bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemoreceptor VfcA Mediates Amino Acid Chemotaxis in Vibrio fischeri
Authors: Brennan Caitlin A. , DeLoney-Marino Cindy R. , Mandel Mark J. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Flagellar motility and chemotaxis by
Vibrio fischeri
are important behaviors mediating the colonization of its mutualistic host, the Hawaiian bobtail squid. However, none of the 43 putative methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs) encoded in the
V. fischeri
genome has been previously characterized. Using both an available transposon mutant collection and directed mutagenesis, we isolated mutants for 19 of these genes, and screened them for altered chemotaxis to six previously identified chemoattractants. Only one mutant was defective in responding to any of the tested compounds; the disrupted gene was thus named
vfcA
(

V
ibrio
f
ischeri

c
hemoreceptor
A
; locus tag VF_0777). In soft-agar plates, mutants disrupted in
vfcA
did not exhibit the serine-sensing chemotactic ring, and the pattern of migration in the mutant was not affected by the addition of exogenous serine. Using a capillary chemotaxis assay, we showed that, unlike wild-type
V. fischeri
, the
vfcA
mutant did not undergo chemotaxis toward serine and that expression of
vfcA
on a plasmid in the mutant was sufficient to restore the behavior. In addition to serine, we demonstrated that alanine, cysteine, and threonine are strong attractants for wild-type
V. fischeri
and that the attraction is also mediated by VfcA. This study thus provides the first insights into how
V. fischeri
integrates information from one of its 43 MCPs to respond to environmental stimuli.
Extracellular DNA Release Acts as an Antifungal Resistance Mechanism in Mature Aspergillus fumigatus Biofilms
Authors: Rajendran Ranjith , Williams Craig , Lappin David F. , Millington Owain , Martins Margarida , Ramage Gordon 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTAspergillus fumigatushas been shown to form biofilms that are associated with adaptive antifungal resistance mechanisms. These include multidrug efflux pumps, heat shock proteins, and extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM is a key structural and protective component of microbial biofilms and in bacteria has been shown to contain extracellular DNA (eDNA). We therefore hypothesized thatA. fumigatusbiofilms also possess eDNA as part of the ECM, conferring a functional role. Fluorescence microscopy and quantitative PCR analyses demonstrated the presence of eDNA, which was released phase dependently (8 < 12 < 24 < 48 h). Random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR showed that eDNA was identical to genomic DNA. Biofilm architectural integrity was destabilized by DNase treatment. Biochemical and transcriptional analyses showed that chitinase activity and mRNA levels of chitinase, a marker of autolysis, were significantly upregulated as the biofilm matured and that inhibition of chitinases affected biofilm growth and stability, indicating mechanistically that autolysis was possibly involved. Finally, using checkerboard assays, it was shown that combinational treatment of biofilms with DNase plus amphotericin B and caspofungin significantly improved antifungal susceptibility. Collectively, these data show that eDNA is an important structural component ofA. fumigatusECM that is released through autolysis, which is important for protection from environmental stresses, including antifungal therapy.
Staphylococcus epidermidis Esp Degrades Specific Proteins Associated with Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation and Host-Pathogen Interaction
Authors: Sugimoto Shinya , Iwamoto Takeo , Takada Koji , Okuda Ken-ichi , Tajima Akiko , Iwase Tadayuki , Mizunoe Yoshimitsu 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
exhibits a strong capacity to attach to abiotic or biotic surfaces and form biofilms, which lead to chronic infections. We have recently shown that Esp, a serine protease secreted by commensal
Staphylococcus epidermidis
, disassembles preformed biofilms of
S. aureus
and inhibits its colonization. Esp was expected to degrade protein determinants of the adhesive and cohesive strength of
S. aureus
biofilms. The aim of this study was to elucidate the substrate specificity and target proteins of Esp and thereby determine the mechanism by which Esp disassembles
S. aureus
biofilms. We used a mutant Esp protein (Esp
S235A
) with defective proteolytic activity; this protein did not disassemble the biofilm formed by a clinically isolated methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) strain, thereby indicating that the proteolytic activity of Esp is essential for biofilm disassembly. Esp degraded specific proteins in the biofilm matrix and cell wall fractions, in contrast to proteinase K, which is frequently used for testing biofilm robustness and showed no preference for proteolysis. Proteomic and immunological analyses showed that Esp degrades at least 75 proteins, including 11 biofilm formation- and colonization-associated proteins, such as the extracellular adherence protein, the extracellular matrix protein-binding protein, fibronectin-binding protein A, and protein A. In addition, Esp selectively degraded several human receptor proteins of
S. aureus
(e.g., fibronectin, fibrinogen, and vitronectin) that are involved in its colonization or infection. These results suggest that Esp inhibits
S. aureus
colonization and biofilm formation by degrading specific proteins that are crucial for biofilm construction and host-pathogen interaction.
Acupuncture in Australian General Practice: Trends in Reimbursed Acupuncture Services from 1995 to 2011
Authors: Wardle Jonathan Lee , Adams Jon , Sibbritt David William 
Published: January 2013

Objectives To ascertain the extent of and trends in the use of acupuncture in Australian general practice and the characteristics of patients receiving publicly subsidised acupuncture services from general practitioners (GPs). Design Secondary analysis of national patient Medicare data for claims by all non-specialist medical practitioners for Medicare Benefits Schedule items for an attendance where acupuncture was performed by a medical practitioner from 1995 to 2011. Main Outcome Measures Use of acupuncture by GPs, patients’ sex and age and the socioeconomic disadvantage index of GP's practice. Results There has been a 47.7% decline in the number of acupuncture claims by GPs per 100 000 population in the period from 1995 to 2011. Acupuncture claims were made by 3.4% of GPs in 2011. Women were almost twice as likely to receive acupuncture from a GP as men, and patients in urban areas were more than twice as likely to receive acupuncture from a GP as patients in rural areas. Acupuncture claims were highest in areas that were socioeconomically advantaged. Conclusions Claims for reimbursement for acupuncture by GPs have declined significantly in Australian general practice even though the use of acupuncture by the Australian public has increased. This may be due to increased use of referrals or use of non-medical practitioners, barriers to acupuncture practice in general practice or non-specific factors affecting reimbursement for non-vocationally registered GPs.
Electroacupuncture Alleviates Intraoperative Immunosuppression in Patients Undergoing Supratentorial Craniotomy
Authors: Li Guoyan , Li Shuqin , An Lixin , Wang Baoguo 
Published: January 2013

Background Clinical experience suggests that anaesthesia using a combination of acupuncture and drugs can reduce the dosage of anaesthetics required for craniotomy, decreasing both the disturbance in physiological functions during the operation and postoperative complications and improving the rate of recovery. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of electroacupuncture (EA) on the dynamic equilibrium of the immune system and immune cell populations during the pericraniotomy period. Methods A total of 56 patients undergoing craniotomy were randomised into three groups: control (C, n=18), EA (A, n=19) and sham acupuncture (S, n=19) groups. Blood samples were collected before anaesthesia (T0) and 30 min, 2 h and 4 h after induction of anaesthesia (T1, T2 and T3, respectively,) to measure the levels of tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-10, IgM, IgA, IgG and full blood count. Results There was no significant difference between the measurements in groups A and S during craniotomy. The levels of IgM and IgA decreased significantly in group C compared with groups A and S at T2 and T3 time points. The levels of total T cells and suppressor T cells in group C decreased significantly compared with groups A and S at T1 and T2, and the level of natural killer cells in group C decreased significantly compared with groups A and S at T1. No significant differences between groups were found in the levels of TNFα, IgG, IL-10, IL-8, leucocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, Th cells or B cells. Conclusions EA appears to reduce immunosuppression of both the humoral and cellular components during surgery.
The evaluation of speed skating helmet performance through peak linear and rotational accelerations
Authors: Karton Clara , Rousseau Philippe , Vassilyadi Michael , Hoshizaki Thomas Blaine 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveLike many sports involving high speeds and body contact, head injuries are a concern for short track speed skating athletes and coaches. While the mandatory use of helmets has managed to nearly eliminate catastrophic head injuries such as skull fractures and cerebral haemorrhages, they may not be as effective at reducing the risk of a concussion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of speed skating helmets with respect to managing peak linear and peak rotational acceleration, and to compare their performance against other types of helmets commonly worn within the speed skating sport.Materials and methodsCommercially available speed skating, bicycle and ice hockey helmets were evaluated using a three-impact condition test protocol at an impact velocity of 4 m/s.Results and discussionTwo speed skating helmet models yielded mean peak linear accelerations at a low-estimated probability range for sustaining a concussion for all three impact conditions. Conversely, the resulting mean peak rotational acceleration values were all found close to the high end of a probability range for sustaining a concussion. A similar tendency was observed for the bicycle and ice hockey helmets under the same impact conditions.ConclusionSpeed skating helmets may not be as effective at managing rotational acceleration and therefore may not successfully protect the user against risks associated with concussion injuries.
Running in a minimalist and lightweight shoe is not the same as running barefoot: a biomechanical study
Authors: Bonacci Jason , Saunders Philo U , Hicks Amy , Rantalainen Timo , Vicenzino Bill (Guglielmo) T , Spratford Wayne 
Published: January 2013

AimThe purpose of this study was to determine the changes in running mechanics that occur when highly trained runners run barefoot and in a minimalist shoe, and specifically if running in a minimalist shoe replicates barefoot running.MethodsGround reaction force data and kinematics were collected from 22 highly trained runners during overground running while barefoot and in three shod conditions (minimalist shoe, racing flat and the athlete's regular shoe). Three-dimensional net joint moments and subsequent net powers and work were computed using Newton-Euler inverse dynamics. Joint kinematic and kinetic variables were statistically compared between barefoot and shod conditions using a multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measures and standardised mean differences calculated.ResultsThere were significant differences between barefoot and shod conditions for kinematic and kinetic variables at the knee and ankle, with no differences between shod conditions. Barefoot running demonstrated less knee flexion during midstance, an 11% decrease in the peak internal knee extension and abduction moments and a 24% decrease in negative work done at the knee compared with shod conditions. The ankle demonstrated less dorsiflexion at initial contact, a 14% increase in peak power generation and a 19% increase in the positive work done during barefoot running compared with shod conditions.ConclusionsBarefoot running was different to all shod conditions. Barefoot running changes the amount of work done at the knee and ankle joints and this may have therapeutic and performance implications for runners.
Video analysis of situations with a high-risk for injury in Norwegian male professional football; a comparison between 2000 and 2010
Authors: Bjørneboe John , Bahr Roald , Einar Andersen Thor 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundA recent study from Norwegian male professional football found that the risk of acute match injuries increased from 2002 to 2007.ObjectiveTo compare the incidence of incidents with a propensity for injury, from the 2000 season to the 2010 season in Norwegian male professional football using video analysis.MethodsWe conducted a video analysis of incidents in Norwegian professional football. An incident was recorded if the match was interrupted by the referee, and the player lay down for more than 15 s, and appeared to be in pain or received medical treatment. We also conducted a video analysis of all player-to-player contact situations occurring during 30 randomly selected matches.ResultsA total of 1287 incidents were identified during the two seasons. The corresponding rate of incidents was 74.4 (95% CI 67.3 to 81.5) in the 2000 season and 109.6 (95% CI 102.3 to 116.9) in the 2010 season, a significant increase from 2000 to 2010 (rate ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.66). We observed a significantly higher rate of opponent-to-player contact and non-contact incidents in the 2010 season, but no change in the proportion of fouls or sanctions awarded by the referee. The rate of player-to-player contact situations in both heading and tackling duels was lower during the 2010 season.ConclusionsWe found an increased rate of non-contact and opponent-to-player contact incidents in both heading and tackling duels in the 2010 season compared with 10 years earlier, even if there was no increase in the frequency of player-to-player contact situations.
Major limitations in knowledge of physical activity guidelines among UK medical students revealed: implications for the undergraduate medical curriculum
Authors: Dunlop Michael , Murray Andrew Duncan 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundEducation of health professionals is a key element of the wider strategy to increase society's physical activity levels. To date, no study has directly assessed UK medical students’ knowledge of physical activity guidelines or their ability/willingness to prescribe exercise.MethodsA questionnaire survey of final year medical students in Scottish Universities was conducted prior to a presentation on the current UK guidelines.ResultsCompleted questionnaires (n=177) represented 37% of the final year cohorts. Physical inactivity was incorrectly perceived to be the least important risk factor to global mortality. 40% stated they were aware of current guidelines, but in a forced choice, 68% were able to correctly identify them for adults. In comparison, 97% correctly identified the UK's alcohol guidelines. 52% stated they felt adequately trained to give physical activity advice to the general public.ConclusionsThe medical students in this study underestimated the risk of physical inactivity, and did not know the physical activity guidelines as well as other health promotion guidelines. A large proportion remained unconfident about giving physical activity advice. Improved education of this group is required.
Assessment of whole body MRI and sestamibi technetium-99m bone marrow scan in prediction of multiple myeloma disease progression and outcome: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Khalafallah Alhossain A , Snarski Andrew , Heng Robert , Hughes Ryan , Renu Shamsunnaher , Arm Jameen , Dutchke Richard , Robertson Iain K , To Luen B 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesThis study aims primarily to determine whether whole body MRI (WB-MRI) and Sestamibi Technetium-99m-bone marrow (MIBI) scans in the same patients produce the same estimate of disease load and location, and secondly, to study possible association between the bone disease detected by these scans and the effect on disease outcome and survival. Bone disease occurs in about 90% of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. There are no data comparing the new diagnostic modalities with WB-MRI and MIBI in MM.DesignA prospective comparative study between WB-MRI and MIBI scans in assessing bone disease and outcome of MM.Participants and methodsSixty-two consecutive patients with confirmed MM underwent simultaneous WB-MRI (both axial T1 and turbo spin echo short tau inversion recovery (STIR)) and MIBI scans at a single institution from January 2010 to January 2011, and their survival status was determined in January 2012. The median age was 62 years (range 37–88) with a male-to-female ratio of 33 : 29.ResultsIn vertebrae and long bones, MRI scan detected more disease compared with MIBI scan (p<0.001) but there was less difference in the skull (p=0.09). In the ribcage, the MIBI scan detected more lytic lesions of the ribs compared with MRI scan (p<0.001). Thirteen of the 62 patients died during the 24-month follow-up. Increased disease detected in all bones by both scans was associated with increased mortality risk (MIBI p=0.001; MRI-STIR p=0.044; but not MRI-T1 p=0.44). In all combined bone groups, the mean MIBI scan results provided a better prediction of mortality than MRI scan over the follow-up period (MRI-T1 vs MIBI p=0.019; MRI-STIR vs MIBI p=0.047).ConclusionsAlthough WB-MRI detected more MM bone disease, MIBI scan predicted overall disease outcome and mortality better than MRI scan. Further studies to define optimum use of these imaging techniques are warranted.Trial registration numberThe study was registered prospectively in the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry athttp://www.ANZCTR.org.auunder No: ACTRN12609000761268.
Analysis of venous drainage in three patients with extradural spinal arteriovenous fistulae at the craniovertebral junction with potentially benign implication
Authors: Puri Ajit S , Telischak Nicholas Alexander , Vissapragada Ravi , Thomas Ajith J 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundExtradural arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) are vascular malformations that result from a direct connection between an extradural artery and vein, resulting in a high flow fistula that drains into the epidural venous system. Extradural AVFs may cause myelopathy when distended epidural veins compress the cord or when venous hypertension causes venous stasis within the spinal cord, and are uncommon causes of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), although the presence of intracranial drainage is a risk factor for SAH. There are numerous reports of SAH and AVF with rostral intracranial venous drainage, implying an intradural drainage pathway. To our knowledge, a cervical spinal AVF at the craniovertebral junction (occurring between the occiput and C2) with exclusively extradural drainage and without a significant epidural component has not been described previously.MethodsA retrospective review was performed identifying three patients treated at our hospital with cervical spinal AVF and extradural venous drainage.ResultsWe present three cases of cervical spinal AVF with exclusive extradural venous drainage without accompanying intradural drainage—cranial or spinal. All three patients with exclusively extradural drainage have done well after 24 months of follow-up. The anatomical, clinical, and radiologic features are presented.ConclusionsPatients with cervical AVF and exclusively extradural drainage pathways form a separate entity, representing a subset with a less ominous natural history.
Geographical and temporal variation of injection drug users in Pakistan
Authors: Archibald Chris P , Shaw Souradet Y , Emmanuel Faran , Otho Suleman , Reza Tahira , Altaf Arshad , Musa Nighat , Thompson Laura H , Blanchard James F 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesWe describe the characteristics of injecting drug users (IDU) in Pakistan in 2006 and 2011, and assess the heterogeneity of IDU characteristics across different cities and years as well as factors associated with HIV infection.MethodsCross-sectional, integrated behavioural-biological surveys of IDU were conducted in 10 cities across Pakistan in 2006 and 2011. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to describe the differences in HIV prevalence and risk behaviours between cities and over time.ResultsLarge increases in HIV prevalence among injection drug users in Pakistan were observed, with overall HIV prevalence increasing from 16.2% in 2006 to 31.0% in 2011; an increase in HIV prevalence was also seen in all geographic areas except one. There was an increase in risk behaviours between 2006 and 2011, anecdotally related to a reduction in the availability of services for IDU. In 2011, larger proportions of IDU reported injecting several times a day and using professional injectors, and fewer reported always using clean syringes. An increase in the proportion living on the street was also observed and this was associated with HIV infection. Cities differ in terms of HIV prevalence, risk profiles, and healthcare seeking behaviours.ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of HIV among injection drug users in Pakistan and considerable potential for further transmission through risk behaviours. HIV prevention programs may be improved through geographic targeting of services within a city and for involving groups that interact with IDU (such as pharmacy staff and professional injectors) in harm reduction initiatives.
Genome-Wide Epigenetic Regulation of miRNAs in Cancer
Authors: Baer Constance , Claus Rainer , Plass Christoph 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression contributes to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Although the number of reported deregulated miRNAs in various cancer types is growing fast, the underlying mechanisms of aberrant miRNA regulation are still poorly studied. Epigenetic alterations including aberrant DNA methylation deregulate miRNA expression, which was first shown by reexpression of miRNAs upon pharmacologic DNA demethylation. However, studying the influence of DNA methylation on miRNA transcription on a genome-wide level was hampered by poor miRNA promoter annotation. Putative miRNA promoters were identified on a genome-wide level by using common promoter surrogate markers (e.g., histone modifications) and were later validated as such in different tumor entities. Integrating promoter datasets and global DNA methylation analysis revealed an extensive influence of DNA hyper- as well as hypomethylation on miRNA regulation. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the field and discuss recent efforts to map miRNA promoter sequences and to determine the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to the regulation of miRNA expression. We discuss examples of tumor suppressive and oncogenic miRNAs such as the miR-34 and miR-21 family, respectively, which highlight the complexity and consequences of epigenetic miRNA deregulation. Cancer Res; 73(2); 473–7. ©2012 AACR.