bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Red Soils Harbor Diverse Culturable Actinomycetes That Are Promising Sources of Novel Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Guo Xiaoxuan , Liu Ning , Li Xiaomin , Ding Yun , Shang Fei , Gao Yongsheng , Ruan Jisheng , Huang Ying 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACT

Red soils, which are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of southern China, are characterized by low organic carbon, high content of iron oxides, and acidity and, hence, are likely to be ideal habitats for acidophilic actinomycetes. However, the diversity and biosynthetic potential of actinomycetes in such habitats are underexplored. Here, a total of 600 actinomycete strains were isolated from red soils collected in Jiangxi Province in southeast China. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed a high diversity of the isolates, which were distributed into 26 genera, 10 families, and 7 orders within the class
Actinobacteria
; these taxa contained at least 49 phylotypes that are likely to represent new species within 15 genera. The isolates showed good physiological potentials for biosynthesis and biocontrol. Chemical screening of 107 semirandomly selected isolates spanning 20 genera revealed the presence of at least 193 secondary metabolites from 52 isolates, of which 125 compounds from 39 isolates of 12 genera were putatively novel. Macrolides, polyethers, diketopiperazines, and siderophores accounted for most of the known compounds. The structures of six novel compounds were elucidated, two of which had a unique skeleton and represented characteristic secondary metabolites of a putative novel
Streptomyces
phylotype. These results demonstrate that red soils are rich reservoirs for diverse culturable actinomycetes, notably members of the families
Streptomycetaceae
,
Pseudonocardiaceae
, and
Streptosporangiaceae
, with the capacity to synthesize novel bioactive compounds.
pH Influences the Importance of Niche-Related and Neutral Processes in Lacustrine Bacterioplankton Assembly
Authors: Ren Lijuan , Jeppesen Erik , He Dan , Wang Jianjun , Liboriussen Lone , Xing Peng , Wu Qinglong L. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACT
pH is an important factor that shapes the structure of bacterial communities. However, we have very limited information about the patterns and processes by which overall bacterioplankton communities assemble across wide pH gradients in natural freshwater lakes. Here, we used pyrosequencing to analyze the bacterioplankton communities in 25 discrete freshwater lakes in Denmark with pH levels ranging from 3.8 to 8.8. We found that pH was the key factor impacting lacustrine bacterioplankton community assembly. More acidic lakes imposed stronger environmental filtering, which decreased the richness and evenness of bacterioplankton operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and largely shifted community composition. Although environmental filtering was determined to be the most important determinant of bacterioplankton community assembly, the importance of neutral assembly processes must also be considered, notably in acidic lakes, where the species (OTU) diversity was low. We observed that the strong effect of environmental filtering in more acidic lakes was weakened by the enhanced relative importance of neutral community assembly, and bacterioplankton communities tended to be less phylogenetically clustered in more acidic lakes. In summary, we propose that pH is a major environmental determinant in freshwater lakes, regulating the relative importance and interplay between niche-related and neutral processes and shaping the patterns of freshwater lake bacterioplankton biodiversity.
Organic Cultivation of Triticum turgidum subsp. durum Is Reflected in the Flour-Sourdough Fermentation-Bread Axis
Authors: Rizzello Carlo Giuseppe , Cavoski Ivana , Turk Jelena , Ercolini Danilo , Nionelli Luana , Pontonio Erica , De Angelis Maria , De Filippis Francesca , Gobbetti Marco , Di Cagno Raffaella 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTTriticum turgidumsubsp.durumwas grown according to four farming systems: conventional (CONV), organic with cow manure (OMAN) or green manure (OLEG), and without inputs (NOINPUT). Some chemical and technological characteristics differed between CONVand organic flours. As shown by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis, OMANand OLEGflours showed the highest number of gliadins, and OMANflour also had the highest number of high-molecular-mass glutenins. Type I sourdoughs were prepared at the laboratory level through a back-slopping procedure, and the bacterial ecology during sourdough preparation was described by 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. Before fermentation, the dough made with CONVflour showed the highest bacterial diversity. Flours were variously contaminated by genera belonging to theProteobacteria,Firmicutes, andActinobacteria. Mature sourdoughs were completely and stably dominated by lactic acid bacteria. The diversity ofFirmicuteswas the highest for mature sourdoughs made with organic and, especially, NOINPUTflours. Beta diversity analysis based on the weighted UniFrac distance showed differences between doughs and sourdoughs. Those made with CONVflour were separated from the other with organic flours. Lactic acid bacterium microbiota structure was qualitatively confirmed through the culturing method. As shown by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis, yeasts belonging to the generaSaccharomyces,Candida,Kazachstania, andRhodotorulaoccurred in all sourdoughs. Levels of bound phenolic acids and phytase and antioxidant activities differed depending on the farming system. Mature sourdoughs were used for bread making. Technological characteristics were superior in the breads made with organic sourdoughs. The farming system is another determinant affecting the sourdough microbiota. The organic cultivation of durum wheat was reflected along the flour-sourdough fermentation-bread axis.
Defining the Morphology and Mechanism of the Hemoglobin Transport Pathway in Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes
Authors: Milani Katharine J. , Schneider Timothy G. , Taraschi Theodore F. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACT

Hemoglobin degradation during the asexual cycle of
Plasmodium falciparum
is an obligate process for parasite development and survival. It is established that hemoglobin is transported from the host erythrocyte to the parasite digestive vacuole (DV), but this biological process is not well characterized. Three-dimensional reconstructions made from serial thin-section electron micrographs of untreated, trophozoite-stage
P. falciparum
-infected erythrocytes (IRBC) or IRBC treated with different pharmacological agents provide new insight into the organization and regulation of the hemoglobin transport pathway. Hemoglobin internalization commences with the formation of cytostomes from localized, electron-dense collars at the interface of the parasite plasma and parasitophorous vacuolar membranes. The cytostomal collar does not function as a site of vesicle fission but rather serves to stabilize the maturing cytostome. We provide the first evidence that hemoglobin transport to the DV uses an actin-myosin motor system. Short-lived, hemoglobin-filled vesicles form from the distal end of the cytostomes through actin and dynamin-mediated processes. Results obtained with IRBC treated with
N
-ethylmaleimide (NEM) suggest that fusion of hemoglobin-containing vesicles with the DV may involve a soluble NEM-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor-dependent mechanism. In this report, we identify new key components of the hemoglobin transport pathway and provide a detailed characterization of its morphological organization and regulation.
Positive Autoregulation ofmrkHIby the Cyclic Di-GMP-Dependent MrkH Protein in the Biofilm Regulatory Circuit of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Tan Jason W. H. , Wilksch Jonathan J. , Hocking Dianna M. , Wang Nancy , Srikhanta Yogitha N. , Tauschek Marija , Lithgow Trevor , Robins-Browne Roy M. , Yang Ji , Strugnell Richard A. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTKlebsiella pneumoniaeis an important cause of nosocomial infections, primarily through the formation of surface-associated biofilms to promote microbial colonization on host tissues. Expression of type 3 fimbriae byK. pneumoniaefacilitates surface adherence, a process strongly activated by the cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP)-dependent transcriptional activator MrkH. In this study, we demonstrated the critical importance of MrkH in facilitatingK. pneumoniaeattachment on a variety of medically relevant materials and demonstrated the mechanism by which bacteria activate expression of type 3 fimbriae to colonize these materials. Sequence analysis revealed a putative MrkH recognition DNA sequence (“MrkH box”; TATCAA) located in the regulatory region of themrkHIoperon. Mutational analysis, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and quantitative PCR experiments demonstrated that MrkH binds to the cognate DNA sequence to autoregulatemrkHIexpression in a c-di-GMP-dependent manner. A half-turn deletion, but not a full-turn deletion, between the MrkH box and the −35 promoter element rendered MrkH ineffective in activatingmrkHIexpression, implying that a direct interaction between MrkH and RNA polymerase exists.In vivoanalyses showed that residues L260, R265, N268, C269, E273, and I275 in the C-terminal domain of the RNA polymerase α subunit are involved in the positive control ofmrkHIexpression by MrkH and revealed the regions of MrkH required for DNA binding and transcriptional activation. Taken together, the data suggest a model whereby c-di-GMP-dependent MrkH recruits RNA polymerase to themrkHIpromoter to autoactivatemrkHexpression. Increased MrkH production subsequently drivesmrkABCDFexpression when activated by c-di-GMP, leading to biosynthesis of type 3 fimbriae and biofilm formation.IMPORTANCEBacterial biofilms can cause persistent infections that are refractory to antimicrobial treatments. This study investigated how a commonly encountered hospital-acquired pathogen,Klebsiella pneumoniae, controls the expression of MrkH, the principal regulator of type 3 fimbriae and biofilm formation. We discovered a regulatory circuit whereby MrkH acts as a c-di-GMP-dependent transcriptional activator of both the gene cluster of type 3 fimbriae and themrkHIoperon. In this positive-feedback loop, whereby MrkH activates its own production,K. pneumoniaehas evolved a mechanism to ensure rapid MrkH production, expression of type 3 fimbriae, and subsequent biofilm formation under favorable conditions. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation by bacterial pathogens is important for the development of innovative treatment strategies for biofilm infections.
HIV-associated primary effusion lymphoma presenting as a paracardial mass
Authors: Katz Heather , Rose Cielo , Rivera Nina Thakker , Bray Natasha 
Published: February 2015

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is an AIDS-defining illness and always associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Classic presentations involve the pleural, pericardial or peritoneal cavities. Infrequently, extracavitary solid tumours develop. Treatment of PEL requires chemotherapy and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).We report a case of a 46-year-old man, who presented with right-sided chest pain, dyspnoea and night sweats. Evaluation revealed decreased breath sounds and dullness to percussion on the right side of the chest. Imaging demonstrated a 6.1 cm×6.3 cm right paracardial mass and right-sided pleural effusion. Pleural fluid was HHV-8 positive. The patient was diagnosed with PEL with extracavitary involvement and treated with chemotherapy and concurrent HAART.This case is the first reported case of extracavitary paracardial involvement and adds new insight to the accepted treatment for PEL with extracavitary lesions.
Does long-distance air travel associated with the Sevens World Series increase players’ risk of injury?
Authors: Fuller Colin W , Taylor Aileen E , Raftery Martin 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo assess whether players who cross ≥6 time zones and/or undertake ≥10 h air travel prior to competition experience a higher risk of injury during the Sevens World Series than players not required to undertake this level of travel.DesignFive-year, prospective, cohort study.ParticipantsAll players from nine core teams competing in the Sevens World Series from 2008/2009 to 2013/2014.ResultsA total of 436 match injuries and 3363 player-match-hours of exposure were recorded in the study, which corresponds to an overall incidence of 129.6 injuries/1000 player-match-hours, irrespective of the nature of pretournament travel. The incidence of injury for those players crossing ≥6 time zones and undertaking ≥10 h air travel prior to competition (99.3 injuries/1000 player-match-hours) was significantly lower than that of players undertaking ≥10 h air travel but crossing ≤2 time zones prior to competition (148.8 injuries/1000 player-match-hours; p=0.003) and of those undertaking ≤3 h air travel and crossing ≤2 time zones prior to competition (146.4 injuries/1000 player-match-hours; p=0.004). There was no significant difference in the incidence of injury for players crossing ≤2 time zones in the week prior to competition, irrespective of whether the length of air travel was ≤3 h or ≥10 h (p=0.904). Precompetition air travel had no significant effect (p=0.879) on the performance of teams in terms of their final Tournament ranking positions.ConclusionsThere was no evidence to suggest that players were exposed to a greater risk of injury following extensive air travel and crossing multiple time zones prior to Tournaments in the Sevens World Series.
A review of the international Burn Injury Database (iBID) for England and Wales: descriptive analysis of burn injuries 2003–2011
Authors: Stylianou Neophytos , Buchan Iain , Dunn Ken W 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo describe, for the first time, distribution (by geography, age, sex) and time trends in burn injury in England and Wales over the period that the international Burn Injury Database (iBID) has been in place.SettingData from the iBID for the years 2003–2011 were used for a retrospective descriptive observational study of specialised services workload and admissions in England and Wales.ParticipantsAll patients who have been visited or admitted to the burn injury specialised health service of England and Wales during the time period 2003–2011. Data cleaning was performed omitting patients with incomplete records (missingness never exceeded 5%).Outcome measuresWorkload, admissions, mortality, length of stay (LOS), geographical distribution, sex differences, age differences, total burn surface area, mechanism of Injury.ResultsDuring 2003–2011, 81 181 patients attended the specialised burn service for assessment and admission in England and Wales. Of these, 57 801 were admitted to the services. Males accounted for 63% of the total workload in specialised burn injury services, and females for 37%. The median (IQR) burn surface area was 1.5% (3.5%). The most frequent reason for burn injury was scald (38%). The median (IQR) age for all the referred workload for both genders was 21 (40). The overall mortality of the admitted patients was 1.51% and the median (IQR) LOS was 1 (5) days.ConclusionsMortality from burn injuries in England and Wales is decreasing in line with western world trends. There is an observed increase in admissions to burn services but that could be explained in various ways. These results are vital for service development and planning, as well as the development and monitoring of prevention strategies and for healthcare commissioning.
An assessment of driving fitness in patients with visual impairment to understand the elevated risk of motor vehicle accidents
Authors: Kunimatsu-Sanuki Shiho , Iwase Aiko , Araie Makoto , Aoki Yuki , Hara Takeshi , Nakazawa Toru , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Ono Hiroshi , Sanuki Tomoyuki , Itoh Makoto 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo assess the driving fitness of patients with glaucoma by identifying specific areas and degrees of visual field impairment that threaten safe driving.DesignCase–control study.Setting, and participantsThis prospective study included 36 patients with advanced glaucoma, defined as Humphrey field analyzer (HFA; 24-2 SITA standard program) measurements of mean deviation in both eyes of worse than −12 dB, and 36 age-matched and driving exposure time-matched normal subjects. All participants underwent testing in a novel driving simulator (DS) system. Participants were recruited between September 2010 and January 2012.Main outcome measuresThe number of collisions with simulated hazards and braking response time in 14 DS scenarios was recorded. Monocular HFA 24-2 test results from both eyes were merged to calculate the binocular integrated visual field (IVF). The position of the IVF subfields in which the collision-involved patients had lower sensitivity than the collision-uninvolved patients was compared with the track of the hazard. The cut-off value to predict an elevated risk of collisions was determined, as were its sensitivity and specificity, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve.ResultsPatients with advanced glaucoma were involved in a significantly higher number of collisions in the DS than the age-matched and driving exposure time-matched normal subjects (119 vs 40, respectively, p<0.0001), especially in four specific DS scenarios. In these four scenarios, IVF sensitivity was significantly lower in the collision-involved patients than in the collision-uninvolved patients in subfields on or near the track of the simulated hazard (p<0.05). The subfields with the largest AUROC curve had values ranging from 0.72 to 0.91 and were located in the paracentral visual field just below the horizontal.ConclusionsOur novel DS system effectively assessed visual impairment, showing that simulators may have future potential in educating patients.
Perspectives on enhancing physical activity and diet for health promotion among at-risk urban UK South Asian communities: a qualitative study
Authors: Cross-Bardell Laura , George Tracey , Bhoday Mandeep , Tuomainen Helena , Qureshi Nadeem , Kai Joe 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo explore perspectives on enhancing physical activity and diet among South Asians in urban deprived communities at high risk of chronic disease and to inform development of culturally appropriate health promotion intervention.DesignQualitative study using semistructured one-to-one and family group interviews with thematic analysis of data.SettingUrban disadvantaged communities in the East Midlands of the UK.Participants45 respondents, including 34 people of South Asian origin (16 at-risk individuals, six family groups involving 18 relatives), of mainly Pakistani and Indian origin, including 16 non-English speakers; and 11 health professionals working locally with communities of concern.ResultsSouth Asian participants underlined the challenges of requiring family members across generations to engage in modifying dietary behaviours, and the central role of communal eating of traditional ‘Asian’ food in their cultural lives. Barriers to increasing physical activity included cost, personal safety and lack of time outside of long working hours and carer commitments. However, increasing walking activity was regarded as feasible by both community and health professional participants. Respondents emphasised using a social approach for potential interventions, undertaking activity with family or friends and with bilingual community peers to facilitate engagement, motivation and support. Spoken content and delivery of interventions was favoured, including personal stories and multilingual audio–visual information; within local informal rather than provider settings, including the home; and aided by pedometers for self-monitoring.ConclusionsFocusing on physical activity by increasing walking may hold promise as health promotion in this deprived South Asian community context. Further intervention development, with exploration of feasibility and acceptability of the social approach and elements suggested, is merited.
Cost-effectiveness analyses of self-harm strategies aimed at reducing the mortality of pesticide self-poisonings in Sri Lanka: a study protocol
Authors: Madsen Lizell Bustamante , Eddleston Michael , Hansen Kristian Schultz , Pearson Melissa , Agampodi Suneth , Jayamanne Shaluka , Konradsen Flemming 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionAn estimated 803 900 people worldwide died as a result of self-harm in 2012. The deliberate ingestion of pesticides has been identified as the method most frequently used to commit fatal self-harm globally. In Sri Lanka, it is estimated that up to 60% of all suicides are committed using this method. The aim of the present study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of an ongoing safe storage intervention currently taking place in a rural Sri Lankan district and to model the cost-effectiveness of implementing the safe storage intervention as well as four potential interventions (legislative, medical management, follow-up contact and mobile phone contact) on a national level.Methods and analysisStudy design for all the strategies is a cost-effectiveness analysis. A governmental perspective is adopted. The time horizon for tracking the associated costs and health outcomes of the safe storage intervention on district level runs over 3 years. The time horizon is extended to 5 years when modelling a full national roll-out of the respective interventions. The discounting of costs and health outcomes are undertaken at the recommended real rate of 3%. Threshold analyses of the modelled strategies are employed to assess the strategies potential for cost-effectiveness, running scenarios with health outcome improvements ranging from 1% to 100%. Sensitivity analyses are also performed. The main outcome measures of the safe storage intervention are incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was granted for the safe storage project from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, in March of 2008. An amendment for the present study was granted from Rajarata University of Sri Lanka in November of 2013. Findings will be disseminated to public and private stakeholders in local and national government in Sri Lanka as well as the wider academic audience through peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.Trial registration numberThe safe storage cluster trial is registered with the Clinical Trials, ref: NCT1146496 (http://clinicaltrialsfeeds.org/clinical-trials/show/NCT1146496).