Phylogenomic analysis of a 55.1 kb 19-gene dataset resolves a monophyletic Fusarium that includes the Fusarium solani Species Complex

Scientific communication is facilitated by a data-driven, scientifically sound taxonomy that considers the end-user¿s needs and established successful practice. In 2013, the Fusarium community voiced near unanimous support for a concept of Fusarium that represented a clade comprising all agriculturally and clinically important Fusarium species, including the F. solani species complex (FSSC). Subsequently, this concept was challenged in 2015 by one research group who proposed dividing the genus Fusarium into seven genera, including the FSSC described as members of the genus Neocosmospora, with subsequent justification in 2018 based on claims that the 2013 concept of Fusarium is polyphyletic. Here, we test this claim and provide a phylogeny based on exonic nucleotide sequences of 19 orthologous protein-coding genes that strongly support the monophyly of Fusarium including the FSSC. We reassert the practical and scientific argument in support of a genus Fusarium that includes the FSSC and several other basal lineages, consistent with the longstanding use of this name among plant pathologists, medical mycologists, quarantine officials, regulatory agencies, students, and researchers with a stake in its taxonomy. In recognition of this monophyly, 40 species described as genus Neocosmospora were recombined in genus Fusarium, and nine others were renamed Fusarium. Here the global Fusarium community voices strong support for the inclusion of the FSSC in Fusarium, as it remains the best scientific, nomenclatural, and practical taxonomic option availabl

Contrast-enhanced microCT (EPIC-µCT) ex vivo applied to the mouse and human jaw joint

Objectives: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is susceptive to the development of osteoarthritis (OA). More detailed knowledge of its development is essential to improve our insight into TMJ-OA. It is imperative to have a standardized reliable three-dimensional (3D) imaging method that allows for detailed assessment of both bone and cartilage in healthy and diseased joints. We aimed to determine the applicability of a contrast-enhanced microCT (µCT) technique for ex vivo research of mouse and human TMJs. Methods: Equilibrium partitioning of an ionic contrast agent via µCT (EPIC-µCT) was previously applied for cartilage assessment in the knee joint. The method was ex vivo, applied to the mouse TMJ and adapted for the human TMJ. Results: EPIC-µCT (30-min immersion time) was applied to mouse mandibular condyles, and 3D imaging revealed an average cartilage thickness of 110 ± 16 µm. These measurements via EPIC-µCT were similar to the histomorphometric measures (113 ± 19 µm). For human healthy OA-affected TMJ samples, the protocol was adjusted to an immersion time of 1 h. 3D imaging revealed a significant thicker cartilage layer in joints with early signs of OA compared with healthy joints (414.2 ± 122.6 and 239.7 ± 50.5 µm, respectively). A subsequent significant thinner layer was found in human joints with late signs of OA (197.4 ± 159.7 µm). Conclusions: The EPIC-µCT technique is effective for the ex vivo assessment of 3D cartilage morphology in the mouse as well as human TMJ and allows bone-cartilage interaction research in TMJ-OA

Increased osteoclast formation and activity by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in chronic liver disease patients with osteopenia

Osteoporosis is a common complication of chronic liver disease, and the underlying mechanisms are not understood. We aimed to determine if osteoclasts develop from osteoclast precursors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of chronic liver disease patients with osteopenia compared with controls. PBMCs were isolated and fluorescence-activated cell sorting was performed to quantify the activated T lymphocyte population and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa beta ligand (RANKL) expression. The activated T lymphocyte populations were comparable for all 3 groups, and RANKL was not detectable. The percentage of CD14+CD11b+ cells containing osteoclast precursors was comparable between the 3 groups. To assess the formation and functional activity of osteoclasts formed from circulating mononuclear cells, PBMCs were cultured (1) without addition of cytokines, (2) with macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), (3) with M-CSF and osteoprotegerin, and (4) with M-CSF and RANKL. The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells and bone resorption was assessed. PBMCs from chronic liver disease patients with ostcopenia formed more osteoclast-like cells, which, when cultured in the presence of M-CSF and RANKL resorbed more bone than controls. The number of osteoclast-like cells and the amount of bone resorption correlated with lumbar bone densities. Addition of M-CSF increased numbers of osteoclast-like cells formed in healthy controls; however, this was not observed in either of the chronic liver disease groups. Plasma levels of M-CSF were elevated in both patient groups compared with healthy controls. Conclusion: Circulating mononuclear cells from chronic liver disease patients with osteopenia have a higher capacity to become osteoclasts than healthy controls or chronic liver disease patients without osteopenia. This could partially be due to priming with higher levels of M-CSF in the circulation

Identification of genes involved in the implantation process in cattle

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