bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leishmania infection in rodents in Greece
Authors: Tsakmakidis Ιoannis , Angelopoulou Katerina , Dovas Chrysostomos I. , Dokianakis Εmmanouil , Tamvakis Αndroniki , Symeonidou Isaia , Antoniou Μaria , Diakou Αnastasia
Published: October 2017

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of Leishmania infection in rodents from various areas of northern Greece.

Methods

Ninety‐seven rodents (66 Mus musculus, 19 Rattus norvegicus and 12 R. rattus) were collected during pest control programmes and examined by cytology (spleen and liver smears), serology (ELISA) and PCR (real‐time and gel‐based) for Leishmania. Date, environment, sex, existence of dogs in the close environment were recorded for each rodent.

Results

All cytological preparations were negative, whereas specific IgG was detected in 54.5% in total; 70% of R. norvegicus; 50% of R. rattus; and 50% of M. musculus. In at least one molecular method, 19.6% of the samples in total were positive: 25% of R. rattus, 24% of M. musculus, but no R. norvegicus was found positive. Environment (semi‐urban areas, P = 0.037) and species (M. musculus, P = 0.032) were associated with positive PCR. All infected animals showed evidence of low parasite burden, demonstrated by the negative cytological examinations and the high Ct values observed in real‐time PCR.

Conclusion

Due to the proximity of rodents to humans and dogs, these animals may be important in the epidemiology of leishmaniosis, especially if proven that they can infect sand flies.
The relationship between HIV and fertility in the era of antiretroviral therapy in sub‐Saharan Africa: evidence from 49 Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Marston M. , Zaba B. , Eaton J. W.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To describe regional differences in the relative fertility of HIV‐positive vs. HIV‐negative women and changes as antiretroviral treatment (ART) is scaled up, to improve estimates of predicted need for and coverage of prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission services at national and subnational levels.

Methods

We analysed 49 nationally representative household surveys in sub‐Saharan Africa between 2003 and 2016 to estimate fertility rate ratios of HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative women by age using exponential regression and test for regional and urban/rural differences. We estimated the association between national ART coverage and the relationship between HIV and fertility.

Results

Significant regional differences exist in HIV and fertility relationships, with less HIV‐associated subfertility in Southern Africa. Age patterns of relative fertility are similar. HIV impact on fertility is weaker in urban than rural areas. For women below age 30, regional and urban/rural differences are largely explained by differences in age at sexual debut. Higher levels of national ART coverage were associated with slight attenuation of the relationship between HIV and fertility.

Conclusions

Regional differences in HIV‐associated subfertility and urban–rural differences in age patterns of relative fertility should be accounted for when predicting need for and coverage of PMTCT services at national and subnational level. Although HIV impacts on fertility are somewhat reduced at higher levels of national ART coverage, differences in fertility between HIV positive and negative remain, and fertility of women on ART should not be assumed to be the same as HIV‐negative women. There were few data in recent years, when ART has reached high levels, and this relationship should continue to be assessed as further evidence becomes available.
Safety of leucodepleted salvaged blood in oncological surgery: an in vitro model
Authors: Marraccini C. , Merolle L. , Berni P. , Boito K. , Tamagnini I. , Kuhn E. , Ragazzi M. , Baricchi R. , Pertinhez T. A.
Published: October 2017

Intra‐operative blood cell salvage (IOCS) is mainly avoided in onco surgery due to the suspicion that it could increase metastasis’ risk. We simulated IOCS followed by leucodepletion: HCT116 (human colorectal cancer) cells were inoculated into packed red blood cells units, and their distribution was evaluated, step‐by‐step, by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Most of HCT116 cells were lost during washing, and almost completely removed after filtration. IOCS plus leucodepletion could be of great advantage for oncological patients, where allogenic blood transfusion could influence tumour progression.
Technique‐associated outcomes in horses following large colon resection
Authors: Pezzanite Lynn M. , Hackett Eileen S.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To compare survival and complications in horses undergoing large colon resection with either sutured end‐to‐end or stapled functional end‐to‐end anastomoses.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Animals

Twenty‐six client‐owned horses with gastrointestinal disease.

Methods

Retrospective data were retrieved from the medical records of 26 horses undergoing colectomy, including 14 horses with sutured end‐to‐end and 12 horses with stapled functional end‐to‐end anastomoses, between 2003 and 2016. Records were evaluated for signalment, medical and surgical treatments, and survival to hospital discharge. Long‐term follow‐up was obtained through owner contact. Continuous variables were compared with Mann‐Whitney tests. Fisher's exact testing was used to compare survival to hospital discharge. Survival time was compared by constructing Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and performing log‐rank curve comparison testing.

Results

Mean age of horses undergoing colectomy was 13 years. Reason for colectomy was prophylaxis (12) or salvage (14). Mean surgical time was 169 minutes. Mean hospitalization time was 9 days, which did not differ with anastomosis type (P = .62). Nine of 12 horses undergoing stapled functional end‐to‐end anastomosis and 12 of 14 horses undergoing sutured end‐to‐end anastomosis survived to hospital discharge (P = .63). Survival time did not differ with anastomosis technique (P = .35).

Conclusion

Short‐ and long‐term survival outcomes are not different between sutured end‐to‐end or stapled functional end‐to‐end anastomoses in horses undergoing colectomy.
The role of the blood–brain barrier in hypertension
Authors: Setiadi Anthony , Korim Willian S. , Elsaafien Khalid , Yao Song T.
Published: October 2017

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review highlights the importance of the blood–brain barrier in the context of diseases involving autonomic dysfunction, such as hypertension and heart failure.

What advances does it highlight?

It highlights the potential role of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, leucocytes and angiotensin II in disrupting the blood–brain barrier in cardiovascular diseases. Advances are highlighted in our understanding of neurovascular unit cells, astrocytes and microglia, with a specific emphasis on their pathogenic roles within the brain.

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial barrier that provides both metabolic and physical protection to an immune‐privileged CNS. The BBB has been shown to be disrupted in hypertension. This review addresses the importance of the BBB in maintaining homeostasis in the context of diseases related to autonomic dysfunction, such as hypertension. We highlight the potentially important roles of the immune system and neurovascular unit in the maintenance of the BBB, whereby dysregulation may lead to autonomic dysfunction in diseases such as heart failure and hypertension. Circulating leucocytes and factors such as angiotensin II and pro‐inflammatory cytokines are thought ultimately to downregulate endothelial tight junction proteins that are a crucial component of the BBB. The specific mechanisms underlying BBB disruption and their role in contributing to autonomic dysfunction are not yet fully understood but are a growing area of interest. A greater understanding of these systems and advances in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms causing BBB disruption will allow for the development of future therapeutic interventions in the treatment of autonomic imbalance associated with diseases such as heart failure and hypertension.
Cardiac and haemodynamic influence on carotid artery longitudinal wall motion
Authors: Au Jason S. , Bochnak Paula A. , Valentino Sydney E. , Cheng Jem L. , Stöhr Eric J. , MacDonald Maureen J.
Published: October 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Carotid artery longitudinal wall motion (CALM) is a bidirectional forward and backward motion of the arterial wall; however, there is no evidence in humans for what controls CALM despite proposals for pulse pressure, left ventricular motion and shear rate.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Carotid artery longitudinal wall motion responses were heterogeneous when manipulating sympathetic activation and endothelium‐independent vasodilatation, leading to non‐significant group responses. However, individual CALM responses were associated with left ventricular rotation and shear rate. These findings are important when interpreting changes in CALM in humans with acute or chronic experimental designs.

Carotid artery longitudinal wall motion (CALM) has recently attracted interest as an indicator of arterial health; however, the regulation of CALM is poorly understood. We conducted a series of studies aimed at manipulating pulse pressure (PP), left ventricular (LV) motion and carotid shear rate, which have been previously suggested to regulate various components of CALM pattern and magnitude. To determine the regulatory influences on CALM, 15 healthy men (22 ± 2 years old) were exposed to three acute interventions: the serial subtraction test (SST); the cold pressor test (CPT); and exposure to sublingual nitroglycerine (NTG). The SST elicited increases in PP (P < 0.01), apical LV rotation (P < 0.01) and carotid shear rate (P < 0.01), with no changes in CALM (P > 0.05). Likewise, the CPT elicited increases in PP (P = 0.01), basal LV rotation (P = 0.04) and carotid shear rate (P = 0.01), with no changes in CALM (P > 0.05). Conversely, exposure to NTG elicited no change in PP (P = 0.22), basal (P = 0.65) or apical LV rotation (P = 0.45), but did decrease carotid shear rate (P < 0.01), without altering CALM (P > 0.05). Considerable individual variability in CALM responses prompted further analyses where all three interventions were pooled for change scores. Changes in LV basal rotation were related to changes in systolic retrograde CALM (B = −0.025, P = 0.03), whereas changes in carotid shear rate were related to changes in diastolic CALM displacement (B = 0.0009, P = 0.01). The interventions were underpinned by relationships between CALM and both LV basal rotation and local shear rate at the individual level, indicating that cardiac and haemodynamic factors may influence CALM in humans.
The highs and lows of programmed cardiovascular disease by developmental hypoxia: studies in the chicken embryo
Authors: Itani N. , Salinas C. E. , Villena M. , Skeffington K. L. , Beck C. , Villamor E. , Blanco C. E. , Giussani D. A.
Published: October 2017

It is now established that adverse conditions during pregnancy can trigger a fetal origin of cardiovascular dysfunction and/or increase the risk of heart disease in later life. Suboptimal environmental conditions during early life that may promote the development of cardiovascular dysfunction in the offspring include alterations in fetal oxygenation and nutrition as well as fetal exposure to stress hormones, such as glucocorticoids. There has been growing interest in identifying the partial contributions of each of these stressors to programming of cardiovascular dysfunction. However, in humans and in many animal models this is difficult, as the challenges cannot be disentangled. By using the chicken embryo as an animal model, science has been able to circumvent a number of problems. In contrast to mammals, in the chicken embryo the effects on the developing cardiovascular system of changes in oxygenation, nutrition or stress hormones can be isolated and determined directly, independent of changes in the maternal or placental physiology. In this review, we summarise studies that have exploited the chicken embryo model to determine the effects on prenatal growth, cardiovascular development and pituitary–adrenal function of isolated chronic developmental hypoxia.

image
Physical Activity Among Adolescents With Long-Term Illnesses or Disabilities in 15 European Countries
Authors: Ng Kwok , Tynjälä Jorma , Sigmundová Dagmar , Augustine Lilly , Sentenac Mariane , Rintala Pauli , Inchley Jo
Published: October 2017

Physical activity (PA) is an important health-promoting behavior from which adolescents with long-term illnesses or disabilities (LTID) can benefit. It is important to monitor differences across countries in adherence with PA recommendations for health. The aim of this study was to compare PA levels among 15 European countries after disaggregating data by disability. Data from pupils (mean age = 13.6 years, SD = 1.64) participating in the 2013/2014 Health Behavior in School-aged Children study were analyzed to compare adolescents without LTID, with LTID, and with LTID that affects their participation (affected LTID). Logistic regression models adjusted for age and family affluence, stratified by gender and country group with PA recommendations for health as the outcome variable. With the data pooled, 15% (n = 9,372) of adolescents reported having LTID and 4% (n = 2,566) having affected LTID. Overall, fewer boys with LTID met PA recommendations for health than boys without LTID, although it was not statistically significant either at the national levels or for girls.
Microstructural control of new intercalation layered titanoniobates with large and reversible d-spacing for easy Na
+
ion uptake
Authors: Park Hyunjung , Kwon Jiseok , Choi Heechae , Song Taeseup , Paik Ungyu
Published: October 2017

H
0.43
Ti
0.93
Nb
1.07
O
5
engineered with large d-spacing of ~8.3 Å and two-dimensional ionic channels enables easy Na
+
ion uptake.
Topological bootstrap: Fractionalization from Kondo coupling
Authors: Hsieh Timothy H. , Lu Yuan-Ming , Ludwig Andreas W. W.
Published: October 2017

We show how entanglement can be used to realize fractionalized topological phases of matter from more conventional phases.
Surface plasmon polariton laser based on a metallic trench Fabry-Perot resonator
Authors: Zhu Wenqi , Xu Ting , Wang Haozhu , Zhang Cheng , Deotare Parag B. , Agrawal Amit , Lezec Henri J.
Published: October 2017

A metallic trench Fabry-Perot resonator achieves room temperature lasing of surface plasmons with a record-narrow linewidth.
Ultrathin thermoresponsive self-folding 3D graphene
Authors: Xu Weinan , Qin Zhao , Chen Chun-Teh , Kwag Hye Rin , Ma Qinli , Sarkar Anjishnu , Buehler Markus J. , Gracias David H.
Published: October 2017

Temperature changes induce self-folding of functionalized graphene into well-defined ultrathin 3D microstructures.
A highly selective and stable ZnO-ZrO2solid solution catalyst for CO2hydrogenation to methanol
Authors: Wang Jijie , Li Guanna , Li Zelong , Tang Chizhou , Feng Zhaochi , An Hongyu , Liu Hailong , Liu Taifeng , Li Can
Published: October 2017

Reduction of CO2to methanol using renewable hydrogen is a promising but challenging strategy for carbon capture and utilization.
Field-controlled structures in ferromagnetic cholesteric liquid crystals
Authors: Medle Rupnik Peter , Lisjak Darja , Čopič Martin , Čopar Simon , Mertelj Alenka
Published: October 2017

Diverse structures are demonstrated in a unique liquid crystal helimagnet under magnetic and electric fields.
Ligand effects in catalysis by atomically precise gold nanoclusters
Authors: Wan Xian-Kai , Wang Jia-Qi , Nan Zi-Ang , Wang Quan-Ming
Published: October 2017

Ligand effects are revealed by studying the comparing catalytic ability of isostructural gold nanoclusters with different protecting ligands.
Tailoring tricolor structure of magnetic topological insulator for robust axion insulator
Authors: Mogi Masataka , Kawamura Minoru , Tsukazaki Atsushi , Yoshimi Ryutaro , Takahashi Kei S. , Kawasaki Masashi , Tokura Yoshinori
Published: October 2017

Gigantic magnetoresistance is shown in a Cr- and V-doped topological insulator multilayer, assuring robust axion insulator.
Unexpected high robustness of electrochemical cross-coupling for a broad range of current density
Authors: Wiebe Anton , Riehl Barbara , Lips Sebastian , Franke Robert , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: October 2017

Solvent effect enables electrosynthesis of organic compounds with strong variation of electric current at constant efficacy.
Topological origin of equatorial waves
Authors: Delplace Pierre , Marston J. B. , Venaille Antoine
Published: October 2017

Fluid waves with topological origins

Topological effects that arise from material boundaries are well known in solid-state physics and form the basis for topological insulators. Delplace
et al.
describe atmospheric and ocean waves that appear to have a similar topological origin (see the Perspective by Biello and Dimofte). The waves exist because of the symmetry-breaking nature of Earth's rotation, which allows certain fixed topological constraints on the system. These findings may be useful for understanding a wide variety of geophysical and astrophysical flows.

Science
, this issue p.
1075
; see also p.
990
Ancient genomes show social and reproductive behavior of early Upper Paleolithic foragers
Authors: Sikora Martin , Seguin-Orlando Andaine , Sousa Vitor C. , Albrechtsen Anders , Korneliussen Thorfinn , Ko Amy , Rasmussen Simon , Dupanloup Isabelle , Nigst Philip R. , Bosch Marjolein D. , Renaud Gabriel , Allentoft Morten E. , Margaryan Ashot , Vasilyev Sergey V. , Veselovskaya Elizaveta V. , Borutskaya Svetlana B. , Deviese Thibaut , Comeskey Dan , Higham Tom , Manica Andrea , Foley Robert , Meltzer David J. , Nielsen Rasmus , Excoffier Laurent , Mirazon Lahr Marta , Orlando Ludovic , Willerslev Eske
Published: October 2017

How early human groups were organized

Sequencing ancient hominid remains has provided insights into the relatedness between individuals. However, it is not clear whether ancient humans bred among close relatives, as is common in some modern human cultures. Sikora
et al.
report genome sequences from four early humans buried close together in western Russia about 34,000 years ago (see the Perspective by Bergström and Tyler-Smith). The individuals clustered together genetically and came from a population with a small effective size, but they were not very closely related. Thus, these people may represent a single social group that was part of a larger mating network, similar to contemporary hunter-gatherers. The lack of close inbreeding might help to explain the survival advantage of anatomically modern humans.

Science
, this issue p.
659
; see also p.
586
A high-coverage Neandertal genome from Vindija Cave in Croatia
Authors: Prüfer Kay , de Filippo Cesare , Grote Steffi , Mafessoni Fabrizio , Korlević Petra , Hajdinjak Mateja , Vernot Benjamin , Skov Laurits , Hsieh Pinghsun , Peyrégne Stéphane , Reher David , Hopfe Charlotte , Nagel Sarah , Maricic Tomislav , Fu Qiaomei , Theunert Christoph , Rogers Rebekah , Skoglund Pontus , Chintalapati Manjusha , Dannemann Michael , Nelson Bradley J. , Key Felix M. , Rudan Pavao , Kućan Željko , Gušić Ivan , Golovanova Liubov V. , Doronichev Vladimir B. , Patterson Nick , Reich David , Eichler Evan E. , Slatkin Montgomery , Schierup Mikkel H. , Andrés Aida M. , Kelso Janet , Meyer Matthias , Pääbo Svante
Published: October 2017

Revelations from a Vindija Neandertal genome

Neandertals clearly interbred with the ancestors of non-African modern humans, but many questions remain about our closest ancient relatives. Prüfer
et al.
present a 30-fold-coverage genome sequence from 50,000- to 65,000-year-old samples from a Neandertal woman found in Vindija, Croatia, and compared this sequence with genomes obtained from the Altai Neandertal, the Denisovans, and ancient and modern humans (see the Perspective by Bergström and Tyler-Smith). Neandertals likely lived in small groups and had lower genetic diversity than modern humans. The findings increase the number of Neandertal variants identified within populations of modern humans, and they suggest that a larger number of phenotypic and diseaserelated variants with Neandertal ancestry remain in the modern Eurasian gene pool than previously thought.

Science
, this issue p.
655
; see also p.
586
CD169
+
macrophages orchestrate innate immune responses by regulating bacterial localization in the spleen
Authors: Perez Oriana A. , Yeung Stephen T. , Vera-Licona Paola , Romagnoli Pablo A. , Samji Tasleem , Ural Basak B. , Maher Leigh , Tanaka Masato , Khanna Kamal M.
Published: October 2017

CD169
+
macrophages in the spleen play an essential role in the clearance of
Listeria monocytogenes
.
Type III interferon is a critical regulator of innate antifungal immunity
Authors: Espinosa Vanessa , Dutta Orchi , McElrath Constance , Du Peicheng , Chang Yun-Juan , Cicciarelli Bryan , Pitler Amy , Whitehead Ian , Obar Joshua J. , Durbin Joan E. , Kotenko Sergei V. , Rivera Amariliz
Published: October 2017

Type III interferons activate neutrophils to promote antifungal immune responses to
Aspergillus fumigatus
.
JAKing up resistance to immunotherapy
Authors: Alsufyani Faisal , Pillai Shiv
Published: October 2017

A two-cell type CRISPR screen has identified genes and pathways that mediate resistance to cancer immunotherapy.
Phylogenetic Backgrounds and Virulence-Associated Traits of Escherichia coli Isolates from Surface Waters and Diverse Animals in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Authors: Johnson James R. , Johnston Brian D. , Delavari Parissa , Thuras Paul , Clabots Connie , Sadowsky Michael J.
Published: October 2017

Possible external reservoirs for extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(ExPEC) strains that cause infections in humans are poorly defined. Because of the tremendous human health importance of ExPEC infections, we assessed surface waters and domesticated and wild animals in Minnesota and Wisconsin as potential reservoirs of ExPEC of human health relevance. We characterized 595
E. coli
isolates (obtained from 1999 to 2002; 280 from seven surface water sites, 315 from feces of 13 wild and domesticated animal species) for phylogroup and virulence genotype, including inferred ExPEC status, by using multiplex PCR-based methods. We also compared the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles of the isolates with a large private PFGE profile library. We found a predominance of non-ExPEC strains (95% and 93% among water and animal isolates, respectively), which were mainly from phylogroups A and B1, plus a minority of ExPEC strains (5% and 7% among water isolates and animal isolates, respectively), predominantly from phylogroup B2. The ExPEC strains, although significantly associated with cats, dogs, and turkeys, occurred in several additional animal species (goat, horse, chicken, pig) and were distributed broadly across all surface water sites. Virulence gene content among the animal source ExPEC isolates segregated significantly in relation to host species, following established patterns. PFGE analysis indicated that 11 study isolates closely matched (94% to 100% profile similarity) reference human clinical and fecal isolates. These findings imply what probably is a low but non-zero risk to humans from environmental and animal source
E. coli
isolates, especially those from specific human-associated animal species.

IMPORTANCE
Our detection of potentially pathogenic strains that may pose a health threat to humans among
E. coli
isolates from surface waters and wild and domesticated animals suggests a need for heightened attention to these reservoirs as possible sources for human acquisition of disease-causing
E. coli
. Although cats, dogs, and turkeys were especially high-prevalence sources, the presence of such strains in other animal species and at all sampled water sites suggests that this potential risk may be widespread.
Stenotrophomonas-Like Bacteria Are Widespread Symbionts in Cone Snail Venom Ducts
Authors: Torres Joshua P. , Tianero Maria Diarey , Robes Jose Miguel D. , Kwan Jason C. , Biggs Jason S. , Concepcion Gisela P. , Olivera Baldomero M. , Haygood Margo G. , Schmidt Eric W.
Published: October 2017

Cone snails are biomedically important sources of peptide drugs, but it is not known whether snail-associated bacteria affect venom chemistry. To begin to answer this question, we performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of eight cone snail species, comparing their microbiomes with each other and with those from a variety of other marine invertebrates. We show that the cone snail microbiome is distinct from those in other marine invertebrates and conserved in specimens from around the world, including the Philippines, Guam, California, and Florida. We found that all venom ducts examined contain diverse 16S rRNA gene sequences bearing closest similarity to
Stenotrophomonas
bacteria. These sequences represent specific symbionts that live in the lumen of the venom duct, where bioactive venom peptides are synthesized.

IMPORTANCE
In animals, symbiotic bacteria contribute critically to metabolism. Cone snails are renowned for the production of venoms that are used as medicines and as probes for biological study. In principle, symbiotic bacterial metabolism could either degrade or synthesize active venom components, and previous publications show that bacteria do indeed contribute small molecules to some venoms. Therefore, understanding symbiosis in cone snails will contribute to further drug discovery efforts. Here, we describe an unexpected, specific symbiosis between bacteria and cone snails from around the world.
Use of Endophytic and Rhizosphere Actinobacteria from Grapevine Plants To Reduce Nursery Fungal Graft Infections That Lead to Young Grapevine Decline
Authors: Álvarez-Pérez José Manuel , González-García Sandra , Cobos Rebeca , Olego Miguel Ángel , Ibañez Ana , Díez-Galán Alba , Garzón-Jimeno Enrique , Coque Juan José R.
Published: October 2017

Endophytic and rhizosphere actinobacteria isolated from the root system of 1-year-old graftedVitis viniferaplants were evaluated for their activities against fungi that cause grapevine trunk diseases. A total of 58 endophytic and 94 rhizosphere isolates were tested. Based on anin vitrobioassay, 15.5% of the endophytic isolates and 30.8% of the rhizosphere isolates exhibited antifungal activity against the fungal pathogenDiplodia seriata, whereas 13.8% of the endophytic isolates and 16.0% of the rhizosphere isolates showed antifungal activity againstDactylonectria macrodidyma(formerlyIlyonectria macrodidyma). The strains which showed the greatestin vitroefficacy against both pathogens were further analyzed for their ability to inhibit the growth ofPhaeomoniella chlamydosporaandPhaeoacremonium minimum(formerlyPhaeoacremonium aleophilum). Based on their antifungal activity, three rhizosphere isolates and three endophytic isolates were applied on grafts in an open-root field nursery in a 3-year trial. The field trial led to the identification of one endophytic strain,Streptomycessp. VV/E1, and two rhizosphere isolates,Streptomycessp. VV/R1 andStreptomycessp. VV/R4, which significantly reduced the infection rates produced by the fungal pathogensDactylonectriasp.,Ilyonectriasp.,P. chlamydospora, andP. minimum, all of which cause young grapevine decline. The VV/R1 and VV/R4 isolates also significantly reduced the mortality level of grafted plants in the nursery. This study shows that certain actinobacteria could represent a promising new tool for controlling fungal trunk pathogens that infect grapevine plants through the root system in nurseries.

IMPORTANCEGrapevine trunk diseases are a major threat to the wine and grape industry worldwide. They cause a significant reduction in yields as well as in grape quality, and they can even cause plant death. Trunk diseases are caused by fungal pathogens that enter through pruning wounds and/or the root system. Although different strategies have recently been developed to protect pruning wounds using antifungal compounds (natural or synthetic) or biocontrol agents, no tools are yet available for controlling soil pathogens that infect plants through their root system. This study shows that different actinobacterial isolates, when applied to grafts in a nursery, can significantly reduce the infection rate caused by fungal pathogens that enter through the root system. This is a new, promising, and green alternative for preventing the decline of young grapevines in nurseries and vineyards.
Chromosomal Aneuploidy Improves the Brewing Characteristics of Sake Yeast
Authors: Kadowaki Masafumi , Fujimaru Yuki , Taguchi Seiga , Ferdouse Jannatul , Sawada Kazutaka , Kimura Yuta , Terasawa Yohei , Agrimi Gennaro , Anai Toyoaki , Noguchi Hideki , Toyoda Atsushi , Fujiyama Asao , Akao Takeshi , Kitagaki Hiroshi
Published: October 2017

The effect of chromosomal aneuploidy on the brewing characteristics of brewery yeasts has not been studied. Here we report that chromosomal aneuploidy in sake brewery yeast (
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
) leads to the development of favorable brewing characteristics. We found that pyruvate-underproducing sake yeast, which produces less off-flavor diacetyl, is aneuploid and trisomic for chromosomes XI and XIV. To confirm that this phenotype is due to aneuploidy, we obtained 45 haploids with various chromosomal additions and investigated their brewing profiles. A greater number of chromosomes correlated with a decrease in pyruvate production. Especially, sake yeast haploids with extra chromosomes in addition to chromosome XI produced less pyruvate than euploids. Mitochondrion-related metabolites and intracellular oxygen species in chromosome XI aneuploids were higher than those in euploids, and this effect was canceled in their “petite” strains, suggesting that an increase in chromosomes upregulated mitochondrial activity and decreased pyruvate levels. These findings suggested that an increase in chromosome number, including chromosome XI, in sake yeast haploids leads to pyruvate underproduction through the augmentation of mitochondrial activity. This is the first report proposing that aneuploidy in brewery yeasts improves their brewing profile.

IMPORTANCE
Chromosomal aneuploidy has not been evaluated in development of sake brewing yeast strains. This study shows the relationship between chromosomal aneuploidy and brewing characteristics of brewery yeast strains. High concentrations of pyruvate during sake storage give rise to α-acetolactate and, in turn, to high concentrations of diacetyl, which is considered an off-flavor. It was demonstrated that pyruvate-underproducing sake yeast is trisomic for chromosome XI and XIV. Furthermore, sake yeast haploids with extra chromosomes produced reduced levels of pyruvate and showed metabolic processes characteristic of increased mitochondrial activity. This novel discovery will enable the selection of favorable brewery yeasts by monitoring the copy numbers of specific chromosomes through a process that does not involve generation/use of genetically modified organisms.
Stringent Response Regulators Contribute to Recovery from Glucose Phosphate Stress in Escherichia coli
Authors: Kessler Julie R. , Cobe Brandi L. , Richards Gregory R.
Published: October 2017

In enteric bacteria such as
Escherichia coli
, the transcription factor SgrR and the small RNA SgrS regulate the response to glucose phosphate stress, a metabolic dysfunction that results in growth inhibition and stems from the intracellular accumulation of sugar phosphates. SgrR activates the transcription of
sgrS
, and SgrS helps to rescue cells from stress in part by inhibiting the uptake of stressor sugar phosphates. While the regulatory targets of this stress response are well described, less is known about how the SgrR-SgrS response itself is regulated. To further characterize the regulation of the glucose phosphate stress response, we screened global regulator gene mutants for growth changes during glucose phosphate stress. We found that deleting
dksA
, which encodes a regulator of the stringent response to nutrient starvation, decreases growth under glucose phosphate stress conditions. The stringent response alarmone regulator ppGpp (synthesized by RelA and SpoT) also contributes to recovery from glucose phosphate stress: as with
dksA
, mutating
relA
and
spoT
worsens the growth defect of an
sgrS
mutant during stress, although the
sgrS relA spoT
mutant defect was only detectable under lower stress levels. In addition, mutating
dksA
or
relA
and
spoT
lowers
sgrS
expression (as measured with a P

sgrS

-
lacZ
fusion), suggesting that the observed growth defects may be due to decreased induction of the glucose phosphate stress response or related targets. This regulatory effect could occur through altered
sgrR
transcription, as
dksA
and
relA spoT
mutants also exhibit decreased expression of a P

sgrR

-
lacZ
fusion. Taken together, this work supports a role for stringent response regulators in aiding the recovery from glucose phosphate stress.

IMPORTANCE
Glucose phosphate stress leads to growth inhibition in bacteria such as
Escherichia coli
when certain sugar phosphates accumulate in the cell. The transcription factor SgrR and the small RNA SgrS alleviate this stress in part by preventing further sugar phosphate transport. While the regulatory mechanisms of this response have been characterized, the regulation of the SgrR-SgrS response itself is not as well understood. Here, we describe a role for stringent response regulators DksA and ppGpp in the response to glucose phosphate stress.
sgrS dksA
and
sgrS relA spoT
mutants exhibit growth defects under glucose phosphate stress conditions. These defects may be due to a decrease in stress response induction, as deleting
dksA
or
relA
and
spoT
also results in decreased expression of
sgrS
and
sgrR
. This research presents one of the first regulatory effects on the glucose phosphate stress response outside SgrR and SgrS and depicts a novel connection between these two metabolic stress responses.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characteristics Associated with Biofilm Formation by Human Clinical Escherichia coli Isolates of Different Pathotypes
Authors: Schiebel Juliane , Böhm Alexander , Nitschke Jörg , Burdukiewicz Michał , Weinreich Jörg , Ali Aamir , Roggenbuck Dirk , Rödiger Stefan , Schierack Peter
Published: October 2017

Bacterial biofilm formation is a widespread phenomenon and a complex process requiring a set of genes facilitating the initial adhesion, maturation, and production of the extracellular polymeric matrix and subsequent dispersal of bacteria. Most studies on
Escherichia coli
biofilm formation have investigated nonpathogenic
E. coli
K-12 strains. Due to the extensive focus on laboratory strains in most studies, there is poor information regarding biofilm formation by pathogenic
E. coli
isolates. In this study, we genotypically and phenotypically characterized 187 human clinical
E. coli
isolates representing various pathotypes (e.g., uropathogenic, enteropathogenic, and enteroaggregative
E. coli
). We investigated the presence of biofilm-associated genes (“genotype”) and phenotypically analyzed the isolates for motility and curli and cellulose production (“phenotype”). We developed a new screening method to examine the
in vitro
biofilm formation ability. In summary, we found a high prevalence of biofilm-associated genes. However, we could not detect a biofilm-associated gene or specific phenotype correlating with the biofilm formation ability. In contrast, we did identify an association of increased biofilm formation with a specific
E. coli
pathotype. Enteroaggregative
E. coli
(EAEC) was found to exhibit the highest capacity for biofilm formation. Using our image-based technology for the screening of biofilm formation, we demonstrated the characteristic biofilm formation pattern of EAEC, consisting of thick bacterial aggregates. In summary, our results highlight the fact that biofilm-promoting factors shown to be critical for biofilm formation in nonpathogenic strains do not reflect their impact in clinical isolates and that the ability of biofilm formation is a defined characteristic of EAEC.

IMPORTANCE
Bacterial biofilms are ubiquitous and consist of sessile bacterial cells surrounded by a self-produced extracellular polymeric matrix. They cause chronic and device-related infections due to their high resistance to antibiotics and the host immune system. In nonpathogenic
Escherichia coli
, cell surface components playing a pivotal role in biofilm formation are well known. In contrast, there is poor information for their role in biofilm formation of pathogenic isolates. Our study provides insights into the correlation of biofilm-associated genes or specific phenotypes with the biofilm formation ability of commensal and pathogenic
E. coli
. Additionally, we describe a newly developed method enabling qualitative biofilm analysis by automated image analysis, which is beneficial for high-throughput screenings. Our results help to establish a better understanding of
E. coli
biofilm formation.
Murein Hydrolase LytF of Streptococcus sanguinis and the Ecological Consequences of Competence Development
Authors: Cullin Nyssa , Redanz Sylvio , Lampi Kirsten J. , Merritt Justin , Kreth Jens
Published: October 2017

The overall health of the oral cavity is dependent on proper homeostasis between health-associated bacterial colonizers and bacteria known to promote dental caries.
Streptococcus sanguinis
is a health-associated commensal organism, a known early colonizer of the acquired tooth pellicle, and is naturally competent. We have shown that LytF, a competence-controlled murein hydrolase, is capable of inducing the release of extracellular DNA (eDNA) from oral bacteria. Precipitated LytF and purified LytF were used as treatments against planktonic cultures and biofilms. Larger amounts of eDNA were released from cultures treated with protein samples containing LytF. Additionally, LytF could affect biofilm formation and cellular morphology. Biofilm formation was significantly decreased in the
lytF
-complemented strain, in which increased amounts of LytF are present. The same strain also exhibited cell morphology defects in both planktonic cultures and biofilms. Furthermore, the LytF cell morphology phenotype was reproducible in wild-type cells using purified LytF protein. In sum, our findings demonstrate that LytF can induce the release of eDNA from oral bacteria, and they suggest that, without proper regulation of LytF, cells display morphological abnormalities that contribute to biofilm malformation. In the context of the oral biofilm, LytF may play important roles as part of the competence and biofilm development programs, as well as increasing the availability of eDNA.

IMPORTANCE
Streptococcus sanguinis
, a commensal organism in the oral cavity and one of the pioneer colonizers of the tooth surface, is associated with the overall health of the oral environment. Our laboratory showed previously that, under aerobic conditions,
S. sanguinis
can produce H
2
O
2
to inhibit the growth of bacterial species that promote dental caries. This production of H
2
O
2
by
S. sanguinis
also induces the release of eDNA, which is essential for proper biofilm formation. Under anaerobic conditions,
S. sanguinis
does not produce H
2
O
2
but DNA is still released. Determining how
S. sanguinis
releases DNA is thus essential to understand biofilm formation in the oral cavity.
Differential MS2 Interaction with Food Contact Surfaces Determined by Atomic Force Microscopy and Virus Recovery
Authors: Shim J. , Stewart D. S. , Nikolov A. D. , Wasan D. T. , Wang R. , Yan R. , Shieh Y. C.
Published: October 2017

Enteric viruses are recognized as major etiologies of U.S. foodborne infections. These viruses are easily transmitted via food contact surfaces. Understanding virus interactions with surfaces may facilitate the development of improved means for their removal, thus reducing transmission. Using MS2 coliphage as a virus surrogate, the strength of virus adhesion to common food processing and preparation surfaces of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and glass was assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and virus recovery assays. The interaction forces of MS2 with various surfaces were measured from adhesion peaks in force-distance curves registered using a spherical bead probe preconjugated with MS2 particles. MS2 in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) demonstrated approximately 5 times less adhesion force to glass (0.54 nN) than to PVC (2.87 nN) (
P
< 0.0001). This was consistent with the virus recovery data, which showed 1.4-fold fewer virus PFU recovered from PVC than from glass after identical inoculations and 24 h of cold storage. The difference in adhesion was ascribed to both intrinsic chemical characteristics and the substrate surface porosity (smooth glass versus porous PVC). Incorporating a surfactant micellar solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) into the PBS reduced the adhesion force for PVC (∼0 nN) and consistently increased virus recovery by 19%. With direct and indirect evidence of virus adhesion, this study illustrated a two-way assessment of virus adhesion for the initial evaluation of potential means to mitigate virus adhesion to food contact surfaces.

IMPORTANCE
The spread of foodborne viruses is likely associated with their adhesive nature. Virus attachment on food contact surfaces has been evaluated by quantitating virus recoveries from inoculated surfaces. This study aimed to evaluate the microenvironment in which nanometer-sized viruses interact with food contact surfaces and to compare the virus adhesion differences using AFM. The virus surrogate MS2 demonstrated less adhesion force to glass than to PVC via AFM, with the force-contributing factors including the intrinsic nature and the topography of the contact surfaces. This adhesion finding is consistent with the virus recoveries, which were determined indirectly. Greater numbers of viruses were recovered from glass than from PVC, after application at the same levels. The stronger MS2 adhesion onto PVC could be interrupted by incorporating a surfactant during the interaction between the virus and the contact surface. This study increases our understanding of the virus adhesion microenvironment and indicates ways to mitigate virus adhesion onto contact surfaces.
Draft Genome Sequences of a Novel Lineage of
Armatimonadetes
Recovered from Japanese Hot Springs
Authors: Ward Lewis M. , McGlynn Shawn E. , Fischer Woodward W.
Published: October 2017

Here, we report two draft genome sequences from a novel lineage within the
Armatimonadetes
phylum recovered from metagenomes sequenced from Japanese hot spring microbial mats. These organisms are aerobic and represent a new lineage related to the characterized
Chthonomonas
and
Fimbriimonas
groups, and they expand the diversity of this enigmatic phylum.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Romboutsia weinsteinii
sp. nov. Strain CCRI-19649
T
Isolated from Surface Water
Authors: Maheux Andrée F. , Boudreau Dominique K. , Bérubé Ève , Boissinot Maurice , Cantin Philippe , Raymond Frédéric , Corbeil Jacques , Omar Rabeea F. , Bergeron Michel G.
Published: October 2017

Romboutsia weinsteinii
sp. nov. CCRI-19649
T
belongs to the genus
Romboutsia
. The strain was isolated from a water sample harvested in Québec City, Québec, Canada. The genome assembly comprised 4,134,593 bp with a 29.3% GC content. This is the first documentation that reports the genome sequence of
R. weinsteinii
.
Metagenomic Sequencing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples from Feedlot Cattle Mortalities Associated with Bovine Respiratory Disease
Authors: Holman Devin B. , Klima Cassidy L. , Ralston Brenda J. , Niu Yan D. , Stanford Kim , Alexander Trevor W. , McAllister Tim A.
Published: October 2017

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a significant and costly illness in feedlot cattle. Metagenomic analysis was performed on bronchoalveolar lavage samples obtained from 18 feedlot cattle that died of BRD.
Enterobius vermicularis(pinworm) infestation in a child presenting with symptoms of acute appendicitis: a wriggly tale!
Authors: Dunphy Louise , Clark Zoe , Raja Mazhar H
Published: October 2017

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency worldwide. However, it can still present a challenging diagnosis especially in the young, elderly and those individuals of reproductive age, thus encompassing a wide spectrum of varied clinical presentations. Parasitic infections of the appendix are a rare cause of acute appendicitis. However, they must be considered in children presenting with abdominal pain. We report a case ofEnterobius vermicularisinfestation mimicking the features of acute appendicitis in a 10-year-old girl. This case is a cautionary reminder of the importance of consideringE. vermicularisinfestation in children presenting with abdominal pain, but who do not have a significantly raised white cell count or high Alvarado scores. A history of anal pruritus is the most characteristic symptom, but the parasites can cause severe abdominal pain mimicking appendicitis. Prompt recognition and a high clinical index of suspicion are required to prevent an unnecessary appendicectomy. Caution is advised when performing a laparoscopic appendectomy, as in our case, to prevent contamination of the peritoneum. This infestation is easily treatable with mebendazole.
Recurrent chylothorax: a clinical mystery
Authors: Otoupalova Eva , Meka Shaiva Ginoya , Dogra Sanjay , Dalal Bhavin
Published: October 2017

Chylothorax is an unusual cause of pleural effusion, typically caused by trauma or malignancy. Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia (WM) is a clinicopathological entity demonstrating lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma in the bone marrow with an IgM monoclonal gammopathy in the blood. Recurrent chylous effusions are often resistant to conservative treatment and may require surgical intervention. We present a unique case of a 50-year-old woman with recurrent chylothorax secondary to WM that completely resolved with ibrutinib therapy. To our knowledge, this is the eighth such case reported in literature and the first case of successful resolution of chylothorax with monoclonal antibody therapy.
Prevalence of positive coeliac disease serology and HLA risk genotypes in a multiethnic population of adults in Canada: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jamnik Joseph , Villa Christopher R , Dhir Sirbarinder Bryn , Jenkins David J A , El-Sohemy Ahmed
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Coeliac disease (CD) is a complex autoimmune disorder with known genetic risk factors. Approximately 1% of individuals of European ancestry have CD, but the prevalence among different ethnicities living in Canada remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of positive CD serology in a population of Canadian adults living in Toronto, and to determine whether the prevalence of CD seropositivity and predisposing human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2/DQ8 risk genotypes differ between major ethnocultural groups.

Design

Cross-sectional screening study of participants from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health and the Toronto Healthy Diet studies.

Setting

University campus and households across Toronto, Canada.

Participants: free-living

Adults (n=2832) of diverse ethnocultural backgrounds.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of positive CD serology was determined by screening for antitissue transglutaminase antibodies in individuals with predisposing HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genotypes. HLA genotypes were determined using six single nucleotide polymorphisms in the HLA gene region.

Results

Of the 2832 individuals screened, a total of 25 (0.88%; 95% CI 0.57% to 1.30%) were determined to have positive CD serology. The majority of seropositive CD cases were undiagnosed (87%). Prevalence was highest among Caucasians (1.48%; 95% CI 0.93% to 2.23%), and similar in those of ‘Other’ (0.74%; 95% CI 0.09% to 2.63%) or ‘Unknown’ (0.43; 95% CI 0.01% to 2.36%) ethnicity. No cases of positive CD serology were identified among East Asian or South Asian individuals. East Asians had a lower prevalence of HLA risk genotypes than Caucasians and South Asians (p<0.005).

Conclusions

The prevalence of positive CD serology among Canadian adults living in Toronto is likely ~1%, with 87% of cases being undiagnosed. These findings suggest the need for better screening in high genetic risk groups.

Trial registration number

NCT00516620; Post-results.