LIN28 coordinately promotes nucleolar/ribosomal functions and represses the 2C-like transcriptional program in pluripotent stem cells

LIN28 is an RNA binding protein with important roles in early embryo development, stem cell differentiation/reprogramming, tumorigenesis and metabolism. Previous studies have focused mainly on its role in the cytosol where it interacts with Let-7 microRNA precursors or mRNAs, and few have addressed LIN28's role within the nucleus. Here, we show that LIN28 displays dynamic temporal and spatial expression during murine embryo development. Maternal LIN28 expression drops upon exit from the 2-cell stage, and zygotic LIN28 protein is induced at the forming nucleolus during 4-cell to blastocyst stage development, to become dominantly expressed in the cytosol after implantation. In cultured pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), loss of LIN28 led to nucleolar stress and activation of a 2-cell/4-cell-like transcriptional program characterized by the expression of endogenous retrovirus genes. Mechanistically, LIN28 binds to small nucleolar RNAs and rRNA to maintain nucleolar integrity, and its loss leads to nucleolar phase separation defects, ribosomal stress and activation of P53 which in turn binds to and activates 2C transcription factor Dux. LIN28 also resides in a complex containing the nucleolar factor Nucleolin (NCL) and the transcriptional repressor TRIM28, and LIN28 loss leads to reduced occupancy of the NCL/TRIM28 complex on the Dux and rDNA loci, and thus de-repressed Dux and reduced rRNA expression. Lin28 knockout cells with nucleolar stress are more likely to assume a slowly cycling, translationally inert and anabolically inactive state, which is a part of previously unappreciated 2C-like transcriptional program. These findings elucidate novel roles for nucleolar LIN28 in PSCs, and a new mechanism linking 2C program and nucleolar functions in PSCs and early embryo development.

Sequencing of 100 common variation sites of 18 deafness susceptibility genes among 16 182 individuals from Dongguan / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the type and carrier rate of deafness-related variants in Dongguan, China.@*METHODS@#A total of 16 182 subjects were screened. Heel blood samples were collected from newborns, while peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the remainders. For each individual, 100 variations of 18 deafness susceptibility genes were detected.@*RESULTS@#In total 1631 deafness-related variants (including 5 homozygous mutations) were detected, which gave a detection rate of 10.08%. The detection rate of SLC26A4 gene variants was the highest (845 cases, 5.22%), which was followed by GJB2 (673 cases, 4.16%), GJB3 (100 cases, 0.62%), TMC1 (12 cases, 0.07%), and MYO15A (1 case, 0.01%). The detection rate for GJB2 c.235delC variant was the highest (524 cases, 3.24%), which was followed by SLC26A4 IVS7-2A>G variant (270 cases, 1.67%). Thirty three individuals (0.20%) carried two variants at the same time, 7 of them (0.04%) carried compound heterozygous variants of the same gene.@*CONCLUSION@#To expand the range of screening can help with determination of the carrier status and provision of early intervention and genetic counseling for the examinees.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Père Davids deer (Elaphurus davidianus) in Jiangsu, China / Prevalência e caracterização molecular de Cryptosporidium spp. no cervo de Père David (Elaphurus davidianus) em Jiangsu, China

Abstract Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic parasite that causes diarrhea in a broad range of animals, including deer. Little is known about the prevalence and genotype of Cryptosporidium spp. in Père David's deer. In this study, 137 fecal samples from Père David's deer were collected between July 2017 and August 2018 in the Dafeng Reserve and analyzed for Cryptosporidium spp. by nested-PCR based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, followed by sequence analyses to determine the species. The 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene was used to characterize Cryptosporidium spp. Among 137 samples, 2 (1.46%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. according to SSU rRNA gene sequencing results. Both samples belonged to the Cryptosporidium deer genotype, with two nucleotide deletions and one nucleotide substitution. The prevalence data and molecular characterization of this study provide basic knowledge for controlling and preventing Cryptosporidium infections in Père David's deer in this area.

Resumo Cryptosporidium é um parasita zoonótico que causa diarreia em uma ampla gama de animais, incluindo veados. Pouco se sabe sobre a prevalência e o genótipo de Cryptosporidium spp. no cervo de Père David. Neste estudo, 137 amostras fecais do cervo de Père David foram coletadas entre julho de 2017 e agosto de 2018, na Reserva Dafeng, e analisadas para Cryptosporidium spp. por nested-PCR baseado no gene do RNA ribossômico da subunidade pequena (SSU rRNA), seguido de análises de sequências para determinar as espécies. O gene da glicoproteína de 60 kDa (gp60) foi utilizado para caracterizar Cryptosporidium spp. Dentre as 137 amostras, 2 (1,46%) foram positivas para Cryptosporidium spp. de acordo com os resultados do sequenciamento gênico de SSU rRNA. Ambas as amostras pertenciam ao genótipo do cervo Cryptosporidium, com duas deleções nucleotídicas e uma substituição nucleotídica. Os dados de prevalência e a caracterização molecular deste estudo fornecem conhecimentos básicos para controlar e prevenir infecções por Cryptosporidium nos cervos de Père David nessa.

Efeito da irrigação ultrassônica e da medicação intracanal com hidróxido de cálcio na quantidade e no metabolismo de bactérias que persistiram após o preparo dos canais radiculares de dentes com periodontite apical / Effect of ultrasonic irrigation and calcium hydroxide intracanal medication on the levels and metabolism of bacteria that persisted after root canal preparation of teeth with apical periodontitis

Estudos moleculares ressaltam as limitações do protocolo endodôntico tradicional em eliminar bactérias dos canais radiculares. Apesar do preparo químico-cirúrgico (PQC) promover uma drástica redução bacteriana, muitos canais continuam infectados após essa etapa do tratamento. Dessa forma, estudos apontam para a necessidade de complementação técnica para potencializar a desinfecção dos canais radiculares após o PQC. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo clínico foi avaliar, por métodos moleculares baseados em DNA e RNA, o efeito dos métodos complementares ao preparo na desinfecção dos canais radiculares. Coletas microbiológicas dos canais de 20 dentes unirradiculares com periodontite apical foram feitas em diferentes etapas do tratamento endodôntico: previamente ao preparo (S1); após o PQC realizado com sistema Reciproc associado à irrigação com NaOCl 2,5% (S2); após a irrigação ultrassônica passiva, denominada PUI (S3); e após a medicação intracanal à base de hidróxido de cálcio (S4). As amostras foram submetidas à extração de DNA e RNA. O RNA foi submetido à reação de transcrição reversa (RT-PCR) para confecção da fita dupla de DNA complementar (cDNA). DNA e cDNA foram submetidos a reações de qPCR, com iniciadores universais para a região 16S rRNA do domínio Bacteria. A atividade metabólica das bactérias foi verificada através da relação entre os níveis de rRNA e rDNA determinados pelos ensaios de qPCR. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de Wilcoxon para amostras pareadas (p < 0,05). As amostras S1 dos 20 casos apresentaram altos níveis de rDNA (mediana: 1,25 x 105, intervalo 1,83 x 104 - 9,2 x 106) e rRNA bacteriano (mediana: 5,47 x 105, intervalo 7,8 x 104 - 5,95 x 107). Dezessete canais (85%) apresentaram reações qPCR positivas para rDNA nas amostras pós-preparo (S2). A redução de rDNA após o preparo foi estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,0003), com mediana de 2,5 x 104 (intervalo 2,26 x 103 - 9,52 x 104) cópias de rDNA em S2. Por sua vez, os níveis de rRNA (mediana: 7,84 x 104, intervalo 2,91 x 103 - 1,09 x 106) foram maiores que os níveis de rDNA (p = 0,01), sugerindo que essas bactérias estavam metabolicamente ativas em S2. Após a PUI, o número de amostras S3 com resultados positivos para rDNA caiu para 12, representando uma redução significativa em relação às amostras S2 (p = 0,008). Além disso, a PUI promoveu uma redução significativa dos níveis de rDNA (mediana 2,94 x 103, intervalo 2,70 x 103 - 1,09 x 105) em relação à amostras S2 (p = 0,01). Na análise baseada em rRNA, os níveis em S3 (mediana: 03 x 104, intervalo 1,82 x 103 - 1,39 x 105) não apresentaram diferença significativa em comparação aos níveis de rDNA (p = 0,07), sugerindo que houve uma redução do metabolismo bacteriano após a PUI. Em S4, o número de casos positivos para rDNA bacteriano (n = 13) e os níveis de rDNA (mediana: 3,73 x 104, intervalo 1,98 x 103 - 3,21 x 105) foram ligeiramente maiores quando comparados aos valores das amostras S3, porém sem diferenças significativas. Entretanto, os níveis de rRNA (mediana: 1,08 x 105, intervalo 3,41 x 103 - 1,60 x 106) foram maiores que os de rDNA (p = 0,02) nas amostras S4, sugerindo que as bactérias retomaram sua atividade metabólica apesar do uso da medicação intracanal. Portanto, foi possível concluir que a irrigação ultrassônica passiva contribuiu para a desinfecção dos canais radiculares, promovendo uma redução do número e do metabolismo de bactérias. Por outro lado, as bactérias persistiram ativas nos canais radiculares após o uso do hidróxido de cálcio como medicação intracanal em dentes com periodontite apical.

Analysis of GJB2, SLC26A4, GJB3 and 12S rRNA gene mutations among patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss from eastern Shandong / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the characteristics of mutations of four common pathogenic genes (GJB2, SLC26A4, GJB3 and 12S rRNA) among patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) from eastern Shandong.@*METHODS@#Peripheral blood samples of 420 NSHL patients were collected, and a hereditary-deafness-gene microarray was used to detect GJB2 c.235delC, c.299-300delAT, c.35delG and c.176del16 mutations, GJB3 c.538C>T mutation, SLC26A4 c.2168A>G and c.IVS7-2A>G mutations, and 12S rRNA c.1555A>C and c.1494C>T mutations. For patients carrying single heterozygous mutations, the coding regions of the above genes were analyzed with Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#The results of the microarray assay and Sanger sequencing showed that 84 patients (20.00%) carried GJB2 mutations, with c.235delC (16.43%) and c.299-300delAT (7.86%) being most common. Seventy-five patients (17.86%) carried SLC26A4 mutations, for which c.IVS7-2A>G accounted for 15.71%. In addition, 5.95% of patients carried 12S rRNA mutations. Only one patient was found to carried GJB3 mutation (c.538C>T).@*CONCLUSION@#Common pathogenic mutations for NSHL in eastern Shandong included GJB2 c.235delC and SLC26A4 c.IVS7-2A>G. Of note, 5.95% of patients were due to 12S rRNA m.1555A>G mutation, which gave a frequency greater than other regions of China.

Identification of Candida Species Using 26S Ribosomal RNA Gene Sequencing in Patients with Periodontitis

The infection with Candida spp. for oral cavity is being increasingly reported. However, its variations have not yet been specifically described in periodontitis. The present study was conducted to use an uniplex 26S rRNA-based amplicons to detect and discriminate Candida using only one pair of ribosomal primers. A total of 50 patients with chronic periodontitis was involved in the study. Pure Candida colonies were isolated from 23 patients and genomic DNA was extracted, and PCR was conducted. Direct DNA sequencing followed by comprehensive phylogenetic analyses were performed to confirm the identity of Candida colonies. Results indicated that the ration of Candida-infected patients was 46%, with a high prevalence of C. albicans, followed by remarkably lower ratios of C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. kefyr, and C. dubliniensis respectively. Phylogenetic analyses indicated obvious discrimination amongst the analyzed Candida species as each observed species occupied a distinctive phylogenetic position. The current results reported a simple, efficient, and low-cost detection of five species of Candida without the need for other costly techniques of molecular screening. The current findings may help dentists to easily take a snapshot of the patterns of Candida infection in periodontitis cases to assess the nature and grade of infection.

Comparison of rRNA-based reverse transcription PCR and rDNA-based PCR for the detection of streptococci in root canal infections

Abstract Objective The rDNA-based method is unable to distinguish between alive and dead cells. Alternatively, bacterial viability can be assessed by molecular methods based on ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Therefore, this study aimed to detect viable streptococci in root canal samples using rRNA-based reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), compared to an rDNA-based PCR assay. Methodology Microbiological root canal samples were obtained from 32 teeth with primary endodontic infections before (S1) and after chemomechanical preparation (S2), and after removal of intracanal medication (S3). RNA and DNA were extracted, and complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized from RNA using RT reaction. cDNA and genomic DNA were subjected to PCR with primers complementary to the 16S rRNA sequences of Streptococcus spp. McNemar's test was used to compare the detection rate of both assays (P<0.05). Results Streptococci were detected in 28.12% (9/32) and 37.5% (12/32) of S1 samples using rRNA- and rDNA-based PCR assays, respectively. In contrast, they were detected in only 6.25% (2/32) of S2 samples using rRNA-based RT-PCR, compared to 15.62% (5/32) using rDNA-based PCR. Finally, in S3 samples, streptococci were not detected by rRNA, whereas rDNA-based PCR still detected the bacteria in 12.5% (4/32) of the samples. The total number of PCR-positive reactions in the rDNA-based PCR was higher than in the rRNA-based assay (P<0.05). Conclusions The rRNA-based RT-PCR showed a lower detection rate of streptococci when compared to the rDNA-based PCR, suggesting that the latter may have detected dead cells of streptococci in root canal samples.

SPORTS1.0: A Tool for Annotating and Profiling Non-coding RNAs Optimized for rRNA- and tRNA-derived Small RNAs / 基因组蛋白质组与生物信息学报·英文版

High-throughput RNA-seq has revolutionized the process of small RNA (sRNA) discovery, leading to a rapid expansion of sRNA categories. In addition to the previously well-characterized sRNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs), piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and small nucleolar RNA (snoRNAs), recent emerging studies have spotlighted on tRNA-derived sRNAs (tsRNAs) and rRNA-derived sRNAs (rsRNAs) as new categories of sRNAs that bear versatile functions. Since existing software and pipelines for sRNA annotation are mostly focused on analyzing miRNAs or piRNAs, here we developed the sRNA annotation pipelineoptimized for rRNA- and tRNA-derived sRNAs (SPORTS1.0). SPORTS1.0 is optimized for analyzing tsRNAs and rsRNAs from sRNA-seq data, in addition to its capacity to annotate canonical sRNAs such as miRNAs and piRNAs. Moreover, SPORTS1.0 can predict potential RNA modification sites based on nucleotide mismatches within sRNAs. SPORTS1.0 is precompiled to annotate sRNAs for a wide range of 68 species across bacteria, yeast, plant, and animal kingdoms, while additional species for analyses could be readily expanded upon end users' input. For demonstration, by analyzing sRNA datasets using SPORTS1.0, we reveal that distinct signatures are present in tsRNAs and rsRNAs from different mouse cell types. We also find that compared to other sRNA species, tsRNAs bear the highest mismatch rate, which is consistent with their highly modified nature. SPORTS1.0 is an open-source software and can be publically accessed at https://github.com/junchaoshi/sports1.0.

Genotypic Identification of Cystoisospora in Immunocompromised Patients Using T(m)-Variation Analysis

Cystoisospora is responsible for morbidity in immunocompromised patients. PCR is sensitive for diagnosing Cystoisospora; however, it needs reevaluation for differential molecular diagnosis of cystoisosporiasis. We aimed at evaluating melting curve analysis (MCA) after real-time PCR (qPCR) in diagnosis and genotyping of Cystoisospora as an alternative to conventional PCR. We included 293 diarrheic stool samples of patients attending the Department of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine of Cairo University Hospitals, Egypt. Samples were subjected to microscopy, nested PCR (nPCR), and qPCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2) of the ribosomal RNA (r RNA) gene followed by melting temperatures (T(m)s) analysis and comparing the results to PCR-RFLP banding patterns. Using microscopy and ITS2-nPCR, 3.1% and 5.8% of cases were Cystoisospora positive, respectively, while 10.9% were positive using qPCR. Genotyping of Cystoisospora by qPCR-MCA revealed 2 genotypes. These genotypes matched with 2 distinct melting peaks with specified T(m)s at 85.8°C and 88.6°C, which indicated genetic variation among Cystoisospora isolates in Egypt. Genotype II proved to be more prevalent (65.6%). HIV-related Kaposi sarcoma and leukemic patients harbored both genotypes with a tendency to genotype II. Genotype I was more prevalent in lymphomas and mammary gland tumors while colorectal and hepatocellular tumors harbored genotype II suggesting that this genotype might be responsible for the development of cystoisosporiasis in immunocompromised patients. Direct reliable identification and differentiation of Cystoisospora species could be established using qPCR-T(m)s analysis which is useful for rapid detection and screening of Cystoisospora genotypes principally in high risk groups.

Heterochromatin base pair composition and diversification in holocentric chromosomes of kissing bugs (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

The subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) includes 150 species of blood-sucking insects, vectors of Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis. Karyotypic information reveals a striking stability in the number of autosomes. However, this group shows substantial variability in genome size, the amount and distribution of C-heterochromatin, and the chromosome positions of 45S rDNA clusters. Here, we analysed the karyotypes of 41 species from six different genera with C-fluorescence banding in order to evaluate the base-pair richness of heterochromatic regions. Our results show a high heterogeneity in the fluorescent staining of the heterochromatin in both autosomes and sex chromosomes, never reported before within an insect subfamily with holocentric chromosomes. This technique allows a clear discrimination of the heterochromatic regions classified as similar by C-banding, constituting a new chromosome marker with taxonomic and evolutionary significance. The diverse fluorescent patterns are likely due to the amplification of different repeated sequences, reflecting an unusual dynamic rearrangement in the genomes of this subfamily. Further, we discuss the evolution of these repeated sequences in both autosomes and sex chromosomes in species of Triatominae.

Prevalence of mitochondrial DNA mutations in sporadic patients with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss / Prevalência de mutações no DNA mitocondrial em pacientes esporádicos com deficiência auditiva sensorioneural não sindrômica

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Several mitochondrial DNA mutations have been reported to be associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss in several families. However, little is known about the prevalence of these mutations in sporadic patients with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to investigate the incidence of these mitochondrial DNA mutations in such population. METHODS: A total of 178 sporadic patients with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood sample. We employed the SNaPshot(r) sequencing method to detect five mitochondrial DNA mutations, including A1555G and A827G in 12S rRNA gene and A7445G, 7472insC, and T7511C in tRNASerUCN gene. Meanwhile, we used polymerase chain reaction and sequenced the products to screen GJB2 gene mutations in patients carrying mitochondrial DNA mutations. RESULTS: We failed to detect the presence of A1555G mutation in 12S rRNA gene, and of A7445G, 7472insC, T7511C mutations in tRNASerUCN gene in our population. However, we found that 6 patients (3.37%) were carriers of a homozygous A827G mutation and one of them also carried homozygous GJB2 235delC mutation. CONCLUSION: Our findings in the present study indicate that even in sporadic patients with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss, mitochondrial DNA mutations might also contribute to the clinical phenotype.

Resumo Introdução: Diversas mutações do DNA mitocondrial tem sido descritas, em diferentes famílias, associadas à deficiência auditiva não sindrômica. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobrea prevalência dessas mutações em pacientes esporádicos com deficiência auditiva sensorioneural não sindrômica. Objetivo: A finalidade do nosso estudo foi investigar a incidência dessas mutações no DNA mitocondrial nessa população. Método: No total, 178 pacientes esporádicos com deficiência auditiva sensorioneural não sindrômica foram recrutados para participação no estudo. O DNA genômico foi extraído de amostra, de sangue periférico. Utilizamos o método de sequenciamento SNaPshot(r) para detecção de cinco mutações do DNA mitocondrial: A1555G e A827G no gene 12S rRNA e A7445G, 7472insCe T7511C no gene tRNASerUCN. Paralelamente, utilizamos a reação de polimerase em cadeia e sequenciamos os produtos para triagem das mutações no gene GJB2 nos pacientes portadores de mutações no DNA mitocondrial. Resultados: Em nossa população, não conseguimos detectar a presença da mutação A1555G no gene 12S rRNA e nem as mutações A7445G, 7472insC e T7511C no gene tRNASerUCN. Entretanto, constatamos que seis pacientes (3,37%) eram portadores da mutação homozigota A827G; e um deles também portava a mutação homozigota GJB2 235delC. Conclusão: Nossos achados no presente estudo indicam que, mesmo em pacientes esporádicos com deficiência auditiva sensorioneural não sindrômica, as mutações do DNA mitocondrial também podem contribuir para o fenótipo clínico.

Parkinson's disease and nucleolar stress / 中华医学遗传学杂志

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized mainly by motor dysfunction resulting in bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, gait impairment, and postural instability. The classic pathogenic feature of PD is preferential loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Downregulation of rRNA transcription is one of major mechanisms to maintain cellular homeostasis under stress conditions. Nucleolar stress has emerged as a component of the degenerative process caused by impaired rRNA transcription and altered nucleolar integrity. Recent study has indicated that the response to stress conditions and quality control mechanisms are impaired in PD, and that metabolic stress may be a trigger mechanism for PD. This review aims to present evidence for a role of nucleolar stress in PD and has summarized mechanisms by which nucleolar stress may play a role in the progression of PD.

A novel technique for simultaneous multi-gene mutation screening in 225 patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Using simultaneous multi-gene mutation screening to investigate the new method molecular epidemiological basis of 225 patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss in Tianjin, and verifying the for simultaneous multi-gene mutation screening.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and twenty-five patients with severe non-syndromic deafness from Tianjin CDPF and Association of the Deaf were included in the study. The single nucleotide polymorphisms scan, (SNPscan) technique was used for screening the 115 spots mutations in three common deafness-related genes (GJB2, SLC26A4, mtDNA 12S rRNA) of patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss in Tianjin. We verified the results by Sanger sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 225 patients, there were 111 cases of deafness caused by mutation (49.3%). Using this method, up to 50% of the patients in our study were identified to have hereditary HL caused by mutations in the three genes. 56 patients with the GJB2 mutations were detected (24.9%), including 30 cases of homozygous mutations (13.3%), 26 patients (11.6%) of compound heterozygous mutations, and 21 cases (9.33%) of single heterozygous mutations. 50 patients with the SLC26A4 mutations were detected (22.2%), including 22 cases of homozygous mutations(9.8%), 28 patients (12.4%) of compound heterozygous mutations, and 22 cases (9.8%) of single heterozygous mutations. mtDNA 12S rRNA A1555G mutation was detected in 5 patients (2.2%). mtDNA 12S rRNA 1494C>T mutation was not detected. We verified the results by Sanger sequencing. The accuracy of the sequencing results was 100%. The SNPscan cost eight hours and 160 yuan (each sample).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Applying SNPscan technology can be accurate, rapid and cost-effective diagnostic screening in patients with hearing loss for etiology investigation. It is expected to become an effective means of large-scale genetic testing for hereditary deafness.</p>

Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis in Communities along the Chao Phraya River, Thailand

Blastocystis is a common zoonotic enteric protozoan that has been classified into 17 distinct subtypes (STs). A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and subtype distributions of Blastocystis in villagers living along the Chao Phraya River, Ayutthaya Province, Thailand, and to assess the risk of zoonotic infection. In total, 220 stool samples were collected, and DNA was extracted. PCR and sequencing were performed with primers targeting the small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) genes. Blastocystis was present in 5.9% (13/220) of samples, and ST3 (5.0%; 11/220) was the predominant subtype, followed by ST2 (0.45%; 1/220) and ST6 (0.45%; 1/220). Phylogenetic trees were constructed with the maximum-likelihood method based on the Hasegawa–Kishino–Yano + G + I model, neighbor-joining, and maximum parsimony methods. The percentage of bootstrapped trees in which the associated taxa clustered together was relatively high. All the sequences of the Blastocystis-positive samples (KU051524–KU051536) were closely related to those from animals (pig, cattle, and chicken), indicating a zoonotic risk. Therefore, the villagers require proper health education, especially regarding the prevention of parasitic infection, to improve their personal hygiene and community health. Further studies are required to investigate the Blastocystis STs in the animals living in these villages.

Mycological and Molecular Analysis of Soil Keratinophilic Fungi Isolated in Summer Beaches of the Korean South Coast / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Some species of soil keratinophilic fungi (KPF) are known to be pathogens that may lead to cutaneous infection. People exposed to these species through direct contact with soil on beaches can contract KPF infection. However, there is little literature regarding pathogenic KPF isolated from beaches during summer time. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the distribution of soil KPF isolated from beaches in Korea during summer. METHODS: One hundred eighty soil samples from six beaches in the southern coastline of Korea under three different climatic conditions were collected. The KPF species were isolated using the hair-baiting technique. Then, molecular identification was performed by sequencing the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region to investigate the exact species of the isolated fungi. RESULTS: Among the one hundred eighty soil samples, twenty-nine strains (16.1%) of KPF were recovered. The isolation rate of KPF among the beaches varied from 0 to 34.5%. KPF was most frequently isolated in shaded dry areas (30%), followed by sunny dry areas (18.3%), and sunny wet areas (0%). Molecular identification of the fungi using rRNA ITS analysis helped in their classification. Microsporum gypseum/Arthroderma incurvatum (69.0%), Microsporum gypseum/Arthroderma gypseum (3.4%), Trichophyton ajelloi/Arthroderma uncinatum (13.8%), Microsporum cookei/Arthroderma cajetani (10.3%), and Chrysosporium indicum/Aphanoascus terreus (3.4%) were identified. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was observed at position 180 of the rRNA ITS2 in the 20 strains of Microsporum gypseum/Arthroderma incurvatum, and the species was divided into Types 1 (14 strains) and 2 (6 strains) depending on the base present at the SNP position. The geographic distribution of these two types differed. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the beach is a possible source of keratinophilic fungal infection in humans. People should be aware of pathogenic fungi on the soil of beaches during summer and take measures to prevent possible superficial fungal infections.

Characterization of pectinase activity for enology from yeasts occurring in Argentine Bonarda grape

Pectinolytic enzymes are greatly important in winemaking due to their ability to degrade pectic polymers from grape, contributing to enhance process efficiency and wine quality. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence of pectinolytic yeasts during spontaneous fermentation of Argentine Bonarda grape, to select yeasts that produce extracellular pectinases and to characterize their pectinolytic activity under wine-like conditions. Isolated yeasts were grouped using PCR-DGGE and identified by partial sequencing of 26S rRNA gene. Isolates comprised 7 genera, with Aureobasidium pullulans as the most predominant pectinolytic species, followed by Rhodotorula dairenensis and Cryptococcus saitoi. No pectinolytic activity was detected among ascomycetous yeasts isolated on grapes and during fermentation, suggesting a low occurrence of pectinolytic yeast species in wine fermentation ecosystem. This is the first study reporting R. dairenensis and Cr. saitoi species with pectinolytic activity. R. dairenensis GM-15 produced pectinases that proved to be highly active at grape pH, at 12 °C, and under ethanol and SO₂ concentrations usually found in vinifications (pectinase activity around 1.1 U/mL). This strain also produced cellulase activity at 12 °C and pH 3.5, but did not produce β-glucosidase activity under these conditions. The strain showed encouraging enological properties for its potential use in low-temperature winemaking.

Thermotolerant and mesophylic fungi from sugarcane bagasse and their prospection for biomass-degrading enzyme production

Nineteen fungi and seven yeast strains were isolated from sugarcane bagasse piles from an alcohol plant located at Brazilian Cerrado and identified up to species level on the basis of the gene sequencing of 5.8S-ITS and 26S ribosomal DNA regions. Four species were identified: Kluyveromyces marxianus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus sydowii and Aspergillus fumigatus, and the isolates were screened for the production of key enzymes in the saccharification of lignocellulosic material. Among them, three strains were selected as good producers of hemicellulolitic enzymes: A. niger (SBCM3), A. sydowii (SBCM7) and A. fumigatus (SBC4). The best β-xylosidase producer was A. niger SBCM3 strain. This crude enzyme presented optimal activity at pH 3.5 and 55 °C (141 U/g). For β-glucosidase and xylanase the best producer was A. fumigatus SBC4 strain, whose enzymes presented maximum activity at 60 °C and pH 3.5 (54 U/g) and 4.0 (573 U/g), respectively. All these crude enzymes presented stability around pH 3.0–8.0 and up to 60 °C, which can be very useful in industrial processes that work at high temperatures and low pHs. These enzymes also exhibited moderate tolerance to ethanol and the sugars glucose and xylose. These similar characteristics among these fungal crude enzymes suggest that they can be used synergistically in cocktails in future studies of biomass conversion with potential application in several biotechnological sectors.

A Case of Paenibacillus pasadenensis Bacteremia in a Patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome after Microsurgical Clipping

We report the first case of bacteremia by a novel Paenibacillus species, Paenibacillus pasadenensis, from a 55-year-old male patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome, following a microsurgical clipping procedure of a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. The bacterium was identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis, which was applied because current conventional methods employed in the clinical microbiology laboratory proved unsuccessful. Since this bacterium was first identified in 2006 and has never been reported elsewhere, we believe this report can provide practitioners with useful insight on the pathogenicity of this species.

Study of newborn hearing and genetic screening in Jinan / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>In this study, we employed newborn hearing screening and gene screening concurrently to explore the hearing loss associated with mutations in the city of Jinan.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 3 288 newborns born between March 2013 and December 2013 in Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital received hearing concurrent genetic screening. Transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) was used in rooming-in newborns, while TEOAE and auto auditory brainstem response (AABR) was used in infants in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Two drops of heel blood were harvested with filter paper. Nine mutations [GJB2 (235delC, 35delG, 299delAT, 176del16), SLC26A4 (IVS7-2A>G,2168 A>G), GJB3 (538 C>T), 12SrRNA (1555 A>G, 1494C>T)] of 4 frequent genes associated with Chinese hearing loss were determined by gene chip in these dried blood samples.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 3 288 newborns, 363 cases failed to pass the hearing screening, and 36 cases of these 363 newborns carried mutations, with a carrier rate of 9.91%. 2 925 cases passed the hearing screening, of which 113 carried mutations, with a carrier rate of 3.86%. There was a significantly statistic difference (χ2=8.67, P=0.000) in carrier rate between two groups. 149 (4.53%) infants were detected to carry at least one mutation allele,among which 113 cases passed the hearing screening and 36 cases failed. Seven cases were diagnosed to have hearing loss. Homozygous GJB2 mutation was detected in 2 cases, compound heterozygous GJB2 mutation was detected in 1 case, and heterozygous GJB2 mutation in 88 cases. There were 91 cases carried GJB2 mutations totally, with a total rate of 2.76%. There were 40 cases were detected to carry heterozygous SLC26A4 mutation, with a carrier rate of 1.22%. Nine cases had heterozygous GJB3 mutation, with a carrier rate of 0.27%. Six cases had homogeneous mitochondria 12SrRNA mutation, and 1 had heterogeneous mutations. There were 7 cases totally, with a total rate of 0.21%. 142 infants with gene mutation should be follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A follow-up system in infants, passed hearing screening,with single heterozygous mutation and mutations associated with drug-induced hearing loss, can help to detect infants with hearing defects early and effectively prevent late-onset hearing impairment.</p>

Combined hearing and deafness gene mutation screening of 11,046 Chinese newborns / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy of combined newborn hearing screening and deafness-related mutation screening.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eleven thousand and forty-six newborn babies were screened with otoacoustic emission, automatic auditory brainstem response and genetic testing using a standard protocol. Common mutations of three deafness-related genes have included GJB2 (c.235delC, c.299-300delAT), mtDNA 12srRNA (c.1494C>T, c.1555A>G) and SLC26A4 (c.2168A>G, c.IVS7-2A>G).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The detection rate for hearing loss in the first-step screening was 0.81% (90/11,046). 513 individuals were found to carry one or two mutant alleles, which gave a carrier rate of 4.64% (513/11,046). Five hundred and eighty-four newborns were positive for hearing screening and genetic screening. Among these, 19 have failed both tests, 71 have failed hearing screening, and 494 have failed genetic screening. The combined hearing and genetic screening has given a positive rate of 5.29%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Neither hearing screening nor genetic screening is sufficient to identify individuals susceptible to auditory disorders. Combined used of these methods can improve the rate of detection.</p>