Molecular epidemiology of Brucella abortus isolated from the environment in Ningxia Hui autonomous region, China.

Brucellosis is among the key zoonotic infectious diseases in China, and The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region represents a major endemic area, and it is one of the main causes of poverty in the region due to illness. In Ningxia, there is substantial research on Brucella melitensis, studies on the molecular epidemiology of Brucella abortus are notably scarce. Consequently, this study aims to undertake pathogenic isolation and molecular epidemiological research on Brucella abortus isolated from the environment in Ningxia, providing insights and evidence to advance the prevention and control measures for brucellosis in the region. Building on traditional pathogenic detection methods, this research employs whole-genome sequencing(WGS) techniques and bioinformatics software to conduct a phylogenetic comparison of Ningxia strains and strains of Brucella abortus from various geographical origins. The results indicate that four Brucella abortus strains are classified as biovar 3 and MLST type ST2. It is shown that the local strains were closer phylogenetic relationships with strains from Asian and European countries. The presence of Brucella abortus in certain environmental sectors of Ningxia indicates a risk of transmission from the environment to animals and subsequently to humans. In conclusion, the Brucella abortus exists in some farming environments in Ningxia, and exists for a long time. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the monitoring of the disinfection effect of the farming environment to provide a basis for the forward movement of the gate of brucellosis prevention and control.

Antibacterial Potential of Termite-Associated Streptomyces spp.

Twenty-one strains of termite-associated actinomycetes were tested for their activities against three bacteria. The results showed that nine strains showed bacteriostatic activities against at least one tested bacterium, and the actinomycete YH01, which was isolated from the body surface of the queen of Odontotermes formosanus, had potent antibacterial activity. The YH01 was further identified as Streptomyces davaonensis. Two metabolites roseoflavin (1) and 8-methylamino-8-demethyl-d-riboflavin (2) were isolated and purified from S. davaonensis YH01. Their structures were determined by NMR, MS, and the related literature. The metabolite 1 showed strong inhibition activities against Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 1.56 µg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 3.125 µg/mL), which were comparable to referenced gentamycin sulfate, with MIC values of 1.56 and 1.56 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the anti-MRSA potential of compound 1 was determined against nine kinds of MRSA strains, with inhibition zones in the ranges of 12.7-19.7 mm under a concentration of 15 µg/6 mm discs and 18.3-22.7 mm under a concentration of 30 µg/6 mm discs. However, metabolite 1 had no inhibitory effect on Gram-negative bacteria. These results suggested that roseoflavin produced by YH01 holds promise for use against Gram-positive bacteria, especially to MRSA.

[Analysis of schistosomiasis prevention and control model of Yujiang: in-sights from governmental supply of rural public goods].

This article analyzes the influencing factors of rural public service supply of schistosomiasis prevention and control in China and the successful experiences of schistosomiasis prevention and pattern of Yujiang from an angle of view of rural public goods. This article points out the short supply of rural public goods in the service of schistosomiasis prevention and control in the traditional small-scale peasant economy, and the possibility of promoting the rural public goods in the cooperation economic model. The essential features of the schistosomiasis prevention and control pattern of Yujiang include strengthening the leadship of the Communist Party of China, improving health education, adjusting the measures to local condition, and so on.

Fluorescent Probes with Multiple Binding Sites for the Discrimination of Cys, Hcy, and GSH.

Biothiols such as cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), and glutathione (GSH) play crucial roles in maintaining redox homeostasis in biological systems. This Minireview summarizes the most significant current challenges in the field of thiol-reactive probes for biomedical research and diagnostics, emphasizing the needs and opportunities that have been under-investigated by chemists in the selective probe and sensor field. Progress on multiple binding site probes to distinguish Cys, Hcy, and GSH is highlighted as a creative new direction in the field that can enable simultaneous, accurate ratiometric monitoring. New probe design strategies and researcher priorities can better help address current challenges, including the monitoring of disease states such as autism and chronic diseases involving oxidative stress that are characterized by divergent levels of GSH, Cys, and Hcy.

Genetic variation and forensic efficiency of autosomal insertion/deletion polymorphisms in Chinese Bai ethnic group: phylogenetic analysis to other populations.

Thirty insertion/deletion loci were utilized to study the genetic diversities of 125 bloodstain samples collected from Bai group in Yunnan Dali region, China. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity of the 30 loci ranged from 0.1520 to 0.5680, and 0.1927 to 0.4997, respectively. No deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium tests after Bonferroni correction were found at all 30 loci in Bai group. The cumulative probability of exclusion and combined discrimination power were 0.9859 and 0.9999999999887, respectively, which indicated the 30 loci could be used as complementary genetic markers for paternity testing and were qualified for personal identification in forensic cases. We found the studied Bai group had close relationships with Tibetan, Yi and Han groups from China by the population structure, principal component analysis, population differentiations, and phylogenetic reconstruction studies. Even so, for a better understanding of Bai ethnicity's genetic milieu, DNA genotyping at various genetic markers is necessary in future studies.

A single pH fluorescent probe for biosensing and imaging of extreme acidity and extreme alkalinity.

A simple tailor-made pH fluorescent probe 2-benzothiazole (N-ethylcarbazole-3-yl) hydrazone (Probe) is facilely synthesized by the condensation reaction of 2-hydrazinobenzothiazole with N-ethylcarbazole-3-formaldehyde, which is a useful fluorescent probe for monitoring extremely acidic and alkaline pH, quantitatively. The pH titrations indicate that Probe displays a remarkable emission enhancement with a pKa of 2.73 and responds linearly to minor pH fluctuations within the extremely acidic range of 2.21-3.30. Interestingly, Probe also exhibits strong pH-dependent characteristics with pKa 11.28 and linear response to extreme-alkalinity range of 10.41-12.43. In addition, Probe shows a large Stokes shift of 84 nm under extremely acidic and alkaline conditions, high selectivity, excellent sensitivity, good water-solubility and fine stability, all of which are favorable for intracellular pH imaging. The probe is further successfully applied to image extremely acidic and alkaline pH values fluctuations in E. coli cells.

Genetic polymorphisms of 54 mitochondrial DNA SNP loci in Chinese Xibe ethnic minority group.

We analyzed the genetic polymorphisms of 54 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants in Chinese Xibe ethnic minority group. A total of 137 unrelated healthy volunteers from Chinese Xibe group were the objects of our study. Among the selected loci, there were 51 variable positions including transitions and transversions, and single nucleotide transitions were common (83.93%) versus transversions. These variations defined 64 different mtDNA haplotypes exclusive of (CA)n and 9 bp deletion variation. The haplotype diversity and discrimination power in Xibe population were 0.9800 ± 0.004 and 0.9699, respectively. Besides, we compared Xibe group with 18 other populations and reconstructed a phylogenetic tree using Neighbor-Joining method. The result revealed that Xibe group was a close to Xinjiang Han and Yanbian Korean groups. Our data also indicated that Xibe group has a close relationship with Daur and Ewenki groups, which is reflected by the history that Xibe was influenced by Daur and Ewenki groups during the development of these groups. In conclusion, the variants we studied are polymorphic and could be used as informative genetic markers for forensic and population genetic application.

Associations between maternal BMI as well as glucose tolerance and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

This retrospective, cohort study examined the association between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), independent of glucose tolerance and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for which there are few previous studies. Medical records from 2012 to 2015 at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, China were reviewed for women previously diagnosed with PCOS with normal 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results (n = 1249). The separate and joint effects of maternal BMI and glucose levels on pregnancy outcomes were assessed. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.02-1.45), preterm birth (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08-2.17), and large for gestational age (LGA) (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.16-2.20). Elevated fasting glucose and maternal pre-pregnancy BMI were jointly associated with increased risks of HDP, preterm birth, and LGA. Therefore, among women with PCOS and normal glucose tolerance, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI is an independent risk factor of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Tuning near-gap electronic structure, interface charge transfer and visible light response of hybrid doped graphene and Ag3PO4 composite: Dopant effects.

The enhanced photocatalytic performance of doped graphene (GR)/semiconductor nanocomposites have recently been widely observed, but an understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind it is still out of reach. As a model system to study the dopant effects, we investigate the electronic structures and optical properties of doped GR/Ag3PO4 nanocomposites using the first-principles calculations, demonstrating that the band gap, near-gap electronic structure and interface charge transfer of the doped GR/Ag3PO4(100) composite can be tuned by the dopants. Interestingly, the doping atom and C atoms bonded to dopant become active sites for photocatalysis because they are positively or negatively charged due to the charge redistribution caused by interaction. The dopants can enhance the visible light absorption and photoinduced electron transfer. We propose that the N atom may be one of the most appropriate dopants for the GR/Ag3PO4 photocatalyst. This work can rationalize the available experimental results about N-doped GR-semiconductor composites, and enriches our understanding on the dopant effects in the doped GR-based composites for developing high-performance photocatalysts.

[Study on Serological Blood Group Conversion in BM Empty Phase of ABO-incompatible Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the regularity of serological conversion of blood group in BM empty phase of ABO-incompatible allogeneic stem cell transplantation so as to provide the basis for selecting the blood components in blood transfusion. METHODS: Before hematpoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the ABO and RhD blood groups of recipients and donors were identified by salt medium tube method and microcolumn gel method; after transplantation the changes of antigen intensity and antibody titer of ABO blood group in patients were periodically detected. RESULTS: After blood group shift of 33 patients received ABO-incompatible allo-HSCT, the consistent rate of positive and regative types in major ABO incompatible group was 100%; the consistent rate of positive and negative types in minor ABO-incompatible group was 33%, no-consistent rate was 66.7%; the consistent rate of positive and negative types in bidirextional ABO incompatible group was 20%, the no-consistent rate was 80%. CONCLUSION: After ABO-incompatible allo-HSCT, blood group antgen of patients shifts to the blood group of donors, there is a significant difference in the serological indicators between the minor and bidireetional ABO-incompatible patients and normal people.

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of an Ag3PO4 photocatalyst via fullerene modification: first-principles study.

The coupling of carbon nanomaterials with semiconductor photocatalysts is a promising route to improve their photocatalytic performance. Herein, density functional theory was used to investigate the electronic structure, charge transfer, photocatalytic activity, and stability in a series of hybrid fullerene (C20, Li@C20, C26, Li@C26)/Ag3PO4(100) composites. When a Li atom is incorporated in fullerene, the adsorption energies significantly increase, although the change of interface distance is negligibly small due to the weak interface interaction. The charge transfer between constituents decreases with the C atom number of fullerene. Compared to pure Ag3PO4, the band gap of the composites is smaller, which enhances the visible-light absorption and photoinduced electron transfer. Most importantly, a type-II, staggered band alignment could be obtained in the C26-Ag3PO4(Li@C26-Ag3PO4) interface, leading to significantly reduced charge recombination and thus enhanced photocatalytic activity. These results reveal that fullerene modification would be an effective strategy to improve the photocatalytic performance of Ag3PO4 semiconductor photocatalysts.

[Influencing factors of non-point source pollution of watershed based on boosted regression tree algorithm.] / åŸºäºŽå¢žå¼ºå›žå½’æ ‘çš„æµåŸŸéžç‚¹æºæ±¡æŸ“å½±å“å› å­åˆ†æž.

Non-point source (NPS) pollution has become a key water pollution problem under the condition of point source pollution was controlled. The complexity and uncertainty research of NPS pollution influential factors has always been important and difficult. This paper simulated NPS pollution of the Fanhe River watershed in 2003-2012 by the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) and analyzed its spatial distribution. Meanwhile, the boosted regression tree (BRT) method was proposed to quantitatively analyze the corresponding influential factors including land use, soil, elevation and slope. The results showed that NPS pollution in the Fanhe River watershed had high spatial heterogeneity. The spatial distribution of total nitrogen (TN) had greater difference than that of total phosphorus (TP). The three pollutants, TN, TP and sediment, were all positively related to slope gradients (P<0.01). The slope gradients played the strongest role in determining the sediment and TP output with the contribution rate of 46.5% and 38.2%, respectively. Land use had important influence on sediment and TP loads, with the contribution rate of 27.2% and 35.3%, respectively. TN was produced abundantly in low-elevation and steep-slope locations and with cultivated land use. Cinnamon soil was most vulnerable to the TN load while meadow soil took the second place in terms of soil erosion and TP load. The paper overcame the complexity of influential factors for NPS pollution by BRT, and deepened the understanding of NPS pollution mechanism.

[Optimization and evaluation of key photosynthesis parameters in forest ecosystems based on FLUXNET data and VPM model.] / 基于FLUXNET观测数据与VPMæ¨¡åž‹çš„æ£®æž—ç”Ÿæ€ç³»ç»Ÿå ‰åˆä½œç”¨å ³é”®å‚æ•°ä¼˜åŒ–åŠéªŒè¯.

Gross primary productivity (GPP) plays an important role in global carbon cycle. Vegetation maximum light use efficiency (Δmax) is the key parameter for GPP simulation of terrestrial ecosystem. Based on the vegetation photosynthesis model (VPM) and the eddy covariance flux data at 40 stations from FLUXNET (179 site-years of data), we identified the key model parameters influencing the simulation of GPP with VPM through one-at-a-time (OAT) method. The cross validation method was employed to optimize the key model parameters and evaluate the model perfor-mance for global forest ecosystems. The results showed that the prediction of GPP was mostly affec-ted by Δmax, maximum temperature for photosynthesis (Tmax), and optimum temperature for photosynthesis (Topt). There were distinguishable differences for the key optimized parameters among different forest ecosystems. The optimized Δmax ranged from 0.05 to 0.08 µmol CO2·µmol-1 PAR (evergreen broad-leaved forest>evergreen coniferous forest>mixed forest>deciduous broad-leaved forest). The optimized Tmax ranged from 38 to 48 ℃,while Topt ranged from 18 to 22 ℃. With the optimized key parameters based on ecosystem types, the VPM was able to simulate the seasonal and inter-annual variations of GPP in four forest ecosystems.

Genetic analysis of 15 mtDNA SNP loci in Chinese Yi ethnic group using SNaPshot minisequencing.

SNaPshot minisequencing is a rapid and robust methodology based on a single base extension with a labeled ddNTP. The present study detected 15 selected SNPs in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control and coding regions by minisequencing methodology using SNaPshot for forensic purpose. The samples were collected from 99 unrelated individuals of the Yi ethnic minority group in Yunnan Province. We have predominantly found high-frequency transitions (91.7%) and a significantly lower frequency of transversions (8.3%). The nt152, 489, 8701, 10,398, 16,183, and 16,362 loci were highly polymorphic, while the nt231, 473 and 581 loci were not polymorphic in the studied population. Based on these 15 SNPs, a total of 28 mtDNA haplotypes were defined in 99 individuals with the haplotype diversity of 0.9136. Also, we compared the mtDNA sequences of Yi group and other 9 populations worldwide and drew a Neighbor-Joining tree based on the shared 12 mtDNA SNP loci, which demonstrated a close relationship between Yi and Bai groups. In conclusion, the analysis of the 15 selected SNPs increases considerably the discrimination power of mtDNA. Moreover, the SNaPshot minisequencing method could quickly detect mtDNA SNPs, and is economical and sensitive. The set of selected 15 SNPs is highly informative and is capable for anthropology genetic analysis.

Berberine inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α-induced expression of inflammatory molecules and activation of nuclear factor-κB via the activation of AMPK in vascular endothelial cells.

Berberine, which is a well­known drug used in traditional medicine, has been demonstrated to exert diverse pharmacological effects, including anti­inflammatory effects. However, whether berberine can affect the production of inflammatory molecules in vascular endothelial cells remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effects of berberine, and the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects. The effect of berberine on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)­α­induced inflammatory molecule expression was examined in cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). The HAECs were stimulated with TNF­α and incubated with or without berberine. The activation of nuclear factor (NF)­κB and adenosine monophosphate­activated protein kinase (AMPK) were analyzed using western blotting, and the protein secretion of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)­1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)­1 was measured using ELISA kits. The mRNA expression levels of ICAM­1 and MCP­1 were analyzed using reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results of the present study demonstrated that berberine significantly inhibited the TNF­α­induced expression of ICAM­1 and MCP­1, as well as the activation of NF­κB in the HAECs. These effects were attenuated following co­treatment with AMPK inhibitor compound C, or specific small interfering RNAs. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that berberine inhibits the TNF­α­induced expression of ICAM­1 and MCP­1, and the activation of NF­κB in HAECs in vitro, possibly through the AMPK­dependent pathway.

Mutation rate analysis at 19 autosomal microsatellites.

Previous studies have demonstrated that a large sample size is needed to reliably estimate population- and locus-specific microsatellite mutation rates. Therefore, we conducted a long-term collaboration study and performed a comprehensive analysis on the mutation characteristics of 19 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci. The STR loci located on 15 of 22 autosomal chromosomes were analyzed in a total of 21,106 samples (11,468 parent-child meioses) in a Chinese population. This provided 217,892 allele transfers at 19 STR loci. An overall mutation rate of 1.20 × 10(-3) (95% CI, 1.06-1.36 × 10(-3) ) was observed in the populations across 18 of 19 STR loci, except for the TH01 locus with no mutation found. Most STR mutations (97.7%) were single-step mutations, and only a few mutations (2.30%) comprised two and multiple steps. Interestingly, approximately 93% of mutation events occur in the male germline. The mutation ratios increased with the paternal age at child birth (r = 0.99, p<0.05), but not maternal age. Last, with the combination analysis of the data from the southern Chinese population, we drew a picture of 19 STR mutations in China. In conclusion, the data from this study will provide useful information in parentage testing, kinship analysis, and population genetics.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of mitochondrial DNA HVS-I and HVS-II in Chinese Bai ethnic group.

For forensic and population genetic purposes, a total of 125 unrelated volunteers' blood samples were collected from Chinese Bai ethnic minority group to analyze sequence variation of two hypervariable segments (HVS-I and HVS-II) in the mitochondrial DNA control region. Comparing the HVS-I and HVS-II sequences of the 125 Chinese Bais to the Anderson reference sequence, we found 86 polymorphic loci in HVS-I and 40 in HVS-II in mitochondrial DNA sequences of the Chinese Bai ethnic minority group, which defined 93 and 53 different haplotypes, respectively. Haplotype diversity and the mean pairwise differences were 0.992 ± 0.003 and 6.553 in HVS-I, and 0.877 ± 0.027 and 2.407 in HVS-II, respectively. We defined four macrohaplogroups R, M, N and D with the proportions ranging from 9.6% to 40.0%. With the analysis of the hypervariable domain from nucleotide 16 180-16 193 in HVS-I, our study revealed new haplotypes of sequence variations. In addition, the Fst metric, phylogenetic tree, and principal component analysis demonstrated a close genetic relationship between the Bai group and Chinese Han populations from South China, Changsha, and Guangdong. The results support that the Bai group is a multiorigin ethnic minority that has merged with the Chinese Han population.

Sequence analysis and molecular characterization of Wnt4 gene in metacestodes of Taenia solium.

Wnt proteins are a family of secreted glycoproteins that are evolutionarily conserved and considered to be involved in extensive developmental processes in metazoan organisms. The characterization of wnt genes may improve understanding the parasite's development. In the present study, a wnt4 gene encoding 491amino acids was amplified from cDNA of metacestodes of Taenia solium using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Bioinformatics tools were used for sequence analysis. The conserved domain of the wnt gene family was predicted. The expression profile of Wnt4 was investigated using real-time PCR. Wnt4 expression was found to be dramatically increased in scolex evaginated cysticerci when compared to invaginated cysticerci. In situ hybridization showed that wnt4 gene was distributed in the posterior end of the worm along the primary body axis in evaginated cysticerci. These findings indicated that wnt4 may take part in the process of cysticerci evagination and play a role in scolex/bladder development of cysticerci of T. solium.

Identification of putative insulin-like peptides and components of insulin signaling pathways in parasitic platyhelminths by the use of genome-wide screening.

No endogenous insulin-like peptides in parasitic flatworms have been reported. Insulin receptors from flukes and tapeworms have been shown to interact directly with the host-derived insulin molecule, which suggests the exploitation of host-derived insulin. In this study, a strategy of genome-wide searches followed by comprehensive analyses of strictly conserved features of the insulin family was used to demonstrate the presence of putative insulin-like peptides in the genomes of six tapeworms and two flukes. In addition, whole insulin signaling pathways were annotated on a genome-wide scale. Two putative insulin-like peptide genes in each genome of tapeworms and one insulin-like peptide gene in each genome of flukes were identified. The comprehensive analyses revealed that all of these peptides showed the common features shared by other members of the insulin family, and the phylogenetic analysis implied a putative gene duplication event in the Cestoda during the evolution of insulin-like peptide genes. The quantitative expression analysis and immunolocalization results suggested a putative role of these peptides in reproduction. Entire sets of major components of the classic insulin signaling pathway were successfully identified, suggesting that this pathway in parasitic flatworms might also regulate many other important biological activities. We believe that the identification of the insulin-like peptides gives us a better understanding of the insulin signaling pathway in these parasites, as well as host-parasite interactions.