bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacillus subtilisHomologs of MviN (MurJ), the PutativeEscherichia coliLipid II Flippase, Are Not Essential for Growth
Authors: Fay Allison , Dworkin Jonathan 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTAlthough peptidoglycan synthesis is one of the best-studied metabolic pathways in bacteria, the mechanism underlying the membrane translocation of lipid II, the undecaprenyl-disaccharide pentapeptide peptidoglycan precursor, remains mysterious. Recently, it was proposed that the essentialEscherichia coli mviNgene encodes the lipid II flippase.Bacillus subtiliscontains four proteins that are putatively homologous to MviN, including SpoVB, previously reported to be necessary for spore cortex peptidoglycan synthesis during sporulation. MviN complemented the sporulation defect of a ΔspoVBmutation, and SpoVB and another of theB. subtilishomologs, YtgP, complemented the growth defect of anE. colistrain depleted for MviN. Thus, theseB. subtilisproteins are likely to be MviN homologs. However,B. subtilisstrains lacking these four proteins have no defects in growth, indicating that they likely do not serve as lipid II flippases in this organism.
Vibrio cholerae
LexA Coordinates CTX Prophage Gene Expression
Authors: Kimsey Harvey H. , Waldor Matthew K. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

The filamentous bacteriophage CTXΦ transmits the cholera toxin genes by infecting and lysogenizing its host,
Vibrio cholerae
. CTXΦ genes required for virion production initiate transcription from the strong
P
A
promoter, which is dually repressed in lysogens by the phage-encoded repressor RstR and the host-encoded SOS repressor LexA. Here we identify the neighboring divergent
rstR
promoter,
P
R
, and show that RstR both positively and negatively autoregulates its own expression from this promoter. LexA is absolutely required for RstR-mediated activation of
P
R
transcription. RstR autoactivation occurs when RstR is bound to an operator site centered 60 bp upstream of the start of transcription, and the coactivator LexA is bound to a 16-bp SOS box centered at position −23.5, within the
P
R
spacer region. Our results indicate that LexA, when bound to its single site in the CTXΦ prophage, both represses transcription from
P
A
and coactivates transcription from the divergent
P
R
. We propose that LexA coordinates
P
A
and
P
R
prophage transcription in a gene regulatory circuit. This circuit is predicted to display transient switch behavior upon induction of CTXΦ lysogens.
Characterization of Alanine Catabolism inPseudomonas aeruginosaand Its Importance for Proliferation In Vivo
Authors: Boulette Megan L. , Baynham Patricia J. , Jorth Peter A. , Kukavica-Ibrulj Irena , Longoria Aissa , Barrera Karla , Levesque Roger C. , Whiteley Marvin 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTThe opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosacauses a variety of infections in immunocompromised individuals, including individuals with the heritable disease cystic fibrosis. Like the carbon sources metabolized by many disease-causing bacteria, the carbon sources metabolized byP. aeruginosaat the host infection site are unknown. We recently reported thatl-alanine is a preferred carbon source forP. aeruginosaand that two genes potentially involved in alanine catabolism (dadAanddadX) are induced during in vivo growth in the rat peritoneum and during in vitro growth in sputum (mucus) collected from the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis. The goals of this study were to characterize factors required for alanine catabolism inP. aeruginosaand to assess the importance of these factors for in vivo growth. Our results reveal thatdadAanddadXare arranged in an operon and are required for catabolism ofl-alanine. Thedadoperon is inducible byl-alanine,d-alanine, andl-valine, and induction is dependent on the transcriptional regulator Lrp. Finally, we show that a mutant unable to catabolizedl-alanine displays decreased competitiveness in a rat lung model of infection.
Evaluation of a Prototype Real-Time PCR Assay for Carcinogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Detection and Simultaneous HPV Genotype 16 (HPV16) and HPV18 Genotyping
Authors: Castle Philip E. , Sadorra Mark , Lau Tiffany , Aldrich Carrie , Garcia Francisco A. R. , Kornegay Janet 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Results from a prototype real-time PCR assay that separately detected human papillomavirus genotype 16 (HPV16), HPV18, and 12 other carcinogenic HPV genotypes in aggregate (cobas 4800 HPV test) and results from a PCR assay that detects 37 HPV genotypes individually (Linear Array) were compared using a convenience sample of cervical specimens (
n
= 531). The percentage of total agreement between the two assays was 94.7% (95% confidence interval, 92.5 to 96.5%). The Linear Array test was more likely than cobas 4800 HPV test to test positive for the 12 other carcinogenic HPV genotypes among women without evidence of cervical disease (
P
= 0.004).
Impact of a Short Period of Pre-Enrichment on Detection and Bacterial Loads of Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
from Screening Specimens
Authors: Van Heirstraeten L. , Abrahantes J. Cortiñas , Lammens C. , Lee A. , Harbarth S. , Molenberghs G. , Aerts M. , Goossens H. , Malhotra-Kumar S. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

We compared the impacts of direct plating on a chromogenic medium and of plating after enrichment (4 h and overnight) on the detection of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) from 52 patient screening samples. MRSA colony counts for ≈70% of samples after overnight pre-enrichment were >20-fold higher than the counts after the other two treatments. The qualitative differences (sample was MRSA positive/negative) between the results of the direct plating and 4-h pre-enrichment treatments were not significant, indicating no advantage of the latter; however, the number of samples positive for MRSA increased significantly after an overnight sample pre-enrichment (
P
< 0.005).
Evaluation of PCR-Based Testing for Surveillance of KPC-Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Members of the
Enterobacteriaceae
Family
Authors: Schechner Vered , Straus-Robinson Keren , Schwartz David , Pfeffer Iris , Tarabeia Jalal , Moskovich Rina , Chmelnitsky Inna , Schwaber Mitchell J. , Carmeli Yehuda , Navon-Venezia Shiri 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

The spread of carbapenem-resistant members of the
Enterobacteriaceae
family (CRE) harboring carbapenemases is an emerging public health threat. As KPC-producing
Klebsiella
species are endemic in our tertiary care hospital, we aimed to evaluate a PCR-based surveillance test for identification of rectal carriage of KPC-producing CRE. We conducted a surveillance study between May and December 2007. Rectal swabs were collected from patients known to harbor CRE and from contacts of newly discovered patients harboring CRE. Specimens were evaluated by culture and by PCR analysis for
bla
KPC
and were defined as positive if CRE was cultured and
bla
KPC
was identified. Discrepant results between the culture and PCR analysis were resolved by subculturing, repeating the PCR, and performing a hydrolysis assay. Positive CRE cultures prior or subsequent to the time of sampling for the study were also taken into consideration. Sensitivity, specificity, and time to result were calculated. A total of 755 swabs were included. Concordant results were documented for 735 specimens; 51 were positive as determined by both PCR and culture. Discrepancies existed for 20 swabs; 9 were
bla
KPC
negative and CRE culture positive, and 11 were
bla
KPC
positive and CRE culture negative. After repeat testing, a total of 64 samples were classified as
bla
KPC
-positive CRE. The sensitivity and specificity of the PCR analysis were 92.2% and 99.6%, respectively, and those of the culture were 87.5% and 99.4%, respectively. Over the last 3 months of the study, the sensitivity of the PCR improved to 96.3%, versus 77.8% for culture. Time to result was 30 h for the PCR and 60 h (negative) and 75 h (positive) for the CRE culture.
bla
KPC
PCR-based testing is a useful method for the surveillance of KPC-producing CRE. Its main advantage over culturing is a shorter time to result, and it may prove to be more sensitive.
Validity, reliability and responsiveness of patient-reported outcome questionnaires when assessing hip and groin disability: a systematic review
Authors: Thorborg K , Roos EM , Bartels EM , Petersen J , Hölmich P 
Published: August 2009

BackgroundNovel treatment interventions are advancing rapidly in the management of hip and groin disability in the physically active young to middle-aged population.ObjectiveTo recommend the most suitable patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires for the assessment of hip and groin disability based on a systematic review of evidence of validity, reliability and responsiveness of these instruments.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, SportsDiscus and Web of Science were all searched up to January 2009. Two reviewers independently rated measurement properties of the PRO questionnaires in the included studies, according to a standardised criteria list.ResultsThe computerised search identified 2737 publications. Forty-one publications investigating measurement properties of PRO questionnaires assessing hip or groin disability were included in the study. Twelve different questionnaires designed for patients with hip disability and one questionnaire for patients with groin disability were identified. Hip dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) contains adequate measurement qualities to evaluate patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) or total hip replacement (THR). Hip Outcome Score (HOS) is the best available questionnaire for evaluating hip arthroscopy, but the Inguinal Pain Questionnaire, the only identified questionnaire evaluating groin disability, does not contain adequate measurement qualities.ConclusionsHOOS is recommended for evaluating patients with hip OA undergoing non-surgical treatment and surgical interventions such as THR. HOS is recommended for evaluating patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. Current and new PRO questionnaires should also be evaluated in younger patients (age <50) with hip and/or groin disability, including surgical and non-surgical patients.
Ultrasonographic tissue characterisation of human Achilles tendons: quantification of tendon structure through a novel non-invasive approach
Authors: van Schie H T M , de Vos R J , de Jonge S , Bakker E M , Heijboer M P , Verhaar J A N , Tol J L , Weinans H 
Published: August 2009

ObjectiveTo assess whether three-dimensional imaging of the Achilles tendon by ultrasonographic tissue characterisation (UTC) can differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic tendons.DesignCase-control study.SettingSports Medical Department of the Hague Medical Centre.PatientsTwenty-six tendons from patients with chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy were included. The “matched” control group consisted of 26 asymptomatic tendons.InterventionsSymptomatic and asymptomatic tendons were scanned using the UTC procedure. One researcher performed the ultrasonographic data collection. These blinded data were randomised, and outcome measures were determined by two independent observers.Main outcome measurementsThe raw ultrasonographic images were analysed with a customdesigned algorithm that quantifies the three-dimensional stability of echo patterns, qua intensity and distribution over contiguous transverse images. This threedimensional stability was related to tendon structure in previous studies. UTC categorises four different echotypes that represent (I) highly stable; (II) medium stable; (III) highly variable and (IV) constantly low intensity and variable distribution. The percentages of echo-types were calculated, and the maximum tendon thickness was measured. Finally, the inter-observer reliability of UTC was determined.ResultsSymptomatic tendons showed less pixels in echo-types I and II than asymptomatic tendons (51.5% vs 76.6%, p<0.001), thus less three-dimensional stability of the echo pattern. The mean maximum tendon thickness was 9.2 mm in the symptomatic group and 6.8 mm in the asymptomatic group (p<0.001). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for the interobserver reliability of determining the echo-types I+II was 0.95. The ICC for tendon thickness was 0.84.ConclusionUTC can quantitatively evaluate tendon structure and thereby discriminate symptomatic and asymptomatic tendons. As such, UTC might be useful to monitor treatment protocols.
Use of NSAIDs in triathletes: prevalence, level of awareness and reasons for use
Authors: Gorski T , Cadore E Lusa , Pinto S Santana , da Silva E Marczwski , Correa C Silva , Beltrami F Gabe , Kruel L F Martins 
Published: August 2009

ObjectiveTo determine the level of awareness regarding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the prevalence and reasons for their consumption among athletes competing at the 2008 Brazil Ironman Triathlon (3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle and 42.2 km run).DesignSurvey study.Setting2008 Brazil Ironman Triathlon, Florianópolis, Brazil, May 2008.Participants327 Of the 1250 athletes competing at the 2008 Brazil Ironman Triathlon were enrolled in the study.Main OutcomeMeasures Athletes answered a questionnaire about NSAID effects, side effects and consumption at the bike checkout or awards lunch.Results196 (59.9%) Athletes reported using NSAIDs in the previous 3 months; of these, 25.5% (n=50), 17.9% (n=35) and 47.4% (n=93) consumed NSAIDs the day before, immediately before and during the race, respectively. Among NSAID users, 48.5% (n=95) consumed them without medical prescription. The main reason given for NSAID consumption in the previous 3 months was the treatment of injuries, while the main reason given for consuming NSAIDs during the race was pain prevention. Despite anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, most athletes were unaware of the effects of NSAIDs, and the only adverse effects known by most athletes were the gastrointestinal complications.ConclusionsThis study found a high prevalence of NSAID consumption, limited awareness of the effects and side effects of them and a high rate of nonprescribed use. It is suggested that long-distance triathlon events include in their programmes educational devices such as talks or folders about NSAID use, effects and side effects.
Identification of Nectin-4 Oncoprotein as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target for Lung Cancer
Authors: Takano Atsushi , Ishikawa Nobuhisa , Nishino Ryohei , Masuda Ken , Yasui Wataru , Inai Kouki , Nishimura Hitoshi , Ito Hiroyuki , Nakayama Haruhiko , Miyagi Yohei , Tsuchiya Eiju , Kohno Nobuoki , Nakamura Yusuke , Daigo Yataro 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Gene expression profile analysis of lung cancers revealed the transactivation of an immunoglobulin-like molecule Nectin-4 in the majority of non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Immunohistochemical staining of 422 NSCLCs showed that a high level of Nectin-4 expression was associated with poor prognosis for NSCLC patients (P &lt; 0.0001), and multivariate analysis confirmed its independent prognostic value (P &lt; 0.0001). We established an ELISA to measure serum Nectin-4 and found that serum Nectin-4 levels were significantly higher in NSCLC patients than in healthy volunteers. The proportion of the serum Nectin-4–positive cases was 88 of 164 (53.7%) NSCLCs, whereas only 3 of 131 (2.3%) healthy volunteers were falsely diagnosed as positive, which was superior to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19-fragment (CYFRA21-1) in sensitivity and specificity. A combined ELISA for both Nectin-4 and CEA increased sensitivity and classified 65.0% of lung adenocarcinomas as positive with false-positive rate of 4.6%. The use of both Nectin-4 and CYFRA21-1 classified 68.3% of lung squamous cell carcinomas as positive with false-positive rate of 6.1%. Treatment of lung cancer cells with small interfering RNAs against Nectin-4 suppressed its expression and cell growth. In addition, exogenous expression of Nectin-4 increased the lamellipodia formation and the invasive ability of mammalian cells through activation of small GTPase Rac1. Nectin-4 might play a significant role in lung carcinogenesis, and it should be a new candidate serum and tissue biomarker, as well as a therapeutic target. [Cancer Res 2009;69(16):6694–703]
Metformin Disrupts Crosstalk between G Protein–Coupled Receptor and Insulin Receptor Signaling Systems and Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Growth
Authors: Kisfalvi Krisztina , Eibl Guido , Sinnett-Smith James , Rozengurt Enrique 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Recently, we identified a novel crosstalk between insulin and G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathways in human pancreatic cancer cells. Insulin enhanced GPCR signaling through a rapamycin-sensitive mTOR-dependent pathway. Metformin, the most widely used drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, activates AMP kinase (AMPK), which negatively regulates mTOR. Here, we determined whether metformin disrupts the crosstalk between insulin receptor and GPCR signaling in pancreatic cancer cells. Treatment of human pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1, MIAPaCa-2, and BxPC-3) with insulin (10 ng/mL) for 5 minutes markedly enhanced the increase in intracellular [Ca2+] induced by GPCR agonists (e.g., neurotensin, bradykinin, and angiotensin II). Metformin pretreatment completely abrogated insulin-induced potentiation of Ca2+ signaling but did not interfere with the effect of GPCR agonists alone. Insulin also enhanced GPCR agonist–induced growth, measured by DNA synthesis, and the number of cells cultured in adherent or nonadherent conditions. Low doses of metformin (0.1–0.5 mmol/L) blocked the stimulation of DNA synthesis, and the anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth induced by insulin and GPCR agonists. Treatment with metformin induced striking and sustained increase in the phosphorylation of AMPK at Thr172 and a selective AMPK inhibitor (compound C, at 5 μmol/L) reversed the effects of metformin on [Ca2+]i and DNA synthesis, indicating that metformin acts through AMPK activation. In view of these results, we tested whether metformin inhibits pancreatic cancer growth. Administration of metformin significantly decreased the growth of MIAPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells xenografted on the flank of nude mice. These results raise the possibility that metformin could be a potential candidate in novel treatment strategies for human pancreatic cancer. [Cancer Res 2009;69(16):6539–45]
Akairos or Eukairos? The Nickname of the Seleucid King Demetrius III in the Transmission of the Texts of Josephus' War and Antiquities
Authors: Martin Thomas , Levenson David 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAlthough modern scholars generally refer to Demetrius III as Eukairos, all the Greek manuscripts of Josephus' War and Antiquities reponed by Niese, as well as all editors since Niese, read Akairos in the three places the nickname is found. Attestations of Eukairos (Greek and Latin Table of Contents, Latin manuscripts of Antiquities, and early editions) are best explained as secondary developments in the transmission of the text. The influence of the Greek editio princeps, which unjustifiably prints Eukairos in all three places in Josephus' text, accounts for the appearance of the nickname in all editions of Josephus' works until the mid-nineteenth century and hence for its use in modern scholarship. Since Josephus is our only source for the nickname, Demetrius III should never be identified as Eukairos. If a nickname is to be used, it should either be Akairos or one (or more) of the official names found on the ruler's coinage.
Stringency in Qumran: A Reassessment
Authors: Noam Vered 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe attribution of stringency to the Qumranites is prevalent in scholarly research. Indeed it is indisputable that the Sect generally adopts stringent positions, compared to rabbinic halakah. However, closer examination indicates that Qumranic law reflects simple, necessary inferences from Scripture itself, whereas the Tannaitic leniency represents a surprisingly revolutionary divergence from the plain meaning of Scripture. The paper surveys several cases in which the bold and exceptional nature of Tannaitic legislation cannot serve as a criterion for evaluating the stringency of Sectarian law. It goes on to review other instances, where the very same traditions formed the basis of Qumranic as well as rabbinic regulation, except that the latter restricted their scope. The third group of examples shows that it was precisely the unrefined, simple character of Qumranic law, in comparison with the conceptual sophistication of Tannaitic halakah, that occasionally led to the opposite result, in which the Tannaitic halakah was strict, and the Sectarian law lenient. In sum, the strictness of Qumranic law is not “objective” but relative. The understanding that sectarian law reflects a series of inductions not altogether removed from the simple sense of Scripture facilitates a more accurate appreciation of the depth of Tannaitic halakah's groundbreaking leniency.
Kosher Olive Oil in Antiquity Reconsidered
Authors: Rosenblum Jordan 
Published: August 2009

AbstractJosephus attests several times to a Jewish aversion to the use of Gentile olive oil. In m. 'Abod. Zar. 2:6, this practice is first advocated and then immediately reversed by Rabbi and his court. What is the rationale for this sudden leniency with regard to Gentile olive oil? In a well-known article entitled “Kosher Olive Oil in Antiquity,” Martin Goodman argues that Rabbi's statement is the result of his inability to find a legal basis for the prohibition of Gentile olive oil. Goodman, however, accounts neither for the unique economic and dietary factors associated with olive oil, nor tannaitic legislation regarding other foodstuffs that may shed light on this case. In this article, I reconsider Jewish stances towards Gentile olive oil in antiquity from the time of Josephus to the Tannaitic period.
Theoretical Studies of Convectively Forced Mesoscale Flows in Three Dimensions. Part II: Shear Flow with a Critical Level
Authors: Han Ji-Young , Baik Jong-Jin 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Convectively forced mesoscale flows in a shear flow with a critical level are theoretically investigated by obtaining analytic solutions for a hydrostatic, nonrotating, inviscid, Boussinesq airflow system. The response to surface pulse heating shows that near the center of the moving mode, the magnitude of the vertical velocity becomes constant after some time, whereas the magnitudes of the vertical displacement and perturbation horizontal velocity increase linearly with time. It is confirmed from the solutions obtained in present and previous studies that this result is valid regardless of the basic-state wind profile and dimension. The response to 3D finite-depth steady heating representing latent heating due to cumulus convection shows that, unlike in two dimensions, a low-level updraft that is necessary to sustain deep convection always occurs at the heating center regardless of the intensity of vertical wind shear and the heating depth. For deep heating across a critical level, little change occurs in the perturbation field below the critical level, although the heating top height increases. This is because downward-propagating gravity waves induced by the heating above, but not near, the critical level can hardly affect the flow response field below the critical level. When the basic-state wind backs with height, the vertex of V-shaped perturbations above the heating top points to a direction rotated a little clockwise from the basic-state wind direction. This is because the V-shaped perturbations above the heating top is induced by upward-propagating gravity waves that have passed through the layer below where the basic-state wind direction is clockwise relative to that above.