Enhanced Production of Farnesol by \u3ci\u3eCandida albicans\u3c/i\u3e Treated with Four Azoles

The dimorphic fungus Candida albicans excretes farnesol, which is produced enzymatically from the sterol biosynthetic intermediate farnesyl pyrophosphate. Inhibition of C. albicans by four azole antifungals, fluconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and clotrimazole, caused elevated farnesol production (10- to 45-fold). Furthermore, farnesol production occurs in both laboratory strains and clinical isolates (J. M. Hornby et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 67:2982-2992, 2001) of C. albicans

First-Semester Organic Chemistry During COVID-19: Prioritizing Group Work, Flexibility, and Student Engagement

Our first-semester organic chemistry class focused on structured group work to enable active learning in class. When Smith College switched to online learning after spring break, the class was adapted to fit into an online learning model while retaining active learning. Using feedback from students, we implemented two tracks, one focused on independent work and one focused on group work. Using Zoom’s breakout rooms, we were able to simulate the full class and small group experiences of our in-person class with the help of student learning assistants to facilitate group learning. Slack was introduced for class questions and communications. Student feedback was positive overall and indicated that their perceptions about group work improved over the semester. In the case of in-person classes in the fall, this method might be preferable to a class in which social distancing hampers student-to-student discussion

Evaluation of Repetitions-to-Failure Equations in the Presence of Male and Female Spotters

One-repetition maximum (1RM) is commonly evaluated in strength and conditioning programs in order to monitor the progress of exercise prescriptions. Although the benefits of muscular strength are well-known, conducting 1RM protocols can be time consuming and is not recommended for certain populations. Alternatively, the estimation of 1RM can be completed by utilizing a repetitions-to-failure (RTF) approach. However, one area that has yet to be systematically evaluated is whether the accuracy of RTF prediction equations is influenced by the sex of a spotter during a 1RM testing protocol. Purpose: The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to determine whether differences in RTF, measured 1RM, and 1RM prediction methods vary between lifter and spotter sex; and 2) determine the validity of the 1RM prediction methods in the presence of either a male or female spotter. Methods: 20 resistance-trained individuals (50% males) participated in this study. The first two visits determined 1RM (kg) bench press scores in the presence of a male or female spotter. Subjects bench-pressed loads at 30 (5-repetitions), 50 (5-repetitions) and 70% 1RM (RTF) in the presence of a male or female spotter for visits 3 and 4. Estimated 1RM was determined via the RTF at 70% 1RM using Wathan (Wathan1RM), Mayhew (Mayhew1RM), and Epley (Epley1RM) equations. Results: There were significant interactions when assessing Wathan1RM and Mayhew1RM (pPost hoc analysis revealed Wathan1RM and Mayhew1RM were significantly higher during the male spotter condition (58.13±11.05 and 54.07±10.32kg, respectively) than female spotter condition (54.30±10.61 and 50.53±9.91kg) when evaluated in female weight lifters (p=0.032 and 0.033, respectively). Evaluation of mean differences revealed that the constant error (CE) for male and female spotter conditions was lower for Epley1RM (CE = 4.98 and 4.75kg, respectively)than Wathan1RM (CE = 16.19 and 16.06kg, respectively)and Mayhew1RM (CE = 8.79 and 8.65kg, respectively). Moreover the 95% limits of agreement for male and female spotter conditions were smaller for Epley1RM (±13.79 and 13.62kg, respectively) than Wathan1RM (±26.49 and 22.95kg, respectively)and Mayhew1RM (±19.82 and 17.13kg, respectively). Conclusions: Epley1RM should be used over Wathan1RM and Mayhew1RM when loads up to 70% 1RM are implemented. Also, spotter sex only appears to impact female lifters when employing the prediction equations of Wathan1RM and Mayhew1RM

BRG1, a SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling enzyme ATPase, is required for maintenance of nuclear shape and integrity

We recently reported that reducing the levels of BRG1, the catalytic subunit of mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling enzymes, induces alterations in nuclear shape in a breast epithelial cell line. Immunostaining the BRG1 knockdown cells with nuclear lamina antibodies revealed a significantly increased frequency of grooves, or invaginations, in the nuclei. Disruption of each of the major cytoplasmic filament systems (actin, tubulin and cytokeratins) had no impact on the BRG1-dependent changes in nuclear shape, indicating that the observed changes in nuclear morphology are unlikely to be a result of alterations in the integrity of the nuclear-cytoplamic contacts in the cell. We propose that the BRG1-dependent nuclear shape changes reflect a role for the chromatin remodeling enzyme in maintaining the structural integrity of the nucleus via global regulation of chromatin structure and dynamics within the nucleus