Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The correlation between nasal symptom and mucociliary clearance in Allergic rhinitis

The Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification of allergic rhinitis (AR) is based on the severity and duration of nasal symptoms. Whether the nasal symptoms actually represent underlying nasal inflammation is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between nasal symptoms and nasal inflammation using mucociliary clearance time (MCCT) in AR.
Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in zinc poor environments is promoted by a nicotianamine‐related metallophore

Previous studies have suggested that P. aeruginosa possesses redundant zinc uptake systems. To identify uncharacterized zinc transporters, we analyzed the genome‐wide transcriptional responses of P. aeruginosa PA14 to zinc restriction. This approach led to the identification of an operon (zrmABCD) regulated by the zinc uptake regulator Zur, that encodes for a metallophore‐mediated zinc import system. This operon includes the genes for an uncharacterized TonB‐dependent Outer Membrane Protein (ZrmA) and for a putative nicotianamine synthase (ZrmB). The simultaneous inactivation of the ZnuABC transporter and of one of these two genes markedly decreases the ability of P. aeruginosa to grow in zinc‐poor media and compromises intracellular zinc accumulation. Our data demonstrate that ZrmB is involved in the synthesis of a metallophore which is released outside the cell and mediates zinc uptake through the ZrmA receptor. We also show that alterations in zinc homeostasis severely affect the ability of P. aeruginosa to cause acute lung and systemic infections in C57BL/6 mice, likely due to the involvement of zinc in the expression of several virulence traits. These findings disclose a hitherto unappreciated role of zinc in P. aeruginosa pathogenicity and reveal that this microorganism can obtain zinc through a strategy resembling siderophore‐mediated iron uptake.
Cigarette smoke condensate inhibits transepithelial chloride transport and ciliary beat frequency

Although the pathophysiology leading to rhinosinusitis is complex, evidence indicates that decreased mucociliary clearance (MCC) is a major contributing feature. Normal respiratory epithelial MCC is an important host defense mechanism that is dependent on proper ciliary beating and the biological properties of the airway surface liquid (ASL). The role that tobacco smoke exposure plays as an inhibitor of MCC has yet to be elucidated. The present study investigates the consequences of cigarette smoke exposure on ciliary function and transepithelial chloride (Cl−) secretion, a major determinant of ASL.
Pharmacist Intervention in Risk Reduction Study: High-Risk Cardiac Patients

Objectives: Although there are guidelines for managing patients at high vascular risk, many people remain undertreated. This community-based study was designed to 1) measure the ability of the pharmacist—physician collaboration to affect a broad array of drug-related endpoints and 2) to compare 2 methods of training community pharmacists to collaborate with physicians on cardiac patient care. This paper focuses on the first outcome, and a companion paper will address the second outcome. Methods: We used a before-and-after design to assess pharmacists' ability to affect drug-related endpoints. We identified patients by various methods, one of which was medication profiles. Those providing consent were educated on risk factor modification and encouraged to consult their physicians. Pharmacists subsequently faxed the details of their assessments to the primary care physician, along with suggestions for therapy changes. Our outcome measure was the proportion of patients who achieved a composite of either a dose increase or a new target medication as a result of pharmacist recommendations during the study. Results: A total of 61 pharmacists recruited 217 patients, and of these, follow-up was completed on 216. Of the patients for whom a pharmacist made a suggestion, pharmacologic risk reduction therapy was initiated or enhanced in 53.7%. Conclusion: This community pharmacist—based program improved utilization of the therapies known to decrease vascular risk in patients considered high risk.
Rhinovirus upregulates matrix metalloproteinase‐2, matrix metalloproteinase‐9, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in nasal polyp fibroblasts

Upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been suggested to have an important role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps (NPs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rhinovirus (RV) infection on the expression of MMPs, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1, and VEGF in NP fibroblasts.
Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus, the causal agent of European ash dieback.

UNLABELLED The ascomycete Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (anamorph Chalara fraxinea) causes a lethal disease known as ash dieback on Fraxinus excelsior and Fraxinus angustifolia in Europe. The pathogen was probably introduced from East Asia and the disease emerged in Poland in the early 1990s; the subsequent epidemic is spreading to the entire native distribution range of the host trees. This pathogen profile represents a comprehensive review of the state of research from the discovery of the pathogen and points out knowledge gaps and research needs. TAXONOMY Members of the genus Hymenoscyphus (Helotiales, Leotiomycetidae, Leotiomycetes, Ascomycota) are small discomycetes which form their ascomata on dead plant material. A phylogeny based on the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) of the rDNA indicated the avirulent Hymenoscyphus albidus, a species native to Europe, as the closest relative of H. pseudoalbidus. SYMPTOMS Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus causes necrotic lesions on leaves, twigs and stems, eventually leading to wilting and dieback of girdled shoots. Bark lesions are characterized by a typical dark- to cinnamon-brown discoloration. LIFE CYCLE Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus is heterothallic and reproduces sexually on ash petioles in the litter once a year. Ascospores are wind dispersed and infect ash leaves during the summer. The asexual spores only serve as spermatia. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES The most important techniques for fungal handling, such as detection, isolation, culturing, storage, crossing and ascocarp production, are briefly described. MANAGEMENT Once the disease is established, management is hardly possible. The occurrence of a small fraction of partially tolerant trees constitutes hope for resistance breeding in the future. Healthy-looking trees should be preserved.
The P2 of Wheat yellow mosaic virus rearranges the endoplasmic reticulum and recruits other viral proteins into replication-associated inclusion bodies.

Viruses commonly modify host endomembranes to facilitate biological processes in the viral life cycle. Infection by viruses belonging to the genus Bymovirus (family Potyviridae) has long been known to induce the formation of large membranous inclusion bodies in host cells, but their assembly and biological roles are still unclear. Immunoelectron microscopy of cells infected with the bymovirus Wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV) showed that P1, P2 and P3 are the major viral protein constituents of the membranous inclusions, whereas NIa-Pro (nuclear inclusion-a protease) and VPg (viral protein genome-linked) are probable minor components. P1, P2 and P3 associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but only P2 was able to rearrange ER and form large aggregate structures. Bioinformatic analyses and chemical experiments showed that P2 is an integral membrane protein and depends on the active secretory pathway to form aggregates of ER membranes. In planta and in vitro assays demonstrated that P2 interacts with P1, P3, NIa-Pro or VPg and recruits these proteins into the aggregates. In vivo RNA labelling using WYMV-infected wheat protoplasts showed that the synthesis of viral RNAs occurs in the P2-associated inclusions. Our results suggest that P2 plays a major role in the formation of membranous compartments that house the genomic replication of WYMV.
New Perspectives in Clinical Microbiology

of surgery (Benson and Hughes, 1975). In the orthopaedic literature there have also been two large series reporting similar results (Fitzgerald et al. 1973; Hunter and Dandy, 1977). In the latter article 34% of the isolates in patients with deep infection after total hip replacement were organisms unlikely to be sensitive to flucloxacillin. Hence, in our opinion, a broadspectrum antibiotic seems to be more appropriate as a means of prophylaxis in patients undergoing total hip replacement, particularly after previous surgery.
Oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase gene mutants of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum do not accumulate oxalic acid, but do produce limited lesions on host plants.

The oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase (OAH, EC 3.7.1.1)-encoding gene Ss-oah1 was cloned and functionally characterized from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Ss-oah1 transcript accumulation mirrored oxalic acid (OA) accumulation with neutral pH induction dependent on the pH-responsive transcriptional regulator Ss-Pac1. Unlike previously characterized ultraviolet (UV)-induced oxalate-deficient mutants ('A' mutants) which retain the capacity to accumulate OA, gene deletion Δss-oah1 mutants did not accumulate OA in culture or during plant infection. This defect in OA accumulation was fully restored on reintroduction of the wild-type (WT) Ss-oah1 gene. The Δss-oah1 mutants were also deficient in compound appressorium and sclerotium development and exhibited a severe radial growth defect on medium buffered at neutral pH. On a variety of plant hosts, the Δss-oah1 mutants established very restricted lesions in which the infectious hyphae gradually lost viability. Cytological comparisons of WT and Δss-oah1 infections revealed low and no OA accumulation, respectively, in subcuticular hyphae. Both WT and mutant hyphae exhibited a transient association with viable host epidermal cells at the infection front. In summary, our experimental data establish a critical requirement for OAH activity in S. sclerotiorum OA biogenesis and pathogenesis, but also suggest that factors independent of OA contribute to the establishment of primary lesions.
The xylanase inhibitor TAXI-III counteracts the necrotic activity of a Fusarium graminearum xylanase in vitro and in durum wheat transgenic plants.

The xylanase inhibitor TAXI-III has been proven to delay Fusarium head blight (FHB) symptoms caused by Fusarium graminearum in transgenic durum wheat plants. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the capacity of the TAXI-III transgenic plants to limit FHB symptoms, we treated wheat tissues with the xylanase FGSG_03624, hitherto shown to induce cell death and hydrogen peroxide accumulation. Experiments performed on lemmas of flowering wheat spikes and wheat cell suspension cultures demonstrated that pre-incubation of xylanase FGSG_03624 with TAXI-III significantly decreased cell death. Most interestingly, a reduced cell death relative to control non-transgenic plants was also obtained by treating, with the same xylanase, lemmas of TAXI-III transgenic plants. Molecular modelling studies predicted an interaction between the TAXI-III residue H395 and residues E122 and E214 belonging to the active site of xylanase FGSG_03624. These results provide, for the first time, clear indications in vitro and in planta that a xylanase inhibitor can prevent the necrotic activity of a xylanase, and suggest that the reduced FHB symptoms on transgenic TAXI-III plants may be a result not only of the direct inhibition of xylanase activity secreted by the pathogen, but also of the capacity of TAXI-III to avoid host cell death.
Effects of the deletion and over-expression of Fusarium graminearum gene FgHal2 on host response to mycovirus Fusarium graminearum virus 1.

The mycovirus Fusarium graminearum virus 1 (FgV1) is associated with reduced virulence (hypovirulence) of Fusarium graminearum. Transcriptomic and proteomic expression profiling have shown that many F. graminearum genes are differentially expressed as a consequence of FgV1 infection. Several of these genes may be related to the maintenance of the virus life cycle. The host gene, FgHal2, which has a highly conserved 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphatase (PAP phosphatase-like) domain or inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) superfamily domain, shows reduced expression in response to FgV1 infection. We generated targeted gene deletion and over-expression mutants to clarify the possible function(s) of FgHal2 and its relationship to FgV1. The gene deletion mutant showed retarded growth, reduced aerial mycelia formation and reduced pigmentation, whereas over-expression mutants were morphologically similar to the wild-type (WT). Furthermore, compared with the WT, the gene deletion mutant produced fewer conidia and these showed abnormal morphology. The FgHal2 expression level was decreased by FgV1 infection at 120 h post-inoculation (hpi), whereas the levels were nine-fold greater for both the virus-free and virus-infected over-expression mutant than for the WT. FgV1 RNA accumulation was decreased in the deletion mutant at 48, 72 and 120 hpi. FgV1 RNA accumulation in the over-expression mutant was reduced relative to that of the WT at 48 and 120 hpi, but was similar to that of the WT at 72 hpi. The vertical transmission rate of FgV1 in the gene deletion mutant was low, suggesting that FgHal2 may be required for the maintenance of FgV1 in the host cell. Together, these results indicate that the putative 3'(2'),5'-bisphosphate nucleotidase gene, FgHal2, has diverse biological functions in the host fungus and may affect the viral RNA accumulation and transmission of FgV1.
The APSES transcription factor LmStuA is required for sporulation, pathogenic development and effector gene expression in Leptosphaeria maculans.

Leptosphaeria maculans causes stem canker of oilseed rape (Brassica napus). The APSES transcription factor StuA is a key developmental regulator of fungi, involved in morphogenesis, conidia production and also more recently described as required for secondary metabolite production and for effector gene expression in phytopathogenic fungi. We investigated the involvement of the orthologue of StuA in L. maculans, LmStuA, in morphogenesis, pathogenicity and effector gene expression. LmStuA is induced during mycelial growth and at 14 days after infection, corresponding to the development of pycnidia on oilseed rape leaves, consistent with the function of StuA described so far. We set up the functional characterization of LmStuA using an RNA interference approach. Silenced LmStuA transformants showed typical phenotypic defects of StuA mutants with altered growth in axenic culture and impaired conidia production and perithecia formation. Silencing of LmStuA abolished the pathogenicity of L. maculans on oilseed rape leaves and also resulted in a drastic decrease in expression of at least three effector genes during in planta infection, suggesting either that LmStuA regulates, directly or indirectly, the expression of several effector genes in L. maculans or that the infection stage in which effectors are expressed is not reached when LmStuA expression is silenced.
Transcription factor ART1 mediates starch hydrolysis and mycotoxin production in Fusarium graminearum and F. verticillioides.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the responses to environmental factors, such as nitrogen, carbon and pH, involve components that regulate the production of secondary metabolites, including mycotoxins. In this study, we identified and characterized a gene in the FGSG_02083 locus, designated as FgArt1, which was predicted to encode a Zn(II)2 Cys6 zinc finger transcription factor. An FgArt1 deletion mutant of Fusarium graminearum exhibited impaired starch hydrolysis as a result of significantly reduced α-amylase gene expression. The deletion strain was unable to produce trichothecenes and exhibited low Tri5 and Tri6 expression levels, whereas the complemented strain showed a similar ability to produce trichothecenes as the wild-type strain. In addition, FgArt1 deletion resulted in impairment of germination in starch liquid medium and reduced pathogenicity on flowering wheat heads. To investigate the roles of the FgArt1 homologue in F. verticillioides, we deleted the FVEG_02083 gene, and the resulting strain showed defects in starch hydrolysis, similar to the FgArt1 deletion strain, and produced no detectable level of fumonisin B1 . Fum1 and Fum12 expression levels were undetectable in the deletion strain. However, when the FvArt1-deleted F. verticillioides strain was complemented with FgArt1, the resulting strain was unable to recover the production of fumonisin B1 , although FgArt1 expression and starch hydrolysis were induced. Thus, our results suggest that there are different regulatory pathways governed by each ART1 transcription factor in trichothecene and fumonisin biosynthesis. Taken together, we suggest that ART1 plays an important role in both trichothecene and fumonisin biosynthesis by the regulation of genes involved in starch hydrolysis.
Efficacy of the “bow and lean test” for the management of horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Horizontal semicircular canal (HSC) benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) has been reported to have a poorer prognosis than posterior semicircular canal BPPV. Incorrect determination of the affected ear appears to be one of the causes of poorer outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the “bow and lean test” (BLT) for proper determination of the affected ear followed by preferable treatment outcomes of HSC‐BPPV.
The plant response induced in wheat ears by a combined attack of Sitobion avenae aphids and Fusarium graminearum boosts fungal infection and deoxynivalenol production.

The pathogen Fusarium graminearum, producer of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol, and Sitobion avenae aphids both reside on wheat ears. We explored the influence of an earlier aphid infestation on the expression profile of specific molecular markers associated with F. graminearum infection. Using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, we followed the expression of wheat defence genes on S. avenae infestation and explored the effect on a subsequent F. graminearum infection. This was performed by the assessment of disease symptoms, fungal biomass, mycotoxin production and number of aphids at several time points during disease progress. Wheat ears infected with F. graminearum showed more disease symptoms and higher deoxynivalenol levels when ears were pre-exposed to aphids relative to a sole inoculation with F. graminearum. Aphids induced defence genes that are typically induced on F. graminearum infection. Other defence genes showed earlier and/or enhanced transcription after exposure to both aphids and F. graminearum. In the discussion, we link the symptomatic and epidemiological parameters with the transcriptional induction pattern in the plant. Our study suggests that pre-exposure of wheat ears to aphids affects the plant response, which plays a role in the subsequent attack of F. graminearum, enabling the fungus to colonize wheat ears more rapidly.
Soft palate sensory neuropathy in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea

In general, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) seems to be a progressive disorder whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. One hypothesis is that long‐standing snoring vibrations cause a local neuropathy in the upper airway, which predisposes to obstructive events during sleep. The aim of this study was to investigate sensory function in the upper airway in a cohort of subjects comprising nonsnorers, snorers, and untreated subjects with OSA, and to correlate data to apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and duration of snoring.
A randomized trial of a home-based educational approach to increase live donor kidney transplantation: effects in blacks and whites.

BACKGROUND Blacks are disproportionately affected by chronic kidney disease, but are far less likely to undergo live donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) than whites. We assessed the differential effectiveness in blacks and whites of a home-based (HB) LDKT educational approach. STUDY DESIGN A planned secondary analysis of a previously published randomized trial. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 132 patients (60 black, 72 white) approved for kidney transplantation at 1 kidney transplant center in the southeastern United States. INTERVENTION Assignment to receive either standard clinic-based (CB) transplant education (n = 69) or CB plus an HB (CB + HB) LDKT education program (n = 63). The HB education program was culturally sensitive for blacks, including using a minority health educator, brochures that highlight minority transplant recipients and donors, and discussion of race-specific outcome data. OUTCOMES Primary outcomes were proportions of patients with live donor inquiries, evaluations, and transplants 1 year after study participation. MEASUREMENTS Medical record and questionnaire data. RESULTS 69 patients were assigned to the CB group, and 63 to the CB + HB group. After 1 year, there were 96 living donor inquiries (72.7%), 62 living donor evaluations (47.0%), and 54 LDKTs (40.9%). Patients assigned to the CB + HB group were more likely to have had living donor inquiries (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 3.0), a living donor evaluated (OR, 2.7; CI, 1.4 to 5.4), and LDKT (OR, 3.0; CI, 1.5 to 5.9). The effect was greater in blacks than whites for living donor evaluations and LDKT, but not for living donor inquiries (treatment-by-race interaction, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.8, respectively). Blacks in the CB + HB group were more likely to have had at least 1 living donor inquiry (51.7% versus 77.4%), at least 1 living donor evaluated (17.2% versus 48.4%), and LDKT (13.8% versus 45.2%) than those in the CB group. By comparison, whites in the CB + HB group were more likely to have had at least 1 living donor inquiry (72.5% versus 87.5%), at least 1 living donor evaluated (47.5% versus 71.9%), and LDKT (42.5% versus 59.4%) than those in the CB group. LIMITATIONS Single-center study with greater dropout rate in the CB + HB group. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that a culturally sensitive LDKT education program that reaches out to blacks and their social support network can overcome some barriers to LDKT in this population.
A functionally conserved Zn2Cys6 binuclear cluster transcription factor class regulates necrotrophic effector gene expression and host‐specific virulence of two major Pleosporales fungal pathogens of wheat

Summary The fungus Parastagonospora nodorum is the causal agent of Septoria nodorum blotch of wheat (Triticum aestivum). The interaction is mediated by multiple fungal necrotrophic effector–dominant host sensitivity gene interactions. The three best‐characterized effector–sensitivity gene systems are SnToxA–Tsn1, SnTox1–Snn1 and SnTox3–Snn3. These effector genes are highly expressed during early infection, but expression decreases as the infection progresses to tissue necrosis and sporulation. However, the mechanism of regulation is unknown. We have identified and functionally characterized a gene, referred to as PnPf2, which encodes a putative zinc finger transcription factor. PnPf2 deletion resulted in the down‐regulation of SnToxA and SnTox3 expression. Virulence on Tsn1 and Snn3 wheat cultivars was strongly reduced. The SnTox1–Snn1 interaction remained unaffected. Furthermore, we have also identified and deleted an orthologous PtrPf2 from the tan spot fungus Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis which possesses a near‐identical ToxA that was acquired from P. nodorum via horizontal gene transfer. PtrPf2 deletion also resulted in the down‐regulation of PtrToxA expression and a near‐complete loss of virulence on Tsn1 wheat. We have demonstrated, for the first time, evidence for a functionally conserved signalling component that plays a role in the regulation of a common/horizontally transferred effector found in two major fungal pathogens of wheat.