bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of an Skp-Like Protein, PGN_0300, in the Type IX Secretion System of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Taguchi Yuko , Sato Keiko , Yukitake Hideharu , Inoue Tetsuyoshi , Nakayama Masaaki , Naito Mariko , Kondo Yoshio , Kano Konami , Hoshino Tomonori , Nakayama Koji , Takashiba Shogo , Ohara Naoya 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

The oral Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium
Porphyromonas gingivalis
is an important pathogen involved in chronic periodontitis. Among its virulence factors, the major extracellular proteinases, Arg-gingipain and Lys-gingipain, are of interest given their abilities to degrade host proteins and process other virulence factors. Gingipains possess C-terminal domains (CTDs) and are translocated to the cell surface or into the extracellular milieu by the type IX secretion system (T9SS). Gingipains contribute to the colonial pigmentation of the bacterium on blood agar. In this study, Omp17, the PGN_0300 gene product, was found in the outer membrane fraction. A mutant lacking Omp17 did not show pigmentation on blood agar and showed reduced proteolytic activity of the gingipains. CTD-containing proteins were released from bacterial cells without cleavage of the CTDs in the
omp17
mutant. Although synthesis of the anionic polysaccharide (A-LPS) was not affected in the
omp17
mutant, the processing of and A-LPS modification of CTD-containing proteins was defective. PorU, a C-terminal signal peptidase that cleaves the CTDs of other CTD-containing proteins, was not detected in any membrane fraction of the
omp17
mutant, suggesting that the defective maturation of CTD-containing proteins by impairment of Omp17 is partly due to loss of function of PorU. In the mouse subcutaneous infection experiment, the
omp17
mutant was less virulent than the wild type. These results suggested that Omp17 is involved in
P. gingivalis
virulence.
Sarcosine Catabolism in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Is Transcriptionally Regulated by SouR
Authors: Willsey Graham G. , Wargo Matthew J. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Sarcosine (
N
-methylglycine) is present in many environments inhabited by pseudomonads and is likely most often encountered as an intermediate in the metabolism of choline, carnitine, creatine, and glyphosate. While the enzymology of sarcosine metabolism has been relatively well studied in bacteria, the regulatory mechanisms governing catabolism have remained largely unknown. We previously determined that the sarcosine-catabolic (
sox
) operon of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is induced by the AraC family regulator GbdR in response to glycine betaine and dimethylglycine. However, induction of these genes was still observed in response to sarcosine in a
gbdR
deletion mutant, indicating that an independent sarcosine-responsive transcription factor also acted at this locus. Our goal in this study was to identify and characterize this regulator. Using a transposon-based genetic screen, we identified PA4184, or SouR (
s
arcosine
o
xidation and
u
tilization
r
egulator), as the sarcosine-responsive regulator of the
sox
operon, with tight induction specificity for sarcosine. The
souR
gene is required for appreciable growth on sarcosine as a carbon and nitrogen source. We also characterized the transcriptome response to sarcosine governed by SouR using microarray analyses and performed electrophoretic mobility shift assays to identify promoters directly regulated by the transcription factor. Finally, we characterized PA3630, or GfnR (
g
lutathione-dependent
f
ormaldehyde
n
eutralization
r
egulator), as the regulator of the glutathione-dependent formaldehyde detoxification system in
P. aeruginosa
that is expressed in response to formaldehyde released during the catabolism of sarcosine. This study expands our understanding of sarcosine metabolic regulation in bacteria through the identification and characterization of the first known sarcosine-responsive transcriptional regulator.

IMPORTANCE
The
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
genome encodes many diverse metabolic pathways, yet the specific transcription regulators controlling their expression remain mostly unknown. Here, we used a genetic screen to identify the sarcosine-specific regulator of the sarcosine oxidase operon, which we have named SouR. SouR is the first bacterial regulator shown to respond to sarcosine, and it is required for growth on sarcosine. Sarcosine is found in its free form and is also an intermediate in the catabolic pathways of glycine betaine, carnitine, creatine, and glyphosate. The similarity of SouR to the regulators of carnitine and glycine betaine catabolism suggests evolutionary diversification within this regulatory family to allow response to structurally similar but physiologically distinct ligands.
Pilot study of a cluster randomised trial of a guided e-learning health promotion intervention for managers based on management standards for the improvement of employee well-being and reduction of sickness absence: GEM Study
Authors: Stansfeld Stephen A , Kerry Sally , Chandola Tarani , Russell Jill , Berney Lee , Hounsome Natalia , Lanz Doris , Costelloe Céire , Smuk Melanie , Bhui Kamaldeep 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate the feasibility of recruitment, adherence and likely effectiveness of an e-learning intervention for managers to improve employees’ well-being and reduce sickness absence.MethodsThe GEM Study (guided e-learning for managers) was a mixed methods pilot cluster randomised trial. Employees were recruited from four mental health services prior to randomising three services to the intervention and one to no-intervention control. Intervention managers received a facilitated e-learning programme on work-related stress. Main outcomes were Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), 12-item GHQ and sickness absence <21 days from human resources. 35 in-depth interviews were undertaken with key informants, managers and employees, and additional observational data collected.Results424 of 649 (65%) employees approached consented, of whom 350 provided WEMWBS at baseline and 284 at follow-up; 41 managers out of 49 were recruited from the three intervention clusters and 21 adhered to the intervention. WEMWBS scores fell from 50.4–49.0 in the control (n=59) and 51.0–49.9 in the intervention (n=225), giving an intervention effect of 0.5 (95% CI −3.2 to 4.2). 120/225 intervention employees had a manager who was adherent to the intervention. HR data on sickness absence (n=393) showed no evidence of effect. There were no effects on GHQ score or work characteristics. Online quiz knowledge scores increased across the study in adherent managers. Qualitative data provided a rich picture of the context within which the intervention took place and managers’ and employees’ experiences of it.ConclusionsA small benefit from the intervention on well-being was explained by the mixed methods approach, implicating a low intervention uptake by managers and suggesting that education alone may be insufficient. A full trial of the guided e-learning intervention and economic evaluation is feasible. Future research should include more active encouragement of manager motivation, reflection and behaviour change.Trial Registration numberISRCTN58661009.
Prevalence of vestibular dysfunction and associated factors in South Korea
Authors: Koo Ja-Won , Chang Mun Young , Woo Sook-young , Kim Seonwoo , Cho Yang-Sun 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo report the nationwide prevalence of dizziness and vestibular dysfunction in the Korean population and determine the associated factors.DesignCross-sectional analysis of a nationwide health survey.MethodsWe obtained data from the 2009 to 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, which were cross-sectional surveys of the South Korean civilian, non-institutionalised population aged 40 years and older (N=3267). A field survey team performed interviews and physical examinations. Structured questionnaires were handed out and balance function tests using the modified Romberg test of standing balance on firm and compliant support surfaces were performed on participants. Failure on the modified Romberg test was regarded to indicate vestibular dysfunction.ResultsThe prevalence of dizziness during the past year was 16.70% (95% CI 14.65% to 18.76%). The presence of vestibular dysfunction was noted in 1.84% (95% CI 1.18% to 2.51%). In addition, the prevalence of experiencing falls and positional dizziness were 1.46% (95% CI 0.87% to 2.06%) and 1.73% (95% CI 1.17% to 2.29%), respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that dizziness was associated with increased age, female gender, hearing loss and stress. Vestibular dysfunction was associated with increased age, history of dizziness and hearing loss.ConclusionsVertigo and dizziness are the greatest contributors to the burden of disability in the aged population. Screening for dizziness and vestibular dysfunction, and management of associated factors might be important for improving compromised quality of life due to postural imbalance caused by vestibular problems.
Acupuncture for treating alopecia areata: a protocol of systematic review of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Jun Ji Hee , Lee Ju Ah , Lim Hyun-Ja , Lim Hyun-Suk , Lee Myeong Soo 
Published: October 2015

IntroductionAcupuncture is frequently used in dermatology for treating a number of skin disorders. There is no critically appraised evidence of the potential benefits and harm of acupuncture for alopecia areata (AA). This review aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for the management of AA in randomised clinical trials (RCTs).Methods and analysis13 databases will be searched from their inception. These include PubMed, AMED, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, 6 Korean medical databases (Koreanstudies Information Service System, DBPIA, The Town Society of Science Technology, Research Information Sharing Service, KoreaMed and the Korean National Assembly Library), 3 Chinese Databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) and the Wanfang Database). Only randomised clinical trials (RCTs) using any type of acupuncture for AA will be considered. The selection of the studies, data abstraction and validation will be performed independently by two researchers. Methodological quality will be assessed with Cochrane risk of bias.DisseminationThe systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The review will also be disseminated electronically and in print. Updates of the review will be conducted to inform and guide the healthcare practice and policy.Trial registration numberPROSPERO 2015: CRD42015020397.
The Health and Sport Engagement (HASE) Intervention and Evaluation Project: protocol for the design, outcome, process and economic evaluation of a complex community sport intervention to increase levels of physical activity
Authors: Mansfield Louise , Anokye Nana , Fox-Rushby Julia , Kay Tess 
Published: October 2015

IntroductionSport is being promoted to raise population levels of physical activity for health. National sport participation policy focuses on complex community provision tailored to diverse local users. Few quality research studies exist that examine the role of community sport interventions in raising physical activity levels and no research to date has examined the costs and cost-effectiveness of such provision. This study is a protocol for the design, outcome, process and economic evaluation of a complex community sport intervention to increase levels of physical activity, the Health and Sport Engagement (HASE) project part of the national Get Healthy Get Active programme led by Sport England.Methods and analysisThe HASE study is a collaborative partnership between local community sport deliverers and sport and public health researchers. It involves designing, delivering and evaluating community sport interventions. The aim is to engage previously inactive people in sustained sporting activity for 1×30 min a week and to examine associated health and well-being outcomes. The study uses mixed methods. Outcomes (physical activity, health, well-being costs to individuals) will be measured by a series of self-report questionnaires and attendance data and evaluated using interrupted time series analysis controlling for a range of sociodemographic factors. Resource use will be identified and measured using diaries, interviews and records and presented alongside effectiveness data as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. A longitudinal process evaluation (focus groups, structured observations, in-depth interview methods) will examine the efficacy of the project for achieving its aim using the principles of thematic analysis.Ethics and disseminationThe results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, academic conference presentations, Sport England and national public health organisation policy conferences, and practice-based case studies. Ethical approval was obtained through Brunel University London's research ethics committee (reference number RE33—12).
Multimorbidity in elderly hospitalised patients and risk ofClostridium difficileinfection: a retrospective study with the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS)
Authors: Ticinesi Andrea , Nouvenne Antonio , Folesani Giuseppina , Prati Beatrice , Morelli Ilaria , Guida Loredana , Turroni Francesca , Ventura Marco , Lauretani Fulvio , Maggio Marcello , Meschi Tiziana 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo identify the role of chronic comorbidities, considered together in a literature-validated index (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, CIRS), and antibiotic or proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) treatments as risk factors for hospital-acquiredClostridium difficileinfection (CDI) in elderly multimorbid hospitalised patients.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingSubacute hospital geriatric care ward in Italy.Participants505 (238 male (M), 268 female (F)) elderly (age ≥65) multimorbid patients.Main outcome measuresThe relationship between CDI and CIRS Comorbidity Score, number of comorbidities, antibiotic, antifungal and PPI treatments, and length of hospital stay was assessed through age-adjusted and sex-adjusted and multivariate logistic regression models. The CIRS Comorbidity Score was handled after categorisation in quartiles.ResultsMean age was 80.7±11.3 years. 43 patients (22 M, 21 F) developed CDI. The prevalence of CDI increased among quartiles of CIRS Comorbidity Score (3.9% first quartile vs 11.1% fourth quartile, age-adjusted and sex-adjusted p=0.03). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients in the highest quartile of CIRS Comorbidity Score (≥17) carried a significantly higher risk of CDI (OR 5.07, 95% CI 1.28 to 20.14, p=0.02) than patients in the lowest quartile (<9). The only other variable significantly associated with CDI was antibiotic therapy (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.21 to 5.66, p=0.01). PPI treatment was not associated with CDI.ConclusionsMultimorbidity, measured through CIRS Comorbidity Score, is independently associated with the risk of CDI in a population of elderly patients with prolonged hospital stay.
Protocol for the Care-IS Trial: a randomised controlled trial of a supportive educational intervention for carers of patients with high-grade glioma (HGG)
Authors: Halkett Georgia K B , Lobb Elizabeth A , Miller Lisa , Phillips Jane L , Shaw Thérése , Moorin Rachael , Long Anne , King Anne , Clarke Jenny , Fewster Stephanie , Hudson Peter , Agar Meera , Nowak Anna K 
Published: October 2015

IntroductionHigh-grade glioma (HGG) is a rapidly progressive and debilitating disease. Primary carers experience significant levels of distress which impacts on their experience of caregiving, the quality of care received and the community in terms of the increased reliance on healthcare due to the potential development of complicated grief. This paper describes the protocol for testing the efficacy and feasibility of an intervention for primary carers of patients with HGG in order to improve preparedness to care and reduce carer distress.MethodsRandomised controlled trial. The target population is carers of patients with HGG who are undergoing combined chemoradiotherapy. The intervention consists of 4 components: (1) initial telephone assessment of unmet needs of the carer, (2) tailoring of a personalised resource folder, (3) home visit, (4) ongoing monthly telephone contact and support for 12 months. The control arm will receive usual care.Primary hypothesisThis intervention will improve preparedness for caring and reduce carer psychological distress.Secondary hypothesisThis intervention will reduce carer unmet needs. The longer term aim of the intervention is to reduce patient healthcare resource utilisation and, by doing so, reduce costs. Assessments will be obtained at baseline, 8 weeks post intervention, then 4, 6 and 12 months. Participants will also complete a healthcare utilisation checklist and proxy performance status which will be assessed at baseline and monthly. 240 carers will be recruited. The sample size is 180. Multilevel mixed effects regression models will be applied to test the effect of the intervention.EthicsEthics approval has been gained from Curtin University and the participating sites.DisseminationResults will be reported in international peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registration (ACTRN)12612001147875.
miR-19a and SOCS-1 expression in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal (glottic) verrucous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Marioni Gino , Agostini Marco , Cappellesso Rocco , Bedin Chiara , Ottaviano Giancarlo , Marchese-Ragona Rosario , Lovato Andrea , Cacco Tommaso , Giacomelli Luciano , Nitti Donato , Blandamura Stella , Stellini Edoardo , de Filippis Cosimo 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundLaryngeal verrucous squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the diagnosis of which can meet with many pitfalls: benign hyperplastic lesions and conventional SCC are the most important differential diagnoses. The microRNA miR-19a is overexpressed in many solid tumours and regulates the suppressor of cytokine signalling-1 (SOCS-1) expression.AimsThe main endpoints were to assess miR-19a and SOCS-1 expression in glottic VSCC, and the former's potential role in differentiating between glottic VSCC, conventional SCC and hyperplastic lesions.MethodsThe expression of MiR-19a (by reverse transcription and quantitative real-time PCR) and SOCS-1 (by immunohistochemistry, rabbit polyclonal anti-SOCS-1 antibody) was assessed in 11 consecutive cases of glottic VSCC, 20 of papillary hyperplasia and 42 cases of conventional SCC.ResultsMean miR-19a expression was significantly higher (p=0.000) in malignant glottic lesions (conventional SCC/VSCC) than in benign conditions. Significant differences in mean miR-19a expression also emerged between conventional SCC and papillary hyperplasia (p=0.000), and between conventional SCC and VSCC (p=0.03). miR-19a expression was not statistically associated with SOCS-1 immunoreactivity or immunostaining intensity in VSCC, conventional SCC or papillary hyperplasia.ConclusionsOur preliminary outcomes suggest the utility of miR-19a in the challenging differential diagnosis of laryngeal VSCC. Although miR-19a has been found to regulate SOCS-1 expression, this evidence was not confirmed by this investigation.
Electronic, optical and thermal properties of TiCr2 and TiMn2 by ab initio simulations
Authors: Ali M. S. , Roknuzzaman M. , Parvin R. , Islam A. K. M. A. , Ostrikov K. 
Published: October 2015

A theoretical study of TiX2 (X = Cr, Mn) with C14 Laves phase compounds has been performed by using the first-principles pseudopotential plane-wave method within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The electronic properties (Fermi surface and charge density) have been calculated and analyzed. The optical characteristics (dielectric functions, absorption spectrum, conductivity, energy-loss spectrum and reflectivity) are calculated and discussed. The calculated large positive static dielectric constant indicates good dielectric properties. The reflectivity of TiX2 (X = Cr, Mn) is high in the IR–Visible–UV region up to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]13 eV showing promise as a good solar heating barrier material. The temperature and pressure dependence of bulk modulus, Debye temperature, specific heats and thermal expansion coefficient are obtained for T = 1200 K and P = 50 GPa through quasi-harmonic Debye model with phononic effects. Fermi surface, optical and thermodynamic properties are very important for practical applications of the materials in optical and other devices.
Anisotropic Gaussian mutations for metropolis light transport through Hessian-Hamiltonian dynamics
Authors: Li Tzu-Mao , Lehtinen Jaakko , Ramamoorthi Ravi , Jakob Wenzel , Durand Frédo 
Published: October 2015

The simulation of light transport in the presence of multi-bounce glossy effects and motion is challenging because the integrand is high dimensional and areas of high-contribution tend to be narrow and hard to sample. We present a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) rendering algorithm that extends Metropolis Light Transport by automatically and explicitly adapting to the local shape of the integrand, thereby increasing the acceptance rate. Our algorithm characterizes the local behavior of throughput in path space using its gradient as well as its Hessian. In particular, the Hessian is able to capture the strong anisotropy of the integrand. We obtain the derivatives using automatic differentiation, which makes our solution general and easy to extend to additional sampling dimensions such as time.
However, the resulting second order Taylor expansion is not a proper distribution and cannot be used directly for importance sampling. Instead, we use ideas from Hamiltonian Monte-Carlo and simulate the Hamiltonian dynamics in a flipped version of the Taylor expansion where gravity pulls particles towards the high-contribution region. Whereas such methods usually require numerical integration, we show that our quadratic landscape leads to a closed-form anisotropic Gaussian distribution for the final particle positions, and it results in a standard Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. Our method excels at rendering glossy-to-glossy reflections on small and highly curved surfaces. Furthermore, unlike previous work that derives sampling anisotropy with pen and paper and only considers specific effects such as specular BSDFs, we characterize the local shape of throughput through automatic differentiation. This makes our approach very general. In particular, our method is the first MCMC rendering algorithm that is able to resolve the anisotropy in the time dimension and render difficult moving caustics.
Large-scale bounded distortion mappings
Authors: Kovalsky Shahar Z. , Aigerman Noam , Basri Ronen , Lipman Yaron 
Published: October 2015

We propose an efficient algorithm for computing large-scale bounded distortion maps of triangular and tetrahedral meshes. Specifically, given an initial map, we compute a similar map whose differentials are orientation preserving and have bounded condition number.
Inspired by alternating optimization and Gauss-Newton approaches, we devise a first order method which combines the advantages of both. On the one hand, its iterations are as computationally efficient as those of alternating optimization. On the other hand, it enjoys preferable convergence properties, associated with Gauss-Newton like approaches.
We demonstrate the utility of the proposed approach in efficiently solving geometry processing problems, focusing on challenging large-scale problems.