bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fructose Degradation in the Haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii Involves a Bacterial Type Phosphoenolpyruvate-Dependent Phosphotransferase System, Fructose-1-Phosphate Kinase, and Class II Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate Aldolase
Authors: Pickl Andreas , Johnsen Ulrike , Schönheit Peter 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

The halophilic archaeon
Haloferax volcanii
utilizes fructose as a sole carbon and energy source. Genes and enzymes involved in fructose uptake and degradation were identified by transcriptional analyses, deletion mutant experiments, and enzyme characterization. During growth on fructose, the gene cluster HVO_1495 to HVO_1499, encoding homologs of the five bacterial phosphotransferase system (PTS) components enzyme IIB (EIIB), enzyme I (EI), histidine protein (HPr), EIIA, and EIIC, was highly upregulated as a cotranscript. The in-frame deletion of HVO_1499, designated
ptfC
(
ptf
stands for
p
hospho
t
ransferase system for
f
ructose) and encoding the putative fructose-specific membrane component EIIC, resulted in a loss of growth on fructose, which could be recovered by complementation in
trans
. Transcripts of HVO_1500 (
pfkB
) and HVO_1494 (
fba
), encoding putative fructose-1-phosphate kinase (1-PFK) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA), respectively, as well as 1-PFK and FBA activities were specifically upregulated in fructose-grown cells.
pfkB
and
fba
knockout mutants did not grow on fructose, whereas growth on glucose was not inhibited, indicating the functional involvement of both enzymes in fructose catabolism. Recombinant 1-PFK and FBA obtained after homologous overexpression were characterized as having kinetic properties indicative of functional 1-PFK and a class II type FBA. From these data, we conclude that fructose uptake in
H. volcanii
involves a fructose-specific PTS generating fructose-1-phosphate, which is further converted via fructose-1,6-bisphosphate to triose phosphates by 1-PFK and FBA. This is the first report of the functional involvement of a bacterial-like PTS and of class II FBA in the sugar metabolism of archaea.
Characterization of SSR42, a Novel Virulence Factor Regulatory RNA That Contributes to the Pathogenesis of a Staphylococcus aureus USA300 Representative
Authors: Morrison John M. , Miller Eric W. , Benson Meredith A. , Alonzo Francis , Yoong Pauline , Torres Victor J. , Hinrichs Steven H. , Dunman Paul M. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major human pathogen that is capable of producing an expansive repertoire of cell surface-associated and extracellular virulence factors. Herein we describe an
S. aureus
regulatory RNA, SSR42, which modulates the expression of approximately 80 mRNA species, including several virulence factors, in
S. aureus
strains UAMS-1 and USA300 (LAC) during stationary-phase growth. Mutagenesis studies revealed that SSR42 codes for an 891-nucleotide RNA molecule and that the molecule's regulatory effects are mediated by the full-length transcript. Western blotting and functional assays indicated that the regulatory effects of SSR42 correlate with biologically significant changes in corresponding protein abundances. Further, in
S. aureus
strain LAC, SSR42 is required for wild-type levels of erythrocyte lysis, resistance to human polymorphonuclear leukocyte killing, and pathogenesis in a murine model of skin and soft tissue infection. Taken together, our results indicate that SSR42 is a novel
S. aureus
regulatory RNA molecule that contributes to the organism's ability to cause disease.
Interventions in sports settings to reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Kingsland Melanie , Wiggers John , Wolfenden Luke 
Published: April 2012

IntroductionAlcohol consumption is a primary cause of physical, psychological and social harm to both the user and others. At both the professional and non-professional level, sports players and fans report consuming alcohol at greater levels than people not involved in sports. Limited systematic reviews have been conducted assessing interventions targeting alcohol consumption behaviour and related harms in the sporting context.Methods and analysisThe review aims to determine if interventions implemented in the sport setting decrease alcohol consumption and related harms. Participants may include all persons regardless of age or other characteristics. Studies will be included which have implemented interventions within the sport setting and have either measured: alcohol consumption, excessive alcohol consumption or intoxication or alcohol-related injury or violence. Randomised controlled trials, staggered enrolment trials, stepped-wedged trials, quasi-randomised trials, quasi-experimental trials and natural experiments will be included. Studies without a parallel comparison group will be excluded. Data will be sourced from a range of electronic databases and sources of grey literature. Two authors will independently screen all titles and abstracts of papers identified through the search strategy. Two authors will independently examine the full text of all remaining papers to determine eligibility. Two authors will independently extract data from eligible studies and independently assess risk of bias by assessing the adequacy of study characteristics. Where studies are sufficiently homogeneous, trial results will be synthesised using a fixed-effects meta-analysis. Standardised mean differences will be used for continuous outcomes and RRs will be used for binary outcomes.DisseminationThe findings of this study will be disseminated widely through mechanisms including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Reservoir potential of sands formed in glaciomarine environments: an analogue study based on Cenozoic examples from McMurdo Sound, Antarctica
Authors: Fielding Christopher R. , Blackstone Brian A. , Frank Tracy D. , Gui Zi 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
This paper provides documentation of unexpectedly high-reservoir-quality glaciomarine sands found in the Cenozoic succession beneath McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, as an analogue study for evaluations of hydrocarbon prospectivity in basins elsewhere. The Oligocene to Lower Miocene succession of the Victoria Land Basin, an extant portion of the West Antarctic Rift System, comprises diamictites, mudrocks and sandstones with minor conglomerates. These lithologies are arranged in repetitive stacking patterns (cycles), interpreted to record repeated advance and retreat of glaciers into and out of the basin, with attendant eustatic and isostatic effects. Phases of ice retreat within the cycles comprise an array of mudrocks, sandy mudrocks and sandstones, deposited mainly during relative sea-level highstands. Clean, well-sorted, unconsolidated and porous sands <25 m thick from such intervals, which are interpreted to be mainly deltaic in origin, were encountered. Some of these sands, which have visible porosity as high as 41%, flowed into the well bore together with significant volumes of cold formation water. Diagenetic modification of sands in these intervals is minimal, which can be attributed to the low-temperature nature of the subsurface environment. Accordingly, glaciomarine sands in near-field glaciogenic successions should be considered as potential reservoir facies in prospectivity assessments.
3D seismic analysis of buried tunnel valleys in the Central North Sea: tunnel valley fill sedimentary architecture
Authors: Stewart M. , Lonergan L. , Hampson G. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Fourteen overlapping 3D seismic reflection data sets, originally acquired by the oil and gas industry, were used to image and investigate complex networks of buried tunnel valleys in the UK sector of the Central North Sea. More than 180 individual tunnel valleys were observed and mapped to horizontal resolutions of 12–50 m and vertical resolutions of 8–10 m. The results presented here identify three recurring seismic facies that locally define stratigraphic organization from base to top of the buried tunnel valley fills: (i) high-amplitude disrupted units, (ii) a unit containing gently dipping disrupted reflections or transparent facies and (iii) well-layered continuous reflections. A comparison to similar works in the region is used to infer tunnel valley infill during changing depositional conditions from high-energy subglacial meltwater to quiet glaciolacustrine or glaciomarine environments.
An Antibody Fusion Protein for Cancer Immunotherapy Mimicking IL-15 trans-Presentation at the Tumor Site
Authors: Kermer Vanessa , Baum Volker , Hornig Nora , Kontermann Roland E. , Müller Dafne 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Cytokines driving the immune response are powerful tools for cancer immunotherapy, but their application is generally limited by severe systemic toxicity. Targeted approaches by means of antibody–cytokine fusion proteins might enable focus on the cytokine activity to the tumor site, thereby reducing unwanted side effects. Here, we investigated the possibility to improve the efficiency of interleukin (IL)-15 presentation in a targeted approach by the incorporation of an IL-15Rα chain fragment, mimicking physiologic trans-presentation. Therefore, an antibody cytokine fusion protein (scFv_RD_IL-15) composed of an antibody moiety targeting the tumor stromal fibroblast activation protein (FAP), an extended IL-15Rαsushi domain (RD) and IL-15 was generated, exhibiting antibody-mediated specific binding and cytokine activity in soluble and targeted form. Comparative analysis with a corresponding antibody fusion protein devoid of RD (scFv_IL-15) showed for scFv_RD_IL-15 in solution enhanced stimulatory activity on Mo7e (IL-15Rβγ) cells and reduced proliferation response on CTLL-2 (IL-15Rαβγ) cells, while in FAP-targeted, that is, membrane-bound form, comparable proliferation of CTLL-2 (IL-15Rαβγ) cells was obtained. In addition, scFv_RD_IL-15 achieved in its soluble and target-bound form stronger proliferation and cytotoxicity on unstimulated and activated T cells, respectively. Furthermore, in vivo analysis in a lung metastasis tumor mouse model revealed a superior antitumor effect for scFv_RD_IL-15 in comparison with that obtained by an untargeted or RD missing version of IL-15 fusion protein. Thus, tumor-directed trans-presentation of IL-15 in association with RD in form of an antibody fusion protein seems to be a promising approach to further improve the antitumor effect of IL-15. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(6); 1279–88. ©2012 AACR.
A Motivational Peer Support Program for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Delivered by People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Murray Nikki J. , Gasper Amy V. , Irvine Lisa , Scarpello Tracey J. , Sampson Mike J. 
Published: April 2012

Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop a peer support program for individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes as part of a novel Diabetes Prevention Programme (The UEA-IFG Study). Lay members of the public with existing type 2 diabetes volunteered as peer supporters (termed type 2 trainers) for participants at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The feasibility of type 2 trainer recruitment, training, and retention was tested. Methods Between January and September 2009, 1500 potential type 2 trainers with existing type 2 diabetes were contacted and 168 (11%) expressed an interest. From this group, 26 type 2 trainers were appointed to begin training. All completed 7 training seminars, covering diabetes prevention, nutrition, physical activity, listening skills, motivation, and goal planning. Motivational calls were made every 12 weeks to each study participant by each type 2 trainer in addition to health care professional–delivered education sessions. Results Twenty-six type 2 trainers were recruited to enter the program. One type 2 trainer withdrew before beginning their role. The retention rate was high, with 22 (89%) of the type 2 trainers continuing until study end (July 2010; 20 months), with a total of 240 phone calls made. Conclusion The recruiting and training of lay volunteers with existing type 2 diabetes as type 2 trainers to support study participants at risk of developing the same condition was a cost-effective strategy in comparison to employing salaried health care professionals and warrants further investigation on health outcomes.
Building Capacity to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes
Authors: Colleran Kathleen , Harding Erika , Kipp Billie Jo , Zurawski Andrea , MacMillan Barbara , Jelinkova Lucie , Kalishman Summers , Dion Denise , Som Dara , Arora Sanjeev 
Published: April 2012

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine whether an innovative interactive distance training program is an effective modality to train community health workers (CHWs) to become members of the diabetes health care team. The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center has developed a rigorous diabetes training program for CHWs involving both distance and hands-on learning as part of Project ECHO™ (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes). Methods Twenty-three diverse CHW participants from across New Mexico were enrolled in the first training session. Participants completed surveys at baseline and at the end of the program. They attended a 3-day hands-on training session, followed by weekly participation in tele/video conferences for 6 months. Wilcoxon signed-rank statistics were used to compare pre- and posttest results. Results Participants demonstrated significant improvements in diabetes knowledge ( P = .002), diabetes attitudes ( P = .04) and confidence in both clinical and nonclinical skills ( P < .001 and P = .04, respectively). Additionally, during focus group discussions, participants reported numerous benefits from participation in the program. Conclusions Community health worker participation in the Project ECHO diabetes training program resulted in significant increases in knowledge, confidence, and attitudes in providing care to patients with diabetes. Studies are ongoing to determine whether the training has a positive impact on patient outcomes.
Effect of a Short-Duration, Culturally Tailored, Community-Based Diabetes Self-management Intervention for Korean Immigrants
Authors: Choi Sarah E. , Rush Elizabeth B. 
Published: April 2012

Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a short-duration, culturally tailored, community-based diabetes self- management program (CTCDSP) for Korean immigrants with type 2 diabetes delivered at a non-clinic-affiliated community center. Methods Forty-one Korean adults with type 2 diabetes participated in a 2-session CTCDSP delivered by a bilingual nurse practitioner at a Korean community center. Outcome measures included biological, behavioral, and general health well-being; diabetes knowledge; and self-efficacy assessed at baseline, post-education, and 3-month follow-up. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to explore mean differences in outcomes across the 3 assessment points. Results From baseline to 3-month follow-up assessment, participants exhibited significant improvement on several physiological and behavioral measures. Mean levels of hemoglobin A1c and waist circumference decreased, whereas high-density lipoprotein levels increased. Additionally, participants reported an increase in weekly feet checks, and there was a trend increase in participants’ reported frequency of exercise activities. The feasibility of the CTCDSP was established, and participant satisfaction with the program was high. Conclusions A short-duration CTCDSP may be an effective, feasible, and favorably received approach to improving diabetes outcomes in Korean and potentially other underserved ethnic minority immigrants who have limited access to mainstream clinic-based diabetes self-management programs.
Minimizing Morbidity in Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery
Authors: Rawal Rounak B. , Kimple Adam J. , Dugar Deepak R. , Zanation Adam M. 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveThe novel nasoseptal rescue flap has been proven to provide complete coverage of dural defects that may be encountered during endoscopic pituitary surgery through cadaveric studies. In this case series, the authors report outcomes from the first cohort of patients who had a nasoseptal rescue flap raised prior to surgery.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingUniversity of North Carolina–Chapel Hill.Subjects and MethodsPatients requiring nasoseptal rescue flaps were identified from the senior author’s database.ResultsNasoseptal rescue flaps were harvested in 26 consecutive patients, with only 7 (27%) patients actually requiring use of the rescue flap for skull base reconstruction due to intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Six patients had low‐flow CSF leaks, whereas 1 patient had a high‐flow CSF leak. Nineteen patients had pituitary adenomas, whereas 7 patients had Rathke cleft cyst. Mean follow‐up time was 6 months (range, 1‐16 months). Since surgery, no patients have presented with CSF leak or septal perforation. The success rate in those 7 patients with rescue flap utilization was 100%.ConclusionThe nasoseptal rescue flap is an effective surgical technique for patients undergoing pituitary surgery without a planned nasoseptal flap. It allows for vascularized skull base reconstruction if an intraoperative CSF leak is encountered and minimizes donor site morbidity if a leak is not encountered.
Social Support, Acculturation, and Optimism
Authors: Ayres Cynthia G. , Mahat Ganga 
Published: April 2012

Purpose: This study developed and tested a theory to better understand positive health practices (PHP) among Asian Americans aged 18 to 21 years. It tested theoretical relationships postulated between PHP and (a) social support (SS), (b) optimism, and (c) acculturation, and between SS and optimism and acculturation. Optimism and acculturation were also tested as possible mediators in the relationship between SS and PHP. Design: A correlational study design was used. A convenience sample of 163 Asian college students in an urban setting completed four questionnaires assessing SS, PHP, optimism, and acculturation and one demographic questionnaire. Findings: There were statistically significant positive relationships between SS and optimism with PHP, between acculturation and PHP, and between optimism and SS. Optimism mediated the relationship between SS and PHP, whereas acculturation did not. Discussion/Conclusion: Findings extend knowledge regarding these relationships to a defined population of Asian Americans aged 18 to 21 years. Implications for Further Research: Findings contribute to a more comprehensive knowledge base regarding health practices among Asian Americans. The theoretical and empirical findings of this study provide the direction for future research as well. Further studies need to be conducted to identify and test other mediators in order to better understand the relationship between these two variables.
Tendinopathy in Sport
Authors: Ackermann Paul W. , Renström Per 
Published: April 2012

Context: Tendinopathy is increasing in prevalence and accounts for a substantial part of all sports injuries and occupational disorders. Despite the magnitude of the disorder, high-quality scientific data on etiology and available treatments have been limited. Evidence Acquisition: The authors conducted a MEDLINE search on tendinopathy, or “tendonitis” or “tendinosis” or “epicondylitis” or “jumpers knee” from 1980 to 2011. The emphasis was placed on updates on epidemiology, etiology, and recent patient-oriented Level 1 literature. Results: Repetitive exposure in combination with recently discovered intrinsic factors, such as genetic variants of matrix proteins, and metabolic disorders is a risk factor for the development of tendinopathy. Recent findings demonstrate that tendinosis is characterized by a fibrotic, failed healing response associated with pathological vessel and sensory nerve ingrowth. This aberrant sensory nerve sprouting may partly explain increased pain signaling and partly, by release of neuronal mediators, contribute to the fibrotic alterations observed in tendinopathy. The initial nonoperative treatment should involve eccentric exercise, which should be the cornerstone (basis) of treatment of tendinopathy. Eccentric training combined with extracorporeal shockwave treatment has in some reports shown higher success rates compared to any therapies alone. Injection therapies (cortisone, sclerosing agents, blood products including platelet-rich plasma) may have short-term effects but have no proven long-term treatment effects or meta-analyses to support them. For epicondylitis, cortisone injections have demonstrated poorer long-time results than conservative physiotherapy. Today surgery is less indicated because of successful conservative therapies. New minioperative procedures that, via the endoscope, remove pathologic tissue or abnormal neoinnervation demonstrate promising results but need confirmation by Level 1 studies. Conclusions: Novel targeted therapies are emerging, but multicenter trials are needed to confirm the results of exercise and mini-invasive treatments.
Epidemiology of Injuries and Prevention Strategies in Competitive Swimmers
Authors: Wanivenhaus Florian , Fox Alice J. S. , Chaudhury Salma , Rodeo Scott A. 
Published: April 2012

Context: Competitive swimmers are predisposed to musculoskeletal injuries of the upper limb, knee, and spine. This review discusses the epidemiology of these injuries, in addition to prevention strategies that may assist the physician in formulating rehabilitation programs for the swimmer following an injury. Evidence Acquisition: A literature search was performed by a review of Google Scholar, OVID, and PubMed articles published from 1972 to 2011. Results: This study highlights the epidemiology of injuries common to competitive swimmers and provides prevention strategies for the sports health professional. Conclusions: An understanding of swimming biomechanics and typical injuries in swimming aids in early recognition of injury, initiation of treatment, and design of optimal prevention and rehabilitation strategies.
Deletion of TMPRSS6 attenuates the phenotype in a mouse model of β-thalassemia
Authors: Nai Antonella , Pagani Alessia , Mandelli Giacomo , Lidonnici Maria Rosa , Silvestri Laura , Ferrari Giuliana , Camaschella Clara 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Inappropriately low expression of the key iron regulator hepcidin (HAMP) causes iron overload in untransfused patients affected by β-thalassemia intermedia and Hamp modulation provides improvement of the thalassemic phenotype of the Hbbth3/+ mouse. HAMP expression is activated by iron through the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)–son of mothers against decapentaplegic signaling pathway and inhibited by ineffective erythropoiesis through an unknown “erythroid regulator.” The BMP pathway is inactivated by the serine protease TMPRSS6 that cleaves the BMP coreceptor hemojuvelin. Here, we show that homozygous loss of Tmprss6 in Hbbth3/+ mice improves anemia and reduces ineffective erythropoiesis, splenomegaly, and iron loading. All these effects are mediated by Hamp up-regulation, which inhibits iron absorption and recycling. Because Hbbth3/+ mice lacking Tmprss6 show residual ineffective erythropoiesis, our results indicate that Tmprss6 is essential for Hamp inhibition by the erythroid regulator. We also obtained partial correction of the phenotype in Tmprss6 haploinsufficient Hbbth3/+ male but not female mice and showed that the observed sex difference reflects an unequal balance between iron and erythropoiesis-mediated Hamp regulation. Our study indicates that preventing iron overload improves β-thalassemia and strengthens the essential role of Tmprss6 for Hamp suppression, providing a proof of concept that Tmprss6 manipulation can offer a novel therapeutic option in this condition.