scholarly journals Mosaic Prophages with Horizontally Acquired Genes Account for the Emergence and Diversification of the Globally Disseminated M1T1 Clone of Streptococcus pyogenes

2005 ◽  
Vol 187 (10) ◽  
pp. 3311-3318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramy K. Aziz ◽  
Robert A. Edwards ◽  
William W. Taylor ◽  
Donald E. Low ◽  
Allison McGeer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Microarrays ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Careful Analysis ◽  
Reading Frame ◽  
Allelic Distribution ◽  
Minor Population ◽  
Group A ◽  
A Minor

ABSTRACT The recrudescence of severe invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) diseases has been associated with relatively few strains, including the M1T1 subclone that has shown an unprecedented global spread and prevalence and high virulence in susceptible hosts. To understand its unusual epidemiology, we aimed to identify unique genomic features that differentiate it from the fully sequenced M1 SF370 strain. We constructed DNA microarrays from an M1T1 shotgun library and, using differential hybridization, we found that both M1 strains are 95% identical and that the 5% unique M1T1 clone sequences more closely resemble sequences found in the M3 strain, which is also associated with severe disease. Careful analysis of these unique sequences revealed three unique prophages that we named M1T1.X, M1T1.Y, and M1T1.Z. While M1T1.Y is similar to phage 370.3 of the M1-SF370 strain, M1T1.X and M1T1.Z are novel and encode the toxins SpeA2 and Sda1, respectively. The genomes of these prophages are highly mosaic, with different segments being related to distinct streptococcal phages, suggesting that GAS phages continue to exchange genetic material. Bioinformatic and phylogenetic analyses revealed a highly conserved open reading frame (ORF) adjacent to the toxins in 18 of the 21 toxin-carrying GAS prophages. We named this ORF paratox, determined its allelic distribution among different phages, and found linkage disequilibrium between particular paratox alleles and specific toxin genes, suggesting that they may move as a single cassette. Based on the conservation of paratox and other genes flanking the toxins, we propose a recombination-based model for toxin dissemination among prophages. We also provide evidence that a minor population of the M1T1 clonal isolates have exchanged their virulence module on phage M1T1.Y, replacing it with a different module identical to that found on a related M3 phage. Taken together, the data demonstrate that mosaicism of the GAS prophages has contributed to the emergence and diversification of the M1T1 subclone.

scholarly journals First Report of Rust Caused by Puccinia carthami on Safflower in Oman

Plant Disease ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. Deadman ◽  
A. M. Al Sadi ◽  
S. Al Jahdhami ◽  
M. C. Aime
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Large Subunit ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Carthamus Tinctorius ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Voucher Specimen ◽  
Center Of Diversity ◽  
A Minor ◽  
The U.S

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a minor, but culturally important crop in Oman; the dried flowers produce a pigment used in facial ornamentation. Although Oman is not a commercial producer of safflower, the region is a center of diversity and a source of genetic material for breeding programs. Production of oil from safflower has potential in Oman, where plant growth is prolific. In April 2004, leaf samples showing rust symptoms were collected from Mudhaibi, 100 km south of Muscat. Chestnut brown pustules covered both sides of the leaves, but not the stems, and yielded urediniospores and teliospores typical of the pathogen. Urediniospores were globose, 25 μm in diameter with three germ pores. Two-celled teliospores were chestnut brown, minutely verrucose, with a single, depressed germ pore in each cell. The pathogen was identified as Puccinia carthami Corda (voucher specimen deposited in the U.S. National Fungus Collections, BPI863557; nuclear ribosomal large subunit DNA voucher sequence deposited in GenBank, Accession No. AY787782). On the basis of phylogenetic analyses, the rust from Oman belongs to a complex of closely related Puccinia spp. that infects members of the Cardueae. Elsewhere, in addition to leaf infections, P. carthami causes foot and root disease of safflower (1) with teliospores surviving in the soil and on seed to initiate new infections. Germplasm is now being collected and will be screened for variation in response to rust infection. Reference: (1) M. L. Schuster et al. Phytopathology 42:211, 1952.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 ORF3b is a potent interferon antagonist whose activity is further increased by a naturally occurring elongation variant

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoriyuki Konno ◽  
Izumi Kimura ◽  
Keiya Uriu ◽  
Masaya Fukushi ◽  
Takashi Irie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Interferon Response ◽  
Type I ◽  
List Type ◽  
Reading Frame ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Natural Variant ◽  
Interferon Activity

AbstractOne of the features distinguishing SARS-CoV-2 from its more pathogenic counterpart SARS-CoV is the presence of premature stop codons in its ORF3b gene. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 ORF3b is a potent interferon antagonist, suppressing the induction of type I interferon more efficiently than its SARS-CoV ortholog. Phylogenetic analyses and functional assays revealed that SARS-CoV-2-related viruses from bats and pangolins also encode truncated ORF3b gene products with strong anti-interferon activity. Furthermore, analyses of more than 15,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences identified a natural variant, in which a longer ORF3b reading frame was reconstituted. This variant was isolated from two patients with severe disease and further increased the ability of ORF3b to suppress interferon induction. Thus, our findings not only help to explain the poor interferon response in COVID-19 patients, but also describe a possibility of the emergence of natural SARS-CoV-2 quasispecies with extended ORF3b that may exacerbate COVID-19 symptoms.HighlightsORF3b of SARS-CoV-2 and related bat and pangolin viruses is a potent IFN antagonistSARS-CoV-2 ORF3b suppresses IFN induction more efficiently than SARS-CoV orthologThe anti-IFN activity of ORF3b depends on the length of its C-terminusAn ORF3b with increased IFN antagonism was isolated from two severe COVID-19 cases

Polysaccharide Structures in the Outer Mucilage of Arabidopsis Seeds Visualized by AFM

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
MAK Williams ◽  
V Cornuault ◽  
AH Irani ◽  
VV Symonds ◽  
J Malmström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Average Length ◽  
American Chemical Society ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Chemical Society ◽  
Side Chains ◽  
Rhamnogalacturonan I ◽  
Afm Imaging ◽  
Minor Population ◽  
The Stability ◽  
A Minor

© 2020 American Chemical Society. Evidence is presented that the polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan I (RGI) can be biosynthesized in remarkably organized branched configurations and surprisingly long versions and can self-assemble into a plethora of structures. AFM imaging has been applied to study the outer mucilage obtained from wild-type (WT) and mutant (bxl1-3 and cesa5-1) Arabidopsis thaliana seeds. For WT mucilage, ordered, multichain structures of the polysaccharide RGI were observed, with a helical twist visible in favorable circumstances. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations demonstrated the stability of several possible multichain complexes and the possibility of twisted fibril formation. For bxl1-3 seeds, the imaged polymers clearly showed the presence of side chains. These were surprisingly regular and well organized with an average length of ∼100 nm and a spacing of ∼50 nm. The heights of the side chains imaged were suggestive of single polysaccharide chains, while the backbone was on average 4 times this height and showed regular height variations along its length consistent with models of multichain fibrils examined in MD. Finally, in mucilage extracts from cesa5-1 seeds, a minor population of chains in excess of 30 μm long was observed.

scholarly journals THU0351 MUSCLE INVOLVEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS AND ANTI-PM/SCL+ ANTIBODIES IS ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIAC AND PULMONARY INVOLVEMENT. ANALYSIS OF THE MULTICENTRE EUSTAR COHORT.

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 407.1-407
Author(s):  
M. G. Lazzaroni ◽  
S. Zingarelli ◽  
P. Airò ◽  
Y. Allanore ◽  
O. Distler
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Cardiac Involvement ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Pulmonary Involvement ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Muscle Involvement ◽  
Group A ◽  
Tendon Friction Rubs

Background:Anti-PM/Scl antibodies positivity has been associated with frequent skeletal muscle involvement in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) in different studies, including the EUSTAR cohort (1). Moreover, although myositis has been previously associated with heart involvement in SSc patients (2), this issue has never been explored among anti-PM/Scl+ patients.Objectives:To evaluate the cardiac involvement in anti-PM/Scl patients with SSc in the large multicentre EUSTAR database, with focus on the subgroup of patients with muscle involvement.Methods:Patients from the EUSTAR database were included when the item anti-PM/Scl was fulfilled in at least one visit.Results:Anti-PM/Scl status was available in 7,353 SSc patients from EUSTAR database: 295 were anti-PM/Scl+. After exclusion of 151 patients with multiple autoantibody positivity, 144 anti-PM/Scl + patients were compared with 7,058 anti-PM/Scl- patients. Among them, 3,120 (44.2%) were positive for ACA, 2,361 (33.5%) for anti-Topo I and 274 (3.88%) for anti-RNAP3.Regarding the specific cardiac outcomes, in the anti-PM/Scl+ as compared to the anti-PM/Scl- group, a decreased rate of elevated sPAP at ECHO was recorded (12.8% vs 25.0%, p:0.001), while no differences were observed in the frequency of conduction blocks (26.2% vs 23.7%, p:0.526), abnormal diastolic function (33.9% vs 36.4%, p:0.582), pericardial effusion (10.2% vs 10.9%, p:1.000) and LVEF ≤50% (4.76% vs 6.11%, p:0.818). In multivariate analysis, adjusted for age at disease onset, sex, and disease duration, the negative association of anti-PM/Scl with elevated sPAP was not confirmed (p:0.061).When comparing anti-PM/Scl+ patients with (n=47) and without (n=87) CK elevation, the former group had a higher frequency of conduction blocks (43.2% vs 17.5%, p:0.005; OR 95% CI 3.47, 1.51-7.97) and left ventricular dysfunction, both diastolic (45.6% vs 27.2%, p:0.050; OR 95% CI 2.25, 1.05-4.81) and systolic (LVEF ≤50% 13.3% vs 0%, p:0.018; OR 95% CI 16.8, 0.87-324). Moreover, anti-PM/Scl+ patients with CK elevation had significantly increased rate of lung fibrosis on HRCT (p:0.045), intestinal symptoms (p:0.017), joint contractures (p:0.045) and tendon friction rubs (p:0.034).Conclusion:In the largest series of anti-PM/Scl positive SSc patients so far reported, muscle involvement in anti-PM/Scl+ patients (defined as increased serum CK) seems to represent a marker of a more severe disease phenotype, including a higher frequency of cardio-pulmonary involvement.References:[1]Lazzaroni MG, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2018. 77 (2), 421-2.[2]Follansbee WP, et al. Am Heart J 1993. 125: 194-203.Acknowledgments:Authors would like to thank the patients’ association GILS (Gruppo Italiano Lotta Sclerodermia) for the grant that supported the project.Disclosure of Interests:Maria Grazia Lazzaroni: None declared, Stefania Zingarelli: None declared, Paolo Airò: None declared, Yannick Allanore Grant/research support from: BMS, Inventiva, Roche, Sanofi, Consultant of: Actelion, Bayer AG, BMS, BI, Oliver Distler Grant/research support from: Grants/Research support from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Competitive Drug Development International Ltd. and Mitsubishi Tanabe; he also holds the issued Patent on mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (US8247389, EP2331143)., Consultant of: Consultancy fees from Actelion, Acceleron Pharma, AnaMar, Bayer, Baecon Discovery, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer, CSL Behring, Catenion, ChemomAb, Curzion Pharmaceuticals, Ergonex, Galapagos NV, GSK, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inventiva, Italfarmaco, iQvia, medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, MSD, Roche, Sanofi and UCB, Speakers bureau: Speaker fees from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Medscape, Pfizer and Roche

scholarly journals Cloning, Characterization, and RNA Interference Effect of the UDP-N-Acetylglucosamine Pyrophosphorylase Gene in Cnaphalocrocis medinalis

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 464
Author(s):  
Yuan-Jin Zhou ◽  
Juan Du ◽  
Shang-Wei Li ◽  
Muhammad Shakeel ◽  
Jia-Jing Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Digital Pcr ◽  
Cnaphalocrocis Medinalis ◽  
Chitin Synthesis ◽  
Reading Frame ◽  
Rnai Technology ◽  
Glyphodes Pyloalis ◽  
Key Enzyme

The rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis is a major pest of rice and is difficult to control. UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UAP) is a key enzyme in the chitin synthesis pathway in insects. In this study, the UAP gene from C. medinalis (CmUAP) was cloned and characterized. The cDNA of CmUAP is 1788 bp in length, containing an open reading frame of 1464 nucleotides that encodes 487 amino acids. Homology and phylogenetic analyses of the predicted protein indicated that CmUAP shared 91.79%, 87.89%, and 82.75% identities with UAPs of Glyphodes pyloalis, Ostrinia furnacalis, and Heortia vitessoides, respectively. Expression pattern analyses by droplet digital PCR demonstrated that CmUAP was expressed at all developmental stages and in 12 tissues of C. medinalis adults. Silencing of CmUAP by injection of double-stranded RNA specific to CmUAP caused death, slow growth, reduced feeding and excretion, and weight loss in C. medinalis larvae; meanwhile, severe developmental disorders were observed. The findings suggest that CmUAP is essential for the growth and development of C. medinalis, and that targeting the CmUAP gene through RNAi technology can be used for biological control of this insect.

Neurofilament proteins are co-expressed with desmin in heart conduction system myocytes

1990 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-21
Author(s):  
M. Vitadello ◽  
M. Matteoli ◽  
L. Gorza
Keyword(s):  
Subcellular Distribution ◽  
Ultrastructural Level ◽  
Rabbit Heart ◽  
Cardiac Cells ◽  
Structural Components ◽  
Minor Population ◽  
Neuronal Proteins ◽  
Tissue Homogenates ◽  
A Minor

We have recently shown that specialized myocytes of the rabbit heart express a cytoskeletal protein similar to the M subunit of neurofilaments (NF). Since this result was obtained using a single anti-NF-M monoclonal antibody, we tested on conduction myocytes a panel of five anti-NF antibodies, specific for each of the three NF subunits and for phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated epitopes. Two antibodies, one specific for the L subunit and one for phosphorylated M subunit of NF, reacted with specialized myocytes in immunohistochemistry. In immunoblots on conduction tissue homogenates the two antibodies recognized two polypeptides with electrophoretic mobility and solubility properties identical to those of NF-L and NF-M in the sciatic nerve. The subcellular distribution of NF immunoreactivity in specialized myocytes was very similar to desmin localization; namely, it was distributed on large filamentous bundles and on fine filaments localized transversely at the level of the Z line. At the ultrastructural level, immunoreactive filaments were localized in the intermyofibrillar space and connected myofibrils with mitochondria. Co-expression of NF proteins and desmin was also observed in vitro in a minor population of cardiac myocytes cultured from embryonic rabbit heart. In most cases NF immunoreactivity co-localized with desmin, especially where filaments were well organized, but in some cells anti-NF and anti-desmin antibodies labelled different filamentous structures. These results indicate that NF proteins are structural components of the cytoskeleton of specialized myocytes and show a subcellular distribution very similar to desmin. Such a composition of intermediate filaments indicates that in these cardiac cells muscle differentiation is compatible with the expression of neuronal proteins.

scholarly journals Necrotizing fasciitis with group A Streptococci and Eggerthella lenta as a complication of Varicella in a child – case presentation –

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-39
Author(s):  
Cambrea Simona Claudia ◽  
Ilie Maria Margareta ◽  
Carp Dalia Sorina ◽  
Ionescu C.
Keyword(s):  
Necrotizing Fasciitis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
The Body ◽  
Group A Streptococci ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Right ◽  
Surgery Department ◽  
Short Time

ABSTRACT Necrotizing fasciitis is a life threatening condition that can be quickly spread through the flesh surrounding the muscle. The disease can be polymicrobial, or caused by group A beta hemolytic Streptococci, or by Clostridium spp. We present a case of a 7 years old girl, which was hospitalized in Children Infectious Diseases Department in a 7th day of chickenpox (hematic crusts all over the body), high fever, asthenia, vomiting, oligoanuria, and tumefaction, pain and functio lessa in the right thigh. In a very short time in the right thigh swelling, edema and congestion have increased gradually, and in the third highest middle thigh the ecchymotic areas appeared evolving towards bubbles and blisters which included the right thigh and calf. After excluding the diagnosis of thrombophlebitis was raised suspicion of necrotizing fasciitis. CT pelvic scan evidenced pelvic asymmetry by maximus and medium right gluteal muscles swelling with important inflammatory infiltrate extended laterally in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. In blood culture was isolated Eggerthella lenta, and from throat swab was isolated group A Streptococci. Treatment consists of a combination of antibiotics associated with intravenous immunoglobulin administration. Despite medical treatment evolution worsened and required transfer in a pediatric surgery department where emergent surgical debridement associated with intensive antibiotic therapy was done. After this intervention evolution was slowly favorable without major limb dysfunction. Polymicrobial necrotizing fasciitis is a severe disease, which if recognized early can have a favorable outcome.

scholarly journals The Distribution of Puumala orthohantavirus Genome Variants Correlates with the Regional Landscapes in the Trans-Kama Area of the Republic of Tatarstan

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1169
Author(s):  
Yuriy N. Davidyuk ◽  
Emmanuel Kabwe ◽  
Anton F. Shamsutdinov ◽  
Anna V. Knyazeva ◽  
Ekaterina V. Martynova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bank Vole ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Hemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Federal District ◽  
Genetic Lineage ◽  
Bank Voles ◽  
European Part Of Russia ◽  
The Republic ◽  
River Valleys

In the European part of Russia, the highest number of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) cases are registered in the Volga Federal District (VFD), which includes the Republic of Tatarstan (RT). Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) is the main causative agent of HFRS identified in the RT. The goal of the current study is to analyze the genetic variations of the PUUV strains and possible presence of chimeric and reassortant variants among the PUUV strains circulating in bank vole populations in the Trans-Kama area of the RT. Complete S segment CDS as well as partial M and L segment coding nucleotide sequences were obtained from 40 PUUV-positive bank voles and used for the analysis. We found that all PUUV strains belonged to RUS genetic lineage and clustered in two subclades corresponding to the Western and Eastern Trans-Kama geographic areas. PUUV strains from Western Trans-Kama were related to the previously identified strain from Teteevo in the Pre-Kama area. It can be suggested that the PUUV strains were introduced to the Teteevo area as a result of the bank voles’ migration from Western Trans-Kama. It also appears that physical obstacles, including rivers, could be overcome by migrating rodents under favorable circumstances. Based on results of the comparative and phylogenetic analyses, we propose that bank vole distribution in the Trans-Kama area occurred upstream along the river valleys, and that watersheds could act as barriers for migrations. As a result, the diverged PUUV strains could be formed in closely located populations. In times of extensive bank vole population growth, happening every 3–4 years, some regions of watersheds may become open for contact between individual rodents from neighboring populations, leading to an exchange of the genetic material between divergent PUUV strains.

scholarly journals Elevation of plasma fibrinogen in silent myocardial ischaemia.

1999 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 985-989
Author(s):  
A Grzywacz ◽  
P Psuja ◽  
M Zozulińska ◽  
W Elikowski ◽  
K Zawilska
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Ischaemia ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Stable Condition ◽  
Plasma Fibrinogen ◽  
Fibrinogen Concentration ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Silent Myocardial Ischaemia ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Pai 1

High plasma levels of fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) are reported to be correlated with coronary heart disease. Therefore the level of fibrinogen concentration in plasma was examined and verified for the possible correlation with the previously explored PAI-1 antigen and PAI-1 activity in the pathogenesis of premature atherosclerosis (Grzywacz et al., 1998, Blood Coagul Fibrinol. 9, 245-249). Examination included only men, aged 33-46 years, who were in a stable condition for at least six months after the acute event. They were divided into two subgroups: group A (n = 14) with and group B (n = 15) without ischaemic changes in 24 h Holter electrocardiogram. The number of involved vessels visible on the coronarography picture was similar in both groups. In the patients of group A the mean level of fibrinogen (3.92 vs 3.23 g/l, P < 0.05) was higher than in the controls (n = 15). No statistically differences were found between group B and control healthy subjects in any of the parameters measured. There were no correlation between fibrinogen concentration and PAI-1 antigen and activity levels, which were elevated in both groups of patients according to our previous study. Our results indicate that elevated levels of plasma fibrinogen and PAI-1 appeared in the group of patients with more severe disease, as revealed by silent myocardial ischaemia.

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