Development and validation of a rapid five-minute nucleic acid extraction method for respiratory viruses.

BACKGROUND: The rapid transmission and high pathogenicity of respiratory viruses significantly impact the health of both children and adults. Extracting and detecting their nucleic acid is crucial for disease prevention and treatment strategies. However, current extraction methods are laborious and time-consuming and show significant variations in nucleic acid content and purity among different kits, affecting detection sensitivity and efficiency. Our aim is to develop a novel method that reduces extraction time, simplifies operational steps, and ensures high-quality acquisition of respiratory viral nucleic acid. METHODS: We extracted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) nucleic acid using reagents with different components and analyzed cycle threshold (Ct) values via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to optimize and validate the novel lysis and washing solution. The performance of this method was compared against magnetic bead, spin column, and precipitation methods for extracting nucleic acid from various respiratory viruses. The clinical utility of this method was confirmed by comparing it to the standard magnetic bead method for extracting clinical specimens of influenza A virus (IAV). RESULTS: The solution, composed of equal parts glycerin and ethanol (50% each), offers an innovative washing approach that achieved comparable efficacy to conventional methods in a single abbreviated cycle. When combined with our A Plus lysis solution, our novel five-minute nucleic acid extraction (FME) method for respiratory viruses yielded superior RNA concentrations and purity compared to traditional methods. FME, when used with a universal automatic nucleic acid extractor, demonstrated similar efficiency as various conventional methods in analyzing diverse concentrations of respiratory viruses. In detecting respiratory specimens from 525 patients suspected of IAV infection, the FME method showed an equivalent detection rate to the standard magnetic bead method, with a total coincidence rate of 95.43% and a kappa statistic of 0.901 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The FME developed in this study enables the rapid and efficient extraction of nucleic acid from respiratory samples, laying a crucial foundation for the implementation of expedited molecular diagnosis.

Isolation and Characterization of Paracoccus maritimus sp. nov., from Intertidal Sediment.

A novel Paracoccus-related strain, designated YLB-12T, was isolated from a sediment sample from the tidal zone of Shapowei Port, Xiamen, Fujian Province, PR China. The novel strain is a Gram-stain-negative, short, rod-shaped, nonmotile, catalase- and oxidase-positive strain that grows at 10-37 °C and pH 5.0-9.0 in the presence of 0-12.0% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that this strain belongs to the genus Paracoccus and that its highest sequence similarity was to Paracoccus homiensis DD-R11T (98.5%), followed by Paracoccus zeaxanthinifaciens ATCC 21588T (97.4%), Paracoccus rhizosphaerae LMG 26205T (97.2%), Paracoccus beibuensis CGMCC 1.7295T (97.1%) and Paracoccus halotolerans CFH 90064T (97.0%). The DNA‒DNA hybridization values between strain YLB-12T and the five closely related type strains ranged from 20.4 to 22.4%. The genomic G+C content of strain YLB-12T was 63.7%. In addition to diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol, the polar lipids of the strain YLB-12T also consisted of an unidentified glycolipid and four unidentified polar lipids. The cells contained summed feature 8 (C18: 1ω6c /C18: 1ω7c, 62.7%) as the major cellular fatty acid and ubiquinone-10 as the predominant menaquinone. On the basis of its phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain YLB-12T represents a novel species within the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus maritimus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain was YLB-12T (= MCCC 1A17213T = KCTC 82197T).

Nomogram for predicting postoperative pulmonary complications in spinal tumor patients.

OBJECTIVES: Although several independent risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after spinal tumor surgery have been studied, a simple and valid predictive model for PPC occurrence after spinal tumor surgery has not been developed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We collected data from patients who underwent elective spine surgery for a spinal tumor between 2013 and 2020 at a tertiary hospital in China. Data on patient characteristics, comorbidities, preoperative examinations, intraoperative variables, and clinical outcomes were collected. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression models to assess predictors of PPCs and developed and validated a nomogram for PPCs. We evaluated the performance of the nomogram using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curves, the Brier Score, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) goodness-of-fit test. For clinical use, decision curve analysis (DCA) was conducted to identify the model's performance as a tool for supporting decision-making. RESULTS: Among the participants, 61 (12.4%) individuals developed PPCs. Clinically significant variables associated with PPCs after spinal tumor surgery included BMI, tumor location, blood transfusion, and the amount of blood lost. The nomogram incorporating these factors showed a concordance index (C-index) of 0.755 (95% CI: 0.688-0.822). On internal validation, bootstrapping with 1000 resamples yielded a bias-corrected area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.733, indicating the satisfactory performance of the nomogram in predicting PPCs. The calibration curve demonstrated accurate predictions of observed values. The decision curve analysis (DCA) indicated a positive net benefit for the nomogram across most predicted threshold probabilities. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a new nomogram for predicting PPCs in patients who undergo spinal tumor surgery.

CircRNA itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase improves mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by targeting microRNA-214-3p/ATP-binding cassette A1 axis.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which circRNA itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (circ-ITCH) regulates sepsis-induced AKI. METHODS: A sepsis-induced AKI mouse model was created using LPS induction and circ-ITCH overexpression. Circ-ITCH levels were confirmed via RT-qPCR. Kidney tissue changes were examined through various stains and TUNEL. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) gauged oxidative stress and inflammation. Mitochondrial features were studied with electron microscopy. RT-qPCR and western blotting assessed mitochondrial function parameters. Using starBase, binding sites between circ-ITCH and miR-214-3p, as well as miR-214-3p and ABCA1, were predicted. Regulatory connections were proven by dual-luciferase assay, RT-qPCR, and western blotting. RESULTS: Circ-ITCH expression was downregulated in LPS-induced sepsis mice. Overexpression of circ-ITCH ameliorates indicators of renal function (serum creatinine [SCr], blood urea nitrogen [BUN], neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL], and kidney injury molecule-1 [Kim-1]), reduces renal cell apoptosis, mitigates oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species [ROS] and malondialdehyde [MDA]), and diminishes inflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF-α]). Moreover, circ-ITCH overexpression alleviated mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. Furthermore, circ-ITCH acts as a sponge for miR-214-3p, thereby upregulating ABCA1 expression. In addition, the miR-214-3p inhibitor repressed oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which was reversed by circ-ITCH knockdown. Further cellular analysis in HK-2 cells supported these findings, highlighting the protective role of circ-ITCH against sepsis-induced AKI, particularly through the miR-214-3p/ABCA1 axis. CONCLUSION: The novel circ-ITCH/miR-214-3p/ABCA1 pathway plays an essential role in the regulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis-induced AKI.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals that Changes in Gene Expression Contribute to Microbacterium sediminis YLB-01 Adaptation at Low Temperature Under High Hydrostatic Pressure.

Microbes living in extreme environments often adopt strategies for survival, however, only a few studies have examined the adaptive mechanism of deep-sea bacteria in in-situ environments. In this study, transcriptomic data of the deep-sea piezotolerant and psychrotolerant actinomycete Microbacterium sediminis YLB-01 under the conditions of NPNT (normal temperature and pressure: 28 °C, 0.1 MPa), HPNT (normal temperature and high pressure: 28 °C, 30 MPa), NPLT (low temperature and atmospheric pressure: 4 °C, 0.1 MPa) and HPLT (low temperature and high pressure: 4 °C, 30 MPa) were examined and compared. Transcriptome results showed that M. sediminis YLB-01 responds to deep-sea low temperature under high-pressure environments by upregulating the ABC transport system, DNA damage repair response, pentose phosphate pathway, amino acid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism, while down-regulating division, oxidative phosphorylation, the TCA cycle, pyruvate metabolism, ion transport and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Seven key genes specifically expressed under HPLT conditions were screened, and these genes are present in many strains that are tolerant to low temperatures and high pressures. This study provides transcription level insights into the tolerance mechanisms of M. sediminis YLB-01 in a simulated deep-sea in situ environment.

New Sorbicillinoids with Tea Pathogenic Fungus Inhibitory Effect from Marine-Derived Fungus Hypocrea jecorina H8.

Four new dimeric sorbicillinoids (1-3 and 5) and a new monomeric sorbicillinoid (4) as well as six known analogs (6-11) were purified from the fungal strain Hypocrea jecorina H8, which was obtained from mangrove sediment, and showed potent inhibitory activity against the tea pathogenic fungus Pestalotiopsis theae (P. theae). The planar structures of 1-5 were assigned by analyses of their UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, and NMR spectroscopic data. All the compounds were evaluated for growth inhibition of tea pathogenic fungus P. theae. Compounds 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 exhibited more potent inhibitory activities compared with the positive control hexaconazole with an ED50 of 24.25 ± 1.57 µg/mL. The ED50 values of compounds 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 were 9.13 ± 1.25, 2.04 ± 1.24, 18.22 ± 1.29, 1.83 ± 1.37, and 4.68 ± 1.44 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the effects of these compounds on zebrafish embryo development were also evaluated. Except for compounds 5 and 8, which imparted toxic effects on zebrafish even at 0.625 µM, the other isolated compounds did not exhibit significant toxicity to zebrafish eggs, embryos, or larvae. Taken together, sorbicillinoid derivatives (6, 9, and 10) from H. jecorina H8 displayed low toxicity and high anti-tea pathogenic fungus potential.

Synthesis and Insecticidal Activity of Fire Ant Venom Alkaloid-Based 2-Methyl-6-alkyl-Δ1,6-piperideines.

2,6-dialkylpiperideines found in the venom of Solenopsis (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) fire ants are a range of compounds possessing various biological activities. A series of racemic 2-methyl-6-alkyl-Δ1,6-piperideines were synthesized for chemical confirmation of the natural products found in fire ant venom, and the evaluation of their biological activity. Synthetic Δ1,6-piperideines and the natural compounds in the cis-alkaloid fraction of Solenopsis invicta had identical mass spectra and retention times. Their insecticidal activities against the third-instar larvae of cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) were evaluated by using injection and topical application methods. All three compounds exhibited no lethal effect at concentrations of 0.05-0.4 mol/L by topical treatment, but moderate lethal effect at 0.4 mol/L through injection treatment. Compound 6a showed significantly higher activity than the natural insecticide nicotine. The differences in activity among compounds 6b, 6c and nicotine were not significant. The elongation of the carbon chain at the 6-position of the piperideine ring appears to decrease insecticidal activity.

Halomonas maris sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from sediment in the southwest Indian Ocean.

A halophilic, Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, flagellated and motile bacterium, strain QX-1 T, was isolated from deep-sea sediment at a depth of 3332 m in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Strain QX-1 T growth was observed at 4-50 °C (optimum 37 °C), pH 5.0-11.0 (optimum pH 7.0), 3-25% NaCl (w/v; optimum 7%), and it did not grow without NaCl. A phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene placed strain QX-1 T in the genus Halomonas and most closely related to Halomonas sulfidaeris (97.9%), Halomonas zhaodongensis (97.8%), Halomonas songnenensis (97.6%), Halomonas hydrothermalis (97.4%), Halomonas subterranea (97.3%), Halomonas salicampi (97.1%), and Halomonas arcis (97.0%). DNA-DNA hybridization (< 26.5%) and average nucleotide identity values (< 83.5%) between strain QX-1 T and the related type strains meet the accepted criteria for a new species. The principal fatty acids (> 10%) of strain QX-1 T are C16:0 (25.5%), C17:0 cyclo (14.0%), C19:0 cyclo ω8c (18.7%), and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c, 18.1%). The polar lipids of strain QX-1 T are mainly diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, unidentified phospholipid, unidentified aminophospholipid, and five unidentified lipids. The main respiratory quinone is Q-9. The G + C content of its chromosomal DNA is 54.4 mol%. Its fatty acid profile, respiratory quinones, and G + C content also support the placement of QX-1 T in the genus Halomonas. These phylogenetic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic analyses indicate that QX-1 T is a novel species, for which the name Halomonas maris is proposed. The type strain is QX-1 T (= MCCC 1A17875T = KCTC 82198 T = NBRC 114670 T).

Halomonas sedimenti sp. nov., a Halotolerant Bacterium Isolated from Deep-Sea Sediment of the Southwest Indian Ocean.

A Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, flagellated, motile, rod-shaped, halophilic bacterium QX-2T was isolated from the deep-sea sediment of the Southwest Indian Ocean at a depth of 2699 m. Growth of the QX-2T bacteria was observed at 4-50 °C (optimum 30 °C), pH 5.0-12.0 (optimum pH 6.0) and 0%-30% NaCl (w/v) [optimum 4% (w/v)]. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that strain QX-2T has the closest relationship with Halomonas titanicae DSM 22872T (98.2%). Phylogeny analysis classified the strain QX-2T into the genus Halomonas. The average nucleotide identity and DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain QX-2T and related type strains were lower than the currently accepted new species definition standards. Principal fatty acids (> 10%) determined were C16:0 (12.41%), C12:0-3OH (25.15%), summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c, 11.55%) and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c, 16.06%). Identified polar lipids in strain QX-2T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, unidentified phospholipid, unidentified aminophospholipid and five unidentified lipids (L1-L5). The main respiratory quinone was Q-9. The content of DNA G+C was determined to be 54.34 mol%. The results of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic analysis and chemotaxonomic studies showed that strain QX-2T represents a novel species within the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas sedimenti sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain QX-2T (MCCC 1A17876T = KCTC 82199T).

Bacillus yapensis sp. nov., a novel piezotolerant bacterium isolated from deep-sea sediment of the Yap Trench, Pacific Ocean.

A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming bacterium with multiple flagella, designated XXST-01T, was isolated from deep-sea sediment of Yap Trench with a depth of 6300 m. Activity of oxidase and catalase were found to be positive. Growth was observed at 10-45 °C (optimum 37 °C), pH 6-9 (optimum 7.0), 0-6% NaCl (optimum 0-0.5%, w/v) and 0.1-50 MPa (optimum 0.1 MPa). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain XXST-01T belonged to the genus Bacillus. Strain XXST-01T was closely related to Bacillus kyonggiensis NB22T (98.4%), Bacillus siralis 171544T (97.53%), Bacillus massiliosenegalensis JC6T (97.30%), Bacillus oceanisediminis H2T (97.27%), Bacillus mesophilum IITR-54T (97.12%) and Bacillus depressus BZ1T (97.09%). The ANI and the DNA-DNA hybridization estimate values between strain XXST-01T and closely related type strains were 70.91-90.15% and 19.80-40.50%, respectively. The principal fatty acids were iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, and iso-C14:0. The G+C content of the chromosomal DNA was 38.2 mol%. The respiratory quinone was determined to be MK-7. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified phospholipid and four unidentified aminophospholipids. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data show that strain XXST-01T represents a novel species within the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus yapensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain XXST-01T (=MCCC 1A14143T = JCM 33181T).

Marinomonas piezotolerans sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea sediment of the Yap Trench, Pacific Ocean.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped strain, YLB-05T, was isolated from a sample of deep-sea sediment (depth, 6796 m) from the Yap Trench. It was motile, oxidase-positive and catalase-positive. Growth was observed at salinities of 1-12 % (NaCl, w/v), with the optimum at 5 %. The strain was able to thrive at low (4 °C) temperatures, with the optimum at 37 °C, but did not grow at 50 °C. The optimum pressure for growth was 0.1 MPa with tolerance up to 50 MPa. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis showed that YLB-05T was most closely related to Marinomonas communis LMG 2864T (97.8 %). Phylogenetic analysis placed strain YLB-05T within the genus Marinomonas. The average nucleotide identity and the DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain YLB-05T and closely related type strains were below the respective thresholds for species differentiation. The principal fatty acids were C16 : 0, summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c). The DNA G+C content was 45.7 mol%. The respiratory quinone was determined to be Q-8. The polar lipids were an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified aminophospholipid. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data showed that strain YLB-05T represents a novel species within the genus Marinomonas, for which the name Marinomonaspiezotolerans sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain YLB-05T (=MCCC 1A12712T=KCTC 62812T).

Two novel species of the family Bacillaceae: Oceanobacillus piezotolerans sp. nov. and Bacillus piezotolerans sp. nov., from deep-sea sediment samples of Yap Trench.

Two novel strains, designated YLB-02T and YLB-04T, were isolated from the deep-sea sediments of Yap Trench located in the Pacific Ocean. Cells of the strains were Gram-stain-positive, oxidase- and catalase-positive and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YLB-02T belonged to the genus Oceanobacillus and strain YLB-04T belonged to the genus Bacillus. Strain YLB-02T showed similarities of 96.9 % with Ornithinibacillus contaminans CCUG 53201T, 96.3 % with Oceanobacillus profundus CL-MP28T, 96.1 % with Oceanobacillus halophilus J8BT and 95.7 % with Oceanobacillus bengalensis Ma-21T. Strain YLB-04T showed the highest sequence similarity of 97.4 % with Bacillus notoginsengisoli SYP-B691T. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and the DNA-DNA hybridisation (DDH) estimate values for strain YLB-02T and YLB-04T with their related type strains were below the respective threshold for species differentiation. The G+C contents of strains YLB-02T and YLB-04T were 37.3 and 45.4 mol%. The predominant (>10 %) cellular fatty acids of strain YLB-02T were iso-C14 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c alcohol, and those of strain YLB-04T were C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and C18 : 0. Their predominant ubiquinone was MK-7. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain YLB-02T contained glutamic acid, alanine, aspartic acid, lysine and ornithine, but no meso-diaminopimelic acid, while strain YLB-04T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, aspartic acid, lysine and ornithine. In addition to diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG), the polar lipids of strain YLB-02T also consisted of an unidentified glycolipid (GL), two unidentified polar lipids (L1 and L2) and two unidentified phospholipids (PL1 and PL2), and those of strain YLB-04T also consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and an unidentified phospholipid (PL). Based on phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, two novel species are proposed, Oceanobacillus piezotolerans sp. nov. with YLB-02T (=MCCC 1A12699T=JCM 32870T) and Bacillus piezotolerans sp. nov. with YLB-04T (=MCCC 1A12711T=JCM 32872T) as the type strains.

Discovery, Identification, and Mode of Action of Phenolics from Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus ustus as Antibacterial Wilt Agents.

The bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum seriously affects crop yield and safety and is difficult to control. Biological activity-guided screening led to the isolation of 11 phenolic compounds including three undescribed compounds (carnemycin H-I and stromemycin B) from the secondary metabolites of a marine-derived Aspergillus ustus. One new compound is an unusual phenolic dimer. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data and J-based configurational analysis. The antibacterial activities of the isolated compounds against R. solanacearum were evaluated. Compound 3 exhibited excellent inhibitory activity with an MIC value of 3 µg/mL, which was comparable to that of streptomycin sulfate. Additionally, 3 significantly changed the morphology and inhibited the activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) to interfere with the growth of R. solanacearum. Molecular docking was conducted to clarify the potential mechanisms of compound 3 with SDH. Further in vivo experiments demonstrated that 3 could remarkably inhibit the occurrence of bacterial wilt on tomatoes.

Complete genome sequence analysis of Bacillus velezensis A5, a promising biocontrol agent from the Pacific Ocean.

Tobacco bacterial wilt (TBW) caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a serious soil-borne disease, which seriously damages the growth of tobacco crops. Bacillus velezensis A5 was isolated from 3000 m deep-sea sediments of the Pacific Ocean, and was found to be antagonistic to TBW. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of strain A5, which has a 4,000,699-bp single circular chromosome with 3827 genes and a G + C content of 46.44%, 87 tRNAs, and 27 rRNAs. A total of 12 gene clusters were identified in the genome of strain A5, which were responsible for the biosynthesis of antibacterial compounds, including surfactin, bacillaene, fengycin, difficidin, bacillibactin, and bacilysin. Additionally, strain A5 was found to contain a series of genes related to the biosynthesis of carbohydrate-active enzymes and secreted proteins. Our results indicate that strain A5 can be considered a promising biocontrol agent against TBW in agricultural fields.

Predictive modeling for identifying infection risk following spinal surgery: Optimizing patient management.

Infection is known to occur in a substantial proportion of patients following spinal surgery and predictive modeling may provide a useful means for identifying those at higher risk of complications and poor prognosis, which could help optimize pre- and postoperative management strategies. The outcome measure of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of all-cause infection during hospitalization following scoliosis surgery. To meet this aim, the present study retrospectively analyzed 370 patients who underwent surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China) between January 2016 and October 2022, and patients who either experienced or did not experience all-cause infection while in hospital were compared in terms of their clinicodemographic characteristics, surgical variables and laboratory test results. Logistic regression was subsequently applied to data from a subset of patients in order to build a model to predict infection, which was validated using another subset of patients. All-cause, in-hospital postoperative infections were found to have occurred in 66/370 patients (17.8%). The following variables were included in a predictive model: Sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, preoperative levels of white blood cells and preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and duration of surgery. The model exhibited an area under the curve of 0.776 against the internal validation set. In conclusion, dynamic nomograms based on sex, ASA classification, BMI, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, preoperative levels of white blood cells and CRP and duration of surgery may have the potential to be a clinically useful predictor of all-cause infection following scoliosis. The predictive model constructed in the present study may potentially facilitate the real-time visualization of risk factors associated with all-cause infection following surgical procedures.

Biological Activities and Ecological Significance of Fire Ant Venom Alkaloids.

Venoms produced by arthropods act as chemical weapons to paralyze prey or deter competitors. The utilization of venom is an essential feature in the biology and ecology of venomous arthropods. Solenopsis fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are medically important venomous ants. They have acquired different patterns of venom use to maximize their competitive advantages rendered by the venom when facing different challenges. The major components of fire ant venom are piperidine alkaloids, which have strong insecticidal and antibiotic activities. The alkaloids protect fire ants from pathogens over the course of their lives and can be used to defend them from predators and competitors. They are also utilized by some of the fire ants' natural enemies, such as phorid flies to locate host ants. Collectively, these ants' diverse alkaloid compositions and functions have ecological significance for their survival, successful invasion, and rapid range expansion. The venom alkaloids with powerful biological activities may have played an important role in shaping the assembly of communities in both native and introduced ranges.

Complete genome analysis of Bacillus subtilis TY-1 reveals its biocontrol potential against tobacco bacterial wilt.

Bacillus subtilis TY-1 was isolated from 2000 m-deep sea sediments of the Western Pacific Ocean, which was found to exhibit strong antagonistic activity against tobacco bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. Here, we present the annotated complete genomic sequence of the strain Bacillus subtilis TY-1. The genome consists of a 4,030,869-bp circular chromosome with a G + C content of 43.88%, 86 tRNAs, and 30 rRNAs. Genomic analysis identified a large number of gene clusters involved in the biosynthesis of antibacterial metabolites, including lipopeptides(surfactin, bacillibactin, and fengycin) and polyketides(bacillaene). Meanwhile, numerous genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes and secreted proteins were found in TY-1. These findings suggest that Bacillus subtilis TY-1 appears to be a potential biocontrol agent against tobacco bacterial wilt in agricultural fields.

Complete genome sequence of Bacillus cereus Z4, a biocontrol agent against tobacco black shank, isolated from the Western Pacific Ocean.

Bacillus species have been considered as promising biological control agents due to their excellent antimicrobial ability. Bacillus cereus strain Z4 was isolated from 2000 m deep sea sediments of the Western Pacific Ocean, which possesses significant antifungal activity against Phytophthora nicotianae, the pathogenic fungus of tobacco black shank disease. To reveal the underlying antifungal genetic mechanisms, here, we report the complete genomic sequence of the strain Z4. The genome has one circular chromosome of 5,664,309 bp with a G + C content of 35.31%, 109 tRNAs, and 43 rRNAs. Genomic analysis identified 10 gene clusters related to the biosynthesis of biocontrol active compounds, including bacillibactin, petrobactin, fengycin, and molybdenum cofactor. Meanwhile, 6 gene clusters were responsible for the biosynthesis of metabolites with unknown functions. Strain Z4 also contains a large number of genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes and secreted proteins, respectively. The whole genomic analysis of Bacillus cereus Z4 may provide a valuable reference for elucidating its biocontrol mechanism against tobacco black shank.

Causal relationship between obesity and iron deficiency anemia: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Observational studies have suggested an association between obesity and iron deficiency anemia, but such studies are susceptible to reverse causation and residual confounding. Here we used Mendelian randomization to assess whether the association might be causal. Methods: Data on single-nucleotide polymorphisms that might be associated with various anthropometric indicators of obesity were extracted as instrumental variables from genome-wide association studies in the UK Biobank. Data on genetic variants in iron deficiency anemia were extracted from a genome-wide association study dataset within the Biobank. Heterogeneity in the data was assessed using inverse variance-weighted regression, Mendelian randomization Egger regression, and Cochran's Q statistic. Potential causality was assessed using inverse variance-weighted, Mendelian randomization Egger, weighted median, maximum likelihood and penalized weighted median methods. Outlier SNPs were identified using Mendelian randomization PRESSO analysis and "leave-one-out" analysis. Results: Inverse variance-weighted regression associated iron deficiency anemia with body mass index, waist circumference, trunk fat mass, body fat mass, trunk fat percentage, and body fat percentage (all odds ratios 1.003-1.004, P ≤ 0.001). Heterogeneity was minimal and no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy was found. Conclusion: Our Mendelian randomization analysis suggests that obesity can cause iron deficiency anemia.

Risk Factors for Hypocoagulability After Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Study.

Hemostatic disturbances after cardiac surgery can lead to excessive postoperative bleeding. Thromboelastography (TEG) was employed to evaluate perioperative coagulative alterations in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), investigating the correlation between factors concomitant with cardiac surgery and modifications in coagulation. Coagulation index as determined by TEG correlated significantly with postoperative bleeding at 24-72 h after cardiac surgery (P < .001). Among patients with a normal preoperative coagulation index, those with postoperative hypocoagulability showed significantly lower nadir temperature (P = .003), larger infused fluid volume (P = .003), and longer CPB duration (P = .033) than those with normal coagulation index. Multivariate logistic regression showed that nadir intraoperative temperature was an independent predictor of postoperative hypocoagulability (adjusted OR: 0.772, 95% CI: 0.624-0.954, P = .017). Multivariate linear regression demonstrated linear associations of nadir intraoperative temperature (P = .017) and infused fluid volume (P = .005) with change in coagulation index as a result of cardiac surgery. Patients are susceptible to hypocoagulability after cardiac surgery, which can lead to increased postoperative bleeding. Ensuring appropriate temperature and fluid volume during cardiac surgery involving CPB may reduce risk of postoperative hypocoagulability and bleeding.