bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calmodulin‐mediated suppression of 2‐ketoisovalerate reductase in Beauveria bassiana beauvericin biosynthetic pathway
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Yoon Deok‐Hyo , Oh Junsang , Hyun Min‐Woo , Han Jae‐Gu , Sung Gi‐Ho 
Published: July 2016

SummaryKetoisovalerate reductase (KIVR, E.C. 1.2.7.7) mediates the specific reduction of 2‐ketoisovalerate (2‐Kiv) to d‐hydroxyisovalerate (d‐Hiv), a precursor for beauvericin biosynthesis. Beauvericin, a famous mycotoxin produced by many fungi, is a cyclooligomer depsipeptide, which has insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiviral, and cytotoxic activities. In this report, we demonstrated that Beauveria bassiana 2‐ketoisovalerate reductase (BbKIVR) acts as a typical KIVR enzyme in the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana. In addition, we found that BbKIVR interacts with calmodulin (CaM) in vitro and in vivo. The functional role of CaM‐binding to BbKIVR was to negatively regulate the BbKIVR activity in B. bassiana. Environmental stimuli such as light and salt stress suppressed BbKIVR activity in B. bassiana. Interestingly, this negative effect of BbKIVR activity by light and salt stress was recovered by CaM inhibitors, suggesting that the inhibitory mechanism is mediated through stimulation of CaM activity. Therefore, this work suggests that BbKIVR plays an important role in the beauvericin biosynthetic pathway mediated by environmental stimuli such as light and salt stress via the CaM signaling pathway.
The ICEXTD of Azoarcus sp. CIB, an integrative and conjugative element with aerobic and anaerobic catabolic properties
Authors: Zamarro María Teresa , Martín‐Moldes Zaira , Díaz Eduardo 
Published: July 2016

SummaryIntegrative and conjugative elements (ICE) play a major role in aerobic degradation of aromatic compounds, but they have not yet been shown to be involved in anaerobic degradation. We have characterized here the ICEXTD element which endows to the beta‐proteobacterium Azoarcus sp. CIB with the ability to utilize aromatic hydrocarbons. The core region of ICEXTD, which shows a remarkable synteny with that of ICEclc‐like elements, allows its own intracellular and intercellular mobility. ICEXTD integrates at the tRNAGly of the host chromosome, but it can also excise to produce a ready to transfer circular form. The adaptation modules of ICEXTD represent a unique combination of gene clusters for aerobic (tod genes) and anaerobic (bss‐bbs and mbd genes) degradation of certain aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g., toluene, m‐xylene and cumene. Transfer of ICEXTD to other Azoarcus strains, e.g., A. evansii, confers them the ability to degrade aromatic hydrocarbons both aerobically and anaerobically. Interestingly, ICEXTD allows Cupriavidus pinatubonensis, a bacterium unable to degrade anaerobically aromatic compounds, to grow with m‐xylene under anoxic conditions. Thus, ICEXTD constitutes the first mobile genetic element able to expand the catabolic abilities of certain bacteria for the removal of aromatic hydrocarbons either in the presence or absence of oxygen.
Toxin‐Antitoxin systems eliminate defective cells and preserve symmetry in Bacillus subtilis biofilms
Authors: Bloom‐Ackermann Zohar , Steinberg Nitai , Rosenberg Gili , Oppenheimer‐Shaanan Yaara , Pollack Dan , Ely Shir , Storzi Nimrod , Levy Asaf , Kolodkin‐Gal Ilana 
Published: July 2016

SummaryToxin‐antitoxin modules are gene pairs encoding a toxin and its antitoxin, and are found on the chromosomes of many bacteria, including pathogens. Here, we characterize the specific contribution of the TxpA and YqcG toxins in elimination of defective cells from developing Bacillus subtilis biofilms. On nutrient limitation, defective cells accumulated in the biofilm breaking its symmetry. Deletion of the toxins resulted in accumulation of morphologically abnormal cells, and interfered with the proper development of the multicellular community. Dual physiological responses are of significance for TxpA and YqcG activation: nitrogen deprivation enhances the transcription of both TxpA and YqcG toxins, and simultaneously sensitizes the biofilm cells to their activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that while both toxins when overexpressed affect the morphology of the developing biofilm, the toxin TxpA can act to lyse and dissolve pre‐established B. subtilis biofilms.
Exploring family home food environments: Household resources needed to utilise weekly deliveries of free fruits and vegetables
Authors: Carty Sophie A. , Mainvil Louise A. , Coveney John D. 
Published: July 2016

AimAn adapted ethnographic approach was used to explore household factors that influence family fruit and vegetable consumption when access and cost barriers are removed. ‘Structural’ barriers, such as food affordability and accessibility, are likely to influence fruit and vegetable consumption in disadvantaged households, but households may require additional resources (human and social) to increase consumption.MethodsFive low‐income and five high‐income households with children (N = 39 individuals) were observed in their home environment for three months. Including both advantaged and disadvantaged families allowed exploration of socioeconomic factors influencing these households. Each household received a free box of fresh fruit and vegetables each week for 10–12 weeks, delivered to their home, and were home‐visited twice a week by a researcher (40+ hours per household). An inductive analysis of rich observational and discussion data revealed themes describing factors influencing household fruit and vegetable consumption.ResultsHousehold food cultures were dynamic and influenced by available resources. Even when free produce was delivered to homes, these households required human resource (personal drivers influenced by early life exposure and household dynamics) and external social networks to make use of them. When household finances and/or labour were limited, there was greater dependence on external organisations for tangible support.ConclusionsEven when structural barriers were removed, disadvantaged families needed a range of resources across the life course to improve eating behaviours, including sufficient, motivated and skilled labour and harmonious family relationships. Strategies targeting these households must consider structural, social, cultural and intra‐familial influences on food choice.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Eastern U.S. Hydrology: Responses to Global Climate Variability
Authors: Feng Dongmei , Beighley Edward , Hughes Randall , Kimbro David 
Published: July 2016

AbstractCoastal ecosystems are dependent on terrestrial freshwater export which is affected by both climate trends and natural climate variability. However, the relative role of these factors is not clear. Here, both climate trends and internal climate variabilities at different time scales are related to variations in terrestrial freshwater export into the eastern United States (U.S.) coastal region. For the recent 35‐year period, the intensified hydro‐meteorological processes (annual precipitation or evapotranspiration) may explain the observed streamflow variability in the northeast. However, in the southeast, streamflow is positively correlated with climate variability induced by the Pacific Ocean conditions (El Nino‐Southern Oscillation [ENSO] and Pacific Decadal Oscillation) rather than Atlantic Ocean conditions (Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillation and North Atlantic Oscillation). The centroid location for volume of terrestrial freshwater export integrated along the eastern U.S. has a positive temporal trend and is negatively correlated with ENSO conditions, suggesting the northward trend in freshwater export to U.S. eastern coast may be disturbed by the natural climate variability, especially ENSO conditions, i.e., the center of freshwater mass moves southward (northward) during El Nino (La Nina) years. The results indicate the spatial and temporal variations in freshwater export from the eastern U.S. are affected by both climate change and inter‐annual climate variability during the recent 35‐year period (1980‐2014).
Oral Methotrexate in split dose weekly versus oral or parenteral Methotrexate once weekly in Rheumatoid Arthritis: a short‐term study
Authors: Dhaon Pooja , Das Siddharth K. , Srivastava Ragini , Agarwal Girdhar , Asthana Akash 
Published: July 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether methotrexate (MTX) administered orally to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in split doses at 2–3 days’ interval, would result in equal or better efficacy, tolerability and compliance, without increasing toxicity compared to single weekly dose given orally or parenterally.Materials and methodsOne hundred and thirty‐five patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria for RA, on 7.5 mg of MTX weekly orally, with the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) > 11 were enrolled for a 24‐week period. Patients were randomly divided into three groups and were given MTX: Group 1 7.5 mg twice or thrice weekly orally, Group 2 15 mg or 22.5 mg in a single dose weekly orally and Group 3 15 mg or 22.5 mg in a single dose weekly as an intramuscular injection. The primary outcomes were low disease activity (LDA) and mean change in SDAI at week 24, whereas secondary outcomes included remission, adverse events and compliance.ResultsAt week 24, adherence to treatment was maximum in Group 1, 69% (P = 0.09). In intention‐to‐treat analysis at 24 weeks, Group 1, 49%, Group 2, 36% and Group 3, 47% achieved LDA (P = 0.4). There was significant difference in mean change in SDAI at week 24 from baseline (P = 0.008) among the groups. Group 3 patients were more uncomfortable with the mode of administration of MTX (P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in adverse events.ConclusionOral split doses of MTX are better than an oral single dose and similar to parenteral MTX in terms of efficacy.
Fruit biomass availability along a forest cover gradient
Authors: Pessoa Michaele S. , Rocha‐Santos Larissa , Talora Daniela C. , Faria Deborah , Mariano‐Neto Eduardo , Hambuckers Alain , Cazetta Eliana 
Published: July 2016

AbstractHabitat loss is the main driver of the current high rate of species extinction, particularly in tropical forests. Understanding the factors associated with biodiversity loss, such as the extinction of species interactions and ecological functions, is an urgent priority. Here, our aim was to evaluate how landscape‐scale forest cover influences fruit biomass comparing different tree functional groups. We sampled 20 forest fragments located within landscapes with forest cover ranging from 2 to 93 percent in the Atlantic forest of southern Bahia, Brazil. In each fragment, we established five plots of 25 × 4 m and carried out phenological observations on fleshy fruit throughout 1 year on all trees ≥5 cm dbh. We estimated fruit availability by direct counting of all fruits and derived fruit biomass from this count. We used spatial mixed linear models to evaluate the effects of forest cover on species richness, abundance, and fruit biomass. Our results indicated that forest cover was the main explanatory variable and negatively influenced the total richness and abundance of zoochoric and shade‐tolerant but not shade‐intolerant species. A linear model best explained variations in richness and abundance of total and shade‐tolerant species. We also found that forest cover was positively correlated with the fruit biomass produced by all species and by the shade‐tolerant assemblages, with linear models best explaining both relationships. The loss of shade‐tolerant species and the lower fruit production in fragments with lower landscape‐scale forest cover may have implications for the maintenance of frugivore, seed dispersal service, and plant recruitment.
Disparities in access to anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Finger Robert P , Xie Jing , Fotis Kathy , Parikh Sumit , Cummins Rob , Mitchell Paul , Guymer Robyn H 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundLate neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nvAMD) is very common and causes irreversible severe visual loss unless treated swiftly with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. Although publicly subsidized access to treatment may be inequitable, which is why we assessed treatment provision across Australia.DesignSecondary analysis of Australian data.ParticipantsAll Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (including Repatriation PBS) beneficiaries.MethodsTreatment and incidence data were obtained from Medicare Australia, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, Optometry Australia, the Blue Mountains Eye Study and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Data were mapped using geographical information software, and factors associated with treatment provision were assessed using multiple linear regression models.Main Outcome MeasureUnmet need (%) for anti‐VEGF treatment for nvAMD.ResultsOn average, we estimated 7316 incident cases of nvAMD not to be treated per year from 2010 to 2014 (50.1% of total). Number of ophthalmologists and optometrists (per 1000, β = −0.024; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.041, −0.007) and being located in remote regions (β = 0.186; 95% CI 0.110, 0.262) were associated with percentage of untreated cases. A higher proportion of the population speaking a language other than English at home was associated in univariate analyses only (β = 0.0015; 95% CI −0.0004, 0.0027; P = 0.007).ConclusionA large proportion of incident nvAMD is not treated with anti‐VEGF. Not receiving treatment is more likely in regional or remote areas and areas with fewer service providers. Not speaking English at home may further limit access. Service delivery models for more equitable service provision are needed.
The Episodic Nature of Experience: A Dynamical Systems Analysis
Authors: Sreekumar Vishnu , Dennis Simon , Doxas Isidoros 
Published: July 2016

AbstractContext is an important construct in many domains of cognition, including learning, memory, and emotion. We used dynamical systems methods to demonstrate the episodic nature of experience by showing a natural separation between the scales over which within‐context and between‐context relationships operate. To do this, we represented an individual's emails extending over about 5 years in a high‐dimensional semantic space and computed the dimensionalities of the subspaces occupied by these emails. Personal discourse has a two‐scaled geometry with smaller within‐context dimensionalities than between‐context dimensionalities. Prior studies have shown that reading experience (Doxas, Dennis, & Oliver, 2010) and visual experience (Sreekumar, Dennis, Doxas, Zhuang, & Belkin, 2014) have a similar two‐scaled structure. Furthermore, the recurrence plot of the emails revealed that experience is predictable and hierarchical, supporting the constructs of some influential theories of memory. The results demonstrate that experience is not scale‐free and provide an important target for accounts of how experience shapes cognition.
Biliary effects of liraglutide and sitagliptin, a 12‐week randomized placebo‐controlled trial in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Smits Mark M. , Tonneijck Lennart , Muskiet Marcel H.A. , Hoekstra Trynke , Kramer Mark H.H. , Diamant Michaela , Nieuwdorp Max , Groen Albert K. , Cahen Djuna L. , van Raalte Daniël H. 
Published: July 2016

AimsTreatment with glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 receptor agonists or dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)‐4 inhibitors might increase gallstone formation; however, the mechanisms involved are unknown. We aimed to assess the effects of these drugs on gallbladder volume and bile acid profile.Materials and methodsA total of 57 type 2 diabetes patients (mean ± SD age, 62.8 ± 6.9 years; BMI, 31.8 ± 4.1 kg/m2; HbA1c, 7.3% ± 0.6%), treated with metformin and/or sulfonylureas, were included in this 12‐week randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, single‐centre trial between July 2013 and August 2015 at the VU University Medical Center, the Netherlands. Patients received the GLP‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide, the DPP‐4 inhibitor sitagliptin or matching placebo for 12 weeks. Gallbladder fasting volume and ejection fraction were measured using ultrasonography after a high‐fat meal. Serum bile acids were measured in the fasting and postprandial state and in faecal samples. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01744236).ResultsNeither liraglutide nor sitagliptin had an effect on gallbladder fasting volume and ejection fraction (p > .05). Liraglutide increased serum levels of deoxycholic acid in the fasting state [0.20 µmol/L (95% CI 0.027‐0.376), p = 0.024] and postprandial state [AUC 40.71 (13.22‐68.21), p = 0.005] and in faeces [ratio 1.5 (1.03‐2.19); p = 0.035]. Sitagliptin had no effect on serum bile acids, but increased faecal levels of chenodeoxycholic acid [ratio 3.42 (1.33‐8.79), p = 0.012], cholic acid [ratio 3.32 (1.26‐8.87), p = 0.017] and ursodeoxycholic acid [ratio 3.81 (1.44‐10.14), p = 0.008].ConclusionsNeither liraglutide nor sitagliptin has an effect on gallbladder volume. Observed changes in bile acids with liraglutide suggest alterations in the intestinal microbiome, while sitagliptin appears to increase hepatic bile acid production.
Occurrence of leaf spot caused by Cristulariella depraedans on Acer ginnala
Authors: Cho S. E. , Park J. H. , Choi Y. J. , Lee S. H. , Lee C. K. , Shin H. D. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThe occurrence of previously unknown leaf spots on Amur maples (Acer ginnala) has consistently been noticed during disease surveys in Korea since 2004. The symptoms included circular or irregular leaf spots that were greyish‐green to brownish‐grey in colour, which led to leaf senescence and premature defoliation. The morphological and cultural characteristics confirmed the identity of the causal agent as Cristulariella depraedans. This identification was supported by sequence comparisons based on ITS and LSU regions. The monospore isolate proved to be pathogenic when inoculated to the host plant under artificial conditions. This is the first report of C. depraedans infecting Amur maples in the world.
Heritability and prevalence of selected osteochondrosis lesions in yearling Thoroughbred horses
Authors: Russell J. , Matika O. , Russell T. , Reardon R. J. M. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryBackgroundOsteochondrosis is considered multifactorial in origin, with factors such as nutrition, conformation, body size, trauma and genetics thought to contribute to its pathogenesis. Few studies have investigated the effects of genetic variability of osteochondrosis in Thoroughbreds.ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence and genetic variability of a subset of osteochondrosis lesions in a group of Thoroughbred yearlings.Study designRetrospective cohort study.MethodsRadiographs of 1962 Thoroughbred yearlings were retrieved from clinical records obtained between 2005 and 2013. Pedigree information was obtained from the Australian Stud Book. Osteochondrosis lesions were documented in selected joints and estimates of heritability were obtained by fitting linear mixed models inASREMLsoftware.ResultsThe overall prevalence of osteochondrosis was 23%. Osteochondrosis was identified in 10% of stifle joints, 6% of hock joints and 8% of fetlock joints. The heritability estimates ranged from 0 to 0.21. The largest estimates were 0.10, 0.14, 0.16 and 0.21 for lesions of the distal intermediate ridge of the tibia, dorso‐proximal proximal phalanx (P1), any stifle osteochondrosis, and lesions of the lateral trochlear ridge of the distal femur, respectively. Although calculated heritability estimates had high standard errors, meta‐analyses combining the present results with published estimates were significant at 0.10, 0.17, 0.15 and 0.20 for stifle, tarsal, fetlock and these joints combined, respectively. In addition, there was a permanent environment attributable to the dam effect.Main limitationsInclusion criteria were based on radiographic findings in specific joints at a specific age range in Thoroughbreds.ConclusionsThe present results indicate that only a proportion of osteochondrosis in Thoroughbreds is heritable. The permanent environment effects of the dam were observed to have effects on some categories of osteochondrosis.
Fatty liver oxidative events monitored by autofluorescence optical diagnosis: Comparison between subnormothermic machine perfusion and conventional cold storage preservation
Authors: Croce Anna Cleta , Ferrigno Andrea , Bertone Vittorio , Piccolini Valeria Maria , Berardo Clarissa , Di Pasqua Laura Giuseppina , Rizzo Vittoria , Bottiroli Giovanni , Vairetti Mariapia 
Published: July 2016

AimAimsLivers with moderate steatosis are currently recruited as marginal organs to face donor shortage in transplantation, even though lipid excess and oxidative stress increase preservation injury risk. Sensitive, real‐time detection of liver metabolism engagement could help donor selection and preservation procedures, ameliorating the graft outcome. Hence, we investigated endogenous biomolecules with autofluorescence (AF) properties as biomarkers supporting the detection of liver oxidative events and the assessment of metabolic responses to external stimuli.MethodsLivers from male Wistar rats fed a 12‐day methionine/choline‐deficient (MCD) diet were subjected to AF spectrofluorometric analysis (fiber‐optic probe, 366‐nm excitation) before and after organ isolation, and following preservation (cold storage or 20°C machine perfusion) and reperfusion.ResultsInnovative dynamic AF results on lipid oxidation to lipofuscin‐like lipopigments, correlating with biochemical oxidative damage (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and antioxidant defense (glutathione) parameters, suggested lipid engagement in MCD livers counteracting reactive oxidizing species. The maintained MCD liver functionality was supported by limited changes in bilirubin AF spectral profile, reflecting bile composition balance, despite their intrinsic mitochondrial weakness, confirmed by adenosine 5′‐triphosphate levels, and regardless of different preservation effects on energy metabolism revealed by conventional reduced forms of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and flavin AF data.ConclusionAutofluorescence showed that, after a relatively short time on an MCD diet, livers are still able to face oxidizing events and maintain a functional balance. These results strengthen AF as a supportive diagnostic tool in experimental hepatology, to characterize marginal livers in real time, monitor their response to ischemia/reperfusion, and investigate protective therapeutic agents.
Development of a spectroscopic method to determine the content of free radical scavenging compounds and oxidation products in thermally oxidised oils
Authors: Song JuHee , Jang Eun Yeong , Kim Mi‐Ja , Kim Young‐Jun , Lee JaeHwan 
Published: July 2016

SummaryA simple spectroscopic method using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was developed to simultaneously monitor the contents of free radical scavenging antioxidants (FRSs) and oxidised lipid products during oxidation through selection of proper solvents. Validation of the DPPH method was conducted in a stripped oil matrix, and practical applicability of the method was tested with heated oils. The absorbance of DPPH in isooctane simultaneously reflected the changing amounts of both FRSs and oxidised lipid products, whereas the absorbance in methanol mainly reflected changes in FRSs. Total polar materials (TPMs) were found to be representative of oxidised lipid products, which reacted with DPPH in isooctane better than in methanol. Validation parameters including accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection and limit of quantification were determined using α‐tocopherol as a model for FRSs and TPMs for oxidised lipid products. The DPPH protocol in isooctane and in methanol is useful for assessing the degree of oxidation in heated oils through comparing the contents of FRSs and oxidised lipids.