Glucocorticoid stimulation induces regionalized gene responses within topologically associating domains.

Transcription-factor binding to cis-regulatory regions regulates the gene expression program of a cell, but occupancy is often a poor predictor of the gene response. Here, we show that glucocorticoid stimulation led to the reorganization of transcriptional coregulators MED1 and BRD4 within topologically associating domains (TADs), resulting in active or repressive gene environments. Indeed, we observed a bias toward the activation or repression of a TAD when their activities were defined by the number of regions gaining and losing MED1 and BRD4 following dexamethasone (Dex) stimulation. Variations in Dex-responsive genes at the RNA levels were consistent with the redistribution of MED1 and BRD4 at the associated cis-regulatory regions. Interestingly, Dex-responsive genes without the differential recruitment of MED1 and BRD4 or binding by the glucocorticoid receptor were found within TADs, which gained or lost MED1 and BRD4, suggesting a role of the surrounding environment in gene regulation. However, the amplitude of the response of Dex-regulated genes was higher when the differential recruitment of the glucocorticoid receptor and transcriptional coregulators was observed, reaffirming the role of transcription factor-driven gene regulation and attributing a lesser role to the TAD environment. These results support a model where a signal-induced transcription factor induces a regionalized effect throughout the TAD, redefining the notion of direct and indirect effects of transcription factors on target genes.

SHP-1 phosphatase acts as a coactivator of PCK1 transcription to control gluconeogenesis.

We previously reported that the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 (PTPN6) negatively regulates insulin signaling, but its impact on hepatic glucose metabolism and systemic glucose control remains poorly understood. Here, we use co-immunoprecipitation assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, in silico methods, and gluconeogenesis assay, and found a new mechanism whereby SHP-1 acts as a coactivator for transcription of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) gene to increase liver gluconeogenesis. SHP-1 is recruited to the regulatory regions of the PCK1 gene and interacts with RNA polymerase II. The recruitment of SHP-1 to chromatin is dependent on its association with the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5). Loss of SHP-1 as well as STAT5 decrease RNA polymerase II recruitment to the PCK1 promoter and consequently PCK1 mRNA levels leading to blunted gluconeogenesis. This work highlights a novel nuclear role of SHP-1 as a key transcriptional regulator of hepatic gluconeogenesis adding a new mechanism to the repertoire of SHP-1 functions in metabolic control.

Chronic Diarrhea Caused by a Klebsiella oxytoca Toxin Producer Strain Following Antibiotic-Associated Hemorrhagic Colitis: Successful Treatment by Fecal Microbiota Transplant.

Klebsiella oxytoca is a gram-negative bacterium found in fecal microbiota and known to cause several infections in humans, including antibiotic-associated hemorrhagic colitis. We present here a case of colitis caused by K. oxytoca toxin-producing strains that evolved in chronic diarrhea successfully treated by fecal microbiota transplant.

Correlative tomography and authentication features of a shrunken head (tsantsa).

Museum personnel and the general public have become quite familiar with the presence of shrunken heads in museum collections, but the procedures to authenticate the history and origin of these unique cultural items are not yet reliable. These shrunken heads, called tsantsas, are meant to be the cultural material remains of ceremonies conducted by the Shuar and Achuar Peoples of South America. This project seeks to integrate the use of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning with methods used in previous studies (clinical computed tomography (CT) and visual inspections) to examine authentication procedures of shrunken heads (tsantsas) held in contemporary museum collections. We use a correlative tomographic approach using several scans at successively higher resolutions to determine whether a tsantsa was created from human remains, and if so, what key features can best contribute to its authentication. Conclusively, our correlative tomographic approaches provide new insights into the determination process of whether a tsantsa was created from real human remains or not. Also, this study questions whether the previously conceptualized dichotomy of ceremonial or commercial might be better thought of as a continuum of practice. Investigating and redefining the examination and authentication procedures of tsantsas is crucial for future ethical curation, management, and repatriation efforts of this unique cultural material of the Shuar and Achuar Peoples.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Spike recognition by plasma from individuals receiving BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination with a 16-week interval between doses.

Continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) is fueling the COVID-19 pandemic. Omicron (B.1.1.529) rapidly spread worldwide. The large number of mutations in its Spike raise concerns about a major antigenic drift that could significantly decrease vaccine efficacy and infection-induced immunity. A long interval between BNT162b2 mRNA doses elicits antibodies that efficiently recognize Spikes from different VOCs. Here, we evaluate the recognition of Omicron Spike by plasma from a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 naive and previously infected individuals who received their BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine 16 weeks apart. Omicron Spike is recognized less efficiently than D614G, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta Spikes. We compare with plasma activity from participants receiving a short (4 weeks) interval regimen. Plasma from individuals of the long-interval cohort recognize and neutralize better the Omicron Spike compared with those who received a short interval. Whether this difference confers any clinical benefit against Omicron remains unknown.

Comparing the whole genome methylation landscape of dairy calf blood cells revealed intergenerational inheritance of the maternal metabolism.

This study evaluated the hypothesis that the maternal metabolic stressed status could be inherited to their F1 daughters via epigenetic mechanism. The maternal cow blood ß-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) level (≥0.9 mM/L) was used as an indicator of maternal metabolic stress. Eight newborn daughters' blood cells were used for methylation comparison and analysis. By Whole Genome Bisulphite Sequencing (WGBS), a total of 1,861 Differentially Methylated Regions (DMRs), including 944 differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs), were identified. Most DMRs were distributed in intronic and intergenic regions, and most of the DMR in promoter regions were hypermethylated. Differentially methylated genes (DMGs) with DMR methylation differences higher than 20% were mainly enriched in metabolism-related pathways. These results suggest that newborn calves' metabolic pathways were altered, with 64 DMGs being clustered with metabolic signalling by KEGG analysis. Our study revealed the whole epigenetic landscape of calf blood cells and suggested that the maternal metabolic status can affect the embryo's epigenetic status and metabolic-related pathways in offspring, providing further evidence for epigenetic intergenerational inheritance of metabolic stress in domestic animals. Besides, this study also contributed more evidence to support the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHAD) theory in large animals.

A small number of early introductions seeded widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Québec, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Québec was the Canadian province most impacted by COVID-19, with 401,462 cases as of September 24th, 2021, and 11,347 deaths due mostly to a very severe first pandemic wave. In April 2020, we assembled the Coronavirus Sequencing in Québec (CoVSeQ) consortium to sequence SARS-CoV-2 genomes in Québec to track viral introduction events and transmission within the province. METHODS: Using genomic epidemiology, we investigated the arrival of SARS-CoV-2 to Québec. We report 2921 high-quality SARS-CoV-2 genomes in the context of > 12,000 publicly available genomes sampled globally over the first pandemic wave (up to June 1st, 2020). By combining phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses with epidemiological data, we quantify the number of introduction events into Québec, identify their origins, and characterize the spatiotemporal spread of the virus. RESULTS: Conservatively, we estimated approximately 600 independent introduction events, the majority of which happened from spring break until 2 weeks after the Canadian border closed for non-essential travel. Subsequent mass repatriations did not generate large transmission lineages (> 50 sequenced cases), likely due to mandatory quarantine measures in place at the time. Consistent with common spring break and "snowbird" destinations, most of the introductions were inferred to have originated from Europe via the Americas. Once introduced into Québec, viral lineage sizes were overdispersed, with a few lineages giving rise to most infections. Consistent with founder effects, the earliest lineages to arrive tended to spread most successfully. Fewer than 100 viral introductions arrived during spring break, of which 7-12 led to the largest transmission lineages of the first wave (accounting for 52-75% of all sequenced infections). These successful transmission lineages dispersed widely across the province. Transmission lineage size was greatly reduced after March 11th, when a quarantine order for returning travellers was enacted. While this suggests the effectiveness of early public health measures, the biggest transmission lineages had already been ignited prior to this order. CONCLUSIONS: Combined, our results reinforce how, in the absence of tight travel restrictions or quarantine measures, fewer than 100 viral introductions in a week can ensure the establishment of extended transmission chains.

Mapping the Human Herpesvirus 6B transcriptome.

The "omics" revolution of recent years has simplified the study of RNA transcripts produced during viral infection and under specific defined conditions. In the quest to find new and differentially expressed transcripts during the course of human Herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) infection, we made use of large-scale RNA sequencing to analyze the HHV-6B transcriptome during productive infection of human Molt-3 T-cells. Analyses were performed at different time points following infection and specific inhibitors were used to classify the kinetic class of each open reading frame (ORF) reported in the annotated genome of HHV-6B Z29 strain. The initial search focussed on HHV-6B-specific reads matching new HHV-6B transcripts. Differential expression of new HHV-6B transcripts were observed in all samples analyzed. The presence of many of these new HHV-6B transcripts were confirmed by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Many of these transcripts represented new splice variants of previously reported ORFs, including some transcripts that have yet to be defined. Overall, our work demonstrates the diversity and the complexity of the HHV-6B transcriptome.IMPORTANCERNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is an important tool for studying RNA transcripts, particularly during active viral infection. We made use of RNA-seq to study human Herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) infection. Using six different time points, we were able to identify the presence of differentially spliced genes at 6, 9, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours post-infection. Determination of the RNA profiles in the presence of cycloheximide (CHX) or phosphonoacetic acid (PAA) also permitted identification of the kinetic class of each ORF described in the annotated GenBank file. We also identified new spliced transcripts for certain genes and evaluated their relative expression over time. These data and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the viral DNA have led us to propose a new version of the HHV-6B Z29 GenBank annotated file, without changing ORF names in order to facilitate trace back and correlate our work with previous studies on HHV-6B.

Modulating HSF1 levels impacts expression of the estrogen receptor α and antiestrogen response.

Master transcription factors control the transcriptional program and are essential to maintain cellular functions. Among them, steroid nuclear receptors, such as the estrogen receptor α (ERα), are central to the etiology of hormone-dependent cancers which are accordingly treated with corresponding endocrine therapies. However, resistance invariably arises. Here, we show that high levels of the stress response master regulator, the heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), are associated with antiestrogen resistance in breast cancer cells. Indeed, overexpression of HSF1 leads to ERα degradation, decreased expression of ERα-activated genes, and antiestrogen resistance. Furthermore, we demonstrate that reducing HSF1 levels reinstates expression of the ERα and restores response to antiestrogens. Last, our results establish a proof of concept that inhibition of HSF1, in combination with antiestrogens, is a valid strategy to tackle resistant breast cancers. Taken together, we are proposing a mechanism where high HSF1 levels interfere with the ERα-dependent transcriptional program leading to endocrine resistance in breast cancer.

Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid Reduces Prostate Tumor Vascularity.

The impact of omega (ω)-3 fatty acids on prostate cancer is controversial in epidemiological studies but experimental studies suggest a protective effect. However, little is known about the mechanism of action. Here, we studied the effects of purified fatty acid molecules on prostate tumor progression using the TRAMP-C2 syngeneic immunocompetent mouse model. Compared with ω-6 or ω-9-supplemented animals, we observed that late-stage prostate tumor growth was reduced with a monoacylglyceride (MAG)-conjugated form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation, whereas docosahexanenoic acid (DHA) caused an early reduction. MAG-EPA significantly decreased tumor blood vessel diameter (P < 0.001). RNA sequencing analysis revealed that MAG-EPA downregulated angiogenesis- and vascular-related pathways in tumors. We also observed this tissue vascular phenotype in a clinical trial testing MAG-EPA versus a high oleic sunflower oil placebo. Using anti-CD31 IHC, we observed that MAG-EPA reduced blood vessel diameter in prostate tumor tissue (P = 0.03) but not in normal adjacent tissue. Finally, testing autocrine and paracrine effects in an avascular tumor spheroid growth assay, both exogenous MAG-EPA and endogenous ω3 reduced VEGF secretion and in vitro endothelial cell tube formation and blocked tumor spheroid growth, suggesting that ω3 molecules can directly hinder prostate cancer cell growth. Altogether, our results suggest that fatty acids regulate prostate cancer growth and that a tumor-specific microenvironment is required for the anti-vascular effect of MAG-EPA in patients with prostate cancer. IMPLICATIONS: Increasing the amount of ingested EPA omega-3 subtype for patients with prostate cancer might help to reduce prostate tumor progression by reducing tumor vascularization.

Control of adipogenic commitment by a STAT3-VSTM2A axis.

White adipose tissue (WAT) is a dynamic organ that plays crucial roles in controlling metabolic homeostasis. During development and periods of energy excess, adipose progenitors are recruited and differentiate into adipocytes to promote lipid storage capability. The identity of adipose progenitors and the signals that promote their recruitment are still incompletely characterized. We have recently identified V-set and transmembrane domain-containing protein 2A (VSTM2A) as a novel protein enriched in preadipocytes that amplifies adipogenic commitment. Despite the emerging role of VSTM2A in promoting adipogenesis, the molecular mechanisms regulating Vstm2a expression in preadipocytes are still unknown. To define the molecular mechanisms controlling Vstm2a expression, we have treated preadipocytes with an array of compounds capable of modulating established regulators of adipogenesis. Here, we report that Vstm2a expression is positively regulated by PI3K/mTOR and cAMP-dependent signaling pathways and repressed by the MAPK pathway and the glucocorticoid receptor. By integrating the impact of all the molecules tested, we identified signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) as a novel downstream transcription factor affecting Vstm2a expression. We show that activation of STAT3 increased Vstm2a expression, whereas its inhibition repressed this process. In mice, we found that STAT3 phosphorylation is elevated in the early phases of WAT development, an effect that strongly associates with Vstm2a expression. Our findings identify STAT3 as a key transcription factor regulating Vstm2a expression in preadipocytes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY cAMP-dependent and PI3K-mTOR signaling pathways promote the expression of Vstm2a. STAT3 is a key transcription factor that controls Vstm2a expression in preadipocytes. STAT3 is activated in the early phases of WAT development, an effect that strongly associates with Vstm2a expression.

Source Tracking Based on Core Genome SNV and CRISPR Typing of Salmonella enterica Serovar Heidelberg Isolates Involved in Foodborne Outbreaks in Québec, 2012.

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is the method of choice for bacterial subtyping and it is rapidly replacing the more traditional methods such as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Here we used the high-resolution core genome single nucleotide variant (cgSNV) typing method to characterize clinical and food from Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg isolates in the context of source attribution. Additionally, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) analysis was included to further support this method. Our results revealed that cgSNV was highly discriminatory and separated the outbreak isolates into distinct clusters (0-4 SNVs). CRISPR analysis was also able to distinguish outbreak strains from epidemiologically unrelated isolates. Specifically, our data clearly demonstrated the strength of these two methods to determine the probable source(s) of a 2012 epidemiologically characterized outbreak of S. Heidelberg. Using molecular cut-off of 0-10 SNVs, the cgSNV analysis of 246 clinical and food isolates of S. Heidelberg collected in Québec, in the same year of the outbreak event, revealed that retail and abattoir chicken isolates likely represent an important source of human infection to S. Heidelberg. Interestingly, the isolates genetically related by cgSNV also harbored the same CRISPR as outbreak isolates and clusters. This indicates that CRISPR profiles can be useful as a complementary approach to determine source attribution in foodborne outbreaks. Use of the genomic analysis also allowed to identify a large number of cases that were missed by PFGE, indicating that most outbreaks are probably underestimated. Although epidemiological information must still support WGS-based results, cgSNV method is a highly discriminatory method for the resolution of outbreak events and the attribution of these events to their respective sources. CRISPR typing can serve as a complimentary tool to this analysis during source tracking.

Prevalence and mechanisms of azole resistance in clinical isolates of Aspergillus section Fumigati species in a Canadian tertiary care centre, 2000 to 2013.

OBJECTIVES: Azole resistance among Aspergillus fumigatus isolates is a growing concern worldwide. Induction of mutations during azole therapy, environment-acquired mutations caused by azole fungicides and intrinsic resistance of cryptic Fumigati species all contribute to the burden of resistance. However, there is a lack of data in Canada on this emerging threat. METHODS: To gain insights into the magnitude and mechanisms of resistance, a 14 year collection of Aspergillus section Fumigati comprising 999 isolates from 807 patients at a Montreal hospital was screened for azole resistance, and resistance mechanisms were investigated with the combined use of genome sequencing, 3D modelling and phenotypic efflux pump assays. RESULTS: Overall azole resistance was low (4/807 patients; 0.5%). A single azole-resistant A. fumigatus sensu stricto strain, isolated from a patient with pulmonary aspergillosis, displayed efflux-pump-mediated resistance. Three patients were colonized or infected with azole-resistant cryptic Fumigati species (one Aspergillus thermomutatus, one Aspergillus lentulus and one Aspergillus turcosus). Evidence is presented that azole resistance is efflux-pump-mediated in the A. turcosus isolate, but not in the A. lentulus and A. thermomutatus isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Azole resistance is rare in our geographic area and currently driven by cryptic Fumigati species. Continued surveillance of emergence of resistance is warranted.

Legionella quinlivanii strain isolated from a human: A case report and whole genome sequencing analysis.

We describe a strain of Legionella quinlivanii isolated from a bronchoalveolar lavage specimen from an 83-year-old patient in the province of Québec. Identification was done using 16S rRNA sequencing. The strain could replicate efficiently in human THP-1 macrophages and maintained a low level of cytotoxicity. Upon analyzing the whole genome sequencing data, the icm/dot secretion system was present, but the strain lacked some effector genes known to express proteins toxic to cells. The pathogenicity of this Legionella species should be investigated further.

Les auteurs décrivent une souche de Legionella quinlivanii isolée dans le prélèvement de lavage bronchoalvéolaire d'une patiente de 83 ans de la province de Québec. Ils ont identifié la souche par séquençage de l'ARN ribosomal 16S. Cette souche, qui pouvait se répliquer en toute efficacité dans les macrophages humains THP-1, maintenait une faible cytotoxicité. L'analyse des données de séquençage complet du génome de la souche a révélé la présence du système de sécrétion icm/dot, mais l'absence de certains gènes effecteurs connus pour exprimer les protéines cytotoxiques. Il faudra étudier plus en profondeur la pathogénicité de cette espèce de Legionella.

Primary hyperparathyroid surgery under local anaesthesia: benefits of hypnosis.

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive parathyroid surgery and hypnosis are both increasing in prevalence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of hypnoanalgesia compared with sedation during primary hyperparathyroid surgery under local anaesthesia. METHODS: All patients who underwent primary hyperparathyroid surgery under local anaesthesia in our department between January 2013 and April 2018 were included retrospectively in two groups: patients operated under hypnoanalgesia (HYP group), and patients operated under sedation (LA group). The evaluation criteria were postoperative pain and analgesic consumption, amount of perioperative anti-emetics required, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were included, 19 in the HYP group and 17 in the LA group. Postoperative pain levels and analgesic consumption rates were lower in the HYP group (numeric scale = 0.5/10 vs. 2.7/10, p = 0.0001; 11% vs. 47%, p = 4.9 × 10-8). Intraoperative anti-emetics delivery was lower in the HYP group (5% vs. 35%, p = 2.9 × 10-7). The ambulatory care rate was higher in the HYP group (74% vs. 59%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Local anaesthesia with hypnoanalgesia, compared with sedation during minimally invasive parathyroid surgery, improved early postoperative outcomes, making outpatient management more efficient.

HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein Amino Acids Signatures Associated with Clade B Transmitted/Founder and Recent Viruses.

BACKGROUND: HIV-1 transmitted/founder viruses (TF) are selected during the acute phase of infection from a multitude of virions present during transmission. They possess the capacity to establish infection and viral dissemination in a new host. Deciphering the discrete genetic determinant of infectivity in their envelope may provide clues for vaccine design. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six clade B HIV-1 consensus envelope sequences from untreated acute and early infected individuals were compared to 105 sequences obtained from chronically infected individuals using next generation sequencing and molecular analyses. RESULTS: We identified an envelope amino acid signature associated with TF viruses. They are more likely to have an isoleucine (I) in position 841 instead of an arginine (R). This mutation of R to I (R841I) in the gp41 cytoplasmic tail (gp41CT), specifically in lentivirus lytic peptides segment 1 (LLP-1), is significantly enriched compared to chronic viruses (OR = 0.2, 95% CI (0.09, 0.44), p = 0.00001). Conversely, a mutation of lysine (K) to isoleucine (I) located in position six (K6I) of the envelope signal peptide was selected by chronic viruses and compared to TF (OR = 3.26, 95% CI (1.76-6.02), p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The highly conserved gp41 CT_ LLP-1 domain plays a major role in virus replication in mediating intracellular traffic and Env incorporation into virions in interacting with encoded matrix protein. The presence of an isoleucine in gp41 in the TF viruses' envelope may sustain its role in the successful establishment of infection during the acute stage.

A Short-Term Assessment of Nascent HIV-1 Transmission Clusters Among Newly Diagnosed Individuals Using Envelope Sequence-Based Phylogenetic Analyses.

The identification of transmission clusters (TCs) of HIV-1 using phylogenetic analyses can provide insights into viral transmission network and help improve prevention strategies. We compared the use of partial HIV-1 envelope fragment of 1,070 bp with its loop 3 (108 bp) to determine its utility in inferring HIV-1 transmission clustering. Serum samples of recently (n = 106) and chronically (n = 156) HIV-1-infected patients with status confirmed were sequenced. HIV-1 envelope nucleotide-based phylogenetic analyses were used to infer HIV-1 TCs. Those were constructed using ClusterPickerGUI_1.2.3 considering a pairwise genetic distance of ≤10% threshold. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the demographic factors that were likely associated with HIV-1 clustering. Ninety-eight distinct consensus envelope sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Using a partial envelope fragment sequence, 42 sequences were grouped into 15 distinct small TCs while the V3 loop reproduces 10 clusters. The agreement between the partial envelope and the V3 loop fragments was significantly moderate with a Cohen's kappa (κ) coefficient of 0.59, p < .00001. The mean age (<38.8 years) and HIV-1 B subtype are two factors identified that were significantly associated with HIV-1 transmission clustering in the cohort, odds ratio (OR) = 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI, 0.04-0.66), p = .002 and OR: 0.17, 95% CI (0.10-0.61), p = .011, respectively. The present study confirms that a partial fragment of the HIV-1 envelope sequence is a better predictor of transmission clustering. However, the loop 3 segment may be useful in screening purposes and may be more amenable to integration in surveillance programs.

Phylogenetic analysis of West Nile virus in Quebec, Canada, 2004-2016: Co-circulation of distinct variants harbouring conserved amino acid motifs in North America.

West Nile virus (WNV) was introduced for the first time in the western hemisphere in 1999 in New York City. In 2002, a phenotype-modifying mutation (Env-V159A) defined the first North American genotype WN02. So far, three genotypes has been described in North America but little is known about WNV evolution in Canada. We report the phylogenetic characterization of twenty-six WNV genomes isolated from mosquitoes in the province of Quebec. WNV strains found in Quebec are phylogenetically related to American strains collected in northern and southern regions. We also noted the presence of two robust monophyletic groups of isolates characterized by distinct conserved amino acid motifs. These emerging genotypes were detected for several years in different ecosystems. These results highlight the need for the maintenance of a nationwide surveillance to follow the dispersion of emergent WNV genotypes.

Draft Genome Sequence of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus thermomutatus (Neosartorya pseudofischeri) Strain HMR-AF-39, Isolated from a Human Nasal Septum Abscess Aspirate.

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Aspergillus thermomutatus (formerly known as Neosartorya pseudofischeri; strain HMR-AF-39/LSPQ-01276), a cryptic species of Aspergillus section Fumigati. This species is intrinsically resistant to antifungal azoles and is recognized as an agent of invasive aspergillosis among immunocompromised hosts.

Draft Genome Sequences of Azole-Resistant and Azole-Susceptible Aspergillus turcosus Clinical Isolates Recovered from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Samples.

We present the draft genome sequences of two clinical strains of Aspergillus turcosus, one azole-susceptible (strain HMR-AF-23/LSPQ-01275) and the other azole-resistant (strain HMR-AF-1038/LSPQ-01280), isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of two adult patients. These two strains are the first reported clinical isolates of A. turcosus.