Full-length agave transcriptome reveals candidate glycosyltransferase genes involved in hemicellulose biosynthesis.

Agave species are typical crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants commonly cultivated to produce beverages, fibers, and medicines. To date, few studies have examined hemicellulose biosynthesis in Agave H11648, which is the primary cultivar used for fiber production. We conducted PacBio sequencing to obtain full-length transcriptome of five agave tissues: leaves, shoots, roots, flowers, and fruits. A total of 41,807 genes were generated, with a mean length of 2394 bp and an annotation rate of 97.12 % using public databases. We identified 42 glycosyltransferase genes related to hemicellulose biosynthesis, including mixed-linkage glucan (1), glucomannan (5), xyloglucan (16), and xylan (20). Their expression patterns were examined during leaf development and fungal infection, together with hemicellulose content. The results revealed four candidate glycosyltransferase genes involved in xyloglucan and xylan biosynthesis, including glucan synthase (CSLC), xylosyl transferase (XXT), xylan glucuronyltransferase (GUX), and xylan α-1,3-arabinosyltransferase (XAT). These genes can be potential targets for manipulating xyloglucan and xylan traits in agaves, and can also be used as candidate enzymatic tools for enzyme engineering. We have provided the first full-length transcriptome of agave, which will be a useful resource for gene identification and characterization in agave species. We also elucidated the hemicellulose biosynthesis machinery, which will benefit future studies on hemicellulose traits in agave.

Examination of Different Sporidium Numbers of Ustilago maydis Infection on Two Hungarian Sweet Corn Hybrids' Characteristics at Vegetative and Generative Stages.

Corn smut is one of the major diseases in corn production. The cob infection causes high economic and quality loss. This research investigated the effects of three different concentrations of corn smut infection (2500, 5000, and 10,000 sporidia/mL) on two Hungarian sweet corn hybrids (Desszert 73 and Noa). Plants were infected at the vegetative (V4-V5) and the generative (V7) stages. The effects of the corn smut infection were evaluated at 7 and 14 days after the pathogen infection (DAPI) at vegetative and at 21 DAPI at generative stages. The photosynthetic pigments (relative chlorophyll, chlorophyll-a and b, and carotenoids), malondialdehyde (MDA), and proline concentration, activities of the antioxidant enzymes [ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (POX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], morphological characteristics (plant height, stem and cob diameter, cob length, cob and kernel weights), mineral contents (Al, B, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Pb, S, Sr, and Zn), and quality parameters (dry matter, fiber, fat, ash, nitrogen, and protein) were measured. At both sampling times (7 and 14 DAPI) in both hybrids, the corn smut infection reduced the photosynthetic pigments (relative chlorophyll, chlorophylls-a, and b, and carotenoids) irrespective of the spore concentration. Under the same conditions, the MDA and proline contents, as well as the activities of APX, POX, and SOD increased at both sampling times. The negative effects of the corn smut infection were also observed at the generative stage. Only the 10,000 sporidia/mL of corn smut caused symptoms (tumor growth) on the cobs of both hybrids at 21 DAPI. Similarly, this treatment impacted adversely the cob characteristics (reduced cob length, kernel weight, and 100 grains fresh and dry weight) for both hybrids. In addition, crude fat and protein content, Mg, and Mn concentration of grains also decreased in both hybrids while the concentration of Al and Ca increased. Based on these results, the sweet corn hybrids were more susceptible to corn smut at the vegetative stage than at the generative stage.

Dynamic Observation of Atypical Sporotrichosis Before and After Itraconazole Treatment by Dermoscopy.

Sporotrichosis is a deep fungus infection caused by the Sporothrix. In China, the most common species is Sporothrix globosa which is difficult to treat with most antifungal drugs. Atypical clinical forms of sporotrichosis can be a hinder to clinicians for an early diagnosis and treatment. We report a case of fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis of the face caused by S. globosa in a healthy adult that was initially misdiagnosed as rosacea due to its unusual clinical features. We made an effort to dermoscopically track changes in skin lesions both before and after treatment, confirming that itraconazole was effective in the treatment of sporotrichosis.

Laryngeal Blastomycosis, an Unexpected Diagnosis: A Case Report.

Isolated laryngeal blastomycosis is an extremely rare entity with few cases described in the medical literature. Nonspecific and chronic presenting symptoms such as dysphonia, dyspnea, dysphagia, and/or cough are described, with isolated reports requiring urgent management related to respiratory distress. We present a case report of a 63-year-old immunocompetent female diagnosed with isolated laryngeal blastomycosis, document the treatment regimen and subsequent clinical course. In view of the rarity of this diagnosis, isolated laryngeal blastomycosis has the potential for clinical and pathologic misdiagnosis. Without an accurate diagnosis, blastomycosis remains untreated and the risk for airway disease progression increases.

Unusual complications of bone wax at the skull base.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the clinical presentation, microbiological profile and management of complications of bone wax usage for surgical procedures at the skull base. METHOD: The case records of a series of five patients who developed post-operative surgical site complications because of bone wax usage during skull base surgery were reviewed. RESULTS: In all five patients, persistent site-specific clinical features were noted along with intra-operative presence of excessive bone wax. Three unique cases of presentation, one with a fungal brain abscess because of Aspergillus flavus infection, another with fungal osteomyelitis because of Trichosporon beigelii infection and a third with intradural migration of bone wax into the cerebellopontine angle cistern are highlighted. CONCLUSION: The presentation of surgical site infection at the skull base because of excessive use of bone wax can be manifold. The need for testing appropriate cultures including fungal culture is highlighted.

Epidemiological and clinical comparisons of paediatric and adult sporotrichosis in Jilin Province, China.

Sporotrichosis is endemic in Jilin Province of Northeast China. While paediatric cases make a substantial contribution to the epidemiological profile of sporotrichosis, the differences in the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of sporotrichosis between paediatric and adult patients remain unclear. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 2968 cases of sporotrichosis (2113 adult patients aged ≥ 15 years and 855 paediatric patients aged < 15 years) over a nine-year period (01/01/2010-31/12/2018-). All the patients were diagnosed with sporotrichosis based on fungal culture of material from a skin lesion. In paediatric patients, the male:female ratio was 1.3:1, the incidence of sporotrichosis in the cold seasons was high (79.0%), most lesions occurred in the facial region (92.2%), and there was a preponderance of fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis (86.8%). In adult patients, the male:female ratio was 1:2.4, the incidence of sporotrichosis in the cold seasons was 66.0%, most lesions affected the extremities (48.6%) and the face (44.9%), and fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis was common (69.3%). The results indicate there were significant differences in the distribution of paediatric and adult sporotrichosis patients by sex, season with the highest occurrence of sporotrichosis, lesion sites and clinical types. Our results suggest that the epidemiology and clinical manifestations between paediatric and adult patients were different, and the route of infection of sporotrichosis in children may differ from that of adults in Jilin Province.

Participation of Clinical Pharmacists in the Therapy for a Case of AECOPD Complicated with Pulmonary In-fection / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role of clinical pharmacists in the therapy for acute exacerbation of chronic obstruc-tive pulmonary diseases (AECOPD) complicated with pulmonary infection. METHODS:Clinical pharmacists participated in the therapy for a case of acute exacerbation of AECOPD complicated with pulmonary infection. According to the patients’signs,assis-tant examination and disease condition,clinical pharmacists provided suggestions,i.e. Piperacillin sodium and sulbactam sodium for injection (4∶1) 5.0 g,ivgtt,q12 h,for anti-infective treatment;Bisacodyl enteric-coated tablet 5 mg,po,qd,for promoting defecation;Clostridium butyricum viable bacteria tablet 20 mg,po,tid,for regulating gastrointestinal flora;Pinaverium bromide tablet 50 mg,po,tid,for regulating gastrointestinal smooth muscle tension;Shexiang baoxin pills 22.5 mg,po,tid,instead of flu-id infusion for protecting heart,and isosorbide 5-mononitrate 20 mg,po,tid,for preventing angina pectoris;Cefminox capsule 100 mg,po,tid,for anti-infective treatment;fluconazol 0.4 g,ivgtt,qd,for antifungal treatment,and Bacillus licheniformis 500 mg,po, tid,for preventing alteration of intestinal flora. RESULTS:The physicians adopted clinical pharmacist’s suggestions. No ADR was found during treatment,and the patients transferred to ordinary ward after the disease condition had been controlled. CONCLU-SIONS:The participating of clinical pharmacists in pharmaceutical care can promote rational drug use in the clinic and guarantee the safety of drug use.

Population pharmacokinetics study of voriconazole and dosing regimen optimization in patients with invasive fungus infections / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole, find the factors influencing pharmacokinetics and optimize dosing regimen in patients with invasive fungus infections(IFIs). METHODS: To prospectively quantitate the relationship between VRC parameters and covariates, a population pharmacokinetics analysis was conducted on pooled data from patients with invasive fungus infections. The list of covariates tested included demographic factors, biochemistry, concomitant medications and CYP2C19 genotype. The final model was internally evaluated using bootstrap method. Monte Carlo simulation was used to evaluate the effective of currently recommended dosing regimen and to design an optimized pharmacodynamics dosing strategy for VRC. RESULTS: Four hundred and six samples from 151 patients were collected for population pharmacokinetics analysis. A one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination as the basic structural model appropriately fitted the data. VRC clearance was 6.95 L·h-1, volume of distribution was 200 L. The clearance was significantly association with age, alkaline phosphatase and CYP2C19 genotype. Bootstrap method confirmed that the pharmacokinetics parameters was accurate and the final model was robust. Monte Carlo simulation suggests that recommended dosing regimen for treat Aspegllius infections and 300 mg q12 h po or 200 mg q12 h iv. drip for treat Candida infections are effective. CONCLUSION: This study is able to show that the optimal VRC dosage regimens are successfully determined using prospective population pharmacokinetics analysis and Monte Carlo simulation.

Pancreatic paracoccidioidomycosis simulating malignant neoplasia: case report.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic granulomatous disease caused by fungus, and must be considered in the differential diagnosis of intra-abdominal tumors in endemic areas. We report a rare case of paracoccidioidomycosis in the pancreas. A 45-year-old man was referred to our institution with a 2-mo history of epigastric abdominal pain that was not diet-related, with night sweating, inappetence, weight loss, jaundice, pruritus, choluria, and acholic feces, without signs of sepsis or palpable tumors. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) showed a solid mass of approximately 7 cm × 5.5 cm on the pancreas head. Abdominal computerized tomography showed dilation of the biliary tract, an enlarged pancreas (up to 4.5 in the head region), with dilation of the major pancreatic duct. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, and the surgical description consisted of a tumor, measuring 7 to 8 cm with a poorly-defined margin, adhering to posterior planes and mesenteric vessels, showing an enlarged bile duct. External drainage of the biliary tract, Roux-en-Y gastroenteroanastomosis, lymph node excision, and biopsies were performed, but malignant neoplasia was not found. Microscopic analysis showed chronic pancreatitis and a granulomatous chronic inflammatory process in the choledochal lymph node. Acid-alcohol resistant bacillus and fungus screening were negative. Fine-needle aspiration of the pancreas was performed under US guidance. The smear was compatible with infection by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. We report a rare case of paracoccidioidomycosis simulating a malignant neoplasia in the pancreas head.

Natural occurrence of the Fusarium solani on Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) / Ocorrência natural de Fusarium solani em Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpions: Buthidae)

Members of the Fusarium solani species complex are agents of human mycoses, also affecting plants and other animals. Nevertheless, this fungus has not been reported on scorpions. Ten specimens of Tityus stigmurus collected in the field and showing their surface covered by white mycelia were used to assess fungus presence in the animal after its death. Identification of the fungi was based upon the cultural and morphological characteristics. The fungus was isolated from chelicerae and intersegmental regions. Infected individuals had their behaviour modified by reducing feeding and locomotion. None of the infected individuals survived. It is likely that this fungus may have a role in the regulation of field scorpion populations.

Ocorrência natural de Fusarium solani em Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Membros do complexo de espécies de Fusarium solani são freqüentemente referidos como agentes de micoses humanas, podendo também afetar plantas e outros animais. Contudo, esse fungo ainda não foi registrado como causador de infecções em escorpiões. Dez espécimes de Tityus stigmurus coletados em campo e apresentando micélio branco cobrindo a superfície do corpo foram usados para analisar a presença de fungo após a sua morte. A identificação do fungo foi baseada nas características da cultura e morfológicas. O fungo foi isolado de quelíceras e regiões intersegmentais. Indivíduos infectados tiveram seu comportamento modificado, reduzindo sua alimentação e locomoção. Nenhum dos indivíduos infectados sobreviveu. É possível que este fungo possa ter um papel na regulação da população de campo desse escorpião.

Fungal Infection in 81 Patients with Diabetes / 中华医院感染学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the status of fungus infection in the department of diabetes in order to analyze the risk factors,and to find out the approach for prevention.METHODS The review investigation method was used to collect clinical material of 81 cases with diabetes and fungus infection in our hospital from Jun 2002 to Jul 2007,and the result of bacterial cultures was analyzed.RESULTS The fungus infection took place more frequently in urinary tract(52.94%),then in the lungs and upper respiratory tract(27.05%).The frequently presented organism was the Candida albicans(42.35%),then C.glabrata(22.35%).CONCLUSIONS The age(≥60 years),sex,fasting plasma glucose concentration,2-hour postprandial blood glucose concentrations,the complications of chronic disease,and the long-term unreasonable use of antibiotic are the risk factors.

Nosocomial Systemic Fungus Infection: A Clinical Analysis of 496 Cases / 中华医院感染学杂志

OBJECTIVE To analyze the condition of nosocomical systemic fungus infection and make preventive and control measures against nosocomial systemic fungus infection.METHODS The 496 fungus-cultured positive cases with average age of 61.04 years old among the discharged patients from Jan 2003 to Dec 2005 were reviewed and analyzed.RESULTS The rate of nosocomical systemic fungus infection was 0.53%,from which the over 60 age senile patients accounted for 63.1%.Lower respiratory tract and urinary tract were the most frequent infection sites.The Candida albicans was accounted for 70.71%.The death rate of patients with nosocomial systemic fungus infection was 27.82%.The major correlated factors of nosocomial systemic fungus infection were the widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and not be standardized and the iatrojenic injury of respiratory and urological tracts.CONCLUSIONS The causes of nosocomial systemic fungus infection are closely related to medical treatment;the death rate of patients with nosocomial systemic fungus infection is obvious higher than that without it;to prevent and control nosocomial systemic fungus infection is the key point of nosocomial treatment.

Clinical Analysis of 18 Neonates with Deep Fungus Infection under Mechanical Ventilation / 实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To explore the clinical and pathologic characteristic of deep fungus infection under mechanical ventilation in neonate. Method The clinical datas of 18 neonates under mechanical ventilation approved with deep fungus infection by autopsy from 1985 to 2003 in our department were collected and analyzed.Results In 18 infants who survived deep fungus infection,2 cases were premature and 16 cases were mature,the birth weight and the numbers of patients were:2500 g 2 cases;Time under mechanical ventilation was 8-86 days and the average time under mechanical ventilation was 13 days. The pathogen caused deep fungus infection was Aspergillus(8/18),Candida albicans(6/18) and Mucor(4/18),respectively. The infected organ were lung(12/18),brain(2/18),liver(4/18) and gastrointestinal tract(2/18),respectively.Two of them were found been infected in lung and liver at the same time.Conclusions We must attach importance to deep fungus infection in neonate under machine ventilation.Aspergillus and Candida albicans were the main pathogen bacteria and lung was the main infected organ of neonatal deep fungus infection.Early diagnosis may be the efficiency approach to increase livability.

Fungus infection of the cornea: a review of 43 cases

Forty-three proven cases of fungus infection of the cornea have been studied in the Philippine Eye Research Institute since 1968. Clinical features that suggested the nature of the infection included the (a) history of previous ocular trauma due to some vegetable matter, (b) severity of the pain on the affected eye, (c) non-response to prolonged anti-bacterial therapy, (d) preponderance of hard ulcers indicating minimal tissue necrosis, and the (e) hypopyon, when present, tended to be stringy and well-adherent to the back surface of the corneaEtiologic diagnosis requires demonstration of the organism in smears, cultures or preferably in the biopsy specimens. For this purpose, it is advised that the specimens should include portions of the advancing borders of the lesionsFusarium and Aspergillus which are plant pathogens were the most common fungi isolated from the cases. Others included Mycelia sterila, Hormodendrum, Curvularia, Phialophora verrucosa, Cephalosporium, Paecilomyces and Candida kruseiMedical therapy of the infection was not very encouraging. Part of the reason is that while the antifungal drugs are effective in-vitro against a wide variety of fungal cultures, they poorly penetrate the cornea. Surgical excision of the lesion removed a bulk of the infecting organisms and when used in conjunction with the antimycotic drugs, the procedure helped control the infection. (Summary)

Postoperational Fungus Infection: An Analysis / 中华医院感染学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the distribution of fungus infection and risk factor of postoperation patients with tumors. METHODS We analyzed 1 256 postoperation patients in our hospital ICU from Aug 2000 to Aug 2004,and found that there were 88 fungus infection patients(7%),the pathogens were tested and analyzed. RESULTS The fungus infection,which dominated in respiratory tract and digestive tact,had an increasing tendency,the most prevalent fungus of infection was Candida albicans. CONCLUSIONS The risk factors of fungus infection are mechanical ventilation,the useness of antibiotics,radiotherapychemotherapy,and invasive treatment,it is very important to diagnose early and treat in time.

High Risk Factors for Pulmonary Fungus Infection in Intensive Care Units of Neurosurgery / 中华医院感染学杂志

OBJECTIVE By analyzing the high risk factors for pulmonary fungus infection in intensive care units of neurosurgery,this paper may be regarded as a good reference for early diagnosis and treatment. METHODS According to the domestic diagnostic standard on pulmonary fungus infection,we analyzed the clinical data of 58 patients with pulmonary fungus infection in department of neursurgery. RESULTS Totally 117 strains of fungi were isolated from the 58 cases.Candidiasis was the most frequent type,accounting for 92.3%.Some factors,such as the severity of underlying diseases,long-time coma,long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotic,abuse of glucocorticoid,the open airway and some traumatic intubations might be regarded as the high risk factors for pulmonary fungus infection.Fluconazole showed good clinical effects on the treatment of fungus infection. CONCLUSIONS It is important to eliminate the high risk factors for pulmonary fungus infection,to provide early diagnosis and to use prophylactic antifungal agent,which can reduce the incidence rate of pulmonary fungus infection.

Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor in Treatment of Malignant Hematological Diseases with Fungus Infection and Its Clinical Significance / 中华医院感染学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(rhG-CSF) combined with antifungal drugs in the treatment of malignant hematologial diseases with fungus infection.METHODS Malignant hematologial patients with fungus infection were randomized to receive fluconazole with or without rhG-CSF.(RESULTS) The response rate in patients who received fluconazole combined with rhG-CSF was 89.1% and in(control) patients was 62.8%(P