bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N
-Acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)-Inducible Gene
GIG2
Is a Novel Component of GlcNAc Metabolism in Candida albicans
Authors: Ghosh Swagata , Hanumantha Rao Kongara , Bhavesh Neel Sarovar , Das Gobardhan , Dwivedi Ved Prakash , Datta Asis 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Candida albicans
is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that resides in the human body as a commensal and can turn pathogenic when the host is immunocompromised. Adaptation of
C. albicans
to host niche-specific conditions is important for the establishment of pathogenicity, where the ability of
C. albicans
to utilize multiple carbon sources provides additional flexibility. One alternative sugar is
N
-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), which is now established as an important carbon source for many pathogens and can also act as a signaling molecule. Although GlcNAc catabolism has been well studied in many pathogens, the importance of several enzymes involved in the formation of metabolic intermediates still remains elusive. In this context, microarray analysis was carried out to investigate the transcriptional responses induced by GlcNAc under different conditions. A novel gene that was highly upregulated immediately following the GlcNAc catabolic genes was identified and was named
GIG2
(GlcNAc-induced gene 2). This gene is regulated in a manner distinct from that of the GlcNAc-induced genes described previously in that GlcNAc metabolism is essential for its induction. Furthermore, this gene is involved in the metabolism of
N
-acetylneuraminate (sialic acid), a molecule equally important for initial host-pathogen recognition. Mutant cells showed a considerable decrease in fungal burden in mouse kidneys and were hypersensitive to oxidative stress conditions. Since
GIG2
is also present in many other fungal and enterobacterial genomes, targeted inhibition of its activity would offer insight into the treatment of candidiasis and other fungal or enterobacterial infections.
Bacterial Competition Reveals Differential Regulation of the
pks
Genes by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Vargas-Bautista Carol , Rahlwes Kathryn , Straight Paul 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Bacillus subtilis
is adaptable to many environments in part due to its ability to produce a broad range of bioactive compounds. One such compound, bacillaene, is a linear polyketide/nonribosomal peptide. The
pks
genes encode the enzymatic megacomplex that synthesizes bacillaene. The majority of
pks
genes appear to be organized as a giant operon (>74 kb from
pksC-pksR
). In previous work (P. D. Straight, M. A. Fischbach, C. T. Walsh, D. Z. Rudner, and R. Kolter, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 104:305–310, 2007, doi:10.1073/pnas.0609073103), a deletion of the
pks
operon in
B. subtilis
was found to induce prodiginine production by
Streptomyces coelicolor
. Here, colonies of wild-type
B. subtilis
formed a spreading population that induced prodiginine production from
Streptomyces lividans
, suggesting differential regulation of
pks
genes and, as a result, bacillaene. While the parent colony showed widespread induction of
pks
expression among cells in the population, we found the spreading cells uniformly and transiently repressed the expression of the
pks
genes. To identify regulators that control
pks
genes, we first determined the pattern of
pks
gene expression in liquid culture. We next identified mutations in regulatory genes that disrupted the wild-type pattern of
pks
gene expression. We found that expression of the
pks
genes requires the master regulator of development, Spo0A, through its repression of AbrB and the stationary-phase regulator, CodY. Deletions of
degU
,
comA
, and
scoC
had moderate effects, disrupting the timing and level of
pks
gene expression. The observed patterns of expression suggest that complex regulation of bacillaene and other antibiotics optimizes competitive fitness for
B. subtilis
.
Outside-In Assembly Pathway of the Type IV Pilus System in Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Friedrich Carmen , Bulyha Iryna , Søgaard-Andersen Lotte 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Type IV pili (T4P) are ubiquitous bacterial cell surface structures that undergo cycles of extension, adhesion, and retraction. T4P function depends on a highly conserved envelope-spanning macromolecular machinery consisting of 10 proteins that localizes polarly in
Myxococcus xanthus
. Using this localization, we investigated the entire T4P machinery assembly pathway by systematically profiling the stability of all and the localization of eight of these proteins in the absence of other T4P machinery proteins as well as by mapping direct protein-protein interactions. Our experiments uncovered a sequential, outside-in pathway starting with the outer membrane (OM) PilQ secretin ring. PilQ recruits a subcomplex consisting of the inner membrane (IM) lipoprotein PilP and the integral IM proteins PilN and PilO by direct interaction with the periplasmic domain of PilP. The PilP/PilN/PilO subcomplex recruits the cytoplasmic PilM protein, by direct interaction between PilN and PilM, and the integral IM protein PilC. The PilB/PilT ATPases that power extension/retraction localize independently of other T4P machinery proteins. Thus, assembly of the T4P machinery initiates with formation of the OM secretin ring and continues inwards over the periplasm and IM to the cytoplasm.
A Sham-Controlled Trial of Acupuncture as An Adjunct in Migraine Prophylaxis
Authors: Foroughipour Mohsen , Golchian Amir Reza , Kalhor Mohsen , Akhlaghi Saeed , Farzadfard Mohammad Taghi , Azizi Hoda 
Published: November 2013

Background Migraine is one of the most common types of headache, with significant socioeconomic effects. Prophylactic drugs are used to prevent migraine headaches but are unpromising. Objective To assess the effects of adding acupuncture to conventional migraine prophylaxis. Methods One hundred patients with migraine (41 male, 59 female), in whom prophylactic drugs had not produced a fall of at least 50% in the number of attacks, entered the study. The patients were randomised into two groups, sham and true acupuncture. The patients in both groups continued their prophylactic treatment and received 12 sessions of either true or sham acupuncture. Each session was 30 min and was repeated three times a week. The number of headaches in the two groups was compared at baseline, and at the end of four successive months. Results There was no significant difference in the frequency of attacks between the two groups before intervention. After 1 month, the frequency of attacks each month decreased from 5.1 (0.8) to 3.4 (1.2) in the true acupuncture group, and from 5.0 (0.8) to 4.4 (1.1) in the sham acupuncture group (a significant difference, p<0.001). The frequency continued to decrease in month 2 but increased in months 3 and 4; however, it was still significantly lower than baseline, and the difference remained significant after month 4. Conclusions Acupuncture is applicable as an adjunct to prophylactic drugs in migraineurs in whom the number of attacks does not fall with prophylactic medication.
Are Physiological Changes Experienced by Healthy Subjects during Acu-Tens Associated with Acupuncture Point Sensations?
Authors: Yu David T W , Jones Alice Y M 
Published: November 2013

Background Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over acupuncture points (acu-TENS) has been reported to improve clinical outcomes. The objectives of the present study were to investigate whether acupuncture point sensations were experienced during acu-TENS, and whether such sensations were associated with any concomitant changes in autonomic nervous system activity. Methods This study adopted a single-blinded, randomised, controlled trial methodology. A total of 36 healthy subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental group (acu-TENS on right LI4 and LI11 points); control group (acu-TENS to bilateral kneecaps); or placebo group (sham acu-TENS on right LI4 and LI11 points). Heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), SD of the NN interval (SDNN) and low frequency to high frequency ratio (LF/HF) were measured before, during and after intervention. The Hong Kong Chinese version of the Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Scale (C-MMASS) index was used for quantifying the acupuncture point stimulation sensations. Results The experimental group showed a significant increase in HR (mean (SD) 73.5 (6.3) to 75.9 (6.7) bpm, p=0.027), MAP (88.5 (4.5) to 91.0 (4.1) mm Hg, p=0.004), SDNN (143.36 (8.58) to 153.69 (7.64) ms, p=0.002) and LF/HF (1.26 (0.19) to 1.31 (0.21), p=0.037) during the intervention. The control group showed a significant increase in SDNN (140.21 (8.72) to 143.39 (9.47) ms, p=0.009) and LF/HF (1.21 (0.09) to 1.23 (0.12), p=0.033). There were no significant physiological changes in the placebo group. Overall C-MMASS indices for the experimental, control and placebo groups were 3.23 (0.3), 2.14 (0.6) and 0.29 (0.32), respectively. The between-group difference was statistically significant (F=139.24, df=2, p<0.05). However, correlation analysis did not support any association between sensation intensity and physiological responses in any groups (γ ranged from −0.36 to 0.25). Conclusions This study showed that ‘acupuncture point sensations’ were experienced during acu-TENS to LI4 and LI11, but such sensations were not associated with physiological responses induced during the stimulation.
Feature-specific terrain park-injury rates and risk factors in snowboarders: a case–control study
Authors: Russell Kelly , Meeuwisse Willem H , Nettel-Aguirre Alberto , Emery Carolyn A , Wishart Jillian , Romanow Nicole T R , Rowe Brian H , Goulet Claude , Hagel Brent E 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundSnowboarding is a popular albeit risky sport and terrain park (TP) injuries are more severe than regular slope injuries. TPs contain man-made features that facilitate aerial manoeuvres. The objectives of this study were to determine overall and feature-specific injury rates and the potential risk factors for TP injuries.MethodsCase–control study with exposure estimation, conducted in an Alberta TP during two ski seasons. Cases were snowboarders injured in the TP who presented to ski patrol and/or local emergency departments. Controls were uninjured snowboarders in the same TP. κ Statistics were used to measure the reliability of reported risk factor information. Injury rates were calculated and adjusted logistic regression was used to calculate the feature-specific odds of injury.ResultsOverall, 333 cases and 1261 controls were enrolled. Reliability of risk factor information was κ>0.60 for 21/24 variables. The overall injury rate was 0.75/1000 runs. Rates were highest for jumps and half-pipe (both 2.56/1000 runs) and lowest for rails (0.43/1000 runs) and quarter-pipes (0.24/1000 runs). Compared with rails, there were increased odds of injury for half-pipe (OR 9.63; 95% CI 4.80 to 19.32), jumps (OR 4.29; 95% CI 2.72 to 6.76), mushroom (OR 2.30; 95% CI 1.20 to 4.41) and kickers (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.27 to 3.12).ConclusionsHigher feature-specific injury rates and increased odds of injury were associated with features that promote aerial manoeuvres or a large drop to the ground. Further research is required to determine ways to increase snowboarder safety in the TP.
Respiratory muscle specific warm-up and elite swimming performance
Authors: Wilson Emma E , McKeever Tricia M , Lobb Claire , Sherriff Tom , Gupta Luke , Hearson Glenn , Martin Neil , Lindley Martin R , Shaw Dominick E 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundInspiratory muscle training has been shown to improve performance in elite swimmers, when used as part of routine training, but its use as a respiratory warm-up has yet to be investigated.AimTo determine the influence of inspiratory muscle exercise (IME) as a respiratory muscle warm-up in a randomised controlled cross-over trial.MethodsA total of 15 elite swimmers were assigned to four different warm-up protocols and the effects of IME on 100 m freestyle swimming times were assessed.Each swimmer completed four different IME warm-up protocols across four separate study visits: swimming-only warm-up; swimming warm-up plus IME warm-up (2 sets of 30 breaths with a 40% maximum inspiratory mouth pressure load using the Powerbreathe inspiratory muscle trainer); swimming warm-up plus sham IME warm-up (2 sets of 30 breaths with a 15% maximum inspiratory mouth pressure load using the Powerbreathe inspiratory muscle trainer); and IME-only warm-up. Swimmers performed a series of physiological tests and scales of perception (rate of perceived exertion and dyspnoea) at three time points (pre warm-up, post warm-up and post time trial).ResultsThe combined standard swimming warm-up and IME warm-up were the fastest of the four protocols with a 100 m time of 57.05 s. This was significantly faster than the IME-only warm-up (mean difference=1.18 s, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.92, p<0.01) and the swim-only warm-up (mean difference=0.62 s, 95% CI 0.001 to 1.23, p=0.05).ConclusionsUsing IME combined with a standard swimming warm-up significantly improves 100 m freestyle swimming performance in elite swimmers.
The Elbow-EpiTrainer: a method of delivering graded resistance to the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Effectiveness of a prototype device in a healthy population
Authors: Navsaria Rishi , Ryder Dionne M , Lewis Jeremy S , Alexander Caroline M 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundTennis elbow or lateral epicondylopathy (LE) is experienced as the lateral elbow has a reported prevalence of 1.3%, with symptoms lasting up to 18 months. LE is most commonly attributed to tendinopathy involving the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon. The aim of tendinopathy management is to alleviate symptoms and restore function that initially involves relative rest followed by progressive therapeutic exercise.ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of two prototype exercises using commonly available clinical equipment to progressively increase resistance and activity of the ECRB.MethodEighteen healthy participants undertook two exercise progressions. Surface electromyography was used to record ECRB activity during the two progressions, involving eccentric exercises of the wrist extensors and elbow pronation exercises using a prototype device. The two progressions were assessed for their linearity of progression using repeated ANOVA and linear regression analysis. Five participants repeated the study to assess reliability.ResultsThe exercise progressions led to an increase in ECRB electromyographic (EMG) activity (p<0.001). A select progression of exercises combining the two protocols increased EMG activity in a linear fashion (p<0.001). The ICC values indicated good reliability (ICC>0.7) between the first and second tests for five participants.ConclusionsManipulation of resistance and leverage with the prototype exercises was effective in creating significant increases of ECRB normalised EMG activity in a linear manner that may, with future research, become useful to clinicians treating LE. In addition, between trial reliability for the device to generate a consistent load was acceptable.
Evaluation of Metabolite Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Stratified Analysis by Gender, Race, and Alcoholic Cirrhosis
Authors: Xiao Junfeng , Zhao Yi , Varghese Rency S. , Zhou Bin , Di Poto Cristina , Zhang Lihua , Tadesse Mahlet G. , Ziada Dina Hazem , Shetty Kirti , Ressom Habtom W. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Background: The effects of hepatocellular carcinoma on liver metabolism and circulating metabolites have been subjected to continuing investigation. This study compares the levels of selected metabolites in sera of hepatocellular carcinoma cases versus patients with liver cirrhosis and evaluates the influence of gender, race, and alcoholic cirrhosis on the performance of the metabolites as candidate biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods: Targeted quantitation of 15 metabolites is performed by selected research monitoring in sera from 89 Egyptian subjects (40 hepatocellular carcinoma cases and 49 cirrhotic controls) and 110 U.S. subjects (56 hepatocellular carcinoma cases and 54 cirrhotic controls). Logistic regression models are used to evaluate the ability of these metabolites in distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma cases from cirrhotic controls. The influences of gender, race, and alcoholic cirrhosis on the performance of the metabolites are analyzed by stratified logistic regression.
Results: Two metabolites are selected on the basis of their significance to both cohorts. Although both metabolites discriminate hepatocellular carcinoma cases from cirrhotic controls in males and Caucasians, they are insignificant in females and African Americans. One metabolite is significant in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and the other in nonalcoholic cirrhosis.
Conclusions: The study demonstrates the potential of two metabolites as candidate biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma by combining them with α-fetoprotein (AFP) and gender. Stratified statistical analyses reveal that gender, race, and alcoholic cirrhosis affect the relative levels of small molecules in serum.
Impact: The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the influence of gender, race, and alcoholic cirrhosis in investigating small molecules as biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(1); 64–72. ©2013 AACR.
The Metalloprotease ADAMTS8 Displays Antitumor Properties through Antagonizing EGFR–MEK–ERK Signaling and Is Silenced in Carcinomas by CpG Methylation
Authors: Choi Gigi C.G. , Li Jisheng , Wang Yajun , Li Lili , Zhong Lan , Ma Brigette , Su Xianwei , Ying Jianming , Xiang Tingxiu , Rha Sun Young , Yu Jun , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Tsao Sai Wah , Chan Anthony T.C. , Tao Qian 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
A disintegrins and metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family members have been reported dysregulated in various cancers. Through refining a loss of heterozygosity locus at 11q25 by array-CGH, we identified ADAMTS8 as a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene. Although ADAMTS8 downregulation has been reported in several tumors, its biologic function and underlying mechanism remain largely unknown. Here, we found that ADAMTS8 is broadly expressed in normal tissues but frequently downregulated or silenced by promoter methylation in common carcinoma cell lines, including nasopharyngeal, esophageal squamous cell, gastric, and colorectal carcinomas. Pharmacologic or genetic demethylation restored ADAMTS8 expression, indicating that promoter methylation mediates its silencing. Aberrant methylation of ADAMTS8 was also detected in several types of primary tumors but rarely in normal tissues. Further functional studies showed that restoring ADAMTS8 expression suppressed tumor cell clonogenicity through inducing apoptosis. ADAMTS8 as a secreted protease inhibited epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling along with decreased levels of phosphorylated MEK and ERK. We further found that ADAMTS8 disrupted actin stress fiber organization and inhibited tumor cell motility. Thus, our data demonstrate that ADAMTS8 metalloprotease acts as a functional tumor suppressor through antagonizing EGFR–MEK–ERK signaling, in addition to its previously reported anti-angiogenesis function, and is frequently methylated in common tumors.
Implications: This study uncovers the tumor suppressive function of ADAMTS8, one of the ADAMTS family members, and its frequent methylation in certain tumors could be developed as a potential biomarker. Mol Cancer Res; 12(2); 228–38. ©2013 AACR.
Association Between Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain and Adverse Left Ventricular Dilatation After ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Joyce Emer , Hoogslag Georgette E. , Leong Darryl P. , Debonnaire Philippe , Katsanos Spyridon , Boden Helèn , Schalij Martin J. , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Bax Jeroen J. , Delgado Victoria 
Published: November 2013

Background—
Myocardial infarct size is a major determinant of left ventricular (LV) remodeling after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. We evaluated whether LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), proposed as a novel marker of infarct size, is associated with 3- and 6-month LV dilatation after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

In the first ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, baseline LVGLS was measured with 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Patients were dichotomized according to median value. The independent relationship between GLS groups and LV end-diastolic volume at 3 and 6 months (adjusted for clinical and echocardiographic variables) was assessed. The final study population comprised 1041 patients (60±12 years; 76% men). Median LVGLS was −15.0%. Patients with baseline LVGLS >−15.0% exhibited greater LV dilatation at 3 and 6 months compared with patients with GLS ≤−15.0% (LV end-diastolic volume 123±44 versus 106±36 mL and 121±43 versus 102±34 mL, respectively; global group–time interaction
P
<0.001). This association retained the same statistical significance after adjustment for various relevant demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics. Further, net reclassification improvement index demonstrated significant incremental value of LVGLS for prediction of LV end-diastolic volume increase (0.14 [95% confidence interval, 0.00034–0.29];
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—
LVGLS before discharge after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction is independently associated with LV dilatation at follow-up.
Catastrophe Models for Cognitive Workload and Fatigue in a Vigilance Dual Task
Authors: Guastello Stephen J. , Malon Matthew , Timm Paul , Weinberger Kelsey , Gorin Hillary , Fabisch Megan , Poston Kirsten 
Published: November 2013

Objective: This study investigated two cusp catastrophe models for cognitive workload and fatigue for a vigilance dual task, the role of emotional intelligence and frustration in the performance dynamics, and the dynamics for individuals and teams of two participants. Background: The effects of workload, fatigue, practice, and time on a specific task can be separated with the two models and an appropriate experimental design. Group dynamics add further complications to the understanding of workload and fatigue effects for teams. Method: In this experiment, 141 undergraduates responded to target stimuli that appeared on a simulated security camera display at three rates of speed while completing a jigsaw puzzle. Participants worked alone or in pairs and completed additional measurements prior to or after the main tasks. Results: The workload cusp verified the expected effects of speed and frustration on change in performance. The fatigue cusp showed that positive and negative changes in performance were greater if more work on the secondary task was completed and whether the participants who started with the fast vigilance condition demonstrated less fatigue. Conclusion: The results supported the efficacy of the cusp models and suggested, furthermore, that training modules that varied speed of presentation could buffer the effects of fatigue. Application: The cusp models can be used to analyze virtually any cognitively demanding task set. The particular results generalize to vigilance tasks, although a wider range of conditions within vigilance tasks needs to be investigated further.