bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Activity Is Involved in the Plasma Membrane Redox System Required for Pigment Biosynthesis in Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Frandsen Rasmus J. N. , Albertsen Klaus Selk , Stougaard Peter , Sørensen Jens L. , Nielsen Kristian F. , Olsson Stefan , Giese Henriette 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductases (MTHFRs) play a key role in biosynthesis of methionine and
S
-adenosyl-
l
-methionine (SAM) via the recharging methionine biosynthetic pathway. Analysis of 32 complete fungal genomes showed that fungi were unique among eukaryotes by having two MTHFRs, MET12 and MET13. The MET12 type contained an additional conserved sequence motif compared to the sequences of MET13 and MTHFRs from other eukaryotes and bacteria. Targeted gene replacement of either of the two MTHFR encoding genes in
Fusarium graminearum
showed that they were essential for survival but could be rescued by exogenous methionine. The
F. graminearum
strain with a mutation of MET12 (FgΔ
MET12
) displayed a delay in the production of the mycelium pigment aurofusarin and instead accumulated nor-rubrofusarin and rubrofusarin. High methionine concentrations or prolonged incubation eventually led to production of aurofusarin in the MET12 mutant. This suggested that the chemotype was caused by a lack of SAM units for the methylation of nor-rubrofusarin to yield rubrofusarin, thereby imposing a rate-limiting step in aurofusarin biosynthesis. The FgΔ
MET13
mutant, however, remained aurofusarin deficient at all tested methionine concentrations and instead accumulated nor-rubrofusarin and rubrofusarin. Analysis of MET13 mutants in
F. graminearum
and
Aspergillus nidulans
showed that both lacked extracellular reduction potential and were unable to complete mycelium pigment biosynthesis. These results are the first to show that MET13, in addition to its function in methionine biosynthesis, is required for the generation of the extracellular reduction potential necessary for pigment production in filamentous fungi.
Nuclear Dynamics during Germination, Conidiation, and Hyphal Fusion of Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Ruiz-Roldán M. Carmen , Köhli Michael , Roncero M. Isabel G. , Philippsen Peter , Di Pietro Antonio , Espeso Eduardo A. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

In many fungal pathogens, infection is initiated by conidial germination. Subsequent stages involve germ tube elongation, conidiation, and vegetative hyphal fusion (anastomosis). Here, we used live-cell fluorescence to study the dynamics of green fluorescent protein (GFP)- and cherry fluorescent protein (ChFP)-labeled nuclei in the plant pathogen
Fusarium oxysporum
. Hyphae of
F. oxysporum
have uninucleated cells and exhibit an acropetal nuclear pedigree, where only the nucleus in the apical compartment is mitotically active. In contrast, conidiation follows a basopetal pattern, whereby mononucleated microconidia are generated by repeated mitotic cycles of the subapical nucleus in the phialide, followed by septation and cell abscission. Vegetative hyphal fusion is preceded by directed growth of the fusion hypha toward the receptor hypha and followed by a series of postfusion nuclear events, including mitosis of the apical nucleus of the fusion hypha, migration of a daughter nucleus into the receptor hypha, and degradation of the resident nucleus. These previously unreported patterns of nuclear dynamics in
F. oxysporum
could be intimately related to its pathogenic lifestyle.
Two Components of a
velvet
-Like Complex Control Hyphal Morphogenesis, Conidiophore Development, and Penicillin Biosynthesis in Penicillium chrysogenum
Authors: Hoff Birgit , Kamerewerd Jens , Sigl Claudia , Mitterbauer Rudolf , Zadra Ivo , Kürnsteiner Hubert , Kück Ulrich 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Penicillium chrysogenum
is the industrial producer of the antibiotic penicillin, whose biosynthetic regulation is barely understood. Here, we provide a functional analysis of two major homologues of the
velvet
complex in
P. chrysogenum
, which we have named
P. chrysogenum
velA
(
PcvelA
) and
PclaeA
. Data from array analysis using a Δ
PcvelA
deletion strain indicate a significant role of PcVelA on the expression of biosynthesis and developmental genes, including
PclaeA
. Northern hybridization and high-performance liquid chromatography quantifications of penicillin titers clearly show that both PcVelA and PcLaeA play a major role in penicillin biosynthesis in a producer strain that underwent several rounds of UV mutagenesis during a strain improvement program. Both regulators are further involved in different developmental processes. While
PcvelA
deletion leads to light-independent conidial formation, dichotomous branching of hyphae, and pellet formation in shaking cultures, a Δ
PclaeA
strain shows a severe impairment in conidiophore formation under both light and dark conditions. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays provide evidence for a
velvet
-like complex in
P. chrysogenum
, with structurally conserved components that have distinct developmental roles, illustrating the functional plasticity of these regulators in genera other than
Aspergillus
.
A Novel Spore Protein, ExsM, Regulates Formation of the Exosporium in
Bacillus cereus
and
Bacillus anthracis
and Affects Spore Size and Shape
Authors: Fazzini Monica M. , Schuch Raymond , Fischetti Vincent A. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Bacillus cereus
spores are assembled with a series of concentric layers that protect them from a wide range of environmental stresses. The outermost layer, or exosporium, is a bag-like structure that interacts with the environment and is composed of more than 20 proteins and glycoproteins. Here, we identified a new spore protein, ExsM, from a β-mercaptoethanol extract of
B. cereus
ATCC 4342 spores. Subcellular localization of an ExsM-green fluorescent protein (GFP) protein revealed a dynamic pattern of fluorescence that follows the site of formation of the exosporium around the forespore. Under scanning electron microscopy,
exsM
null mutant spores were smaller and rounder than wild-type spores, which had an extended exosporium (spore length for the wt, 2.40 ± 0.56 μm, versus that for the
exsM
mutant, 1.66 ± 0.38 μm [
P
< 0.001]). Thin-section electron microscopy revealed that
exsM
mutant spores were encased by a double-layer exosporium, both layers of which were composed of a basal layer and a hair-like nap. Mutant
exsM
spores were more resistant to lysozyme treatment and germinated with higher efficiency than wild-type spores, and they had a delay in outgrowth. Insertional mutagenesis of
exsM
in
Bacillus anthracis
ΔSterne resulted in a partial second exosporium and in smaller spores. In all, these findings suggest that ExsM plays a critical role in the formation of the exosporium.
Genomic Identification of a Novel Mutation in
hfq
That Provides Multiple Benefits in Evolving Glucose-Limited Populations of
Escherichia coli
Authors: Maharjan Ram , Zhou Zhemin , Ren Yan , Li Yang , Gaffé Joël , Schneider Dominique , McKenzie Christopher , Reeves Peter R. , Ferenci Thomas , Wang Lei 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Beneficial mutations in diversifying glucose-limited
Escherichia coli
populations are mostly unidentified. The genome of an evolved isolate with multiple differences from that of the ancestor was fully assembled. Remarkably, a single mutation in
hfq
was responsible for the multiple benefits under glucose limitation through changes in at least five regulation targets.
The Importance of the Small RNA Chaperone Hfq for Growth of EpidemicYersinia pestis, but NotYersinia pseudotuberculosis, with Implications for Plague Biology
Authors: Bai Guangchun , Golubov Andrey , Smith Eric A. , McDonough Kathleen A. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTYersinia pestis, the etiologic agent of plague, has only recently evolved fromYersinia pseudotuberculosis. hfqdeletion caused severe growth restriction at 37°C inY. pestisbut not inY. pseudotuberculosis. Strains from all epidemic plague biovars were similarly affected, implicating Hfq, and likely small RNAs (sRNAs), in the unique biology of the plague bacillus.
Gender influences: the role of leg dominance in ACL injury among soccer players: Table 1
Authors: Brophy Robert , Silvers Holly Jacinda , Gonzales Tyler , Mandelbaum Bert R 
Published: June 2010

ObjectiveThis study intends to look at the role of leg dominance in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk among soccer (football) athletes. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that soccer players rupture the ACL of their preferred support leg more frequently than the ACL in their preferred kicking leg, particularly in non-contact injuries, despite differences in gender.DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingOutpatient orthopaedic practice.PatientsSubjects who had sustained an ACL injury due to direct participation in soccer. N=93 (41 male, 52 female).InterventionsThese noncontact injuries were sustained while playing soccer.ResultsFor non-contact injuries, roughly half of the injuries occurred in the preferred kicking leg (30) and the contralateral leg (28). However, by gender, there was a significant difference in the distribution of non-contact injury, as 74.1% of males (20/27) were injured on the dominant kicking leg compared with 32% (10/31) of females (p<0.002).ConclusionsWhen limited to a non-contact injury mechanism, females are more likely to injure the ACL in their supporting leg, whereas males tend to injure their kicking leg. This research suggests that limb dominance does serve as an aetiological factor with regard to ACL injuries sustained while playing soccer. If follow-up studies confirm that females are more likely to injure their preferred supporting leg, future research should investigate the cause for this discrepancy, which could result from underlying gender-based anatomical differences as well as differences in neuromuscular patterns during cutting manoeuvres or kicking.
Allez Hop, a nationwide programme for the promotion of physical activity in Switzerland: what is the evidence for a population impact after one decade of implementation?
Authors: Wanner Miriam , Martin-Diener Eva , Bauer Georg F , Stamm Hanspeter , Martin Brian W 
Published: June 2010

ObjectivesTo present evidence for a population impact of a national physical activity promotion programme after a decade of implementation.MethodsThe programme Allez Hop offered local physical activity courses (mainly walking and Nordic walking) once a week over 12 weeks. Data from a pretest posttest survey in 2005 course participants (N=2157 at baseline (of 4130, 52.2%), 1587 at first follow-up (73.6%); smaller subsample with second follow-up) and from repeated cross-sectional national surveys have been analysed regarding changes in physical activity behaviour.ResultsThe total number of Allez Hop courses was 18 684 between 1997 and 2008. 89.2% of participants were women, the mean age was 48.5 years. The proportion meeting the physical activity recommendations was 31.7% at baseline, in participants with first follow-up data it increased from 33.1% to 42.3% (p<0.001). On the population level in the main user group of Allez Hop (middle-aged women) the proportion not engaging in any sport decreased from 50.1% (1997) to 47.2% (2002) and to 43.1% (2007) (p<0.01). Walking/hiking was the second most frequently performed sport (33.7%) in 2007, with the most remarkable increase since 2000 (+11.1%).ConclusionsAllez Hop was successfully implemented for more than a decade, reached middle-aged women and a high proportion of insufficiently active individuals. Changes in participants' physical activity behaviour must be interpreted cautiously because of low response rates and short follow-up. However, indications for behavioural changes were observed at the population level, even though these data do not allow a causal link to Allez Hop.
Does a 3-month multidisciplinary intervention improve pain, body composition and physical fitness in women with fibromyalgia?
Authors: Carbonell-Baeza Ana , Aparicio Virginia A , Ortega Francisco B , Cuevas Ana M , Alvarez Inmaculada C , Ruiz Jonatan R , Delgado-Fernandez Manuel 
Published: June 2010

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of a 3-month multidisciplinary intervention on pain (primary outcome), body composition and physical fitness (secondary outcomes) in women with fibromyalgia (FM).Methods75 women with FM were allocated to a low-moderate intensity 3-month (three times/week) multidisciplinary (pool, land-based and psychological sessions) programme (n=33) or to a usual care group (n=32). The outcome variables were pain threshold, body composition (body mass index and estimated body fat percentage) and physical fitness (30 s chair stand, handgrip strength, chair sit and reach, back scratch, blind flamingo, 8 feet up and go and 6 min walk test).ResultsThe authors observed a significant interaction effect (group*time) for the left (L) and right (R) side of the anterior cervical (p<0.001) and the lateral epicondyle R (p=0.001) tender point. Post hoc analysis revealed that pain threshold increased in the intervention group (positive) in the anterior cervical R (p<0.001) and L (p=0.012), and in the lateral epicondyle R (p=0.010), whereas it decreased (negative) in the anterior cervical R (p<0.001) and L (p=0.002) in the usual care group. There was also a significant interaction effect for chair sit and reach. Post hoc analysis revealed improvement in the intervention group (p=0.002). No significant improvement attributed to the training was observed in the rest of physical fitness or body composition variables.ConclusionsA 3-month multidisciplinary intervention three times/week had a positive effect on pain threshold in several tender points in women with FM. Though no overall improvements were observed in physical fitness or body composition, the intervention had positive effects on lower-body flexibility.
Practice management of musculoskeletal injuries in active children
Authors: Boudier-Revéret Mathieu , Mazer Barbara , Feldman Debbie Ehrmann , Shrier Ian 
Published: June 2010

BackgroundAlthough increasing participation in physical activities has significant health benefits, there are no guidelines to help professionals decide when it is safe to return to activity after injury.ObjectiveTo examine the specific criteria (eg, strength, pain) that expert sport medicine clinicians use for return to activity decisions in children with musculoskeletal injuries.MethodsThe authors conducted an online cross-sectional survey of certified Canadian sport medicine doctors (MDs) and sport rehabilitation specialists (physiotherapists (PTs) or athletic therapists (ATs)). The authors asked how they would measure each of the following signs in the context of a knee injury: sport-specific skills, pain, swelling, strength, range of motion (ROM) and balance. Clinicians also ranked the importance of each sign with respect to influencing their recommendations for each of five clinical vignettes.ResultsThe overall response rate was 33.6% (464/1380) with similar rates for each profession. For each clinical sign, all three professions preferred the same measure to determine readiness to return to play: standardised testing for sport-specific skills, impact on function for pain, palpation for swelling, manual muscle testing for strength, visual inspection for ROM and standing on one leg with eyes closed for balance. Regarding importance of specific signs for return to activity, all professions had similar responses for one vignette, but MDs differed from PTs and ATs for the remaining four. Finally, pain was ranked as the no 1 or 2 most important sign in all five vignettes by 41.0% of MDs, 18.1% of ATs and 11.3% of PTs, whereas sport-specific skills was chosen by 9.6% MDs, 12.0% ATs and 16.1% PTs.ConclusionOur results provide the foundation for future work leading towards the development of interdisciplinary consensus guidelines.
Mitochondrial haplogroups associated with elite Japanese athlete status
Authors: Mikami Eri , Fuku Noriyuki , Takahashi Hideyuki , Ohiwa Nao , Scott Robert A , Pitsiladis Yannis P , Higuchi Mitsuru , Kawahara Takashi , Tanaka Masashi 
Published: June 2010

PurposeIt has been hypothesised that certain mitochondrial haplogroups, which are defined by the presence of a characteristic cluster of tightly linked mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms, would be associated with elite Japanese athlete status. To examine this hypothesis, the frequencies of mitochondrial haplogroups found in elite Japanese athletes were compared with those in the general Japanese population.MethodsSubjects comprised 139 Olympic athletes (79 endurance/middle-power athletes (EMA), 60 sprint/power athletes (SPA)) and 672 controls (CON). Two mitochondrial DNA fragments containing the hypervariable sequence I (m16024–m16383) of the major non-coding region and the polymorphic site at m.5178C>A within the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene were sequenced, and subjects were classified into 12 major mitochondrial haplogroups (ie, F, B, A, N9a, N9b, M7a, M7b, M*, G2, G1, D5 or D4). The mitochondrial haplogroup frequency differences among EMA, SPA and CON were then examined.ResultsEMA showed an excess of haplogroup G1 (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.05 to 6.02, p=0.032), with 8.9% compared with 3.7% in CON, whereas SPA displayed a greater proportion of haplogroup F (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.28 to 6.07, p=0.007), with 15.0% compared with 6.0% in CON.ConclusionsThe results suggest that mitochondrial haplogroups G1 and F are associated with elite EMA and SPA status in Japanese athletes, respectively.
Motor responses to experimental Achilles tendon pain
Authors: Henriksen Marius , Aaboe Jens , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Bliddal Henning , Langberg Henning 
Published: June 2010

BackgroundAchilles tendinopathies are characterised by pain and reduced function, and heavy-load exercises have been shown to be effective in the treatment of painful chronic Achilles tendinopathies. However, basic information is needed on how the biomechanics and neuromuscular control of the exercise are affected by Achilles tendon pain.ObjectiveThe authors aimed to determine the effects of experimental Achilles tendon pain on motor function during one-legged weight bearing ankle plantar and dorsal flexion exercises.MethodsIn a crossover study, with 16 healthy subjects tested on two different days separated by 1 week, three-dimensional ground reaction forces, ankle joint kinematics and surface electromyography (EMG) of the lower leg muscles were recorded during one-legged full weight-bearing ankle plantar (concentric) and dorsal (eccentric) flexion exercises. Measurements were done before, during and after either experimental Achilles tendon pain or a non-painful control condition. Pain was induced by intratendinous injections of hypertonic saline with isotonic saline injections as control. Joint kinematics, ground reaction force frequency contents and average EMG amplitudes were calculated.ResultsCompared with the control condition experimental Achilles tendon pain reduced the EMG activity in agonistic, synergistic and antagonistic muscles, and increased the ground reaction force frequency content around 10 Hz, during both eccentric and concentric movement phases.ConclusionsThese data show that experimental Achilles tendon pain causes widespread and reduced motor responses with functional effects on the ground reaction force.
Cognition and performance: anxiety, mood and perceived exertion among Ironman triathletes
Authors: Parry David , Chinnasamy Camilla , Papadopoulou Eleni , Noakes Timothy , Micklewright Dominic 
Published: June 2010

ObjectiveThe authors examined the changing patterns of mood before and after an Ironman triathlon, and the relationships between expected performance outcomes, perception of effort and pacing.DesignTwelve participants in the 2008 Ironman Austria triathlon competition were studied before, during and after the event. Each participant completed measures of mood, anxiety and perceived exertion, while pacing was calculated from official race timings at various points on the course.ResultsPositive correlations were found between distance covered and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during each of the individual disciplines, and also between RPE and the percentage of overall race time completed (r=0.826, p<0.001). A negative correlation was found between average speed and distance covered during the run segment (r=−0.911, p<0.005) with pace gradually declining. Differences occurred in the profile of mood states mood subscales of tension and fatigue between the baseline, prerace and postrace trials. Somatic anxiety was higher before the race compared with baseline measures.DiscussionRPE followed a linear progression of RPE during each discipline followed by a re-setting of the perception of effort at the start of the next discipline. The increase in RPE for the entire event followed a linear increase. The linear decline in run pace is consistent with a recent model in which expected RPE is used to modulate pacing. Anxiety and mood responses of participants in this study indicate that the emotional response of athletes before and after ultra-endurance exercise is closely aligned with their conscious thoughts.
Comparison of sports medicine, public health and exercise promotion between bidding countries for the FIFA World Cup in 2018
Authors: Orchard Jessica Joan , Orchard John William , Driscoll Timothy R 
Published: June 2010

ObjectiveTo ascertain whether it is possible to assess countries bidding for international sporting events based on public health and sports medicine criteria. In particular, the authors undertook this exercise for countries bidding for the 2018 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Football World Cup (2018 World Cup).DesignA scorecard framework approach to pose and answer nine relevant questions. Questions were answered using Medline-listed references (where possible) and internet research.ResultsEngland scored the highest overall, largely due to its sports medicine training programme and recognition, and funding of treatment for sports injuries. The Netherlands/Belgium scored highly in the questions relating to public health expenditure, Australia was very strong in sports medicine research, and Japan was the best of the bidding countries in terms of having a lower prevalence of overweight and obese people.ConclusionsIt is possible to assess countries bidding for international sporting events based on their performance with respect to sports medicine, physical activity and health promotion criteria. Bodies organising major sporting events such as FIFA and the International Olympic Committee may wish to consider making public health measures part of the bidding criteria for hosting these events.