Raffinocyclicin is a novel plasmid-encoded circular bacteriocin produced by with broad-spectrum activity against many gram-positive food pathogens.

This study describes the discovery and characterization of raffinocyclicin, a novel plasmid-encoded circular bacteriocin, produced by the raw milk isolate APC 3967. This bacteriocin has a molecular mass of 6,092 Da and contains 61 amino acids with a three-amino acid leader peptide. It shows the highest identity to the circular bacteriocins bacicyclicin XIN-1 (42.

Quantitative trait loci concentrate in specific regions of the Mexican cavefish genome and reveal key candidate genes for cave-associated evolution.

A major goal of modern biology is connecting phenotype with its underlying genetic basis. The Mexican cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus), a characin fish species comprised of a surface ecotype and a cave-derived ecotype, is well suited as a model to study the genetic mechanisms underlying adaptation to extreme environments. Here we map 206 previously published quantitative trait loci (QTL) for cave-derived traits in A.

Digest: Pelagic habitats promote speciation but constrain morphological evolution.

What happens when ecological factors predicted to promote evolutionary change coincide with factors predicted to constrain it? A recent study by Burress and Hart (2024) shows that the transition of North American minnows from a competitive and complex benthic habitat to a noncompetitive and homogeneous pelagic habitat is associated with an increase in speciation rates but a decrease in rates of morphological evolution. These results demonstrate that different dimensions of evolutionary change may respond to different ecological factors.

Loci associated with cave-derived traits concentrate in specific regions of the Mexican cavefish genome.

A major goal of modern evolutionary biology is connecting phenotypic evolution with its underlying genetic basis. The Mexican cavefish (), a characin fish species comprised of a surface ecotype and a cave-derived ecotype, is well suited as a model to study the genetic mechanisms underlying adaptation to extreme environments. Here we map 206 previously published quantitative trait loci (QTL) for cave-derived traits in to the newest version of the surface fish genome assembly, AstMex3.

Gene loss and relaxed selection of in vertebrates adapted to low-light environments.

Gene loss is an important mechanism for evolution in low-light or cave environments where visual adaptations often involve a reduction or loss of eyesight. The gene family are phospholipases essential for the degradation of organelles in the lens of the eye. They translocate to damaged organelle membranes, inducing them to rupture.

Selection-driven trait loss in independently evolved cavefish populations.

Laboratory studies have demonstrated that a single phenotype can be produced by many different genotypes; however, in natural systems, it is frequently found that phenotypic convergence is due to parallel genetic changes. This suggests a substantial role for constraint and determinism in evolution and indicates that certain mutations are more likely to contribute to phenotypic evolution. Here we use whole genome resequencing in the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, to investigate how selection has shaped the repeated evolution of both trait loss and enhancement across independent cavefish lineages.

Alterations to the gut microbiome after sport-related concussion in a collegiate football players cohort: A pilot study.

Concussions, both single and repetitive, cause brain and body alterations in athletes during contact sports. The role of the brain-gut connection and changes in the microbiota have not been well established after sports-related concussions or repetitive subconcussive impacts. We recruited 33 Division I Collegiate football players and collected blood, stool, and saliva samples at three time points throughout the athletic season: mid-season, following the last competitive game (post-season), and after a resting period in the off-season.

Changes in Transcranial Sonographic Measurement of the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Non-concussed Collegiate Soccer Players Across a Single Season.

Introduction Bedside ultrasound measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is emerging as a non-invasive technique to evaluate and predict raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in both children and adults. The prognostic value of increased ONSD on brain computed tomography (CT) scan has previously been correlated with increased intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previous studies have also evaluated the association between high-contact sports, such as soccer, and TBI; however, the related changes in ONSD are still unknown.

Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Blood Infusion for Adults with Ischemic Stroke: Clinical Outcomes from a Phase I Safety Study.

Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability, affecting one in six people worldwide. The only currently available approved pharmacological treatment for ischemic stroke is tissue plasminogen activator; however, relatively few patients are eligible for this therapy. We hypothesized that intravenous (IV) infusion of banked unrelated allogeneic umbilical cord blood (UCB) would improve functional outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke.

Prehospital Administration of Tranexamic Acid by Ground Forces in Afghanistan: The Prehospital Trauma Registry Experience.

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) was shown to reduce overall mortality and death secondary to hemorrhage in a large prospective study. This intervention is time sensitive. As such, the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines recommend use of this low-cost, safe intervention among patients with possible hemorrhagic shock, penetrating trauma to the thorax or trunk, or extremity amputation.