bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Francisella-Like Endosymbionts and Rickettsia Species in Local and Imported Hyalomma Ticks
Authors: Azagi Tal , Klement Eyal , Perlman Gidon , Lustig Yaniv , Mumcuoglu Kosta Y. , Apanaskevich Dmitry A. , Gottlieb Yuval 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Hyalomma
ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are hosts for
Francisella
-like endosymbionts (FLE) and may serve as vectors of zoonotic disease agents. This study aimed to provide an initial characterization of the interaction between
Hyalomma
and FLE and to determine the prevalence of pathogenic
Rickettsia
in these ticks.
Hyalomma marginatum
,
Hyalomma rufipes
,
Hyalomma
dromedarii
,
Hyalomma
aegyptium
, and
Hyalomma
excavatum
ticks, identified morphologically and molecularly, were collected from different hosts and locations representing the distribution of the genus
Hyalomma
in Israel, as well as from migratory birds. A high prevalence of FLE was found in all
Hyalomma
species (90.6%), as well as efficient maternal transmission of FLE (91.8%), and the localization of FLE in Malpighian tubules, ovaries, and salivary glands in
H. marginatum
. Furthermore, we demonstrated strong cophylogeny between FLE and their host species. Contrary to FLE, the prevalence of
Rickettsia
ranged from 2.4% to 81.3% and was significantly different between
Hyalomma
species, with a higher prevalence in ticks collected from migratory birds. Using
ompA
gene sequences, most of the
Rickettsia
spp. were similar to
Rickettsia
aeschlimannii
, while a few were similar to
Rickettsia
africae
of the spotted fever group (SFG). Given their zoonotic importance, 249 ticks were tested for Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus infection, and all were negative. The results imply that
Hyalomma
and FLE have obligatory symbiotic interactions, indicating a potential SFG
Rickettsia
zoonosis risk. A further understanding of the possible influence of FLE on
Hyalomma
development, as well as on its infection with
Rickettsia
pathogens, may lead to novel ways to control tick-borne zoonoses.

IMPORTANCE
This study shows that
Francisella
-like endosymbionts were ubiquitous in
Hyalomma
, were maternally transmitted, and cospeciated with their hosts. These findings imply that the interaction between FLE and
Hyalomma
is of an obligatory nature. It provides an example of an integrative taxonomy approach to simply differentiate among species infesting the same host and to identify nymphal and larval stages to be used in further studies. In addition, it shows the potential of imported
Hyalomma
ticks to serve as a vector for spotted fever group rickettsiae. The information gathered in this study can be further implemented in the development of symbiont-based disease control strategies for the benefit of human health.
Repeat-Induced Point Mutation and Other Genome Defense Mechanisms in Fungi
Authors: Gladyshev Eugene 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Transposable elements have colonized the genomes of nearly all organisms, including fungi. Although transposable elements may sometimes provide beneficial functions to their hosts their overall impact is considered deleterious. As a result, the activity of transposable elements needs to be counterbalanced by the host genome defenses. In fungi, the primary genome defense mechanisms include repeat-induced point mutation (RIP) and methylation induced premeiotically, meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA, sex-induced silencing, cosuppression (also known as somatic quelling), and cotranscriptional RNA surveillance. Recent studies of the filamentous fungus
Neurospora crassa
have shown that the process of repeat recognition for RIP apparently involves interactions between coaligned double-stranded segments of chromosomal DNA. These studies have also shown that RIP can be mediated by the conserved pathway that establishes transcriptional (heterochromatic) silencing of repetitive DNA. In light of these new findings, RIP emerges as a specialized case of the general phenomenon of heterochromatic silencing of repetitive DNA.
Long-Distance Dispersal of Fungi
Authors: Golan Jacob J. , Pringle Anne 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTDispersal is a fundamental biological process, operating at multiple temporal and spatial scales. Despite an increasing understanding of fungal biodiversity, most research on fungal dispersal focuses on only a small fraction of species. Thus, any discussion of the dispersal dynamics of fungi as a whole is problematic. While abundant morphological and biogeographic data are available for hundreds of species, researchers have yet to integrate this information into a unifying paradigm of fungal dispersal, especially in the context of long-distance dispersal (LDD). Fungal LDD is mediated by multiple vectors, including meteorological phenomena (e.g., wind and precipitation), plants (e.g., seeds and senesced leaves), animals (e.g., fur, feathers, and gut microbiomes), and in many cases humans. In addition, fungal LDD is shaped by both physical constraints on travel and the ability of spores to survive harsh environments. Finally, fungal LDD is commonly measured in different ways, including by direct capture of spores, genetic comparisons of disconnected populations, and statistical modeling and simulations of dispersal data. To unify perspectives on fungal LDD, we propose a synthetic three-part definition that includes (i) an identification of the source population and a measure of the concentration of source inoculum and (ii) a measured and/or modeled dispersal kernel. With this information, LDD is defined as (iii) the distance found within the dispersal kernel beyond which only 1% of spores travel.
Stress Adaptation
Authors: Brown Alistair J. P. , Cowen Leah E. , di Pietro Antonio , Quinn Janet 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Fungal species display an extraordinarily diverse range of lifestyles. Nevertheless, the survival of each species depends on its ability to sense and respond to changes in its natural environment. Environmental changes such as fluctuations in temperature, water balance or pH, or exposure to chemical insults such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species exert stresses that perturb cellular homeostasis and cause molecular damage to the fungal cell. Consequently, fungi have evolved mechanisms to repair this damage, detoxify chemical insults, and restore cellular homeostasis. Most stresses are fundamental in nature, and consequently, there has been significant evolutionary conservation in the nature of the resultant responses across the fungal kingdom and beyond. For example, heat shock generally induces the synthesis of chaperones that promote protein refolding, antioxidants are generally synthesized in response to an oxidative stress, and osmolyte levels are generally increased following a hyperosmotic shock. In this article we summarize the current understanding of these and other stress responses as well as the signaling pathways that regulate them in the fungi. Model yeasts such as
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
are compared with filamentous fungi, as well as with pathogens of plants and humans. We also discuss current challenges associated with defining the dynamics of stress responses and with the elaboration of fungal stress adaptation under conditions that reflect natural environments in which fungal cells may be exposed to different types of stresses, either sequentially or simultaneously.
Skin Fungi from Colonization to Infection
Authors: de Hoog Sybren , Monod Michel , Dawson Tom , Boekhout Teun , Mayser Peter , Gräser Yvonne 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTHumans are exceptional among vertebrates in that their living tissue is directly exposed to the outside world. In the absence of protective scales, feathers, or fur, the skin has to be highly effective in defending the organism against the gamut of opportunistic fungi surrounding us. Most (sub)cutaneous infections enter the body by implantation through the skin barrier. On intact skin, two types of fungal expansion are noted: (A) colonization by commensals, i.e., growth enabled by conditions prevailing on the skin surface without degradation of tissue, and (B) infection by superficial pathogens that assimilate epidermal keratin and interact with the cellular immune system. In a response-damage framework, all fungi are potentially able to cause disease, as a balance between their natural predilection and the immune status of the host. For this reason, we will not attribute a fixed ecological term to each species, but rather describe them as growing in a commensal state (A) or in a pathogenic state (B).
Breaking Transmission with Vaccines: The Case of Tuberculosis
Authors: Gonzalo-Asensio Jesus , Aguilo Nacho , Marinova Dessislava , Martin Carlos 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Members of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) have evolved causing tuberculosis (TB) in different mammalian hosts. MTBC ecotypes have adapted to diverse animal species, with
M. bovis
being the most common cause of TB in livestock. Cattle-to-human transmission of
M. bovis
through ingestion of raw milk was common before introduction of the pasteurization process. TB in humans is mainly caused by
M. tuberculosis
. This bacterium is considered a genetically clonal pathogen that has coevolved with humans due to its ability to manipulate and subvert the immune response. TB is a major public health problem due to airborne person-to-person transmission of
M. tuberculosis
. The essential yet unanswered question on the natural history of TB is when
M. tuberculosis
decides to establish latent infection in the host (resambling the lysogenic cycle of lambda phage) or to cause pulmonary disease (comparable to the lytic cycle of lambda phage). In this latter case,
M. tuberculosis
kills the host with the aim of achieving transmission to new hosts. Combating the TB epidemic requires stopping transmission.
M. bovis
BCG, the present vaccine against TB, is derived from
M. bovis
and only protects against disseminated forms of TB. Thus, a priority in TB research is development of new effective vaccines to prevent pulmonary disease. Attenuated vaccines based on
M. tuberculosis
as MTBVAC are potential candidates that could contribute to break the TB transmission cycle.
Bio-Plex immunoassay measuring the quantity of lysosomalN-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase protein in dried blood spots for the screening of mucopolysaccharidosis IVA in newborn: a pilot study
Authors: Chuang Chih-Kuang , Lin Hsiang-Yu , Wang Tuan-Jen , Huang Sung-Fa , Lin Shuan-Pei 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveMucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IVA (Morquio syndrome A) is an autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency ofN-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS) resulting in excessive lysosomal storage of keratan sulfate. Treatments for MPS IVA have recently become available with optimal outcomes associated with early diagnosis and treatment which can be achieved by newborn screening.DesignNewborn screening programme for MPS IVA pilot study.SettingMacKay Memorial Hospital (MMH), Taipei and another three branch hospitals in Taiwan.ParticipantsA total of 7415 newborns were born in four branch hospitals of MMH and had joined the MPS IVA newborn screening programme. Written informed consents were obtained from parents prior to the screening process (12MMHIS188 approved by MacKay Memorial Hospital Institutional Review Board).Outcome measuresAn alternative newborn screening method for MPS IVA has been performed. Screening involved measuring the quantity of GALNS in dried blood spot (DBS) from newborn infants using the Bio-Plex immunoassay. The amount of fluorescence sorting detected by yttrium aluminium garnet laser was proportional to the quantity of GALNS protein.ResultsOf the 7415 neonates analysed, eight infants whose GALNS levels were below the cut-off value of 8.30 µg/L had been recalled for a second DBS collection. The reference values were 8.30–27.43 µg/L. In patients with confirmed MPS IVA (n=11), the GALNS quantities were far below 5% of the normal population.ConclusionThe Bio-Plex immunoassay is a validated method used for measuring GALNS protein in DBS and has the potential to be adopted for MPS IVA newborn screening study design.
Exploring how ward staff engage with the implementation of a patient safety intervention: a UK-based qualitative process evaluation
Authors: Sheard Laura , Marsh Claire , O’Hara Jane , Armitage Gerry , Wright John , Lawton Rebecca 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesA patient safety intervention was tested in a 33-ward randomised controlled trial. No statistically significant difference between intervention and control wards was found. We conducted a process evaluation of the trial and our aim in this paper is to understand staff engagement across the 17 intervention wards.DesignLarge qualitative process evaluation of the implementation of a patient safety intervention.Setting and participantsNational Health Service staff based on 17 acute hospital wards located at five hospital sites in the North of England.DataWe concentrate on three sources here: (1) analysis of taped discussion between ward staff during action planning meetings; (2) facilitators’ field notes and (3) follow-up telephone interviews with staff focusing on whether action plans had been achieved. The analysis involved the use of pen portraits and adaptive theory.FindingsFirst, there were palpable differences in the ways that the 17 ward teams engaged with the key components of the intervention. Five main engagement typologies were evident across the life course of the study: consistent, partial, increasing, decreasing and disengaged. Second, the intensity of support for the intervention at the level of the organisation does not predict the strength of engagement at the level of the individual ward team. Third, the standardisation of facilitative processes provided by the research team does not ensure that implementation standardisation of the intervention occurs by ward staff.ConclusionsA dilution of the intervention occurred during the trial because wards engaged with Patient Reporting and Action for a Safe Environment (PRASE) in divergent ways, despite the standardisation of key components. Facilitative processes were not sufficiently adequate to enable intervention wards to successfully engage with PRASE components.
Primary care workforce and continuous medical education in China: lessons to learn from a nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Wong William C W , Zhu ShanZhu , Ong Jason J , Peng MingHui , Lam Cindy L K , Kidd Michael R , Roland Martin , Jiang SunFang 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the education and training background of Chinese community health centres (CHCs) staff, continuous medical education (CME) and factors affecting participation in CME.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingCommunity health centres(CHCs).ParticipantsAll doctors and nurses working in selected CHCs (excluding those solely practising traditional Chinese Medicine).Main outcome measuresCME recorded by CHCs and self-reported CME participation.MethodsA stratified random sample of CHCs based on geographical distribution and 2:1 urban–suburban ratio was selected covering three major regions of China. Two questionnaires, one for lead clinicians and another for frontline health professionals, were administered between September–December 2015, covering the demographics of clinic staff, staff training and CME activities.Results149 lead clinicians (response rate 79%) and 1734 doctors and 1846 nurses completed the survey (response rate 86%). Of the doctors, 54.5% had a bachelor degree and only 47% were registered as general practitioners (GPs). Among the doctors, 10.5% carried senior titles. Few nurses (4.6%) had training in primary care. Those who have reported participating in CME were 91.6% doctors and 89.2% nurses. CME participation in doctors was more commonly reported by older doctors, females, those who were registered as a GP and those with intermediate or senior job titles. CME participation in nurses was more common among those with a bachelor degree or intermediate/senior job titles or those with longer working experience in the CHC.ConclusionOnly half of doctors have bachelor degrees or are registered as GPs as their prime registration in the primary care workforce in China. The vast majority of CHC staff participated in CME but there is room for improvement in how CME is organised.
Does a one-day workshop improve clinical faculty’s comfort and behaviour in practising and teaching evidence-based medicine? A Canadian mixed methods study
Authors: Allen David , Abourbih Jacques , Maar Marion , Boesch Lisa , Goertzen James , Cervin Catherine 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a 1-day evidence-based medicine (EBM) workshop on physician attitudes and behaviours around teaching and practicing EBM.DesignA mixed methods study using a before/after cohort.SettingA medical school delivering continuing professional development to 1250 clinical faculty over a large geographic area in Canada.Participants105 physician clinical faculty members.InterventionA 1-day workshop presented at 11 different sites over an 18-month period focusing on EBM skills for teaching and clinical practice.Outcome measures(1) A quantitative survey administered immediately before and after the workshop, and 3–6 months later, to assess the hypothesis that comfort with teaching and practising EBM can be improved.(2) A qualitative survey of the expectations for, and impact of the workshop on, participant behaviours and attitudes using a combination of pre, post and 3 to 6-month follow-up questionnaires, and telephone interviews completed 10–14 months after the workshop.ResultsPhysician comfort with their EBM clinical skills improved on average by 0.93 points on a 5-point Likert scale, and comfort with EBM teaching skills by 0.97 points (p values 0.001). Most of this improvement was sustained 3–6 months later. Three to fourteen months after the workshop, half of responding participants reported that they were using the Population Intervention Comparator Outcome (PICO) methodology of question framing for teaching, clinical practice or both.ConclusionsComfort in teaching and practicing EBM can be improved by a 1-day workshop, with most of this improvement sustained 3–6 months later. PICO question framing can be learnt at a 1-day workshop, and is associated with a self-reported change in clinical and teaching practice 3–14 months later. This represents both level 2 (attitudes) and level 3 (behaviours) change using the Kirkpatrick model of evaluation.
Does recruitment source moderate treatment effectiveness? A subgroup analysis from the EVIDENT study, a randomised controlled trial of an internet intervention for depressive symptoms
Authors: Klein Jan Philipp , Gamon Carla , Späth Christina , Berger Thomas , Meyer Björn , Hohagen Fritz , Hautzinger Martin , Lutz Wolfgang , Vettorazzi Eik , Moritz Steffen , Schröder Johanna 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveThis study aims to examine whether the effects of internet interventions for depression generalise to participants recruited in clinical settings.DesignThis study uses subgroup analysis of the results of a randomised, controlled, single-blind trial.SettingThe study takes place in five diagnostic centres in Germany.ParticipantsA total of 1013 people with mild to moderate depressive symptoms were recruited from clinical sources as well as internet forums, statutory insurance companies and other sources.InterventionsThis study uses either care-as-usual alone (control) or a 12-week internet intervention (Deprexis) plus usual care (intervention).Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was self-rated depression severity (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) at 3 months and 6 months. Further measures ranged from demographic and clinical parameters to a measure of attitudes towards internet interventions (Attitudes towards Psychological Online Interventions Questionnaire).ResultsThe recruitment source was only associated with very few of the examined demographic and clinical characteristics. Compared with participants recruited from clinical sources, participants recruited through insurance companies were more likely to be employed. Clinically recruited participants were as severely affected as those from other recruitment sources but more sceptical of internet interventions. The effectiveness of the intervention was not differentially associated with recruitment source (treatment by recruitment source interaction=0.28, p=0.84).ConclusionOur results support the hypothesis that the intervention we studied is effective across different recruitment sources including clinical settings.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.govNCT01636752.
Causes of death in patients with Itai-itai disease suffering from severe chronic cadmium poisoning: a nested case–control analysis of a follow-up study in Japan
Authors: Nishijo Muneko , Nakagawa Hideaki , Suwazono Yasushi , Nogawa Kazuhiro , Kido Teruhiko 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo clarify the causes of deaths among patients with Itai-itai disease and severe cadmium (Cd) poisoning.DesignNested case–control analysis of a population-based cohort study.SettingDatabase of patients with Itai-itai disease and residents of Cd-polluted areas, maintained by the Ministry of Environment, Japan.ParticipantsSubjects included 142 women with Itai-itai disease, 111 women with Cd-induced renal tubular dysfunction and 253 controls matched for sex, age and occupation. All subjects participated in a health impact survey between 1979 and 1984 and were followed until 30 November 2005.Main outcomes and measuresAdjusted HRs with 95% CIs for cause of death in women with Itai-itai disease and screened female cases with tubular dysfunction were compared with matched pair controls, using Cox’s proportional hazard model. Vital statistics data were used to determine cause of death. Direct causes of death from autopsy records were used in 29 patients who died from Cd poisoning.ResultsThe most common cause of death among patients with Itai-itai disease was pneumonia, with a significantly increased adjusted HR of 4.54 (95% CI 2.65 to 7.76). Renal diseases were the most common cause of death in renal tubular dysfunction cases, with an increased HR of 12.0 (95% CI 3.92 to 36.8). The adjusted HR for renal diseases was also significantly increased in patients with Itai-itai disease (19.49 (95% CI 6.43 to 59.09)), with a greater impact on mortality of patients with Itai-itai disease than screened cases. The HR for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases was significantly increased (13.79 (95% CI 3.87 to 49.10)) in patients, especially in the first 10 years (37.1 (4.81 to 286.0)).ConclusionsAmong patients with Itai-itai disease, pneumonia and GI diseases contributed to increased mortality risk. Renal disease is also a significant mortality risk in patients with Itai-itai disease and women with renal tubular dysfunction.