Fungal communities as dual indicators of river biodiversity and water quality assessment.

Given their ecological importance, bioindicators are used for the assessment of the health of river ecosystems. This study explored the fungal compositions and the potential of fungal taxa as bioindicators for indicating the water quality of the Mekong River, as the use of fungal indicators of the Mekong River was not previously well characterized. The Mekong River exhibited dynamic variations in both physicochemical/hydrochemical properties and fungal communities according to seasons and locations. The results revealed the dominance of alkaline earth metal ions and weak acids in the water. The magnesium-bicarbonate water type was found in the dry season, but the water became the chloride-calcium type or mixed type of magnesium-bicarbonate and chloride-calcium in the rainy season at downstream sites. Fungal composition analysis revealed the dominance of Chytridiomycota in the dry season and intermediate periods, and Ascomycota and Basidiomycota in the rainy season. The fungal communities were influenced by stochastic and deterministic assembly processes, mainly homogeneous selection, heterogeneous selection, and dispersal limitation. The extent of environmental filtering implied that some fungal taxa were affected by environmental conditions, suggesting the possibility of identifying certain fungal taxa suitable for being bioindicators of water quality. Subsequently, machine learning with recursive feature elimination identified specific fungal bins mostly consisting of Agaricomycetes (mainly Polyporales, Agaricales, and Auriculariales), Dothideomycetes (mainly Pleosporales), Saccharomycetes (mainly Saccharomycetales), Chytridiomycota, and Rozellomycota as bioindicators that could predict ambient and irrigation water quality with high selectivity and sensitivity. These results thus promote the use of fungal indicators to assess the health of the river.

Heteroverticillium phytelephatis gen. et sp. nov. intercepted from nuts of Phytelephas macrocarpa, with an updated phylogenetic assessment of Nectriaceae.

An entry postal parcel with mature nuts of Phytelephas macrocarpa from Togo was inspected at Dalian Customs (China) in December 2021, and four strains were isolated from symptomatic tissues of the nuts. Based on morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses, above strains were identified as a new species which is mainly characterised by the verticillately branching conidiophores. Based on multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, this new species forms a monophyletic clade closely related to Corallomycetella, Paracremonium and Xenoacremonium but could not be accommodated in any known genera of Nectriaceae. Thus, a new genus Heteroverticillium is established to accommodate this new species (H. phytelephatis). To our knowledge, this is the first time that Chinese customs have intercepted a new fungal genus. In addition, we provided an updated backbone tree for the generic relationships in Nectriaceae, which may largely assist future identification of nectriaceous fungi to genus level in quarantine inspections. Based on our analysis, Varicosporellopsis is likely a late synonym of Paracremonium.

Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injections for Nasolabial Folds in Asian Patients: A Treatment Plan Based on a Practical Nasolabial Assessment Method.

BACKGROUND: There are multiple techniques used to inject hyaluronic acid to minimize the appearance of nasolabial folds. These techniques vary in accordance with the etiology of the nasolabial folds. Based on our understanding of nasolabial anatomy and our experience with the injection of hyaluronic acid fillers, we herein summarize a systemic treatment plan based on a practical nasolabial fold assessment method. METHODS: From November 2015 to December 2017, 180 patients received hyaluronic acid injections in our clinic to improve the appearance of nasolabial folds. All patients were followed up for at least 1 month. All patients underwent our nasolabial fold assessment and were then treated with an appropriate plan. The therapeutic effect was assessed via the photonumeric wrinkle assessment scale. Patients with complications were monitored for up to 1 year. A follow-up survey was performed 1 month postoperatively, with the outcome rated as excellent, satisfactory, moderate, or unsatisfactory. RESULTS: Patients demonstrated a significant improvement in the appearance of the nasolabial folds. No infection or vascular complications occurred. The 1-month follow-up survey revealed that the patient satisfaction rate was 96.7% (excellent or satisfactory outcome). CONCLUSION: This systemic treatment method for nasolabial folds is effective, safe, and practical.

An Epidemiological Study of Chinese Children with Developmental Dyslexia.

OBJECTIVE: The epidemiological studies of Chinese developmental dyslexia (DD) in China are still limited. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence rate, risk factors, and psychiatric comorbidities of Chinese DD in Guangzhou, a city in South China. METHOD: A total of 1661 students from second to fifth grades were recruited. The dyslexic students were identified by evaluating learning disability through the Pupil Rating Scale-Revised Screening for Learning Disability (PRS) scale by the head teachers and word recognition through the standard test. Students with a PRS score of <65 received the Raven's test, and those with intelligence quotient scores below 80 in the Raven's test were excluded. Psychiatric comorbidities were assessed by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire completed by parents. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of Chinese DD was 4.9% in Guangzhou city. There were significant differences in gender, the paternal educational level, and reading experience before the age of 6 years between the DD group and the non-DD group. Male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 4.17), low paternal educational level (p = 0.045), and lack of reading experience before the age of 6 years (OR = 1.99) were the risk factors for DD. The DD cases had a higher risk of hyperactivity and inattention (OR = 3.21). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the prevalence rate of DD was 4.9% in Guangzhou city. Male gender, low paternal educational level, and lack of reading experience before the age of 6 years were the risk factors for Chinese DD. The high comorbidity rate of hyperactivity and inattention in the Chinese DD population needs further evaluation.

Integrated assessment of PD-L1 expression and molecular classification facilitates therapy selection and prognosis prediction in gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway has emerged as a novel therapy for cancer. To identify rational candidates for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy in gastric cancer (GC), the abundance of PD-L1 expression was evaluated on a kind of biomarker-based molecular classification for shaping prognosis and treatment planning. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-five GCs were classified into five subgroups using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) methods, based on a panel of seven markers (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, MSH6, E-cadherin, P53, and Epstein-Barr virus mRNA). The expression of PD-L1 in GC tissues was analyzed immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The five categories (Epstein-Barr virus positivity, microsatellite instability, aberrant E-cadherin, aberrant P53 expression, and normal P53 expression) correspond to the reported molecular subgroups for similar proportions and clinicopathologic characteristics. Survival analysis indicated that subgroups with aberrant E-cadherin expression independently predicted a worse prognosis in GC patients (HR=2.51, P=0.010). The clinical and prognostic profiles produced by this stratification in nonintestinal-type GC were distinguishable from those in intestinal-type. Although PD-L1 was not a significant prognostic factor, that more frequent presence of PD-L1-positive in microsatellite instability tumors than other subtypes (P<0.010) hinted at a prolonged clinical course. Moreover, the lowest level of PD-L1 but the highest of Her2 was observed in the group of aberrant P53, namely it was suggested that there was a negative correlation between PD-L1 and Her2 overexpression. CONCLUSION: Different molecular subtypes in GC may have a tendency to react differently to anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy or anti-Her2 therapy. A combination of PD-L1 expression and this cost-effective classification strategy would be helpful for predicting prognosis and promoting personalized therapy in clinical practice.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Transplantable Child-Pugh A Cirrhotics: Should Cost Affect Resection vs Transplantation?

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding the optimal surgical treatment for transplantable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with well-compensated cirrhosis. Our aim was to compare outcomes between Child-Pugh A (CPA) cirrhotics who underwent liver resection or transplantation for HCC. METHODS: Clinicopathologic data were retrospectively collected for all surgically treated HCC patients between 7/1992 and 12/2015. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated from the time of operation or diagnosis (intention-to-treat analysis including patients removed from the transplant list). The average overall cost including pre-operative and post-operative procedures was calculated for each group. RESULTS: Of the 513 surgically treated HCC patients, 184 had CPA cirrhosis and fulfilled the Milan criteria (MC). Of those, 95 (52%) were resected and 89 (48%) were transplanted. Twenty-two patients were removed from the transplant list. Transplanted patients were younger (p < 0.001), had a higher MELD score (p < 0.001) and a higher frequency of hepatitis C (p < 0.001). Length of stay and postoperative complication rates were similar between groups. DFS was longer for transplanted patients (3-, 5-, and 10-year DFS rates 48, 44, 31% vs 96, 94, 94%, respectively, p < 0.001). OS was similar between groups (3-, 5-, and 10-year OS rates 76, 62, 41% vs 82, 77, 53%, respectively, p = 0.07). Only size of greatest lesion and T stage were independent predictors of OS. The cost was much higher for the transplant group, even when accounting for the treatment of recurrences ($37,391 vs $137,996). CONCLUSIONS: Since OS is similar between CPA cirrhotics within the MC undergoing resection or transplantation for HCC, but cost is significantly higher for transplantation. Resection should be considered for first-line treatment.

Toxicity assessment and histopathological analysis of nano-ZnO against marine fish (Mugilogobius chulae) embryos.

The toxicity of nano-materials has received increasing attention in recent years. Nevertheless, relatively few studies have focused on their oceanic distributions and toxicities. In this study, we assessed nano-ZnO toxicity in marine organisms using the yellowstriped goby (Mugilogobius chulae). The relative differences in nano-ZnO dissolution and dispersal in seawater and fresh water were also investigated. The effects of nano-ZnO on embryonic development, deformity, hatching, mortality, and histopathology were analyzed. In addition, the effects of the Zn2+ concentration on M. chulae hatching and mortality were compared. The results showed that nano-ZnO had higher solubility in seawater than in fresh water. Nano-ZnO significantly inhibited hatching. By the fifth day of exposure, the LC50 of nano-ZnO was 45.40mg/L, and the mortality rate spiked. Hatching inhibition and lethality were dose-dependent over a range of 1-25mg/L nano-ZnO. Zn2+ inhibited hatching and increased lethality, but its effects were weaker than those of nano-ZnO at the same concentrations. Nano-ZnO also induced spinal bending, oedema, hypoplasia, and other deformities in M. chulae embryos and larvae. Histopathology revealed vacuolar degeneration, hepatocyte and enterocyte enlargement, and morphological abnormalities of the vertebrae. Therefore, nano-ZnO caused malformations in M. chulae by affecting embryonic growth and development. We conclude that nano-ZnO toxicity in seawater was significantly positively correlated with the associated Zn2+ concentration and sedimentary behaviour. The toxicity of nano-ZnO was cumulative and showed a critical point, beyond which embryonic and developmental toxicity in marine fish was observed.

High Incidence of Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections in Remote Indigenous Communities in Northwestern Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, indigenous populations appear to be at increased risk for invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections. Although there is empirical evidence that the burden of iGAS disease is significant among remote First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, the epidemiology of iGAS infections in the area remains poorly characterized. METHODS: Individuals that met case definition for iGAS disease and whose laboratory specimens were processed by Meno Ya Win Health Centre in Sioux Lookout, Canada or who were reported to Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Canada were identified for the period 2009 to 2014. Case demographics, clinical severity, comorbidities, and risk factors were collected through chart review. Strain typing and antibiotic susceptibility were determined when possible. Basic descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: Sixty-five cases of iGAS disease were identified, for an annualized incidence of 56.2 per 100 000. Primary bacteremia was present in 26.2% of cases, and cellulitis was identified in 55.4% of cases. The most common comorbidities identified were diabetes (38.5%) and skin conditions (38.5%). Prevalent risk factors included alcohol dependence (25%). Fourteen different emm types were identified among 42 isolates, with the most common being emm114 (17.4%), emm11 (15.2%), and emm118 (13.0%). Resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin was found in 24.6% of isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Rural and remote First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario experience iGAS infections at a rate 10 times the provincial and national average. Compared with other North American series, a lower proportion of isolates causing infection were of emm types included in candidate GAS vaccines.

A 5 year retrospective study of emergency department use in Northwest Ontario: a measure of mental health and addictions needs.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to understand the five-year trend in total emergency department (ED) visits, frequency of use, and diagnoses and disposition of patients. Since the region has experienced a profound increase in opioid use disorder since 2009, we were particularly interested in changes in the volume of mental health and addiction (MHA) ED presentations. METHODS: Retrospective aggregate data analysis of ED visits to the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre 2010-2014. RESULTS: ED visit volume increased 29% over the five-year study period, while MHA ED visits increased 73%. The admission rate remained stable at 6.9% of ED visits. Five-year trends in clinically grouped diagnostic categories identified respiratory, MHA, and abdominal/pelvic complaints as the three most common ED presentations. In 2014, MHA presentations accounted for 10.3% of ED visits, 8.7% of admissions, and 20.0% of inter-hospital transfers. CONCLUSION: The dramatic increase in MHA ED visits mirrors the opioid epidemic the region is experiencing. MHA may soon become the commonest ED presentation. If reasons for ED visits serve as a proxy for unmet outpatient needs, increased efforts at developing community MHA services and addressing the related social determinants of health are required.

A phylogenetic assessment and taxonomic revision of the thermotolerant hyphomycete genera Acrophialophora and Taifanglania.

We assessed the phylogenetic relationships of 19 isolates belonging to Acrophialophora and Taifanglania based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nuclear 18S subunit (nuc 18S) rDNA and ß-tubulin sequences. Phylogenetic data showed that Acrophialophora and Taifanglania comprise a monophyletic clade, but did not support the distinction of two genera. Being the older and more frequently used name, Acrophialophora is adopted as the generic name and Taifanglania is treated as a synonym. The generic concept of Acrophialophora is emended to include the morphological characters formerly used to distinguish Taifanglania. Three new thermotolerant species isolated from soil samples in China are described and illustrated, (i) A. ellipsoidea, with solitary phialides tapering into thin necks and long chains of ellipsoidal to fusiform conidia, (ii) A. angustiphialis with single phialides terminal or lateral on hyphae, and long chains of ellipsoidal or fusiform conidia and, (iii) A. acuticonidiata with single phialides and fusiform conidia with acute ends. Phylogenetic analyses show that A. acuticonidiata, A. angustiphialis and A. ellipsoidea are most closely related to A. curticatenata, A. hechuanensis and A. major, respectively. Growth tests showed that the three new species are thermotolerant, with optimal growth temperatures of 37-40 C, and maximum growth temperatures near 50 C. A key to the accepted species of Acrophialophora is provided.

Assessment of the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and lung cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Helicobacter pylori infection has been thought to play a critical role in gastric carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression. Several studies have been devoted to the relationship between H. pylori infection and lung cancer risk and have generated inconclusive results. In this study we aimed to evaluate the potential association of H. pylori infection with lung cancer risk. METHODS: We conducted a search in Medline, OVID, EMBASE and CNKI, covering all published papers until October 2008. The relevant published papers were deliberately selected according to the established inclusion criteria for publications. Essential data were then extracted from the included studies and further analyzed by a systematic meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 98 papers were identified. Of these, four case-control studies met the inclusion criteria and thus were finally selected. Lung cancer risk for H. pylori infection was 3.24-fold (95% CI=1.11-9.47) (Z=2.15, p<0.05) compared with the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled data suggest infection of H. pylori as a potential risk factor for lung cancer.