Neurospora from natural populations: Population genomics insights into the Life history of a model microbial Eukaryote

The ascomycete filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa played a historic role in experimental biology and became a model system for genetic research. Stimulated by a systematic effort to collect wild strains initiated by Stanford geneticist David Perkins, the genus Neurospora has also become a basic model for the study of evolutionary processes, speciation, and population biology. In this chapter, we will first trace the history that brought Neurospora into the era of population genomics. We will then cover the major contributions of population genomic investigations using Neurospora to our understanding of microbial biogeography and speciation, and review recent work using population genomics and genome-wide association mapping that illustrates the unique potential of Neurospora as a model for identifying the genetic basis of (potentially adaptive) phenotypes in filamentous fungi. The advent of population genomics has contributed to firmly establish Neurospora as a complete model system and we hope our review will entice biologists to include Neurospora in their research

Habitat and Host Indicate Lineage Identity in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides s.l. from Wild and Agricultural Landscapes in North America

Understanding the factors that drive the evolution of pathogenic fungi is central to revealing the mechanisms of virulence and host preference, as well as developing effective disease control measures. Prerequisite to these pursuits is the accurate delimitation of species boundaries. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides s.l. is a species complex of plant pathogens and endophytic fungi for which reliable species recognition has only recently become possible through a multi-locus phylogenetic approach. By adopting an intensive regional sampling strategy encompassing multiple hosts within and beyond agricultural zones associated with cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton), we have integrated North America strains of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides s.l. from these habitats into a broader phylogenetic framework. We delimit species on the basis of genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition (GCPSR) and quantitatively assess the monophyly of delimited species at each of four nuclear loci and in the combined data set with the genealogical sorting index (gsi). Our analysis resolved two principal lineages within the species complex. Strains isolated from cranberry and sympatric host plants are distributed across both of these lineages and belong to seven distinct species or terminal clades. Strains isolated from V. macrocarpon in commercial cranberry beds belong to four species, three of which are described here as new. Another species, C. rhexiae Ellis & Everh., is epitypified. Intensive regional sampling has revealed a combination of factors, including the host species from which a strain has been isolated, the host organ of origin, and the habitat of the host species, as useful indicators of species identity in the sampled regions. We have identified three broadly distributed temperate species, C. fructivorum, C. rhexiae, and C. nupharicola, that could be useful for understanding the microevolutionary forces that may lead to species divergence in this important complex of endophytes and plant pathogens

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a delayed, potentially life-threatening, hypersensitivity reaction characterized by a widespread, long-lasting skin eruption, fever, lymphadenopathy, hematological abnormalities, and organ involvement. Time to onset and course are relatively long; relapses may occur. Clinical and biological variability make DRESS a challenging diagnosis. Pathogenesis is not exactly known, but probably reflects a complex interplay of drug and viral-related factors in which genetics and abnormal metabolic pathways of drugs play an important role. Although associated with many drugs, DRESS is mainly observed after a limited number of “high risk” drugs. Early recognition, prompt withdrawal of the culprit, and treatment with corticosteroids are the mainstay of management.</p

Thrombocytopenia in malaria: who cares?

Despite not being a criterion for severe malaria, thrombocytopenia is one of the most common complications of both Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria. In a systematic review of the literature, platelet counts under 150,000/mm³ ranged from 24-94% in patients with acute malaria and this frequency was not different between the two major species that affected humans. Minor bleeding is mentioned in case reports of patients with P. vivax infection and may be explained by medullary compensation with the release of mega platelets in the peripheral circulation by megakaryocytes, thus maintaining a good primary haemostasis. The speculated mechanisms leading to thrombocytopenia are: coagulation disturbances, splenomegaly, bone marrow alterations, antibody-mediated platelet destruction, oxidative stress and the role of platelets as cofactors in triggering severe malaria. Data from experimental models are presented and, despite not being rare, there is no clear recommendation on the adequate management of this haematological complication. In most cases, a conservative approach is adopted and platelet counts usually revert to normal ranges a few days after efficacious antimalarial treatment. More studies are needed to specifically clarify if thrombocytopenia is the cause or consequence of the clinical disease spectrum

Tratamento do transtorno de pânico com terapia psicodramática de grupo Treatment for panic disorder with psychodramatic group therapy

INTRODUÇÃO/OBJETIVOS: Há poucos trabalhos publicados sobre psicoterapia grupal para pacientes com transtorno de pânico (TP); além disso, esses estudos geralmente são restritos a abordagens cognitivo-comportamentais. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar uma experiência de atendimento psicoterápico psicodramático grupal para portadores de TP, iniciada em 1996 na Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu/Unesp, e discutir aspectos psicodinâmicos desse transtorno. MÉTODOS: Atende-se uma média de oito a dez pacientes em sessões mensais de duas horas de duração, nas quais se utilizam técnicas psicodramáticas. O uso associado de psicofármacos é a regra. A temática é aberta, centrando-se tanto em aspectos próprios do TP (sintomas mais comuns; peregrinação em serviços médicos até o diagnóstico; preocupações hipocondríacas; limitações e dependência; reações dos familiares; estratégias de exposição e enfrentamento; efeitos e reações dos medicamentos) quanto em problemas individuais específicos. RESULTADOS: A abordagem psicodramática favorece a identificação e a elaboração de aspectos psicodinâmicos. Entre estes, destacaram-se os sentimentos de desamparo e seus desdobramentos: insegurança; fragilidade e medo; raiva e culpa; sentimentos de desamor e rejeição; vergonha e inferioridade; isolamento e dificuldade de pedir ajuda; dificuldade de identificar e de expressar sentimentos - manifestados somaticamente -; e dificuldade de assumir o papel de "cuidador" e outras responsabilidades. CONCLUSÕES: Aspectos valiosos para o tratamento do TP, como apoio mútuo, companheirismo, confiança, modelo e estímulo, são favorecidos pelo contexto grupal homogêneo. O compartilhar de experiências e sofrimentos comuns propiciou rápida coesão e suporte grupal, melhora da capacidade de expressar sentimentos e da auto-estima e o aprimoramento de papéis sociais. Além da melhora dos sintomas, possibilitou-se a melhor compreensão e elaboração destes, que passam a ser integrados significativamente no contexto existencial.<br>INTRODUCTION: There are few published articles on group psychotherapy for patients with panic disorder (PD) and usually they are restricted to the cognitive-behavioral approach. OBJECTIVE: To describe an experience of group psychodramatic therapy for PD patients, started in 1996 at Botucatu Medical School - UNESP, and discuss psychodynamic aspects of the panic disorder. METHODS: Two-hour monthly psychodramatic sessions, with an average of 8 to10 patients were carried out. The patients were usually receiving concomitantly psychopharmacological treatment. The subjects to be discussed were freely chosen, ranging from issues directly related to PD (most common symptoms, hurdles to get to a diagnosis, hypochondriac concerns, limitations and dependency, family reactions, strategies of exposure and coping, and effects of drug treatment) to individual conflicts and problems. RESULTS: The psychodramatic approach favors the identification and elaboration of psychodynamic aspects. The most common feelings observed were helplessness and other related ones, such as: insecurity; vulnerability and fear; anger and guilt; isolation and difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions (which manifested physically); and difficulty in assuming the role of caretaker and other responsibilities. CONCLUSIONS: Valuable aspects for the treatment of PD, such as mutual support, partnership, confidence, modeling and encouragement, are favored in a group setting, where sharing experiences and sufferings helped to improve the participants' self-esteem, their ability to express emotions and to play different social roles. Besides the clinical improvement, the symptoms could be better understood and elaborated, and meaningfully integrated into their life context