Removal of Chromium Species by Adsorption: Fundamental Principles, Newly Developed Adsorbents and Future Perspectives.

Emerging chromium (Cr) species have attracted increasing concern. A majority of Cr species, especially hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), could lead to lethal effects on human beings, animals, and aquatic lives even at low concentrations. One of the conventional water-treatment methodologies, adsorption, could remove these toxic Cr species efficiently. Additionally, adsorption possesses many advantages, such as being cost-saving, easy to implement, highly efficient and facile to design. Previous research has shown that the application of different adsorbents, such as carbon nanotubes (carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives), activated carbons (ACs), biochars (BCs), metal-based composites, polymers and others, is being used for Cr species removal from contaminated water and wastewater. The research progress and application of adsorption for Cr removal in recent years are reviewed, the mechanisms of adsorption are also discussed and the development trend of Cr treatment by adsorption is proposed.

Detection of Bacterial Neutral Ceramidase in Diabetic Foot Ulcers with an Optimized Substrate and Chemoenzymatic Probes.

Ceramidases (CDases) are important in controlling skin barrier integrity by regulating ceramide composition and affording downstream signal molecules. While the functions of epidermal CDases are known, roles of neutral CDases secreted by skin-residing microbes are undefined. Here, we developed a one-step fluorogenic substrate, S-B, for specific detection of bacterial CDase activity and inhibitor screening. We identified a non-hydrolyzable substrate mimic, C6, as the best hit. Based on C6, we designed a photoaffinity probe, JX-1, which efficiently detects bacterial CDases. Using JX-1, we identified endogenous low-abundance PaCDase in a P. aeruginosa monoculture and in a mixed skin bacteria culture. Harnessing both S-B and JX-1, we found that CDase activity positively correlates with the relative abundance of P. aeruginosa and is negatively associated with wound area reduction in clinical diabetic foot ulcer patient samples. Overall, our study demonstrates that bacterial CDases are important regulators of skin ceramides and potentially play a role in wound healing.

A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Bed-Sharing Experience in Infancy on Sleep Outcomes at 2 Years Old.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of bed-sharing experiences in infancy on sleep patterns and sleep problems at 2 years of age. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 1564 children from an ongoing Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort were included. Bed-sharing experiences were collected when children were 2, 6, and 24 months old via caregiver-completed questionnaires (whether caregivers shared a bed with children during the night), and children's bed-sharing experiences were classified as follows: no bed-sharing, early-only bed-sharing, late-onset bed-sharing, and persistent bed-sharing. Sleep outcomes at month 24 were assessed using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. Sleep patterns and problems were compared among the 4 types of bed-sharing experiences. RESULTS: Of the 1564 infants, 10.10% had no bed-sharing, 18.35% had early-only, 27.94% had late-onset, and 43.61% had persistent bed-sharing. Compared with children with no bed-sharing, children with late-onset and persistent bed-sharing had shorter nighttime sleep durations and longer daytime sleep durations (P < .05) and were more likely to snore (aOR 1.87 [95% CI 1.25-2.79]; aOR 1.68 [95% CI 1.14-2.47]) and have sleep onset difficulty (aOR 2.06 [95% CI 1.37-3.09]; aOR 2.07 [95% CI 1.41-3.05]). However, caregivers of infants in the late-onset and persistent bed-sharing groups perceived less problematic sleep (aOR 0.38 [95% CI 0.26-0.56] and aOR 0.40 [95% CI 0.28-0.58]). CONCLUSIONS: Bed-sharing is a common experience among Chinese children. Although bed-sharing may reduce caregivers' perception of children's problematic sleep, late-onset or persistent bed-sharing in infancy is associated with sleep problems at 2 years of age.

Loss of liver X receptor ß in astrocytes leads to anxiety-like behaviors via regulating synaptic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex in mice.

Astrocytes are integral components of synaptic transmission, and their dysfunction leads to neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. Liver X receptor ß (LXRß) is expressed in astrocytes, and LXRß global knockout mice shows impaired synaptic formation. In order to define the role of LXRß in astrocytes, we used a conditional Cre-loxP system to specifically remove LXRß from astrocytes. We found that this deletion caused anxiety-like but not depressive-like behaviors in adult male mice. This behavioral phenotype could be completely reproduced by selective deletion of LXRß in astrocytes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Pyramidal neurons in layer V of mPFC are involved in mood behaviors. We found that there was an increased spontaneous excitatory synaptic transmission in layer V pyramidal neurons of the mPFC of these mice. This was concurrent with increased dendritic complexity, despite normal appearance and number of dendritic spines. In addition, gene ontology analysis of RNA sequencing revealed that deletion of astrocytic LXRß led to the enrichment of the process of synaptic transmission in mPFC. Finally, we also confirmed that renormalized excitatory synaptic transmission in layer V pyramidal neurons alleviated the anxiety in mice with astrocytic LXRß deletion in mPFC. Together, our findings reveal that astrocytic LXRß in mPFC is critical in the regulation of synaptic transmission, and this provides a potential new target for treatment of anxiety-like behavior.

A Critical Review on Black Phosphorus-Based Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Application.

Energy shortages and greenhouse effects are two unavoidable problems that need to be solved. Photocatalytically converting CO2 into a series of valuable chemicals is considered to be an effective means of solving the above dilemmas. Among these photocatalysts, the utilization of black phosphorus for CO2 photocatalytic reduction deserves a lightspot not only for its excellent catalytic activity through different reaction routes, but also on account of the great preponderance of this relatively cheap catalyst. Herein, this review offers a summary of the recent advances in synthesis, structure, properties, and application for CO2 photocatalytic reduction. In detail, the review starts from the basic principle of CO2 photocatalytic reduction. In the following section, the synthesis, structure, and properties, as well as CO2 photocatalytic reduction process of black phosphorus-based photocatalyst are discussed. In addition, some possible influencing factors and reaction mechanism are also summarized. Finally, a summary and the possible future perspectives of black phosphorus-based photocatalyst for CO2 reduction are established.

PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-ß-CD nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode for sensitive electrochemical detection of folic acid.

A novel electrochemical sensor, platinum nanoparticles/graphene nanoplatelets/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/ß-cyclodextrin composite (PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-ß-CD) modified carbon glass electrode (GCE), was fabricated and used for the sensitive detection of folic acid (FA). The PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-ß-CD nanocomposite was easily prepared with an ultrasound-assisted assembly method, and it was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical behavior of FA at PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-ß-CD/GCE was investigated in detail. Some key experimental parameters such as pH, amount of PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-ß-CD composite, and scan rate were optimized. A good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9942) between peak current of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and FA concentration in the range 0.02-0.50 mmol L-1 was observed at PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-ß-CD/GCE. The detection limit was 0.48 µmol L-1 (signal-to-noise ratio = 3). A recovery of 97.55-102.96% was obtained for the determination of FA in FA pills (containing 0.4 mg FA per pill) at PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-ß-CD/GCE, indicating that the modified electrode possessed relatively high sensitivity and stability for the determination of FA in real samples.

Highly sensitive and selective determination of p-nitrophenol at an interpenetrating networks structure of self-assembled rod-like lanthanum hydroxide-oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite.

In this study, a novel electrochemical sensor based on self-assembled rod-like lanthanum hydroxide-oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (La(OH)3-OxMWCNTs) nanocomposite was developed for sensitive determination of p-nitrophenol (p-NP). The La(OH)3-OxMWCNTs nanocomposite with an interpenetrating networks structure was characterized by field emission electron microscope (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were performed to study the electrochemical behaviors of La(OH)3-OxMWCNTs modified glassy carbon electrode (La(OH)3-OxMWCNTs/GCE). The La(OH)3-OxMWCNTs/GCE was used for sensitive determination of p-NP by CV and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). Under the optimum conditions, the peak currents of LSV versus the concentrations of p-NP in the range 1.0-30.0 µmol L-1 showed a good linear relationship (R2=0.9971), and the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 0.27 µmol L-1 (signal-to-noise ratio of 3, S/N=3). The recoveries of p-NP in real samples of industrial wastewater and Xiangjiang water at La(OH)3-OxMWCNTs/GCE were in the range of 95.62-110.75% with relative standard deviation (RSD) in the range of 1.65-3.85%. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were estimated to be less than 2.76% (n= 5), indicating that La(OH)3-OxMWCNTs/GCE possessed highly stability. In addition, La(OH)3-OxMWCNTs/GCE sensor showed good anti-interference ability for determination of p-NP in aqueous mixtures containing high concentrations of inorganic and organic interferents, and a decrease of oxidation peak currents by less than 3.57% relative to the initial levels indicated it possessed excellent selectivity. Therefore, La(OH)3-OxMWCNTs/GCE could be used as a fast, selective and sensitive electrochemical sensor platform for the selective determination and quantification of aqueous p-NP.

Hybrid carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode for selective, sensitive and simultaneous detection of dopamine and uric acid.

Based on a hybrid carbon nanotube composite, a novel electrochemical sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity was designed for the simultaneous determination of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). The hybrid carbon nanotube composite was prepared by ultrasonic assembly of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT-COOH) and hydroxylated single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT-OH). And the hybrid (MWCNT-COOH/SWCNT-OH) composite was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The electrochemical performances of MWCNT-COOH/SWCNT-OH composite modified glassy carbon electrode (MWCNT-COOH/SWCNT-OH/GCE) were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under the optimum experimental conditions, the as-prepared sensor showed high sensitivity and selectivity for DA and UA. The calibration curves obtained were linear for the currents versus DA and UA concentrations in the range 2-150 µM, and limits of detection (LODs) were calculated to be 0.37 µM and 0.61 µM (signal-to-noise ratio of 3, S/N = 3), respectively. The recoveries of DA and UA in bovine serum samples at MWCNT-COOH/SWCNT-OH/GCE were in the range 96.18-105.02%, and relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 3.34-7.27%. The proposed electrochemical sensor showed good anti-interference ability, excellent reproducibility and stability, as well as high selectivity, which might provide a promising platform for determination of DA and UA.

A sensitive non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on acicular manganese dioxide modified graphene nanosheets composite for hydrogen peroxide detection.

In this work, a novel manganese dioxide-graphene nanosheets (MnO2-GNSs) composite was synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method, in which manganese dioxide (MnO2) was fabricated by hydrothermal reduction of KMnO4 with GNSs. The structure and morphology of MnO2-GNSs composite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A sensitive non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on MnO2-GNSs composite for the detection of low concentration hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was fabricated. The electrochemical properties of MnO2-GNSs composite modified glassy carbon electrode (MnO2-GNSs/GCE) were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and amperometry. The observations confirmed that the fabricated sensor exhibited high electrocatalytic activity for oxidation of H2O2 owing to the catalytic ability of MnO2 particles and the conductivity of GNSs. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear for the amperometric response versus H2O2 concentration over the range 0.5-350 µM with a low detection limit of 0.19 µM (S/N = 3) and high sensitivity of 422.10 µA mM-1 cm-2. The determination and quantitative analysis of H2O2 in antiseptic solution on MnO2-GNSs/GCE exhibited percent recovery of 96.50%-101.22% with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.48%-4.47%. The developed MnO2-GNSs/GCE might be a promising platform for the practical detection of H2O2 due to its prominent properties including excellent reproducibility, good anti-interference and repeatability.

Immobilization of 6-O-α-maltosyl-ß-cyclodextrin on the surface of black phosphorus nanosheets for selective chiral recognition of tyrosine enantiomers.

A novel chiral sensing platform, 6-O-α-maltosyl-ß-cyclodextrin (Mal-ßCD)-based film, is proposed for selective electrochemical recognition of tyrosine (Tyr) enantiomers. Black phosphorus nanosheets (BP NSs) and Mal-ßCD modified glassy carbon electrode (Mal-ßCD/BP NSs/GCE) were prepared by a layer-to-layer drop-casting method, and the platform was easy to fabricate and facile to operate. It is proposed that the amino and hydroxyl groups of the Tyr enantiomers and the chiral hydroxyl groups of Mal-ßCD selectively form intermolecular hydrogen bonds to dominate effective chiral recognition. Two linear equations of Ip (µA) = 11.40 CL-Tyr (mM) + 0.28 (R2 = 0.99147) and Ip (µA) = 7.96 CD-Tyr (mM) + 0.22 (R2 = 0.99583) in the concentration range 0.01-1.00 mM have been obtained. The limits of detection (S/N=3) for L-Tyr and D-Tyr were 4.81 and 6.89 µM, respectively. An interesting phenomenon was that the value of IL-Tyr/ID-Tyr (1.51) in this work was slightly higher than the value of IL-Trp/ID-Trp (1.49) reported in our previous study, where tryptophan (Trp) enantiomers were electrochemically recognized by Nafion (NF)-stabilized BPNSs-G2-ß-CD composite. The two similar sensors fabricated by different methods showed different recognition ability toward either Tyr or Trp enantiomers, and the underlying mechanism was discussed in detail. More importantly, the proposed chiral sensor enables prediction of the percentages of D-Tyr in racemic Tyr mixtures. The chiral sensor may provide a novel approach for the fabrication of novel chiral platforms in the practical detection of L- or D-enantiomer in racemic Tyr mixtures.Graphical abstract.

Brønsted Base-Switched Selective Mono- and Dithiolation of Benzamides via Copper Catalysis.

A versatile protocol for the direct thiolation of an inert sp2 C-H bond is presented via a catalytic amount of copper catalysis, by switching related Brønsted bases and regulating the reaction time, and the corresponding mono- and dithiolation products can be obtained selectively in moderate to good yields. The reaction exhibits a relatively broad substrate scope and a good functional group tolerance, even with different heterocyclic amides and alkyl thiols.

Synthesis of α-arylthioacetones using TEMPO as the C3 synthon via a reaction cascade of sequential oxidation, skeletal rearrangement and C-S bond formation.

Here, we present an unprecedented pathway to α-sulfenylated carbonyl compounds from commercially available thiols and universally employed TEMPO and its analogues, which act as C3 synthons through skeletal rearrangement under simple and metal-free conditions. Mechanism studies suggest that this reaction involves a consecutive radical oxidation and cation coupling process. TEMPO analogues and thiols serve as oxidants and reductive reagents, respectively, along the radical process, while in the coupling process, the former ones afford C3 synthons to couple with related sulfur sources.

KI-catalyzed C-S bond formation via an oxidation relay strategy: efficient access to various α-thio-ß-dicarbonyl compounds.

An efficient and practical methodology to obtain α-thio-ß-dicarbonyl compounds was presented under alkaline conditions via potassium iodide (KI) catalysis; various symmetrical/unsymmetrical 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds were obtained under an aerobic atmosphere in moderate to excellent yields, with good functional group tolerance. Notably, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug butazodine could be modified with our protocol, even on a gram scale.

Novel high-gluten flour physically cross-linked graphene oxide composites: Hydrothermal fabrication and adsorption properties for rare earth ions.

Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were immobilized and cross-linked by high-gluten flour (HGF), and a series of biomass-GO composites with various HGF-to-GO mass ratios were fabricated through a one-step hydrothermal method. The HGF-GO composites were used as novel adsorbents to adsorb rare earth ions (REE3+: La3+, Yb3+, Y3+, Er3+ and Nd3+) from aqueous solutions, and their adsorption properties were also investigated detailly. To evaluate the physicochemical properties of HGF-GO composites and further understand the mechanisms of adsorption of REE3+ onto HGF-GO composites, the HGF-GO composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Several important condition parameters including contact time, initial REE3+concentrations, solution pH values and temperature that might affect the adsorption process were studied in detail. The maximum adsorption capacities of HGF-GO1:1 composite toward La3+, Yb3+, Y3+, Er3+ and Nd3+ were 30.32, 36.64, 32.84, 42.36 and 48.68 mg g-1, respectively. The experimental data indicated that the adsorption of REE3+ onto HGF-GO1:1 was well fitted by the pseudo-second order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model, and the adsorption process was a spontaneous and endothermic reaction. The HGF-GO1:1 composite could be well regenerated and reused after five adsorption-desorption cycles, and its removal efficiency for Yb3+ remained as a constant of 100%.

The efficacy and safety of some new GABAkines for treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials.

Positive allosteric modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors, or GABAkines, play important roles in the treatment of depression, epilepsy, insomnia, and other disorders. Recently, some new GABAkines (zuranolone and brexanolone) have been administrated to patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) or postpartum depression (PPD) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This study aims to systematically review and examine the efficacy and safety of zuranolone or brexanolone for treatment of depression. A systematic literature retrieval was conducted through August 20, 2023. RCTs evaluating the efficacy and safety of zuranolone or brexanolone for treatment of depression were included. Eight studies (nine reports) were identified in the study. The percentages of patients with PPD achieving Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) response and remission were significantly higher after brexanolone or zuranolone administration compared with placebo at different points. The percentages of patients with MDD achieving HAM-D response and remission were significantly increased during the zuranolone treatment period compared with placebo. In addition, zuranolone caused more adverse events in patients with MDD compared with placebo. Our findings support the effects of brexanolone on improving the core symptoms of depression in patients with PPD, and the potential of zuranolone in treating patients with MDD or PPD.

Assessing the effectiveness of massive open online courses on improving clinical skills in medical education in China: A meta-analysis.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are a new phenomenon in education worldwide. In China, MOOCs have been widely used in medical courses. However, the effects of MOOCs on improving clinical skills are controversial. Therefore, we conducted the study to verify whether the application of MOOCs in medical courses can improve participants' clinical skills in China. A systematic literature search was carried out using the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang databases according to the predetermined criteria. The Hedges' g and its corresponding 95% confidence interval were selected to assess the effects of MOOCs on participants' clinical skills. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis and publication bias test were performed in the study. A total of thirty-two records (thirty-two studies) with 3422 participants were identified in our study. There was a significant improvement in clinical skill scores of participants in the MOOC group compared with the control group. Subgroup analyses showed similar results in different student groups. Our study supported the notion that the MOOC-based teaching method appeared to be a more effective method than the conventional teaching technique for the improvement of participants' clinical skills in China.

Recent advances of mitochondrial complex I inhibitors for cancer therapy: Current status and future perspectives.

Mitochondrial complex I (CI) as a critical multifunctional respiratory complex of electron transport chain (ETC) in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation has been identified as vital and essence in ATP production, biosynthesis and redox balance. Recent progress in targeting CI has provided both insight and inspiration for oncotherapy, highlighting that the development of CI-targeting inhibitors is a promising therapeutic approach to fight cancer. Natural products possessing of ample scaffold diversity and structural complexity are the majority source of CI inhibitors, although low specificity and safety hinder their extensive application. Along with the gradual deepening in understanding of CI structure and function, significant progress has been achieved in exploiting novel and selective small molecules targeting CI. Among them, IACS-010759 had been approved by FDA for phase I trial in advanced cancers. Moreover, drug repurposing represents an effective and prospective strategy for CI inhibitor discovery. In this review, we mainly elaborate the biological function of CI in tumor progression, summarize the CI inhibitors reported in recent years and discuss the further perspectives for CI inhibitor application, expecting this work may provide insights into innovative discovery of CI-targeting drugs for cancer treatment.

Urinary Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio in Normal Range, Cardiovascular Health, and All-Cause Mortality.

Importance: Although cumulative evidence suggests that elevated urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in the normal range (<30 mg/g) may be associated with an increased risk of mortality, few studies have investigated whether cardiovascular health (CVH) modifies the harmful outcomes of high-normal UACR. Objective: To investigate associations of traditionally normal UACR and CVH with all-cause mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2005 through 2018 and linked mortality information until 2019. Data were analyzed from March 1 through October 31, 2023. The study included adult participants aged 20 to 79 years with a normal UACR (<30 mg/g) based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Exposures: The UACR was treated as a continuous variable and categorized into tertiles delineated as low (<4.67 mg/g), medium (4.67-7.67 mg/g), and high (7.68 to <30 mg/g). Cardiovascular health was assessed using Life's Essential 8 scores and grouped as poor (0-49 points), moderate (50-79 points), and ideal (80-100 points). Main Outcomes and Measures: Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for associations of UACR with all-cause mortality in total participants and as stratified by CVH groups. Results: The study included 23 697 participants (mean [SD] age, 45.58 [15.44] years; 11 806 women [49.7%] and 11 891 men [50.3%]). During the median 7.8 years (range, 4.5-11.1 years) of follow-up, 1403 deaths were recorded. Near-linear associations were observed for continuous UACR and CVH with all-cause mortality. Compared with the low UACR group, high UACR in the normal range showed an increased mortality risk in the moderate and poor CVH groups (CVH [50-79]: HR, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.26-1.89]; CVH [0-49]: HR, 1.56 [95% CI, 1.10-2.20]), with a significant multiplicative interaction of UACR and CVH (P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings suggest that high UACR within the normal range is associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality, with the association more pronounced in adults with poor CVH status. These findings highlight the importance of risk management for early kidney dysfunction, particularly among individuals with poor CVH.

[Serological Characteristics of Subtype A Caused by New A Allele Mutation and a Family Survey].

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the results of forward and reverse blood typing of a male patient diagnosed as bronchiectasis were inconsistent, which were type O and type A respectively. Multiple experiments including genotyping and sequencing and family investigation were carried out to determine the subtype of ABO blood group and explore the serological characteristics of this subtype. METHODS: Standard serological techniques were used to conduct forward and reverse typing, reverse blood typing enhancement test, H antigen identification, absorption-elution test, salivary blood group substances test, and PCR-SSP method for ABO genotyping and exon 6 and 7 sequencing. RESULTS: The proband's blood group was type O by forward typing, but antigen A could be detected by absorption-elution test, anti-A1 could be detected by reverse blood typing enhancement test, it was found that there was substance H but no substance A in saliva, and the serological characteristics were consistent with Ael subtype. Gene sequencing analysis showed that there was a c.625T>G base substitution on the basis of A102, which had never been reported before. Family survey showed that c.625T>G base substitution appeared in three generations of the family. CONCLUSION: In this study, a new subtype A with Ael serological characteristics caused by c.625T>G mutation was identified. c.625T>G base substitution results in the weakening of A antigen, and this mutation can be stably passed down to future generations.

Genomic analysis of Ralstonia pickettii reveals the genetic features for potential pathogenicity and adaptive evolution in drinking water.

Ralstonia pickettii, the most critical clinical pathogen of the genus Ralstonia, has been identified as a causative agent of numerous harmful infections. Additionally, Ralstonia pickettii demonstrates adaptability to extreme environmental conditions, such as those found in drinking water. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genomic analysis to investigate the genomic characteristics related to potential pathogenicity and adaptive evolution in drinking water environments of Ralstonia pickettii. Through phylogenetic analysis and population genetic analysis, we divided Ralstonia pickettii into five Groups, two of which were associated with drinking water environments. The open pan-genome with a large and flexible gene repertoire indicated a high genetic plasticity. Significant differences in functional enrichment were observed between the core- and pan-genome of different groups. Diverse mobile genetic elements (MGEs), extensive genomic rearrangements, and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events played a crucial role in generating genetic diversity. In drinking water environments, Ralstonia pickettii exhibited strong adaptability, and the acquisition of specific adaptive genes was potentially facilitated by genomic islands (GIs) and HGT. Furthermore, environmental pressures drove the adaptive evolution of Ralstonia pickettii, leading to the accumulation of unique mutations in key genes. These mutations may have a significant impact on various physiological functions, particularly carbon metabolism and energy metabolism. The presence of virulence-related elements associated with macromolecular secretion systems, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance indicated the potential pathogenicity of Ralstonia pickettii, making it capable of causing multiple nosocomial infections. This study provides comprehensive insights into the potential pathogenicity and adaptive evolution of Ralstonia pickettii in drinking water environments from a genomic perspective.