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Up to one-quarter of the United States population is affected by tinea pedis (athlete's foot). Tinea pedis of the web space (interdigital tinea pedis) is a common clinical presentation causing skin macerations and fissures. A "dermatophytosis complex" (i.e., concomitant bacterial colonization) further complicates treatment. Here, we examined records of 14,429 skin specimens taken from the feet of dermatology and podiatry outpatients over a 4.6-year period; all specimens were subjected to multiplex qPCR diagnosis for the detection of dermatophytes, Candida , Corynebacterium minutissimum , Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus . A literature search was conducted to review the reported prevalence of fungal and bacterial agents. In both interdigital and plantar foot specimens, dermatophytes (33.3-33.8%) and S. aureus (24.3-25%) were found to be the predominate pathogens. In the interdigital space, a higher prevalence of C. minutissimum (15.7% vs. 7.9%) and Pseudomonas (23.5% vs. 9.6%) was found. The detection of Pseudomonas was more likely to be observed in the presence of Candida , reflecting a higher risk of mixed infection. In dermatophyte-positive specimens, the "dermatophytosis complex" variant was observed at 45.5% (SD: 2.3). An analysis of patient characteristics showed male patients exhibiting higher likelihoods for dermatophyte, C. minutissimum , Pseudomonas and S. aureus detections. The elderly were disproportionately infected with Candida . In children, an S. aureus detection was more common, which could be attributed to impetigo. The recent literature lacks reporting on concomitant bacterial colonization in tinea pedis patients, likely due to the reliance on fungal culture supplemented with antibiotics. Geographical variation has been identified in the detection of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex. In conclusion, PCR diagnosis serves as a valuable tool for the management of tinea pedis. An accurate and timely detection of fungal pathogens and concomitant bacterial colonization can better inform healthcare providers of appropriate treatment selection.

Background/Objectives : Cutaneous infections of fungal and bacterial origins are common. An accurate diagnosis-especially concerning pathogens that are difficult to isolate on culture-can be achieved using molecular methods (PCR) with a short turnaround time. Methods : We reviewed records of skin specimens (superficial scrapings) submitted by dermatologists across the United States with a clinically suspected dermatitis. As per physician's order, specimens were tested for infections either fungal (N = 4262) or bacterial (N = 1707) in origin. All unique specimens (one per patient) were subjected to real-time PCR assays where cases suspected of a fungal etiology were tested for dermatophytes, Malassezia and Candida , and cases suspected of a bacterial etiology were tested for Streptococcus pyogenes , Staphylococcus aureus , and the mecA gene potentially conferring β-lactam resistance. Results : Fungal agents were detected in 32.8% (SD: 4.5) of the submitted specimens, with most attributed to dermatophytes (19.3% (SD: 4.9)), followed by Malassezia (8.7% (SD: 2.8)) and Candida (2.9% (SD: 1.0)). Dermatophyte detection was more common in the elderly (≥65 years) compared to young adults (18-44 years) (OR: 1.8 (95% CI: 1.5, 2.2)), whereas Malassezia was more commonly detected in younger age groups (12.1-13.6%) than the elderly (5.6%). Candida was more frequently observed in females while dermatophytes and Malassezia were more frequently observed in males. Approximately one quarter of the submitted skin specimens tested positive for S. aureus (23.6% (SD: 3.4)), of which 34.4% (SD: 9.8) exhibited concurrent detection of the mecA gene. An S. aureus detection was more frequently observed in males (OR: 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2, 1.9)) and in children (OR: 1.7 (95% CI: 1.2, 2.5)). Streptococcus pyogenes was rarely detected. Among specimens positive for dermatophytes, 12.0% (20/166) showed co-detection of S. aureus and mecA , which is in contrast to 6.8% (70/1023) detected in samples without a fungal co-detection and 6.2% (8/130) in samples positive for Malassezia . Conclusions : PCR testing, when available, can be valuable as a part of routine care for diagnosing patients with clinically suspected skin infections. Further studies are warranted to survey the prevalence of resistant S. aureus isolates in dermatology outpatients, in particular with regard to the association with dermatophyte infections.

Onychomycosis is a recalcitrant fungal infection of the nail unit that can lead to secondary infections and foot complications. Accurate pathogen identification by confirmatory testing is recommended to improve treatment outcomes. In this study, we reviewed the records of 710,541 patients whose nail specimens were sent to a single molecular diagnostic laboratory between 2015 and 2024. PCR testing revealed a more comprehensive spectrum of pathogens than previously reported, which was corroborated by the demonstration of fungal invasion on histopathology. Consistent with our current understanding, the T. rubrum complex (54.3%) are among the most common pathogens; however, a significant portion of mycology-confirmed diagnoses were caused by the T. mentagrophytes complex (6.5%), Aspergillus (7.0%) and Fusarium (4.5%). Females were significantly more likely to be infected with non-dermatophytes molds (NDMs; OR: 2.0), including Aspergillus (OR: 3.3) and Fusarium (OR: 2.0), and yeasts (OR: 1.5), including Candida albicans (OR: 2.0) and C. parapsilosis (OR 1.6), than males. The T. mentagrophytes complex became more prevalent with age, and conversely the T. rubrum complex became less prevalent with age. Patients aged ≥65 years also demonstrated a higher likelihood of contracting onychomycosis caused by NDMs (OR: 1.6), including Aspergillus (OR: 2.2), Acremonium (OR: 3.5), Scopulariopsis (OR: 2.9), Neoscytalidium (OR: 3.8), and yeasts (OR: 1.8), including C. albicans (OR: 1.9) and C. parapsilosis (OR: 1.7), than young adults. NDMs (e.g., Aspergillus and Fusarium ) and yeasts were, overall, more likely to cause superficial onychomycosis and less likely to cause dystrophic onychomycosis than dermatophytes. With regards to subungual onychomycosis, Aspergillus , Scopulariopsis and Neoscytalidium had a similar likelihood as dermatophytes. The advent of molecular diagnostics enabling a timely and accurate pathogen identification can better inform healthcare providers of appropriate treatment selections and develop evidence-based recommendations.

Introduction: There is an increasing number of reports of Trichophyton indotineae infections. This species is usually poorly responsive to terbinafine., Areas Covered: A literature search was conducted in May 2024. T.indotineae infections detected outside the Indian subcontinent are generally associated with international travel. Reports of local spread are mounting.As a newly identified dermatophyte species closely related to the T. mentagrophytes complex with limited genetic and phenotypic differences, there is an unmet need to develop molecular diagnosis for T. indotineae . Terbinafine has become less effective as a first-line agent attributed to mutations in the squalene epoxidase gene (Leu393Phe, Phe397Leu). Alternative therapies include itraconazole for a longer time-period or a higher dose (200 mg/day or higher). Generally, fluconazole and griseofulvin are not effective. In some cases, especially when the area of involvement is relatively small, topical non-allylamine antifungals may be an option either as monotherapy or in combination with oral therapy. In instances when the patient relapses after apparent clinical cure then itraconazole may be considered. Good antifungal stewardship should be considered at all times., Expert Opinion: When both terbinafine and itraconazole are ineffective, options include off-label triazoles (voriconazole and posaconazole). We present four patients responding to these newer triazoles.

Background: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) for some pathogens in Australia are considerably higher in rural and remote compared to urban regions. The inaugural Hot North Antimicrobial Academy was a 9-month educational programme aimed to build workforce knowledge and capacity in antimicrobial use, audit, stewardship, surveillance and drug resistance in remote primary health care., Methods: The Academy was advertised to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, regional and remote healthcare workers. Participants were Aboriginal health practitioners, nurses, pharmacists and doctors from Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia working in remote primary health care with a focus on Indigenous health. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Academy ran virtually from February-November 2021 using Microsoft Teams. The Academy was evaluated using surveys and yarning circles to assess impact and knowledge gain., Results: Participants and faculty from across Australia attended 19 lectures and mentorship sessions. Eleven participants commenced and eight (73%) completed the Academy. The Academy raised participants awareness of AMR guidelines, governance and generating change; built confidence in advocacy; grew knowledge about drug resistant infections; and created a community of AMR champions in Indigenous health., Conclusion: The evaluation confirmed the Academy met the needs of participants, provided opportunities to move stewardship from tertiary hospitals into Indigenous and remote clinics and developed skills in research, audit, stewardship and advocacy for all involved. All sessions were recorded for future use, with facilitation by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) in future years., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: There is a concerning rise in antifungal-resistant dermatophytosis globally, with resistance to terbinafine conferred by point mutations in the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene., Objectives: Report changes in the prevalence and profile of SQLE mutations in onychomycosis patients in the United States., Methods: A longitudinal cohort study of toenail samples was collected from suspected onychomycosis patients over an 18-month period from 2022 to 2023. Samples were submitted from across the United States and subjected to multiplex real-time polymerase chain reactions for dermatophyte detection, with further screening of SQLE mutations at four known hotspots (393 Leu , 397 Phe , 415 Phe and 440 His )., Results: A total of 62,056 samples were submitted (mean age: 57.5 years; female: 60.4%). Dermatophytes were detected in 38.5% of samples, primarily Trichophyton rubrum complex (83.6%) and T. mentagrophytes complex (10.7%). A survey of SQLE mutations was carried out in 22,610 dermatophyte samples; there was a significant increase in the prevalence of SQLE mutations between the first quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2023 (29.0 to 61.9 per 1000 persons). The Phe397Leu substitution was the predominant mutation; Phe415Ser and His440Tyr have also emerged which were previously reported as minor mutations in skin samples. The temporal change in mutation rates can be primarily attributed to the Phe415Ser substitution. Samples from elderly patients (>70 years) are more likely to be infected with the T. mentagrophytes complex including strains harbouring the Phe415Ser substitution., Conclusion: The prevalence of SQLE mutations among onychomycosis patients with Trichophyton infections may be underestimated. Older individuals may have a higher risk., (© 2024 The Author(s). Mycoses published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Onychomycosis is an under-recognized healthcare burden. Despite the risk of misdiagnosis, confirmatory laboratory testing is under-utilized. Histopathologic examination with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is currently the most effective diagnostic method; it offers direct detection and identification of a fungal invasion. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed confirmatory testing results, with matching clinical diagnoses, in 96,293 nail specimens submitted during a 9-month period from 2022 to 2023. Toenail specimens were examined using fungal culture, histopathology and/or PCR. Clinical diagnoses were identified using the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision codes. For clinically diagnosed onychomycosis patients, the overall positivity rate was 59.4%; a similar positivity rate (59.5%) was found in patients with clinically diagnosed non-fungal nail dystrophy. Performing a histopathologic examination with PCR was more likely to provide pathogen identification results than using fungal culture. Male patients had a higher rate of onychomycosis overall; however, female patients had more non-dermatophyte mold onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus . Clinically diagnosed onychomycosis patients with a co-diagnosis of tinea pedis were more likely to test positive for onychomycosis by PCR (odds ratio [OR]: 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7-6.4), histopathology (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 2.0-3.1) and fungal culture (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5-6.6). Our results support the use of confirmatory laboratory testing when there is a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis.

Aporocotylid blood flukes Cardicola forsteri and C. orientalis are an ongoing health concern for the Southern Bluefin Tuna ( Thunnus maccoyii , SBT) industry, where infections can lead to morbidity and mortality in ranched SBT populations. This study compared blood fluke infection in SBT from two companies during the 2021 ranching season. Both companies administered the same dosage of praziquantel approximately 5 weeks after transfer, feeding with frozen baitfish daily; the only difference in the company's practices was that the pontoons were located 2.5 km apart. Infection severity was measured as prevalence and intensity by quantifying adult C. forsteri in SBT heart and copy numbers of C. forsteri and C. orientalis ITS-2 DNA in SBT heart and gills. Data from the 2018 and 2019 harvests of SBT were used to make comparisons with 2021 harvest data. Cardicola orientalis was detected at transfer and no longer detected after treatment with praziquantel. Cardicola spp. were present in 83% of sampled SBT in 2021. Both companies demonstrated similar patterns of infection, and Company A had higher prevalence and intensity of Cardicola spp. infection. Based on C. forsteri ITS-2 DNA, infection intensity at harvest was significantly greater for both companies in 2021 when compared to 2018 and 2019. Continued monitoring of Cardicola spp. in SBT and improvements in diagnostics contribute to our understanding of Cardicola spp. epizootiology and the detection of changes in treatment efficacy.

Resistance to oral terbinafine, the most commonly used antifungal to treat dermatophytosis and onychomycosis worldwide, is being increasingly reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the species distribution and prevalence of squalene epoxidase mutations among toenail dermatophyte isolates. Samples from 15,683 patients suspected of onychomycosis visiting the offices of dermatologists and podiatrists in the United States were analyzed. Clinical information was reviewed, and dermatophyte species with or without squalene epoxidase mutations were detected using multiplex real-time PCRs. The frequency of dermatophytes was 37.6%; of isolates belonging to the Trichophyton genus, 88.3% were the T. rubrum complex, and 11.2% were the T. mentagrophytes complex. Individuals aged >70 years exhibited higher infection rates for the T. mentagrophytes complex. The overall mutation rate among Trichophyton spp. was 3.7%, with a higher mutation rate detected in the T. mentagrophytes complex (4.3 vs. 3.6%). Commonly detected mutations were T1189C/Phe397Leu (34.5%), T1306C/Phe415Ser (16.0%), and C1191A/Phe397Leu (11.0%). Squalene epoxidase gene mutations associated with decreased terbinafine susceptibility have been identified in United States patients with toenail onychomycosis. Physicians should be aware of the risk factors for resistance development and engage in antifungal stewardship practices such as directed diagnosis and treatment of dermatophytosis and onychomycosis., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

There is an ongoing epidemic of chronic, relapsing dermatophytoses caused by Trichophyton indotineae that are unresponsive to one or multiple antifungal agents. Although this new species may have originated from the Indian subcontinent, there has been a notable increase of its reporting in other countries. Based on current literature, antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) showed a large variation of terbinafine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) (0.04 to ≥ 32 µg/ml). Elevated terbinafine MICs can be attributed to mutations in the squalene epoxidase gene (single mutations: Leu393Phe, Leu393Ser, Phe397Leu, and double mutations: Leu393Phe/Ala448Thr, Phe397Leu/Ala448Thr). Itraconazole MICs had a lower range when compared with that of terbinafine (0.008-16 µg/ml, with most MICs falling between 0.008 µg/ml and < 1 µg/ml). The interpretation of AFST results remains challenging due to protocol variations and a lack of established breakpoints. Adoption of molecular methods for resistance detection, coupled with AFST, may provide a better evaluation of the in vitro resistance status of T. indotineae. There is limited information on treatment options for patients with confirmed T. indotineae infections by molecular diagnosis; preliminary evidence generated from case reports and case series points to itraconazole as an effective treatment modality, while terbinafine and griseofulvin are generally not effective. For physicians working outside of endemic regions, there is currently an unmet need for standardized clinical trials to establish treatment guidelines; in particular, combination therapy of oral and topical agents (e.g., itraconazole and ciclopirox), as well as with other azoles (i.e., fluconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole), warrants further investigation as multidrug resistance is a possibility for T. indotineae., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

The three most commonly used methods for diagnosing non-dermatophyte mold (NDM) onychomycosis are culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and histopathology. Toenail samples from 512 patients (1 sample/patient) with suspected onychomycosis were examined using all three diagnostic tests. A statistically significant association was found between PCR and histopathology results, as well as between fungal culture and histopathology results. All PCR-positive and culture-positive dermatophyte samples were confirmed by histopathology. However, 15/116 (12.9%) of culture-positive NDM samples had negative histopathology results, while all PCR-positive NDM samples were confirmed by histopathology. The overall rate of dermatophyte detection was higher using PCR compared to culture (38.9% vs. 11.7%); the lower rate of NDM detection by PCR (11.7% vs. 38.9%) could be attributed to the restriction of the assay design to seven pre-selected targets. When repeat sampling in the clinic is not possible, a combination of NDM detection by PCR and positive histopathology of hyphae may be a proxy for NDM infection, particularly where the NDM occurs without a concomitant dermatophyte. There was a high degree of correlation between negative PCR and negative histopathology. A negative PCR result with negative histopathology findings may be a reliable proxy for the diagnosis of non-fungal dystrophy.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can represent a significant human health risk if present in aquifers used as a drinking water source. Accurate assessment of PFAS exposure risks requires an improved understanding of field-scale PFAS transport in groundwater. Activities at a former firefighter training site in University Park, Pennsylvania introduced perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) to the underlying dolomite aquifer. Groundwater sampling from 2015 to 2018 delineated a PFOS plume with two concentration maxima located approximately 20 and approximately 220 m downgradient of the training site, separated by a zone of lower concentrations. We use a combination of analytical and numerical models, informed by independent measurements of aquifer porosity, hydraulic conductivity, and organic carbon content, to interpret the field observations. Our analysis demonstrates that preferential retention and transport resulting from simple heterogeneity in bedrock sorption, as caused by organic carbon (OC) content variability, provides a plausible explanation for plume separation. Dissolved PFOS partitions strongly to organic solids (high K oc ), so even a small OC (<1 wt%) significantly retards PFOS transport, whereas zones with little to no OC allow for transport rates that approximate those of a conservative solute. Our work highlights an important consideration for modeling the groundwater transport of PFOS, and other compounds with high K oc . In aquifers with discrete layers of varying OC, models using a uniform site-average OC will underestimate transport distances, thereby misrepresenting exposure risks for downgradient communities., (© 2022 National Ground Water Association.)

A 79-year-old female patient with no pre-existing rheumatological conditions presented with severe functional impairment secondary to polyarthralgia, most likely an adverse reaction following her first dose of Oxford/AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The presentation mimicked clinical features of polymyalgia rheumatica and was distinctive in its pattern and delayed onset. Its severity in an elderly patient was significant against trial findings of decreasing reactogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine with increasing age, and traumatic to the patient. Acute phase reactants were elevated, consistent with recent similar reports among mostly elderly, female patients. New onset rheumatological conditions and flares of pre-existing, well-controlled conditions had been well established in COVID-19 and, to a lesser extent, post-vaccination. Viral arthralgias as a distinct clinical entity in COVID-19 is only beginning to be recognized. It could be that this case report represents a similar entity which occurs following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Despite this, the benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh such risks, although this case report is important for providing understanding of clinical progression when such reactions occur, aiding in patient discussions and clinical decisions to weigh up further investigations or empirical treatment against reassurance and close monitoring.

The parasitic blood flukes Cardicola forsteri and C. orientalis are an ongoing health concern for Southern Bluefin Tuna Thunnus maccoyii (SBT) ranched in Australia. In this study we compared the effect of treatment, company, and ranching year on blood fluke infections in ranched SBT. SBT were sampled during the 2018 and 2019 ranching seasons from praziquantel (PZQ) treated pontoons and untreated pontoons managed by two companies. Severity of infection was diagnosed by several criteria including adult fluke counts from hearts, egg counts from gill filaments and the use of specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for detection of C. forsteri and C. orientalis ITS-2 DNA in SBT hearts and gills. PZQ treatment remains highly effective against C. forsteri infection. Prevalence and intensity of Cardicola spp. infection was lower in 2019 than 2018 for Company A in treated pontoons at week 12 and week 17 of ranching, and lower for Company A than Company B in untreated pontoons at month 5 of ranching. Results indicate re-infection may be less likely in the environment near Company A pontoons, and consistent years of treatment may have lowered the parasite load in the environment. qPCR demonstrated higher sensitivity when comparing diagnostic methods for C. forsteri in heart, and higher specificity when comparing diagnostic methods for Cardicola spp. in gills. Continuing to monitor blood fluke infections in ranched SBT can help to detect changes in drug efficacy over time and help industry to develop a best practice for treatment.

Melanomacrophage centres (MMCs) are aggregates of macrophages accumulating various pigments. They have been proposed as an indicator of fish immune response. Blood flukes are common parasites in farmed fish. Two cohorts of wild Southern Bluefin Tuna ( Thunnus maccoyi ) were examined at transfer, before treatment against blood flukes (pre-treatment) and at harvest. MMCs were assessed in histological sections using image analysis, while Cardicola forsteri and Cardicola orientalis infection severity was determined using qPCR, count of adult flukes in heart flushes and count of eggs in gill filaments. Fish from both cohorts showed the same pattern in the changes in the surface area of MMCs. The surface area of splenic MMCs increased over the ranching duration and was positively correlated to the PCR determined copy numbers of Cardicola forsteri ITS2 rDNA in the gills of those fish. However, the infection with blood fluke was more variable, both between cohorts and individuals within the same cohort. Eggs of blood fluke were detected in renal MMCs using histology. Cardicola forsteri had a higher prevalence than Cardicola orientalis . This study contributes to our understanding of blood fluke infections in Southern Bluefin Tuna and their interactions with MMCs.

Aquaculture is the fastest growing primary industry worldwide. Marine finfish culture in open ocean net pens, or pontoons, is one of the largest growth areas and is currently the only way to rear high value fish such as bluefin tuna. Ranching involves catching wild juveniles, stocking in floating net pens and fattening for 4 to 8 months. Tuna experience several parasite-induced disease challenges in culture that can be mitigated by application of praziquantel (PZQ) as a therapeutic. In this study, we characterized the microbiome of ranched southern Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus maccoyii , across four anatomic sites (gill, skin, digesta, and anterior kidney) and evaluated environmental and pathological factors that influence microbiome composition, including the impact of PZQ treatment on microbiome stability. Southern bluefin tuna gill, skin, and digesta microbiome communities are unique and potentially influenced by husbandry practices, location of pontoon growout pens, and treatment with the antiparasitic PZQ. There was no significant relationship between the fish mucosal microbiome and incidence or abundance of adult blood fluke in the heart or fluke egg density in the gill. An enhanced understanding of microbiome diversity and function in high-value farmed fish species such as bluefin tuna is needed to optimize fish health and improve aquaculture yield. Comparison of the bluefin tuna microbiome to other fish species, including Seriola lalandi (yellowtail kingfish), a common farmed species from Australia, and Scomber japonicus (Pacific mackerel), a wild caught Scombrid relative of tuna, showed the two Scombrids had more similar microbial communities compared to other families. The finding that mucosal microbial communities are more similar in phylogenetically related fish species exposes an opportunity to develop mackerel as a model for tuna microbiome and parasite research., (Copyright © 2020 Minich, Power, Melanson, Knight, Webber, Rough, Bott, Nowak and Allen.)

Serpentinization is a weathering process in which ultramafic rocks react with water, generating a range of products, including serpentine and other minerals, in addition to H 2 and low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons that are capable of sustaining microbial life. Lipid biomarker analyses of serpentinite-hosted ecosystems hold promise as tools for investigating microbial activity in ancient Earth environments and other terrestrial planets such as Mars because lipids have the potential for longer term preservation relative to DNA, proteins, and other more labile organic molecules. Here, we report the first lipid biomarker record of microbial activity in the mantle section of the Samail Ophiolite, in the Sultanate of Oman, a site undergoing active serpentinization. We detected isoprenoidal (archaeal) and branched (bacterial) glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT) lipids, including those with 0-3 cyclopentane moieties, and crenarchaeol, an isoprenoidal GDGT containing four cyclopentane and one cyclohexane moieties, as well as monoether lipids and fatty acids indicative of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Comparison of our geochemical data and 16S rRNA data from the Samail Ophiolite with those from other serpentinite-hosted sites identifies the existence of a common core serpentinization microbiome. In light of these findings, we also discuss the preservation potential of serpentinite lipid biomarker assemblages on Earth and Mars. Continuing investigations of the Samail Ophiolite and other terrestrial analogues will enhance our understanding of microbial habitability and diversity in serpentinite-hosted environments on Earth and elsewhere in the Solar System.

Background: Suicide rates are higher in rural and remote areas of Australia compared with major cities., Aim: To evaluate the impact of a brief, community-based suicide prevention educational intervention on the attitudes and confidence of rural South Australian health and human service professionals., Method: Participants attended a 1-day suicide prevention education program, and completed a survey at four time points: baseline (T1), immediately pretraining (T2), immediately posttraining (T3), and 4-month follow-up (T4). Main outcome measures were self-reported attitudes and confidence when working with people vulnerable to suicide., Results: A total of 248 people attended the training, with 213 participants completing the survey at T1, 236 at T2, 215 at T3, and 172 at T4. There were significant improvements in 11 of the 14 attitude items between T2 and T3 (immediate change), and between T1 and T4 (maintained change). Further, there were significant improvements in all four confidence items between T2 and T3, and T1 and T4., Limitations: Despite the repeated-measures design, findings are limited by the lack of a control group., Conclusion: Findings extend the international evidence by indicating the value of brief suicide prevention education for improving health and human service professionals' attitudes and confidence in rural Australia.

Cyanobacteria are ecologically versatile microorganisms inhabiting most environments, ranging from marine systems to arid deserts. Although they possess several pathways for light-independent energy generation, until now their ecological range appeared to be restricted to environments with at least occasional exposure to sunlight. Here we present molecular, microscopic, and metagenomic evidence that cyanobacteria predominate in deep subsurface rock samples from the Iberian Pyrite Belt Mars analog (southwestern Spain). Metagenomics showed the potential for a hydrogen-based lithoautotrophic cyanobacterial metabolism. Collectively, our results suggest that they may play an important role as primary producers within the deep-Earth biosphere. Our description of this previously unknown ecological niche for cyanobacteria paves the way for models on their origin and evolution, as well as on their potential presence in current or primitive biospheres in other planetary bodies, and on the extant, primitive, and putative extraterrestrial biospheres., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.)

A significant portion of oil released during the Deepwater Horizon disaster reached the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) seafloor. Predicting the long-term fate of this oil is hindered by a lack of data about the combined influences of pressure, temperature, and sediment composition on microbial hydrocarbon remineralization in deep-sea sediments. To investigate crude oil biodegradation by native GOM microbial communities, we incubated core-top sediments from 13 GOM sites at water depths from 60-1500 m with crude oil under simulated aerobic seafloor conditions. Biodegradation occurred in all samples and followed a predictable compound class sequence dictated by molecular weight and structure. 45 to ~100% of total n-alkane and 3 to 60% of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were depleted. In reactors incubated at 4°C and at pressures of 6-15 MPa, the depletion in total n-alkane was inversely correlated to pressure (R2 ~ 0.85), equivalent to a 4% decrease in total n-alkane depletion for every 1 MPa increase. Our results indicated a modest inhibitory effect of pressure on biodegradation over our experimental range. However, the expansion of oil exploration to deeper waters (e.g., 5000 m) opens the risk of spills at conditions at which pressure might have a more pronounced effect., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

There are well-established training programmes available to support health and human services professionals working with people vulnerable to suicide. However, little is known about involving people with lived experience in the delivery of suicide prevention training with communities with increased rates of suicide. The aim of this paper was to report on a formative dialogical evaluation that explored the views of health and human services workers with regard to a suicide prevention training programme in regional (including rural and remote areas) South Australia which included meaningful involvement of a person with lived experience in the development and delivery of the training. In 2015, eight suicide prevention training workshops were conducted with health and human services workers. All 248 participants lived and worked in South Australian regional communities. We interviewed a subsample of 24 participants across eight sites. A thematic analysis of the interviews identified five themes: Coproduction is key, It is okay to ask the question, Caring for my community, I can make a difference and Learning for future training. The overall meta-theme was "Involvement of a person with lived experience in suicide prevention training supports regional communities to look out for people at risk of suicide." This paper highlights the need for suicide prevention training and other workforce development programmes to include lived experience participation as a core component in development and delivery., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Captive breeding programs and aquaculture production have commenced worldwide for the globally distributed yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi), and captive bred fingerlings are being shipped from the Southern Hemisphere to be farmed in the Northern Hemisphere. It was recently proposed that Pacific S. lalandi comprise at least three distinct species that diverged more than 2 million years ago. Here, we tested the hypothesis of different "species" in the Pacific using novel genomic data (namely single nucleotide polymorphisms and diversity array technology markers), as well as mtDNA and DNA microsatellite variation. These new data support the hypothesis of population subdivision between the Northeast Pacific, Northwest Pacific and South Pacific, and genetic divergence indicates restriction to the gene flow between hemispheres. However, our estimates of maximum mtDNA and nuclear DNA divergences of 2.43% and 0.67%, respectively, were within the ranges more commonly observed for populations within species than species within genera. Accordingly our data support the more traditional view that S. lalandi in the Pacific comprises three distinct populations rather than the subdivisions into several species.

Biologically active recombinant yellowtail kingfish follicle stimulating hormone (rytkFsh) was produced in yeast Pichia pastoris and its biological activity was demonstrated by both in-vitro and in-vivo bioassays. Incubation of ovarian and testicular fragments with the recombinant hormone stimulated E 2 and 11-KT secretion, respectively. In-vivo trial in immature female YTK resulted in a significant increase of plasma E 2 levels and development of oocytes. In males at the early stages of puberty, advancement of spermatogenesis was observed, however plasma 11-KT levels were reduced when administered with rytkFsh., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Melanomacrophage centres (MMCs) are common in the haemopoietic tissue of fish and are an important component of the humoral immune response. Increasingly they are being studied as a biomarker of environmental stress in both wild and aquaculture fish stocks. Computer image analysis of histological sections of the head kidney and spleen of ranched Southern bluefin tuna (SBT) was used to investigate changes in MMCs over various stages of the ranching cycle. Histochemical pigment differentiation indicated haemosiderin, lipofuscin and melanin were present in MMCs of both the kidney and spleen, with kidney MMCs being highly positive for lipofuscin and melanin and spleen having high levels of haemosiderin and a lower level of melanin than kidney. The MMC area in the kidney of wild sampled SBT ranged from 0.41 ± 0.13% to 2.95 ± 0.26% and that in the spleen ranged from 0.35 ± 0.09% to 2.75 ± 0.86%. The MMC area in the spleen of SBT increased over the latter stages of ranching and at harvest compared to SBT sampled in the wild and at the end of tow. There was no statistically significant difference in the MMC area in the kidney of ranched SBT sampled at various stages. SBT appear to have a higher MMC area in haemopoietic organs than numerous other fish species, perhaps providing a greater capacity to deal with 'wear and tear' and increased immune-competence., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Praziquantel (PZQ) is registered for oral use against Benedenia seriolae infecting Seriola spp. in Japan, but its bitter taste causes poor palatability. Incorporating PZQ in a moist pellet may help mask the flavor to improve intake. Altering delivery, however, may influence efficacy. We assessed the minimum effective concentrations of PZQ in moist pellets delivered by intubation for the monogeneans Zeuxapta seriolae and B. seriolae infecting yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi in flow-through tanks. The optimised dose was then evaluated in a sea-cage of S. lalandi to assess feed acceptance and efficacy. During intubation trials, efficacy was assessed as a percent reduction compared to control groups; in the field trial, efficacy was assessed by a percent reduction after treatment. PZQ delivered by intubation at 70 mg kg-1 body weight (BW) for 3 d was 99.7 and 81.7% effective against Z. seriolae and B. seriolae, respectively. Increasing the dose to 120 mg kg-1 BW for 3 d had a similar efficacy against Z. seriolae (98.4%) and increased efficacy against B. seriolae to 89.2%, but partial emesis of the medicated feed was sometimes noted. S. lalandi in a sea-cage at 17°C readily consumed PZQ administered daily in moist pellets at 70 mg kg-1 BW for 3 d (inclusion rate: 5.15 g kg-1), which significantly reduced Z. seriolae and B. seriolae abundance with 99.4 and 81.6% efficacy, respectively. Juvenile B. seriolae were common on the eyes of fish post-treatment which indicates a strategically timed repeat treatment is necessary.

Germ cell transplantation is an innovative technology for the production of interspecies surrogates, capable of facilitating easier and more economical management of large-bodied broodstock, such as the bluefin tuna. The present study explored the suitability of yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) as a surrogate host for transplanted southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) spermatogonial cells to produce tuna donor-derived gametes upon sexual maturity. Germ cell populations in testes of donor T. maccoyii males were described using basic histology and the molecular markers vasa and dead-end genes. The peripheral area of the testis was found to contain the highest proportions of dead-end-expressing transplantable Type A spermatogonia. T. maccoyii Type A spermatogonia-enriched preparations were transplanted into the coelomic cavity of 6-10-day-old post-hatch S. lalandi larvae. Fluorescence microscopy and polymerase chain reaction analysis detected the presence of tuna cells in the gonads of the transplanted kingfish fingerlings at 18, 28, 39 and 75 days after transplantation, indicating that the transplanted cells migrated to the genital ridge and had colonised the developing gonad. T. maccoyii germ cell-derived DNA or RNA was not detected at later stages, suggesting that the donor cells were not maintained in the hosts' gonads.

Regulatory approval is being sought to use praziquantel (PZQ) to treat flukes infecting yellowtail kingfish (YTK), but accurate safety data were not available. We investigated the effect of increased doses or prolonged exposure of orally administered PZQ on YTK by assessing changes in haematological and biochemical characteristics, and mortality. Fish were intubated daily for 3 days with 0, 100, 300 and 500 mg PZQ kg(-1) BW day(-1) or once daily for 9 days at 0 and 100 mg PZQ kg(-1) BW day(-1). Blood was taken 24 h after the cessation of treatment. There was no significant difference between any of the haematological or biochemical indices in YTK treated with PZQ and controls, indicating that PZQ is safe for use at 100 mg PZQ kg(-1) BW day(-1) in YTK and that exposure to high doses or prolonged duration does not have negative effects on the YTK haematological or biochemical parameters we measured.

The main aim of this study was to estimate the heritability for four measures of deformity and their genetic associations with growth (body weight and length), carcass (fillet weight and yield) and flesh-quality (fillet fat content) traits in yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi. The observed major deformities included lower jaw, nasal erosion, deformed operculum and skinny fish on 480 individuals from 22 families at Clean Seas Tuna Ltd. They were typically recorded as binary traits (presence or absence) and were analysed separately by both threshold generalized models and standard animal mixed models. Consistency of the models was evaluated by calculating simple Pearson correlation of breeding values of full-sib families for jaw deformity. Genetic and phenotypic correlations among traits were estimated using a multitrait linear mixed model in ASReml. Both threshold and linear mixed model analysis showed that there is additive genetic variation in the four measures of deformity, with the estimates of heritability obtained from the former (threshold) models on liability scale ranging from 0.14 to 0.66 (SE 0.32-0.56) and from the latter (linear animal and sire) models on original (observed) scale, 0.01-0.23 (SE 0.03-0.16). When the estimates on the underlying liability were transformed to the observed scale (0, 1), they were generally consistent between threshold and linear mixed models. Phenotypic correlations among deformity traits were weak (close to zero). The genetic correlations among deformity traits were not significantly different from zero. Body weight and fillet carcass showed significant positive genetic correlations with jaw deformity (0.75 and 0.95, respectively). Genetic correlation between body weight and operculum was negative (-0.51, P < 0.05). The genetic correlations' estimates of body and carcass traits with other deformity were not significant due to their relatively high standard errors. Our results showed that there are prospects for genetic selection to improve deformity in yellowtail kingfish and that measures of deformity should be included in the recording scheme, breeding objectives and selection index in practical selective breeding programmes due to the antagonistic genetic correlations of deformed jaws with body and carcass performance., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have approximately three-fold higher rates of diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians. Point-of-care testing, where pathology tests are conducted close to the patient, with results available during the patient consultation, can potentially deliver several benefits for both the Indigenous client and the health professional team involved in their care. Currently, point-of-care testing for diabetes management is being conducted in over 180 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Services as part of a national program called Quality Assurance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Services (QAAMS). The cultural safety of the Program was reviewed by sourcing the views of the QAAMS Indigenous Leaders Team in a focus group setting and by surveying the point-of-care testing operators enrolled in QAAMS, via an electronic questionnaire. The current study confirms that QAAMS remains a culturally safe program that fills a permanent and positive niche within the Indigenous health sector. The study demonstrates that QAAMS provides a convenient and accessible 'one-stop' pathology service for Indigenous clients with diabetes and empowers Aboriginal Health Workers to have a direct role in the care of their diabetes clients.

Video survey techniques are now commonly used to estimate animal abundance under the assumption that estimates relate to true abundance, a key property needed to make video a valid survey tool. Using the spiny lobster Palinurus elephas as our model organism, we evaluate the effectiveness of baited underwater video (BUV) for estimating abundance in areas with widely different population density. We test three BUV abundance metrics and compare the results with an independently obtained abundance index from trammel-net surveys (Trammel). Video metrics used to estimate relative abundance include a value for total number of individuals per recording (TotN), the traditional maximum number of fish observed in a single video frame (MaxN), and the recently suggested alternative, the average of the mean MaxN from 5-minute periods throughout the duration of the recording (MeanN). This is the first video study of a wild population to include an estimate for TotN. Comparison of TotN with the other two BUV relative abundance metrics demonstrates that both of the latter lack resolution at high population densities. In spite of this, the three BUV metrics tested, as well as the independent estimate Trammel, distinguished high density areas from low density areas. Thus they could all be used to identify areas of differing population density, but MaxN and MeanN would not be appropriate metrics for studies aimed at documenting increases in abundance, such as those conducted to assess marine protected area effectiveness, as they are prone to sampling saturation. We also demonstrate that time of first arrival (T1) is highly correlated with all of the abundance indices; suggesting T1 may be a potentially useful index of abundance. However, these relationships require further investigation as our data suggests T1 may not adequately represent lobster abundance in areas of high density.

We report here the draft genome sequence of Rhodococcus qingshengii strain TUHH-12. The ability of this piezotolerant bacterium to grow on crude oil and tetracosane as sole carbon sources at 150 × 10(5) Pa makes it useful in studies of hydrocarbon degradation under simulated deep-sea conditions., (Copyright © 2015 Lincoln et al.)

We describe the seizure and EEG characteristics in a population of children with known Fragile X. The medical records of 135 genetically confirmed FXS patients receiving care in a Fragile X clinic and their available EEG reports were reviewed. The mean age was 5.94 years old including 18 males and 1 female. The mean age was 4-9 years old with an age range of 15 months to 13 years old. Twenty-two patients (16.3%) in the series had parent-reported behavior suspicious of seizures. Sixteen patients (14.1%, 1 female) had at least one EEG recorded for evaluation of clinical events suspicious for seizure, and three patients (2.2%) had an EEG in the context of a polysomnography for diagnosing sleep apnea. The mean age at EEG evaluation was 6.0 years (standard deviation 3.8 years). EEG findings included slowing of background rhythm (n=9) and epileptiform discharges (n=7). Four patients had normal EEGs (n=4). Six patients (4.4% of the sample population) were diagnosed with epilepsy by both clinical seizure semiology and documented EEG abnormalities. Thirteen patients (68.4% of total) had episodes of staring and behavioral arrest with no EEG correlate, indicating non-epileptic events. Of the eight patients who underwent a repeat EEG, five patients had showed normalization in the posterior dominant rhythm over time, two patients had unchanged findings and one patient had worsening of his EEG. Our data warrant further prospective validation., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Archaea are ubiquitous in marine plankton, and fossil forms of archaeal tetraether membrane lipids in sedimentary rocks document their participation in marine biogeochemical cycles for >100 million years. Ribosomal RNA surveys have identified four major clades of planktonic archaea but, to date, tetraether lipids have been characterized in only one, the Marine Group I Thaumarchaeota. The membrane lipid composition of the other planktonic archaeal groups--all uncultured Euryarchaeota--is currently unknown. Using integrated nucleic acid and lipid analyses, we found that Marine Group II Euryarchaeota (MG-II) contributed significantly to the tetraether lipid pool in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre at shallow to intermediate depths. Our data strongly suggested that MG-II also synthesize crenarchaeol, a tetraether lipid previously considered to be a unique biomarker for Thaumarchaeota. Metagenomic datasets spanning 5 y indicated that depth stratification of planktonic archaeal groups was a stable feature in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. The consistent prevalence of MG-II at depths where the bulk of exported organic matter originates, together with their ubiquitous distribution over diverse oceanic provinces, suggests that this clade is a significant source of tetraether lipids to marine sediments. Our results are relevant to archaeal lipid biomarker applications in the modern oceans and the interpretation of these compounds in the geologic record.

Peaks in epizootics of sea lice (mostly Caligus chiastos) and blood flukes (Cardicola forsteri) among Southern Bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) appear to coincide with the onset of an increased mortality. The mortality event occurs 6-12 weeks after T. maccoyii have been transferred into static ranching pontoons from the wild. However, to date available data on parasite occurrence before commercial harvesting begins, are scant. This research gathered epizootiological data from weeks 4 to 13 post-transfer, for 153 T. maccoyii sampled from two research and four commercial pontoons. Counts of both parasites in the research pontoons reached levels far heavier than previously documented in ranched T. maccoyii. For sea lice, the prevalence in most pontoons was 100%; the highest intensity reached 495 individuals, and mean counts at the peak of the infection exceeded 265 lice per fish. Almost all of the 5407 individual lice counted were identified as adult C. chiastos (89.44% female, 10.14% male); adult females of two other species were also present, C. amblygenitalis (0.13%), in addition to an undescribed species, C. sp. (0.04%). Lice counts were correlated positively with gross eye pathology scores (r(s,151df)=0.3394, p=0.0000), negatively correlated with condition index (r(s,151df)=-0.5396, p=0.0000), and positively correlated with plasma cortisol (r(s,131df)=0.3906, p=0.0000) and glucose (r(s,131df)=0.2240, p=0.0096). For the blood fluke, prevalences were less uniform than those of sea lice, with lower rates of infection at the beginning (ranging from 10% to 40%), reaching 100% mid-study, and declining again (40% in one pontoon). The highest intensity reached 441 individual flukes. Fluke counts were negatively correlated with plasma haemoglobin (r(s,151df)=-0.2436, p=0.0051) and positively with lysozyme (r(s,151df)=0.3013, p=0.0019). Fluke counts were also correlated with sea lice counts (r(s,150df)=0.3143, p=0.0000). Peaks in these epizootics occurred near the onset of elevated mortalities, which started after 7 weeks of ranching., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Multiple lines of evidence indicate a strong genetic contribution to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Current guidelines for clinical genetic testing recommend a G-banded karyotype to detect chromosomal abnormalities and fragile X DNA testing, but guidelines for chromosomal microarray analysis have not been established., Patients and Methods: A cohort of 933 patients received clinical genetic testing for a diagnosis of ASD between January 2006 and December 2008. Clinical genetic testing included G-banded karyotype, fragile X testing, and chromosomal microarray (CMA) to test for submicroscopic genomic deletions and duplications. Diagnostic yield of clinically significant genetic changes was compared., Results: Karyotype yielded abnormal results in 19 of 852 patients (2.23% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.73%-2.73%]), fragile X testing was abnormal in 4 of 861 (0.46% [95% CI: 0.36%-0.56%]), and CMA identified deletions or duplications in 154 of 848 patients (18.2% [95% CI: 14.76%-21.64%]). CMA results for 59 of 848 patients (7.0% [95% CI: 5.5%-8.5%]) were considered abnormal, which includes variants associated with known genomic disorders or variants of possible significance. CMA results were normal in 10 of 852 patients (1.2%) with abnormal karyotype due to balanced rearrangements or unidentified marker chromosome. CMA with whole-genome coverage and CMA with targeted genomic regions detected clinically relevant copy-number changes in 7.3% (51 of 697) and 5.3% (8 of 151) of patients, respectively, both higher than karyotype. With the exception of recurrent deletion and duplication of chromosome 16p11.2 and 15q13.2q13.3, most copy-number changes were unique or identified in only a small subset of patients., Conclusions: CMA had the highest detection rate among clinically available genetic tests for patients with ASD. Interpretation of microarray data is complicated by the presence of both novel and recurrent copy-number variants of unknown significance. Despite these limitations, CMA should be considered as part of the initial diagnostic evaluation of patients with ASD.