606 results on '"Base sequence"'
Search Results
2. Genomic sequence of five new variants of HLA-DQA1 in non-coding regions.
- Author
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Marín Rubio LA and Ontañón J
- Subjects
- Humans, Histocompatibility Testing, Spain, Sequence Analysis, DNA methods, Exons, Base Sequence, HLA-DQ alpha-Chains genetics, Alleles
- Abstract
Characterisation of HLA-DQA1*01:02:01:30, HLA-DQA1*01:03:01:14, HLA-DQA1*03:03:01:20, HLA-DQA1*04:01:01:13, HLA-DQA1*05:05:01:40 alleles in Spanish individuals., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. A Comparative Study between Spanish and British SARS-CoV-2 Variants.
- Author
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Jimenez Ruiz JA, Lopez Ramirez C, and Lopez-Campos JL
- Subjects
- Amino Acid Sequence, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 metabolism, Base Sequence, COVID-19 epidemiology, COVID-19 metabolism, COVID-19 pathology, Computational Biology, Humans, Protein Binding, SARS-CoV-2 isolation & purification, SARS-CoV-2 metabolism, Sequence Alignment, Spain epidemiology, Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus genetics, Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus metabolism, United Kingdom epidemiology, COVID-19 virology, SARS-CoV-2 genetics, SARS-CoV-2 physiology, Virus Internalization
- Abstract
The study of the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor is key to understanding binding affinity and stability. In the present report, we sought to investigate the differences between two already sequenced genome variants (Spanish and British) of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: In silico model evaluating the homology, identity and similarity in the genome sequence and the structure and alignment of the predictive spike by computational docking methods. Results: The identity results between the Spanish and British variants of the Spike protein were 28.67%. This close correspondence in the results between the Spanish and British SARS-CoV-2 variants shows that they are very similar (99.99%). The alignment obtained results in four deletions. There were 23 nucleotide substitutions also predicted which could affect the functionality of the proteins produced from this sequence. The interaction between the binding receptor domain from the spike protein and the ACE2 receptor produces some of the mutations found and, therefore, the energy of this ligand varies. However, the estimated antigenicity of the British variant is higher than its Spanish counterpart. Conclusions: Our results indicate that minimal mutations could interfere in the infectivity of the virus due to changes in the fitness between host cell recognition and interaction proteins. In particular, the N501Y substitution, situated in the RBD of the spike of the British variant, might be the reason for its extraordinary infective potential.
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- 2021
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4. Characterization of HLA-A*01:302 in two Spanish individuals by sequencing-based typing.
- Author
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Iriarte-Gahete M, García-Cuesta D, Mena-Llamas I, Pérez-Guerrero MD, and Nieto A
- Subjects
- Alleles, Base Sequence, Humans, Spain, HLA-A Antigens genetics
- Abstract
HLA-A*01:302 was likely generated by intralocus conversion between an A*01:01:01 allele and an A*29 allele., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
- Published
- 2020
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5. The complete mitochondrial genome of Talpa aquitania (Talpidae; Insectivora), a mole species endemic to northern Spain and southern France.
- Author
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Aleix-Mata G, Gutiérrez J, Ruiz-Ruano FJ, Lorite P, Marchal JA, and Sánchez A
- Subjects
- Animals, Base Sequence, Computational Biology methods, Eulipotyphla classification, France, Genes, Mitochondrial, Open Reading Frames, Phylogeny, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, Whole Genome Sequencing, Eulipotyphla genetics, Genome, Mitochondrial, Genomics methods
- Abstract
The complete mitogenome sequence of Talpa aquitania, a recently described Talpa species, was assembled using whole-genome sequencing data. It varies in length from 16,776 to 16,846 bp, contains 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, one origin of L-strand replication, and a control region. In the control region, which varied from 1320 to 1390 bp, we identified the extended termination-associated sequence (ETAS-1 and ETAS-2) and the conserved sequence blocks (CSB-1, 2, 3, B, C, D, E, F). In addition, this region includes a 10 bp tandem repeat DNA sequence, with a variable number of repeats that suggest the existence of heteroplasmy. Phylogeny reconstructions based on Maximum Likelihood, Neighbor-joining and Bayesian inference analyses yielded phylogenies with similar topologies demonstrating that T. aquitania and T. occidentalis are sister species.
- Published
- 2020
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6. Persistence of single species of symbionts across multiple closely-related host species.
- Author
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Doña J, Osuna-Mascaró C, Johnson KP, Serrano D, Aymí R, and Jovani R
- Subjects
- Animal Distribution, Animals, Base Sequence, Biodiversity, Conserved Sequence, DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic, DNA, Mitochondrial genetics, Genetic Speciation, Genetics, Population, Haplotypes genetics, Mites genetics, Sequence Alignment, Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid, Spain, Species Specificity, Host Specificity, Mites classification, Passeriformes classification, Symbiosis
- Abstract
Some symbiont species are highly host-specific, inhabiting only one or a very few host species, and typically have limited dispersal abilities. When they do occur on multiple host species, populations of such symbionts are expected to become genetically structured across these different host species, and this may eventually lead to new symbiont species over evolutionary timescales. However, a low number of dispersal events of symbionts between host species across time might be enough to prevent population structure and species divergence. Overall, processes of evolutionary divergence and the species status of most putative multi-host symbiont systems are yet to be investigated. Here, we used DNA metabarcoding data of 6,023 feather mites (a total of 2,225 OTU representative sequences) from 147 infracommunities (i.e., the assemblage consisting of all mites of different species collected from the same bird host individual) to investigate patterns of population genetic structure and species status of three different putative multi-host feather mite species Proctophyllodes macedo Vitzthum, 1922, Proctophyllodes motacillae Gaud, 1953, and Trouessartia jedliczkai (Zimmerman, 1894), each of which inhabits a variable number of different closely related wagtail host species (genus Motacilla). We show that mite populations from different host species represent a single species. This pattern was found in all the mite species, suggesting that each of these species is a multi-host species in which dispersal of mites among host species prevents species divergence. Also, we found evidence of limited evolutionary divergence manifested by a low but significant level of population genetic structure among symbiont populations inhabiting different host species. Our study agrees with previous studies showing a higher than expected colonization opportunities in host-specific symbionts. Indeed, our results support that these dispersal events would allow the persistence of multi-host species even in symbionts with limited dispersal capabilities, though additional factors such as the geographical structure of some bird populations may also play a role.
- Published
- 2019
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7. Description of a novel HLA null allele, DRB1*15:176N.
- Author
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Balas A, Alenda R, Moreno-Hidalgo MA, García-Sánchez F, and Vicario JL
- Subjects
- Alleles, Amino Acid Sequence, Amino Acid Substitution, Base Sequence, Haplotypes, Humans, Sequence Homology, Spain, Bone Marrow chemistry, Exons genetics, HLA-DRB1 Chains genetics, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide, Sequence Analysis, DNA methods, Tissue Donors
- Abstract
A new HLA null allele, DRB1*15:176N, was characterized in a Spanish volunteer bone marrow donor., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
- Published
- 2019
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8. The N125S polymorphism in the cathepsin G gene (rs45567233) is associated with susceptibility to osteomyelitis in a Spanish population.
- Author
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Pérez-Is L, Ocaña MG, Montes AH, Carton JA, Álvarez V, Meana Á, Fierer J, Valle-Garay E, and Asensi V
- Subjects
- Aged, Base Sequence, Cathepsin G metabolism, Female, Gene Frequency, Genotype, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Spain, Amino Acid Substitution, Cathepsin G genetics, Genetic Predisposition to Disease genetics, Osteomyelitis genetics, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Abstract
Background: Osteomyelitis is a bone infection, most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, in which neutrophils play a key role. Cathepsin G (CTSG) is a bactericidal serine protease stored in the neutrophil azurophilic granules. CTSG regulates inflammation, activating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and coagulation. Lactoferrin (LF), a neutrophil glycoprotein, increases CTSG catalytic activity and induces inflammation. The aim of this study was to analyze a potential association between a CTSG gene polymorphism (Asn125Ser or N125S, rs45567233), that modifies CTSG activity, and could affect susceptibility to, or outcome of, bacterial osteomyelitis., Methods: CTSG N125S polymorphism was genotyped in 329 osteomyelitis patients and 415 controls), Blood coagulation parameters, serum CTSG activity, LF, MMP-1, MMP-13, and soluble receptor activator for nuclear factor κ B ligand (sRANKL) levels were assessed in carriers of the different CTSG genotypes., Results: CTSG N125S (AG) genotype was significantly more frequent among osteomyelitis patients than controls (15.5% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.014). CTSG N125S variant G allele (AG +GG) was also more frequent among osteomyelitis patients (8.1% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.01). Serum CTSG activity and LF levels were significantly higher in osteomyelitis patients carrying the G allele compared to those with the AA genotype, (p<0.04). Serum MMP-1 was lower in the G allele carriers (p = 0.01). There was no association between these genotypes and clinical characteristics of osteomyelitis, or coagulation parameters, MMP-13, and sRANKL serum levels., Conclusions: Differences in the CTSG gene might enhance osteomyelitis susceptibility by increasing CTSG activity and LF levels., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
- Published
- 2019
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9. Characterization of deletional and non-deletional alpha globin variants in a large cohort from Spain between 2009 and 2014.
- Author
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de la Fuente-Gonzalo F, Nieto JM, Villegas A, González FA, Martínez R, and Ropero P
- Subjects
- Adult, Cohort Studies, Humans, Male, Spain, Anemia genetics, Base Sequence, Hemoglobins, Abnormal genetics, Sequence Deletion, alpha-Globins genetics
- Abstract
The hemoglobinopathies are a group of disorders passed down through families (inherited) in which there is abnormal production or structure of the hemoglobin molecule. They are among the most common inherited diseases around the world. Those that produce abnormal hemoglobin are called structural hemoglobinopathies while thalassemia is another type of disorder that is caused by a defect in the gene production of the globin chains. In a study ambispective comprising 1623 patients, 153 subjects showed an abnormal hemoglobin and 1470 with hypochromic and microcytic anemia, and of these 1470, 23 patients were studied for simultaneously α-thalassemias and structural hemoglobinopathies. Among the α-thalassaemia cases, 1282 cases (87.2%) were deletional α-thalassemia, 172 cases (11.7%) were non-deletional α-thalassemia, and 16 cases (1.1%) were deletional and non-deletional α-thalassamias simultaneously. Thus, approximately 12% of the cases were non-deletional α-thalassaemia. Clinical diagnosis, only 19 severe cases (1 hydrops fetalis and 18 instances of Hb H disease), 1200 thalassamias traits, and 160 thalassaemia silent carriers were recorded within the α-thalassaemia. Regarding structural hemoglobinopathies, there were only 2 cases of hemoglobinopathies with low oxygen affinity and 1 case of hemoglobin M; the remaining 150 were silent hemoglobinopathies. Non-deletional α-thalassaemia represented 12% of all α-thalassemias in our region; the most common deletion in our area was the 3.7-kb deletions, followed by Asian --(SEA) and --(FIL). The alterations responsible for non-deletional α-thalassaemia are most represented by the Hph and Hb Groene Hart and, in the case of structural hemoglobinopathies, Hb Le Lamentin and Hb J-Paris.
- Published
- 2019
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10. Viromes in Xylariaceae fungi infecting avocado in Spain.
- Author
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Velasco L, Arjona-Girona I, Cretazzo E, and López-Herrera C
- Subjects
- Amino Acid Sequence, Base Sequence, Bunyaviridae classification, Bunyaviridae isolation & purification, Fungal Viruses classification, Fungal Viruses isolation & purification, High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing, Metagenomics methods, Mycelium virology, Nucleic Acid Conformation, Persea microbiology, Phylogeny, Plant Roots microbiology, RNA, Double-Stranded genetics, RNA, Viral genetics, Sequence Alignment, Sequence Homology, Amino Acid, Spain, Trees microbiology, Trees virology, Tymoviridae classification, Tymoviridae isolation & purification, Bunyaviridae genetics, Fungal Viruses genetics, Genome, Viral, Persea virology, Plant Roots virology, Tymoviridae genetics, Xylariales virology
- Abstract
Four isolates of Entoleuca sp., family Xylariaceae, Ascomycota, recovered from avocado rhizosphere in Spain were analyzed for mycoviruses presence. For that, the dsRNAs from the mycelia were extracted and subjected to metagenomics analysis that revealed the presence of eleven viruses putatively belonging to families Partitiviridae, Hypoviridae, Megabirnaviridae, and orders Tymovirales and Bunyavirales, in addition to one ourmia-like virus plus other two unclassified virus species. Moreover, a sequence with 98% nucleotide identity to plant endornavirus Phaseolus vulgaris alphaendornavirus 1 has been identified in the Entoleuca sp. isolates. Concerning the virome composition, the four isolates only differed in the presence of the bunyavirus and the ourmia-like virus, while all other viruses showed common patterns. Specific primers allowed the detection by RT-PCR of these viruses in a collection of Entoleuca sp. and Rosellinia necatrix isolates obtained from roots of avocado trees. Results indicate that intra- and interspecies horizontal virus transmission occur frequently in this pathosystem., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2019
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11. First Report of Cryptosporidium molnari-Like Genotype and Cryptosporidium parvum Zoonotic Subtypes (IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA18G3R1) in Brown Trout ( Salmo trutta).
- Author
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Couso-Pérez S, Ares-Mazás E, and Gómez-Couso H
- Subjects
- Animals, Base Sequence, Cecum parasitology, Cryptosporidiosis epidemiology, Cryptosporidiosis transmission, Cryptosporidium genetics, Cryptosporidium parvum classification, Cryptosporidium parvum genetics, DNA, Ribosomal genetics, Genotype, Intestines parasitology, Microscopy, Fluorescence, Oocysts isolation & purification, Phylogeny, Prevalence, Pylorus parasitology, Rivers, Seasons, Spain epidemiology, Zoonoses, Cryptosporidiosis parasitology, Cryptosporidium classification, Fish Diseases parasitology, Trout parasitology
- Abstract
This study reports for the first time the molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Salmo trutta. A total number of 613 brown trout was captured by local anglers in 44 Galician rivers within 10 river basins (NW Spain) during the 2015 fishing season (March-August) and classified into groups according to their size. The gastrointestinal tracts were dissected and differentiated in pyloric ceca and intestine, which were homogenized and concentrated in phosphate-buffered saline 0.04 M pH 7.2/diethyl ether (2:1). Cryptosporidium oocysts were observed by immunofluorescence microscopy in 103 of 613 specimens (16.8%), with a mean intensity of 326.7 oocysts/trout. The highest prevalence rate was detected in specimens <2 yr (23.1%). Considering the anatomical location, Cryptosporidium oocysts were observed in pyloric ceca (72 trout, 69.9%), intestine (15 trout, 14.6%), or in both locations (16 trout, 15.5%), showing statistically significant differences between the 2 locations ( P < 0.01). The prevalence rate in the pyloric ceca increased with the age/size of the fish (62.2% vs. 70.8% vs. 83.3% for trout <2, 2-3, and >3 yr, respectively). By contrast, the prevalence rate in the intestinal location decreased with the age/size of specimens (21.6% vs. 12.5% vs. 7.7% for trout <2, 2-3, and >3 yr, respectively), but statistically significant differences were not determined. The microscopic observation of clusters of 4-20 oocysts in the pyloric ceca from 5 specimens of 20-28-cm body length is remarkable. By polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of fragments of small-subunit ribosomal DNA ( SSU-rDNA), GP60, hsp70, and actin loci, Cryptosporidium molnari-like genotype was identified in 1 trout and Cryptosporidium parvum (subtypes IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA18G3R1) in 47 fish, including those specimens in which oocyst clusters were observed. This finding may indicate a true infection by C. parvum, as the homogenization process would break the epithelial cells, releasing oocysts, free or in clusters. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in wild trout captured from 27 of 44 rivers sampled in Galicia (61.4%), belonging to 9 of the 10 river basins considered, confirming the presence of this protozoan parasite in Galician rivers and proving their wide dispersion in aquatic freshwater environments. The identification of the zoonotic species C. parvum in brown trout may indicate a risk to public health as trout may be a potential source of infection to humans. Thus, edible wild fish extend the range of foodstuffs involved in the transmission of cryptosporidiosis.
- Published
- 2019
12. Quantifying and reducing spurious alignments for the analysis of ultra-short ancient DNA sequences.
- Author
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de Filippo C, Meyer M, and Prüfer K
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- Animals, Fossils, Spain, Base Sequence, DNA, Ancient analysis, Neanderthals genetics, Sequence Alignment methods
- Abstract
Background: The study of ancient DNA is hampered by degradation, resulting in short DNA fragments. Advances in laboratory methods have made it possible to retrieve short DNA fragments, thereby improving access to DNA preserved in highly degraded, ancient material. However, such material contains large amounts of microbial contamination in addition to DNA fragments from the ancient organism. The resulting mixture of sequences constitutes a challenge for computational analysis, since microbial sequences are hard to distinguish from the ancient sequences of interest, especially when they are short., Results: Here, we develop a method to quantify spurious alignments based on the presence or absence of rare variants. We find that spurious alignments are enriched for mismatches and insertion/deletion differences and lack substitution patterns typical of ancient DNA. The impact of spurious alignments can be reduced by filtering on these features and by imposing a sample-specific minimum length cutoff. We apply this approach to sequences from four ~ 430,000-year-old Sima de los Huesos hominin remains, which contain particularly short DNA fragments, and increase the amount of usable sequence data by 17-150%. This allows us to place a third specimen from the site on the Neandertal lineage., Conclusions: Our method maximizes the sequence data amenable to genetic analysis from highly degraded ancient material and avoids pitfalls that are associated with the analysis of ultra-short DNA sequences.
- Published
- 2018
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13. Molecular identification of Candida auris by PCR amplification of species-specific GPI protein-encoding genes.
- Author
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Ruiz-Gaitán AC, Fernández-Pereira J, Valentin E, Tormo-Mas MA, Eraso E, Pemán J, and de Groot PWJ
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- Base Sequence, Candida classification, Candida isolation & purification, Candidiasis epidemiology, Candidiasis microbiology, Disease Outbreaks, Drug Resistance, Multiple, Fungal genetics, Humans, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Spain epidemiology, Candida genetics, Candidiasis diagnosis, Glucose-6-Phosphate Isomerase genetics, Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques methods
- Abstract
The emerging multidrug-resistant pathogenic yeast Candida auris causes life-threatening invasive infections and shows a capacity for hospital transmission that is uncommon in other Candida species. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of C. auris infections is crucial; however, the fungus is frequently misidentified. Here, we present a rapid and easily applicable PCR assay for reliable identification of C. auris by designing primers from unique GPI protein-encoding genes. Specificity of the used primers for C. auris was verified with a panel of 19 different Candida species including the clinically most relevant and phylogenetically closely related species. Efficacy of the PCR approach was validated by correctly identifying 112 C. auris isolates from an outbreak in a Spanish hospital, 20% of which were not reliably identified by MALDI-TOF MS, and 27 genotypically diverse C. auris isolates originating from hospitals in various countries, in a test that included (blind) negative controls. By employing two GPI protein primer pairs in a single PCR, a double screening can be performed, which enhances the robustness of the PCR assay and avoids potential false negatives due to recent evolutionary events, as was observed for two isolates. Our PCR method, which is based on the uniqueness of selected GPI protein-encoding genes, is useful for easy, low-cost, and accurate identification of C. auris infections in a clinical setting., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2018
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14. HLA-DQB1*02:102, a novel allele identified by next-generation sequencing in a Spanish individual.
- Author
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Enrich E, Mongay L, Caro-Oleas JL, Herrero-Mata MJ, and Rudilla F
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- Base Sequence, Exons genetics, Humans, Spain, Alleles, HLA-DQ beta-Chains genetics, High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing methods
- Abstract
HLA-DQB1*02:102 differs from DQB1*02:01:01 by a single-nucleotide substitution resulting in an amino acid change., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
- Published
- 2018
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15. A simultaneous diagnosis and genotyping method for global surveillance of cetacean morbillivirus.
- Author
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Yang WC, Wu BJ, Sierra E, Fernandez A, Groch KR, Catão-Dias JL, West K, and Chan KW
- Subjects
- Animals, Base Sequence, Brazil epidemiology, Hawaii epidemiology, Morbillivirus isolation & purification, Morbillivirus Infections epidemiology, Morbillivirus Infections veterinary, Nucleic Acid Denaturation, Spain epidemiology, Cetacea virology, Morbillivirus classification, Morbillivirus genetics, Morbillivirus Infections diagnosis, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction methods
- Abstract
Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is considered one of the most important viral pathogens in cetaceans. CeMV outbreaks of lethal disease have repeatedly been observed in Europe, the Americas, and Australia, while large herds of gregarious species were found to be the likely reservoirs and sources of CeMV infection to susceptible species in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Furthermore, three new strains were detected recently in Hawaii, Brazil and Australia. To clarify the real global distribution of CeMV and possible carriers, we showed a novel technique successfully diagnosing and distinguishing different virus strains (DMV, PWMV and novel CeMVs) using FFPE samples from 1996 to 2011. This efficient method that combines qRT-PCR and high resolution melting (HRM) could be applied to the future retrospective global studies for better understanding of different prevalence and outbreak conditions among ocean basins and the mechanism of variable host response to pathogens.
- Published
- 2016
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16. DNA sequence analysis suggests that cytb-nd1 PCR-RFLP may not be applicable to sandfly species identification throughout the Mediterranean region.
- Author
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Llanes-Acevedo IP, Arcones C, Gálvez R, Martin O, Checa R, Montoya A, Chicharro C, Cruz S, Miró G, and Cruz I
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- Animals, Base Sequence, Climate, DNA chemistry, DNA isolation & purification, Databases, Nucleic Acid, Female, Male, Mediterranean Region, Middle East, Phlebotomus classification, Phlebotomus genetics, Phylogeny, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length, Psychodidae genetics, Sequence Alignment, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, Cytochromes b genetics, Electron Transport Complex I genetics, Psychodidae classification
- Abstract
Molecular methods are increasingly used for both species identification of sandflies and assessment of their population structure. In general, they are based on DNA sequence analysis of targets previously amplified by PCR. However, this approach requires access to DNA sequence facilities, and in some circumstances, it is time-consuming. Though DNA sequencing provides the most reliable information, other downstream PCR applications are explored to assist in species identification. Thus, it has been recently proposed that the amplification of a DNA region encompassing partially both the cytochrome-B (cytb) and the NADH dehydrogenase 1 (nd1) genes followed by RFLP analysis with the restriction enzyme Ase I allows the rapid identification of the most prevalent species of phlebotomine sandflies in the Mediterranean region. In order to confirm the suitability of this method, we collected, processed, and molecularly analyzed a total of 155 sandflies belonging to four species including Phlebotomus ariasi, P. papatasi, P. perniciosus, and Sergentomyia minuta from different regions in Spain. This data set was completed with DNA sequences available at the GenBank for species prevalent in the Mediterranean basin and the Middle East. Additionally, DNA sequences from 13 different phlebotomine species (P. ariasi, P. balcanicus, P. caucasicus, P. chabaudi, P. chadlii, P. longicuspis, P. neglectus, P. papatasi, P. perfiliewi, P. perniciosus, P. riouxi, P. sergenti, and S. minuta), from 19 countries, were added to the data set. Overall, our molecular data revealed that this PCR-RFLP method does not provide a unique and specific profile for each phlebotomine species tested. Intraspecific variability and similar RFLP patterns were frequently observed among the species tested. Our data suggest that this method may not be applicable throughout the Mediterranean region as previously proposed. Other molecular approaches like DNA barcoding or phylogenetic analyses would allow a more precise molecular species identification.
- Published
- 2016
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17. Identification of the main quinolone resistance determinant in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli by MAMA-DEG PCR.
- Author
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Hormeño L, Palomo G, Ugarte-Ruiz M, Porrero MC, Borge C, Vadillo S, Píriz S, Domínguez L, Campos MJ, and Quesada A
- Subjects
- Animal Diseases epidemiology, Animal Diseases microbiology, Animals, Bacterial Proteins chemistry, Bacterial Proteins genetics, Base Sequence, Campylobacter Infections epidemiology, Campylobacter Infections microbiology, DNA Gyrase chemistry, DNA Gyrase genetics, Genotype, Humans, Molecular Sequence Data, Phenotype, Polymorphism, Genetic, Prevalence, Public Health Surveillance, Sequence Alignment, Spain epidemiology, Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology, Campylobacter coli drug effects, Campylobacter coli genetics, Campylobacter jejuni drug effects, Campylobacter jejuni genetics, Drug Resistance, Bacterial, Polymerase Chain Reaction methods, Quinolones pharmacology
- Abstract
Among zoonotic diseases, campylobacteriosis stands out as the major bacterial infection producing human gastroenteritis. Antimicrobial therapy, only recommended in critical cases, is challenged by resistance mechanisms that should be unambiguously detected for achievement of effective treatments. Quinolone (ciprofloxacin) resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, the 2 main Campylobacter detected in humans, is conferred by the mutation gyrA C-257-T, which can be genotyped by several methods that require a previous identification of the pathogen species to circumvent the sequence polymorphism of the gene. A multiplex PCR, based on degenerated oligonucleotides, has been designed for unambiguous identification of the quinolone resistance determinant in Campylobacter spp. isolates. The method was verified with 249 Campylobacter strains isolated from humans (141 isolates) and from the 3 most important animal sources for this zoonosis: poultry (34 isolates), swine (38 isolates), and cattle (36 isolates). High resistance to ciprofloxacin, MIC above 4μg/mL, linked to the mutated genotype predicted by MAMA-DEG PCR (mismatch amplification mutation assay PCR with degenerated primers) was found frequently among isolates from the different hosts., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2016
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18. A Common Genetic Origin for Early Farmers from Mediterranean Cardial and Central European LBK Cultures.
- Author
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Olalde I, Schroeder H, Sandoval-Velasco M, Vinner L, Lobón I, Ramirez O, Civit S, García Borja P, Salazar-García DC, Talamo S, María Fullola J, Xavier Oms F, Pedro M, Martínez P, Sanz M, Daura J, Zilhão J, Marquès-Bonet T, Gilbert MT, and Lalueza-Fox C
- Subjects
- Agriculture, Base Sequence, DNA, Mitochondrial genetics, Genetic Variation, Genetics, Population, Haplotypes, Humans, Italy, Mediterranean Region, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, White People, Culture, Emigration and Immigration, Ethnicity genetics, Farmers, Genome, Human
- Abstract
The spread of farming out of the Balkans and into the rest of Europe followed two distinct routes: An initial expansion represented by the Impressa and Cardial traditions, which followed the Northern Mediterranean coastline; and another expansion represented by the LBK (Linearbandkeramik) tradition, which followed the Danube River into Central Europe. Although genomic data now exist from samples representing the second migration, such data have yet to be successfully generated from the initial Mediterranean migration. To address this, we generated the complete genome of a 7,400-year-old Cardial individual (CB13) from Cova Bonica in Vallirana (Barcelona), as well as partial nuclear data from five others excavated from different sites in Spain and Portugal. CB13 clusters with all previously sequenced early European farmers and modern-day Sardinians. Furthermore, our analyses suggest that both Cardial and LBK peoples derived from a common ancient population located in or around the Balkan Peninsula. The Iberian Cardial genome also carries a discernible hunter-gatherer genetic signature that likely was not acquired by admixture with local Iberian foragers. Our results indicate that retrieving ancient genomes from similarly warm Mediterranean environments such as the Near East is technically feasible., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution.)
- Published
- 2015
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19. A founder EIF2AK4 mutation causes an aggressive form of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Iberian Gypsies.
- Author
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Tenorio J, Navas P, Barrios E, Fernández L, Nevado J, Quezada CA, López-Meseguer M, Arias P, Mena R, Lobo JL, Alvarez C, Heath K, Escribano-Subías P, and Lapunzina P
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Base Sequence, Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension ethnology, Female, Founder Effect, Genetic Predisposition to Disease ethnology, Homozygote, Humans, Male, Pedigree, Portugal, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension genetics, Genetic Predisposition to Disease genetics, Mutation, Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases genetics, Roma genetics
- Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a pathological condition characterized by a persistent and progressive elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance with devastating consequences if untreated. In the past recent years, several genes have been related to PAH, however, the molecular defect remains unknown in a significant proportion of patients with familial PAH (∼20%). During the past few years, we have observed that PAH shows a particular behavior in Iberian Gypsies, with more aggressive course and frequently affecting multiple members of the same family. We studied five Gypsy families in whom at least one individual from each family developed a severe form of PAH and in whom no mutation had been identified in the common genes. We applied SNP-array-based homozygosity mapping in three families and obtained, among others, one of which included the gene EIF2AK4, recently reported in patients with PAH from group-1' pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH). Subsequently, we sequenced EIF2AK4 and found a homozygous mutation in all five families: c.3344C>T(p.P1115L). The majority of our patients required early lung transplantation. Hence, this mutation appeared with a more severe phenotype than previously reported for other EIF2AK4 mutations. The finding of this novel mutation is important for genetic counseling and calculation of population recurrence risks., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
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- 2015
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20. Persistent Infection by a Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain That Was Theorized To Have Advantageous Properties, as It Was Responsible for a Massive Outbreak.
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Pérez-Lago L, Navarro Y, Montilla P, Comas I, Herranz M, Rodríguez-Gallego C, Ruiz Serrano MJ, Bouza E, and García de Viedma D
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- Base Sequence, Communicable Diseases microbiology, DNA, Bacterial genetics, Genome, Bacterial genetics, Genotype, Humans, Macrophages microbiology, Male, Middle Aged, Mycobacterium tuberculosis classification, Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolation & purification, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide genetics, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain epidemiology, Tuberculosis, Pulmonary microbiology, Virulence genetics, Communicable Diseases epidemiology, Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial genetics, Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenicity, Tuberculosis, Pulmonary epidemiology
- Abstract
The strains involved in tuberculosis outbreaks are considered highly virulent and transmissible. We analyzed the case of a patient in Madrid, Spain, who was persistently infected over an 8-year period by the same Beijing Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain. The strain was responsible for a severe outbreak on Gran Canaria Island. The case provides us with a unique opportunity to challenge our assumptions about M. tuberculosis Beijing strains. No clinical/radiological findings consistent with a virulent strain were documented, and the in vitro growth rate of the strain in macrophages was only moderate. No secondary cases stemming from this prolonged active case were detected in the host population. The strain did not acquire resistance mutations, despite constant treatment interruptions, and it remained extremely stable, as demonstrated by the lack of single-nucleotide-polymorphism (SNP)-based differences between the sequential isolates. Our data suggest that the general assumption about M. tuberculosis Beijing strains having advantageous properties (in terms of virulence, transmissibility, and the tendency to acquire mutations and resistance) is not always accurate., (Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.)
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- 2015
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21. Next-generation-based targeted sequencing as an efficient tool for the study of the genetic background in Hirschsprung patients.
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Luzón-Toro B, Espino-Paisán L, Fernández RM, Martín-Sánchez M, Antiñolo G, and Borrego S
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- Base Sequence, Computational Biology, Female, Gene Library, Hirschsprung Disease pathology, Humans, Male, Molecular Sequence Data, Sensitivity and Specificity, Spain, Genetic Testing methods, High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing methods, Hirschsprung Disease genetics, Phenotype
- Abstract
Background: The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has a great impact in the human variation detection given their high-throughput. These techniques are particularly helpful for the evaluation of the genetic background in disorders of complex genetic etiology such as Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). The purpose of this study was the design of a panel of HSCR associated genes as a rapid and efficient tool to perform genetic screening in a series of patients., Methods: We have performed NGS-based targeted sequencing (454-GS Junior) using a panel containing 26 associated or candidate genes for HSCR in a group of 11 selected HSCR patients., Results: The average percentage of covered bases was of 97%, the 91.4% of the targeted bases were covered with depth above 20X and the mean coverage was 422X. In addition, we have found a total of 13 new coding variants and 11 new variants within regulatory regions among our patients. These outcomes allowed us to re-evaluate the genetic component associated to HSCR in these patients., Conclusions: Our validated NGS panel constitutes an optimum method for the identification of new variants in our patients. This approach could be used for a fast, reliable and more thorough genetic screening in future series of patients.
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- 2015
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22. Complement factor H, FHR-3 and FHR-1 variants associate in an extended haplotype conferring increased risk of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.
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Bernabéu-Herrero ME, Jiménez-Alcázar M, Anter J, Pinto S, Sánchez Chinchilla D, Garrido S, López-Trascasa M, Rodríguez de Córdoba S, and Sánchez-Corral P
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Antibodies immunology, Base Sequence, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Kidney pathology, Kidney physiopathology, Male, Molecular Sequence Data, Mutation, Mutation Rate, Penetrance, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide genetics, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Spain, Young Adult, Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome genetics, Blood Proteins genetics, Complement C3b Inactivator Proteins genetics, Complement Factor H genetics, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Genetic Variation, Haplotypes genetics
- Abstract
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a severe thrombotic microangiopathy affecting the renal microvasculature and is associated with complement dysregulation caused by mutations or autoantibodies. Disease penetrance and severity is modulated by inheritance of "risk" polymorphisms in the complement genes MCP, CFH and CFHR1. We describe the prevalence of mutations, the frequency of risk polymorphisms and the occurrence of anti-FH autoantibodies in a Spanish aHUS cohort (n=367). We also report the identification of a polymorphism in CFHR3 (c.721C>T; rs379370) that is associated with increased risk of aHUS (OR=1.78; CI 1.22-2.59; p=0.002), and is most frequently included in an extended risk haplotype spanning the CFH-CFHR3-CFHR1 genes. This extended haplotype integrates polymorphisms in the promoter region of CFH and CFHR3, and is associated with poorer evolution of renal function and decreased FH levels. The CFH-CFHR3-CFHR1 aHUS-risk haplotype seems to be the same as was previously associated with protection against meningococcal infections, suggesting that the genetic variability in this region is limited to a few extended haplotypes, each with opposite effects in various human diseases. These results suggest that the combination of quantitative and qualitative variations in the complement proteins encoded by CFH, CFHR3 and CFHR1 genes is key for the association of these haplotypes with disease., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
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- 2015
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23. Major Histocompatibility Complex class IIB polymorphism in an ancient Spanish breed.
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Atlija M, Gutíerrez-Gil B, Arranz JJ, Semmer J, Stear MJ, and Buitkamp J
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- Amino Acid Sequence genetics, Animals, Base Sequence, HLA-DQ beta-Chains immunology, HLA-DRB1 Chains immunology, Haplotypes genetics, Male, Microsatellite Repeats genetics, Molecular Sequence Data, Sequence Alignment veterinary, Sequence Analysis, DNA veterinary, Spain, Genes, MHC Class II genetics, HLA-DQ beta-Chains genetics, HLA-DRB1 Chains genetics, Sheep, Domestic genetics, Sheep, Domestic immunology
- Abstract
Genes from the Major Histocompatibility Complex class II region are involved in the presentation of antigens. Therefore, they have the key role in regulating the immune response and in the resistance to infections. We investigated the Major Histocompatibility Complex class IIB genes, DRB and DQB, in Churra sheep, one of the most important indigenous breeds of Spain. These genes are among the most polymorphic in the mammalian genome. Furthermore, often different numbers of class IIB genes per haplotype exist, complicating the genotyping and sequencing of these genes. Especially the DQB region is only partially characterized in sheep and the repertoire of DRB and DQB alleles in Churra sheep, an ancient breed, is unknown. Here, we sequenced the class IIB genes for 15 rams that are the pedigree heads of a selection Nucleus herd. In total, we found 12 DRB and 25 DQB alleles. From these, 3 and 15 were new, respectively. Fourteen haplotypes carrying one or two DQB alleles could be deduced and the evolutionary relationship of these was investigated by phylogenetic trees. Based on the sequences of these most common class II alleles, a more efficient genotyping system for larger numbers of Churra sheep will be developed.
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- 2015
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24. How to define nativeness in vagile organisms: lessons from the cosmopolitan moss Bryum argenteum on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands).
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Pisa S, Vanderpoorten A, Patiño J, Werner O, González-Mancebo JM, and Ros RM
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- Base Sequence, Genetics, Population, Geography, Haplotypes, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeography, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, Bryopsida genetics, Genetic Variation
- Abstract
The distinction between native and introduced biotas presents unique challenges that culminate in organisms with high long-distance dispersal capacities in a rapidly changing world. Bryophytes, in particular, exhibit large distribution ranges, and some species can truly be qualified as cosmopolitan. Cosmopolitan species, however, typically occur in disturbed environments, raising the question of their nativeness throughout their range. Here, we employ genetic data to address the question of the origin of the cosmopolitan, weedy moss Bryum argenteum on the island of Tenerife. The genetic diversity of B. argenteum on Tenerife was comparable to that found in continental areas due to recurrent colonisation events, erasing any signature of a bottleneck that would be expected in the case of a recent colonisation event. The molecular dating analyses indicated that the first colonisation of the island took place more than 100,000 years ago, i.e. well before the first human settlements. Furthermore, the significant signal for isolation-by-distance found in B. argenteum within Tenerife points to the substantial role of genetic drift in establishing the observed patterns of genetic variation. Together, the results support the hypothesis that B. argenteum is native on Tenerife; although the existence of haplotypes shared between Tenerife and continental areas suggests that more recent, potentially man-mediated introduction also took place. While defining nativeness in organisms that are not deliberately introduced, and wherein the fossil record is extremely scarce, is an exceedingly challenging task, our results suggest that population genetic analyses can represent a useful tool to help distinguish native from alien populations., (© 2015 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.)
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- 2015
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25. LOXL1 gene variants and their association with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG) in Spanish patients.
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Álvarez L, García M, González-Iglesias H, Escribano J, Rodríguez-Calvo PP, Fernández-Vega L, and Coca-Prados M
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- Base Sequence, Gene Frequency, Humans, Logistic Models, Molecular Sequence Data, Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, Amino Acid Oxidoreductases genetics, Exfoliation Syndrome genetics, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide genetics
- Abstract
Background: LOXL1 gene is the most important genetic risk factor known so far for pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG). Our purpose was to evaluate the potential association of individual genetic variants of the lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) gene and haplotypes with XFG in Spanish patients., Methods: Blood samples were collected from a total of 105 Spanish patients with XFG and 200 healthy controls. The entire LOXL1 gene along with the promoter, coding and non-coding regions including the 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions, were sequenced using next-generation sequencing in 99 XFG patients. SNPs rs16958477 (promoter), rs1048661 (exon 1), rs3825942 (exon 1), rs2165241 (intron 1) and rs3522 (exon 7) in LOXL1 were genotyped by restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) in all Spanish control participants and in six additional XFG patients, and a case-control association study was performed. Comparisons of the allelic and genotypic frequencies were performed using standard χ(2) test with Bonferroni and Pearson corrections. Logistic regression analyses were permormed using Sigmaplot v11. Haplotypes frequencies were performed using HaploView 4.0., Results: Sequencing of the LOXL1 gene in XFG participants identified a total of 212 SNPs, of which 49 exhibited allelic frequencies with significant differences between cases and controls, and 66 were not previously described. The allele frequencies of SNPs rs16958477, rs1048661, rs3825942, rs2165241, were significantly associated with an increased risk for XFG, however the SNP rs3522 was not. The haplotype frequencies of SNPs rs16958477, rs1048661, rs3825942 and rs2165241 and their association with XFG indicated that the CGGT haplotype, containing all four risk alleles, and the AGGT haplotype, which carries the protective allele of rs16958477 and three risk alleles of the other three SNPs, were significantly associated with XFG (p = 4.5×10(-6), and p = 8.8×10(-6)), conferring more than 2-fold increased disease susceptibility., Conclusions: SNPs of the LOXL1 gene are associated with XFG in the Spanish population. This information adds new support to the distinct risk association frequencies of LOXL1 alleles with XFG in Western European and Asian populations. Identification and validation of additional SNPs along the entire LOXL1 gene of XFG cases may provide insightful information on their potential role in the pathogenesis of this disease.
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- 2015
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26. Complete sequence of three different biotypes of tomato spotted wilt virus (wild type, tomato Sw-5 resistance-breaking and pepper Tsw resistance-breaking) from Spain.
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Debreczeni DE, López C, Aramburu J, Darós JA, Soler S, Galipienso L, Falk BW, and Rubio L
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- Base Sequence, Capsicum virology, Genome, Viral, Lactuca virology, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeny, Spain, Tospovirus classification, Solanum lycopersicum virology, Plant Diseases virology, Tospovirus genetics, Tospovirus isolation & purification
- Abstract
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) occurs worldwide and causes production losses in many important horticultural crops such as tomato and pepper. Breeding resistant cultivars has been the most successful method so far for TSWV disease control, but only two genes have been found to confer resistance against a wide spectrum of TSWV isolates: Sw-5 in tomato and Tsw in pepper. However, TSWV resistance-breaking isolates have emerged in different countries a few years after using resistant cultivars. In this paper, we report the first complete nucleotide sequences of three Spanish TSWV isolates with different biotypes according to their abilities to overcome resistance: LL-N.05 (wild type, WT), Pujol1TL3 (Sw-5 resistance breaking, SBR) and PVR (Tsw resistance-breaking, TBR). The genome of these TSWV isolates consisted of three segments: L (8913-8914 nt), M (4752-4825 nt) and (S 2924-2961 nt). Variations in nucleotide sequences and genomic RNA lengths among the different virus biotypes are reported here. Phylogenetic analysis of the five TSWV open reading frames showed evidence of reassortment between genomic segments of LL-N.05 and Pujol1TL3, which was supported by analysis with different recombination-detecting algorithms.
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- 2015
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27. Ecological Specialization of Two Photobiont-Specific Maritime Cyanolichen Species of the Genus Lichina.
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Ortiz-Álvarez R, de Los Ríos A, Fernández-Mendoza F, Torralba-Burrial A, and Pérez-Ortega S
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- Ascomycota classification, Base Sequence, Bayes Theorem, Cyanobacteria classification, Ecosystem, Fresh Water, Genetic Speciation, Haplotypes, Lichens classification, Molecular Sequence Data, Operon, Phycocyanin biosynthesis, Seawater, Spain, Symbiosis physiology, Ascomycota genetics, Cyanobacteria genetics, Lichens genetics, Phylogeny, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics
- Abstract
All fungi in the class Lichinomycetes are lichen-forming and exclusively associate with cyanobacteria. Two closely related maritime species of the genus Lichina (L. confinis and L. pygmaea) show similar distribution ranges in the Northeast Atlantic, commonly co-occurring at the same rocky shores but occupying different littoral zones. By means of 16S rRNA and phycocyanin operon markers we studied a) the phylogenetic relationships of cyanobionts associated with these species, b) the match of divergence times between both symbionts, and c) whether Lichina species differ in photobiont association and in how geography and ecology affect selectivity. The cyanobionts studied are closely related to both marine and freshwater strains of the genus Rivularia. We found evidence of a high specificity to particular cyanobiont lineages in both species: Lichina pygmaea and L. confinis incorporate specific lineages of Rivularia that do not overlap at the haplotype nor the OTU levels. Dating divergences of the fungal and cyanobacterial partners revealed an asynchronous origin of both lineages. Within each fungal species, selectivity varied across the studied area, influenced by environmental conditions (both atmospheric and marine), although patterns were highly correlated between both lichen taxa. Ecological speciation due to the differential association of photobionts to each littoral zone is suspected to have occurred in marine Lichina.
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- 2015
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28. Characterization of Beta-lactamases in Faecal Enterobacteriaceae Recovered from Healthy Humans in Spain: Focusing on AmpC Polymorphisms.
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Porres-Osante N, Sáenz Y, Somalo S, and Torres C
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- Base Sequence, Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field, Humans, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeny, Plasmids genetics, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, Species Specificity, Ampicillin Resistance genetics, Bacterial Proteins genetics, Enterobacteriaceae enzymology, Feces microbiology, beta-Lactamases genetics
- Abstract
The intestinal tract is a huge reservoir of Enterobacteriaceae, some of which are opportunist pathogens. Several genera of these bacteria harbour intrinsic antibiotic resistance genes, such as ampC genes in species of Citrobacter, Enterobacter or Escherichia genera. In this work, beta-lactamases and other resistance mechanisms have been characterized in Enterobacteriaceae isolates recovered from healthy human faecal samples, focusing on the ampC beta-lactamase genes. Fifty human faecal samples were obtained, and 70 Enterobacteriaceae bacteria were isolated: 44 Escherichia coli, 4 Citrobacter braakii, 9 Citrobacter freundii, 8 Enterobacter cloacae, 1 Proteus mirabilis, 1 Proteus vulgaris, 1 Klebsiella oxytoca, 1 Serratia sp. and 1 Cronobacter sp. A high percentage of resistance to ampicillin was detected (57%), observing the AmpC phenotype in 22 isolates (31%) and the ESBL phenotype in 3 isolates. AmpC molecular characterization showed high diversity into bla CMY and bla ACT genes from Citrobacter and Enterobacter species, respectively, and the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis demonstrated low clonality among them. The prevalence of people colonized by strains carrying plasmid-mediated ampC genes obtained in this study was 2%. The unique plasmid-mediated bla AmpC identified in this study was the bla CMY-2 gene, detected in an E. coli isolate ascribed to the sequence type ST405 which belonged to phylogenetic group D. The hybridization and conjugation experiments demonstrated that the ISEcp1-bla CMY-2-blc structure was carried by a ~78-kb self-transferable IncK plasmid. This study shows a high polymorphism among beta-lactamase genes in Enterobacteriaceae from healthy people microbiota. Extensive AmpC-carrier studies would provide important information and could allow the anticipation of future global health problems.
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- 2015
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29. Re-evaluation casts doubt on the pathogenicity of homozygous USH2A p.C759F.
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Pozo MG, Bravo-Gil N, Méndez-Vidal C, Montero-de-Espinosa I, Millán JM, Dopazo J, Borrego S, and Antiñolo G
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- Base Sequence, Extracellular Matrix Proteins adverse effects, Gene Library, Humans, Molecular Sequence Data, Mutation, Missense genetics, Pedigree, Retinitis Pigmentosa pathology, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 6 genetics, Extracellular Matrix Proteins genetics, Retinitis Pigmentosa genetics
- Abstract
Mutations in USH2A are a common cause of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Among the most frequently reported USH2A variants, c.2276G>T (p.C759F) has been found in both affected and healthy individuals. The pathogenicity of this variant remains controversial since it was detected in homozygosity in two healthy siblings of a Spanish family (S23), eleven years ago. The fact that these individuals remain asymptomatic today, prompted us to study the presence of other pathogenic variants in this family using targeted resequencing of 26 retinal genes in one of the affected individuals. This approach allowed us to identify one novel pathogenic homozygous mutation in exon 13 of PDE6B (c.1678C>T; p.R560C). This variant cosegregated with the disease and was absent in 200 control individuals. Remarkably, the identified variant in PDE6B corresponds to the mutation responsible of the retinal degeneration in the naturally occurring rd10 mutant mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the identification of the rd10 mice mutation in a RP family. These findings, together with a review of the literature, support the hypothesis that homozygous p.C759F mutations are not pathogenic and led us to exclude the implication of p.C759F in the RP of family S23. Our results indicate the need of re-evaluating all families genetically diagnosed with this mutation., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
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- 2015
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30. Molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba strains isolated from domestic dogs in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
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Valladares M, Reyes-Batlle M, Martín-Navarro CM, López-Arencibia A, Dorta-Gorrín A, Wagner C, Martínez-Carretero E, Piñero JE, Valladares B, and Lorenzo-Morales J
- Subjects
- Acanthamoeba classification, Acanthamoeba genetics, Amebiasis parasitology, Animals, Ascites diagnosis, Ascites parasitology, Ascites veterinary, Base Sequence, DNA, Ribosomal genetics, Genes, rRNA, Genotype, Keratitis diagnosis, Keratitis parasitology, Keratitis veterinary, Peritonitis diagnosis, Peritonitis parasitology, Peritonitis veterinary, Spain, Acanthamoeba isolation & purification, Amebiasis diagnosis, Amebiasis veterinary, Dog Diseases diagnosis, Dog Diseases parasitology, Dogs parasitology
- Abstract
The present study describes two cases of Acanthamoeba infections (keratitis and ascites/peritonitis) in small breed domestic dogs in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. In both cases, amoebic trophozoites were observed under the inverted microscope and isolated from the infected tissues and/or fluids, without detecting the presence of other viral, fungal or bacterial pathogens. Amoebae were isolated using 2 % non-nutrient agar plates and axenified for further biochemical and molecular analyses. Osmotolerance and thermotolerance assays revealed that both isolates were able to grow up to 37 °C and 1 M of mannitol and were thus considered as potentially pathogenic. Moreover, the strains were classified as highly cytotoxic as they cause more than 75 % of toxicity when incubated with two eukaryotic cell lines. In order to classify the strains at the molecular level, the diagnostic fragment 3 (DF3) region of the 18S rDNA of Acanthamoeba was amplified and sequenced, revealing that both isolates belonged to genotype T4. In both cases, owners of the animals did not allow any further studies or follow-up and therefore the current status of these animals is unknown. Furthermore, the isolation of these pathogenic amoebae should raise awareness with the veterinary community locally and worldwide.
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- 2015
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31. Characterization of two novel HLA-A null alleles: A*11:210N and A*26:107N.
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Balas A, Sánchez-Gordo F, García-Sánchez F, Gómez-Zumaquero JM, and Vicario JL
- Subjects
- Adult, Alleles, Amino Acid Sequence, Base Sequence, Humans, Molecular Sequence Data, Sequence Alignment, Sequence Homology, Amino Acid, Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid, Spain, Tissue Donors, Genes, MHC Class I, HLA-A Antigens genetics
- Abstract
Two new HLA-A null alleles were characterized, A*11:210N and A*26:107N., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
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- 2015
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32. The Plasmid Complement of the Cheese Isolate Lactococcus garvieae IPLA 31405 Revealed Adaptation to the Dairy Environment.
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Flórez AB and Mayo B
- Subjects
- Adaptation, Physiological genetics, Base Sequence, DNA Restriction-Modification Enzymes genetics, DNA, Bacterial genetics, Genes, Bacterial, Lactococcus isolation & purification, Lactose metabolism, Molecular Sequence Data, Multigene Family, Phylogeny, Plasmids genetics, Plasmids isolation & purification, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Spain, Cheese microbiology, Food Microbiology, Lactococcus genetics, Lactococcus physiology
- Abstract
Lactococcus garvieae is a lactic acid bacterium found in raw-milk dairy products as well as a range of aquatic and terrestrial environments. The plasmids in L. garvieae have received little attention compared to those of dairy Lactococcus lactis, in which the genes carried by these extrachromosomal elements are considered of adaptive value. The present work reports the sequencing and analysis of the plasmid complement of L. garvieae IPLA 31405, a strain isolated from a traditional, Spanish, starter-free cheese made from raw-milk. It consists of pLG9 and pLG42, of 9,124 and 42,240 nucleotides, respectively. Based on sequence and structural homology in the putative origin of replication (ori) region, pLG9 and pLG42 are predicted to replicate via a theta mechanism. Real-time, quantitative PCR showed the number of copies per chromosome equivalent of pLG9 and pLG42 to be around two and five, respectively. Sequence analysis identified eight complete open reading frames (orfs) in pLG9 and 36 in pLG42; these were organized into functional modules or cassettes containing different numbers of genes. These modules were flanked by complete or interrupted insertion sequence (IS)-like elements. Among the modules of pLG42 was a gene cluster encoding specific components of a phosphoenolpyruvate-phosphotransferase (PEP-PTS) system, including a phospho-β-galacosidase. The cluster showed a complete nucleotide identity respect to that in plasmids of L. lactis. Loss of pLG42 showed this to be involved in lactose assimilation. In the same plasmid, an operon encoding a type I restriction/modification (R/M) system was also identified. The specificity of this R/M system might be broadened by different R/M specificity subunits detected in pLG9 and in the bacterial chromosome. However, challenges of L. garvieae IPLA 31405 against L. lactis phages proved that the R/M system was not involved in phage resistance. Together, these results support the hypothesis that, as in L. lactis, pLG42 contribute towards the adaptation of L. garvieae to the dairy environment.
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- 2015
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33. [Delta⁰-thalassemia by insertion of 27 base pairs in δ-globin gene with decreased hemoglobin A₂ levels].
- Author
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González Borrachero ML, de la Fuente-Gonzalo F, González FA, Nieto JM, Villegas A, and Ropero P
- Subjects
- Base Sequence, Biomarkers blood, Female, Hemoglobin A2 genetics, Hemoglobins, Abnormal genetics, Humans, Middle Aged, Sequence Deletion, Spain, alpha-Globins genetics, delta-Thalassemia blood, delta-Thalassemia diagnosis, Hemoglobin A2 metabolism, Hemoglobins, Abnormal metabolism, Mutagenesis, Insertional, delta-Globins genetics, delta-Thalassemia genetics
- Abstract
Background and Objective: We describe a novel delta-thalassemia mutation causing decreased hemoglobin (Hb) A2 levels associated with Hb Watts, variant Hb resulting from a trinucleotide deletion in Spain., Patients and Method: Hb variant analysis was performed by cation-exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary zone electrophoresis. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequence analyses were used to identify mutations in the δ- and α-globin genes., Results: Abnormal Hb was observed on capillary zone electrophoresis in Z6 and by cation-exchange HPLC a slower peak than HbA was observed at an retention time of 4.19min. This variant Hb is called Hb Watts [α2 74(EF3)Asp->0 or α2 75(EF4)Asp->0; HBA2:c.226_228delGAC]. The decreased HbA2 percentage owes to an insertion of 27nt between nt 83 and 84 of IVS-I of the δ-globin gene., Conclusions: When analyzing a chromatogram, the possibility of the existence of delta-thalassemia or an HbA2 variant should be considered, apart from alfa-, beta-thalassemia and structural haemoglobinopathies. To this end, each of the peaks and their percentages should be considered to allow for correct interpretation and to avoid misdiagnosis as much as possible., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)
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- 2015
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34. Widespread infection with hemotropic mycoplasmas in bats in Spain, including a hemoplasma closely related to "Candidatus Mycoplasma hemohominis".
- Author
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Millán J, López-Roig M, Delicado V, Serra-Cobo J, and Esperón F
- Subjects
- Animals, Base Sequence, Caves, DNA, Bacterial, Humans, Mycoplasma pathogenicity, Mycoplasma Infections blood, Mycoplasma Infections epidemiology, Mycoplasma Infections transmission, Phylogeny, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Prevalence, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain epidemiology, Chiroptera microbiology, Mycoplasma genetics, Mycoplasma isolation & purification, Mycoplasma Infections veterinary, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics
- Abstract
Molecular analyses of blood samples revealed infection with hemoplasmas in 97% of 31 cave bats captured in three caves in North-Eastern Spain. The characterization of 1250 bp of the 16S rRNA gene in 29 of the positive bats identified two different groups of sequences. Twenty-two Schreibers' bats (Miniopterus schreibersii) and one long-eared bat (Myotis capaccinii) shared one group, composed of seven closely related sequences. These sequences showed an identity of about 97% with "Candidatus Mycoplasma hemohominis" and the phylogenetic branch including bat and human sequences showed a 100% bootstrap value, supporting a close phylogenetic relationship between these hemoplasmas. The second group, representing a potentially novel species, was composed of a single sequence shared by six Schreibers' bats that had 91% identity with the recently reported hemoplasma from little brown bats in North America. Large bat aggregations in roosting caves probably benefits intra and inter-species transmission explaining the high observed prevalence., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
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- 2015
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35. Identification of the novel HLA-DQB1*03:03:02:04 allele in a Spanish individual.
- Author
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Cervera I, Herraiz MA, Vidart J, Ortega S, and Martinez-Laso J
- Subjects
- Base Sequence, Codon, Fetal Blood chemistry, Gene Expression, Genetic Loci, Histocompatibility Testing, Humans, Introns, Molecular Sequence Data, Spain, Alleles, HLA-DQ beta-Chains genetics, Point Mutation
- Abstract
HLA-DQB1*03:03:02:04 and DQB1*03:03:02:02 alleles differ by a single point mutation in intron 2., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
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- 2015
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36. Application of real-time PCR for the detection of Strongyloides spp. in clinical samples in a reference center in Spain.
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Saugar JM, Merino FJ, Martín-Rabadán P, Fernández-Soto P, Ortega S, Gárate T, and Rodríguez E
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Animals, Base Sequence, Child, Child, Preschool, Feces parasitology, Female, Helminthiasis epidemiology, Helminthiasis parasitology, Humans, Immunocompromised Host, Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic epidemiology, Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic parasitology, Male, Middle Aged, Molecular Sequence Data, Sensitivity and Specificity, Spain epidemiology, Strongyloides isolation & purification, Strongyloides stercoralis genetics, Strongyloides stercoralis isolation & purification, Strongyloidiasis epidemiology, Strongyloidiasis parasitology, Young Adult, Helminthiasis diagnosis, Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic diagnosis, RNA, Ribosomal, 18S analysis, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction methods, Strongyloides genetics, Strongyloidiasis diagnosis
- Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is one of the major intestinal helminthic infections in humans with a worldwide distribution, affecting especially tropical and subtropical regions. This disease can occur without any symptoms or as a potentially fatal hyperinfection or disseminated infection. Definitive diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis infection relies mainly on demonstration of larvae in stool, but at present there is no gold standard for this diagnosis. Our main objective was to evaluate a real-time PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Strongyloides spp. and to compare it with routine parasitological methods. DNA from Strongyloides venezuelensis was used to optimize PCR protocols obtaining an analytical sensitivity of 0.1 pg of parasite DNA per sample. Sensitivity and specificity of real-time PCR on fecal samples from 231 patients screened for suspected strongyloidiasis attending two hospitals in Madrid were 93.8% and 86.5%, respectively. No significant differences were found when comparing Ct-values of positive PCR between parasitological positive and negative samples. This study showed that real-time PCR is an effective tool for diagnosing strongyloidiasis and could be applied in association with parasitological methods in epidemiological studies in endemic areas. It would be also important to assess its performance in immunocompromised populations who are at risk of fatal disease., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2015
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37. Human papillomavirus and breast cancer: no evidence of association in a Spanish set of cases.
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Vernet-Tomas M, Mena M, Alemany L, Bravo I, De Sanjosé S, Nicolau P, Bergueiro A, Corominas JM, Serrano S, Carreras R, and Lloveras B
- Subjects
- Aged, Base Sequence, DNA Primers, DNA, Viral isolation & purification, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Netherlands, Papillomaviridae genetics, Paraffin Embedding, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Spain, Breast Neoplasms virology, Papillomaviridae isolation & purification
- Abstract
Background/aim: Great controversy exists about the association between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and breast tumors. The aim of this study was to explore the presence of HPV DNA in a large set of breast cancer cases., Materials and Methods: Techniques used followed the standards for an international retrospective survey of HPV-DNA genotyping, coordinated by our own group and the DDL Laboratories in Rijswijk, the Netherlands. Paraffin-embedded samples were used. SPF-10 broad-spectrum primers were applied, followed by deoxyribonucleic acid enzyme immunoassay and genotyping by reverse-line probe assay., Results: A total of 78 samples were included in the study, 2 of benign conditions and 76 carcinomas, including different histological subtypes. HPV was not present in any of the specimens studied irrespective of histology, hormonal status and stage of disease., Conclusion: Our data do not support the involvement of HPV in breast carcinogenesis as no evidence of its presence was found., (Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2015
38. A new HLA-B allele, B*44:203, sequenced in a Spanish Caucasian cord blood unit.
- Author
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Sánchez-Gordo F, Balas A, Gomez-Zumaquero JM, Prat I, and Vicario JL
- Subjects
- Base Sequence, Codon, Exons, Fetal Blood chemistry, Fetal Blood immunology, HLA-B Antigens classification, HLA-B Antigens immunology, Histocompatibility Testing, Humans, Molecular Sequence Data, Protein Isoforms classification, Protein Isoforms genetics, Protein Isoforms immunology, Sequence Alignment, Spain, Alleles, Amino Acid Substitution, HLA-B Antigens genetics, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Abstract
HLA-B*44:203 shows one nucleotide difference to B*44:03:01 at codon 171 (TAC>CAC, Y171>H171)., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
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- 2015
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39. Description of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency associated with PI*Q0ourém allele in La Palma Island (Spain) and a genotyping assay for its detection.
- Author
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Hernández Pérez JM, Ramos Díaz R, Fumero García S, and Pérez Pérez JA
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Alleles, Base Sequence, Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Molecular Sequence Data, Phenotype, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, alpha 1-Antitrypsin analysis, Genotyping Techniques, alpha 1-Antitrypsin genetics, alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency genetics
- Abstract
By analysis of a case of discrepancy between serum alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) level and genotype for the most common defective alleles associated with AAT deficiency (PI*S and PI*Z), a patient carrying the allele PI*Q0ourém has been identified for the first time outside of Portugal. This null allele has been implicated in cases of severe pulmonary emphysema. After developing a clinical assay for detection of c.1130insT mutation, based on fluorescent probes (HybProbe®), another 4 carriers of PI*Q0ourém allele were identified among 43 patients with abnormally low serum AAT levels based on their genotypes for PI*S and PI*Z alleles. Since 4 out 5 cases are from the same locality (La Palma Island, Spain), it is advisable to conduct genetic analyses of affected families and, possibly, a focused population screening., (Copyright © 2013 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2015
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40. Genetic Diversity, Reassortment, and Recombination in Alfalfa mosaic virus Population in Spain.
- Author
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Bergua M, Luis-Arteaga M, and Escriu F
- Subjects
- Alfalfa mosaic virus classification, Alfalfa mosaic virus isolation & purification, Base Sequence, Haplotypes, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeny, Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length, Recombination, Genetic, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, Viral Proteins genetics, Alfalfa mosaic virus genetics, Genetic Variation, Medicago sativa virology, Plant Diseases virology
- Abstract
The variability and genetic structure of Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) in Spain was evaluated through the molecular characterization of 60 isolates collected from different hosts and different geographic areas. Analysis of nucleotide sequences in four coding regions--P1, P2, movement protein (MP), and coat protein (CP)--revealed a low genetic diversity and different restrictions to variation operating on each coding region. Phylogenetic analysis of Spanish isolates along with previously reported AMV sequences showed consistent clustering into types I and II for P1 and types I, IIA, and IIB for MP and CP regions. No clustering was observed for the P2 region. According to restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, the Spanish AMV population consisted of seven haplotypes, including two haplotypes generated by reassortment and one involving recombination. The most frequent haplotypes (types for P1, MP, and CP regions, respectively) were I-I-I (37%), II-IIB-IIB (30%), and one of the reassortants, II-I-I (17%). Distribution of haplotypes was not uniform, indicating that AMV population was structured according to the geographic origin of isolates. Our results suggest that agroecological factors are involved in the maintenance of AMV genetic types, including the reassortant one, and in their geographic distribution.
- Published
- 2014
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41. Spread of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 8-ST63 multidrug-resistant recombinant Clone, Spain.
- Author
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Ardanuy C, de la Campa AG, García E, Fenoll A, Calatayud L, Cercenado E, Pérez-Trallero E, Bouza E, and Liñares J
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Amino Acid Sequence, Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology, Bacterial Proteins chemistry, Bacterial Proteins genetics, Base Sequence, Child, Codon, Gene Order, Genome, Bacterial, Genotype, Humans, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Molecular Sequence Data, Molecular Typing, Phenotype, Polymorphism, Genetic, Serogroup, Spain epidemiology, Streptococcus pneumoniae genetics, Young Adult, Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial genetics, Pneumococcal Infections epidemiology, Pneumococcal Infections microbiology, Recombination, Genetic, Streptococcus pneumoniae classification
- Abstract
Since 2004, a total of 131 isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae multidrug-resistant invasive serotype 8 have been detected in Spain. These isolates showed resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin. All isolates were obtained from adult patients and shared a common genotype (sequence type [ST]63; penicillin-binding protein 1a [pbp1a], pbp2b, and pbp2x gene profiles; ermB and tetM genes; and a ParC-S79F change). Sixty-eight isolates that required a ciprofloxacin MIC ≥16 μg/mL had additional gyrA gene changes. Serotype 8-ST63 pbp2x sequences were identical with those of antimicrobial drug-susceptible serotype 8-ST53 isolates. Serotype 8-ST63 pbp2b sequences were identical with those of the multidrug-resistant Sweden 15A-ST63 clone. Recombination between the capsular locus and flanking regions of an ST53 isolate (donor) and an ST63 pneumococcus (recipient) generated the novel 15A-ST63 clone. One recombination point was upstream of pbp2x and another was within pbp1a. A serotype 8-ST63 clone was identified as a cause of invasive disease in Spain.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
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42. Oral probiotic VSL#3 attenuates the circulatory disturbances of patients with cirrhosis and ascites.
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Rincón D, Vaquero J, Hernando A, Galindo E, Ripoll C, Puerto M, Salcedo M, Francés R, Matilla A, Catalina MV, Clemente G, Such J, and Bañares R
- Subjects
- Acute-Phase Proteins, Administration, Oral, Adult, Aged, Base Sequence, Carrier Proteins blood, Cytokines blood, DNA Primers genetics, DNA, Bacterial blood, DNA, Bacterial genetics, Heart Rate drug effects, Humans, Membrane Glycoproteins blood, Middle Aged, Molecular Sequence Data, Probiotics administration & dosage, Prospective Studies, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Sodium blood, Spain, Statistics, Nonparametric, Vascular Resistance drug effects, Venous Pressure drug effects, Ascites physiopathology, Hemodynamics drug effects, Liver Cirrhosis physiopathology, Probiotics pharmacology
- Abstract
Background & Aims: The modulation of gut flora constitutes a therapeutic tool in patients with liver disease, but some of its modalities require further investigation. Here, we evaluated the effects of probiotics on the hepatic and systemic haemodynamic alterations of advanced liver disease., Methods: Seventeen patients with cirrhosis and ascites were prospectively included, five of whom abandoned this study prematurely. Hepatic and systemic haemodynamic evaluations were performed at baseline and after 6 weeks of receiving an oral VSL#3 probiotic preparation. Peripheral blood analyses included the evaluation of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6), bacterial translocation [bacterial DNA and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP)] and nitric oxide end-products (NOx)., Results: In 12 patients completing this study, the oral administration of VSL#3 resulted in reductions of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG, P < 0.001), cardiac index and heart rate (both P < 0.01) and in increases of the systemic vascular resistance (P < 0.05) and mean arterial pressure (P = 0.06). HVPG decreased at least 10% from baseline in eight patients (67%). Serum sodium increased in most patients (P < 0.01). All these changes were unrelated to the detection of bacterial DNA or to the levels of LBP, pro-inflammatory cytokines or NOx. No significant adverse effects were observed., Conclusion: Administration of the probiotic mixture VSL#3 improved the hepatic and systemic haemodynamics and serum sodium levels in patients with cirrhosis. Our results identify major effects of probiotics in liver disease and provide the rationale for assessing their therapeutic potential against the progression of portal hypertension and its complications in future clinical trials., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
- Published
- 2014
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43. Two clonal lineages of Phytophthora citrophthora from citrus in South Africa represent a single phylogenetic species.
- Author
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Spies CF, Meitz-Hopkins JC, Langenhoven SD, Pretorius MC, and McLeod A
- Subjects
- Base Sequence, DNA, Fungal chemistry, DNA, Fungal genetics, DNA, Ribosomal Spacer chemistry, DNA, Ribosomal Spacer genetics, Fungal Proteins genetics, Genes, Mating Type, Fungal, Genetic Variation, Genotype, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeny, Phytophthora isolation & purification, Sequence Analysis, DNA, South Africa, Spain, Citrus parasitology, Phytophthora genetics
- Abstract
Phytophthora citrophthora from citrus in eastern Corsica and Spain consists of distinct clonal lineages. In South Africa the extent of genetic variation among citrus-associated P. citrophthora isolates is unknown. This was investigated with isolates from South Africa (n =60), Spain (n =10) and six isolates representing three P. citrophthora groups CTR1, CTR2 and CTR3 previously identified with isozyme polymorphisms (Mchau and Coffey 1994). South African and Spanish isolates belonged to two lineages (G1, G2) based on an internal transcribed spacer (ITS) phylogeny, random amplified microsatellites (RAMS) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiling. Although combined RAMS and RAPD data identified 14 genotypes, unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analyses grouped the isolates into two clusters corresponding to lineages G1 and G2. Lineage G1 predominated among isolates from South Africa (92%) and Spain (100%). Phylogenetic analyses of the β-tubulin, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) and ITS regions did not support the hypothesis that the two lineages represent distinct phylogenetic species but suggested that isozyme group CTR2 and possibly CTR3 are species distinct from P. citrophthora sensu stricto. Mating-type analyses, using tester strains from groups CTR2 and CTR3 revealed that most G1 lineage isolates (n =57) were sterile but that some were of the A1 mating type (n =8) whereas all G2 lineage isolates were A2 (n =5). The mating-type designation was confirmed with P. capsici tester strains. However, when A1 (G1 lineage) and A2 (G2 lineage including CTR1 reference isolates) mating-type isolates were paired in all possible combinations, no oogonia or antheridia were produced. This suggests that only tester strains P. capsici, CTR2 and CTR3 were able to produce sexual structures and that lineages G1 and G2 are sterile and reproductively isolated, which is supported by molecular data., (© 2014 by The Mycological Society of America.)
- Published
- 2014
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44. Recombination drives genome evolution in outbreak-related Legionella pneumophila isolates.
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Sánchez-Busó L, Comas I, Jorques G, and González-Candelas F
- Subjects
- Base Sequence, Bayes Theorem, Disease Outbreaks, Genomics methods, Humans, Legionnaires' Disease genetics, Likelihood Functions, Models, Genetic, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeny, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide genetics, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain epidemiology, Evolution, Molecular, Genome, Bacterial genetics, Legionella pneumophila genetics, Legionnaires' Disease epidemiology, Recombination, Genetic genetics
- Abstract
Legionella pneumophila is a strictly environmental pathogen and the etiological agent of legionellosis. It is known that non-vertical processes have a major role in the short-term evolution of pathogens, but little is known about the relevance of these and other processes in environmental bacteria. We report the whole-genome sequencing of 69 L. pneumophila strains linked to recurrent outbreaks in a single location (Alcoy, Spain) over 11 years. We found some examples where the genome sequences of isolates of the same sequence type and outbreak did not cluster together and were more closely related to sequences from different outbreaks. Our analyses identify 16 recombination events responsible for almost 98% of the SNPs detected in the core genome and an apparent acceleration in the evolutionary rate. These results have profound implications for the understanding of microbial populations and for public health interventions in Legionella outbreak investigations.
- Published
- 2014
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45. Optimization of a fragment size analysis tool for identification of Cryptosporidium species and Gp60 alleles infecting domestic ruminants.
- Author
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Ramo A, Quílez J, Del Cacho E, and Sánchez-Acedo C
- Subjects
- Alleles, Animals, Base Sequence, Cattle, Cryptosporidium genetics, DNA, Protozoan chemistry, DNA, Protozoan genetics, Genotype, Molecular Sequence Data, Polymerase Chain Reaction veterinary, Sequence Analysis, DNA veterinary, Sheep, Spain epidemiology, Cattle Diseases microbiology, Cryptosporidiosis microbiology, Cryptosporidium isolation & purification, Sheep Diseases microbiology
- Abstract
A capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based DNA fragment analysis tool was optimized to identify in a single capillary the most common Cryptosporidium species and Cryptosporidium parvum GP60 alleles infecting domestic ruminants. For this purpose, a panel of genomic DNA samples including six Cryptosporidium species (C. parvum, C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. andersoni, C. ubiquitum, and C. hominis) and 18 C. parvum GP60 subtypes belonging to the subtype families IIa and IId was used. All these samples had been characterized previously by sequencing of SSU rRNA and GP60 genes. Isolates were re-amplified by PCR at these loci using sets of newly designed primers and subjected to CE. Fragment sizes were adjusted after comparison with sizes obtained by sequence analysis. The optimized CE-based approach provided fragments of different size for most Cryptosporidium species, but did not differentiate C. bovis and C. ryanae. Many of the GP60 subtypes (11/18) were also readily differentiated by CE, although overlapping in fragment sizes between IIa and IId subtypes was noticed. The CE-based tool was subsequently used to analyze Cryptosporidium isolates from naturally infected calves (n: 123) and lambs (n: 113) from farms in northern Spain. All isolates provided fragments typical of C. parvum. Fragment analysis at the GP60 locus differentiated a total of 10 alleles within isolates from calves (6 alleles) and lambs (8 alleles), with all but three alleles being host-associated. These findings support the validity of the optimized CE approach as a discriminatory and time- and cost-saving alternative to sequencing for identification of Cryptosporidium species and GP60 alleles in domestic ruminants., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2014
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46. Molecular epidemiology and clinical features of human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infection in Spain.
- Author
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Treviño A, Alcantara LC Jr, Benito R, Caballero E, Aguilera A, Ramos JM, de Mendoza C, Rodríguez C, García J, Rodríguez-Iglesias M, Ortiz de Lejarazu R, Roc L, Parra P, Eiros J, del Romero J, and Soriano V
- Subjects
- Base Sequence, DNA Primers, Female, HTLV-I Infections pathology, Humans, Male, Phylogeny, Spain epidemiology, HTLV-I Infections epidemiology, Molecular Epidemiology
- Abstract
Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection in Spain is rare and mainly affects immigrants from endemic regions and native Spaniards with a prior history of sexual intercourse with persons from endemic countries. Herein, we report the main clinical and virological features of cases reported in Spain. All individuals with HTLV-1 infection recorded at the national registry since 1989 were examined. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on the long terminal repeat (LTR) region. A total of 229 HTLV-1 cases had been reported up to December 2012. The mean age was 41 years old and 61% were female. Their country of origin was Latin America in 59%, Africa in 15%, and Spain in 20%. Transmission had occurred following sexual contact in 41%, parenteral exposure in 12%, and vertically in 9%. HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) was diagnosed in 27 cases and adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) in 17 subjects. HTLV-1 subtype could be obtained for 45 patients; all but one belonged to the Cosmopolitan subtype a. One Nigerian pregnant woman harbored HTLV-1 subtype b. Within the Cosmopolitan subtype a, two individuals (from Bolivia and Peru, respectively) belonged to the Japanese subgroup B, another two (from Senegal and Mauritania) to the North African subgroup D, and 39 to the Transcontinental subgroup A. Of note, one divergent HTLV-1 strain from an Ethiopian branched off from all five known Cosmopolitan subtype 1a subgroups. Divergent HTLV-1 strains have been introduced and currently circulate in Spain. The relatively large proportion of symptomatic cases (19%) suggests that HTLV-1 infection is underdiagnosed in Spain.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Association of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' with a vegetative disorder of celery in Spain and development of a real-time PCR method for its detection.
- Author
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Teresani GR, Bertolini E, Alfaro-Fernández A, Martínez C, Tanaka FA, Kitajima EW, Roselló M, Sanjuán S, Ferrándiz JC, López MM, Cambra M, and Font MI
- Subjects
- Apium ultrastructure, Base Sequence, DNA Primers genetics, DNA, Plant chemistry, DNA, Plant genetics, DNA, Ribosomal chemistry, DNA, Ribosomal genetics, Daucus carota microbiology, Haplotypes, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeny, Plant Shoots microbiology, Plant Shoots ultrastructure, Plant Stems microbiology, Plant Stems ultrastructure, Reproducibility of Results, Rhizobiaceae genetics, Rhizobiaceae ultrastructure, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, Species Specificity, Apium microbiology, Plant Diseases microbiology, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide genetics, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction methods, Rhizobiaceae isolation & purification
- Abstract
A new symptomatology was observed in celery (Apium graveolens) in Villena, Spain in 2008. Symptomatology included an abnormal amount of shoots per plant and curled stems. These vegetative disorders were associated with 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' and not with phytoplasmas. Samples from plant sap were immobilized on membranes based on the spot procedure and tested using a newly developed real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to detect 'Ca. L. solanacearum'. Then, a test kit was developed and validated by intralaboratory assays with an accuracy of 100%. Bacterial-like cells with typical morphology of 'Ca. Liberibacter' were observed using electron microscopy in celery plant tissues. A fifth haplotype of 'Ca. L. solanacearum', named E, was identified in celery and in carrot after analyzing partial sequences of 16S and 50S ribosomal RNA genes. From our results, celery (family Apiaceae) can be listed as a new natural host of this emerging bacterium.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
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48. New species of Cordana and epitypification of the genus.
- Author
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Hernández-Restrepo M, Gené J, Mena-Portales J, Cano J, Madrid H, Castañeda-Ruiz RF, and Guarro J
- Subjects
- Ascomycota genetics, Ascomycota isolation & purification, Ascomycota ultrastructure, Base Sequence, DNA, Fungal chemistry, DNA, Fungal genetics, DNA, Ribosomal Spacer chemistry, DNA, Ribosomal Spacer genetics, Molecular Sequence Data, Mycological Typing Techniques, Phylogeny, Plants microbiology, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, Species Specificity, Spores, Fungal, Ascomycota classification
- Abstract
Two interesting fungi belonging to the genus Cordana have been isolated recently in Spain from plant debris. Both are proposed here as new species, described and illustrated. Cordana mercadiana sp. nov. produces 0-1-septate conidia, with a prominent basal scar. Cordana verruculosa sp. nov. differs from the other species of the genus by its unique combination of aseptate, verruculose and small conidia. Both species are compared morphologically with other species of Cordana and their identities supported by the analysis of rDNA sequences. LSU sequence analysis revealed the congeneric relationship of Cordana and Pseudobotrytis; the members of both genera are in a well supported monophyletic lineage that appears to be related to the Coniochaetales but remains incertae sedis within the Sordariomycetes. To establish nomenclatural stability of the genus Cordana, an isolate of C. pauciseptata is designed here as epitype and the two species of Pseudobotrytis are transferred to Cordana. A dichotomous key is provided to identify the currently accepted species of Cordana., (© 2014 by The Mycological Society of America.)
- Published
- 2014
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49. Microbial succession in the gut: directional trends of taxonomic and functional change in a birth cohort of Spanish infants.
- Author
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Vallès Y, Artacho A, Pascual-García A, Ferrús ML, Gosalbes MJ, Abellán JJ, and Francino MP
- Subjects
- Adult, Age Factors, Base Sequence, Biodiversity, DNA, Bacterial genetics, Diet, Feces microbiology, Female, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Male, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, Gastrointestinal Tract microbiology, Microbial Consortia genetics, Microbiota genetics
- Abstract
In spite of its major impact on life-long health, the process of microbial succession in the gut of infants remains poorly understood. Here, we analyze the patterns of taxonomic and functional change in the gut microbiota during the first year of life for a birth cohort of 13 infants. We detect that individual instances of gut colonization vary in the temporal dynamics of microbiota richness, diversity, and composition at both functional and taxonomic levels. Nevertheless, trends discernible in a majority of infants indicate that gut colonization occurs in two distinct phases of succession, separated by the introduction of solid foods to the diet. This change in resource availability causes a sharp decrease in the taxonomic richness of the microbiota due to the loss of rare taxa (p = 2.06e-9), although the number of core genera shared by all infants increases substantially. Moreover, although the gut microbial succession is not strictly deterministic, we detect an overarching directionality of change through time towards the taxonomic and functional composition of the maternal microbiota. Succession is however not complete by the one year mark, as significant differences remain between one-year-olds and their mothers in terms of taxonomic (p = 0.009) and functional (p = 0.004) microbiota composition, and in taxonomic richness (p = 2.76e-37) and diversity (p = 0.016). Our results also indicate that the taxonomic composition of the microbiota shapes its functional capacities. Therefore, the observed inter-individual variability in taxonomic composition during succession is not fully compensated by functional equivalence among bacterial genera and may have important physiological consequences. Finally, network analyses suggest that positive interactions among core genera during community assembly contribute to ensure their permanence within the gut, and highlight an expansion of complexity in the interactions network as the core of taxa shared by all infants grows following the introduction of solid foods.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Accessing transcriptomic data for ecologically important genes in the goose barnacle (Pollicipes pollicipes), with particular focus on cement proteins.
- Author
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Perina A, von Reumont BM, Martínez-Lage A, and González-Tizón AM
- Subjects
- Animals, Base Sequence, Cluster Analysis, Computational Biology, Molecular Sequence Annotation, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeny, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain, Expressed Sequence Tags, Gene Library, Proteins genetics, Thoracica genetics, Thoracica metabolism, Transcriptome genetics
- Abstract
In this study 4310 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were used to identify potentially useful transcripts for future studies in the gooseneck barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes (Gmelin, 1789). 119 ESTs were obtained in this work and 4191 were taken from Meusemann et al. (2010). The gooseneck barnacle is a sessile pedunculate cirripede of great economic importance that occurs in dense aggregations, and is harvested for human consumption. The assembly of these ESTs yielded 1805 unigenes (461 contigs and 1344 singlets). The identification of cement proteins in our data is particularly interesting for cirripedes. Only a small part of the assembled unigenes could be functionally annotated. However, our results greatly improve our understanding of the biological features of P. pollicipes. In addition to this, a large number of potentially interesting genes were identified in order to serve as the base for future evolutionary studies in P. pollicipes., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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