CRISPR-based functional profiling of the Toxoplasma gondii genome during acute murine infection.

Examining host-pathogen interactions in animals can capture aspects of infection that are obscured in cell culture. Using CRISPR-based screens, we functionally profile the entire genome of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii during murine infection. Barcoded gRNAs enabled bottleneck detection and mapping of population structures within parasite lineages.

Effects of land-use types and the exotic species, , on plant diversity in human-transformed landscapes of the biosphere reserve, Jeju Island, Korea.

Land-use and plant invasion influence biodiversity. Understanding the effects of land-use types and invasive plants on the ecosystem is crucial for better management and the development of strategic plans for increasing biodiversity in Jeju Island, Korea, a designated Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. The effect of the most dominant invasive exotic species, , on the four land-use types of Jeju Island was investigated.

Identification of major histocompatibility complex genotypes associated with resistance to an amphibian emerging infectious disease.

Amphibian chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), emerged from Asia and spread globally. By comparing functional MHC IIß1 alleles from an Asian Bd-resistant anuran species (Bufo gargarizans) with those of an Australasian Bd-susceptible species (Litoria caerulea), we identified MHC genotypes associated with Bd resistance. These alleles encode a glycine deletion (G90β1) and adjacent motifs in the deepest pathogen-derived peptide-binding groove.

How do we improve the translation of new evidence into the practice of hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy?

The field of hematopoietic cell transplantation and cell therapy (HCT/CT) is advancing rapidly to bring an ever-expanding collection of potentially curative therapies to patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases. The impact of these therapies depends on our ability to implement them as new evidence becomes available to advance the quality of care. There is often a long delay between evidence development and adoption of therapies based on that evidence into clinical practice.

A positive feedback loop controls Toxoplasma chronic differentiation.

Successful infection strategies must balance pathogen amplification and persistence. In the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii this is accomplished through differentiation into dedicated cyst-forming chronic stages that avoid clearance by the host immune system. The transcription factor BFD1 is both necessary and sufficient for stage conversion; however, its regulation is not understood.

Divergent allele advantage in the MHC and amphibian emerging infectious disease.

Genetic variation in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) may be associated with resistance to the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). The pathogen originated in Asia, then spread worldwide, causing amphibian population declines and species extinctions. We compared the expressed MHC IIβ1 alleles of a Bd-resistant species, Bufo gargarizans, from South Korea with those of a Bd-susceptible Australasian species, Litoria caerulea.

Functional profiling of the genome during acute mouse infection.

Within a host, pathogens encounter a diverse and changing landscape of cell types, nutrients, and immune responses. Examining host-pathogen interactions in animal models can therefore reveal aspects of infection absent from cell culture. We use CRISPR-based screens to functionally profile the entire genome of the model apicomplexan parasite during mouse infection.

Novel chytrid pathogen variants and the global amphibian pet trade.

Global wildlife trade spreads emerging infectious diseases that threaten biodiversity. The amphibian chytrid pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused population declines and species extinctions worldwide except in Asia. Fire-bellied toads (Bombina orientalis), exported in large numbers from Asia, are tolerant of Bd and carry hypervirulent ancestral chytrid BdAsia-1 variants.

Phylogeographic study of the species complex, with emphasis on Northeast Asia.

We conduct a phylogeographic and population genetic study of the Asiatic toad () to understand its evolutionary history, and the influence of geology and climate. A total of 292 individuals from 94 locations were genotyped for two mitochondrial loci (, ) and five nuclear introns (, , , , and ), and we performed a suite of phylogenetic, population genetic, and divergence dating analyses. The phylogenetic trees constructed using mitochondrial loci inferred being divided into two major groups: China mainland and Northeast Asia (Northeast China, Russia, and Korean Peninsula).

A New Scope of Practice: Adult Pulmonary Aspiration Managed With a Pediatric Gastroscope: A Case Report.

Pulmonary aspiration continues to be a major cause of anesthesia-related mortality. Anesthesiologists are encouraged to perform bronchoscopy to manage aspiration of particulate matter; however, they have limited training and experience in clearing luminal obstructions endoscopically. In our report, an adult with achalasia aspirated during induction for a per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), resulting in desaturation and high airway pressures.

Toxoplasma gondii exploits the host ESCRT machinery for parasite uptake of host cytosolic proteins.

Toxoplasma gondii is a master manipulator capable of effectively siphoning the resources from the host cell for its intracellular subsistence. However, the molecular underpinnings of how the parasite gains resources from its host remain largely unknown. Residing within a non-fusogenic parasitophorous vacuole (PV), the parasite must acquire resources across the limiting membrane of its replicative niche, which is decorated with parasite proteins including those secreted from dense granules.

Early-diverging fungal phyla: taxonomy, species concept, ecology, distribution, anthropogenic impact, and novel phylogenetic proposals.

The increasing number of new fungal species described from all over the world along with the use of genetics to define taxa, has dramatically changed the classification system of early-diverging fungi over the past several decades. The number of phyla established for non-Dikarya fungi has increased from 2 to 17. However, to date, both the classification and phylogeny of the basal fungi are still unresolved.

Coevolution between MHC Class I and Antigen-Processing Genes in Salamanders.

Proteins encoded by antigen-processing genes (APGs) provide major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC-I) with antigenic peptides. In mammals, polymorphic multigenic MHC-I family is served by monomorphic APGs, whereas in certain nonmammalian species both MHC-I and APGs are polymorphic and coevolve within stable haplotypes. Coevolution was suggested as an ancestral gnathostome feature, presumably enabling only a single highly expressed classical MHC-I gene.

Inferior Vena Cava Obstruction Following Surgical Repair of a Secundum Atrial Septal Defect.

Obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) following surgical repair of an atrial septal defect (ASD) is a rare complication. We present the case of a patient who developed IVC obstruction following surgical repair of a large secundum ASD. The diagnostic and management approaches used to care for this patient are discussed.

Project Baby Bear: Rapid precision care incorporating rWGS in 5 California children's hospitals demonstrates improved clinical outcomes and reduced costs of care.

Genetic disorders are a leading contributor to mortality in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (ICUs). Rapid whole-genome sequencing (rWGS)-based rapid precision medicine (RPM) is an intervention that has demonstrated improved clinical outcomes and reduced costs of care. However, the feasibility of broad clinical deployment has not been established.

High-Resolution Mapping of Transcription Initiation in the Asexual Stages of .

is a common parasite of humans and animals, causing life-threatening disease in the immunocompromized, fetal abnormalities when contracted during gestation, and recurrent ocular lesions in some patients. Central to the prevalence and pathogenicity of this protozoan is its ability to adapt to a broad range of environments, and to differentiate between acute and chronic stages. These processes are underpinned by a major rewiring of gene expression, yet the mechanisms that regulate transcription in this parasite are only partially characterized.

Molecular Evolution of Antigen-Processing Genes in Salamanders: Do They Coevolve with MHC Class I Genes?

Proteins encoded by antigen-processing genes (APGs) prepare antigens for presentation by the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecules. Coevolution between APGs and MHC I genes has been proposed as the ancestral gnathostome condition. The hypothesis predicts a single highly expressed MHC I gene and tight linkage between APGs and MHC I.

Structural implications of traditional agricultural landscapes on the functional diversity of birds near the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

Bird assemblages are sensitive to changes in landscape composition and the environment, such as those that result from drought. In this study, the relationship between landscape composition and avian functional diversity in traditional agricultural ecosystems in the Civilian Control Zone (CCZ) of Korea was examined. In addition, the resilience of biodiversity to changes in landscape elements resulting from drought conditions was investigated.

Alteration of genetic recombination and double-strand break repair in human cells by progerin expression.

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare autosomal, dominant genetic condition characterized by many features of accelerated aging. On average, children with HGPS live to about fourteen years of age. The syndrome is commonly caused by a point mutation in the LMNA gene which normally codes for lamin A and its splice variant lamin C, components of the nuclear lamina.

A survey of obstetricians' attitudes to induction of labour at 39 weeks gestation with the intention of reducing caesarean section rates.

Background: Induction of labour (IOL) and caesarean section (CS) rates continue to increase in Australia, New Zealand and globally. There is evidence that CS rates are decreased in the context of medically indicated and elective IOL; therefore, the emerging concept of using IOL as means of preventing CS warrants investigation.

Aims: To assess obstetricians' opinions of elective IOL at 39 weeks gestation, its feasibility, generalisability and utility as a means of preventing CS in Australia and New Zealand.

A New Standard in Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis? An Introduction to Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network 1703.

Effective immunosuppressive regimens to prevent the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are essential to the success of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). After revolutionizing haploidentical transplantation, post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is now being evaluated for HCT performed from related and unrelated donors. In this setting, 2 recent randomized studies have demonstrated lower rates of GVHD and superior GVHD-free, relapse-free survival with PTCy compared with conventional GVHD prophylaxis.