bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fungal Isocyanide Synthases and Xanthocillin Biosynthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Lim Fang Yun , Won Tae Hyung , Raffa Nicholas , Baccile Joshua A. , Wisecaver Jen , Rokas Antonis , Schroeder Frank C. , Keller Nancy P. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Microbial secondary metabolites, including isocyanide moieties, have been extensively mined for their repertoire of bioactive properties. Although the first naturally occurring isocyanide (xanthocillin) was isolated from the fungus
Penicillium notatum
over half a century ago, the biosynthetic origins of fungal isocyanides remain unknown. Here we report the identification of a family of isocyanide synthases (ICSs) from the opportunistic human pathogen
Aspergillus fumigatus
. Comparative metabolomics of overexpression or knockout mutants of ICS candidate genes led to the discovery of a fungal biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) that produces xanthocillin (
xan
). Detailed analysis of xanthocillin biosynthesis in
A. fumigatus
revealed several previously undescribed compounds produced by the
xan
BGC, including two novel members of the melanocin family of compounds. We found both the
xan
BGC and a second ICS-containing cluster, named the copper-responsive metabolite (
crm
) BGC, to be transcriptionally responsive to external copper levels and further demonstrated that production of metabolites from the
xan
BGC is increased during copper starvation. The
crm
BGC includes a novel type of fungus-specific ICS-nonribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) hybrid enzyme, CrmA. This family of ICS-NRPS hybrid enzymes is highly enriched in fungal pathogens of humans, insects, and plants. Phylogenetic assessment of all ICSs spanning the tree of life shows not only high prevalence throughout the fungal kingdom but also distribution in species not previously known to harbor BGCs, indicating an untapped resource of fungal secondary metabolism.

IMPORTANCE
Fungal ICSs are an untapped resource in fungal natural product research. Their isocyanide products have been implicated in plant and insect pathogenesis due to their ability to coordinate transition metals and disable host metalloenzymes. The discovery of a novel isocyanide-producing family of hybrid ICS-NRPS enzymes enriched in medically and agriculturally important fungal pathogens may reveal mechanisms underlying pathogenicity and afford opportunities to discover additional families of isocyanides. Furthermore, the identification of noncanonical ICS BGCs will enable refinement of BGC prediction algorithms to expand on the secondary metabolic potential of fungal and bacterial species. The identification of genes related to ICS BGCs in fungal species not previously known for secondary metabolite-producing capabilities (e.g.,
Saccharomyces
spp.) contributes to our understanding of the evolution of BGC in fungi.
Does the use of an iodine-containing contrast agent to visualise the PICC tip in preterm babies cause hypothyroidism? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rath Chandra Prakash , Thomas Mary , Sullivan Drew , Kluckow Martin 
Published: May 2018

AimTo compare thyroid function tests in preterm neonates (<30 weeks and >48 hour old) exposed to iodine-based contrast with controls and ascertain the certainty of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip position.MethodsInfants requiring a PICC were randomised to receive 0.3 mL of iodine-containing contrast or normal saline. The primary outcome was the difference in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels on day 14 post PICC insertion and on day 28 of life.Results41 infants were randomised with no significant differences in TSH level (mIU/L) at day 14 post PICC insertion (3.1 vs 2) or on day 28 of life (2.2 vs 1.7). The PICC tip was more easily localised in the contrast group (85% vs 55%). Urinary iodine levels were significantly increased in the contrast-exposed group.ConclusionUse of contrast did not suppress subsequent thyroid function and helped visualise the PICC tip with more certainty.Clinical trial registration numberACTRN12614000560695, pre-result.
Growth performance and expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in methionine and cysteine metabolism in piglets fed increasing sulphur amino acid to lysine ratio during enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli challenge
Authors: Kahindi Roseline K. , Regassa Alemu , Htoo John K. , Nyachoti Charles Martin 
Published: May 2018

A study was conducted to examine the effect of standardised ileal digestible (SID) sulphur amino acids/lysine ratio (SAA/Lys) on performance and expression of methionine adenosyltransferase 1 and 2 alpha (MAT1α and MAT2α), and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CTH) in piglets challenged with an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Thirty five [Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace)] piglets (6.9 ± 0.5 kg) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments. The diets were antibiotic free with SID SAA/Lys of 48%, 54%, 60%, 66%, and 72%. Pigs were orally challenged with 6 and 15 mL of ciprofloxacin-resistant ETEC K88+ on days 7 and 10. Blood samples were collected before (BC) and 6, 24, and 48 h after challenge (AC). Body weight gain and feed intake were collected on days 0, 6, and 12 to determine average daily gain (ADG). Gain to feed ratio (G/F) was calculated by dividing ADG by average daily feed intake (ADFI). On day 13, all pigs were euthanized to collect liver and ileal samples to analyse gene expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Pigs fed the diet containing SAA/Lys of 66% had the highest ADG, ADFI, and G/F BC. However, ADG, ADFI, and G/F were similar across all ratios AC. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha concentration at 6 h AC was higher (P < 0.05) than BC and was improved with increasing SAA/Lys. Increasing SAA/Lys quadratically increased (P < 0.01) CTH and MAT1α expression. Ileal expression of CTH and MAT2α were quadratically increased (P < 0.05) with increasing SAA/Lys. In conclusion, SAA/Lys of 60% is suggested to be optimum for piglets to tolerate ETEC pathogenic challenge.
Fine mapping of a major QTL controlling early flowering in tomato using QTL-seq
Authors: Ruangrak Eaknarin , Su Xiaomei , Huang Zejun , Wang Xiaoxuan , Guo Yanmei , Du Yongchen , Gao Jianchang 
Published: May 2018

Early flowering is one of the major earliness traits in tomato and is also an important agronomical trait in crop plants; thus, this trait is important for plant breeding and crop improvement. With the innovation of rapid and cost-effective technologies, quantitative trait locus (QTL)-seq has become the preferred method of performing QTL identification. In the present study, we identified a candidate QTL of an early flowering trait in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using QTL-seq. Two DNA pools of the extreme phenotype of the F2progeny from crosses between the ‘Bone MM’ cultivar (early flowering, P1) and ‘071-440’ cultivar (late flowering, P2) were bulked for sequencing and an alignment analysis. We observed 220 single nucleotide polymorphism markers, seven candidate QTLs, and genes that may be associated with early flowering located between 1.6 and 71.8 Mb on chromosome 1. Using traditional QTL analysis, the location of one QTL was confirmed in the physical region between 23.5 and 25.3 Mb, which corresponded to the region identified using QTL-seq, and was referred to as EF1 (Solyc01g017060). A real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that EF1 was the most highly expressed among the candidate genes and significantly expressed in early flowering parents and furthermore, we found that EF1, which had a similar sequence to the Ycf2 gene, may relate to the early flowering phenotype.
Geologia e geocronologia do Charnockito São Francisco Xavier e do Gabronorito Ribeirão do Paiol (MG/SP) e suas possíveis relações com processos crustais extensionais nos orógenos Brasília Meridional e Ribeira Central
Authors: Costa Rodrigo Vinagre da , Trouw Rudolph Allard Johannes , Mendes Julio Cezar 
Published: May 2018

Na região entre as cidades de São Francisco Xavier, Monteiro Lobato, Campos do Jordão e São Bento do Sapucaí, estão expostas rochas metamórficas de fácies granulito de média pressão a anfibolito, associadas a Nappe Socorro e ao Terreno Embu. O Gabronorito Ribeirão do Paiol e o Charnockito São Francisco Xavier constituem corpos magmáticos encaixados em metagranitoides do Batólito Serra da Água Limpa. O Gabronorito Ribeirão do Paiol é isotrópico, tem textura inequigranular seriada hipidiomórfica a xenomórfica e idade de cristalização U-Pb LA-ICPMS de 534 ± 6 Ma. O Charnockito São Francisco Xavier possui textura isotrópica, equigranular a inequigranular seriada hipidiomórfica a xenomórfica e idade de cristalização entre 579 ± 5 Ma (núcleo dos grãos) e 562 ± 8 Ma (borda dos grãos), compatível com a evolução da Faixa Ribeira Central. O geotermômetro baseado em saturação de zircônio em rocha total aponta temperatura de cristalização de aproximadamente 880ºC para o charnockito. Os dois corpos exibem valores de εNd (t) negativos (-7,32 para o gabronorito e -12,41 para o charnockito), indicando contaminação e /ou origem crustal do magma gerador de ambos.
The phone walkers: a study of human dependence on inactive mobile devices
Authors: Schaposnik Laura P. , Unwin James 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe development of mobile phones has largely increased human interactions. Whilst the use of these devices for communication has received significant attention, there has been little analysis of more passive interactions. Through census data on casual social groups, this work suggests a clear pattern of mobile phones being carried in people’s hands, without the person using it (that is, not looking at it). Moreover, this study suggests that when individuals join members of the opposite sex there is a clear tendency to stop holding mobile phones whilst walking. Although it is not clear why people hold their phones whilst walking in such large proportions (38% of solitary women, and 31% of solitary men), we highlight several possible explanation for holding the device, including the need to advertise status and affluence, to maintain immediate connection with friends and family, and to mitigate feelings related to anxiety and security.
Counterintuitive Demons: Pazuzu and Lamaštu in Iconography, Text, and Cognition
Authors: Maiden Brett 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This paper examines the demons Pazuzu and Lamaštu from a cognitive science perspective. As hybrid creatures, the iconography of these demons combines an array of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic properties, and is therefore marked by a high degree of conceptual complexity. In a technical sense, they are what cognitive researchers refer to as radically “counterintuitive” representations. However, highly complex religious concepts are difficult in terms of cognitive processing, memory, and transmission, and, as a result, are prone to being spontaneously simplified in structure. Accordingly, there is reason to expect that the material images of Pazuzu and Lamaštu differed from the corresponding mental images of these demons. Specifically, it is argued here that in ancient cognition and memory, the demons would have been represented in a more cognitively optimal manner. This hypothesis is further supported by a detailed consideration of the full repertoire of iconographic and textual sources.
EU Mediation Practices in Ukraine during Revolutions: What Authority as a Peacemaker?
Authors: Natorski Michal 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This article compares two different experiences of EU engagement in mediation in Ukraine: the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Euromaidan crisis in 2013–2014. This comparison reflects two different outcomes of EU mediation practices under similar circumstances of political conflict between domestic political actors. The changing degree of collective EU authority recognized by other actors is the main driver behind varying EU mediation practices and outcomes. Authority conferred on the EU as a collective actor represents the legitimacy of its power, resources and competence to conduct mediation. However, such authority is always circumscribed by crisis-specific circumstances and volatile configurations of forces. Therefore, differing degrees of authority explain shifts in the effectiveness of EU mediation. To capture the authority of EU mediators in specific crisis situations, this article employs and interprets firsthand accounts of the experiences of actors directly involved in mediation.
Motives, Roles, Effectiveness and the Future of the EU as an International Mediator
Authors: Niemann Arne , Haastrup Toni , Bergmann Julian 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis article concludes this special issue on the European Union as international mediator that set out to advance our theoretical and empirical knowledge aboutEUmediation. Providing a comprehensive reflection ofEUmediation activities and the diverse settings where they take place, this concluding article identifies some connection points between the articles and discusses their findings on the motives/drivers, roles/strategies, effectiveness and institutional capacities ofEUmediation. It discusses the implications of these findings for policymaking, focusing on the conditions forEUmediation effectiveness, the advantages of the multi-layered nature ofEUmediation and the need for flexible adaptation of mediation strategies. Finally, the article sets the scene for future research endeavors onEUmediation by identifying three future research avenues that focus on the politics, domestic effects and comparative advantage of theEUas international mediator.
Comparison of the effects of endovenous laser ablation at 1470 nm versus 1940 nm and different energy densities
Authors: de Araujo Walter Junior Boim , Timi Jorge Rufino Ribas , Kotze Luiz Roberto , Vieira da Costa Cleber Rafael 
Published: May 2018

Objectives To evaluate histological and immunohistochemical changes in the great saphenous vein after endovenous laser ablation at two different wavelengths (1470 vs. 1940 nm) and linear endovenous energy density values (50 vs. 100 J/cm). Method Segments were obtained from the conventional eversion removal of great saphenous vein and divided into a control group and four groups for ex vivo irradiation (control group; A: 1470 nm, 50 J/cm; B: 1470 nm, 100 J/cm; C: 1940 nm, 50 J/cm; D: 1940 nm, 100 J/cm). Fifty venous segments ( n = 10/group) were analyzed. Changes were classified into low-temperature changes, moderate-temperature changes, high-temperature changes, and very high-temperature changes. Results In the intima, low-temperature changes + moderate-temperature changes were significantly more prevalent in group A (65.4%) than in D ( p = 0.001). In the media, low-temperature changes + moderate-temperature changes were achieved mostly in groups A and C (77.4% and 75.0%, respectively). In adventitia fragments, 100% of changes in group A were low-temperature changes + moderate-temperature changes. Conclusions The 1940-nm laser wavelength with linear endovenous energy density of 100 J/cm was excessively destructive to the intima and media causing a high rate of high-grade thermal damage. These findings corroborate the possibility of using lower linear endovenous energy densities with 1940-nm devices to achieve effective occlusion with less high grade thermal damage to the intima and media, as well as to prevent damages to the adventitia and perivenous tissues, including venous perforation and its attendant clinical consequences.
Role of probiotics in the treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with HBV-induced liver cirrhosis
Authors: Xia Xiaoxue , Chen Jiang , Xia Jiayun , Wang Bin , Liu Hua , Yang Ling , Wang Ying , Ling Zongxin 
Published: May 2018

Objective This study was performed to investigate the role of probiotics ( Clostridium butyricum combined with Bifidobacterium infantis) in the treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced liver cirrhosis. Methods Sixty-seven consecutive patients with HBV-induced cirrhosis without overt hepatic encephalopathy were screened using the number connection test and digit symbol test. The patients were randomized to receive probiotics (n = 30) or no probiotics (n = 37) for 3 months. At the end of the trial, changes in cognition, intestinal microbiota, venous ammonia, and intestinal mucosal barriers were analyzed using recommended systems biology techniques. Results The patients’ cognition was significantly improved after probiotic treatment. The predominant bacteria ( Clostridium cluster I and Bifidobacterium) were significantly enriched in the probiotics-treated group, while Enterococcus and Enterobacteriaceae were significantly decreased. Probiotic treatment was also associated with an obvious reduction in venous ammonia. Additionally, the parameters of the intestinal mucosal barrier were obviously improved after probiotic treatment, which might have contributed to the improved cognition and the decreased ammonia levels. Conclusion Treatment with probiotics containing C. butyricum and B. infantis represents a new adjuvant therapy for the management of MHE in patients with HBV-induced cirrhosis.
Integrating Positive Psychology and Elements of Music Therapy to Alleviate Adolescent Anxiety
Authors: Kwok Sylvia Y. C. L. 
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Incorporating the resource-oriented music therapy framework, the present study aims to examine the effectiveness of a designed protocol, integrating positive psychology, and elements of music therapy, in increasing the sense of hope and enhancing emotional competence, hence decreasing anxiety and increasing subjective happiness of the adolescents with anxiety symptoms. Method: Adopting a two-arm randomized controlled trial, 106 Grade 8 to Grade 9 students were recruited from three secondary schools in Hong Kong and randomized into experimental groups and no-treatment control groups. Results: Students in the experimental groups had significant increases in scores of hope, emotional competence, subjective happiness, and significant decrease in anxiety symptoms. Changes in hope were a significant mediator in the relationship between the intervention and decrease in anxiety symptoms and increase in subjective happiness. Discussion: The study provides evidence that integrating positive psychology and music therapy is effective in alleviating psychopathology and enhancing well-being of adolescents.
Evaluation of Adherence to Guideline-Directed Antithrombotic Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation at Hospital Discharge
Authors: Dupree Lori , DeLosSantos Marci , Smotherman Carmen 
Published: May 2018

Background: Risk stratification for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation is a vital step in identifying whether antithrombotic therapy is indicated for stroke prevention in this common arrhythmia. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine adherence to guideline-directed antithrombotic therapy based on Congestive Heart Failure (1 point), Hypertension (1 point), Age (≥75 years old is 2 points and 65-74 is 1 point), Diabetes (1 point), prior Stroke (2 points), Vascular Disease (1 point), and Sex Category (1 point if female; CHA2DS2–VASc) score in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) on hospital discharge. Methods: A total of 293 patients discharged from this academic medical center with a history of atrial fibrillation from June 2014 to June 2016 were enrolled. Demographic data and indicators for antithrombotic therapy based on the CHA2DS2–VASc score were recorded, and factors that affected adherence to guideline-directed therapy, such as bleeding risk, falls, and alcohol abuse, were collected and analyzed. Results: At hospital discharge, 63% of patients with AF were on appropriate antithrombotic therapy, 50% with a CHA2DS2–VASc score ≥2. The odds ratio of appropriate therapy in patients with a CHA2DS2–VASc score ≥2 was 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95-1.30; P = .18). When chart documentation for reasons to withhold anticoagulation was considered as appropriate therapy, 81% of patients with AF were discharged on appropriate antithrombotic therapy with an odds ratio of 1.57 (95% CI: 1.26 -1.96, P < .0001), with bleeding and falls risk as the most common reasons to withhold anticoagulation. Conclusion: Based on risk stratification of stroke through the CHA2DS2–VASc score, the majority of patients with AF were discharged from the hospital on appropriate antithrombotic therapy. Withholding anticoagulation due to falls risk should be reconsidered as a result of the known benefits of stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
A new instrument to simplify encircling buckle placement
Authors: Gras Hernán E , Gómez-Resa María , Aguirre Fernando , Corcóstegui Borja 
Published: May 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe a new surgical instrument that simplifies 360° silicone band placement, alone or in combination with pars plana vitrectomy, for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods: The instrument has a straight shank and a curved component in the form of a partial helix, whose purpose is to encircle the perimeter of the eye globe below the rectus muscles. The distal tip of the helix is inserted through a small conjunctival incision in the superior temporal quadrant, and the shank is rotated 360° on its axis until the tip emerges from the insertion point. One end of the silicone band is sutured to the tip, and the instrument is rotated in the opposite direction until both ends of the band are positioned in the same scleral quadrant. The band is sutured to the sclera and the conjunctival incision is closed. Pars plana vitrectomy can then be performed using transconjunctival microincision techniques through the intact conjunctiva. Results: Our experience using the instrument in more than 100 procedures has shown that the new technique considerably reduces surgical trauma: wide opening of the conjunctiva is obviated, there is little manipulation of the extraocular musculature, and only a few sutures are needed. The duration of the procedure is considerably shorter because of the smaller number of surgical maneuvers. Conclusion: We describe a new scleral technique facilitated by this surgical instrument, whose objective is safe and effective placement of an encircling silicone band with minimum trauma and a reduction in operating time.