bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative trophic ecology of two sympatric canids in the Brazilian Pampa
Authors: Bossi M. A. S. , Migliorini R. P. , Santos T. G. , Kasper C. B.
Published: December 2018

Studies on resource utilization by carnivores are essential to assess the role of the species in the ecosystem. These studies help us to understand the mechanisms that influence vertebrate community structure and the relationships between predators and prey. The aims of this study were to compare and describe the food habits of the sympatric Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and crab‐eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in the Brazilian Pampa, and to evaluate the food niche overlap between them, and infer aspects of habitat preferences on the basis of their prey. For the diet analyses, 25 stomach contents of Pampas foxes and 33 of crab‐eating foxes were collected. We identified 80 prey items (49 for the Pampas fox and 63 for the crab‐eating fox) and grouped them into eight main categories. Mammals and invertebrates were the most frequent items in the diets of both canids, followed by fruits. The trophic niche breadth of the Pampas fox (Bsta = 0.56) was larger than that of the crab‐eating fox (Bsta = 0.47). The diet overlap between them was Ojk = 0.58. However, a PERMANOVA test showed that diets did not differ between species or season. Our results showed that both L. gymnocercus and C. thous had generalist diets, with a great diversity of prey, but based on similar main food items. Items that contributed the most to the diet of the Pampas fox were insects (Gryllotalpidae and Scarabaeidae) and cavies (Cavia aperea) and those that contributed the most to the diet of the crab‐eating fox were fruits of Syagrus romanzoffiana, beetles (Scarabaeidae), amphibians (Leptodactylus spp.) and cavies. This is the first study to describe and compare the food habits of these two species, occurring in sympatry in the Brazilian Pampa.
Parental behavior drives large bite force in an insular skink population
Authors: Tseng H.‐Y. , Liao C.‐P. , Hsu J.‐Y. , Wang L.‐Y. , Huang W.‐S.
Published: December 2018

Different environments may drive the evolution of morphological traits due to selection on organismal performance. In lizards, bite force plays an important role both for inter‐ and intra‐specific interactions, such as prey preference, resource competition, predatory defense, and courtship behavior. Individuals with large bite force may benefit from a high reproductive success through territorial defense or predatory deterrence. Under extremely high predation risk from the oophagic kukri snake (Oligodon formosanus), long‐tailed skinks (Eutropis longicaudata) on Orchid Island exhibit an exclusive post‐ovipositional parental care, not found in any other populations. In this study, we tested the assumption that Orchid Island skinks exhibit higher bite force than two other populations without egg‐guarding behavior. We investigated the three hypotheses that best explain this adaptation: (1) Orchid Island skinks have different parental care than Green Island and Taiwan skinks, which may drive larger bite force; (2) in the three populations, male–male competition and mating bites enhance bite force, leading males to present higher bite force than females; (3) head traits are indicators of bite force. Our results show for the first time that Orchid Island skinks exhibit larger bite force than the other populations do, which may be shaped by a higher egg‐predation pressure and the consequent parental behavior. Males exhibit stronger bite force likely due to a stronger sexual selection. Bite force of long‐tailed skink is positively correlated with larger body weight and head length, and the larger head can further enhance bite force for males in sexual selection.
Current geography masks dynamic history of gene flow during speciation in northern Australian birds
Authors: Peñalba Joshua V. , Joseph Leo , Moritz Craig
Published: December 2018

Genome divergence is greatly influenced by gene flow during early stages of speciation. As populations differentiate, geographic barriers can constrain gene flow and so affect the dynamics of divergence and speciation. Current geography, specifically disjunction and continuity of ranges, is often used to predict the historical gene flow during the divergence process. We test this prediction in eight meliphagoid bird species complexes codistributed in four regions. These regions are separated by known biogeographical barriers across northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. We find that bird populations currently separated by terrestrial habitat barriers within Australia and marine barriers between Australia and Papua New Guinea have a range of divergence levels and probability of gene flow not associated with current range connectivity. Instead, geographic distance and historical range connectivity better predict divergence and probability of gene flow. In this dynamic environmental context, we also find support for a nonlinear decrease of the probability of gene flow during the divergence process. The probability of gene flow initially decreases gradually after a certain level of divergence is reached. Its decrease then accelerates until the probability is close to zero. This implies that although geographic connectivity may have more of an effect early in speciation, other factors associated with higher divergence may play a more important role in influencing gene flow midway through and later in speciation. Current geographic connectivity may then mislead inferences regarding potential for gene flow during speciation under a complex and dynamic history of geographic and reproductive isolation.
Functional reconstitution of the type IVa pilus assembly system from enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Authors: Luna Rico Areli , Zheng Weili , Petiot Nathalie , Egelman Edward H. , Francetic Olivera
Published: December 2018

Type 4a pili (T4aP) are long, thin and dynamic fibres displayed on the surface of diverse bacteria promoting adherence, motility and transport functions. Genomes of many Enterobacteriaceae contain conserved gene clusters encoding putative T4aP assembly systems. However, their expression has been observed only in few strains including Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and their inducers remain unknown. Here we used EHEC genomic DNA as a template to amplify and assemble an artificial operon composed of four gene clusters encoding 13 pilus assembly proteins. Controlled expressions of this operon in nonpathogenic E. coli strains led to efficient assembly of T4aP composed of the major pilin PpdD, as shown by shearing assays and immunofluorescence microscopy. When compared with PpdD pili assembled in a heterologous Klebsiella T2SS type 2 secretion system (T2SS) by using cryo‐electron microscopy (cryoEM), these pili showed indistinguishable helical parameters, emphasizing that major pilins are the principal determinants of the fibre structure. Bacterial two‐hybrid analysis identified several interactions of PpdD with T4aP assembly proteins, and with components of the T2SS that allow for heterologous fibre assembly. These studies lay ground for further characterization of the T4aP structure, function and biogenesis in enterobacteria.
Whistle variability of Guiana dolphins in South America: Latitudinal variation or acoustic adaptation?
Authors: Moron Juliana Rodrigues , Lopes Nara Pavan , Reis Sarah Stutz , Mamede Natália , Reis Suzana Stutz , Toledo Gustavo , Corso Gilberto , Sousa‐lima Renata S. , Andriolo Artur
Published: December 2018

A previous comparison of whistles using data sampled at 48 kHz suggested that certain frequency parameters vary along a latitudinal gradient. This geographical pattern may be biased because whistles sampled at higher frequencies could potentially have very different frequency contents. The current study compared the acoustic parameters of Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) whistles recorded at a higher sampling rate (96 kHz) and from groups occupying two never before sampled sites, Benevente Bay, Espírito Santo, Brazil, and Formosa Bay, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, with recordings of other populations in South America. By only considering data sampled at a rate of at least 96 kHz, we aimed to detect differences in whistles across locations. Contrary to previous findings, our analyses do not indicate any clear separation between northern and southern populations based on whistles, and do not corroborate the hypothesis of latitudinal acoustic variation in this species. The variation in Guiana dolphin whistle parameters found here appears to be influenced by latitude to some extent, but several other factors, including sampling method, environmental fluctuations, and social influence on vocal learning, may be confounding the detection of a geographic pattern in these whistle samples.
A randomised trial of vitamin D in acute‐stage allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis complicating asthma
Authors: Dodamani Manjunath Havalappa , Muthu Valliappan , Thakur Reetu , Pal Arnab , Sehgal Inderpaul Singh , Dhooria Sahajal , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Garg Mandeep , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Agarwal Ritesh
Published: December 2018

Vitamin D has been demonstrated to have an immunomodulatory role in cystic fibrosis with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Herein, we evaluate supplemental vitamin D in acute‐stage ABPA complicating asthma. Thirty subjects were randomised to receive either prednisolone (n = 15, control) or prednisolone and oral vitamin D (n = 15, intervention arm). Serum vitamin D levels were significantly higher in the intervention versus the control arm, following therapy. The mean decline in total IgE at 2 months (primary outcome) was 10% higher in the intervention arm than the control arm; however, this was not statistically significant (48.6% vs 38.1%, P = 0.27). The percentage decline in total IgE after 4 and 6 months of randomisation was also similar in the two arms. There was no difference in asthma exacerbations (0 vs 2, intervention vs control; P = 0.16). No ABPA exacerbation occurred in either arm. The other outcomes including the Th2 (IL‐4, IL‐6 and IL‐10) and Th17 (IL‐17) cytokine levels were similar in the two groups. None of the participants experienced hypervitaminosis D. There was no significant improvement in the clinical or immunological outcomes following vitamin D supplementation. A larger trial is required to ascertain the role of vitamin D in ABPA complicating asthma [Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03133299].
Curcumin Inhibits Proliferation of Synovial Cells by Downregulating Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase‐3 in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zeng Jian‐jun , Wang Hai‐dong , Shen Zhong‐wei , Yao Xiao‐dong , Wu Cheng‐jun , Pan Tao
Published: December 2018

Objective

To investigate the association between curcumin and the differentially expressed genes (DEG) in synovial tissues of osteoarthritis.

Methods

Microarray analysis was used to screen for the DEG in osteoarthritis synovial cells. Curcumin‐related genes were identified through the drug–gene interaction network STITCH (http://stitch.embl.de/cgi/input.pl). Expression levels of fibronectin 1 (FN1) and collagen III protein were measured by western blot. MTT assay was used to examine the effects of different concentrations of curcumin on cell viability. Western blot and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used to validate the different expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP3). Clone formation assay, flow cytometry, and the TUNEL method were conducted for detecting the cell proliferation and apoptosis rate.

Results

In the two chips of GSE1919 and GSE55235, the average expression of MMP3 in the osteoarthritis group was 63.7% and 12.9% higher than that of the healthy control, respectively. The results of western blot also showed that the average expression of MMP3 in 30 osteoarthritis patients was 132% higher than that of the healthy group, which confirmed that MMP3 was highly expressed in osteoarthritis group. The results of MTT showed that at 72 h, the cell viability of 40 μmol/L curcumin was the lowest and 79.6% lower than for the 0 μmol/L group, so the final curcumin concentration of 40 μmol/L was selected for subsequent experiments. Western blot results further showed that the expression of MMP3 was 44% lower in the untreated groups compared with the curcumin group, and the expressions of FN1 and collagen III were increased by 112% and 84%, respectively, which indicated that curcumin inhibited MMP3 expression and decreased osteoarthritis synovial cell activity. Cloning formation experiments showed that cell numbers increased by 75% and 20.5% in untreated and curcumin groups, and compared with the untreated group, the cells in the curcumin group decreased by 30.8%. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptotic rate in the curcumin group increased by 85.1% compared with the untreated group, but for a single group, MMP3 decreased the apoptotic rate by 53.9% and 46.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

MMP3 was highly expressed in osteoarthritis synovial cells. Curcumin could reduce cell viability, inhibit cell proliferation, increase cell apoptosis, and eventually alleviate inflammation of osteoarthritis by inhibiting the expression of MMP3.
A case of focal facial dermal dysplasia type 4
Authors: Mehrtens Sarah Helen , Shankar Sonal
Published: December 2018

We present a rare case of focal facial dermal dysplasia type 4 (FFDD4) in an otherwise healthy boy infant, presenting as bilateral preauricular scarlike defects surrounded by a hair collar, resembling membranous aplasia cutis congenita. The presence of a hair collar supports the hypothesis that FFDD is caused by abnormal closure at facial embryonic fusion lines, but unlike midline scalp defects is not associated with neurological compromise. Other types of FFDD occur at different sites and can be associated with cranial dysgraphism. Awareness of this rare condition by dermatologists is imperative to enable prompt recognition and minimize diagnostic delay.
The high prolificacy of D’man sheep is associated with the segregation of the FecLL mutation in the B4GALNT2 gene
Authors: Ben Jemaa Slim , Ruesche Julien , Sarry Julien , Woloszyn Florent , Lassoued Narjess , Fabre Stéphane
Published: December 2018

Contents

Mutations in the FecL locus are associated with large variation in ovulation rate and litter size in the French Lacaune sheep breed. It has been shown that the B4GALNT2 gene within the FecL locus is most likely responsible for the high fecundity in the French breed. In this study, we have highlighted the segregation of the FecLL mutation within the B4GALNT2 gene in North African sheep breeds and notably in the highly prolific D'man breed. Genotyping of a sample of 183 Tunisian D'man individuals revealed a high frequency (0.65) of the prolific allele FecLLwhich was attributed to the adoption of a decades‐old breeding strategy based on the selection of ewe lambs born from large litter size. Homozygous LL ewes showed a significantly increased litter size compared to heterozygous and non‐carrier ewes (FecLL/FecLL = 2.47 ± 0.09 vs. FecLL/FecL+ = 2.23 ± 0.09, p < 0.05 and FecL+/FecL+ = 1.93 ± 0.18, p < 0.01). The presence of the FecLLpolymorphism in both D'man and Lacaune breeds argues for an ancestral origin of this mutation and brings an answer to the old question of the genetic determinism of the extreme prolificacy of the D'man ewes. The results of this study can help to establish planned genotype‐based mating allowing both higher profit for the breeders and an optimal management of the FecLL mutation in D'man sheep populations.
The eye of the beholder. Reconsidering the notions of pro‐poor growth and progressivity, with an application to Vietnam
Authors: Erreygers Guido , Bui Thi Kim Thanh
Published: December 2018

Both policymakers and economists have tried to find criteria to assess whether economic growth is pro‐poor. In this paper we reconsider the inequality‐oriented approach originally proposed by Jenkins and Van Kerm. They look at the changes in the whole income distribution, and decompose the change in income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, into a progressivity and a reranking component. They define a pro‐poor (or progressive) change as one where the changes in income are more to the benefit of those who are initially poor than to the benefit of those who are initially rich. We challenge this assumption, and maintain that also the point of view of the finally poor and the finally rich should be taken into account when evaluating whether growth is pro‐poor. We suggest a new decomposition method, based on an inequality index of the generalized entropy family, which allows the change in income inequality to be decomposed exactly into a forward‐looking and a backward‐looking progressivity component. Our empirical illustration, using data from household surveys in Vietnam, shows that economic growth in Vietnam has been pro‐poor from a forward‐looking perspective, but not from a backward‐looking perspective.
A newly identified cluster of glutathione S‐transferase genes provides Verticillium wilt resistance in cotton
Authors: Li Zhi‐Kun , Chen Bin , Li Xiu‐Xin , Wang Jin‐Peng , Zhang Yan , Wang Xing‐Fen , Yan Yuan‐Yuan , Ke Hui‐Feng , Yang Jun , Wu Jin‐Hua , Wang Guo‐Ning , Zhang Gui‐Yin , Wu Li‐Qiang , Wang Xi‐Yin , Ma Zhi‐Ying
Published: December 2018

As the largest cultivated fiber crop in the world, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is often exposed to various biotic stresses during its growth periods. Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae is a severe disease in cotton, and the molecular mechanism of cotton resistance for Verticillium wilt needs to be further investigated. Here, we revealed that the cotton genome contains nine types of GST genes. An evolutionary analysis showed that a newly identified cluster (including Gh_A09G1508, Gh_A09G1509 and Gh_A09G1510) located on chromosome 09 of the A‐subgenome was under positive selection pressure during the formation of an allotetraploid. Transcriptome analysis showed that this cluster participates in Verticillium wilt resistance. Because the Gh_A09G1509 gene showed the greatest differential expression in the resistant cultivar under V. dahliae stress, we overexpressed this gene in tobacco and found that its overexpression resulted in enhanced Verticillium wilt resistance. Suppression of the gene cluster via virus‐induced gene silencing made cotton plants of the resistant cultivar Nongda601 significantly susceptible. These results demonstrated that the GST cluster played an important role in Verticillium wilt resistance. Further investigation showed that the encoded enzymes of the cluster were essential for the delicate equilibrium between the production and scavenging of H2O2 during V. dahliae stress.
Validity and Reliability Study for the Turkish Version of Number Sense Screener for 60-71 Months Old Children
Authors: Kızıltepe Gozde Inal
Published: December 2018

In this study, it was aimed to carry out the validity and reliability study of Number Sense Screener (NSS)’s Turkish version for 60-71 year-old children. The universe of the study in which general survey model was used consists of children at 60-71 years of age, who were continuing their education during the spring term of academic year 2017-2018 in public and private kindergartens under the Ministry of National Education within the central district of Aydin/Turkey. As for the sample of the study, 658 children contunuing their education in 12 different preschools pre-determined according to socioeconomic status (low-middle-high) were included through systematic sampling method. Validity and reliability studies were carried out using data from the NSS application. Drawing from the analyses, it was determined that item difficulty values of the assessment tool ranged between 0.08 and 0.96, item discrimination indices ranged between 0.17 and 0.53 and item infit and outfit values ranged between 0.50-1.50. Having used Guttman's lambda-2, Alpha coefficient, Feldt-Gilmer coefficient, Feldt-Brennan coefficient and Raju's beta coefficient, it was determined that reliability coefficient calculated for the entire assessment tool varied between .826 and .837. Following DIF analysis, it was concluded that assessment tool items were not biased towards gender. According to the results of the study, it was concluded that the Turkish version of NSS is a valid and reliable assessment tool for assessing the number sense of children at 60-71 months of age.
Impairment of rat oesophageal muscle contractility associated with experimental non‐erosive oesophageal mucosal damage
Authors: Gadelha Kalinne Kelly Lima , Batista‐Lima Francisco José , de Oliveira Daniel Maia Nogueira , Carvalho Emanuella Feitosa de , Sifrim Daniel , Santos Armênio Aguiar dos , Magalhães Pedro Jorge Caldas
Published: December 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is the responsiveness of isolated segments of the rat oesophagus to contractile or relaxant stimuli susceptible to acute luminal exposure of the oesophagus to an acid solution that contains pepsin and bile salt?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The study reveals that luminal acidity is an important factor that disrupts barrier function in the oesophagus to allow the diffusion of noxious agents, such as bile acid, that alter the contractile status of the oesophageal body, even in the absence of inflammation.

We investigated whether the experimental simulation of duodenogastro‐oesophageal reflux alters the contractile responsiveness of rat oesophageal strips. After 30 min of luminal exposure to a solution at acid pH that contained pepsin and taurodeoxycholic acid, isolated strips of the rat oesophagus and gastro‐oesophageal junction were subjected to contractile or relaxing stimuli. Acid challenge decreased the responsiveness of oesophageal strips to contractile stimulation, especially in oesophageal preparations that were mounted following the circular orientation of the muscularis externa layer. The contractility of longitudinal preparations of the rat oesophagus appeared less susceptible to the deleterious effects of acid challenge. In contrast, the responsiveness of ring‐like preparations from the gastro‐oesophageal junction to contractile stimulation was unaltered by acid challenge. Taurodeoxycholic acid decreased the responsiveness of circular oesophageal preparations to KCl, an effect that was exacerbated by luminal acidity. On the contrary, although the relaxant ability of the rat oesophagus did not change, acid challenge increased the relaxant efficacy of sodium nitroprusside and isoprenaline in strips of the gastro‐oesophageal junction. A significant decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance was seen when the oesophageal mucosa was challenged at pH 1 but not at pH 4. Treatment with alginate blunted the deleterious effects of acid challenge on transepithelial electrical resistance and the responsiveness of oesophageal preparations to KCl. The present findings support the notion that luminal acidity is an important factor that disrupts barrier function in the oesophagus to allow the diffusion of noxious agents, such as bile acid, that alter the contractile status of the oesophagus.
Operator splitting and discontinuous Galerkin methods for advection-reaction-diffusion problem. Application to plant root growth
Authors: Peynaud Emilie
Published: December 2018

The time dependant advection-reaction-diffusion equation is used in the C-Root model to simulate root growth. This equation can also be applied in many others applications in life sciences. In this context the unknown is related to densities and one of the important property of the problem is that the solution is non-negative for positive initial conditions. One of the difficulty at the discrete level is to preserve the positivity of the approximated solution during the simulations. In this work we solved the model using Discontinuous Galerkin elements combined with an operator splitting technique. The DG method is briefly presented then we motivated the use of the operator splitting technique by doing some numerical experiments. Those experiments showed that the same time approximation scheme may not be suitable for all the operators of the model. We validated our implementation of the splitting technique in a simple test case. Then we performed a simulation of a plagiotropic root of Eucalyptus.
The Strain on Airway Smooth Muscle During a Deep Inspiration to Total Lung Capacity
Authors: Bossé Ynuk
Published: December 2018

The deep inspiration (DI) maneuver entices a great deal of interest because of its ability to temporarily ease the flow of air into the lungs. This salutary effect of a DI is proposed to be mediated, at least partially, by momentarily increasing the operating length of airway smooth muscle (ASM). Concerningly, this premise is largely derived from a growing body of in vitro studies investigating the effect of stretching ASM by different magnitudes on its contractility. The relevance of these in vitro findings remains uncertain, as the real range of strains ASM undergoes in vivo during a DI is somewhat elusive. In order to understand the regulation of ASM contractility by a DI and to infer on its putative contribution to the bronchodilator effect of a DI, it is imperative that in vitro studies incorporate levels of strains that are physiologically relevant. This review summarizes the methods that may be used in vivo in humans to estimate the strain experienced by ASM during a DI from functional residual capacity (FRC) to total lung capacity (TLC). The strengths and limitations of each method, as well as the potential confounders, are also discussed. A rough estimated range of ASM strains is provided for the purpose of guiding future in vitro studies that aim at quantifying the regulatory effect of DI on ASM contractility. However, it is emphasized that, owing to the many limitations and confounders, more studies will be needed to reach conclusive statements.
Colombian population of the mite Gaeolaelaps aculeifer as a predator of the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis and the possible use of an astigmatid mite as its factitious prey
Authors: Rueda-Ramirez Diana M , Rios-Malaver Diana M , Varela-Ramirez Amanda , Moraes Gilberto J. de
Published: December 2018

Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini) is a well-known generalist predator currently commercialized to control several edaphic organisms, including Diptera larvae and thrips pre-pupae and pupae. The recent detection of this species in the Bogotá plateau of Colombia raised the interest to investigate details about the biology of this new population and evaluate its potential as a biological control agent for use in that country against Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thripidae), the western flower thrips. The objective of this study was to evaluate experimentally the biological characteristics of the Colombian population of G. aculeifer and its predation capacity on F. occidentalis, as well as the possibility to use a factitious prey for its mass production or as complementary food in predator field releases. The study was conducted with three diets: F. occidentalis (T), Aleuroglyphus ovatus (A), and A. ovatus + F. occidentalis (TA), in a randomized design experiment using G. aculeifer females. Predation rate was about 2.6 pre-pupae/pupae of F. occidentalis/female/day when only thrips was available as prey, reducing to 2.0 when thrips was combined with A. ovatus. Oviposition was the same when fed each of those prey and their combination (2.5–2.9 eggs/female/day). Some differences between diets were observed for duration of some periods of the life cycle, but no differences were observed for life table parameters. The greatest differences observed between this population and what has been reported for other populations of the same predator (evaluated when feeding other prey) refer to duration of deutonymphal period and Ro (respectively longer and higher in the former). It is concluded that the Colombian population is able to feed, develop, and reproduce on pre-pupae and pupae of F. occidentalis and that A. ovatus can be used for its small scale mass production and as a complementary diet in predator field releases.
Detection of Echinocandin-Resistant
Candida glabrata
in Blood Cultures Spiked with Different Percentages of
FKS2
Mutants
Authors: Bordallo-Cardona María Ángeles , Sánchez-Carrillo Carlos , Bouza Emilio , Muñoz Patricia , Escribano Pilar , Guinea Jesús
Published: December 2018

Infections caused by the coexistence of
Candida glabrata
echinocandin-resistant and echinocandin-susceptible cells may be possible, and the detection of
FKS
mutants when the proportions of
FKS
mutants are underrepresented poses a problem. We assessed the role of EUCAST and methods directly performed on positive blood cultures—Etest (ET
DIR
) and anidulafungin-containing agar plate assays—for detecting resistance in
C. glabrata
isolates containing different amounts of echinocandin-susceptible and -resistant
Candida glabrata
isolates.
Biodegradation of the Allelopathic Chemical Pterostilbene by a
Sphingobium
sp. Strain from the Peanut Rhizosphere
Authors: Yu Ri-Qing , Kurt Zohre , He Fei , Spain Jim C.
Published: December 2018

Pterostilbene, an analog of resveratrol, is a stilbene allelochemical produced by plants to inhibit microbial infection. As a potent antioxidant, pterostilbene acts more effectively than resveratrol as an antifungal agent. Bacterial degradation of this plant natural product would affect the allelopathic efficacy and fate of pterostilbene and thus its ecological role. This study explores the isolation and abundance of bacteria that degrade resveratrol and pterostilbene in peanut tissues and rhizosphere, the catabolic pathway for pterostilbene, and the molecular basis for the initial cleavage of pterostilbene. If plant allelopathy is an important process in agriculture and management of invasive plants, the ecological role of bacteria that degrade the allelopathic chemicals must be equally important.
Identification and Characterization of a Poliovirus Capsid Mutant with Enhanced Thermal Stability
Authors: Nguyen Y , Jesudhasan Palmy R. , Aguilera Elizabeth R. , Pfeiffer Julie K.
Published: December 2018

Viruses spread by the fecal-oral route need to maintain viability in the environment to ensure transmission. Previous work indicated that bacteria and bacterial surface polysaccharides can stabilize viral particles and enhance transmission. To explore factors that influence viral particle stability, we isolated a mutant poliovirus that is heat resistant. This mutant virus does not require feces for stability at most temperatures but can be stabilized by feces at very high temperatures. Even though the mutant virus is heat resistant, it is susceptible to inactivation by treatment with bleach. This work provides insight into how viral particles maintain infectivity in the environment.
Comparative Analysis of Gammaherpesvirus Circular RNA Repertoires: Conserved and Unique Viral Circular RNAs
Authors: Ungerleider Nathan A. , Jain Vaibhav , Wang Yiping , Maness Nicholas J. , Blair Robert V. , Alvarez Xavier , Midkiff Cecily , Kolson Dennis , Bai Shanshan , Roberts Claire , Moss Walter N. , Wang Xia , Serfecz Jacqueline , Seddon Michael , Lehman Terri , Ma Tianfang , Dong Yan , Renne Rolf , Tibbetts Scott A. , Flemington Erik K.
Published: December 2018

Infection with oncogenic gammaherpesviruses leads to long-term viral persistence through a dynamic interplay between the virus and the host immune system. Critical for remodeling of the host cell environment after the immune responses are viral noncoding RNAs that modulate host signaling pathways without attracting adaptive immune recognition. Despite the importance of noncoding RNAs in persistent infection, the circRNA class of noncoding RNAs has only recently been identified in gammaherpesviruses. Accordingly, their roles in virus infection and associated oncogenesis are unknown. Here we report evolutionary conservation of EBV-encoded circRNAs determined by assessing the circRNAome in rLCV-infected lymphomas from an SIV-infected rhesus macaque, and we report latent and lytic circRNAs from KSHV and MHV68. These experiments demonstrate utilization of the circular RNA class of RNAs across 4 members of the gammaherpesvirus subfamily, and they identify orthologues and potential homoplastic circRNAs, implying conserved circRNA functions in virus biology and associated malignancies.
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: need for early screening
Authors: Khanna Kashish , Khanna Vikram , Bhatnagar Veereshwar
Published: December 2018

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant cancer-predisposing condition characterised by intestinal hamartomatous polyps and distinct melanin depositions in skin and mucosa. Small intestinal cancer in patients with PJS usually presents by the third decade. A 7-year-old-PJS boy presented with recurrent episodes of colicky abdominal pain and melena requiring repeated blood transfusions. Abdominal CT scan revealed multiple jejunal polyps with jejunoileal intussusception. On exploration, the intussuscepted bowel was resected along with its mesentery and anastomosed. Simultaneously, multiple enterotomies with resection of palpable polyps were performed. The resected bowel showed well-differentiated stage 2A adenocarcinoma with clear resected margins. Postoperatively, the complaints were relieved. On follow-up, he was asymptomatic and is now on yearly cancer surveillance. This is probably the youngest reported case of small bowel cancer in PJS.
Successful management of proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immune deposits with combined immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Maan Dipesh , Clark Barbara , Bunker Mark , Arora Swati
Published: December 2018

Proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immune deposits (PGNMID) is a newly described entity characterised by monoclonal IgG deposits consisting of single light chain isotype and single heavy chain subtype (IgG1-4) in the kidneys. We are presenting two cases of patients who presented with acute kidney injury and worsening proteinuria. Kidney biopsy showed membranoproliferative pattern. Special staining for subclass of IgG showed monoclonal IgG3-kappa (case 1) and IgG1-kappa deposits (case 2) suggestive of PGNMID. Workup for underlying infection, malignancy, monoclonal gammopathy was negative. Since pathogenesis of PGNMID involves clonal proliferation of B-cells, we treated both patients with rituximab along with steroids that led to improvement of proteinuria and renal function. We also reviewed current literature to assess efficacy of rituximab in treatment of PGNMID. However, a larger pool of patients and a longer follow-up period is required to establish a role of rituximab and steroids in the treatment of this disease entity.
Atypical presentation of progressive young onset dementia
Authors: Elhusein Bushra , Radwan Ahmed , Khairi Abdalla , Ahmed Mohamed
Published: December 2018

We present the case of a 34-year-old Jordanian woman who was referred to mainstream mental health services because of irritability, agitation, loss of appetite, withdrawal from family activities and sleeping difficulties. She was initially diagnosed with major depressive disorder but subsequently showed very poor response to antidepressant therapy. Her presentation gradually and dramatically progressed into full blown dementia within couple of years. Brain MRI showed atrophic cortical changes and subcortical white matter alterations consistent with Alzheimer’s dementia. Brain PET scan revealed reduction in cerebral glucose metabolism in temporoparietal areas bilaterally most consistent with Alzheimer’s dementia. There was a strong family history of early-onset dementia. A final diagnosis of young onset dementia was made, and unfortunately, she passed away at the age of 44 years.
Tuberculosis presenting as a pancreatic cystic neoplasm
Authors: van der Naald Niels , Engelsman Anton F , Engelbrecht Marc R W , Verheij Joanne , Besselink Marc G , Busch Olivier R , van Gulik Thomas
Published: December 2018

A 33-year-old Thai born woman was referred to our tertiary referral hospital with back and epigastric pain. Investigations included abdominal ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen which demonstrated a 3 cm cystic lesion in the head of the pancreas, most likely a mucinous cystadenoma. Because of its malignant potential resection was advised. During surgical exploration, the tumour appeared unresectable, due to involvement of the common hepatic artery. PCR on biopsy revealedMycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient was referred to an infectious disease specialist, and a full recovery was achieved after 6 months of antimicrobials.
Severe refractory idiopathic warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia responsive to complement inhibition with eculizumab
Authors: Neave Lucy , Wilson Andrew J , Lissack Maxine , Scully Marie
Published: December 2018

We report a case of severe idiopathic warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (wAIHA) which was initially poorly responsive to treatment with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, mycophenolate mofetil and rituximab, and required transfusion of more than 30 units of red cells over 12 weeks. Off-label use of the terminal complement pathway inhibitor, eculizumab, led to rapid amelioration of the haemolysis, presumably by the inhibition of an intravascular component, and allowed time for slower acting immunosuppressive agent to take effect. This novel approach warrants further evaluation, given the poor prognosis of multirefractory wAIHA.
Rupture of the common bile duct due to blunt trauma, presenting difficulty in diagnosis
Authors: Ishida Tomoyuki , Hayashi Eiji , Tojima Yuichiro , Sakakibara Masashi
Published: December 2018

Rupture of the common bile duct because of blunt trauma is extremely rare. Preoperative diagnosis is very difficult because bile causes little peritoneal irritation. We present a case of a 19-year-old young woman with rupture of the common bile duct due to blunt trauma. She arrived at our hospital 1 hour after a car accident. She was diagnosed as pancreatic head injury, and conservative therapy was administered. It was effective, but after starting oral intake 6 days after the injury, she presented with abdominal fullness because of increased ascites. The ascites contained large amounts of bile. Rupture of the common bile duct became apparent, thus, she underwent emergency surgery 13 days after the injury. The common bile duct was ruptured completely at the lower bile duct. We repaired it by choledochojejunostomy. Her postoperative course was uneventful, and she discharged on the 12 days after the surgery. Preoperative drip-infusion-cholangiography-CT was useful for its diagnosis.
Case of a missed airway stent migration
Authors: Smidt-Hansen Torben , Rasmussen Torben Riis
Published: December 2018

This case report describes a rare complication to stent management of airway compression. An 84- year-old man was admitted to the outpatient clinic with haemoptysis, cough and dyspnoea. A CT scan showed an intraluminal, non-occluding tumour close to the right side of the main carina. A stent was inserted in the right main bronchus. The patient was, 7 months later, admitted to the emergency room with severe cough and dyspnoea. The stent was produced during a coughing spell. Retrospective investigation of available imaging revealed that the stent had been dislodged to a nearly ’perfect’ position in the left main bronchus several months earlier which, however, had not been noticed and thus not reported by the radiologist describing the CT. The possibility of a right-left confusion should always be kept in mind, especially if a patient presents with renewed symptoms that should have been managed successfully.
EBUS-TBNA diagnosis of localised amyloidosis presenting as mediastinal lymphadenopathy
Authors: Kumar Avnee , Sivasailam Barathi , Marciniak Ellen , Deepak Janaki
Published: December 2018

Amyloidosis is a unique disease of localised or systemic deposition of the abnormal extracellular fibril. Localised amyloidosis generally takes a benign course, while systemic requires treatment. Adenopathy, especially mediastinal adenopathy, is an unusual manifestation of localised amyloidosis and often requires mediastinoscopy or surgical resection for diagnosis. With the advent of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), there is potential for a less invasive diagnostic approach. We report a rare case of localised mediastinal amyloidosis diagnosed by EBUS-TBNA.
Tumour lysis syndrome: a rare side effect of imatinib therapy for GIST
Authors: Ondecker Juliann , Kordic Geno , Jordan Kim
Published: December 2018

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is a life-threatening complication wherein massive tumour cell lysis results in severe metabolic abnormalities. TLS generally follows chemotherapy of rapidly proliferating haematological malignancies; spontaneous TLS and TLS from treatment of solid tumours are infrequently reported. We present a rare case of TLS following treatment of a large gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) in a 63- year-old man. Imatinib was started for tumour size reduction prior to surgical intervention and in 5 days the patient developed metabolic derangements consistent with TLS. Imatinib was held and fluids, allopurinol and rasburicase were started. All metabolic abnormalities resolved in 3 days. Imatinib was restarted, and he eventually underwent surgical intervention. This is the second case demonstrating successful reinitiation of imatinib following TLS when treating GIST. We highlight the importance of risk factor assessment and need for pre-emptive therapy to prevent TLS when using tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
Misconceptions surrounding pregnancy-associated breast cancer
Authors: Khalil Nada , Fowler Clare
Published: December 2018

This case report describes a 31-year-old woman who presented with a right painless breast lump. A mammogram and ultrasound scan showed the lump was suspicious of cancer. Core biopsy and immunohistochemistry of the lump confirmed a triple negative, poorly differentiated, invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast. One week following her diagnosis, the patient found out she was pregnant. The patient was worried about what the implications this diagnosis would have on both her baby and her own cancer treatment.
Dyskeratosis congenita: presentation of cutaneous triad in a sporadic case
Authors: Sharma Reena Kumari , Gupta Mudita , Sood Samriti , Gupta Archit
Published: December 2018

Dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) also known as Zinsser-Cole-Engman syndrome is a progressive genetic disease with a classical presentation characterised by a triad of reticulate pigmentation of skin, nail dystrophy and leukoplakia. It may be a multisystem disease with the involvement of haematological, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, neurological, ophthalmic, pulmonary and skeletal system. We report a sporadic case of DKC presenting with poikiloderma, nail dystrophy and oral leukoplakia.
Corynebacterium striatumprosthetic valve endocarditis with severe aortic regurgitation successfully treated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Naqvi Syed Yaseen , Salama Ibrahim G , Narins Craig , Stuver Thomas
Published: December 2018

We describe the case of a 69-year-old man with a history of bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement who presented withCorynebacterium striatumprosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) complicated by severe aortic insufficiency with refractory cardiogenic shock despite antibiotic therapy. He was considered a prohibitive-risk surgical candidate due to co-morbid conditions and off-label valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was performed after detailed multidisciplinary evaluation. He recovered well without recurrent infection following completion of antibiotics and transthoracic echocardiogram at 12 months showed a normal functioning prosthetic valve. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of native or PVE treated with TAVR.
Unusual case of Lemierre’s syndrome
Authors: Jawad Issrah I , Chandna Arjun , Morris-Jones Stephen , Logan Sarah
Published: December 2018

A young previously healthy patient presented with sepsis and cavitating pneumonia.Campylobacter rectuswas isolated from blood cultures and subsequent CT neck showed an internal jugular vein thrombosis. Treatment was with antibiotics, anticoagulation and supportive management. Lemierre’s syndrome is an infectious thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. Although a rare diagnosis since the use of penicillin for treatment of acute pharyngitis, it is being reported with increasing frequency. Usually associated withFusobacteriumspp, we believe that this is the first reported case of Lemierre’s caused byC. rectus—an anaerobic member of the human oral cavity flora, usually associated with localised periodontal disease. The bacillus was isolated from blood during the acute presentation.
Cervicofacial necrotising fasciitis by clindamycin-resistant and methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in a young healthy man
Authors: Ran Cong , Hicks Katherine , Alexiev Borislav , Patel Andrew K , Patel Urjeet A , Matsuoka Akihiro J
Published: December 2018

An otherwise healthy 24-year-old man presented with 1 week of fever, facial pain and swelling. He initially sought care at an outside hospital, where he was diagnosed with folliculitis and sent home with oral antibiotics. On arrival at our institution, CT neck was ordered, which demonstrated diffuse submental phlegmon, prompting incision and drainage. After initial improvement, the patient experienced high fevers and increased swelling just 12 hours later. The decision was made to take the patient for operative exploration, and wide debridement was performed due to suspicion for necrotising fasciitis intraoperatively that was ultimately confirmed on final pathology. Final speciation of intraoperative culture demonstrated a clindamycin-resistant and methicillin-resistant strain ofStaphylococcus aureus. The patient was managed with intravenous antibiotics, additional debridement and careful wound care. Delayed partial closure of wound was eventually performed once patient showed marked and persistent clinical improvement. The patient was discharged on hospital day 12 with close follow-up.
Optic neuritis as presenting primary hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Fahad , Karim Rehmat , Paling David , Jayamanne Gerard
Published: December 2018

Papilloedema and raised intracranial pressure have been frequently reported with hypoparathyroidism, but very rarely optic neuritis. We report a case of a 54-year-old male patient who presented with classical optic neuritis which is believed to be secondary to primary hypoparathyroidism.
Metastatic adenocarcinoma of bladder presenting with skin and visceral metastasis
Authors: Garg Gaurav , Sharma Ashish , Sharma Anamika , Sankhwar Satyanarayan
Published: December 2018

A 62-year-old male patient presented with multiple subcutaneous swellings over neck, axilla and scapular region for last 3 months. Further evaluation revealed the presence of bladder mass, deranged kidney function tests with multiple rounded opacities in lung. The patient was stabilised with haemodialysis and bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement. The patient was planned for multiagent chemotherapy after stabilisation but died within 2 weeks due to progressive disease. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from the above-mentioned skin and lymph nodes swellings was suggestive of adenocarcinoma. We herein report this rare case of a metastatic adenocarcinoma of the bladder with extensive skin and visceral metastasis. The presence of skin metastasis confers a poor prognostic sign to the patient. They are usually resistant to available treatment modalities. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of adenocarcinoma metastatic to skin and viscera.