Genome-wide analysis of the AP2/ERF gene family in Pennisetum glaucum and the negative role of PgRAV_01 in drought tolerance.

APETALA2/ethylene-responsive (AP2/ERF) plays crucial roles in resisting diverse stresses and in regulating plant growth and development. However, little is known regarding the structure and function of the AP2/ERF genes in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). The AP2/ERF gene family may be involved in the development and maintenance of P. glaucum resilience to abiotic stresses, central to its role as a vital forage and cereal crop. In this study, PgAP2/ERF family members were identified and comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were performed, including determination of phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, conserved motifs, chromosomal localization, gene duplication, expression pattern, protein interaction network, and functional characterization of PgRAV_01 (Related to ABI3/VP1). In total, 78 PgAP2/ERF members were identified in the P. glaucum genome and classified into five subfamilies: AP2, ERF, DREB, RAV, and soloist. Members within the same clade of the PgAP2/ERF family showed similar gene structures and motif compositions. Six duplication events were identified in the PgAP2/ERF family; calculation of Ka/Ks values showed that purification selection dominated the evolution of PgAP2/ERFs. Subsequently, a potential interaction network of PgAP2/ERFs was generated to predict the interaction relationships. Additionally, abiotic stress expression analysis showed that most PgAP2/ERFs were induced in response to drought and heat stresses. Furthermore, overexpression of PgRAV_01 negatively regulated drought tolerance in Nicotiana benthamiana by reducing its antioxidant capacity and osmotic adjustment. Taken together, these results provide valuable insights into the characteristics and functions of PgAP2/ERF genes, with implications for abiotic stress tolerance, and will ultimately contribute to the genetic improvement of cereal crop breeding.

Comprehensive analysis of B3 family genes in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and the negative regulator role of PgRAV-04 in drought tolerance.

Introduction: Members of the plant-specific B3 transcription factor superfamily play crucial roles in various plant growth and developmental processes. Despite numerous valuable studies on B3 genes in other species, little is known about the B3 superfamily in pearl millet. Methods and results: Here, through comparative genomic analysis, we identified 70 B3 proteins in pearl millet and categorized them into four subfamilies based on phylogenetic affiliations: ARF, RAV, LAV, and REM. We also mapped the chromosomal locations of these proteins and analyzed their gene structures, conserved motifs, and gene duplication events, providing new insights into their potential functional interactions. Using transcriptomic sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR, we determined that most PgB3 genes exhibit upregulated expression under drought and high-temperature stresses, indicating their involvement in stress response regulation. To delve deeper into the abiotic stress roles of the B3 family, we focused on a specific gene within the RAV subfamily, PgRAV-04, cloning it and overexpressing it in tobacco. PgRAV-04 overexpression led to increased drought sensitivity in the transgenic plants due to decreased proline levels and peroxidase activity. Discussion: This study not only adds to the existing body of knowledge on the B3 family's characteristics but also advances our functional understanding of the PgB3 genes in pearl millet, reinforcing the significance of these factors in stress adaptation mechanisms.

Hydrous mantle plume promoted the generation of continental flood basalts in the Tarim large igneous province.

Recent research on the water content of large igneous provinces (LIPs) has revealed that water has a significant impact on the formation of LIPs. However, most studies focus on the water content of mafic-ultramafic rocks, while relatively little attention has been paid to the water content of continental flood basalts (CFB), which form the major part of LIPs and are characterized by huge volumes (> 1 × 105 km3) and short eruption times. Here, we determined water contents of clinopyroxene crystals from the Akesu diabase, which is co-genetic with flood basalts of the Tarim LIP in China. Based on these measurements, we obtained a water content of higher than 1.23 ± 0.49 wt.% for the parental magma to the Tarim CFB and a minimum water content of 1230 ± 490 ppm for the mantle source, thus indicating the presence of a hydrous mantle plume. Combined with previous studies, our results suggest that water plays a key role in the formation of the Tarim LIP. Additionally, the whole-rock compositions of the Akesu diabase indicate a contribution of pyroxenite in the mantle source. This is consistent with a model, in which water was brought into the Tarim mantle plume by a subducted oceanic plate that entered the deep mantle.

Preliminary study of finger temperature recovery in patients with diabetes mellitus following cold stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the difference in temperature recovery following cold stimulation between participants with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants without (control group; n = 25) and with (DM group; n = 26) DM were subjected to local cold stimulation (10º C for 90 s). The thermal images of their hands were continuously captured using a thermal camera within 7 min following cold stimulation, and the highest temperature of each fingertip was calculated. According to the temperature values at different timepoints, the temperature recovery curves were drawn, and the baseline temperature (T-base), initial temperature after cooling (T0), temperature decline amplitude (T-range), and area under the temperature recovery curve > T0 (S) were calculated. Finally, symmetry differences between the two groups were analysed. RESULTS: No statistical differences in the T-base, T0, and T-range were observed between the DM and control groups. After drawing the rewarming curve according to the temperature of the fingertips of the patients following cold stimulation, the S in the DM group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the asymmetry of the base temperature of the hand was observed in the DM group. CONCLUSIONS: Following cold stimulation, the patients with DM exhibited a different rewarming pattern than those without DM. Thus, cold stimulation tests under infrared thermography may contribute to the early screening of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in future.

TLR9 regulates the autophagy-lysosome pathway to promote dendritic cell maturation and activation by activating the TRAF6-cGAS-STING pathway.

Dysregulated maturation and activation of dendritic cells (DCs) play a significant role in the progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The autophagy-lysosome pathway has been identified as a potential mechanism to inhibit DC activation and maturation, but its precise workings remain unclear. We investigated the role and regulatory mechanism of TLR9 in modulating the autophagy-lysosome pathway and DCs activation. The mRNA and protein expressions were assessed using qRT-PCR and/or western blot. NZBW/F1 mice was used to construct a lupus nephritis (LN) model in vivo. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining. Flow cytometry was adopted to analyze DCs surface markers. Lyso-tracker red staining was employed to analyze lysosome acidification. Levels of anti-dsDNA, cytokines, C3, C4, urine protein and urine creatinine were examined by ELISA. The results showed that TLR9 was markedly increased in SLE patients, and its expression was positively correlated with SLEDAI scores and dsDNA level. Conversely, TLR9 expression showed a negative correlation with C3 and C4 levels. Loss-of function experiments demonstrated that TLR9 depletion exerted a substantial inhibition of renal injury, inflammation, and DCs numbers. Additionally, upregulation of TLR9 promoted DCs maturation and activation through activation of autophagy and lysosome acidification. Further investigation revealed that TLR9 targeted TRAF6 to activate the cGAS-STING pathway. Rescue experiments revealed that inactivation of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway could reverse the promoting effects of TLR9 upregulation on DCs maturation, activation, and autophagy-lysosome pathway. Overall, our findings suggested that TLR9 activated the autophagy-lysosome pathway to promote DCs maturation and activation by activating TRAF6-cGAS-STING pathway, thereby promoting SLE progression.

Safranal inhibits estrogen-deficiency osteoporosis by targeting Sirt1 to interfere with NF-κB acetylation.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a prevalent bone metabolic disease in menopause, and long-term medication is accompanied by serious side effects. Estrogen deficiency-mediated hyperactivated osteoclasts is the initiating factor for bone loss, which is regulated by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. Safranal (Saf) is a monoterpene aldehyde produced from Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and possesses multiple biological properties, particularly the anti-inflammatory property. However, Saf's role in osteoporosis remains unknown. PURPOSE: This study aims to validate the role of Saf in osteoporosis and explore the potential mechanism. STUDY DESIGN: The RANKL-exposed mouse BMM (bone marrow monocytes) and the castration-mediated osteoporosis model were applied to explore the effect and mechanism of Saf in vitro and in vivo. METHOD: The effect of Saf on osteoclast formation and function were assessed by TRAcP staining, bone-resorptive experiment, qPCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, etc. Micro-CT, HE, TRAcP and immunohistochemical staining were performed to estimate the effects of Saf administration on OVX-mediated osteoporosis in mice at imaging and histological levels. RESULTS: Saf concentration-dependently inhibited RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation without affecting cellular viability. Meanwhile, Saf-mediated anti-osteolytic capacity and Sirt1 upregulation were also found in ovariectomized mice. Mechanistically, Saf interfered with NF-κB signaling by activating Sirt1 to increase p65 deacetylation and inactivating IKK to decrease IκBα degradation. CONCLUSION: Our results support the potential application of Saf as a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis.

Mind-body therapies in traditional Chinese medicine for Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mind-body therapies in patients with neuropathic pain. DESIGN: This systematic review was undertaken according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. DATA SOURCES: We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in seven English databases and four Chinese databases up to March 2022. REVIEW/ANALYSIS METHODS: The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 was used for the quality assessment, and the mean difference with a 95% confidence interval for data pooling. The review was registered in the INPLASY (INPLASY202240016). RESULTS: Twenty-three RCTs were identified, including 1,693 patients with lumbar herniated discs (LHD), cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR), sympathetic cervical spondylosis (SCS), trigeminal neuralgia, and central poststroke pain. Pooled results showed that for LHD, TCM mind-body therapy used alone (MD: -0.57, [-0.77, -0.36], P＜0.01, week 8) or combined with physiotherapy (MD: -1.02, [-1.12, -0.91], P＜0.01, week 4) showed advantages over physiotherapy alone on pain relief. However, there was no statistical difference on physical function. For CSR, TCM mind-body movement combined with physiotherapy had better effect than physiotherapy alone on pain relief (MD: -1.15, [-1.37, -0.94], P＜0.01, week 4). Six trials reported safety. Nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and pain at the acupuncture point were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Low-quality evidence showed that TCM mind-body therapies might reduce pain intensity and improve physical function when used as an adjuvant therapy or monotherapy. There is a need to conduct high-quality trials to confirm the effectiveness and safety of TCM mind-body therapies for neuropathic pain.

A Preliminary Study on Infrared Thermograph of Metabolic Syndrome.

Objective: To explore the temperature distribution characteristics of the face, palms, feet and the trunk area of metabolic syndrome (MS) through infrared thermography (IRT) and provide evidence for the application of IRT in the assistant evaluation of MS population. Methods: We collected thermographs of 184 participants (91 males, 93 females) and further divided participants of each gender into 4 groups according to the number of abnormal metabolic indexes. Mean temperatures of 6 Region of Interests (ROIs) (face, anterior trunk, bilateral palms and dorsum of feet) were calculated. Comparisons of the mean temperatures between genders, among groups and ROIs were carried out. Results: Male participants had higher mean temperature in their face, palms (P<0.01) and dorsum of feet (P<0.05), and lower mean temperature in the anterior trunk (P<0.01). Female participants with MS had higher mean temperature in their palms and dorsum of feet (P<0.01) and lower mean temperature in the anterior trunk (P<0.01) than normal participants. Similar tendencies were shown in the mean temperature of the left palms and trunk of MS males. With the increase of the number of abnormal metabolic indexes, it seems that the mean temperature gradually increased in palms and dorsum of feet, and decreased in the anterior trunk. Conclusion: The thermograph of MS exhibits certain characteristics. This may help reveal the correlations between Infrared thermography and metabolic disorders.

An exploration of new methods for metabolic syndrome examination by infrared thermography and knowledge mining.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clinical syndrome with multiple metabolic disorders. As the diagnostic criteria for MS still lacking of imaging laboratory method, this study aimed to explore the differences between healthy people and MS patients through infrared thermography (IRT). However, the observation region of the IRT image is uncertain, and the research tried to solve this problem with the help of knowledge mining technology. 43 MS participants were randomly included through a cross-sectional method, and 43 healthy participants were recruited through number matching. The IRT image of each participant was segmented into the region of interest (ROI) through the preprocessing method proposed in this research, and then the ROI features were granulated by the K-means algorithm to generate the formal background, and finally, the two formal background were separately built into a knowledge graph through the knowledge mining method based on the attribute partial order structure. The baseline data shows that there is no difference in age, gender, and height between the two groups (P > 0.05). The image preprocessing method can segment the IRT image into 18 ROI. Through the K-means method, each group of data can be separately established with a 43 × 36 formal background and generated a knowledge graph. It can be found through knowledge mining and independent-samples T test that the average temperature and maximum temperature difference between the chest and face of the two groups are statistically different (P < 0.01). IRT could reflect the difference between healthy people and MS people. The measurement regions were found by the method of knowledge mining on the premise of unknown. The method proposed in this paper may add a new imaging method for MS laboratory examinations, and at the same time, through knowledge mining, it can also expand a new idea for clinical research of IRT.

Single-Pulse Shock Tube Experimental and Kinetic Modeling Study on Pyrolysis of a Direct Coal Liquefaction-Derived Jet Fuel and Its Blends with the Traditional RP-3 Jet Fuel.

A basic understanding of the high-temperature pyrolysis process of jet fuels is not only valuable for the development of combustion kinetic models but also critical to the design of advanced aeroengines. The development and utilization of alternative jet fuels are of crucial importance in both military and civil aviation. A direct coal liquefaction (DCL) derived liquid fuel is an important alternative jet fuel, yet fundamental pyrolysis studies on this category of jet fuels are lacking. In the present work, high-temperature pyrolysis studies on a DCL-derived jet fuel and its blend with the traditional RP-3 jet fuel are carried out by using a single-pulse shock tube (SPST) facility. The SPST experiments are performed at averaged pressures of 5.0 and 10.0 bar in the temperature range around 900-1800 K for 0.05% fuel diluted by argon. Major intermediates are obtained and quantified using gas chromatography analysis. A flame-ionization detector and a thermal conductivity detector are used for species identification and quantification. Ethylene is the most abundant product for the two fuels in the pyrolysis process. Other important intermediates such as methane, ethane, propyne, acetylene, and 1,3-butadiene are also identified and quantified. The pyrolysis product distributions of the pure RP-3 jet fuel are also performed. Kinetic modeling is performed by using a modern detailed mechanism for the DCL-derived jet fuel and its blends with the RP-3 jet fuel. Rate-of-production analysis and sensitivity analysis are conducted to compare the differences of the chemical kinetics of the pyrolysis process of the two jet fuels. The present work is not only valuable for the validation and development of detailed combustion mechanisms for alternative jet fuels but also improves our understanding of the pyrolysis characteristics of alternative jet fuels.

Single-Pulse Shock Tube Pyrolysis Study of RP-3 Jet Fuel and Kinetic Modeling.

A single-pulse shock tube study of the pyrolysis of two different concentrations of Chinese RP-3 jet fuel at 5 bar in the temperature range of 900-1800 K has been performed in this work. Major intermediates are obtained and quantified using gas chromatography analysis. A flame-ionization detector and a thermal conductivity detector are used for species identification and quantification. Ethylene is the most abundant product in the pyrolysis process. Other important intermediates such as methane, ethane, propyne, acetylene, butene, and benzene are also identified and quantified. Kinetic modeling is performed using several detailed, semidetailed, and lumped mechanisms. It is found that the predictions for the major species such as ethylene, propene, and methane are acceptable. However, current kinetic mechanisms still need refinement for some important species. Different kinetic mechanisms exhibit very different performance in the prediction of certain species during the pyrolysis process. The rate of production (ROP) is carried out to compare the differences among these mechanisms and to identify major reaction pathways to the formation and consumption of the important species, and the results indicate that further studies on the thermal decomposition of 1,3-butadiene are needed to optimize kinetic models. The experimental data are expected to contribute to a database for the validation of mechanisms under pyrolytic conditions for RP-3 jet fuel and should also be valuable to a better understanding of the combustion behavior of RP-3 jet fuel.

Identification of phostensin in association with Eps 15 homology domain-containing protein 1 (EHD1) and EHD4.

Phostensin (PTS) encoded by KIAA1949 is a protein phosphatase 1 (PP1)-binding protein. In order to explore the cellular functions of PTS, we have searched PTS-binding proteins by using co-immunoprecipitation in combination with shotgun proteomics. Here, we report two novel PTS-binding proteins, Eps 15 homology domain-containing protein 1 (EHD1) and EHD4. PTS associated with EHD proteins was also observed in GST pull-down assays. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that the complex was co-localized at the endocytic vesicles. EHD proteins have been known to play a critical role in regulation of endocytic transport. Overexpression of PTS-ß can attenuate the endocytic trafficking of transferrin.

Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for endometriosis-related pain: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study will assess the effectiveness and safety of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for endometriosis-related pain (ERP). METHODS: Seven electronic databases of Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, WANGFANG, VIP, CBM, and CNKI will be searched. We will search all electronic databases related the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness and safety of NMES for ERP up to the March 31, 2020 without restrictions of language. RevMan 5.3 software will be used for risk of bias assessment, related data analysis and meta-analysis. RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis will summarize current high-quality RCTs on the effectiveness and safety of NMES for ERP. Results of this study will provide the basis for both clinician and further research. CONCLUSION: This study will investigate whether NMES is effective and safety for the treatment of ERP. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: INPLASY202040191.

LncRNA PICSAR promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes by sponging miRNA-4701-5p in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have drawn increasing attention because they play a pivotal role in various types of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), a prominent component of hyperplastic synovial pannus tissue, are the primary effector cells in RA synovial hyperplasia and invasion which can lead to joint destruction. In this study, we investigated whether lncRNAs could act as competing endogenous RNAs to regulate the pathological behaviors of RA-FLSs. METHODS: LncRNA microarray was conducted to establish lncRNA expression profiles in FLSs isolated from RA patients and healthy controls (HCs). Differentially expressed lncRNAs were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) on RA-FLSs and synovial fluid. The functional role of lncRNA PICSAR downregulation was evaluated in RA-FLSs. We conducted molecular biological analysis to predict miRNAs which have a potential binding site for PICSAR and further refined the results by qRT-PCR. Luciferase reporter assay was adopted to validate the interaction of lncRNA PICSAR and miR-4701-5p. Western Blot and qPCR were used to identify the target gene and protein. The functional role of miR-4701-5p upregulation was examined in RA-FLSs. FINDINGS: We identified a long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA162 (LINC00162), also known as lncRNA PICSAR (p38 inhibited cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma associated lincRNA), has significantly higher expression in RA-FLSs and RA synovial fluid. The cell proliferation, migration, invasion and proinflammatory cytokines production of RA-FLSs showed significant alterations after the lncRNA PICSAR suppression. Mechanistically, lncRNA PICSAR functioned through sponging miR-4701-5p in RA-FLSs. INTERPRETATION: Our results reveal PICSAR may exert an essential role in promoting synovial invasion and joint destruction by sponging miR-4701-5p in RA and that lncRNA PICSAR may act as a biomarker of RA.

The Effect of Coating Incorporated with Black Pepper Essential Oil on the Taste Quality of Jinhua Ham After Storage for Four Months.

In this study, 1 H NMR and multivariate data analysis were used to investigate the effect of coating incorporated with black pepper essential oil (CIBPEO) on the taste of Jinhua ham after 4 months of storage; four treatments of control check (CK), base formula coating (BC), BC + 0.05% BPEO, and BC + 0.1% BPEO were used for the coating of hams. Results showed that the metabonome was dominated by 23 metabolites, including amino acids, sugar, organic acids, alkaloids, nucleic aides and their derivatives, and others. BPEO decreased the intensity of sourness, sweetness, bitterness, aftertaste, and the relative nonvolatile taste metabolites compared to CK and BC; the decrease of intensity was not dependent on the BPEO contents. These findings demonstrated that CIBPEO could give a new taste balance to Jinhua ham and be beneficial to a group of people with a particular sensory preference, who are sensitive to undesirable sourness and bitterness, and prefer a light overall taste. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The coating incorporated with black pepper essential oil during storage could give a new taste balance to Jinhua ham and be beneficial to a group of people with a particular sensory preference, who are sensitive to undesirable sourness and bitterness, and prefer a light overall taste.

Long Non-Coding RNA GAPLINC Promotes Tumor-Like Biologic Behaviors of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes as MicroRNA Sponging in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Rapidly accumulating evidence has now suggested that the long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs), a large and diverse class of non-coding transcribed RNA molecules with diverse functional roles and mechanisms, play a major role in the pathogenesis of many human inflammatory diseases. Although some LncRNAs are overexpressed in plasma, T cell, and synovial tissues of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there is a dearth of knowledge in what role these transcripts play in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) of these patients. Here, our studies showed that GAPLINC, a newly identified functional LncRNA in oncology, displayed a greater degree of expression in FLSs from RA than in patients with traumatic injury. GAPLINC suppression in RA-FLS cells revealed significant alterations in cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and proinflammatory cytokines production. Additionally, we performed a preliminary bioinformatics analysis of GAPLINC gene sequence in order to find its target molecules, using miRanda, PITA, RNAhybrid algorithms, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes, and gene ontology analysis. Since the results predicted that some of microRNAs and mRNA may interact with GAPLINC, we simulated a gene co-action network model based on a competitive endogenous RNA theory. Further verification of this model demonstrated that silencing of GAPLINC increased miR-382-5p and miR-575 expression. The results of this study suggest that GAPLINC may function as a novel microRNAs sponging agent affecting the biological characteristics of RA-FLSs. Additionally, GAPLINC may also promote RA-FLS tumor-like behaviors in a miR-382-5p-dependent and miR-575-dependent manner. Based upon these findings, LncRNA GAPLINC may provide a novel valuable therapeutic target for RA patients.

uPAR promotes tumor-like biologic behaviors of fibroblast-like synoviocytes through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), is a multifunctional receptor on cell surface, widely present in endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and a variety of malignant cells. Current studies have suggested that uPAR overexpressed on synovial tissues or in synovial fluid or plasma in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there are limited researches regarding the role of uPAR on fibroblast-like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA-FLSs) and its underlying mechanisms. Here, our studies show that the expression of uPAR protein was significantly higher in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from RA than those from osteoarthritis or traumatic injury patients. uPAR gene silencing significantly inhibited RA-FLSs cell proliferation, restrained cell transformation from the G0/G1 phase to S phase, aggravated cell apoptosis, interfered with RA-FLSs cell migration and invasion, and reduced activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which may be associated with ß1-integrin. Cell supernatants from uPAR gene-silenced RA-FLSs markedly inhibited the migration and tubule formation ability of the HUVECs (a human endothelial cell line). Therefore, we demonstrate that uPAR changes the biological characteristics of RA-FLSs, and affects neoangiogenesis of synovial tissues in patients with RA. All of these may be associated with the ß1-integrin/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These results imply that targeting uPAR and its downstream signal pathway may provide therapeutic effects in RA.

Winogradskyella aurantia sp. nov., isolated from a marine solar saltern.

A Gram-stain negative, non-flagellated, facultatively anaerobic, slightly halophilic bacterium, WNB302T, was isolated from a marine solar saltern in Wendeng, China (122°0'38.85″E, 36°57'56.49″N). Cells of strain WNB302T were 0.2-0.7 µm wide and 2.0-10.0 µm long, catalase- positive and oxidase-negative. Colonies were opaque, orange and approximately 1.0-2.0 mm in diameter after culture for 96 h on marine agar 2216. Growth occurs at 15-37 °C (optimum, 33-35 °C), pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5), and with 0.5-7% NaCl (optimum, 2-3% NaCl). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain WNB302T belongs to the genus Winogradskyella and is closely related to Winogradskyella exilis KCTC 32356T. Strain WNB302T exhibited 96.2 and 96.0% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with W. exilis KCTC 32356T and W. litoriviva KCTC 23972T. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) value based on draft genomes between strain WNB302T and Winogradskyella thalassocola KCTC 12221T showed a relatedness of 81.1% (with 93.7% of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The major respiratory quinone of strain WNB302T was found to be MK-6, and the dominant fatty acids were found to be iso-C15:0 and iso-C15:1 G. The major polar lipids of strain WNB302T were three unidentified lipids (L1, L2 and L3), one unidentified aminolipids (AL1) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The genomic DNA G+C content was 37.0 mol%. On the basis of the data presented, strain WNB302T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Winogradskyella, for which the name Winogradskyella aurantia sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WNB302T (= KCTC 52614T = MCCC 1H00172T).

High water content in primitive continental flood basalts.

As the main constituent of large igneous provinces, the generation of continental flood basalts (CFB) that are characterized by huge eruption volume (>10(5) km(3)) within short time span (<1-3 Ma) is in principle caused by an abnormally high temperature, extended decompression, a certain amount of mafic source rocks (e.g., pyroxenite), or an elevated H2O content in the mantle source. These four factors are not mutually exclusive. There are growing evidences for high temperature, decompression and mafic source rocks, albeit with hot debate. However, there is currently no convincing evidence of high water content in the source of CFB. We retrieved the initial H2O content of the primitive CFB in the early Permian Tarim large igneous province (NW China), using the H2O content of ten early-formed clinopyroxene (cpx) crystals that recorded the composition of the primitive Tarim basaltic melts and the partition coefficient of H2O between cpx and basaltic melt. The arc-like H2O content (4.82 ± 1.00 wt.%) provides the first clear evidence that H2O plays an important role in the generation of CFB.