bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome assembly of Luehdorfia taibai, an endangered butterfly endemic to Qinling Moutains in China with extremely small populations
Authors: Guan De-Long , Zhao Lu , Li Yufei , Xing Lian-Xi , Huang Huateng , Xu Sheng-Quan
Published: August 2022

Conservation genomic resources over the past decade has drastically improved, since genomes can be used to predict diverse parameters vital to conservation management. Luehdorfia taibai is an endemic butterfly only found in restricted aeras in middle-west China and is critically endangered. It was classfied as a vunerlable (VN) species in the “China species red list.” Here we generated 34.38 Gb of raw DNA sequencing reads and obtained a high-qualified draft genome assembly of L. taibai. The final genome is ~683.3 Mb, with contig N50 size of 10.19 Mb. Further, 98.6% of single-copy orthologous genes have been recovered by BUSCO. An estimated 42.34% of the genome of L. taibai consists of repetitive elements. Combined with gene prediction and transcriptome sequencing, genome annotation produced 15,968 protein-coding genes. Additionally, a nearly 1:1 orthology ratio of syntenic blocks between L. taibai and its closest genome Luehdorfia chinensis suggested that the genome structures have not changed much after speciation. The genome of L. taibai have not undergone a whole genome duplication event. Population dynamics analyses indicates that L. taibai has an extremely low heterozygosity of 0.057%, and its population size has declined dramatically over the past 10 thousand years. Our study describes a draft genome assembly of the L. taibai, the first implication of this species. We consider the globally overexploited of the host plants is not the main reason to threaten L. taibai. The genome will provide advice for the conservation to the economically important Luehdorfia lineage and this specific species.
How does social media drive corporate carbon disclosure? Evidence from China
Authors: Shao Jing , He Zhiwei
Published: August 2022

As public concern over global warming increases, there is a growing requirement for companies, as carbon emitters, to disclose (and work to reduce) their carbon emissions. Previous literature has neglected the role of social media as a source of legitimacy pressure to influence corporate carbon disclosure. Based on legitimacy theory, this study analyzed the impact of social media legitimacy pressure on corporate carbon disclosure using data from 3,656 Chinese listed companies from 2009 to 2019. We found that social media legitimacy pressure significantly enhances corporate carbon disclosure. Additionally, this positive relationship is weakened by substantive corporate internal carbon management measures (corporate green innovation and environmental management systems). Accordingly, in order to ensure consistent carbon management practices, companies should focus their efforts on substantive carbon management measures along with carbon disclosure.
Multilocation Yield Trials and Yield Stability Evaluation by GGE Biplot Analysis of Promising Large-Seeded Peanut Lines
Authors: Pobkhunthod Nipatcha , Authapun Jetsada , Chotchutima Songyos , Rungmekarat Sarawut , Kittipadakul Piya , Duangpatra Jaungjun , Chaisan Tanapon
Published: August 2022

The demand by industries for large-seeded peanuts is increasing in Thailand and Southeast Asia. New large-seeded peanut lines were recently developed in Thailand to respond to the demand. In this study, a multilocation yield trial was performed to identify the best genotype(s) in Thailand’s central region and investigate the genotype–environment interaction (GEI) on peanut production. Twelve promising large-seeded peanut lines and two check varieties (KU50 and KK6) were planted at 12 different planting locations during the dry and rainy seasons of 2018 and the dry season of 2019. This study found significant yield potential variability in the promising lines of peanuts evaluated at different planting locations. A combined analysis of variance presented that the environment and genotypes had a considerable impact (p < 0.001) on the pod and seed yield. The GEI showed a high impact (p < 0.01) on pod yield and an effect (p < 0.05) on seed yield. The environment presented the most significant influence on pod and seed yield variations, followed by genetics and GEI. The total variation in seed yield was 64.22%, composed of PC1 and PC2 values at 45.71% and 18.51%, respectively. The GGE biplot analysis of the yield potentials at each location indicated that KUP12BS029-1-1-3 was the ideal genotype, with a high yield potential and most stability at multilocations, followed by KUP12BS030-3-4-1 and KUP12BS030-1-4-3. These promising lines will be released as new peanut varieties in central Thailand and are recommended as parental lines in breeding programs for large-seeded and yield potential in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
Integrative Analysis Between Genome-Wide Association Study and Expression Quantitative Trait Loci Reveals Bovine Muscle Gene Expression Regulatory Polymorphisms Associated With Intramuscular Fat and Backfat Thickness
Authors: Silva-Vignato Bárbara , Cesar Aline Silva Mello , Afonso Juliana , Moreira Gabriel Costa Monteiro , Poleti Mirele Daiana , Petrini Juliana , Garcia Ingrid Soares , Clemente Luan Gaspar , Mourão Gerson Barreto , Regitano Luciana Correia de Almeida , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann
Published: August 2022

Understanding the architecture of gene expression is fundamental to unravel the molecular mechanisms regulating complex traits in bovine, such as intramuscular fat content (IMF) and backfat thickness (BFT). These traits are economically important for the beef industry since they affect carcass and meat quality. Our main goal was to identify gene expression regulatory polymorphisms within genomic regions (QTL) associated with IMF and BFT in Nellore cattle. For that, we used RNA-Seq data from 193 Nellore steers to perform SNP calling analysis. Then, we combined the RNA-Seq SNP and a high-density SNP panel to obtain a new dataset for further genome-wide association analysis (GWAS), totaling 534,928 SNPs. GWAS was performed using the Bayes B model. Twenty-one relevant QTL were associated with our target traits. The expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis was performed using Matrix eQTL with the complete SNP dataset and 12,991 genes, revealing a total of 71,033 cis and 36,497 trans-eQTL (FDR < 0.05). Intersecting with QTL for IMF, we found 231 eQTL regulating the expression levels of 117 genes. Within those eQTL, three predicted deleterious SNPs were identified. We also identified 109 eQTL associated with BFT and affecting the expression of 54 genes. This study revealed genomic regions and regulatory SNPs associated with fat deposition in Nellore cattle. We highlight the transcription factors FOXP4, FOXO3, ZSCAN2, and EBF4, involved in lipid metabolism-related pathways. These results helped us to improve our knowledge about the genetic architecture behind important traits in cattle.
Metabolomics analysis of buck semen cryopreserved with trehalose
Authors: Xu Bingbing , Wang Zhiying , Wang Ruijun , Song Guoxin , Zhang Yanjun , Su Rui , Liu Yongbin , Li Jinquan , Zhang Jiaxin
Published: August 2022

Trehalose is commonly used as an impermeable cryoprotectant for cryopreservation of cells, but its cryoprotective mechanism has now not but been determined. This study investigated the cryopreservation impact of trehalose on buck semen cryopreservation and finished metabolic profiling of freeze-thawed media by way of the GC–MS-based metabolomics for the first time. Metabolic pattern recognition and metabolite identification by means of principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and metabolic pathway topology analysis revealed the results of trehalose on buck sperm metabolism at some point of cryopreservation. The results confirmed that trehalose drastically progressed sperm motility parameters and structural integrity after thawing. PCA and PLS-DA analysis discovered that the metabolic patterns of the freezing-thawing media of buck semen cryopreserved with trehalose (T group) or without trehalose (G group, Control) were certainly separated. Using screening conditions of VIP >1.5 and p vaule <0.05, a total of 48 differential metabolites have been recognized, whithin l-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-threonine, and dihydroxyacetone were notably enriched in valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, glycerolipid metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathways. In brief, trehalose can efficiently improve membrane structural integrity and motion parameters in buck sperm after thawing, and it exerts a cryoprotective impact with the aid of changing sperm amino acid synthesis and the glycerol metabolism pathway.
Protein ubiquitination in T cell development
Authors: Zhong Ting , Lei Kang , Lin Xiaoxi , Xie Zhiguo , Luo Shuoming , Zhou Zhiguang , Zhao Bin , Li Xia
Published: August 2022

As an important form of posttranslational modification, protein ubiquitination regulates a wide variety of biological processes, including different aspects of T cell development and differentiation. During T cell development, thymic seeding progenitor cells (TSPs) in the thymus undergo multistep maturation programs and checkpoints, which are critical to build a functional and tolerant immune system. Currently, a tremendous amount of research has focused on the transcriptional regulation of thymocyte development. However, in the past few years, compelling evidence has revealed that the ubiquitination system also plays a crucial role in the regulation of thymocyte developmental programs. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the molecular mechanisms and cellular pathways that regulate thymocyte ubiquitination and discuss the roles of E3 ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) involved in these processes. Understanding how T cell development is regulated by ubiquitination and deubiquitination will not only enhance our understanding of cell fate determination via gene regulatory networks but also provide potential novel therapeutic strategies for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells in the pathogenesis and regenerative therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Che Zhengping , Ye Ziyu , Zhang Xueying , Lin Bihua , Yang Weiqing , Liang Yanfang , Zeng Jincheng
Published: August 2022

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) represent a group of chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract including ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD), and unclassified IBDs. The pathogenesis of IBDs is related to genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and dysbiosis that can lead to the dysfunction of immune responses and dysregulated homeostasis of local mucosal tissues characterized by severe inflammatory responses and tissue damage in GI tract. To date, extensive studies have indicated that IBDs cannot be completely cured and easy to relapse, thus prompting researchers to find novel and more effective therapeutics for this disease. Due to their potent multipotent differentiation and immunomodulatory capabilities, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) not only play an important role in regulating immune and tissue homeostasis but also display potent therapeutic effects on various inflammatory diseases, including IBDs, in both preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview on the pathological mechanisms, the currently available therapeutics, particularly, the potential application of MSCs-based regenerative therapy for IBDs.
Barriers to coastal planning and policy use of environmental research in Aotearoa-New Zealand
Authors: Hewitt Judi E. , Lundquist Carolyn J. , Pilditch Conrad A. , Thrush Simon F. , Urlich Stephen C.
Published: August 2022

Identifying barriers to the effective use of science in coastal management of Aotearoa-New Zealand is easy, due to the present lack of complicated governance and management structures, coupled with an emphasis on funding science that includes pathways to implementation. This opinion piece discusses four areas that still hinder effective use of science, all of which are likely to be problematic for other countries. We initially focus on why the science may not be used related to: misunderstandings (linguistic and conceptual differences including indigenous world views); timing of information delivery; uncertainty surrounding the information (knowledge limitations and funding); and top-down constraints (legal systems, politics and institutional objectives). We use Aotearoa-New Zealand examples to demonstrate the barriers operating within each area and discuss three potential solutions. Importantly our analysis indicates that researchers alone cannot transcend these barriers; rather, we need to work as part of an ecosystem, requiring commitment from all society, extending beyond the usual suspects (management agencies). We believe that ecological and systems education from junior school levels through to universities have an important role to play in setting the context to overcome current barriers.
Exoskeletal predator defenses of juvenile California spiny lobsters (Panulirus interruptus) are affected by fluctuating ocean acidification-like conditions
Authors: Lowder Kaitlyn B. , deVries Maya S. , Hattingh Ruan , Day James M. D. , Andersson Andreas J. , Zerofski Phillip J. , Taylor Jennifer R. A.
Published: August 2022

Spiny lobsters rely on multiple biomineralized exoskeletal predator defenses that may be sensitive to ocean acidification (OA). Compromised mechanical integrity of these defensive structures may tilt predator-prey outcomes, leading to increased mortality in the lobsters’ environment. Here, we tested the effects of OA-like conditions on the mechanical integrity of selected exoskeletal defenses of juvenile California spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus. Young spiny lobsters reside in kelp forests with dynamic carbonate chemistry due to local metabolism and photosynthesis as well as seasonal upwelling, yielding daily and seasonal fluctuations in pH. Lobsters were exposed to a series of stable and diurnally fluctuating reduced pH conditions for three months (ambient pH/stable, 7.97; reduced pH/stable 7.67; reduced pH with low fluctuations, 7.67 ± 0.05; reduced pH with high fluctuations, 7.67 ± 0.10), after which we examined the intermolt composition (Ca and Mg content), ultrastructure (cuticle and layer thickness), and mechanical properties (hardness and stiffness) of selected exoskeletal predator defenses. Cuticle ultrastructure was consistently robust to pH conditions, while mineralization and mechanical properties were variable. Notably, the carapace was less mineralized under both reduced pH treatments with fluctuations, but with no effect on material properties, and the rostral horn had lower hardness in reduced/high fluctuating conditions without a corresponding difference in mineralization. Antennal flexural stiffness was lower in reduced, stable pH conditions compared to the reduced pH treatment with high fluctuations and not correlated with changes in cuticle structure or mineralization. These results demonstrate a complex relationship between mineralization and mechanical properties of the exoskeleton under changing ocean chemistry, and that fluctuating reduced pH conditions can induce responses not observed under the stable reduced pH conditions often used in OA research. Furthermore, this study shows that some juvenile California spiny lobster exoskeletal defenses are responsive to changes in ocean carbonate chemistry, even during the intermolt period, in ways that can potentially increase susceptibility to predation among this critical life stage.
The Sarasota Dolphin Whistle Database: A unique long-term resource for understanding dolphin communication
Authors: Sayigh Laela S. , Janik Vincent M. , Jensen Frants H. , Scott Michael D. , Tyack Peter L. , Wells Randall S.
Published: August 2022

Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) produce individually distinctive signature whistles that are learned early in life and that help animals recognize and maintain contact with conspecifics. Signature whistles are the predominant whistle type produced when animals are isolated from conspecifics. Health assessments of dolphins in Sarasota, Florida (USA) provide a unique opportunity to record signature whistles, as dolphins are briefly separated from conspecifics. Recordings were first made in the mid 1970’s, and then nearly annually since 1984. The Sarasota Dolphin Whistle Database (SDWD) now contains 926 recording sessions of 293 individual dolphins, most of known age, sex, and matrilineal relatedness. The longest time span over which an individual has been recorded is 43 years, and 85 individuals have been recorded over a decade or more. Here we describe insights about signature whistle structure revealed by this unique and expansive dataset. Signature whistles of different dolphins show great variety in their fundamental frequency contours. Signature whistle types (with ‘whistle type’ defined as all whistles visually categorized as sharing a particular frequency modulation pattern) can consist of a single stereotyped element, or loop (single-loop whistles), or of multiple stereotyped loops with or without gaps (multi-loop whistles). Multi-loop signature whistle types can also show extensive variation in both number and contour of loops. In addition, fundamental frequency contours of all signature whistle types can be truncated (deletions) or embellished (additions), and other features are also occasionally incorporated. However, even with these variable features, signature whistle types tend to be highly stereotyped and easily distinguishable due to the extensive variability in contours among individuals. In an effort to quantify this individual distinctiveness, and to compare it to other species, we calculated Beecher’s Information Statistic and found it to be higher than for any other animal signal studied so far. Thus, signature whistles have an unusually high capacity to convey information on individual identity. We briefly review the large range of research projects that the SDWD has enabled thus far, and look ahead to its potential to answer a broad suite of questions about dolphin communication.
Photosynthetic responses of a golden tide alga (Sargassum horneri) to ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Xu Zhiguang , Li Lingxue , Jiang Huichao , Yan Fang , Liu Lijuan , Zang Shasha , Ma Yuanqing , Wu Hongyan
Published: August 2022

In recent years, massive Sargassum drifting on the sea surface, known as “golden tides,” negatively impacted on the local marine ecology. However, the physiological mechanisms of its formation remain unclear. To investigate the photosynthetic responses of golden tide algae to UVR, one key factor for drifting Sargassum population, we cultivated thalli of S. horneri, a golden tide alga, under three light treatments: P (photosynthetically active radiation, PAR), PA (PAR+UVA) and PAB (PAR+UVA+UVB) for 120 mins, followed by low light recovery for 240 mins. The photosynthetic characteristics of alga were determined. The results showed that UVR exposure decreased photosynthetic activity, reflected by depressed maximum photochemical quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and contents of Chla and Chlc in the PA and PAB treatments. Higher content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was found in thalli exposed to UVR, which verified the damage of UVR. Electron transfer rate (ETR) was slowed down by UVR, accompanied by the increments of net closing rate of the reaction center and the energy absorbed and dissipated by unit reaction center in PSII. In these effects on photosynthesis of UVR, the PAB treatment expressed more significant inhibition, indicating a remarkable role of UVB. However, based on our results, S. horneri also took some strategies to protect itself from photodamage of UVR. UVR exposure enhanced the contents of UV-absorbing compounds (UVACs) and carotenoid, and simultaneously expedited heat consumption of excess light energy, indicated by the increased non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) in the PA and PAB treatments. Increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), and higher content of PsbA (D1) protein were found in the treatments with UVR, which suggested that antioxidant system and the turnover of D1 protein played important roles in protection from UV-induced damages. Due to the above protection pathways, Fv/Fm and ETR gradually recovered when thalli were transferred to low light recovery. Therefore, we suggest that various protection and restoration pathways in S. horneri work together to effectively protect against UVR damage, which may be the reason why drifting populations can adapt to UVR on the seawater surface and form golden tide in case of suitable temperature and nutrients.
Using document analysis to revise competency frameworks: Perspectives from the revision of competency standards for dietitians
Authors: Allen Louise M. , Palermo Claire
Published: August 2022

Introduction/Objective

In resource poor environments, low cost methods are needed to review competency standards to ensure they remain reflective of the current health workforce. This study aims to show how document analysis can be used to inform the revision of competency frameworks and standards.

Methods

Altheide and Schneider's document analysis was modified to revise the National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia. This involved an eight-step process: (i) define the goal, (ii) identify documents for analysis, (iii) choose the analysis approach, (iv) engage with the documents and perform the analysis, (v) draft revisions, (vi) stakeholder engagement, (vii) final revisions, (viii) dissemination. Documents were sought through a combination of literature searches, review of document databases, and targeted document sourcing for documents relevant to contemporary dietetic practice. Framework analysis was used to analyse the data, with the thematic framework including four categories: (i) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, (ii) Consumer perspectives, (iii) Contemporary and future dietetic roles, and (iv) Contemporary wording and structure of competency. All included documents were indexed and charted which informed revisions to the standards.

Results

Sixty-seven documents were reviewed. Four new competency standards were added to address the skills and attributes required of dietitians to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. One competency standard was modified to include an individualized approach as this was deemed important by consumers but not previously included in the standards. The revised standards also place greater emphasis on dietitian's role in teaching and learning. In addition, there are now multiple standards that refer to advocacy, sustainability is referenced multiple times, a new standard specific to advanced care planning has been included, and their structure and wording was revised to ensure it was contemporary.

Conclusion

Using document analysis to revise competency standards offers an efficient and low-cost method to update competency standards in a resource poor environment. This addresses a key issue with competency standards where unless revised frequently they can become rapidly out of date. Further research is needed to learn if document analysis can be used as a method to create rather than revise competency standards.
Emergency hospitalization caused by non-COVID-19 respiratory diseases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Liu Qi , Lin Bingcao , Zhu Changju , Hu Jianping
Published: August 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as well as the subsequent prevention and control measures is like a quasi-experiment intervention that might have changed the features of emergency hospitalizations. Mortality is high in patient hospitalization due to emergency respiratory diseases (ERD). Therefore, we compared the characteristics of these patients before and during the pandemic. Exploring this issue might contribute to decision-making of emergency management when most of the resources and attention has been devoted to combat COVID-19.

Methods

This study was a retrospective observational cohort study. All emergency hospitalizations due to ERD from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020 in a tertiary hospital in China were included. Data including patients’ age, sex, and clinical outcomes were extracted. Air quality was collected from the official online platform. Clinical characteristics were compared and odds ratios were calculated.

Results

The ERD hospitalization rate was lower in 2020 than in 2019 (6.4 vs. 4.3%, χ2 = 55.449, P = 0.000) with a 50.65% reduction; however, the patients were older in 2020 than in 2019 (P = 0.000) with a higher proportion of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (46 vs. 33.5%, χ2 = 20.423, P = 0.000) and a longer ICU stay (P = 0.000). The overall intubation rate, hospital mortality, and rate of discharge due to ineffective treatment in 2020 were higher than those in 2019 (15.6 vs. 8%, χ2 = 18.578, P = 0.000; 4.2 vs. 1.1%, χ2 = 4.122, P = 0.000; 5.5 vs. 2.4%, χ2 = 8.93, P = 0.000, respectively). The logistic regression analysis indicated hospitalizations due to ERD were mainly associated with PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide on the day, and on the 4th and 5th days before admission (P = 0.034 and 0.020, 0.021 and 0.000, 0.028, and 0.027, respectively) in 2019. However, in 2020, the relationship between parameters of air quality and hospitalization changed.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the characteristics of emergency hospitalization due to ERD with a larger proportion of severe patients and poorer prognosis. The effect of air quality on emergencies were weakened. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to pay more attention to the non-COVID-19 emergency patients.
Sex differences in comorbidities associated with Sjögren's disease
Authors: Bruno Katelyn A. , Morales-Lara Andrea Carolina , Bittencourt Edsel B. , Siddiqui Habeeba , Bommarito Gabriella , Patel Jenil , Sousou John M. , Salomon Gary R. , Paloka Rinald , Watford Shelby T. , Hodge David O. , Lieberman Scott M. , Rozen Todd D. , Atwal Paldeep S. , Dorsher Peter T. , Seim Lynsey A. , Fairweather DeLisa
Published: August 2022

Background

Little is known about the association of comorbidities with sex and age at diagnosis in Sjögren's disease. We tested the hypothesis that sex differences occur in comorbidities in patients with Sjögren's disease.

Methods

Patients with Sjögren's disease were identified from 11/1974 to 7/2018 in the Mayo Clinic electronic medical record and assessed for 22 comorbidities according to sex and age at diagnosis.

Results

Of the 13,849 patients identified with Sjögren's disease, 11,969 (86%) were women and 1,880 (14%) men, primarily white (88%) with a sex ratio of 6.4:1 women to men. The mean age at diagnosis was 57 years for women and 59.7 years for men, and 5.6% had a diagnosis of fibromyalgia at Sjögren's diagnosis. Men with Sjögren's disease were more likely than women to be a current or past smoker. The average time to diagnosis of comorbidities after diagnosis of Sjögren's disease was 2.6 years. The top comorbidities in patients with Sjögren's disease were fibromyalgia (25%), depression (21.2%) and pain (16.4%). Comorbidities that occurred more often in women were hypermobile syndromes (31:1), CREST (29:1), migraine (23:1), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) (22:1), Raynaud's syndrome (15:1), SLE (13:1), systemic sclerosis (SSc) (13:1), and fibromyalgia (12:1). Women with Sjögren's disease were at increased risk of developing hypermobile syndromes (RR 7.27, CI 1.00–52.71, p = 0.05), EDS (RR 4.43, CI 1.08–18.14, p = 0.039), CREST (RR 4.24, CI 1.56–11.50, p = 0.005), migraine (RR 3.67, CI 2.39–5.62, p < 0.001), fibromyalgia (RR 2.26, CI 1.92–2.66, p < 0.001), Raynaud's syndrome (RR 2.29, CI 1.77–2.96, p < 0.001), SLE (RR 2.13, CI 1.64–2.76, p < 0.001), and SSc (RR 2.05 CI 1.44–2.92; p < 0.001). In contrast, men with Sjögren's were at increased risk for developing myocardial infarction (RR 0.44, CI 0.35–0.55, p < 0.001), atherosclerosis/CAD (RR 0.44, CI 0.39–0.49, p < 0.001), cardiomyopathy (RR 0.63, CI 0.46–0.86, p = 0.003), stroke (RR 0.66 CI 0.51–0.85, p = 0.001), and congestive heart failure (RR 0.70, CI 0.57–0.85, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The top comorbidities in Sjögren's disease were fibromyalgia, depression, and pain. Women with Sjögren's disease had a higher relative risk of developing fibromyalgia, depression, pain, migraine, hypermobile syndrome, EDS and other rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Men with Sjögren's disease had higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Ethnic differences in preterm birth in Southwest China, 2014-2018: A population-based observational study
Authors: Cao Guiying , Yuan Yanling , Kong Cai , Liu Jue , Liu Min , Ye Hanfeng
Published: August 2022

Objective

Preterm birth is a major healthcare problem and has been rising gradually in the past three decades in China. Yet the ethnic differences in the rates and distributions of preterm birth remain largely unknown in China. This study used data from Yunnan, a multiethnic province, to explore the differences in preterm birth across ethnicities.

Methods

A population-based observational study was conducted based on data from the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project in rural Yunnan from Jan 1, 2014 to Dec 31, 2018. Pregnancies with at least one livebirth were included in this study. We estimated the rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of overall preterm birth (born < 37 weeks’ gestation), moderate to late preterm birth (born between 32 and <37 weeks’ gestation), very preterm birth (born between 28 and 31 weeks’ gestation), and extremely preterm birth (born < 28 weeks’ gestation) across maternal ethnicity and compared them using log-binomial regressions. Multivariable log-binomial regressions were used to assess the association between maternal ethnicity and preterm birth with adjustment for potential confounders, including year of delivery, maternal age at delivery, education, occupation, pre-pregnancy body mass index, history of chronic disease, history of preterm birth, smoking and drinking alcohol during early pregnancy, and parity and multiple pregnancy of current pregnancy.

Results

Among 195,325 women who delivered at least one live baby, 7.90% (95% CI, 7.78–8.02%) were born preterm. The rates of moderate to late preterm birth, very preterm birth, and extremely preterm birth were 6.20% (95% CI, 6.09–6.30%), 1.18% (95% CI, 1.13–1.23%), and 0.52% (95% CI, 0.49–0.56%), respectively. The rates of overall preterm birth, moderate to late preterm birth, very preterm birth, and extremely preterm birth differed across maternal ethnicity. The preterm birth rates in Dai (10.73%), Miao (13.23%), Lisu (12.64%), Zhuang (11.77%), Wa (10.52%), and Lagu (12.34%) women were significantly higher than that in Han women, and the adjusted relative risks were 1.45 [95% CI, 1.36, 1.54], 1.74 (95% CI, 1.62, 1.86), 1.60 (95% CI, 1.47, 1.75), 1.60 (95% CI, 1.46, 1.75), 1.40 (95% CI, 1.22, 1.60), and 1.67 (95% CI, 1.50, 1.87) respectively. There was no difference in preterm birth rate between Han women and Hani, Bai, or Hui women.

Conclusion

This study found notable differences in the rates of preterm birth and its sub-categories across maternal ethnicities, which were especially higher in ethnic minority women. The findings suggest that greater efforts to reduce ethnic inequalities in preterm birth. Future studies are warranted to understand the drivers of ethnic inequalities in preterm birth in China.
Effects of feeding on different parts of Ailanthus altissima on the intestinal microbiota of Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus and Eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Ma Tian-Chi , Guo Wen-Juan , Wen Jun-Bao
Published: August 2022

Eucryptorrhynchus brandti and Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are two monophagous weevil pests that feed on Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle but differ in their diet niche. In the field, adults of E. brandti prefer to feed on the trunk of A. altissima, whereas adults of E. scrobiculatus prefer to feed on the tender parts. We conducted Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA to examine changes in bacterial diversity in the adults of these two weevil species after they fed on different parts of A. altissima (trunk, 2–3-year-old branches, annual branches, and petioles). Proteobacteria, Tenericutes, and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in E. brandti (relative abundance was 50.64, 41.56, and 5.63%, respectively) and E. scrobiculatus (relative abundance was 78.63, 11.91, and 7.41%, respectively). At the genus level, Spiroplasma, endosymbionts2, Unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, and Lactococcus were dominant in E. brandti, and Unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, Wolbachia and Spiroplasma, and endosymbionts2 were dominant in E. scrobiculatus. Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis revealed microbial biomarkers in the different treatment group of adults of both weevil species. Adults of E. brandti may require the trunk, and adults of E. scrobiculatus may require the petioles and annual branches to maintain the high diversity of their gut microbes. The results of this study indicate that feeding on different parts of A. altissima affects the composition and function of the microbes of E. brandti and the microbial composition of E. scrobiculatus. Variation in the abundance of Wolbachia and Spiroplasma in E. brandti and E. scrobiculatus is associated with dietary niche changes, and this might explain the evolution of reproductive isolation between these two sibling weevil species.
Molecular characterization and phylogeny of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli derived from cattle farm
Authors: Zhang Shiqin , Bai Zhiye , Wang Zichen , Wang Xiang , Wang Wen , Li Hongmei , Dong Qingli
Published: August 2022

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important food-borne pathogen, which can cause diseases such as diarrhea, hemorrhagic enteritis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans. Twelve STEC isolates were collected from beeves and feces of commercial animals in China between 2019 and 2020 for this study. In addition to the determination of serotype and Shiga toxin subtype, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used for determining phylogenetic relationships, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), virulence genes, and sequence type (ST) of isolates. A total of 27 AMR genes were detected, and each STEC isolate carried more than 10 AMR genes. Eight STEC isolates from ground beef and four STEC isolated from feces were screened. A total of seven serotypes were identified, and one isolate ONT:H10 was undetermined by SeroTypeFinder. Three O157:H7 strains were confirmed and the remaining five serogroups were confirmed as O26:H11, O81:H31, O105:H8, O178:H19, and O136:H12. The phylogenetic analysis showed that STEC isolates of the same serotype or ST were clustered together based on cgMLST. The comparison of the genomes of 157 STEC reference isolates worldwide with our local STEC isolates showed that STEC isolates screened in China represented various collections and could not form a separate cluster but were interspersed among the STEC reference collection, which suggested that several STEC isolates shared a common ancestor irrespective of STEC serotype isolates. cgMLST revealed that isolates of the same O serotype clustered irrespective of their H type. Further investigation is required to determine the pathogenic potential of other serotypes of STEC, particularly in regard to these rare serotypes.
Fungi associated with dead branches of Magnolia grandiflora: A case study from Qujing, China
Authors: Wijayawardene Nalin N. , Dai Dong-Qin , Zhu Mei-Ling , Wanasinghe Dhanushka N. , Kumla Jaturong , Zhang Gui-Qing , Zhang Ting-Ting , Han Li-Su , Tibpromma Saowaluck , Chen Huan-Huan
Published: August 2022

As a result of an ongoing survey of microfungi associated with garden and ornamental plants in Qijing, Yunnan, China, several saprobic fungal taxa were isolated from Magnolia grandiflora. Both morphological and combined SSU, LSU, ITS, tef1, and rpb2 locus phylogenetic analyses (maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analyses) were carried out to identify the fungal taxa. Three new species are introduced in Pleosporales, viz., Lonicericola qujingensis (Parabambusicolaceae), Phragmocamarosporium magnoliae, and Periacma qujingensis (Lentitheciaceae). Botryosphaeria dothidea, Diplodia mutila, and Diplodia seriata (in Botryosphaeriaceae) are reported from Magnolia grandiflora for the first time in China. Angustimassarina populi (Amorosiaceae) is reported for the first time on M. grandiflora from China, and this is the first report of a member of this genus outside Europe. Shearia formosa is also reported for the first time on M. grandiflora from China.
A microsatellite DNA-derived oligodeoxynucleotide attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice by inhibiting the HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Chenghua , Wang Hui , Wang Hongrui , Shi Shuyou , Zhao Peiyan , Su Yingying , Wang Hua , Yang Ming , Fang Mingli
Published: August 2022

Acute lung injury (ALI) with uncontrolled inflammatory response has high morbidity and mortality rates in critically ill patients. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are involved in the development of uncontrolled inflammatory response injury and associated lethality. In this study, we investigated the inhibit effect of MS19, a microsatellite DNA-derived oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) with AAAG repeats, on the inflammatory response induced by various PAMPs in vitro and in vivo. In parallel, a microsatellite DNA with AAAC repeats, named as MS19-C, was used as controls. We found that MS19 extensively inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced by various PAMPs stimulation, including DNA viruses, RNA viruses, bacterial components lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and curdlan, as well as the dsDNA and dsRNA mimics, in primed bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM). Other than various PAMPs, MS19 also demonstrated obvious effects on blocking the high mobility group box1 (HMGB1), a representative damage-associated-molecular pattern (DAMP), nuclear translocation and secretion. With the base substitution from G to C, MS19-C has been proved that it has lost the inhibitory effect. The inhibition is associated with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling but not the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) transduction. Moreover, MS19 capable of inhibiting the IL-6 and TNF-α production and blocking the HMGB1 nuclear translocation and secretion in LPS-stimulated cells was used to treat mice ALI induced by LPS in vivo. In the ALI mice model, MS19 significantly inhibited the weight loss and displayed the dramatic effect on lessening the ALI by reducing consolidation, hemorrhage, intra-alveolar edema in lungs of the mice. Meanwhile, MS19 could increase the survival rate of ALI by downregulating the inflammation cytokines HMGB1, TNF-a, and IL-6 production in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The data suggest that MS19 might display its therapeutic role on ALI by inhibiting the HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway.
Intrinsic tet(L) sub-class in Bacillus velezensis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is associated with a reduced susceptibility toward tetracycline
Authors: Nøhr-Meldgaard Katrine , Struve Carsten , Ingmer Hanne , Agersø Yvonne
Published: August 2022

Annotations of non-pathogenic bacterial genomes commonly reveal putative antibiotic resistance genes and the potential risks associated with such genes is challenging to assess. We have examined a putative tetracycline tet(L) gene (conferring low level tetracycline resistance), present in the majority of all publicly available genomes of the industrially important operational group Bacillus amyloliquefaciens including the species B. amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus siamensis and Bacillus velezensis. The aim was to examine the risk of transfer of the putative tet(L) in operational group B. amyloliquefaciens through phylogenetic and genomic position analysis. These analyses furthermore included tet(L) genes encoded by transferable plasmids and other Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis. Through phylogenetic analysis, we could group chromosomally and plasmid-encoded tet(L) genes into four phylogenetic clades. The chromosomally encoded putative tet(L) from operational group B. amyloliquefaciens formed a separate phylogenetic clade; was positioned in the same genomic region in the three species; was not flanked by mobile genetic elements and was not found in any other bacterial species suggesting that the gene has been present in a common ancestor before species differentiation and is intrinsic. Therefore the gene is not considered a safety concern, and the risk of transfer to and expression of resistance in other non-related species is considered negligible. We suggest a subgrouping of the tet(L) class into four groups (tet(L)1.1, tet(L)1.2 and tet(L)2.1, tet(L)2.2), corresponding with the phylogenetic grouping and tet(L) from operational group B. amyloliquefaciens referred to as tet(L)2.2. Phylogenetic analysis is a useful tool to correctly differentiate between intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance genes.
Identification and implications of a core bacterial microbiome in 19 clonal cultures laboratory-reared for months to years of the cosmopolitan dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum
Authors: Deng Yunyan , Wang Kui , Hu Zhangxi , Hu Qiang , Tang Ying Zhong
Published: August 2022

Identification of a core microbiome (a group of taxa commonly present and consistently abundant in most samples of host populations) is important to capture the key microbes closely associated with a host population, as this process may potentially contribute to further revealing their spatial distribution, temporal stability, ecological influence, and even impacts on their host’s functions and fitness. The naked dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum is a cosmopolitan and toxic species, which is also notorious in forming harmful algal blooms (HABs) and causing massive fish-kills. Here we reported the core microbiome tightly associated with 19 strains of K. veneficum that were originally isolated from 6 geographic locations along the coast of China and from an estuary of Chesapeake Bay, United States, and have been maintained in the laboratory for several months to over 14 years. Using high-throughput metabarcoding of the partial 16S rRNA gene amplicons, a total of 1,417 prokaryotic features were detected in the entire bacterial microbiome, which were assigned to 17 phyla, 35 classes, 90 orders, 273 families, and 716 genera. Although the bacterial communities associated with K. veneficum cultures displayed heterogeneity in feature (sequences clustered at 100% sequence similarity) composition among strains, a core set of 6 genera were found persistent in their phycospheres, which could contribute up to 74.54% of the whole bacterial microbiome. Three γ-proteobacteria members of the “core,” namely, Alteromonas, Marinobacter, and Methylophaga, were the predominant core genera and made up 83.25% of the core bacterial microbiome. The other 3 core genera, Alcanivorax, Thalassospira, and Ponticoccus, are reported to preferably utilize hydrocarbons as sole or major source of carbon and energy, and two of which (Alcanivorax and Ponticoccus) are recognized as obligate hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria (OHCB). Since OHCB generally present in extremely low abundance in marine water and elevate their abundance mostly in petroleum-impacted water, our detection in K. veneficum cultures suggests that the occurrence of obligate and generalist hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria living with dinoflagellates may be more frequent in nature. Our work identified a core microbiome with stable association with the harmful alga K. veneficum and opened a window for further characterization of the physiological mechanisms and ecological implications for the dinoflagellate-bacteria association.
Microbial surfactants: A journey from fundamentals to recent advances
Authors: Pardhi Dimple S. , Panchal Rakeshkumar R. , Raval Vikram H. , Joshi Rushikesh G. , Poczai Peter , Almalki Waleed H. , Rajput Kiransinh N.
Published: August 2022

Microbial surfactants are amphiphilic surface-active substances aid to reduce surface and interfacial tensions by accumulating between two fluid phases. They can be generically classified as low or high molecular weight biosurfactants based on their molecular weight, whilst overall chemical makeup determines whether they are neutral or anionic molecules. They demonstrate a variety of fundamental characteristics, including the lowering of surface tension, emulsification, adsorption, micelle formation, etc. Microbial genera like Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Candida spp., and Pseudozyma spp. are studied extensively for their production. The type of biosurfactant produced is reliant on the substrate utilized and the pathway pursued by the generating microorganisms. Some advantages of biosurfactants over synthetic surfactants comprise biodegradability, low toxicity, bioavailability, specificity of action, structural diversity, and effectiveness in harsh environments. Biosurfactants are physiologically crucial molecules for producing microorganisms which help the cells to grasp substrates in adverse conditions and also have antimicrobial, anti-adhesive, and antioxidant properties. Biosurfactants are in high demand as a potential product in industries like petroleum, cosmetics, detergents, agriculture, medicine, and food due to their beneficial properties. Biosurfactants are the significant natural biodegradable substances employed to replace the chemical surfactants on a global scale in order to make a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Advancement in exosome-based cancer therapeutics: A new era in cancer treatment
Authors: Dutta Abhishek , Paul Swastika
Published: August 2022

In the modern era of rapid development and advancement in cancer therapeutics and management, there is a growing awareness in the application of exosomes as a potential tool to target cancer cells. Exosomes are cell-derived nano-vesicles that modulate intercellular communications and transport. Due to their ideal native structure and characteristics, exosomes have emerged as a promising nanocarrier for clinical use. Nevertheless, their medical application is coupled with some intrinsic restrictions which hinder their widespread use. In order to make exosomes more effective, they are engineered at the cellular level to develop designer exosomes. The focus of this review is to summarize the various exosome bio-engineering approaches aimed at the development of designer exosomes and their application in cancer treatment.