scr If Scripture Is Sufficient, Why Are So Many Professing Believers Looking for Something More? By feeds.gty.org Published On :: Fri, 11 Oct 2019 00:00:00 PST Today the shelves of Christian bookstores sag under the weight of devotionals, guidebooks, and manuals purporting to help you hear and understand what God has to say to you personally. Wildly popular books like Experiencing God and Jesus Calling encourage believers to look beyond the confines of Scripture for fresh words from God.READ MORE Full Article
scr Why Be So Passionate About the Sufficiency of Scripture? By feeds.gty.org Published On :: Mon, 14 Oct 2019 00:00:00 PST Biblical sufficiency has been the heartbeat of John MacArthur’s teaching—he has continually used Scripture to interpret, defend, and illustrate itself throughout his five decades of ministry. With the conference fast approaching, we recently asked John why he remains so relentless in his defense of the absolute sufficiency of Scripture.READ MORE Full Article
scr To mask or not to mask? World leaders scrutinised over face coverings By www.scmp.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 02:17:57 +0800 Donald Trump has not donned one. Emmanuel Macron boasted a small French flag on his. Slovakia’s president made a fashion statement by sporting a fuchsia-coloured one to match her outfit.As the world starts emerging from coronavirus lockdowns, political leaders are being closely scrutinised over their choice to wear a mask – or not – with many people questioning the seemingly mixed messages about the value of face coverings as infection barriers.Many Western governments counselled against face… Full Article
scr India’s massive repatriation effort from 12 countries begins with scramble to get on flights By www.scmp.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 11:00:10 +0800 Since Mumbai native Alex Johnson’s work contract in Saudi Arabia ended more than a month ago, the former cashier in a restaurant has been surviving on one meal a day to make his funds last while waiting to return to India.The 35-year-old, who did not want to use his real name out of concerns there might be repercussions from his former employer, is desperate to see his two-year-old son.In Singapore, Ramya Rekha Chola who is 29 weeks pregnant needs to return to Kurnool in southern India at least… Full Article
scr When you're sick and facing discrimination By www.nation.co.ke Published On :: 2020-12-08T15:00:34Z Studies show black people are less likely to get adequate pain drugs compared to whites Full Article
scr 'Cartels are scrambling': Lockdown hits the global drug trade By www.smh.com.au Published On :: Mon, 20 Apr 2020 06:30:03 GMT Traffic over the Mexican-US border has slowed and supplies from China have dried up, but the drug cartels are still finding a way to sell their wares. Full Article
scr To mask or not to mask? World leaders scrutinised over face coverings By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Sat, 09 May 2020 06:00:00 +0500 PARIS: Donald Trump has not donned one. Emmanuel Macron boasted a small French flag on his. Slovakia´s president made a fashion statement by sporting a fuchsia-coloured one to match her outfit.As the world starts emerging from coronavirus lockdowns, political leaders are being closely... Full Article
scr What’s next for supply chains scrambled by the pandemic? -- by Bart Édes By blogs.adb.org Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2020 15:47:41 +0800 The pandemic has highlighted the shortcomings of the globalized supply chain model. Full Article
scr Chandigarh Board scraps housing scheme amid poor response By www.indianrealtynews.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2020 19:58:17 +0000 The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) has terminated its housing scheme, which was announced last year, amid poor response. Applicants who were picked on the basis of a demand survey will get their paid amounts refunded while a new scheme is framed. The housing scheme in Chandigarh, which would have offered homes in Sector 53, has reportedly been scrapped by the housing board, CHB. Officials have been asked by the government to frame a new, which would be more affordable. The scheme was criticised for being so expensive. For 492 flats, Chandigarh Housing Scheme received only 178 applications despite the board reducing the prices of the flats twice and also extending the […] Full Article Chandigarh
scr Dentons advises Danescroft Land on acquisition of mixed-use site in St Leonards-on-Sea for development By www.dentons.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT Dentons has advised real estate developer Danescroft Land Limited, as part of a joint venture with Bridges Fund Management, on the acquisition of Ashdown House in Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea for future redevelopment. Full Article Real Estate Real Estate in the United Kingdom Corporate Corporate in the United Kingdom Construction Construction in the United Kingdom United Kingdom London Glasgow Edinburgh
scr mXT2912TD Touchscreen Controller Product Datasheet_V2.0.pdf By ww1.microchip.com Published On :: 5/4/2020 4:46:22 PM mXT2912TD Touchscreen Controller Product Datasheet_V2.0.pdf Full Article
scr mXT2113TD Touchscreen Controller Product Datasheet_V2.0.pdf By ww1.microchip.com Published On :: 5/4/2020 8:44:16 PM mXT2113TD Touchscreen Controller Product Datasheet_V2.0.pdf Full Article
scr SAMRH71 Using ICC and ECC for Efficient Memory Scrubbing By www.microchip.com Published On :: 4/7/2020 5:25:14 PM SAMRH71 Using ICC and ECC for Efficient Memory Scrubbing Full Article
scr Scratching is contagious among strangers – if you are an orangutan By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Fri, 01 May 2020 23:57:51 +0000 For orangutans, scratching is contagious – but unexpectedly, the behaviour is transmitted more between individuals that do not know each other well Full Article
scr Microwaved bamboo could be used to build super-strong skyscrapers By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Fri, 24 Apr 2020 16:41:38 +0000 Bamboo is a renewable material that when microwaved becomes stronger by weight than steel or concrete – which could make it ideal for constructing buildings, cars and planes Full Article
scr Scratching is contagious among strangers – if you are an orangutan By www.newscientist.com Published On :: Fri, 01 May 2020 23:57:51 +0000 For orangutans, scratching is contagious – but unexpectedly, the behaviour is transmitted more between individuals that do not know each other well Full Article
scr Is Thyroid Hormone Dangerously Overprescribed in Older Patients? By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Thu, 2 Apr 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Is Thyroid Hormone Dangerously Overprescribed in Older Patients?Category: Health NewsCreated: 4/1/2020 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 4/2/2020 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr Less Sun a Better Bet Than Sunscreens By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Less Sun a Better Bet Than SunscreensCategory: Health NewsCreated: 5/4/2007 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 5/4/2007 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr Single Screening Cuts Colon Cancer Risk By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Single Screening Cuts Colon Cancer RiskCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/28/2010 9:17:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 4/28/2010 9:17:17 AM Full Article
scr HPV Test Beats Pap Smear for Cancer Screening By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: HPV Test Beats Pap Smear for Cancer ScreeningCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/28/2010 12:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 4/29/2010 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr Gender Gap in Prescription Pain Drug Abuse By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Gender Gap in Prescription Pain Drug AbuseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/30/2010 11:54:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 4/30/2010 11:54:36 AM Full Article
scr Quick Screening May Help Spot Autism in Babies By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Quick Screening May Help Spot Autism in BabiesCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/28/2011 10:05:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 4/28/2011 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr Routine Kidney Disease Screening Not Worthwhile, Experts Say By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Routine Kidney Disease Screening Not Worthwhile, Experts SayCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/30/2012 2:05:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 5/1/2012 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr Screening for Other Health Problems May Aid COPD Survival By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Screening for Other Health Problems May Aid COPD SurvivalCategory: Health NewsCreated: 5/4/2012 10:05:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 5/4/2012 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Set for Saturday By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Set for SaturdayCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/26/2013 12:36:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 4/29/2013 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr New Guidelines Suggest HIV Screening for All Adults By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: New Guidelines Suggest HIV Screening for All AdultsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/29/2013 6:36:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 4/30/2013 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr FDA Approves 'Morning-After' Pill Without a Prescription By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: FDA Approves 'Morning-After' Pill Without a PrescriptionCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/30/2013 8:36:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 5/1/2013 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr Keep Prescription Drugs Secure From Teens: Expert By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Keep Prescription Drugs Secure From Teens: ExpertCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/25/2014 2:35:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 4/28/2014 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr More STD Screening on Horizon for Women? By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: More STD Screening on Horizon for Women?Category: Health NewsCreated: 4/28/2014 5:36:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 4/29/2014 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr Preschoolers Getting Too Much Screen Time: Survey By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Preschoolers Getting Too Much Screen Time: SurveyCategory: Health NewsCreated: 5/2/2014 12:36:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 5/2/2014 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr Heroin Use Surges Among Whites Who Abuse Prescription Painkillers By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Heroin Use Surges Among Whites Who Abuse Prescription PainkillersCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/30/2015 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 5/1/2015 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr A Toddler's Screen Time Tied to Speech Delay By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: A Toddler's Screen Time Tied to Speech DelayCategory: Health NewsCreated: 5/4/2017 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 5/4/2017 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr VA Doctors Prescribing Unnecessary Antibiotics, Study Says By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: VA Doctors Prescribing Unnecessary Antibiotics, Study SaysCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/26/2019 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 4/29/2019 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr A Heart-Healthy Prescription for America's Food System By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Sat, 9 May 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: A Heart-Healthy Prescription for America's Food SystemCategory: Health NewsCreated: 5/2/2019 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 5/3/2019 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr Screen Time for Tiniest Tots Linked to Autism-Like Symptoms By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Screen Time for Tiniest Tots Linked to Autism-Like SymptomsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/20/2020 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 4/21/2020 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr PMC Canada's Manuscript Submission System Goes Live! By www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Published On :: Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST The PMC Canada manuscript submission system was released on April 28, 2010. The system will enable researchers funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to deposit their peer-reviewed research publications, in compliance with CIHR's Policy on Access to Research Outputs. Full Article
scr NIH Author Manuscripts Available for Text Mining By www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Published On :: Mon, 11 Jan 2016 08:00:00 EST NIH-supported scientists have made over 300,000 author manuscripts available in PMC. Now NIH is making these papers accessible to the public in a format that will allow robust text analyses.You can download the PMC collection of NIH-supported author manuscripts as a package in either XML or plain-text format at ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/manuscript/. The collection encompasses all NIH manuscripts posted to PMC that were published in July 2008 or later. While the public can access the manuscripts’ full text and accompanying figures, tables, and multimedia via the PMC website, the newly available XML and plain-text files include full text only. In addition to text mining, the files may be used consistent with the principles of fair use under copyright law.Please note that these author manuscript files are not part of the PMC Open Access Subset.The NIH Office of Extramural Research developed this resource to increase the impact of NIH funding. Through this collection, scientists will be able to analyze these manuscripts, further apply NIH research findings, and generate new discoveries.For more information, please visit the PMC author manuscript collection webpage. Full Article
scr Doctors Describe First Drone Delivery of Diabetes Meds to Patient By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Doctors Describe First Drone Delivery of Diabetes Meds to PatientCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/30/2020 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/31/2020 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr Prescription-Strength Steroid Creams Sold Over-the-Counter Can Be Dangerous By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Fri, 24 Jan 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: Prescription-Strength Steroid Creams Sold Over-the-Counter Can Be DangerousCategory: Health NewsCreated: 1/23/2020 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/24/2020 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr AHA News: These Stroke Survivors May Not Be Prescribed Enough Blood Pressure Meds By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Mon, 24 Feb 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: AHA News: These Stroke Survivors May Not Be Prescribed Enough Blood Pressure MedsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/21/2020 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 2/24/2020 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr AHA News: Stroke Survivors Might Need Better Screening for Depression By www.medicinenet.com Published On :: Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:00:00 PDT Title: AHA News: Stroke Survivors Might Need Better Screening for DepressionCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/12/2020 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 2/13/2020 12:00:00 AM Full Article
scr CDK9 Blockade Exploits Context-dependent Transcriptional Changes to Improve Activity and Limit Toxicity of Mithramycin for Ewing Sarcoma By mct.aacrjournals.org Published On :: 2020-05-04T05:39:42-07:00 There is a need to develop novel approaches to improve the balance between efficacy and toxicity for transcription factor–targeted therapies. In this study, we exploit context-dependent differences in RNA polymerase II processivity as an approach to improve the activity and limit the toxicity of the EWS-FLI1–targeted small molecule, mithramycin, for Ewing sarcoma. The clinical activity of mithramycin for Ewing sarcoma is limited by off-target liver toxicity that restricts the serum concentration to levels insufficient to inhibit EWS-FLI1. In this study, we perform an siRNA screen of the druggable genome followed by a matrix drug screen to identify mithramycin potentiators and a synergistic "class" effect with cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) inhibitors. These CDK9 inhibitors enhanced the mithramycin-mediated suppression of the EWS-FLI1 transcriptional program leading to a shift in the IC50 and striking regressions of Ewing sarcoma xenografts. To determine whether these compounds may also be liver protective, we performed a qPCR screen of all known liver toxicity genes in HepG2 cells to identify mithramycin-driven transcriptional changes that contribute to the liver toxicity. Mithramycin induces expression of the BTG2 gene in HepG2 but not Ewing sarcoma cells, which leads to a liver-specific accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). siRNA silencing of BTG2 rescues the induction of ROS and the cytotoxicity of mithramycin in these cells. Furthermore, CDK9 inhibition blocked the induction of BTG2 to limit cytotoxicity in HepG2, but not Ewing sarcoma cells. These studies provide the basis for a synergistic and less toxic EWS-FLI1–targeted combination therapy for Ewing sarcoma. Full Article
scr Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Dental Hygienists Regarding Diabetes Risk Assessments and Screenings By jdh.adha.org Published On :: 2020-04-30T12:39:03-07:00 Purpose: Untreated and poorly controlled diabetes causes increased levels of blood glucose associated with poor periodontal disease outcomes. Dental hygienists can play a significant role in screening patients for diabetes mellitus, leading to referral and early diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers faced by clinical dental hygienists regarding diabetes risk assessment and screenings.Methods: A mixed method design was used with a convenience sample of dental hygienists in clinical practice (n=316). A 32 item, electronic survey was validated at item-level, and participants were recruited through multiple dental hygiene Facebook groups. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The survey also included two open-ended attitude questions that were interpreted using thematic analysis to pinpoint common patterns within the data.Results: Dental hygienists had high knowledge scores regarding diabetes and oral health, although many were unaware of their states' specific statutes and regulations for screening practices. Nearly all (95.9%), were likely to educate and refer patients (82%), although fewer than half (40.9%), were likely to perform chairside screening for diabetes. Emergent themes for barriers to screening were time, money, patient acceptance/willingness, lack of education, not having the proper tools, and states' rules and regulations.Conclusion: Despite high knowledge scores regarding diabetes and oral health, there is a gap in regards to dental hygienists' willingness to perform diabetes screenings in a clinical setting. Dental hygienists should be capable of integrating chairside diabetes screening practices into the process of care with proper training. Full Article
scr A Polar Flagellar Transcriptional Program Mediated by Diverse Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems and Basal Flagellar Proteins Is Broadly Conserved in Polar Flagellates By mbio.asm.org Published On :: 2020-03-03T01:30:27-08:00 ABSTRACT Bacterial flagella are rotating nanomachines required for motility. Flagellar gene expression and protein secretion are coordinated for efficient flagellar biogenesis. Polar flagellates, unlike peritrichous bacteria, commonly order flagellar rod and hook gene transcription as a separate step after production of the MS ring, C ring, and flagellar type III secretion system (fT3SS) core proteins that form a competent fT3SS. Conserved regulatory mechanisms in diverse polar flagellates to create this polar flagellar transcriptional program have not been thoroughly assimilated. Using in silico and genetic analyses and our previous findings in Campylobacter jejuni as a foundation, we observed a large subset of Gram-negative bacteria with the FlhF/FlhG regulatory system for polar flagellation to possess flagellum-associated two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs). We present data supporting a general theme in polar flagellates whereby MS ring, rotor, and fT3SS proteins contribute to a regulatory checkpoint during polar flagellar biogenesis. We demonstrate that Vibrio cholerae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa require the formation of this regulatory checkpoint for the TCSs to directly activate subsequent rod and hook gene transcription, which are hallmarks of the polar flagellar transcriptional program. By reprogramming transcription in V. cholerae to more closely follow the peritrichous flagellar transcriptional program, we discovered a link between the polar flagellar transcription program and the activity of FlhF/FlhG flagellar biogenesis regulators in which the transcriptional program allows polar flagellates to continue to produce flagella for motility when FlhF or FlhG activity may be altered. Our findings integrate flagellar transcriptional and biogenesis regulatory processes involved in polar flagellation in many species. IMPORTANCE Relative to peritrichous bacteria, polar flagellates possess regulatory systems that order flagellar gene transcription differently and produce flagella in specific numbers only at poles. How transcriptional and flagellar biogenesis regulatory systems are interlinked to promote the correct synthesis of polar flagella in diverse species has largely been unexplored. We found evidence for many Gram-negative polar flagellates encoding two-component signal transduction systems with activity linked to the formation of flagellar type III secretion systems to enable production of flagellar rod and hook proteins at a discrete, subsequent stage during flagellar assembly. This polar flagellar transcriptional program assists, in some manner, the FlhF/FlhG flagellar biogenesis regulatory system, which forms specific flagellation patterns in polar flagellates in maintaining flagellation and motility when activity of FlhF or FlhG might be altered. Our work provides insight into the multiple regulatory processes required for polar flagellation. Full Article
scr The Multifunctional Long-Distance Movement Protein of Pea Enation Mosaic Virus 2 Protects Viral and Host Transcripts from Nonsense-Mediated Decay By mbio.asm.org Published On :: 2020-03-10T01:30:41-07:00 ABSTRACT The nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway presents a challenge for RNA viruses with termination codons that precede extended 3' untranslated regions (UTRs). The umbravirus Pea enation mosaic virus 2 (PEMV2) is a nonsegmented, positive-sense RNA virus with an unusually long 3' UTR that is susceptible to NMD. To establish a systemic infection, the PEMV2 long-distance movement protein p26 was previously shown to both stabilize viral RNAs and bind them for transport through the plant’s vascular system. The current study demonstrated that p26 protects both viral and nonviral messenger RNAs from NMD. Although p26 localizes to both the cytoplasm and nucleolus, p26 exerts its anti-NMD effects exclusively in the cytoplasm independently of long-distance movement. Using a transcriptome-wide approach in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana, p26 protected a subset of cellular NMD target transcripts, particularly those containing long, structured, GC-rich 3' UTRs. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that the NMD pathway is highly dysfunctional during PEMV2 infection, with 1,820 (48%) of NMD targets increasing in abundance. Widespread changes in the host transcriptome are common during plant RNA virus infections, and these results suggest that, in at least some instances, virus-mediated NMD inhibition may be a major contributing factor. IMPORTANCE Nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) represents an RNA regulatory pathway that degrades both natural and faulty messenger RNAs with long 3' untranslated regions. NMD targets diverse families of RNA viruses, requiring that viruses counteract the NMD pathway for successful amplification in host cells. A protein required for long-distance movement of Pea enation mosaic virus 2 (PEMV2) is shown to also protect both viral and host mRNAs from NMD. RNA-seq analyses of the Nicotiana benthamiana transcriptome revealed that PEMV2 infection significantly impairs the host NMD pathway. RNA viruses routinely induce large-scale changes in host gene expression, and, like PEMV2, may use NMD inhibition to alter the host transcriptome in an effort to increase virus amplification. Full Article
scr Norovirus Replication in Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells Is Restricted by the Interferon-Induced JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway and RNA Polymerase II-Mediated Transcriptional Responses By mbio.asm.org Published On :: 2020-03-17T01:30:14-07:00 ABSTRACT Human noroviruses (HuNoV) are a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in all age groups. The recent finding that HuNoV can be propagated in B cells and mucosa-derived intestinal epithelial organoids (IEOs) has transformed our ability to dissect the life cycle of noroviruses. Using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) of HuNoV-infected intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), we have found that replication of HuNoV in IECs results in interferon (IFN)-induced transcriptional responses and that HuNoV replication in IECs is sensitive to IFN. This contrasts with previous studies that suggested that the innate immune response may play no role in the restriction of HuNoV replication in immortalized cells. We demonstrated that inhibition of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)/JAK2 enhanced HuNoV replication in IECs. Surprisingly, targeted inhibition of cellular RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription was not detrimental to HuNoV replication but instead enhanced replication to a greater degree than blocking of JAK signaling directly. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that IECs generated from genetically modified intestinal organoids, engineered to be deficient in the interferon response, were more permissive to HuNoV infection. Taking the results together, our work revealed that IFN-induced transcriptional responses restrict HuNoV replication in IECs and demonstrated that inhibition of these responses mediated by modifications of the culture conditions can greatly enhance the robustness of the norovirus culture system. IMPORTANCE Noroviruses are a major cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, and yet the challenges associated with their growth in culture have greatly hampered the development of therapeutic approaches and have limited our understanding of the cellular pathways that control infection. Here, we show that human intestinal epithelial cells, which represent the first point of entry of human noroviruses into the host, limit virus replication by induction of innate responses. Furthermore, we show that modulating the ability of intestinal epithelial cells to induce transcriptional responses to HuNoV infection can significantly enhance human norovirus replication in culture. Collectively, our findings provide new insights into the biological pathways that control norovirus infection but also identify mechanisms that enhance the robustness of norovirus culture. Full Article
scr Global Transcriptome Analysis Identifies a Diagnostic Signature for Early Disseminated Lyme Disease and Its Resolution By mbio.asm.org Published On :: 2020-03-17T01:30:14-07:00 ABSTRACT A bioinformatics approach was employed to identify transcriptome alterations in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of well-characterized human subjects who were diagnosed with early disseminated Lyme disease (LD) based on stringent microbiological and clinical criteria. Transcriptomes were assessed at the time of presentation and also at approximately 1 month (early convalescence) and 6 months (late convalescence) after initiation of an appropriate antibiotic regimen. Comparative transcriptomics identified 335 transcripts, representing 233 unique genes, with significant alterations of at least 2-fold expression in acute- or convalescent-phase blood samples from LD subjects relative to healthy donors. Acute-phase blood samples from LD subjects had the largest number of differentially expressed transcripts (187 induced, 54 repressed). This transcriptional profile, which was dominated by interferon-regulated genes, was sustained during early convalescence. 6 months after antibiotic treatment the transcriptome of LD subjects was indistinguishable from that of healthy controls based on two separate methods of analysis. Return of the LD expression profile to levels found in control subjects was concordant with disease outcome; 82% of subjects with LD experienced at least one symptom at the baseline visit compared to 43% at the early convalescence time point and only a single patient (9%) at the 6-month convalescence time point. Using the random forest machine learning algorithm, we developed an efficient computational framework to identify sets of 20 classifier genes that discriminated LD from other bacterial and viral infections. These novel LD biomarkers not only differentiated subjects with acute disseminated LD from healthy controls with 96% accuracy but also distinguished between subjects with acute and resolved (late convalescent) disease with 97% accuracy. IMPORTANCE Lyme disease (LD), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne infectious disease in the United States. We examined gene expression patterns in the blood of individuals with early disseminated LD at the time of diagnosis (acute) and also at approximately 1 month and 6 months following antibiotic treatment. A distinct acute LD profile was observed that was sustained during early convalescence (1 month) but returned to control levels 6 months after treatment. Using a computer learning algorithm, we identified sets of 20 classifier genes that discriminate LD from other bacterial and viral infections. In addition, these novel LD biomarkers are highly accurate in distinguishing patients with acute LD from healthy subjects and in discriminating between individuals with active and resolved infection. This computational approach offers the potential for more accurate diagnosis of early disseminated Lyme disease. It may also allow improved monitoring of treatment efficacy and disease resolution. Full Article
scr The WblC/WhiB7 Transcription Factor Controls Intrinsic Resistance to Translation-Targeting Antibiotics by Altering Ribosome Composition By mbio.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-14T01:31:22-07:00 ABSTRACT Bacteria that encounter antibiotics can efficiently change their physiology to develop resistance. This intrinsic antibiotic resistance is mediated by multiple pathways, including a regulatory system(s) that activates specific genes. In some Streptomyces and Mycobacterium spp., the WblC/WhiB7 transcription factor is required for intrinsic resistance to translation-targeting antibiotics. Wide conservation of WblC/WhiB7 within Actinobacteria indicates a critical role of WblC/WhiB7 in developing resistance to such antibiotics. Here, we identified 312 WblC target genes in Streptomyces coelicolor, a model antibiotic-producing bacterium, using a combined analysis of RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing. Interestingly, WblC controls many genes involved in translation, in addition to previously identified antibiotic resistance genes. Moreover, WblC promotes translation rate during antibiotic stress by altering the ribosome-associated protein composition. Our genome-wide analyses highlight a previously unappreciated antibiotic resistance mechanism that modifies ribosome composition and maintains the translation rate in the presence of sub-MIC levels of antibiotics. IMPORTANCE The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is one of the top threats in human health. Therefore, we need to understand how bacteria acquire resistance to antibiotics and continue growth even in the presence of antibiotics. Streptomyces coelicolor, an antibiotic-producing soil bacterium, intrinsically develops resistance to translation-targeting antibiotics. Intrinsic resistance is controlled by the WblC/WhiB7 transcription factor that is highly conserved within Actinobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here, identification of the WblC/WhiB7 regulon revealed that WblC/WhiB7 controls ribosome maintenance genes and promotes translation in the presence of antibiotics by altering the composition of ribosome-associated proteins. Also, the WblC-mediated ribosomal alteration is indeed required for resistance to translation-targeting antibiotics. This suggests that inactivation of the WblC/WhiB7 regulon could be a potential target to treat antibiotic-resistant mycobacteria. Full Article
scr Ahr1 and Tup1 Contribute to the Transcriptional Control of Virulence-Associated Genes in Candida albicans By mbio.asm.org Published On :: 2020-04-28T01:30:42-07:00 ABSTRACT The capacity of Candida albicans to reversibly change its morphology between yeast and filamentous stages is crucial for its virulence. Formation of hyphae correlates with the upregulation of genes ALS3 and ECE1, which are involved in pathogenicity processes such as invasion, iron acquisition, and host cell damage. The global repressor Tup1 and its cofactor Nrg1 are considered to be the main antagonists of hyphal development in C. albicans. However, our experiments revealed that Tup1, but not Nrg1, was required for full expression of ALS3 and ECE1. In contrast to NRG1, overexpression of TUP1 was found to inhibit neither filamentous growth nor transcription of ALS3 and ECE1. In addition, we identified the transcription factor Ahr1 as being required for full expression of both genes. A hyperactive version of Ahr1 bound directly to the promoters of ALS3 and ECE1 and induced their transcription even in the absence of environmental stimuli. This regulation worked even in the absence of the crucial hyphal growth regulators Cph1 and Efg1 but was dependent on the presence of Tup1. Overall, our results show that Ahr1 and Tup1 are key contributors in the complex regulation of virulence-associated genes in the different C. albicans morphologies. IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is a major human fungal pathogen and the leading cause of systemic Candida infections. In recent years, Als3 and Ece1 were identified as important factors for fungal virulence. Transcription of both corresponding genes is closely associated with hyphal growth. Here, we describe how Tup1, normally a global repressor of gene expression as well as of filamentation, and the transcription factor Ahr1 contribute to full expression of ALS3 and ECE1 in C. albicans hyphae. Both regulators are required for high mRNA amounts of the two genes to ensure functional relevant protein synthesis and localization. These observations identified a new aspect of regulation in the complex transcriptional control of virulence-associated genes in C. albicans. Full Article
scr We need equity-oriented solutions to COVID-19: Asians facing stigma, discrimination, fear during pandemic By thenationshealth.aphapublications.org Published On :: 2020-05-01T05:00:17-07:00 APHA member Elena Ong, PHN, MS, past president and founding CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander Caucus for Public Health, a recent APHA Executive Board member, and a past vice president of the Southern California Public Health Association, discusses discrimination against Asians in the U.S. and beyond. Full Article