The hydrocephalus inducing gene product, Hydin, positions axonemal central pair microtubules

Background  

Impairment of cilia and flagella function underlies a growing number of human genetic diseases. Mutations in hydin in hy3 mice cause lethal communicating hydrocephalus with early onset. Hydin was recently identified as an axonemal protein; however, its function is as yet unknown.     

Analysing Betula litwinowii encroachment and reforestation in the Kazbegi region,Greater Caucasus,Georgia

Aims

The encroachment of tree and shrub species in high mountains is an increasing worldwide phenomenon, which is expected to dramatically alter high‐mountain ecosystems and their functioning. Moreover it indicates in some cases a reforestation process, which will result in important ecological and social benefits, including carbon sequestration and protection against landslides. We therefore examined the spatial extent of forest growth and shrub encroachment mainly of birch (Betula litwinowii) in the sub‐alpine belt of the Central Greater Caucasus between 1987 and 2010 and its relation to topographic site conditions.

Location

Kazbegi district, Central Greater Caucasus, Georgia.

Methods

We analysed 155 vegetation relevés sampled in 2009, 2011 and 2015, mainly derived from the Caucasus Vegetation Database, to obtain information about topographic site conditions and structure of B. litwinowii stands. B. litwinowii forest growth was assessed by digitizing the forest outlines from aerial and space‐borne imagery (1987, 2005 and 2010). To identify areas of B. litwinowii encroachment as an indicator for different encroachment stages, we modelled the tree and shrub cover using the Random Forest algorithm.

Results

We found four types of B. litwinowii stands, characterized by different tree and shrub coverage (initial Bromus variegatus–Betula litwinowii encroachment indicating the first stage of succession, Aconitum nasutum–Betula litwinowii forest, Rubus idaeus–Betula litwinowii forest and Rhododendron caucasicum–Betula litwinowii tree line scrubs). B. litwinowii forest increased 25% compared to 1987 mainly in an uphill direction. Furthermore the modelled tree and shrub cover (R² = .69) could be related to the four vegetation types.

Conclusions

Our results indicate a recent trend towards shrub encroachment and consequently reforestation in the Kazbegi region.     

Intrinsic and selected resistance to antibiotics binding the ribosome: analyses ofBrucella23Srrn, L4, L22, EF-Tu1, EF-Tu2, efflux and phylogenetic implications

Background  

Brucellaspp. are highly similar, having identical 16S RNA. However, they have important phenotypic differences such as differential susceptibility to antibiotics binding the ribosome. Neither the differential susceptibility nor its basis has been rigorously studied. Differences found among other conserved ribosomal loci could further define the relationships among the classicalBrucellaspp.     

Antibiotics resistance of Helicobacter pylori in children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms in Hangzhou,China

Background

The decreasing eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori is mainly because of the progressive increase in its resistance to antibiotics. Studies on antimicrobial susceptibility of H. pylori in children are limited. This study aimed to investigate the resistance rates and patterns of H. pylori strains isolated from children.

Materials and Methods

Gastric mucosa biopsy samples obtained from children who had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were cultured for H. pylori, and susceptibility to six antibiotics (clarithromycin, amoxicillin, gentamicin, furazolidone, metronidazole, and levofloxacin) was tested from 2012‐2014.

Results

A total of 545 H. pylori strains were isolated from 1390 children recruited. The total resistance rates of H. pylori to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin were 20.6%, 68.8%, and 9.0%, respectively. No resistance to amoxicillin, gentamicin, and furazolidone was detected. 56.1% strains were single resistance, 19.6% were resistant to more than one antibiotic, 16.7% for double resistance, and 2.9% for triple resistance in 413 strains against any antibiotic. And the H. pylori resistance rate increased significantly from 2012‐2014. There was no significant difference in the resistance rates to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin between different gender, age groups, and patients with peptic ulcer diseases or nonulcer diseases.

Conclusions

Antibiotic resistance was indicated in H. pylori strains isolated from children in Hangzhou, and it increased significantly during the 3 years. Our data strongly support current guidelines, which recommend antibiotic susceptibility tests prior to eradication therapy.     

Large-scale insertional mutagenesis of a coleopteran stored grain pest, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, identifies embryonic lethal mutations and enhancer traps

Background  

Given its sequenced genome and efficient systemic RNA interference response, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum is a model organism well suited for reverse genetics. Even so, there is a pressing need for forward genetic analysis to escape the bias inherent in candidate gene approaches.     

Effects of disrupting the polyketide synthase gene WdPKS1 in Wangiella [Exophiala] dermatitidis on melanin production and resistance to killing by antifungal compounds, enzymatic degradation, and extremes in temperature

Background  

Wangiella dermatitidis is a human pathogenic fungus that is an etiologic agent of phaeohyphomycosis. W. dermatitidis produces a black pigment that has been identified as a dihydroxynaphthalene melanin and the production of this pigment is associated with its virulence. Cell wall pigmentation in W. dermatitidis depends on the WdPKS1 gene, which encodes a polyketide synthase required for generating the key precursor for dihydroxynaphthalene melanin biosynthesis.     

Characterization,phylogeny, alternative splicing and expression of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sox30</Emphasis> gene

Background  

Members of the Sox gene family isolated from both vertebrates and invertebrates have been proved to participate in a wide variety of developmental processes, including sex determination and differentiation. Among these members, Sox30 had been considered to exist only in mammals since its discovery, and its exact function remains unclear.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida albicans SUR7</Emphasis> contributes to secretion,biofilm formation,and macrophage killing

Background  

Candida albicans SUR7 has been shown to be required for plasma membrane organization and cell wall synthesis, but its role in virulence is not known. Using a bioinformatics strategy, we previously identified several novel putative secretion pathway proteins potentially involved in virulence, including the C. albicans homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae endocytosis-related protein Sur7p. We therefore generated a C. albicans sur7Δ null mutant and examined its contribution to key virulence attributes.     

FGF10 maintains distal lung bud epithelium and excessive signaling leads to progenitor state arrest,distalization, and goblet cell metaplasia

Background  

Interaction with the surrounding mesenchyme is necessary for development of endodermal organs, and Fibroblast growth factors have recently emerged as mesenchymal-expressed morphogens that direct endodermal morphogenesis. The fibroblast growth factor 10 (Fgf10) null mouse is characterized by the absence of lung bud development. Previous studies have shown that this requirement for Fgf10 is due in part to its role as a chemotactic factor during branching morphogenesis. In other endodermal organs Fgf10 also plays a role in regulating differentiation.     

Lifelong testicular differentiation in Pleurodeles waltl (Amphibia, Caudata)

Background  

In numerous Caudata, the testis is known to differentiate new lobes at adulthood, leading to a multiple testis. The Iberian ribbed newt Pleurodeles waltl has been studied extensively as a model for sex determination and differentiation. However, the evolution of its testis after metamorphosis is poorly documented.     

Spawning seasons of Rasbora tawarensis (Pisces: Cyprinidae) in Lake Laut Tawar,Aceh Province,Indonesia

Background  

Rasbora tawarensis is an endemic freshwater fish in Lake Laut Tawar, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Unfortunately, its status is regarded as critical endangered with populations decreasing in recent years. To date no information on the spawning activities of the fish are available. Therefore, this study provides a contribution to the knowledge on reproductive biology of R. tawarensis especially on spawning seasons as well as basic information for conservation of the species.     

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Korea: A multicenter,nationwide study conducted in 2015 and 2016

Background

The Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research has studied Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) prevalence since 1998 and found a dynamic change in its prevalence in Korea. The aim of this study was to determine the recent H. pylori prevalence rate and compare it with that of previous studies according to socioeconomic variables.

Methods

We planned to enroll 4920 asymptomatic Korean adults from 21 centers according to the population distribution of seven geographic areas (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong, Kyungsang, Cholla, and Jeju). We centrally collected serum and tested H. pylori serum IgG using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay.

Results

We analyzed 4917 samples (4917/4920 = 99.9%) from January 2015 to December 2016. After excluding equivocal serologic results, the H. pylori seropositivity rate was 51.0% (2414/4734). We verified a decrease in H. pylori seroprevalence compared with previous studies performed in 1998, 2005, and 2011 (P < .0001). The H. pylori seroprevalence rate differed by area: Cholla (59.5%), Chungcheong (59.2%), Kyungsang (55.1%), Jeju (54.4%), Gangwon (49.1%), Seoul (47.4%), and Gyeonggi (44.6%). The rate was higher in those older than 40 years (38.1% in those aged 30‐39 years and 57.7% in those aged 40‐49 years) and was lower in city residents than in noncity residents at all ages.

Conclusions

Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in Korea is decreasing and may vary according to population characteristics. This trend should be considered to inform H. pylori‐related policies.     

Genome-scale reconstruction of metabolic network for a halophilic extremophile, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chromohalobacter salexigens</Emphasis> DSM 3043

Background  

Chromohalobacter salexigens (formerly Halomonas elongata DSM 3043) is a halophilic extremophile with a very broad salinity range and is used as a model organism to elucidate prokaryotic osmoadaptation due to its strong euryhaline phenotype.     

The Symbiosis Interactome: a computational approach reveals novel components,functional interactions and modules in Sinorhizobium meliloti

Background  

Rhizobium-Legume symbiosis is an attractive biological process that has been studied for decades because of its importance in agriculture. However, this system has undergone extensive study and although many of the major factors underpinning the process have been discovered using traditional methods, much remains to be discovered.     

Beneficial effect of Burdock complex on asymptomatic Helicobacter pylori‐infected subjects: A randomized,double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Background

Burdock complex (BC) constitutes of burdock (Arctium lappa), angelica (Angelica sinensis), gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon), and sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil, which are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating various disorders. This study intended to examine the anti‐H. pylori activity of BC on AGS cell model as well as in asymptomatic H. pylori‐infected subjects.

Materials and Methods

AGS cell incubated with H. pylori and treated with BC to evaluate the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), cell viability (MTT) anti‐adhesion activity, and inflammatory markers. In case of clinical trial, H. pylori‐positive subjects (urea breath test [UBT] >10%, n = 36) were enrolled and requested to intake BC (n = 19) or placebo (n = 17) for 8 weeks. Antioxidant capacity, total phenol, UBT, inflammatory markers were analyzed at the initial, 4th, 8th, and 10th weeks. Moreover, the endoscopic examination was carried out on baseline and 10th week.

Results

In vitro studies showed that BC treatment significantly inhibited (P < .05) the inflammatory markers and adhesion of H. pylori to AGS cell. However, H. pylori‐infected subject ingested with BC for 8 weeks significantly decreased (P < .05) the UBT value, inflammatory markers with improved antioxidant activity, and phenolic levels as compared to placebo. Also, consumption of BC considerably healed the ulcer wound.

Conclusion

Overall, the BC could attenuate H. pylori infection by inhibiting H. pylori adhesion and subsequent inflammatory response on the gastric epithelial cell (AGS) as well as clinically ameliorated UBT, antioxidant capacity, and alleviated inflammation to display its anti‐H. pylori activity.     

Partial characterization of an exopolysaccharide secreted by a marine bacterium,Vibrio neocaledonicus sp. nov., from New Caledonia

Aims

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are industrially valuable molecules with numerous useful properties. This study describes the techniques used for the identification of a novel Vibrio bacterium and preliminary characterization of its EPS.

Methods and Results

Bioprospection in marine intertidal areas of New Caledonia followed by screening for EPS producing brought to selection of the isolate NC470. Phylogenetic analysis (biochemical tests, gene sequencing and DNA–DNA relatedness) permitted to identify NC470 as a new member of the Vibrio genus. The EPS was produced in batch fermentation, purified using the ultrafiltration process and analysed by colorimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and HPLC‐size exclusion chromatography. This EPS exhibits a high N‐acetyl‐hexosamines and uronic acid content with a low amount of neutral sugar. The molecular mass was 672 × 10³ Da. These data are relevant for possible technological exploitation.

Conclusions

We propose the name Vibrio neocaledonicus sp. nov for this isolate NC470, producing an EPS with an unusual sugar composition. Comparison with other known polymers permitted to select applications for this polymer.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study contributes to evaluate the marine biodiversity of New Caledonia. It also highlights the biotechnological potential of New Caledonia marine bacteria.     

Anti‐Helicobacter pylori therapy in localized gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: A prospective,nationwide, multicenter study in Japan

Background

Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy was approved in Japan for the first‐line, standard treatment of H. pylori‐positive gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Although several retrospective studies or small‐scale single‐center studies have been reported, a prospective, large‐scale, nationwide, multicenter study has not been reported from Japan.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a prospective, nationwide, multicenter study to evaluate the clinical efficacy of rabeprazole‐based triple H. pylori eradication therapy for patients with localized gastric MALT lymphoma in practice‐based clinical trial. A total of 108 H. pylori‐positive patients with stage I/II₁ gastric MALT lymphoma underwent H. pylori eradication therapy. The primary endpoints were complete remission (CR) rate and the rate of transfer to secondary treatment. The secondary endpoints were CR maintenance duration and overall survival (OS).

Results

CR of lymphoma was achieved in 84 of 97 patients (86.6%), during the period 2.0‐44.7 months (median, 5.3 months) after starting H. pylori eradication treatment. CR was maintained in 77 of 81 patients (95.1%) for 0.4‐53.2 months (median, 33.1 months). Secondary treatments (radiotherapy, rituximab, or gastrectomy) for gastric MALT lymphoma were needed in 10 of the 97 patients (10.31%). During follow‐up, OS rate was 96.9% (94/97) and the causes of 3 deaths were not related to lymphoma.

Conclusions

Rabeprazole‐based H. pylori eradication therapy demonstrated a high CR rate, long CR maintenance, and a good OS for patients with localized gastric MALT lymphoma in this prospective, practice‐based, multicenter study.     

Allelic diversity and phylogeny of homB, a novel co-virulence marker of Helicobacter pylori

Background  

The homB gene is a Helicobacter pylori disease-marker candidate, strongly associated with peptic ulcer disease, while homA, its paralogue gene with 90% sequence identity, is correlated with non-ulcer dyspepsia. The HomB encoded outer membrane protein was shown to contribute to the proinflammatory properties of H. pylori and also to be involved in bacterial adherence.     

Assess suitability of hydroaeroponic culture to establish tripartite symbiosis between different AMF species, beans, and rhizobia

Background  

Like other species of the Phaseoleae tribe, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) has the potential to establish symbiosis with rhizobia and to fix the atmospheric dinitrogen (N₂) for its N nutrition. Common bean has also the potential to establish symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) that improves the uptake of low mobile nutrients such as phosphorus, from the soil. Both rhizobial and mycorrhizal symbioses can act synergistically in benefits on plant.     

Intra-individual polymorphism in diploid and apomictic polyploid hawkweeds (Hieracium, Lactuceae, Asteraceae): disentangling phylogenetic signal, reticulation, and noise

Background  

Hieracium s.str. is a complex species-rich group of perennial herbs composed of few sexual diploids and numerous apomictic polyploids. The existence of reticulation and the near-continuity of morphological characters across taxa seriously affect species determination, making Hieracium one of the best examples of a 'botanist's nightmare'. Consequently, its species relationships have not previously been addressed by molecular methods. Concentrating on the supposed major evolutionary units, we used nuclear ribosomal (ETS) and chloroplast (trnT - trnL) sequences in order to disentangle the phylogenetic relationships and to infer the origins of the polyploids.