Structural organization of pyruvate: ferredoxin oxidoreductase from the methanogenic archaeon Methanosarcina acetivorans.

Enzymes of the 2-oxoacid:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (OFOR) superfamily catalyze the reversible oxidation of 2-oxoacids to acyl-coenzyme A esters and carbon dioxide (CO)using ferredoxin or flavodoxin as the redox partner. Although members of the family share primary sequence identity, a variety of domain and subunit arrangements are known. Here, we characterize the structure of a four-subunit family member: the pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) from the methane producing archaeon Methanosarcina acetivorans (MaPFOR).

Movement patterns of foraging common terns (Sterna hirundo) breeding in an urban environment in coastal Virginia.

Nesting colonial seabirds are prime examples of central-place foragers, animals that must return to a central location (e.g., a breeding colony) after each bout of foraging.

Epidemiology of sarcoptic mange in a geographically constrained insular red fox population.

Background: Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by the contagious ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei, capable of suppressing and extirpating wild canid populations. Starting in 2015, we observed a multi-year epizootic of sarcoptic mange affecting a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) population on Fire Island, NY, USA. We explored the ecological factors that contributed to the spread of sarcoptic mange and characterized the epizootic in a landscape where red foxes are geographically constrained.

Unauthorized ingredients in "nootropic" dietary supplements: A review of the history, pharmacology, prevalence, international regulations, and potential as doping agents.

The first nootropic prohibited in sport was fonturacetam (4-phenylpiracetam, carphedon) in 1998. Presented here 25 years later is a broad-scale consideration of the history, pharmacology, prevalence, regulations, and doping potential of nootropics viewed through a lens of 50 selected dietary supplements (DS) marketed as "cognitive enhancement," "brain health," "brain boosters," or "nootropics," with a focus on unauthorized ingredients. Nootropic DS have risen to prominence over the last decade often as multicomponent formulations of bioactive ingredients presenting compelling pharmacological questions and potential public health concerns.

Enzymatic Pyridine Aromatization during Thiopeptide Biosynthesis.

Thiazole-containing pyritides (thiopeptides) are ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) that have attracted interest owing to their potent biological activities and structural complexity. The class-defining feature of a thiopeptide is a six-membered, nitrogenous heterocycle formed by an enzymatic [4 + 2]-cycloaddition. In rare cases, piperidine or dehydropiperidine (DHP) is present; however, the aromatized pyridine is considerably more common.