarium Communities in Field Samples
Authors: Karlsson Ida , Edel-Hermann Véronique , Gautheron Nadine , Durling Mikael Brandström , Kolseth Anna-Karin , Steinberg Christian , Persson Paula , Friberg Hanna 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTFusariumis a large and diverse genus of fungi of great agricultural and economic importance, containing many plant pathogens and mycotoxin producers. To date, high-throughput sequencing ofFusariumcommunities has been limited by the lack of genus-specific primers targeting regions with high discriminatory power at the species level. In the present study, we evaluated twoFusarium-specific primer pairs targeting translation elongation factor 1 (TEF1). We also present the new primer pair Fa+7/Ra+6. MockFusariumcommunities reflecting phylogenetic diversity were used to evaluate the accuracy of the primers in reflecting the relative abundance of the species. TEF1 amplicons were subjected to 454 high-throughput sequencing to characterizeFusariumcommunities. Field samples from soil and wheat kernels were included to test the method on more-complex material. For kernel samples, a single PCR was sufficient, while for soil samples, nested PCR was necessary. The newly developed primer pairs Fa+7/Ra+6 and Fa/Ra accurately reflectedFusariumspecies composition in mock DNA communities. In field samples, 47Fusariumoperational taxonomic units were identified, with the highestFusariumdiversity in soil. TheFusariumcommunity in soil was dominated by members of theFusarium incarnatum-Fusarium equisetispecies complex, contradicting findings in previous studies. The method was successfully applied to analyzeFusariumcommunities in soil and plant material and can facilitate further studies ofFusariumecology.
Influence of Iron on Production of the Antibacterial Compound Tropodithietic Acid and Its Noninhibitory Analog in Phaeobacter inhibens
Authors: D'Alvise Paul W. , Phippen Christopher B. W. , Nielsen Kristian F. , Gram Lone 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Tropodithietic acid (TDA) is an antibacterial compound produced by some
Phaeobacter
and
Ruegeria
spp. of the
Roseobacter
clade. TDA production is studied in marine broth or agar since antibacterial activity in other media is not observed. The purpose of this study was to determine how TDA production is influenced by substrate components. High concentrations of ferric citrate, as present in marine broth, or other iron sources were required for production of antibacterially active TDA. However, when supernatants of noninhibitory, low-iron cultures of
Phaeobacter inhibens
were acidified, antibacterial activity was detected in a bioassay. The absence of TDA in nonacidified cultures and the presence of TDA in acidified cultures were verified by liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry. A noninhibitory TDA analog (pre-TDA) was produced by
P. inhibens
,
Ruegeria mobilis
F1926, and
Phaeobacter
sp. strain 27-4 under low-iron concentrations and was instantaneously converted to TDA when pH was lowered. Production of TDA in the presence of Fe
3+
coincides with formation of a dark brown substance, which could be precipitated by acid addition. From this brown pigment TDA could be liberated slowly with aqueous ammonia, and both direct-infusion mass spectrometry and elemental analysis indicated a [Fe
III
(TDA)
2
]

x

complex. The pigment could also be produced by precipitation of pure TDA with FeCl
3
. Our results raise questions about how biologically active TDA is produced in natural marine settings where iron is typically limited and whether the affinity of TDA to iron points to a physiological or ecological function of TDA other than as an antibacterial compound.
Novel Alginate Lyase (Aly5) from a Polysaccharide-Degrading Marine Bacterium, Flammeovirga sp. Strain MY04: Effects of Module Truncation on Biochemical Characteristics, Alginate Degradation Patterns, and Oligosaccharide-Yielding Properties
Authors: Han Wenjun , Gu Jingyan , Cheng Yuanyuan , Liu Huihui , Li Yuezhong , Li Fuchuan 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Alginate lyases are important tools for oligosaccharide preparation, medical treatment, and energy bioconversion. Numerous alginate lyases have been elucidated. However, relatively little is known about their substrate degradation patterns and product-yielding properties, which is a limit to wider enzymatic applications and further enzyme improvements. Herein, we report the characterization and module truncation of Aly5, the first alginate lyase obtained from the polysaccharide-degrading bacterium
Flammeovirga
. Aly5 is a 566-amino-acid protein and belongs to a novel branch of the polysaccharide lyase 7 (PL7) superfamily. The protein rAly5 is an endolytic enzyme of alginate and associated oligosaccharides. It prefers guluronate (G) to mannuronate (M). Its smallest substrate is an unsaturated pentasaccharide, and its minimum product is an unsaturated disaccharide. The final alginate digests contain unsaturated oligosaccharides that generally range from disaccharides to heptasaccharides, with the tetrasaccharide fraction constituting the highest mass concentration. The disaccharide products are identified as ΔG units. While interestingly, the tri- and tetrasaccharide fractions each contain higher proportions of ΔG to ΔM ends, the larger final products contain only ΔM ends, which constitute a novel oligosaccharide-yielding property of guluronate lyases. The deletion of the noncatalytic region of Aly5 does not alter its M/G preference but significantly decreases the enzymatic activity and enzyme stability. Notably, the truncated protein accumulates large final oligosaccharide products but yields fewer small final products than Aly5, which are codetermined by its M/G preference to and size enlargement of degradable oligosaccharides. This study provides novel enzymatic properties and catalytic mechanisms of a guluronate lyase for potential uses and improvements.
Improving Detection of IV Infiltrates in Neonates
Authors: Driscoll, MD Colleen , Langer Melissa , Burke Susan , El Metwally, MD Dina 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNeonates and infants in the neonatal intensive care unit suffer significant morbidity when intravenous (IV) catheters infiltrate. The underreporting of adverse events through hospital voluntary reporting systems, such as ours, can complicate the monitoring of low incidence events, like IV infiltrates. Based on severe cases of IV infiltrates observed in our neonatal intensive care unit, we attempted to improve the detection of all infiltrates and reduce the incidence of Stage 4 infiltrates.We developed, and initiated the use of, an evidence-based guideline for the improved surveillance, prevention, and management of IV infiltrates, with corresponding educational interventions for faculty and staff. We instituted the use of a checklist for compliance with guidelines, and as a mechanism of surveillance.The baseline incidence rate of IV infiltrates, determined by the voluntary reporting system, was 5 per 1000 line days. Following initiation of the guidelines and checklist, the IV infiltrate rate increased to 9 per 1000 line days. In most months, the detection of IV infiltrates was improved by use of the checklist. During the post-intervention period the rate of Stage 4 infiltrates, as measured by usage of nitroglycerin ointment, was significantly reduced.In conclusion, the detection of IV infiltrates was improved following our quality improvement interventions. Further, use of an evidence-based guideline for managing infiltrates may reduce the most severe infiltrate injuries.
Assessing the utility of an online registry for patients monitoring their own warfarin therapy
Authors: McCahon Deborah , Baker Jennifer M , Murray Ellen T , Fitzmaurice David A 
Published: October 2015

AimsTo evaluate the utility of an online self-report registry for patient self-monitoring and self-management (PSM) of warfarin therapy.MethodsA prospective observational study of UK-based patients undertaking PSM and recording their international normalised ratio (INR) data via an online registry. Consenting participants recorded INR test dates, results and warfarin dosages using the online registry for a period of 12 months. Participants reported demographic data, disease characteristics and treatment-related adverse events and provided feedback via a survey. Data accuracy was assessed through comparison of INR results recorded online with results stored on 19 INR testing devices. Percentage time spent within therapeutic time in range (TTR) was also examined.ResultsEighty-seven per cent (39/45) completed the study period. Age ranged from 26 to 83 years, 44% had undertaken PSM for >5 years. Sixty-six per cent (25/38) reported that the registry was easy to navigate and use. Forty-two participants contributed a total of 1669 INR results. Agreement between self-reported INR results and source INR data was high (99%). Mean TTR was 76% (SD 18.58) with 83% having >60% TTR.ConclusionsFindings suggest that an online PSM registry is feasible, accurate and acceptable to patients. These findings require confirmation in a larger cohort of PSM patients. An online self-report registry could provide a valuable resource for gathering real world evidence of clinical effectiveness and safety of these developing models of care.
Risk Stratification Using Human Papillomavirus Testing among Women with Equivocally Abnormal Cytology: Results from a State-Wide Surveillance Program
Authors: Gage Julia C. , Hunt William C. , Schiffman Mark , Katki Hormuzd A. , Cheung Li C. , Cuzick Jack , Myers Orrin , Castle Philip E. , Wheeler Cosette M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground: Clinical guidelines for cervical cancer screening have incorporated comparative risks of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or cancer (CIN3+) for various screening outcomes to determine management. Few cohorts are large enough to distinguish CIN3+ risks among women with minor abnormalities versus negative cytology because of low incidence. The New Mexico Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Pap Registry offers a unique opportunity to evaluate cervical cancer screening in a diverse population across a broad-spectrum of health service delivery.Methods: Kaplan–Meier and logistic–Weibull survival models were used to estimate cumulative risks of CIN3+ among women ages 21 to 64 who were screened in New Mexico between 2007 and 2011 with negative, equivocal or mildly abnormal cytology, that is, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US; with or without HPV triage), or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL).Results: We identified 452,045 women meeting the selection criteria. The 3-year CIN3+ risks for women with negative, ASC-US, and LSIL cytology were 0.30%, 2.6%, and 5.2%, respectively. HPV triage of ASC-US stratified 3-year CIN3+ risks were 0.72% for HPV-negative and 7.7% for HPV-positive. Risks tended to decline after age 30 for all screening results.Conclusions: In this state-wide population-based cohort, cytology and HPV triage of ASC-US stratified women's CIN3+ risk into similar patterns observed previously, suggesting the validity of screening guidelines for diverse populations in the United States. Absolute risk estimates should be compared across other large populations.Impact: Strategies for HPV triage of ASC-US derived from clinical trials are upheld in large clinical practice settings and across diverse screening populations in the United States. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(1); 36–42. ©2015 AACR.