bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CarF Mediates Signaling by Singlet Oxygen, Generated via Photoexcited Protoporphyrin IX, in Myxococcus xanthus Light-Induced Carotenogenesis
Authors: Galbis-Martínez Marisa , Padmanabhan S. , Murillo Francisco J. , Elías-Arnanz Montserrat 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

Blue light triggers carotenogenesis in the nonphototrophic bacterium
Myxococcus xanthus
by inducing inactivation of an anti-σ factor, CarR, and the consequent liberation of the cognate extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factor, CarQ. CarF, the protein implicated earliest in the response to light, does not resemble any known photoreceptor. It interacts physically with CarR and is required for its light-driven inactivation, but the mechanism is unknown. Blue-light sensing in
M. xanthus
has been attributed to the heme precursor protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), which can generate the highly reactive singlet oxygen species (
1
O
2
) by energy transfer to oxygen. However,
1
O
2
involvement in
M. xanthus
light-induced carotenogenesis remains to be established. Here, we present genetic evidence of the involvement of PPIX as well as
1
O
2
in light-induced carotenogenesis in
M. xanthus
and of how these are linked to CarF in the signal transduction pathway. Response to light was examined in
carF
-bearing and
carF-
deficient
M. xanthus
strains lacking endogenous PPIX due to deletion of
hemB
or accumulating PPIX due to deletion of
hemH
(
hemB
and
hemH
are early- and late-acting heme biosynthesis genes, respectively). This demonstrated that light induction of the CarQ-dependent promoter, P
QRS
, correlated directly with cellular PPIX levels. Furthermore, we show that P
QRS
activation is triggered by
1
O
2
and is inhibited by exogenously supplied hemin and that CarF is essential for the action of
1
O
2
. Thus, our findings indicate that blue light interaction with PPIX generates
1
O
2
, which must be transmitted via CarF to trigger the transcriptional response underlying light-induced carotenogenesis in
M. xanthus
.
Suppression of a
dnaKJ
Deletion by Multicopy
dksA
Results from Non-Feedback-Regulated Transcripts That Originate Upstream of the Major
dksA
Promoter
Authors: Chandrangsu Pete , Wang Li , Choi Sang Ho , Gourse Richard L. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

DksA is an RNA polymerase (RNAP) binding transcription factor that controls expression of a large number of genes in concert with the small-molecule “alarmone” ppGpp. DksA also aids in the resolution of conflicts between RNAP and DNA polymerase (DNAP) during genome replication. DksA was originally identified as a multicopy suppressor of the temperature sensitivity caused by deletion of the genes coding for the DnaKJ chaperone system. Here, we address a longstanding question regarding the role of DksA in Δ
dnaKJ
suppression. We demonstrate that DksA expression from a multicopy plasmid is necessary and sufficient for suppression, that overexpression occurs despite the fact that the major
dksA
promoter is feedback regulated in wild-type cells, and that weak, non-feedback-regulated transcription originating upstream of the major promoter for the
dksA
gene accounts for overexpression. We tentatively rule out three potential explanations for suppression related to known functions of DnaKJ. Because a determinant in DksA needed for the regulation of transcription initiation, but not for resolution of RNAP-DNAP conflicts, is needed to bypass the need for DnaKJ, we suggest that suppression results from an unidentified product whose promoter is directly or indirectly regulated by DksA.
Bacillus subtilis RapA Phosphatase Domain Interaction with Its Substrate, Phosphorylated Spo0F, and Its Inhibitor, the PhrA Peptide
Authors: Diaz Alejandra R. , Core Leighton J. , Jiang Min , Morelli Michela , Chiang Christina H. , Szurmant Hendrik , Perego Marta 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

Rap proteins in
Bacillus subtilis
regulate the phosphorylation level or the DNA-binding activity of response regulators such as Spo0F, involved in sporulation initiation, or ComA, regulating competence development. Rap proteins can be inhibited by specific peptides generated by the export-import processing pathway of the Phr proteins. Rap proteins have a modular organization comprising an amino-terminal alpha-helical domain connected to a domain formed by six tetratricopeptide repeats (TPR). In this study, the molecular basis for the specificity of the RapA phosphatase for its substrate, phosphorylated Spo0F (Spo0F∼P), and its inhibitor pentapeptide, PhrA, was analyzed in part by generating chimeric proteins with RapC, which targets the DNA-binding domain of ComA, rather than Spo0F∼P, and is inhibited by the PhrC pentapeptide.
In vivo
analysis of sporulation efficiency or competence-induced gene expression, as well as
in vitro
biochemical assays, allowed the identification of the amino-terminal 60 amino acids as sufficient to determine Rap specificity for its substrate and the central TPR3 to TPR5 (TPR3-5) repeats as providing binding specificity toward the Phr peptide inhibitor. The results allowed the prediction and testing of key residues in RapA that are essential for PhrA binding and specificity, thus demonstrating how the widespread structural fold of the TPR is highly versatile, using a common interaction mechanism for a variety of functions in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.
How, where and with whom? Physical activity context preferences of three adult groups at risk of inactivity
Authors: Burton Nicola W , Khan Asaduzzaman , Brown Wendy J 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundStrategies to promote physical activity may be more successful if they reflect people's interests.PurposeTo explore physical activity contexts preferred by three adult groups at risk of inactivity: older adults, those with low income and those with high body mass index (BMI).MethodsCross-sectional data were from a mail survey of 7873 adults aged 42–67 years. Respondents indicated the extent of disagreement or agreement with a preference for each of 14 contexts relating to format (eg, vigorous), location (eg, outdoors) and social setting (eg, done alone). Data were analysed using multilevel multinomial logistic regression. Adjusted OR and 95% CI are reported.ResultsThose aged 60–67 (vs 42–49) years had significantly higher odds to prefer activities with people of same age, and significantly lower odds to prefer activities that are at a fixed time with scheduled sessions, competitive, team-based or vigorous. Adults with low (vs high) income had significantly higher odds to prefer activities that are low cost, not just about exercise, team-based, supervised, skill-based or that can be done alone, and significantly lower odds to prefer vigorous or outdoor activities. Adults with BMI 30+ (vs<25) had significantly higher odds to prefer activities that are supervised, with people the same sex, team-based, with people the same age, or at a fixed time with scheduled sessions.ConclusionsThese three groups had distinct preferences for how, where and with whom the physical activity is done. This information could be used by those who promote, design, deliver and evaluate physical activity opportunities.
Functional management of ankle sprains: what volume and intensity of walking is undertaken in the first week postinjury
Authors: Tully Mark A , Bleakley Chris M , O'Connor Sean R , McDonough Suzanne M 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundAcute ankle sprains are usually managed functionally, with advice to undertake progressive weight-bearing and walking. Mechanical loading is an important modular of tissue repair; therefore, the clinical effectiveness of walking after ankle sprain may be dose dependent. The intensity, magnitude and duration of load associated with current functional treatments for ankle sprain are unclear.AimTo describe physical activity (PA) in the first week after ankle sprain and to compare results with a healthy control group.MethodsParticipants (16–65 years) with an acute ankle sprain were randomised into two groups (standard or exercise). Both groups were advised to apply ice and compression, and walk within the limits of pain. The exercise group undertook additional therapeutic exercises. PA was measured using an activPAL accelerometer, worn for 7 days after injury. Comparisons were made with a non-injured control group.ResultsThe standard group were significantly less active (1.2±0.4 h activity/day; 5621±2294 steps/day) than the exercise (1.7±0.7 h/day, p=0.04; 7886±3075 steps/day, p=0.03) and non-injured control groups (1.7±0.4 h/day, p=0.02; 8844±2185 steps/day, p=0.002). Also, compared with the non-injured control group, the standard and exercise groups spent less time in moderate (38.3±12.7 min/day vs 14.5±11.4 min/day, p=0.001 and 22.5±15.9 min/day, p=0.003) and high-intensity activity (4.1±6.9 min/day vs 0.1±0.1 min/day, p=0.001 and 0.62±1.0 min/day p=0.005).ConclusionPA patterns are reduced in the first week after ankle sprain, which is partly ameliorated with addition of therapeutic exercises. This study represents the first step towards developing evidence-based walking prescription after acute ankle sprain.
Effects of resistance training on arterial stiffness: a meta-analysis
Authors: Miyachi Motohiko 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundRegular aerobic exercise prevents and reverses arterial stiffening, but the association between resistance training and arterial stiffness is unclear.AimThis study was performed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the associations between resistance training and changes in arterial stiffness.MethodsMEDLINE and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from January 1980 through to April 2011. RCTs evaluating the ability of resistance training to increase arterial stiffness in comparison with a control group were included in the meta-analysis. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of the included studies. Data from 185 reports of eight RCTs (193 participants) were included. Pooled mean differences in arterial stiffness indices (carotid arterial β stiffness and pulse wave velocity (PWV)) between intervention and control groups were calculated using a random-effects model.ResultsThe overall association of resistance training versus control with relative changes in carotid β index or PWV (eight studies; 193 participants) was 10.7% (95% CI 3.4% to 18.0%; I2, 89%; heterogeneity, p<0.001). Five studies indicated that resistance training in young subjects (n=115) was significantly associated with an increase in stiffness index of 14.3% (95% CI 8.5% to 20.1%; I2, 71%; heterogeneity, p<0.001) compared with controls. However, three studies showed that resistance training in middle-aged subjects (n=78) was not associated with changes in arterial stiffness. In addition, although high-intensity resistance training (n=87) was significantly associated with an increase in stiffness of 11.6%, moderate-intensity resistance training (n=106) showed no such association.ConclusionHigh-intensity resistance training is associated with increased arterial stiffness in young subjects with low baseline levels of arterial stiffness.
The incidence of admissions for schizophrenia and related psychoses in two cohorts: 1875–1924 and 1994–2010
Authors: Healy David , Le Noury Joanna , Linden Stefanie Caroline , Harris Margaret , Whitaker Chris , Linden David , Baker Darren , Roberts Anthony P 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveTo investigate changes in incidence of admissions for schizophrenia and related non-affective psychoses in North Wales.DesignData from two epidemiologically complete cohorts of patients presenting for the first time to mental health services in North Wales between 1875–1924 and 1994–2010 are used in this study to map the incidence of hospital admissions for schizophrenia and non-affective psychoses.SettingThe North Wales Asylum Denbigh (archived patient case notes) and the North West Wales District General Hospital psychiatric unit.Population3168 patients admitted to the North Wales Asylum Denbigh between 1875 and 1924 and 355 patients admitted to the District General Hospital psychiatric unit between 1994 and 2010.ResultsThere was an increasing admission incidence for schizophrenia between 1875 and 1900, a higher admission rate in the 1990s for men, followed by a drop in rates of admission for both genders since 2006. Admission incidences switch from parity between the sexes in the historical period to a doubling of the admission rates for men compared with women in the modern period. This admission pattern differs from the admission patterns for affective psychoses or organic disorders.ConclusionThere have been changes in the incidence of admissions for schizophrenia in North Wales.
Healthcare use and costs associated with obesity in Badalona, Spain: a study protocol: Table 1
Authors: Sicras-Mainar Antonio , Gil Joan , Mora Toni , Navarro-Artieda Ruth , Ayma Joan 
Published: January 2012

IntroductionThe objectives of the study are twofold. First, to calculate healthcare resource utilisation and costs for a cohort of adult overweight and obese patients observed in primary and hospital care centres during eight consecutive years (2003–2010) in an urban setting in Spain. An analysis of whether these costs vary by groups of individuals and types of disease, and of how they compare with the previous literature, is carried out in order to predict actions or policies for resource optimisation. The second objective is to estimate the impact of overweight and obesity on the consumption of resources and costs, accounting for a wide array of controls.Methods and analysisObservational and retrospective cohort data are used, consisting of medical records of patients followed up in outpatient and hospital care facilities during the years 2003–2010. Three cohorts of patients are analysed: normal weight (18.5≥ body mass index (BMI) <25), overweight (25≥ BMI <30) and obese (BMI ≥30); BMI is computed using clinical information. Individual-level data on comorbidity, resource utilisation and costs are available, and external information provided by the population census regarding socioeconomic status is used. Utilisation and associated costs across BMI groups are compared by computing ratios for overweight and obese individuals relative to those of normal weight. Count data regression models (hurdle and finite mixture models) are used, together with two-part model regression models and taking into account the panel structure of the data set to explore the impact of overweight and obesity on the increased utilisation of health services and costs, accounting for a wide set of controls.
Late presentations of minor head injury
Authors: Barrow Anna , Ndikum John , Harris Tim 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the frequency with which a CT head is performed in patients presenting more than 4 h after minor head injury and the clinical features that predict an abnormal scan.DesignObservational cohort study.SettingEmergency department (ED) of the Royal London Hospital, London, UK.Participants500 patients presenting to the ED of the Royal London Hospital.MethodsChart review of all patients with minor head injury presenting more than 4 h from insult to the ED between December 2007 and May 2009. Inclusion criteria were: age over 16 years, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) 14 or 15 on first assessment, over 4 h post-injury. Exclusion criteria were: age under 16 years, GCS 13 and less, injuries limited to the face with no risk of intracranial injury; presentation less than 4 h after injury.Results497 patients were identified: 147 patients had CT head; 11 had intracranial injuries on CT. Loss of consciousness (p=0.0005), potential coagulopathy (p=0.0015), injuries above the clavicles (p=0.0150), open/depressed skull fracture (p=0.0221), alcohol/drug intoxication (p=0.0406) and focal neurology (p=0.0562) were predictors of positive CT scan. Five patients (1% of sample, 45% of patients with abnormal CT) required a neurosurgical procedure. Two (18.2%) self-discharged and four (36.4%) were followed up as outpatients. One patient (0.09%) died as a result of intracranial injury.DiscussionPatients with minor head injury who present over 4 h post-insult exhibit a similar risk of intracranial pathology to those presenting within 4 h. The risk factors previously identified to predict intracranial injury are similar in this study.
The role of prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors in the explanation of socioeconomic inequalities in preschool asthma symptoms: the Generation R Study
Authors: Hafkamp-de Groen Esther , van Rossem Lenie , de Jongste Johan C , Mohangoo Ashna D , Moll Henriëtte A , Jaddoe Vincent W V , Hofman Albert , Mackenbach Johan P , Raat Hein 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundThe authors assessed whether socioeconomic inequalities in asthma symptoms were already present in preschool children and to what extent prenatal, perinatal and postnatal risk factors for asthma symptoms mediate the effect of socioeconomic status (SES).MethodsThe study included 3136 Dutch children participating in the Generation R Study, a prospective cohort study. Adjusted ORs of asthma symptoms for low and middle SES (household income and maternal education) compared to high SES were calculated after adjustment for potential confounders and also adjusted for prenatal, perinatal and postnatal mediators at preschool age.ResultsAt age 1 year, low-SES children had a 40% lower risk of asthma symptoms compared to high-SES children (p<0.01). However, the risk of asthma symptoms in 3- and 4-year-old low-SES children was 1.5 times higher compared to their high-SES age mates (p<0.05). The positive associations at age 1 year were particularly modified by postnatal factors (up to 38%). In toddlers, prenatal factors explained up to 58% of the negative associations between SES and asthma symptoms.ConclusionsSES indirectly affects asthma symptoms at preschool age. The inverse association between SES and asthma symptoms emerges at age 3 years. This is particularly due to a high level of adverse prenatal circumstances in low-SES toddlers. Future research should evaluate public health programs (during pregnancy) to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in childhood asthma.
Socioeconomic inequalities and vaccination coverage: results of an immunisation coverage survey in 27 Brazilian capitals, 2007–2008
Authors: Barata Rita Barradas , Sampaio de Almeida Ribeiro Manoel Carlos , de Moraes José Cássio , Flannery Brendan ,   on behalf of the Vaccine Coverage Survey 2007 Group
Published: January 2012

BackgroundSince 1988, Brazil's Unified Health System has sought to provide universal and equal access to immunisations. Inequalities in immunisation may be examined by contrasting vaccination coverage among children in the highest versus the lowest socioeconomic strata. The authors examined coverage with routine infant immunisations from a survey of Brazilian children according to socioeconomic stratum of residence census tract.MethodsThe authors conducted a household cluster survey in census tracts systematically selected from five socioeconomic strata, according to average household income and head of household education, in 26 Brazilian capitals and the federal district. The authors calculated coverage with recommended vaccinations among children until 18 months of age, according to socioeconomic quintile of residence census tract, and examined factors associated with incomplete vaccination.ResultsAmong 17 295 children with immunisation cards, 14 538 (82.6%) had received all recommended vaccinations by 18 months of age. Among children residing in census tracts in the highest socioeconomic stratum, 77.2% were completely immunised by 18 months of age versus 81.2%–86.2% of children residing in the four census tract quintiles with lower socioeconomic indicators (p<0.01). Census tracts in the highest socioeconomic quintile had significantly lower coverage for bacille Calmette-Guérin, oral polio and hepatitis B vaccines than those with lower socioeconomic indicators. In multivariable analysis, higher birth order and residing in the highest socioeconomic quintile were associated with incomplete vaccination. After adjusting for interaction between socioeconomic strata of residence census tract and household wealth index, only birth order remained significant.ConclusionsEvidence from Brazilian capitals shows success in achieving high immunisation coverage among poorer children. Strategies are needed to reach children in wealthier areas.
A worksite vitality intervention to improve older workers' lifestyle and vitality-related outcomes: results of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Strijk Jorien E , Proper Karin I , van der Beek Allard J , van Mechelen Willem 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a worksite vitality intervention on vigorous physical activity (VPA), fruit intake, aerobic capacity, mental health and need for recovery after work among older hospital workers (ie, 45 years and older).MethodsThe 6-month intervention was evaluated using a randomised controlled trial design. Workers who were randomised to the intervention group (n=367; control: n=363) received the Vital@Work intervention containing (1) a Vitality Exercise Program (VEP) combined with (2) three visits to Personal Vitality Coach. The VEP consisted of a weekly yoga session, a weekly workout session and weekly unsupervised aerobic exercising. Free fruit was provided at the VEP. Data on the outcome measures were collected (ie, year 2009–2010) at baseline (n=730) and 6 months of follow-up after baseline (n=575) using questionnaires, accelerometers and 2 km walk tests. Effects were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle with complete cases (n=575) and imputed data (n=730) using linear regression analyses. Additional analyses were performed for high yoga and workout compliance (ie, >mean number of sessions).ResultsEffects were found for sports activities (β=40.4 min/week, 95% CI 13.0 to 67.7) and fruit intake (β=2.7 pieces/week, 95% CI 0.07 to 4.7) and were stronger for workers with high compliance to yoga (sport: β=49.6 min/week, 95% CI 13.9 to 85.2; fruit: β=3.8 pieces/week, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.4) and workout sessions (sport: β=72.9 min/week, 95% CI 36.1 to 109.8; fruit: β=4.0 pieces/week, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.4). The intervention group lowered their need for recovery, when compared to controls (β=−3.5, 95% CI −6.4 to −0.54), with stronger effects for high workout compliance (β=−5.3, 95% CI −9.3 to −1.3). No effects were found on VPA, aerobic capacity or mental health.ConclusionsImplementation of worksite yoga and workout facilities and minimal fruit interventions should be considered by employers to promote transitions into healthier lifestyles and thereby health.