bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Regulation by Organic Compounds and Heavy Metals of Multiple Laccase Genes in the Aquatic Hyphomycete Clavariopsis aquatica
Authors: Solé Magali , Müller Ines , Pecyna Marek J. , Fetzer Ingo , Harms Hauke , Schlosser Dietmar 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

To advance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling microbial activities involved in carbon cycling and mitigation of environmental pollution in freshwaters, the influence of heavy metals and natural as well as xenobiotic organic compounds on laccase gene expression was quantified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in an exclusively aquatic fungus (the aquatic hyphomycete
Clavariopsis aquatica
) for the first time. Five putative laccase genes (
lcc1
to
lcc5
) identified in
C. aquatica
were differentially expressed in response to the fungal growth stage and potential laccase inducers, with certain genes being upregulated by, e.g., the lignocellulose breakdown product vanillic acid, the endocrine disruptor technical nonylphenol, manganese, and zinc.
lcc4
is inducible by vanillic acid and most likely encodes an extracellular laccase already excreted during the trophophase of the organism, suggesting a function during fungal substrate colonization. Surprisingly, unlike many laccases of terrestrial fungi, none of the
C. aquatica
laccase genes was found to be upregulated by copper. However, copper strongly increases extracellular laccase activity in
C. aquatica
, possibly due to stabilization of the copper-containing catalytic center of the enzyme. Copper was found to half-saturate laccase activity already at about 1.8 μM, in favor of a fungal adaptation to low copper concentrations of aquatic habitats.
High-Resolution Analysis of Gut Environment and Bacterial Microbiota Reveals Functional Compartmentation of the Gut in Wood-Feeding Higher Termites (Nasutitermes spp.)
Authors: Köhler Tim , Dietrich Carsten , Scheffrahn Rudolf H. , Brune Andreas 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

Higher termites are characterized by a purely prokaryotic gut microbiota and an increased compartmentation of their intestinal tract. In soil-feeding species, each gut compartment has different physicochemical conditions and is colonized by a specific microbial community. Although considerable information has accumulated also for wood-feeding species of the genus
Nasutitermes
, including cellulase activities and metagenomic data, a comprehensive study linking physicochemical gut conditions with the structure of the microbial communities in the different gut compartments is lacking. In this study, we measured high-resolution profiles of H
2
, O
2
, pH, and redox potential in the gut of
Nasutitermes corniger
termites, determined the fermentation products accumulating in the individual gut compartments, and analyzed the bacterial communities in detail by pyrotag sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA genes. The dilated hindgut paunch (P3 compartment) was the only anoxic gut region, showed the highest density of bacteria, and accumulated H
2
to high partial pressures (up to 12 kPa). Molecular hydrogen is apparently produced by a dense community of
Spirochaetes
and
Fibrobacteres
, which also dominate the gut of other
Nasutitermes
species. All other compartments, such as the alkaline P1 compartment (average pH, 10.0), showed high redox potentials and comprised small but distinct populations characteristic for each gut region. In the crop and the posterior hindgut compartments, the community was even more diverse than in the paunch. Similarities in the communities of the posterior hindgut and crop suggested that proctodeal trophallaxis or coprophagy also occurs in higher termites. The large sampling depths of pyrotag sequencing in combination with the determination of important physicochemical parameters allow cautious conclusions concerning the functions of particular bacterial lineages in the respective gut sections to be drawn.
Elevated Enterotoxin A Expression and Formation in Staphylococcus aureus and Its Association with Prophage Induction
Authors: Cao Rong , Zeaki Nikoleta , Wallin-Carlquist Nina , Skandamis Panagiotis N. , Schelin Jenny , Rådström Peter 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
strains producing the bacteriophage-encoded staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) were divided into two groups, high- and low-SEA-producing strains, based on the amount of SEA produced. After growth under favorable conditions in batch cultures, 10 of the 21 strains tested produced more than 1,000 ng/ml SEA, and 9 strains produced less than 10 ng/ml SEA; two enterotoxigenic strains, MRSA252 and Newman, produced intermediate levels of SEA (around 450 ng/ml). The differences in the production of SEA were found to be associated with the expression level of
sea
and whether the strains hosted the
sea
1
or
sea
2
version. Furthermore, differences in nucleotide sequence in the
Siphoviridae
phage region showed two clonal lineages of the high-SEA-producing strains. One of these lines was correlated with the capacity for a massive increase in SEA levels by prophage induction as demonstrated using mitomycin C (MC). This was also confirmed by the occurrence of additional
sea
expression, presumed to be initiated by a latent phage promoter located upstream of the endogenous
sea
promoter. Remarkably, the SEA level was increased up to 10-fold in some strains due to prophage induction. The low-SEA-producing group and the high-SEA-producing subgroup lacking phage-activated
sea
transcription showed no increase in SEA formation after the addition of MC. This study demonstrates that
sea
expression in enterotoxigenic strains is correlated with the clonal lineage of
sea
-carrying phages. The high-SEA-producing group, in particular the prophage-inducible
sea
1
group, may be more relevant to staphylococcal food poisoning than the low-SEA-producing group, harboring mainly
sea
2
.
Implications of Microfauna-Host Interactions for Trypanosome Transmission Dynamics in Glossina fuscipes fuscipes in Uganda
Authors: Alam Uzma , Hyseni Chaz , Symula Rebecca E. , Brelsfoard Corey , Wu Yineng , Kruglov Oleg , Wang Jingwen , Echodu Richard , Alioni Victor , Okedi Loyce M. , Caccone Adalgisa , Aksoy Serap 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

Tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) are vectors for African trypanosomes (Euglenozoa: kinetoplastida), protozoan parasites that cause African trypanosomiasis in humans (HAT) and nagana in livestock. In addition to trypanosomes, two symbiotic bacteria (
Wigglesworthia glossinidia
and
Sodalis glossinidius
) and two parasitic microbes,
Wolbachia
and a salivary gland hypertrophy virus (SGHV), have been described in tsetse. Here we determined the prevalence of and coinfection dynamics between
Wolbachia
, trypanosomes, and SGHV in
Glossina fuscipes fuscipes
in Uganda over a large geographical scale spanning the range of host genetic and spatial diversity. Using a multivariate analysis approach, we uncovered complex coinfection dynamics between the pathogens and statistically significant associations between host genetic groups and pathogen prevalence. It is important to note that these coinfection dynamics and associations with the host were not apparent by univariate analysis. These associations between host genotype and pathogen are particularly evident for
Wolbachia
and SGHV where host groups are inversely correlated for
Wolbachia
and SGHV prevalence. On the other hand, trypanosome infection prevalence is more complex and covaries with the presence of the other two pathogens, highlighting the importance of examining multiple pathogens simultaneously before making generalizations about infection and spatial patterns. It is imperative to note that these novel findings would have been missed if we had employed the standard univariate analysis used in previous studies. Our results are discussed in the context of disease epidemiology and vector control.
Impact of Malic Enzymes on Antibiotic and Triacylglycerol Production in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Rodriguez Eduardo , Navone Laura , Casati Paula , Gramajo Hugo 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we have characterized two malic enzymes (ME), SCO2951 and SCO5261, fromStreptomyces coelicolorand analyzed their role in antibiotic and triacylglycerol (TAG) production. Biochemical studies have demonstrated that Sco2951 and Sco5261 genes encode NAD+- and NADP+-dependent malic enzymes, respectively. Single or double mutants in the ME-encoding genes show no effect on growth rate compared to the parental M145 strain. However, the single Sco2951 and the double Sco2951 Sco5261 mutants display a strong reduction in the production of the polyketide antibiotic actinorhodin; additionally, the Sco2951 Sco5261 mutant shows a decrease in stored TAGs during exponential growth. The lower production of actinorhodin in the double mutant occurs as a consequence of a decrease in the expression ofactII-ORF4, the transcriptional activator of the actinorhodin gene cluster. On the other hand, the reduced TAG accumulation is not due to reduced transcript levels of fatty acid biosynthetic genes nor to changes in the amount of the precursor acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). This mutant accumulates intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle that could alter the regulation of the actinorhodin biosynthetic pathway, suggesting that MEs are important anaplerotic enzymes that redirect C4 intermediates from the TCA cycle to maintain secondary metabolism and TAG production inStreptomyces.
Polyphyly of Gut Symbionts in Stinkbugs of the Family Cydnidae
Authors: Hosokawa Takahiro , Kikuchi Yoshitomo , Nikoh Naruo , Fukatsu Takema 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

Symbiotic bacteria associated with midgut crypts of stinkbugs of the family Cydnidae, representing seven species and 13 populations, were investigated. All of the symbionts were species specific, and constituted at least four distinct lineages in the
Gammaproteobacteria
, indicating multiple evolutionary origins of the gut symbionts among the burrower bugs.
A 50-Kilodalton Cry2A Peptide Is Lethal to Bombyx mori and Lymantria dispar
Authors: Ohsawa Masataka , Tanaka Miki , Moriyama Kenta , Shimazu Mitsuaki , Asano Shin-ichiro , Miyamoto Kazuhisa , Haginoya Kohsuke , Mitsui Toshiaki , Kouya Tomoaki , Taniguchi Masayuki , Hori Hidetaka 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

The Cry2Aa3 gene was introduced into asporogenic
Bacillus thuringiensis
, and the synthesized protoxin killed
Bombyx mori
and
Lymantria dispar
larvae. Chymotrypsin hydrolyzed the linkages between 49Tyr/Val50 and 145Lys/Ser146 in the protoxin, and 50- and 58-kDa fragments were generated, respectively. Both peptides killed the larvae of both insects.
The Wood Rot Ascomycete Xylaria polymorpha Produces a Novel GH78 Glycoside Hydrolase That Exhibits α-
l
-Rhamnosidase and Feruloyl Esterase Activities and Releases Hydroxycinnamic Acids from Lignocelluloses
Authors: Nghi Do Huu , Bittner Britta , Kellner Harald , Jehmlich Nico , Ullrich René , Pecyna Marek J. , Nousiainen Paula , Sipilä Jussi , Huong Le Mai , Hofrichter Martin , Liers Christiane 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

Soft rot (type II) fungi belonging to the family Xylariaceae are known to substantially degrade hardwood by means of their poorly understood lignocellulolytic system, which comprises various hydrolases, including feruloyl esterases and laccase. In the present study, several members of the Xylariaceae were found to exhibit high feruloyl esterase activity during growth on lignocellulosic materials such as wheat straw (up to 1,675 mU g
−1
) or beech wood (up to 80 mU g
−1
). Following the ester-cleaving activity toward methyl ferulate, a hydrolase of
Xylaria polymorpha
was produced in solid-state culture on wheat straw and purified by different steps of anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography to apparent homogeneity (specific activity, 2.2 U mg
−1
). The peptide sequence of the purified protein deduced from the gene sequence and verified by
de novo
peptide sequencing shows high similarity to putative α-
l
-rhamnosidase sequences belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 78 (GH78; classified under EC 3.2.1.40). The purified enzyme (98 kDa by SDS-PAGE, 103 kDa by size-exclusion chromatography; pI 3.7) converted diverse glycosides (e.g., α-
l
-rhamnopyranoside and α-
l
-arabinofuranoside) but also natural and synthetic esters (e.g., chlorogenic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid glycoside esters, veratric acid esters, or
p
-nitrophenyl acetate) and released free hydroxycinnamic acids (ferulic and coumaric acid) from arabinoxylan and milled wheat straw. These catalytic properties strongly suggest that
X. polymorpha
GH78 is a multifunctional enzyme. It is the first fungal enzyme that combines glycosyl hydrolase with esterase activities and may help this soft rot fungus to degrade lignocelluloses.
Cognitive interventions to reduce diagnostic error: a narrative review
Authors: Graber Mark L , Kissam Stephanie , Payne Velma L , Meyer Ashley N D , Sorensen Asta , Lenfestey Nancy , Tant Elizabeth , Henriksen Kerm , LaBresh Kenneth , Singh Hardeep 
Published: April 2012

BackgroundErrors in clinical reasoning occur in most cases in which the diagnosis is missed, delayed or wrong. The goal of this review was to identify interventions that might reduce the likelihood of these cognitive errors.DesignWe searched PubMed and other medical and non-medical databases and identified additional literature through references from the initial data set and suggestions from subject matter experts. Articles were included if they either suggested a possible intervention or formally evaluated an intervention and excluded if they focused solely on improving diagnostic tests or provider satisfaction.ResultsWe identified 141 articles for full review, 42 reporting tested interventions to reduce the likelihood of cognitive errors, 100 containing suggestions, and one article with both suggested and tested interventions. Articles were classified into three categories: (1) Interventions to improve knowledge and experience, such as simulation-based training, improved feedback and education focused on a single disease; (2) Interventions to improve clinical reasoning and decision-making skills, such as reflective practice and active metacognitive review; and (3) Interventions that provide cognitive ‘help’ that included use of electronic records and integrated decision support, informaticians and facilitating access to information, second opinions and specialists.ConclusionsWe identified a wide range of possible approaches to reduce cognitive errors in diagnosis. Not all the suggestions have been tested, and of those that have, the evaluations typically involved trainees in artificial settings, making it difficult to extrapolate the results to actual practice. Future progress in this area will require methodological refinements in outcome evaluation and rigorously evaluating interventions already suggested, many of which are well conceptualised and widely endorsed.
What factors influence emergency department staff attitudes towards using information technology?
Authors: Ayatollahi Haleh , Bath Peter A , Goodacre Steve , Lo Su Yung , Draegebo Morten , Khan Faheem A 
Published: April 2012

ObjectivesInformation technology (IT) has an important role in the emergency department (ED) functioning, but staff attitudes can influence the way IT is used. Qualitative research into the perceptions of the ED staff has identified a variety of individual, environmental and system factors that may influence attitudes towards using IT. The authors aimed to determine which factors predict attitudes towards using IT and which factors are the most influential.MethodsFindings from a previous qualitative study were used to develop a self-administered questionnaire measuring individual, environmental and system factors, along with staff attitudes towards using IT. The questionnaire was sent to 535 staff working in three English EDs. Simple linear regression was used to examine the relationship between each potential predictor and user attitude, and multiple regression was used to identify the most important predictors.ResultsCompleted questionnaires were returned by 362/535 participants (68%). The factors with the strongest positive association with staff attitudes towards using IT were the perceived individual impact of technology (r2=39%, p<0.001), perceived usefulness (r2=7%, p<0.001), perceived ease of use (r2=2%, p=0.006), perceived subjective norms (r2=1%, p=0.013) and computer experience (r2=1%, p=0.034).ConclusionThe perceived individual impact of technology is the most important factor in determining ED staff attitude towards using IT. The ED staff are more likely to view using IT systems positively if they can see direct individual benefits arising from their use.
Patients' and emergency clinicians' perceptions of improving pre-hospital pain management: a qualitative study
Authors: Iqbal Mohammad , Spaight Peggy Anne , Siriwardena A Niroshan 
Published: April 2012

BackgroundThe authors aimed to investigate patients' and practitioners' views and experiences of pre-hospital pain management to inform improvements in care and a patient-centred approach to treatment.MethodsThis was a qualitative study involving a single emergency medical system. Data were gathered through focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Participants were purposively sampled from patients transported by ambulance to hospital with a painful condition during the past 6 months, ambulance service and emergency department (ED) clinicians. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and thematic analysis was conducted.Results55 participants were interviewed: 17 patients, 25 ambulance clinicians and 13 ED clinicians. Key themes included: (1) consider beliefs of patients and staff in pain management; (2) widen pain assessment strategies; (3) optimise non-drug treatment; (4) increase drug treatment options; and (5) enhance communication and coordination along the pre-hospital pain management pathway. Patients and staff expected pain to be relieved in the ambulance; however, refusal of or inadequate analgesia were common. Pain was commonly assessed using a verbal score, but practitioners' views of severity were sometimes discordant with this. Morphine and Entonox were commonly used to treat pain. Reassurance, positioning and immobilisation were used as alternatives to drugs. Pre-hospital pain management could be improved by addressing practitioner and patient barriers, increasing available drugs and developing multi-organisational pain management protocols supported by training for staff.ConclusionsPain is often poorly managed and undertreated in the pre-hospital environment. The authors' findings may be used to inform guidance, education and policy to improve the pre-hospital pain management pathway.
A randomised trial of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor for neonatal sepsis: outcomes at 2 years
Authors: Marlow Neil , Morris Timothy , Brocklehurst Peter , Carr Robert , Cowan Frances M , Patel Nishma , Petrou Stavros , Redshaw Maggie E , Modi Neena , Dore Caroline 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveThe authors performed a randomised trial in very preterm small-for-gestational age (SGA) babies to determine if prophylaxis with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) improves outcomes (the PROGRAMS trial). Despite increased neutrophil counts following GM-CSF, the authors reported no significant difference in neonatal sepsis-free survival.Patients and methods280 babies born <31 weeks of gestation and SGA were entered into the trial. Outcome was determined at 2 years to determine neurodevelopmental and general health outcomes, including economic costs.ResultsThe authors found no significant differences in health outcomes or health and social care costs between the trial groups. In the GM-CSF arm, 87 of 134 (65%) babies survived to 2 years without severe disability compared with 87 of 131 (66%) controls (RR: 1·0, 95% CI 0·8 to 1·2). Marginally, more children receiving GM-CSF were reported to have cough (RR 1·7, 95% CI 1·1 to 2·6) and had signs of chronic respiratory disease (Harrison's sulcus; RR 2·0, 95% CI 1·0 to 3·9) though this was not reflected in bronchodilator use or need for hospitalisation for respiratory disease. Overall, the rate of neurologic abnormality (7%–9%) was similar but mean overall developmental scores were lower than expected for gestational age.ConclusionsThe administration of GM-CSF to very preterm SGA babies is not associated with improved or more adverse outcomes at 2 years of age. The apparent excess of developmental impairment in the entire PROGRAMS cohort, without corresponding increase in neurological abnormality, may represent diffuse brain injury attributable to intrauterine growth restriction.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography services can be accessible and of a high standard in a district general hospital
Authors: Mitra Vikramjit , Mitchison Harriet , Nylander David 
Published: April 2012

BackgroundEndoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is an important tool in the management of pancreato-biliary disease.ObjectiveTo compare the current practice of ERCP in a district general hospital with those reported in the 2007 British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) ERCP audit and assess access to the service.DesignThis was a service evaluation study. Data were collected retrospectively for all people who underwent ERCP. Demographic, clinical and procedure related data were collected and analysed.SettingSunderland Hospital.Results236 patients (median age 70 years, 56% women) underwent ERCP. The median period from referral to patient review was 1.0 day. The median period from the decision to carry out an ERCP to the actual procedure date was 3 days. All patients had radiological imaging before their first procedure. 96% patients had their bloods checked within 1 week of the procedure. The most common indication was related to choledocholithiasis and its complications. The mean doses of midazolam and diazemul used were 4.4 mg and 11.1 mg, respectively. The selective biliary cannulation rate was 92%. Sphincterotomy, biliary stent insertion and complete stone extraction were achieved in 94%, 85% and 88% of patients before the procedure. Complications that occurred as a result of ERCPs were as follows: bleeding (1.7%), pancreatitis (3.8%), cholangitis (0.4%) and renal failure (0.4%). The 30-day death rate was 4.6%. However, none of these were procedure related.ConclusionsThe structure of the ERCP services at Sunderland Royal Hospital provides patients with a high-quality and accessible service. The technical success rate and sedation rate were better than those reported in the BSG ERCP audit. The complication rate and procedure-related mortality were comparable to the BSG audit and much below the published figures.