Remarkably Enhanced Phosphate Sequestration from Waters by Biochar with High-Density Quaternary Ammonium Groups.

A new biochar (N-BC) was fabricated by incorporating high-density positively charged quaternary ammonium groups into the pristine biochar without any adsorption for phosphate. N-BC can highly efficiently remove phosphate with an optimal pH of 5.0, a maximum experimental adsorption capacity of 30 mg of P/g, and an adsorption equilibrium time of 180 min. The predicted pore diffusion coefficient D (the diffused surface area of the adsorbate for unit time) for phosphate adsorption by N-BC was 5.3 × 10-9 cm2/s. N-BC can still capture phosphate in the copresence of anion Cl- with a molar concentration 50 times that of phosphate. The exhausted N-BC was completely regenerated using a 10 wt % NaOH solution and further reused without any observable loss in adsorption capacity. Moreover, N-BC yielded ∼324 bed volumes (BV) of wastewater containing 1 mg P/L phosphate and 50 mg/L Cl- before breakthrough occurring (<0.1 mg P/L in effluent) in a fixed-bed column operation system. The introduced quaternary ammonium groups covalently bound to biochar played a dominant role in phosphate sequestration by N-BC through forming the out-sphere complexation with phosphate. All results imply that it is of promising prospect for N-BC practical application for phosphate purification from waters. The present study provided a new strategy to expand the application of biochar, usually serving as an adsorbent for cationic pollutants, to the purification of anionic pollutants such as phosphate from waters.

General reversal of N-decomposition relationship during long-term decomposition in boreal and temperate forests.

Decomposition of dead organic matter is fundamental to carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, influencing C fluxes from the biosphere to the atmosphere. Theory predicts and evidence strongly supports that the availability of nitrogen (N) limits litter decomposition. Positive relationships between substrate N concentrations and decomposition have been embedded into ecosystem models. This decomposition paradigm, however, relies on data mostly from short-term studies analyzing controls on early-stage decomposition. We present evidence from three independent long-term decomposition investigations demonstrating that the positive N-decomposition relationship is reversed and becomes negative during later stages of decomposition. First, in a 10-y decomposition experiment across 62 woody species in a temperate forest, leaf litter with higher N concentrations exhibited faster initial decomposition rates but ended up a larger recalcitrant fraction decomposing at a near-zero rate. Second, in a 5-y N-enrichment experiment of two tree species, leaves with experimentally enriched N concentrations had faster decomposition initial rates but ultimately accumulated large slowly decomposing fractions. Measures of amino sugars on harvested litter in two experiments indicated that greater accumulation of microbial residues in N-rich substrates likely contributed to larger slowly decomposing fractions. Finally, a database of 437 measurements from 120 species in 45 boreal and temperate forest sites confirmed that higher N concentrations were associated with a larger slowly decomposing fraction. These results challenge the current treatment of interactions between N and decomposition in many ecosystems and Earth system models and suggest that even the best-supported short-term controls of biogeochemical processes might not predict long-term controls.

Optimization of leaf area index measurement method and correction of green plot ratio formula based on regional plant characteristics-a study in Chongqing, China.

The quantification of green space green plot ratio (GPR) is mostly based on estimation formulas, and the leaf area index (LAI) estimation values in these estimation formulas have not been well verified by measured LAI values, resulting in errors and uncertainties in GPR quantification results. This study aims to address this gap by measuring the LAI of 113 regional plants in Chongqing, China, following a standardized measurement path for digital hemispherical photography (DHP). The results indicate that the optimal relative exposure value (REV) was - 1 under overcast conditions and - 2 under sunny and cloudy conditions. Among the threshold algorithms for hemispherical images, the Intermodes algorithm in ImageJ was the best. The LAI of regional plants is highest in summer, followed by spring and autumn, and lowest in winter. Tree height (h) and crown width (w) are key factors affecting LAI, but the LAI also varies with plant species. Overall, the LAI of evergreen trees is higher than that of deciduous trees. The LAI of evergreen trees and shrubs with a height shorter than 5 m is the largest, and that of deciduous trees and shrubs with a crown width larger than 8 m is the largest. The study further verified that the existing GPR estimation formula exhibited large errors in Chongqing, while there was a strong correlation (R2 = 0.973) between the GPR estimation value and the measured value. A conversion formula was developed to reduce estimation biases, and the corrected formula is capable of estimating GPR values more accurately when actual LAI measurements are insufficient. Overall, this study verifies the significance of measuring localized LAI values, promotes the understanding of LAI suitability for GPR calculations, and provides an empirical formula for GPR estimation in Chongqing, China.

One new species and two new records of the spider wasp genus Telostholus Haupt, 1929 in China, with a key to the world species.

The taxonomy of the genus Telostholus (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae: Pompilinae) from China is studied and one species is newly described and illustrated: T. venarectus Song & Ma, sp. nov. Additionally, two species, T. lao and T. malayensis are newly reported from China. A key to the world species of Telostholus is provided.

Feasibility Study of a Novel Transapical Chordal Implantation System in a Porcine Model.

Transapical beating-heart mitral repair with chordal implantation system has been considered as an alternative treatment for degenerative mitral regurgitation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of the E-Chord system (Med-Zenith Medical, Beijing, China) for transapical beating-heart mitral valve repair in a porcine model. Artificial chordae were transapically implanted on the mitral valves of 12 anesthetized pigs under epicardial echocardiographic guidance and secured outside the left ventricular apex. The study endpoints included procedural success, device durability, and tissue response to the device. The procedural success rate was 100% (12/12). All animals were implanted with E-Chord in the anterior and posterior leaflets, respectively, and survived uneventfully until euthanized as planned. During the 180-day follow-up, no animal had significant mitral valve dysfunction. The gross observation showed no evidence of anchor detachment and chordal rupture, and there was no obvious damage or changes to mitral leaflets. Microscopic evaluation revealed that the endothelialization of anchor and chordae was completed 90 days after implantation and there was no evidence of chordal rupture, thrombosis, or infection during the 180-day follow-up. The E-Chord system was found to be feasible and safe for heart-beating mitral chordal implantation in a porcine model. The findings of this study suggest that the E-Chord system may be a potential alternative for the treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation in humans.

In vitro and clinical validation of different correction algorithms for the two-dimensional proximal isovelocity surface area method in a low-velocity flow field for quantifying tricuspid regurgitation.

Background: The 2-dimensional proximal isovelocity surface area (2D PISA) method underestimates tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity. Previously proposed correction algorithms should be further scrutinized. Methods: Two correction algorithms were tested. One approach involves dividing the 2D PISA effective regurgitant orifice area by a constant of 0.7 (EROA0.7). Another approach involves multiplying the unadjusted EROA by Vorifice/(Vorifice - Valiasing), where Vorifice denotes the TR jet velocity, and Valiasing represents the color aliasing velocity (EROAVo-Va). In vitro validation was performed on a commercially available multifunctional valve tester with different size orifices and peak pressure gradients. A true EROA was derived through the regurgitant volume (RVol) calculated from the tester. For clinical validation, RVol was calculated as the difference between the overall stroke volume and the forward stroke volume of the right ventricle. Volumetric EROA was derived by dividing the RVol by the TR velocity-time integral (VTI). The vena contracta area (VCA) was obtained through direct planimetry with 3D echocardiography. The mean of volumetric EROA and VCA served as the reference in clinical validation. Results: Excellent correlation between the calculated EROAs and the true EROA was observed in vitro (r=0.98, r=0.97, and r=0.98 for uncorrected EROA, EROAVo-Va, and EROA0.7, respectively; all P values <0.0001). EROAVo-Va underestimated the true EROA and averaged 33% (P=0.3163), while EROA0.7 overestimated the true EROA and averaged 8% (P=0.0032). Clinically, these methods consistently exhibited a notable underestimation that varied with the reference EROA. This systematic underestimation was mitigated by both algorithms when either the VCA (biases of 19.6, 15.1, and 11.8 mm2 for uncorrected EROA, EROAVo-Va, and EROA0.7, respectively) or the volumetric EROA (biases of 10.1, 5.6, and 2.3 mm2 for uncorrected EROA, EROAVo-Va, and EROA0.7, respectively) served as the reference. Their ability to distinguish severe TR was similar, with area under the curve values of 0.905, 0.903, and 0.893 for uncorrected EROA, EROAVo-Va, and EROA0.7, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed for diagnostic accuracy (all P values >0.05). Conclusions: Using a correction factor of 0.7 in quantifying TR provides similar accuracy when compared to other techniques. This represents a valuable clinical tool for quickly correcting the underestimation of the 2D PISA method in TR. This simple method may increase the frequency of applying the correction and earlier recognition of patients with severe TR.

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement with Mi-thos system: First-in-human experience.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has become an alternative for high-risk patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the Mi-thos TMVR system (NewMed Medical) for high-risk patients with severe MR. METHODS: This was a prospective, two-center, single-arm early feasibility study. Baseline characteristics, procedural data and 30-day follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed. The primary endpoint was intraoperative success rate of device implantation. The second endpoints were all-cause mortality and major post-procedural complications. Echocardiographic data were evaluated by an independent core laboratory. Clinical events were adjudicated by a clinical events committee. RESULTS: Ten high-risk patients with severe MR were enrolled at two sites from August 2021 to November 2022. The median age was 70.5 years, and 60% of patients were female. The median Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality was 9.5%. The Mi-thos TMVR system was successfully implanted via transapical access in all patients. There was no pericedural mortality or major postpericedural complications during the 30-day follow-up. All implanted prosthetic valves had no or trace valvular or paravalvular MR, and the median mitral valve gradient at 30 days was 2.0 mmHg (IQR: 2.0-3.0 mmHg). There was one mild left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The favorable short-term outcomes of the Mi-thos TMVR system demonstrated that it might be a feasible and safe therapeutic alternative for high-risk patients with severe MR. Nevertheless, further evaluation of the Mi-thos TMVR system is warranted.

Selective stepwise adsorption for enhanced removal of multi-component dissolved organic chemicals from petrochemical wastewater.

The coexistence of multi-component dissolved organic chemicals causes tremendous challenge in purifying petrochemical wastewater, and stepwise selective adsorption holds the most promise for enhanced treatments. This study is designed to enhance the removal of multiple dissolved organic chemicals by stepwise adsorption. Special attention is given to the selective removal mechanisms for the major pollutant N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), the sensitive pollutant fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) and other components. The results indicated that the combination of coal activated carbon and aluminum silica gel produced a synergistic effect and broke the limitation of removing only certain pollutants. Combined removal rates of 80.5 % for the dissolved organic carbon and 86.7 % for the biotoxicity in petrochemical wastewater were obtained with the enhanced two-step adsorption. The adsorption performance of both adsorbents remained stable even after five cycles. The selective adsorption mechanism revealed that hydrophobic organics such as DMF was adsorbed by the macropores of coal activated carbon, while the FDOM was eliminated by π-π stacking, electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic interaction. The hydrophilic organics were removed by the mesopores of aluminum silica gel, the silica hydroxyl groups and hydrophilic interaction. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the selective adsorption mechanism and enhanced stepwise removal of multiple pollutants in petrochemical wastewater, which will guide the deep treatment of complex wastewater.

Clinical and genetic analysis of two patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia caused by a novel variant of DNAAF2.

BACKGROUND: The study describes the clinical manifestations and variant screening of two Chinese siblings with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). They carry the same DNAAF2 genotype, which is an extremely rare PCD genotype in the Chinese population. In addition, the study illustrated an overview of published variants on DNAAF2 to date. METHODS: A two-child family was recruited for the study. Clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, bronchoscopic and otoscopic images, and radiographic data were collected. Whole blood was collected from siblings and their parents for whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing to screen variants. RESULTS: The two siblings exhibited typical clinical manifestations of PCD. Two compound heterozygous variants in DNAAF2 were detected in both by WES. Nonsense variant c.156 C>A and frameshift variant c.177_178insA, which was a novel variant. CONCLUSION: The study identified a novel variant of DNAAF2 in Chinese children with a typical phenotype of PCD, which may enrich our knowledge of the clinical, diagnostic and genetic information of DNAAF2-induced PCD in children.

Exploring the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine exercise in alleviating anxiety and depression in older adults: a comprehensive study with randomized controlled trial and network meta-analysis.

Background: Anxiety and depression pose a significant global health challenge for elderly individuals. Research has demonstrated the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exercise therapies in alleviating these conditions. However, ongoing debate and uncertainty persist regarding the optimal therapy and its impact on anxiety and depression. This study aims to evaluate and prioritize TCM exercise therapies for anxiety and depression in older adults, to identify the most effective intervention, and to provide a basis for informed decision-making in clinical practice. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases including The Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wang Fang, and Wei Pu database up to July 2022. Two researchers independently reviewed all included studies and extracted relevant data. Traditional meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.4, while network meta-analysis was conducted using STATA software version 15.1 to generate network evidence plots and funnel plots. Result: A total of 30 trials, involving 2,806 participants, met the eligibility criteria. The traditional meta-analysis revealed that TCM exercise significantly improved anxiety (SMD = -0.82, 95% CI = -1.39, -0.26, p = 0.004) and depression (SMD = -0.63, 95% CI = -0.85, -0.41, p < 0.01) compared to the control group. In the network meta-analysis, Tai Chi exercise was ranked as the most effective intervention for anxiety (68.3%), followed by Yi Jin Jing (63.6%). For depression, the Tai Chi exercise was ranked as the most effective (87.8%), followed by the Ba Duan Jin exercise (74.1%). Conclusion: TCE exercise can improve anxiety and depression in older adults, Among the four TCE exercise therapies included, Tai Chi exercise showed better efficacy than other types of treatment. Nevertheless, further research is required to validate the effectiveness of this exercise therapy through larger and more rigorous clinical trials. Systematic review registration: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023438697.

Enzymolytic Lignin-Derived N-S Codoped Porous Carbon Nanocomposites as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reactions.

Currently, the development of nonmetallic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts based on heteroatomic-doped carbon materials is receiving increaseing attention in the field of fuel cells. Here, we used enzymolytic lignin (EL), melamine, and thiourea as carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur sources and NH4Cl as an activator to prepare N- and S-codoped lignin-based polyporous carbon (ELC) by one-step pyrolysis. The prepared lignin-derived biocarbon material (ELC-1-900) possessed a high specific surface area (844 m2 g-1), abundant mesoporous structure, and a large pore volume (0.587 cm3 g-1). The XPS results showed that ELC-1-900 was successfully doped with N and S. ELC-1-900 exhibited extremely high activity and stability in alkaline media for the ORR, with a half-wave potential (E1/2 = 0.88 V) and starting potential (Eonset = 0.98 V) superior to those of Pt/C catalysts and most non-noble-metal catalysts reported in recent studies. In addition, ELC-1-900 showed better ORR stability and methanol tolerance in alkaline media than commercial Pt/C catalysts.

mDia formins form hetero-oligomers and cooperatively maintain murine hematopoiesis.

mDia formin proteins regulate the dynamics and organization of the cytoskeleton through their linear actin nucleation and polymerization activities. We previously showed that mDia1 deficiency leads to aberrant innate immune activation and induces myelodysplasia in a mouse model, and mDia2 regulates enucleation and cytokinesis of erythroblasts and the engraftment of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). However, whether and how mDia formins interplay and regulate hematopoiesis under physiological and stress conditions remains unknown. Here, we found that both mDia1 and mDia2 are required for HSPC regeneration under stress, such as serial plating, aging, and reconstitution after myeloid ablation. We showed that mDia1 and mDia2 form hetero-oligomers through the interactions between mDia1 GBD-DID and mDia2 DAD domains. Double knockout of mDia1 and mDia2 in hematopoietic cells synergistically impaired the filamentous actin network and serum response factor-involved transcriptional signaling, which led to declined HSPCs, severe anemia, and significant mortality in neonates and newborn mice. Our data demonstrate the potential roles of mDia hetero-oligomerization and their non-rodent functions in the regulation of HSPCs activity and orchestration of hematopoiesis.

Identification of Triazolo-quinazolinone Derivatives as Novel and Potent Chitinase OfChi-h Inhibitors Based on Structure-Based Virtual Screening.

Insect chitinase, OfChi-h, from Ostrinia furnacalis, is considered as a promising target for the development of green pesticides. On the basis of the crystal structure of OfChi-h, we successfully obtained a triazolo-quinazolinone scaffold as the novel class of OfChi-h inhibitor via a structure-based virtual screening approach. Rational compound screening enabled us to acquire a potent OfChi-h inhibitor TQ19 with a Ki value of 0.33 µM. Furthermore, the in vivo biological activity of target compounds was assayed. The results showed that compounds TQ8 and TQ19 could dramatically inhibit the growth and development of Ostrinia nubilalis larvae, and most of the compounds showed higher insecticidal activity than hexaflumuron. This present work reveals that triazolo-quinazolinone derivatives can serve as novel candidates for insect growth regulators.

Echocardiographic parameters recommended for assessing the severity of tricuspid regurgitation: concordance and discordance.

Background: Current guidelines recommend integrating several echocardiographic indices to evaluate the severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Discordance of indices, including qualitative and quantitative methods, commonly exists in practice. The discordance among these parameters has not yet been fully elucidated. Methods: A total of 127 patients with recognizable TR jets without pulmonary regurgitation or intracardiac shunt were prospectively enrolled. We evaluated 8 parameters by 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography: proximal iso-velocity surface area (PISA)-derived regurgitant volume (RVol), PISA-derived effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA), PISA radius, vena contracta width (VCW), color Doppler jet area, tricuspid valve annular diameter, inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, and peak E wave. According to current guidelines, each echocardiographic parameter was determined to represent either severe or non-severe TR. A concordance score was calculated as the number of concordant parameters divided by 8, with a higher score reflecting better concordance. Data were further categorized into 3 subgroups: complete concordance (0 discordant parameters), high concordance (1-2 discordant parameters), and low concordance (3-4 discordant parameters). Results: The mean concordance score was 81%±17% for the entire cohort. There were 48 (38%) patients with complete concordance, including 6 patients with severe TR. In contrast, the low concordance group (n=43, 34%) mostly comprised severe TR patients (36 patients). When considering only EROA, RVol, and VCW, concordance improved, with 98 patients (77%) in complete agreement. Conclusions: Concordance seems limited when using echocardiographic parameters to assess TR severity. Applying only EROA, RVol, and VCW results in better concordance, as recommended by the current guidelines.

The miR-21-5p enriched in the apoptotic bodies of M2 macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles alleviates osteoarthritis by changing macrophage phenotype.

Macrophages (Mφs) play a crucial role in the pathological progression of osteoarthritis (OA) by regulating inflammation and tissue repair. Decreasing pro-inflammatory M1-Mφs and increasing anti-inflammatory M2-Mφs can alleviate OA-related inflammation and promote cartilage repair. Apoptosis is a natural process associated with tissue repair. A large number of apoptotic bodies (ABs), a type of extracellular vesicle, are produced during apoptosis, and this is associated with a reduction in inflammation. However, the functions of apoptotic bodies remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of M2-Mφs-derived apoptotic bodies (M2-ABs) in regulating the M1/M2 balance of macrophages in a mouse model of OA. Our data show that M2-ABs can be targeted for uptake by M1-Mφs, and this reprograms M1-to-M2 phenotypes within 24 h. The M2-ABs significantly ameliorated the severity of OA, alleviated the M1-mediated pro-inflammatory environment, and inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis in mice. RNA-seq revealed that M2-ABs were enriched with miR-21-5p, a microRNA that is negatively correlated with articular cartilage degeneration. Inhibiting the function of miR-21-5p in M1-Mφs significantly reduced M2-ABs-guided M1-to-M2 reprogramming following in vitro cell transfection. Together, these results suggest that M2-derived apoptotic bodies can prevent articular cartilage damage and improve gait abnormalities in OA mice by reversing the inflammatory response caused by M1 macrophages. The mechanism underlying these findings may be related to miR-21-5p-regulated inhibition of inflammatory factors. The application of M2-ABs may represent a novel cell therapy, and could provide a valuable strategy for the treatment of OA and/or chronic inflammation.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of children with cystic fibrosis in Henan China: A single-center retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing awareness of cystic fibrosis (CF) in China, few cases have been reported in Henan, which is the most populous province in the country. This study aimed to describe the clinical phenotype and genotype of children with CF in Henan. METHODS: We retrospectively recruited 18 Chinese children with CF who presented to Children's Hospital affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to June 2023. The demographic data, imaging examinations, and laboratory tests of the patients were reviewed to clarify the clinical phenotype. Whole exome sequencing was conducted to identify the genotype. RESULTS: Respiratory diseases were the main clinical manifestation, including recurrent/persistent pneumonia (88.9%), sinusitis (77.8%), bronchiectasis (77.8%). CF-related liver disease and pancreatic insufficiency were less common. Infant cases had high frequency of pseudo-Bartter Syndrome (80.0%). Chest computed tomography showed bronchiectasis in older children and air trapping in infant cases. The most common pathogens in the airway were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (72.2%) and Staphylococcus aureus (66.7%). Twenty-five different cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene variants were detected, including five novel observations (c.1064C>G[p. Pro355Arg], c.1209+1G>C, c.1925C>G[p. Ser642X], c.2810T>G[p. Leu937Arg], and c.3792delA[p. Gly1265GlufsX13]). The most common variant was c.2909G>A(p. Gly970Asp), with a detected rate of 21.9%. CONCLUSION: Children with CF in Henan had varied clinical phenotypes by age, with respiratory disease being predominant. The most frequent CFTR gene variant was c.2909G>A(p. Gly970Asp). This study is the first and most comprehensive one on the clinical phenotype and genotype of children with CF in Henan, China. We also reported the first CF case of Mycobacterium abscessus infection in China.

Influence of the casing layer on the specific volatile compounds and microorganisms by Agaricus bisporus.

One of the major variables affecting yield of the mushroom Agaricus bisporus is the casing layer, which directly affects the productivity and mass. Here, volatile organic compounds were extracted by headspace solid-phase microextraction and high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the microbial community diversity. The relationship between mushroom yield at different cropping stages and the contents of volatile organic compounds and microorganisms in three different casing layers: peat, peat + soil and soil were systematically evaluated. The result shows that Benzaldehyde and (E)-2-octenal which stimulate yield, obviously increased as mushrooms grew, while 3-octanone, which inhibits yield, decreased over time in all three casing layers. However, there was not a strong correlation between the concentration of volatile compounds and yield. In addition, more than 3,000 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) by performing high throughput sequencing of the microbes were obtained in the three casing layers. Interestingly, the microbial community compositions were very similar between the three casing layers at a later cropping stage, but the community richness varied significantly in different casing layers and at different cropping stages. At the phylum level, the communities had similar structures but were quantitively very different, and this was even more obvious at the genus level. Principal component analysis revealed significant alterations in microbial community structure in different casing layers. Sphingomonas, Dongia and Achromobacter were the dominant genera at cropping stage 1, and the stage 3 were abundant in Saccharibacteria_norank, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium and Brevundimonas, which was positively correlated with yield, while the abundance of Pseudomonas at stage 1 and Lactococcus and Bacillus at stage 3 was negatively correlated with yield. These results provide a guide for the development and agricultural application of microbial agents for yield improvement in the production of A. bisporus.

ASAS-EGB: A statistical framework for estimating allele-specific alternative splicing events using transcriptome data.

Ubiquitous Alternative splicing (AS) in eukaryotes greatly increases the biodiversity of proteins and involves in disease and cancer. Allele-specific AS studies can facilitate the identification of cis-acting elements because both alleles share the same cellular environment. Due to the limited information provided on the exons defined by AS events, we propose a statistical framework and algorithm ASAS-EGB for ASAS analysis using the gene transcriptome. The framework obtains exclusively compatible sets of gene isoforms supporting each event isoform, and uses both phased and non-phased SNPs within the exons on the gene isoforms for inference. Using this strategy, we have demonstrated ASAS-EGB can yield better ASAS inferential performance than using event isoforms. ASAS-EGB supports both single-end and paired-end RNA-seq data, and we have proved its robustness using RNA-seq replicates of individual NA12878. ASAS-EGB builds Bayesian models for ASAS analysis, and the MCMC method is used to solve the problem. With more detailed annotations for individual genomes and transcriptomes appearing in the future, the algorithm proposed by the paper can provide better support for these data to reveal the regulatory mechanisms of individual genomes.