bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peptides derived from Kex2-processed repeat proteins are widely distributed and highly diverse in the Fungi kingdom
Authors: Umemura Maiko 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Recently, a gene cluster responsible for biosynthesis of ustiloxin in Aspergillus flavus was identified as the first case of a ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP) synthetic pathway in Ascomycota. RiPPs are biosynthesized from precursor peptides, which are processed to produce the RiPP backbone (core peptides) for further modifications such as methylation and cyclization. Ustiloxin precursor peptide has two distinctive features: a signal peptide for translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum and highly repeated core sequences cleaved by Kex2 protease in the Golgi apparatus. On the basis of these characteristics, the ustiloxin-type RiPP precursor peptides or Kex2-processed repeat proteins (KEPs) in strains belonging to the Fungi kingdom were computationally surveyed, in order to investigate the distribution and putative functions of KEPs in fungal ecology.

Results
In total, 7878 KEPs were detected in 1345 of 1461 strains belonging to 8 phyla. The average number of KEPs per strain was 5.25 in Ascomycota and 5.30 in Basidiomycota, but only 1.35 in the class Saccharomycetes (Ascomycota) and 1.00 in the class Tremellomycetes (Basidiomycota). The KEPs were classified into 838 types and 2560 stand-alone ones, which had no homologs. Nearly 200 types were distributed in more than one genus, and 14 types in more than one phylum. These types included yeast α-mating factors and fungal pheromones. Genes for 22% KEPs were accompanied by genes for DUF3328-domain-containing proteins, which are indispensable for cyclization of the core peptides. DUF3328-domain-containing protein genes were located at an average distance of 3.09 genes from KEP genes. Genes for almost all (with three exceptions) KEPs annotated as yeast α-mating factors or fungal pheromones were not accompanied by DUF3328-domain-containing protein genes.

Conclusion
KEPs are widely distributed in the Fungi kingdom, but their repeated sequences are highly diverse. From these results and some examples, a hypothesis was raised that KEPs initially evolved as unmodified linear peptides (e.g., mating factors), and then those that adopted a modified cyclic form emerged (e.g., toxins) to utilize their strong bioactivity against predators and competitive microorganisms.
The mechanisms of hyphal pellet formation mediated by polysaccharides, α-1,3-glucan and galactosaminogalactan, in Aspergillus species
Authors: Miyazawa Ken , Yoshimi Akira , Abe Keietsu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFilamentous fungi are widely used for production of enzymes and chemicals, and are industrially cultivated both in liquid and solid cultures. Submerged culture is often used as liquid culture for filamentous fungi. In submerged culture, filamentous fungi show diverse macromorphology such as hyphal pellets and dispersed hyphae depending on culture conditions and genetic backgrounds of fungal strains. Although the macromorphology greatly affects the productivity of submerged cultures, the specific cellular components needed for hyphal aggregation after conidial germination have not been characterized. Recently we reported that the primary cell wall polysaccharide α-1,3-glucan and the extracellular polysaccharide galactosaminogalactan (GAG) contribute to hyphal aggregation inAspergillus oryzae, and that a strain deficient in both α-1,3-glucan and GAG shows dispersed hyphae in liquid culture. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the contribution of chemical properties of α-1,3-glucan and GAG to hyphal aggregation. Various ascomycetes and basidiomycetes have α-1,3-glucan synthase gene(s). In addition, some Pezizomycotina fungi, including species used in the fermentation industry, also have GAG biosynthetic genes. We also review here the known mechanisms of biosynthesis of α-1,3-glucan and GAG. Regulation of the biosynthesis of the two polysaccharides could be a potential way of controlling formation of hyphal pellets.
African swine fever vaccines: a promising work still in progress
Authors: Bosch-Camós Laia , López Elisabeth , Rodriguez Fernando 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAfrican swine fever (ASF), a disease of obligatory declaration to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), has contributed to poverty and underdevelopment of affected areas. The presence of ASF has been historically neglected in Africa, contributing to its uncontrolled expansion and favouring its spread to continental Europe on at least three occasions, the last one in 2007 through the Republic of Georgia. Since then, African swine fever virus (ASFV) has spread to neighbouring countries, reaching the European Union in 2014, China in the summer of 2018 and spreading through Southeast Asia becoming a global problem. Lack of available vaccines against ASF makes its control even more difficult, representing today the number one threat for the swine industry worldwide and negatively affecting the global commerce equilibrium.Main bodyIn this review, we intend to put in perspective the reality of ASF vaccination today, taking into account that investment into ASF vaccine development has been traditionally unattractive, overall since ASF-free areas with large swine industries applied a non-vaccination policy for diseases listed by the OIE. The dramatic situation suffered in Asia and the increasing threat that ASF represents for wealthy countries with large swine industries, has dramatically changed the perspective that both private and public bodies have about ASF vaccinology, although this is controversial. The feasibility of modifying the ASFV genome has led to safe and efficacious experimental recombinant live attenuated viruses (LAVs). The main challenge today will be confirming the safety and efficacy of these technologies in the field, accelerating transfer to the industry for official registration and commercialization. The complexity of ASFV, together with the lack of knowledge about the mechanisms involved in protection and the specific antigens involved in it, requires further investment in research and development. Although far from the efficacy achieved by LAVs, subunit vaccines are the optimal choice for the future. If the world can wait for them or not is a contentious issue.ConclusionDespite their inherent disadvantages, LAVs will be the first technology to reach the market, while subunit vaccines will need much further research to become a successful commercial reality.
The predictive role of the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio in the prognosis of adult patients with stroke
Authors: Wan Jinzhao , Wang Xiaoxiong , Zhen Yunbo , Chen Xin , Yao Penglei , Liu Wenwu , Lu Enzhou , Du Yiming , Liu Huailei , Zhao Shiguang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOur study aimed to determine the effect of the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio on the prognosis of adult patients with acute stroke. We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases and selected all of the potentially eligible studies. From the included studies, we extracted characteristics such as the stroke type and acquisition time until routine blood collection and the odds ratios across studies. The 95% confidence intervals and odds ratios were pooled to calculate the effect size for the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio in acute stroke patients. We defined poor function outcomes according to the modified Rankin Scale ≥ 3 or Glasgow Outcome Scale< 3.Thirteen studies with 4443 patients were included in our analysis, including 7 ischemic and 6 hemorrhagic stroke studies. The pooled odds ratios for poor functional outcome at 3 months with a higher neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio in acute ischemic and hemorrhagic patients were 1.689 (95% CI = 1.184–2.409, p < 0.001) and 1.125 (95% CI = 1.022–1.239, p < 0.001), respectively, and the overall pooled odds ratio for poor functional outcome following stroke was 1.257 (95% CI = 1.146–1.379, p < 0.001). At the same time, the overall combined odds ratio for death at 3 months was 1.632 (95% CI = 1.155–2.306, p < 0.001).The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, an easily calculated marker, plays a predictive role in the short-term outcomes of adult patients (mean age ≥ 50 years) following acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
Selecting a coastal cruise port of call location in mainland China using the AHP method
Authors: Zhu Yuanyuan , Cheng Juehao 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIncreasing needs of mass tourism give the cruise industry opportunity to booming rapidly. The remarkable contribution of the cruise industry makes the port cities incorporate cruise tourism into development strategy. Whether a cruise port was included in the cruise lines’ itineraries design will directly affect the profitability and survival of the port. As the contribution to cruise ports and hinterland cities, it is necessary to analyze the factors that affect the selection of cruise ports and design of itineraries. In contrast to ocean cruising, the coastal cruise market is rarely addressed in the academic literature. Particularly, there is a substantial gap regarding the changes taking place in the China coastal cruise market, and this paper seeks to address this issue. To respond to the need of cruise liners and passengers more accurately, this paper aims to identify the main issues affecting the coastal cruise port of call process exactly, reasonable and scientifically. And build a fruitful partnership relation between ports and cruise companies so that to provide valuable information for cruise lines and destinations to develop continuous attracting cruise tourism offerings as well as improve marketing communications, thereby make contribution to the port and regional economy. Valuable information for cruise lines and destinations to develop continuous attracting cruise tourism offerings as well as improve marketing communications, thereby make contribution to the cruise economy.
Preliminary report of a simulation community of practice needs analysis
Authors: Peddle Monica , Livesay Karen , Marshall Stuart 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Aim
To understand the current needs related to education and training, and other investment priorities, in simulated learning environments in Australia following a significant period of government funding for simulation-based learning.

Methods
A mixed methods study, comprising qualitative focus groups and individual interviews, followed by a quantitative cross-sectional survey informed by themes emerging from the qualitative data.

Findings
Two focus groups and 22 individual interviews were conducted. Participants included simulation educators, technical users and new adopters. Survey data were collected from 152 responses. Barriers at the introduction and maintenance stages of simulated learning included irregular staff training resulting in inconsistent practice, and lack of onsite technical support. Educators lacked skills in some simulation and debriefing techniques, and basic education and research skills were limited, while technicians raised concerns regarding the maintenance of equipment and managing budgets.

Discussion and conclusion
Despite its effectiveness as an education tool, barriers remain at the introduction and maintenance stages of simulated learning environments. Efforts to improve the integrity and sustainability of simulation training should be informed by a comprehensive needs analysis. The resulting data should be used to address barriers in a way that maximises the limited resources and funding available for this important learning tool.
Dandelion prevents liver fibrosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in rats
Authors: Hamza Alaaeldin Ahmed , Mohamed Mona Gamel , Lashin Fawzy Mohamed , Amin Amr 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Liver fibrosis is the main contributor to the chronic liver-associated morbidity and mortality.

Purpose
The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of whole plant powder of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) on liver fibrosis.

Methods
Liver fibrosis was induced by the oral administration of 20% carbon tetrachloride (CCL4), twice a week for 8 weeks. Simultaneously, dandelion root extract (500 mg/kg) was daily administered via the same route.

Results
Dandelion remarkably improved the liver histology as evidenced by histopathological scoring with hematoxylin-eosin staining. Masson staining and hydroxyproline content similarly showed that dandelion decreased collagen deposition. Both mRNA and protein levels of α-smooth muscle actin and collagens 1 and 3 have been decreased after dandelion treatment compared to CCL4 group. Dandelion also downregulated the mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors interleukin-IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, remodeling growth factor-β1, cyclooxygenase-2, and nuclear factor kappa-B and decreased the myeloperoxidase activity. Additionally, the effects of dandelion were associated with the decreased levels of the hepatic oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and P. carbonyl) and elevation of the activity of superoxide dismutase activity. Dandelion’s effect to alleviate the fibrosis and inflammation induced by CCL4 treatment in the livers and was more pronounced than with silymarin. The total antioxidant study of dandelion extract revealed that dandelion has notable ferric reducing antioxidant power and high total phenolic content.

Conclusion
Finally, these results suggest that dandelion prevents the progression of hepatic fibrosis induced by CCL4. The dandelion’s antifibrotic effects could be attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals and to attenuate inflammatory cells activations.
Is the laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-En-Y hepaticojejunostomy in adults as safe as that in children?
Authors: Xuan Nguyen Thanh , Son Nguyen Huu , Thien Ho Huu 
Published: July 2020

Аbstrаct
Bаckgrоund
Laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for treating congenital choledochal cysts has been proven to be efficacious in children, but its safety and efficacy in adult patients remain uncertain. This study aims to investigate the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in adults compared to those in children patients.

Results
There was no conversion to open surgery in both groups. The mean operative time and hospital duration stay in adults (253.4 min and 11.7 days, respectively) were longer in than those in children (214.7 min and 9.3 days, respectively). Intrаоperаtive blооd trаnsfusiоn wаs required in one adult and twо children. There was not reoperation due to bile leakage in adults compared to those in 2 children. The time frоm surgery tо drаinаge remоvаl wаs longer in adults (3.6 vs. 2.9 days). The outcome within three months of discharge was classified as good in 88.2 % of adults and 90.5% for children. There were nо stаtisticаlly significаnt differences in eаrly pоstоperаtive cоmplicаtiоns оr treаtment оutcоmes between the twо grоups.

Cоnclusiоns
Lаpаrоscоpic chоledоchаl cyst excisiоn fоllоwed by Rоux-en-Y hepаticоjejunоstоmy wаs sаfe аnd efficient in bоth аdults аnd children. Оperаtive time wаs lоnger in аdults thаn in children.
The evaluation of healing effect of low-level laser treatment following gingivectomy
Authors: Madi Marwa , Mahmoud Maha M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundLasers have been investigated as an alternative or adjunctive tool to conventional procedures commonly used in periodontology. The application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in dentistry was proposed to provide minimally invasive and painless treatment as well as increasing the comfort for the patient following surgery. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of LLLT on healing following gingivectomy.MethodsTwenty patients with inflammatory gingival enlargement on their maxillary or mandibular anterior region were included in this study. Patients were divided randomly into two groups (test group consist of ten patients) after gingivectomy a diode laser (660 nm) was applied to the wound area immediately post-surgery, 3 and 5 days post-surgery. The control group (ten patients) did not receive laser irradiation. Healing was evaluated clinically using healing score and visual analogue scale (VAS).ResultsThe laser-treated group had significant improvement regarding the healing score at 5, 7, and 14 days p.s., and significant improvement in visual analogue scale (VAS) score was observed at day 3, 5, and 7 p.s., than the control group.ConclusionLLLT can be used as an effective adjunctive treatment following gingivectomy procedure to promote healing and decrease patients’ discomfort.
Clozapine prescribing: comparison of clozapine dosage and plasma levels between White British and Bangladeshi patients
Authors: Bhattacharya Rahul , White Leah , Pisaneschi Laura 
Published: July 2020

Aims and methodTo compare differences in clozapine doses and plasma levels between Bangladeshi and White British patients. Following ethical approval we identified all current Bangladeshi and White British patients on clozapine maintenance in an east London clinic. We carried out univariate and multivariate regression analyses to examine associations between clozapine doses and ethnicity, age, gender, smoking status and weight. We also compared plasma clozapine levels of the two groups.ResultsOn univariate analysis White British patients had on average 85 mg higher doses than Bangladeshi patients (P= 0.004). Older age, male gender and smoking were also associated with higher dose. On multivariate analysis only age and smoking status remained significant. A greater proportion of Bangladeshi patients had high plasma clozapine levels compared with White British (30.76%v. 20.75%), although the difference was not statistically significant.Clinical implicationsOur findings point to the need for the broadening of data collection on ethnic differences in clozapine prescribing within big data-sets such as Prescribing Observatory for Mental Health (POM-UK). Ethnopharmacological variations can inform more person-centred guidance on prescribing.
Mechanism Change of (+)-Nonlinear Effect in a Phase Separation System in a CuII-Catalyzed Asymmetric Friedel-Crafts Reaction Using a C2-Chiral Dioxolane-Containing-Bisamidine Ligand, Naph-diPIM-dioxo-iPr
Authors: Le Thien Phuc , Tanaka Shinji , Yoshimura Masahiro , Kitamura Masato 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
A CuII complex of bisamidine ligand LS, chirally modified naphtho[1,2-b:7,8-b′]dipyrroloimidazole (Naph-diPIM), catalyzes the enantioselective Friedel-Crafts (FC) reaction of indole (1a) with ethyl trifluoropyruvate (2) to give quantitatively the FC adduct 3a with a 98:2 S/R enantiomer ratio (er). The reaction shows no nonlinear effect (NLE) under the standard conditions of [1a] = [2] = 100 mM; [Cu(OTf)2] = [LS + LR] = 0.10 mM; CPME; and 0 °C irrespective of the catalyst aging temperature. A five-fold increase in the catalyst concentration (0.50 mM) changes the situation, leading to a strong (+)-NLE with phase separation of a white solid. The NLE is expressed by the Noyori-type mechanism: Aggregate of heterochiral dimer CuLSCuLR is separated from the reaction system (Khetero &gt; 1 &gt; Khomo). Furthermore, a strong (+)-NLE is observed via a purple solid liberation even with [CuII] = 0.10 mM after the catalyst aging at 100 °C in the presence of an excess amount of chiral ligand. A mechanistic study has revealed i) that the sterically disfavored homochiral 1:2 complex CuLSLS is more stabilized by an intramolecular n-π* interaction than the sterically favored heterochiral 1:2 complex CuLSLR and ii) that the (+)-NLE originates from the phase separation of heterochirally interacted (CuLSLSCuLRLR).
Analysis of the occupational therapist's professional identity when working in acquired brain injury rehabilitation within a municipal service
Authors: Gregersen Helle , Solvang Per Koren 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundChanges in rehabilitation pathways are reducing the amount of time patients spend in hospital, resulting in an earlier return to municipal care. Studies show that occupational therapists find working with patients with acquired brain injury to be complex and that, in some situations, they fail to believe in their own professional expertise. This qualitative study aimed to explore how the professional expertise of occupational therapists working in acquired brain injury rehabilitation within a municipal service is understood.MethodsOne monoprofessional focus group interview with occupational therapists and five focus group interviews with professionals from municipal interprofessional rehabilitation coordinating units formed the basis for the study. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation.ResultsA holistic view and strategically selected areas of expertise were found to characterise the work of occupational therapists in the municipal setting. A composed base of knowledge enables occupational therapists to be rehabilitators while working in collaboration with multiple professional partners.ConclusionsExpertise in the areas of adaptation, assistive devices and cognition are considered to be valuable in acquired brain injury rehabilitation in a municipal setting. A practical synthesis of knowledge, transprofessional collaboration and role release enable the occupational therapist to act as a multifarious rehabilitator.
The impact of availability and identity of the caregiver on the post-stroke patient
Authors: Vadas Dor , Kalichman Leonid 
Published: July 2020

Background After having a stroke, most patients are helped by a caregiver with activities that they cannot perform by themselves. The caregiver presence and actions are an important variable that may affect rehabilitation in many ways. The aim of this review study was to evaluate the impact of caregiver presence (or absence) and identity (spouse, family, or foreign domestic worker) on therapeutic exercise performance, depression symptoms, patient–spouse relations and total functional outcomes of stroke patients. Assessing these effects may help health care professionals and families to prioritise/choose the caregiver for their patient/family member. Methods A narrative literature review was conducted, focusing on one-direction effects (caregiver on patient effects) on the topics of interest mentioned, in a post-stroke population. PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, Trip database, and Google Scholar were searched, and included studies of most designs and research qualities. The search strategy had not been specified before commencing the review. Each study was analysed individually with the purpose of synthesising the available evidence to achieve a greater understanding of this topic. Results A total of 17 relevant papers were included: six randomised controlled trials, six observational studies, two systematic reviews, two survey-based studies, and one case series. Trials were consistent with the positive effect that caregivers have on therapeutic exercise performance. Studies have shown a positive effect of caregivers on the patient's depressive symptoms, but only at the chronic phase after stroke. A spouse caregiver seems to more positively affect the patient–spouse relations in the acute phase of rehabilitation, while foreign domestic workers can improve these relations at more chronic phases. The presence of a caregiver is shown to decrease functional outcomes within institutionalised rehabilitation centres, while it is necessary and positively affects functionality at more chronic phases within community settings. Conclusions The advantages and disadvantages of employing a caregiver depend in many cases on the rehabilitation phase. The caregiver might be beneficial or harmful to the patient's functional progress, depressive symptoms and marital relationship depending on the rehabilitation phase. More studies are needed to assess the caregiver effects on post-stroke patients' rehabilitation and quality of life.