Diversity of Wolbachia infection and its influence on mitochondrial DNA variation in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella.

Plutella xylostella is a pest that severely damages cruciferous vegetables worldwide and has been shown to be infected with the maternally inherited bacteria Wolbachia, with the main infected strain was plutWB1. In this study, we performed a large-scale global sampling of P. xylostella and amplified 3 mtDNA genes of P. xylostella and 6 Wolbachia genes to analyze the infection status, diversity of Wolbachia in P. xylostella, and its effect on mtDNA variation in P. xylostella. This study provides a conservative estimate of Wolbachia infection rates in P. xylostella, which was found to be 7% (104/1440). The ST 108 (plutWB1) was shared among butterfly species and the moth species P. xylostella, revealing that Wolbachia strain plutWB1 acquisition in P. xylostella may be through horizontal transmission. The Parafit analyses indicated a significant association between Wolbachia and Wolbachia-infected P. xylostella individuals, and individuals infected with plutWB1 tended to cluster in the basal positions of the phylogenetic tree based on the mtDNA data. Additionally, Wolbachia infections were associated with increased mtDNA polymorphism in the infected P. xylostella population. These data suggest that Wolbachia endosymbionts may have a potential effect on mtDNA variation of P. xylostella.

Phenotypic Spectrum of Trisomy 18 Mosaicism: a New Patient and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Trisomy 18 syndrome, also called Edwards syndrome, is the second most common autosomal trisomy after trisomy 21 that is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 18. Approximately 50% of infants with trisomy 18 cannot survive for more than 1 week and about 5 - 10% of children die within 1 year after birth. The aim of this study is to describe a 4-year-old female patient of mosaic trisomy 18 with normal prenatal ultrasound findings and maternal serum markers and to investigate the relationship between the percentage of trisomic cells and the major clinical phenotypes combined with other nine patients through a review of the literature. METHODS: The patient's peripheral blood was examined by cytogenetic G-banding technique. RESULTS: The cytogenetics results reported following the ISCN 2020 guideline as mos 47,XX,+18[87]/46,XX[13]. CONCLUSIONS: There is little correlation between various phenotypes of mosaic trisomy 18 and the percentage of trisomy cells in the patient's peripheral leukocytes. Although most of fetuses with mosaic trisomy 18 have abnormal ultrasound findings, it is necessary to highlight the possibility of normal findings during the pregnancy.

[Application of flat-sided culture tubes during prenatal diagnosis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of using flat-sided culture tubes for preparing chromosomes through chorionic villi (CV) and amniotic fluid (AF) cell cultures during prenatal diagnosis. METHODS: From February to March 2020, 157 CV samples and 147 AF samples subjected to prenatal diagnosis at the Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were selected as the study subjects. For each sample, one flat-sided tube and one flask culture were set up by following the standard protocols. The methods were evaluated by comparing the cell growth, experimental process, quality of chromosome preparation and costs. RESULTS: The success rates for the culturing of CV and AF samples by the flat-sided culture tube method were 97.45% (153/157) and 97.96% (144/147), respectively. By contrast, the success rates for the conventional flask method were 98.72% (155/157) for CV and 98.64% (145/147) for AF samples. No significant difference was found between the two methods (P > 0.05). The average harvest time required by the flat-sided culture tube method was 8.45 days for CV and 9.43 days for AF cultures, whilst the average harvest time for conventional flask method was 9.05 days and 9.54 days, respectively. The flat-sided culture tube method for CV had required significantly shorter average harvest time than the conventional method (P < 0.001). No statistical significant difference was found in the average harvest time for AF by the two methods (P > 0.05). The conventional culturing method had required three containers with two sample transfers. By contrast, the flat-sided culture tube method was carried out in one tube without any sample transfer. The average total amount of medium used was 3.91 mL for each flat-sided culture tube and 6.26 mL for each conventional flask. CONCLUSION: The flat-sided culture tube method can provide a simple, cost-effective and error-reducing procedure for the CV and AF samples culture during prenatal diagnosis.

Ofloxacin-loaded HMPB NPs for Klebsiella pneumoniae eradication in the surgical wound with the combination of PTT.

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a common bacterium whose drug-resistant can cause surgical failures and incurable infections in hospital patients. Thus, how to reverse or delay the resistance induction has become a great challenge for development antiresistant drug. Recently, the combination of nanomaterial-loaded antibiotics with photothermal therapy showed the efficient antibacteria ability under a low dosage of antibiotics. In this study, a nanocomposite of HMPB NPs with inherent photothermal therapy capability was used to eradicate K. pneumoniae after loading with Ofloxacin, an antibiotic against K. pneumoniae in vitro and in vivo. The nanocomplexes named as Ofloxacin@HMPB@HA NPs showed a higher effect against K. pneumoniae by destroying cell integrity and inducing ATP leakage with the assistance of laser irradiation, compared with sole Ofloxacin@HMPB@HA NPs or laser irradiation. Surgical wound infection assay further demonstrated the efficient killing K. pneumoniae and promoting the formation of new tissues, as well, which was reflected by the rapid healing of surgical wound. In summary, these results indicate the great potential of this combinational tactic based on Ofloxacin@HMPB@HA NPs for preventing the failure caused by K. pneumoniae infection.

[Comparison of performance of two prenatal diagnostic techniques for the detection of chromosomal mosaicisms in amniocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of chromosomal karyotyping analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism-based microarray (SNP-array) for the detection of chromosomal mosaicisms in amniotic fluid samples. METHODS: Seventy four pregnant women with fetal mosaicisms detected by both methods were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 74 mosaicisms, 12 were pseudo and 62 were true mosaicisms, which included 1 Robertsonian translocation, 3 deletions, 4 supernumerary markers, 19 autosomal aneuploidy mosaicisms, 30 sex chromosome aneuploidy mosaicisms and 5 isometric chromosome mosaicisms. CONCLUSION: Chromosome karyotyping analysis and SNP-array have their own advantages and limitations for the diagnosis of mosaicisms. When the two methods have yielded inconsistent results, fluorescence in situ hybridization may be used for further verification.

[Genetic testing and pregnancy outcome of 337 fetuses with urinary system anomalies].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis and pregnancy outcome of fetuses with urinary system anomalies. METHODS: Ultrasonographic features, genetic testing and pregnancy outcomes of 337 fetuses with urinary system anomalies identified by prenatal ultrasonograhy were collected for analysis. RESULTS: Ultrasonographic features of the fetuses were mainly characterized by hydronephrosis or hydronephrosis, polycystic kidney disease, and renal dysplasia. Thirty four fetuses (10.1%) were found to harbor a genetic defect, including 14 numerical chromosomal disorders, 10 structural chromosomal aberrations, and 10 pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs). In 31 cases, the parents elected induced labor. For the 303 fetuses with negative findings, 142 were born by spontaneous delivery or Caesarean section, 48 cases underwent induced labor, 1 case had miscarriage, and the remaining 112 cases had unknown or missed pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSION: Hydronephrosis or hydronephrosis, polycystic kidney disease, and renal dysplasia are the most common findings among fetuses with urinary system anomalies. Approximately 10.1% of such fetuses are positive by genetic testing.

Imaging Dirac-mass disorder from magnetic dopant atoms in the ferromagnetic topological insulator Crx(Bi0.1Sb0.9)2-xTe3.

To achieve and use the most exotic electronic phenomena predicted for the surface states of 3D topological insulators (TIs), it is necessary to open a "Dirac-mass gap" in their spectrum by breaking time-reversal symmetry. Use of magnetic dopant atoms to generate a ferromagnetic state is the most widely applied approach. However, it is unknown how the spatial arrangements of the magnetic dopant atoms influence the Dirac-mass gap at the atomic scale or, conversely, whether the ferromagnetic interactions between dopant atoms are influenced by the topological surface states. Here we image the locations of the magnetic (Cr) dopant atoms in the ferromagnetic TI Cr0.08(Bi0.1Sb0.9)1.92Te3. Simultaneous visualization of the Dirac-mass gap Δ(r) reveals its intense disorder, which we demonstrate is directly related to fluctuations in n(r), the Cr atom areal density in the termination layer. We find the relationship of surface-state Fermi wavevectors to the anisotropic structure of Δ(r) not inconsistent with predictions for surface ferromagnetism mediated by those states. Moreover, despite the intense Dirac-mass disorder, the anticipated relationship [Formula: see text] is confirmed throughout and exhibits an electron-dopant interaction energy J* = 145 meV·nm(2). These observations reveal how magnetic dopant atoms actually generate the TI mass gap locally and that, to achieve the novel physics expected of time-reversal symmetry breaking TI materials, control of the resulting Dirac-mass gap disorder will be essential.

Preparation of Ag@3D-TiO2 Scaffolds and Determination of its Antimicrobial Properties and Osteogenesis-promoting Ability.

OBJECTIVES: The micro-nano structure of 3D-printed porous titanium (Ti) alloy with excellent performance in avoiding stress shielding and promoting bone tissue differentiation provides a new opportunity for the development of bone implants, but it necessitates higher requirements for bone tissue differentiation and the antibacterial properties of bone implants in clinical practice. METHODS: This study investigated the preparation, antimicrobial properties, and osteogenesis-promoting ability of the 3D printed porous Ti alloy anodic oxidized Ag-carrying (Ag@3D-TiO2) scaffolds. The 3D printed porous Ti alloy (3D-Ti), anodized 3D printed porous Ti alloy (3D-TiO2), and Ag@3D-TiO2 scaffolds were synthesized using electron beam melting. The antimicrobial properties of the scaffolds were examined using antibacterial tests and their cytocompatibility was assessed using a cell proliferation assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. In vitro cellular assays were used to investigate the effects of the scaffold microstructural features on cell activity, proliferation, and osteogenesis-related genes and proteins. In vivo animal experiments were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and osteogenesis-promoting abilities of the scaffolds. RESULTS: The Ag@3D-TiO2 scaffolds exhibited sustained anti-microbial activity over time, enhanced cell proliferation, facilitated osteogenic differentiation, and increased extracellular matrix mineralization. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I (COL-I), and osteocalcin (OCN)-related genes and proteins were upregulated. In vivo animal implantation experiments, the anti-inflammatory effect of the Ag@3D-TiO2 scaffolds were observed using histology, and a large amount of fibrous connective tissue was present around it; the Ag@3D-TiO2 scaffolds were more bio-compatible with the surrounding tissues compared with 3D-Ti and 3D-TiO2; a large amount of uniformly distributed neoplastic bone tissue existed in their pores, and the chronic systemic toxicity test showed that the 3D-Ti, 3D-TiO2, and Ag@3D-TiO2 scaffolds are biologically safe. CONCLUSION: The goal of this study was to create a scaffold that exhibits antimicrobial properties and can aid bone growth, making it highly suitable for use in bone tissue engineering.

Ultrahigh-Sensitivity and Damage-Free Detection of Single Nanometer-Sized Particle.

In the past decades, various methods, such as chemical sensing, X-ray screening, and spectroscopy, have been employed to detect explosives for environmental protection and national public security. However, achieving ultrahigh sensitivity for detection, which is crucial for some practical applications, remains challenging. This study employs scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM-EELS) to detect individual ∼200 nm explosive nanoparticles of octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX). The vibrational modes of HMX were acquired for each single nanoparticle under the aloof STEM-EELS mode, which ensures damage-free detection. Detailed comparisons with Raman and infrared spectra validate the acquired data's origin. This work highlights STEM-EELS as an effective tool in explosives detection, offering ultrahigh sensitivity, damage-free, and nanometer spatial resolution, with potential applications in environmental protection, public security, and criminal investigations.

Decreased extrasynaptic δ-GABAA receptors in PNN-associated parvalbumin interneurons correlates with anxiety in APP and tau mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with gradual memory loss and anxiety which affects ~75% of AD patients. This study investigated whether AD-associated anxiety correlated with modulation of extrasynaptic δ-subunit-containing GABAA receptors (δ-GABAARs) in experimental mouse models of AD. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We combined behavioural experimental paradigms to measure cognition performance, and anxiety with neuroanatomy and molecular biology, using familial knock-in (KI) mouse models of AD that harbour ß-amyloid (Aß) precursor protein App (AppNL-F) with or without humanized microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT), age-matched to wild-type control mice at three different age windows. RESULTS: AppNL-F KI and AppNL-F/MAPT AD models showed a similar magnitude of cognitive decline and elevated magnitude of anxiety correlated with neuroinflammatory hallmarks, including triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), reactive astrocytes and activated microglia consistent with accumulation of Aß, tau and down-regulation of Wnt/ß-catenin signalling compared to aged-matched WT controls. In both the CA1 region of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus, there was an age-dependent decline in the expression of δ-GABAARs selectively expressed in parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons, encapsulated by perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the AD mouse models compared to WT mice. In vivo positive allosteric modulation of the δ-GABAARs, using a δ-selective-compound DS2, decreased the level of anxiety in the AD mouse models, which was correlated with reduced hallmarks of neuroinflammation, and 'normalisation' of the expression of δ-GABAARs. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that the δ-GABAARs could potentially be targeted for alleviating symptoms of anxiety, which would greatly improve the quality of life of AD individuals.