Identification of characteristic flavor compounds of boletus edulis from different regions based on by E-nose, HS-GC-IMS and HS-SPME-GC-MS.

In this study, E-nose, HS-GC-IMS, and HS-SPME-GC-MS technologies were used to evaluate the flavor characteristics of the pileus and stipe of Boletus edulis from eight origins. 23 key Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with odor activity values (OAVs) > 1 were identified, and 19 aroma types have been identified in Boletus edulis at the same time. Vegetable and earthy were defined as the dominant aroma types for all pileus and stipe samples. Balsamic and musty were the main and characteristic aroma types for the pileus. The highest concentrations of VOCs in the pileus and stipe were originated from Chuxiong Prefecture and Aba Prefecture, respectively. 19 and 16 key VOCs were detected Chuxiong pileus and Aba stipe, respectively, and Methional was the decisive compound that influenced the vegetable aroma type. The results of this study could be helpful for flavor identification and application of pileus and stipe from Boletus edulis.

Comprehensive analysis of the dynamic changes of volatile and non-volatile metabolites in boletus edulis during processing by HS-SPME-GC-MS and UPLC-MS/MS analysis.

In order to investigate the dynamic changes of flavor compounds, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) combined with Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was used to detect the metabolites in different drying processes. A total of 80 volatile compounds and 1319 non-volatile compounds were identified. The trend in the changes of C-8 compounds and sulfur-containing compounds were generally consistent with the trend of key enzyme activities. 479 differential metabolites were identified and revealed that metabolic profiles of compounds in Boletus edulis were altered with increased organic acids and derivatives and lipids and lipid-like molecules. Fatty acids and amino acids were transformed into volatile compounds under the action of enzymes, which played a significant role in the formation of the distinctive flavor of Boletus edulis. Our study provided a theoretical support for fully comprehending the formation mechanism of flavor from Boletus edulis during drying processes.

Peripheral Neuropathy Associated with Higher Mortality in Population with Chronic Kidney Disease: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

Introduction: Peripheral neuropathy (PN), one of the commonest neurological complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD), was associated with physical limitation. Studies showed that a decrease in physical capability in patients with CKD is related with an increased risk of mortality. The objective of our research was to directly explore the relationship between PN and risk of mortality in patients with CKD. Method: 1,836 participants with CKD and 6,036 participants without CKD, which were classified by PN based on monofilament examination in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), were collected from the 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to assess the relationships of PN and deaths in patients with CKD and non-CKD. Results: During 14 years of a median follow-up from 1999 to 2015 and 2004 to 2015, 1,072 (58.4%) and 1,389 (23.0%) deaths were recorded in participants with CKD and without CKD, respectively. PN was related with increased all-cause mortality even after adjusting possible confounding factors in population with CKD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.53) and without CKD (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12-1.43). And the adjusted HRs (95% CI) for cardiovascular mortality of the people with CKD and without CKD who suffered from PN were 1.42 (1.07, 1.90) and 1.23 (0.91, 1.67), respectively, versus those without PN. Conclusion: PN was related with a higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death in people with CKD, which clinically suggests that the adverse prognostic impact of PN in the CKD population deserves attention and is an important target for intervention.

Distinct Effects of Seed Coat and Flower Colors on Metabolite Contents and Antioxidant Activities in Safflower Seeds.

Safflower is an important oilseed crop cultivated primarily for its seeds, which have pharmaceutical properties. Color is an important agronomical trait that appears to be a prior parameter for evaluating the internal quality of plant seeds. This study employs 197 safflower accessions seeds to analyze how their seed coat and flower colors affect their total oil content, fatty acid composition, total phenolic content (TPC), N-(p-coumaroyl)serotonin (CS) and N-feruloylserotonin (FS) contents, and [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)] radical scavenging activities. Significant variations were observed in the targeted metabolite contents and antioxidant properties among genotypes. Notably, the linoleic acid content, total unsaturated fatty acid content, the ratio of total unsaturated fatty acid to total saturated fatty acid, CS, FS, ABTS, and DPPH scavenging capacities varied significantly based on seed coat color, with white-seeded genotypes having the highest average values of these parameters. Moreover, the linoleic acid content differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the genotypes with varying flower colors, with white-flowered accessions having the highest average content. Furthermore, genotypes K185105 (No. 75) and K175278 (No. 146) were identified as promising genetic resources with health benefits. Overall, these findings reveal that seed coat and flower colors distinctly affect metabolite contents and antioxidant properties in safflower seeds.

Seed Weight and Genotype Influence the Total Oil Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Peanut Seeds.

Peanut, an important oilseed crop cultivated worldwide as a dietary food, is a good food source with health benefits. To explore the potential benefits of peanuts as a food resource, 301 peanut accessions were evaluated to determine the effect of seed weight and genotype on total oil content and fatty acid composition. Total oil was extracted using the Soxhlet method and fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Wide variations in the 100-seed weight, total oil content, and fatty acid profile were observed among genotypes and accession types. An effect of seed weight on the fatty acid composition of peanut seeds was observed. Increases in the oleic acid content and decreases in the linoleic acid content occurred in association with increases in the 100-seed weight. Moreover, the 100-seed weight, total oil content, and individual and total fatty acid contents, except arachidic acid, differed significantly (p < 0.001 or 0.05) among the accession types of landrace, cultivar, breeding line, and unknown. The discovery of this high diversity could contribute to further studies of peanut domestication and evolutionary classification. Our findings are important for the selection of peanut seeds with health benefits and development of new varieties of peanut with health benefits.

Evaluation of Agricultural Traits, Phytochemical Contents, and Antioxidant Activities in the Leaves of Amaranth Accessions of Nine Species.

Amaranthus species are widely cultivated as dietary crops and are promising sources of phytochemical compounds with antioxidant properties. To explore Amaranthus as a potential medical resource, 289 accessions (nine species) were cultivated, and their agricultural characteristics, total phenolic content (TPC), rutin contents, and antioxidant activities [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)] were studied. Wide variations in agricultural traits, phytochemical contents, and antioxidant activities were observed between the accessions and across species. The effects of agricultural traits were evaluated, and the results indicated that yellow-flowered amaranth genotypes could be important because of their high values of TPC, rutin contents, DPPH, and ABTS. In addition, leaf length, days until 50% flowering, days until 50% heading and days until maturity, showed positive correlations with TPC, rutin contents, DPPH, and ABTS. The whole dataset was subjected to principal component analysis, and distinctive aggregation was observed across the Amaranthus species. In total, 289 accessions were clustered into three groups, and seven genotypes were determined as being good medical resources due to their high phytochemical content and antioxidant activities. Our findings provide important information for the development of new varieties with high phytochemical contents and high levels of antioxidant activity.

Pedobacter segetis sp. nov., a Novel Bacterium Isolated from Soil.

A Gram-negative, motile by gliding, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated SD-bT, was isolated from a soil sample collected on Dokdo Island, South Korea. A polyphasic approach based on phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genomic analyses was used to characterize the new isolate. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain SD-bT belonged to the family Sphingobacteriaceae and most closely related to Pedobacter psychrophilus P4487AT (95.9% similarity). The isolate contained MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone; its main polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine; and the major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c; 32.0%), C15:0 iso (19.1%), C17:0 iso 3-OH (8.3%), and C16:0 (8.2%). The draft genome had a length of 3,842,102 bp with a G+C content of 36.0 mol%, predicting 3282 coding sequences, 3 rRNA genes, 3 ncRNAs, and 36 tRNAs genes. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strain SD-bT and P. psychrophilus LMG 29436T were 22.0% and 78.9%, respectively. The results of phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features support the discrimination of SD-bT from its phylogenetic relatives. Pedobacter segetis sp. nov. is therefore proposed with SD-bT (= KCTC 82351T = JCM 34283T) as the type strain.

Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake and Mortality in CKD Population: A 1999-2014 NHANES Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: High risk of early death, especially contributed to cardiovascular disease, exists in patients who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). And the burden of cardiovascular disease is able to be lightened by an increase in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-3 PUFA). A diet high in omega-3 PUFA in the general population is protective, although it is inconclusive about its beneficial role in the CKD population. METHODS: From the 1999 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), we can collect 2,990 participants who suffered from CKD, who were classified into 4 groups: <0.86, 0.87-1.30, 1.31-1.92, and 1.93-9.65 g/day based on NHANES 24-h dietary recall questionnaire dietary omega-3 PUFA. Moreover, their mortality details were available to be obtained by linking NHANES to the National Death Index. The associations between dietary omega-3 PUFA and mortality were evaluated by constructing multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Over 8 years of a median follow-up, 864 deaths were recorded. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for all-cause mortality of the diseased people with CKD in the 2nd (0.87-1.30 g/day), 3rd (0.87-1.30 g/day), and 4th (1.93-9.65 g/day) quartiles of dietary omega-3 PUFA were 0.94 (0.72, 1.23), 0.74 (0.54, 1.02), and 0.67 (0.48, 0.93), respectively, versus those with the lowest quartile of dietary omega-3 PUFA intake (<0.86 g/day) (p for trend = 0.011). CONCLUSION: There may be a inverse relation of dietary omega-3 PUFA intake and all-cause mortality in patients with CKD. Therefore, an increase of dietary omega-3 PUFA may be encouraged to be used clinically in patients with CKD.

Adhaeribacter terrigena sp. nov., Isolated from Korean Soil.

A bacterial strain, designated BT258T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Uijeongbu-si, Gyeong-do Province, Republic of Korea. Cells were Gram stain negative, aerobic, rod shaped, motile by gliding, and formed light pink-pigmented colonies on agar plates. Growth of the isolate was observed at 10-37 °C and pH 6-7. A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain BT258T is a member of the genus Adhaeribacter in the family Hymenobacteraceae and had the highest sequence similarity with 'Adhaeribacter soli' MA2T (97.1%), Adhaeribacter terreus DNG6T (96.6%), and Adhaeribacter terrae HY02T (96.5%). The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was MK-7, the main polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine, and the major fatty acids were C15:0 iso (37.7%), summed feature 4 (C17:1 anteiso B/iso-C17:1 I; 16.8%), and C16:0 (10.3%). The draft genome of strain BT258T had a whole length of 4,974,022 bp and DNA G + C content of 46.0 mol%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between the novel isolate and 'Adhaeribacter soli' and seven other Adhaeribacter species ranged from 17.9 to 22.7% and 69.7 to 77.9%, respectively. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain BT258T represents a novel species in the genus Adhaeribacter, for which the name Adhaeribacter terrigena sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BT258T (= KCTC 72409 T = JCM 34303 T).

Flavobacterium agrisoli sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from soil.

A Gram-stain negative, rod shaped, motile by gliding, yellow-pigmented, aerobic bacterium, designated SE-1-eT, was isolated from a soil sample collected on Dokdo Island, South Korea. The isolate was characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach based on the phenotypic and genomic analyses. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain SE-1-eT belonged to the genus Flavobacterium in the family Flavobacteriaceae and had the highest sequence similarity with Flavobacterium cheongpyeongense IMCC34759T (97.5%), Flavobacterium arsenitoxidans S2-3HT (97.4%), Flavobacterium resistens BD-b365T (97.4%), and Flavobacterium chungangense CJ7T (97.4%). The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was found to be MK-6; the main polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine; and the major fatty acids were identified as summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), C15:0 iso, and C16:0. The draft genome of strain SE-1-eT had a length of 3,715,609 bp and a DNA G + C content of 34.8 mol%. The nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the novel isolate and F. cheongpyeongense IMCC34759T, F. resistens BD-b365T, and Flavobacterium chungangense CJ7T ranged from 74.9 to 75.3% and from 20.2 to 20.9%, respectively. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain SE-1-eT represents a novel species in the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium agrisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SE-1-eT (= KCTC 82352 T = JCM 34302 T).

Mucilaginibacter segetis sp. nov., Isolated from Soil.

A bacterial strain, SD-gT, was isolated from a soil sample collected on Dokdo Island, South Korea. Cells were observed to be Gram stain negative and short rod shaped, and colonies to be pink in color. Growth of the isolate was observed at 4-30 °C, pH 6-8, and in the presence of 0-2.0% NaCl. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified strain SD-gT as a member of the genus Mucilaginibacter in the family Sphingobacteriaceae, with high levels of sequence similarity with Mucilaginibacter terrenus ZH6T (96.9%), Mucilaginibacter lutimaris BR-3T (96.8%), Mucilaginibacter carri PR0008KT (96.8%), Mucilaginibacter gilvus F01003T (96.7%), Mucilaginibacter litoreus BR-18T (96.6%), and Mucilaginibacter terrigena 17JY9-4T (96.5%). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SD-gT was calculated to be 40.6 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was found to be MK-7; the main polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine; and the major fatty acids were identified as summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c; 29.0%), C15:0 iso (19.1%), C15:0 iso (28.1%), C16:0 (14.9%), and C17:0 iso 3-OH (7.4%). The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain SD-gT and M. terrenus ZH6T, M. gilvus F01003T, and M. terrigena ranged from 17.7 to 18.4% and 72.1 to 74.0%, respectively. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain SD-gT represents a novel species in the genus Mucilaginibacter, for which the name Mucilaginibacter segetis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SD-gT (= KCTC 82353T = JCM 34284T).

Mediation of induced systemic resistance by the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Bacillus pumilus S2-3-2.

Plant-rhizobacteria interaction and co-evolution developed adaptive strategies which may help the plant survive in nature. Plant rhizosphere soil isolates were analyzed to investigated the effects of rhizobacteria for promoting plant growth and suppress plant disease. Bacterial strains which isolated from plant rhizosphere soil were screened for elicitation of induced systemic resistance (ISR) on tobacco. Strain S2-3-2 results in significant reduction of disease severity on tobacco, it was identified as Bacillus pumilus by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). Strain S2-3-2 was deeper studied for pepper plant growth promotion and biological control activity against pepper bacterial spot disease. It was found that the pepper disease severity was decreased when the roots were drenched with strain S2-3-2, and the pepper plants had a higher weight and chlorophyll content, as compared with the mock-treated plants. Transcriptional expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) protein genes in pepper was analyzed by real-time PCR, gene expressions of CaPR1, CaPR4, and CaPR10 were increased when the plants were treated with strain S2-3-2. Moreover, strain S2-3-2 was tested for the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and it was determined to emit volatiles that enhance the growth of the tobacco plants. Interesting, heat-killed S2-3-2 enhance the pepper root growth, increase the gene expressions of CaPR4 and CaPR10 after pathogen challenge for 6 h, but limited to suppress the pepper bacterial spot disease as compare to the mock-treated plants. Strain S2-3-2 can be a potential biological control agent on the plant root for plant growth promoting and disease suppression.

Blockade of Platelets Using Tumor-Specific NO-Releasing Nanoparticles Prevents Tumor Metastasis and Reverses Tumor Immunosuppression.

The tumor microenvironment maintains a sufficient immunosuppressive state owing to the existence of the immunosuppressive factors. The most prominent such factor is transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), which is mainly provided by platelets. Moreover, platelets have been shown to be the main accomplice in assisting tumor metastasis. Therefore, blocking tumor-associated platelets is endowed with functions of enhancing immunity and reducing metastasis. Herein, we designed a tumor microenvironment-responsive nitric oxide (NO) release nanoparticle, Ptx@AlbSNO, which was able to specifically and safely co-deliver the antiplatelet agent NO and the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (Ptx) into tumor tissues and inhibit platelet-tumor cell interactions. We discovered that Ptx@AlbSNO could successfully block tumor-specific platelet functions, thereby suppressing the process of tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), preventing platelet adhesion around circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and reducing distant metastasis. In vivo studies demonstrate that the co-delivery of NO and Ptx can suppress primary tumor growth. With the ability to effectively inhibit activated platelets and TGF-ß secretion in tumors, Ptx@AlbSNO can enhance intratumoral immune cell infiltration to reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

Association of Carotid Atherosclerosis With Lipid Components in Asymptomatic Low-Income Chinese: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Intima-media thickness is a non-invasive arterial marker of early-stage atherosclerosis. Identifying carotid plaque is a superior surrogate endpoint for assessing atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaque with lipids among asymptomatic low-income rural residents in China. A total of 3,789 people aged ≥45 years without a history of stroke or cardiovascular disease were recruited to this study. B-mode ultrasonography was performed to measure CIMT and identify carotid plaque for early identification of atherosclerosis. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the association of blood lipid levels with atherosclerosis. The mean CIMT across our cohort was 567 µm. A linear regression analysis showed that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) were risk factors for early-stage atherosclerosis; however, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides protected against early-stage atherosclerosis after adjusting for potential risk factors (P < 0.001). Carotid plaque risk increased by 24 and 62% for each 1-mmol/L increase in TC and LDL-C (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that it is vital to manage and control the dyslipidemia standard levels in China, especially among rural residents, in order to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases.

Methylobacterium segetis sp. nov., a novel member of the family Methylobacteriaceae isolated from soil on Jeju Island.

A bacterial strain, 17J42-1T, was isolated from a soil sample collected on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Colonies grown on R2A agar were pink in color, and cells were Gram-stain negative, short and rod-shaped. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified this strain as a member of the genus Methylobacterium in the family Methylobacteriaceae, with high levels of 16S rRNA sequence similarity shared with Methylobacterium oxalidis 35aT (98.6%), Methylobacterium jeotgali S2R03-9T (97.5%), and Methylobacterium soli YIM 48816T (97.3%). Cells grew at 15-35 °C, pH 5-9, and in the presence of 0-1.0% NaCl. The genomic G + C content was 70.2 mol% based on the whole genome analysis. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10, the major fatty acid was C18:1ω7c (85.3%), and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and diphosphatidylglycerol. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data support the affiliation of strain 17J42-1T with the genus Methylobacterium. However, the DNA-DNA relatedness between the isolate and its closest phylogenetic neighbors was lower than 38%. The OrthoANI and dDDH values between strain 17J42-1T and the closest type strain Methylobacterium oxalidis NBRC 107715T were calculated to be 85.9% and 30.6%, respectively. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization analysis, and the observed differentiating phenotypic properties from other closely related taxa clearly indicate that strain 17J42-1T represents a novel species in the genus Methylobacterium, for which the name Methylobacterium segetis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 17J42-1T (= KCTC 62267T = JCM 33059T).

Lysobacter terrigena sp. nov., isolated from a Korean soil sample.

A bacterial strain isolated from a soil collected in Jeju Island, designated as 17J7-1T, was Gram-negative, rod-shaped, yellow colored, and motile by gliding. This strain was able to grow at temperature range from 10 to 42 °C, pH 7-9, and tolerated up to 1% NaCl. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequence identified strain 17J7-1T as a member of the genus Lysobacter with close sequence similarity with Lysobacter mobilis 9NM-14T (97.4%), Lysobacter xinjiangensis RCML-52T (97.0%), and Lysobacter humi FJY8T (96.9%). The genomic DNA G + C content of the isolate was 67.9 mol%. DNA-DNA relatedness between strain 17J7-1T and L. mobilis, L. humi, and L. xinjiangensis were 42.3%, 39.5%, and 35.8%, respectively, clearly showing that the isolate is distinct from its closest phylogenetic neighbors in the genus Lysobacter. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNAhybridization (dDDH) values between strain 17J7-1T and L. enzymogenes ATCC 29487T, the type species of this genus, and several other close Lysobacter species were less than 77% and 22%, respectively. Major fatty acids were C16:0 iso (29.8%), summed feature 9 (C17:1 iso ω9c/C16:0 10-methyl; 20.1%), and C15:0 iso (17.7%). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-8 and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and diphosphatidylglycerol. In the light of the polyphasic evidence accumulated in this study, strain 17J7-1T is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Lysobacter, for which name Lysobacter terrigena sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 17J7-1T (= KCTC 62217T = JCM 33057T).

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for the Detection of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni in Peaches.

To detect Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detection method were developed. The LAMP assay was designed to test crude plant tissue without pre-extraction, or heating incubation, and without advanced analysis equipment. The LAMP primers were designed by targeting an ABC transporter ATP-binding protein, this primer set was tested using the genomic DNA of Xanthomonas and non-Xanthomonas strains, and a ladder product was generated from the genomic DNA of X. arboricola pv. pruni strain but not from 12 other Xanthomonas species strains and 6 strains of other genera. The LAMP conditions were checked with the healthy leaves of 31 peach varieties, and no reaction was detected using either the peach leaves or the peach DNA as a template. Furthermore, the high diagnostic accuracy of the LAMP method was confirmed with 13 X. arboricola pv. pruni strains isolated from various regions in Korea, with all samples exhibiting a positive reaction in LAMP assays. In particular, the LAMP method successfully detected the pathogen in diseased peach leaves and fruit in the field, and the LAMP conditions were proven to be a reliable diagnostic method for the specific detection and identification of X. arboricola pv. pruni in peach orchards.

Glutathione depletion and dual-model oxygen balance disruption for photodynamic therapy enhancement.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a prospective approach to cure tumor diseases. However, tumor micro-environment is notably characterized with severe hypoxia and high expression of glutathione (GSH), which seriously limit its clinical application. Here, based on the characteristics of perfluorocarbon (PFC) to dissolve substantial oxygen (O2) and the sensitivity of reductive GSH to S-NO group, we designed GSH depletion and dual-model O2 supply strategies to promote PDT enhancement. The PFC nanoliposomes (FI@Lip) and biocompatible NO donor S-nitrosated human serum albumin (HSA-SNO) were combined to synergistically combat the obstacle of tumor micro-environment, reducing GSH concentration and increasing singlet oxygen (1O2) generation. In vitro, after irradiation with NIR laser, the PFC in FI@Lip dissolved more O2 to increase 1O2 generation. In addition, with co-delivery of HSA-SNO, it can effectively promote GSH depletion to recover 1O2 level and release NO concurrently to inhibit mitochondrial respiration. This combination strategy of FI@Lip and HSA-SNO obviously relieved intracellular hypoxia and decreased GSH to increase more toxic 1O2 generation for PDT enhancement. The present work will play as an enlightening role in PDT design and clinical application in the near future.

Emticicia agri sp. nov., a novel member of the family Cytophagaceae.

A bacterial strain, 17J42-9T, was isolated from a soil sample collected on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Cells were observed to be Gram-stain negative and rod-shaped. Colonies were observed to be orange in colour on R2A agar. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that high levels of 16S rRNA sequence similarity were shared between 17J42-9T and Emticicia fontis IMCC1731T (98.2 %), Emticicia ginsengisoliGsoil 085T (98.2 %) and Emticicia soli ZZ-4T (97.8 %). Growth of strain 17J42-9T was observed at 10-37 °C, pH 6.0-8.5 and in the presence of 0-0.5 % NaCl. The genomic G+C content was calculated to be 38.6 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone of the isolate was found to be MK-7; the major fatty acids were identified as summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c) (34.1 %), C15 : 0iso (23.4 %) and C17 : 0iso 3-OH (10.8 %). The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and an unidentified lipid. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data support the affiliation of strain 17J42-9T with the genus Emticicia. However, the DNA-DNA relatedness between the isolate and its closest phylogenetic neighbours was lower than 46 %. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization analysis and the observed differentiating phenotypic properties from other closely related taxa clearly indicate that strain 17J42-9T represents a novel species in the genus Emticicia, for which the name Emticiciaagri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 17J42-9T (=KCTC 62270T=JCM 33056T).