Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal five new species of Porotheleaceae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from China.

The first occurrence of Marasmiellomycena and Pulverulina in the Chinese mycobiota are reported, M.tomentosa and P.flavoalba, two new species and M.albodescendens, a new combination, revealed by phylogenetic analyses and morphological study. These newly-recorded genera, Marasmiellomycena, which can be distinguished by their agaricoid basidiomata, dark-coloured stipe, sarcodimitic tramal structure, stipitipellis with yellow to yellowish-brown pigments and yellow-pigmented thick-walled caulocystidia and Pulverulina, which differs from other genera of Porotheleaceae by its pruinose stipe, decurrent lamellae, inamyloid basidiospores and absence of hymenial cystidia. We also formally describe three other new species of Porotheleaceae collected from Chinese temperate to subtropical zones of Fujian and Zhejiang Provinces: Clitocybulafuscostriata, Gerronemabrunneosquamulosum and Leucoinocybesubglobispora. Furthermore, we include the results of a phylogenetic analysis of Porotheleaceae, based on a multi-locus (ITS, nrLSU and rpb2) dataset. According to this analysis, Chrysomycena, Clitocybula, Delicatula, Hydropodia, Hydropus, Leucoinocybe, Marasmiellomycena, Megacollybia, Pulverulina, Trogia and Vizzinia are monophyletic. However, Gerronema is identified as polyphyletic and, additionally, Porotheleum does not form a monophyletic group either because Porotheleumparvulum and Porotheleumalbidum are "unassigned" in phylogenetic analysis. The results of our phylogenetic analyses, coupled with morphological observations, confirm recognition of these new taxa. Morphological descriptions, photographs, line drawings and comparisons with closely-related taxa are presented for the new species. A key to the 22 species belonging to nine genera of Porotheleaceae in China is also provided.

Integrated transcriptomic, metabolomic, and functional analyses unravel the mechanism of bagging delaying fruit cracking of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.).

The economic impact of fruit cracking in pomegranate products is substantial. In this study, we present the inaugural comprehensive analysis of transcriptome and metabolome in the outermost pericarp of pomegranate fruit in bagging conditions. Our investigation revealed a notable upregulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the calcium signaling pathway (76.92%) and xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) genes (87.50%) in the fruit peel of non-cracking fruit under bagging. Metabolomic analysis revealed that multiple phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins were identified in pomegranate. Among these, calmodulin-like 23 (PgCML23) exhibited a significant correlation with triterpenoids and demonstrated a marked upregulation under bagging treatment. The transgenic tomatoes overexpressing PgCML23 exhibited significantly higher cellulose content and xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (XET) enzyme activity in the pericarp at the red ripening stage compared to the wild type. Conversely, water-soluble pectin content, polygalacturonase (PG), and ß-galactosidase (ß-GAL) enzyme activities were significantly lower in the transgenic tomatoes. Importantly, the heterologous expression of PgCML23 led to a substantial reduction in the fruit cracking rate in tomatoes. Our findings highlight the reduction of fruit cracking in bagging conditions through the manipulation of PgCML23 expression.

Timely use of Bakri intrauterine balloon tamponade contributes to the effectiveness in controlling severe postpartum hemorrhage.

The aim of the present study was to explore the effectiveness of Bakri intrauterine balloon tamponade (IUBT) in treating severe postpartum hemorrhage (SPPH). A cohort of 198 women with SPPH using IUBT were retrospectively selected. The baseline and maternal outcome characteristics were examined. The results demonstrated that women with SPPH had a high proportion of placenta accrete (53.0%). Bakri IUBT demonstrated a global effectiveness of 84.5% in SPPH treatment, accounting for 82.9% in women with placenta accrete. Compared with women with Bakri failure, women who experienced Bakri success had reduced rates of less use of pre-/post-IUBT intervention, blood transfusion, lower genital tract trauma, estimated blood loss (EBL), and a longer indwelling duration (P<0.05). Logistic regression revealed that the pre-IUBT intervention (OR=3.910; 95% CI: 1.684-9.079; P=0.002) was positively associated with hemostasis success, while lower genital tract trauma was negatively associated with Bakri success (OR=0.091; 95% CI: 0.009-0.894; P=0.040). Moreover, women diagnosed with placenta accrete underwent a greater number of transabdominal placed Bakri IUBT and pre-IUBT interventions than those without placenta accrete (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in Bakri success, total EBL, pre-/post-IUBT EBL, infused volume of IUBT, IUBT indwelling duration, even the rate of hemostasis, lower genital tract trauma, blood transfusion, post-IUBT intervention, and puerperal fever between women with and without placenta accrete (P>0.05). In conclusion, placenta accrete may be the leading cause of SPPH. Bakri IUBT is an effective and safe measure for SPPH. Pre-IUBT intervention may be predictive of Bakri's success. The timely use of IUBT during labor may mitigate the impact of risk factors identified on PPH.

Efficacy of Bakri Intrauterine Balloon in Managing Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Comparative Analysis of Vaginal and Cesarean Deliveries with Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders.

BACKGROUND The incidence of placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PAS) has been increasing in past decades, and women with PAS are a high-risk maternal population. This study aimed to explore the performance of Bakri intrauterine balloon tamponade (IUBT) in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), among those with and without PAS. MATERIAL AND METHODS The outcomes of 198 women who underwent treatment for PPH using IUBT were retrospectively analyzed. The demographics and maternal outcomes were analyzed for vaginal and cesarean births, with PAS and without PAS. RESULTS Compared to women with vaginal births (n=130), women who underwent cesarean births (n=68) showed a higher proportion of age ≥35 years (χ²=6.85, P=0.013), multiple births (χ²=13.60, P<0.001), preeclampsia (χ²=9.81, P=0.002), use of transabdominal IUBT (χ²=84.12, P<0.001) and pre-IUBT interventions (χ²=41.61, P<0.001), but had less infused volume of physiological saline (t=6.41, P<0.001). Women with PAS (n=105) showed a higher rate of pre-IUBT intervention (χ²=4.96, P=0.029) and transabdominal IUBT placement (χ²=9.37, P=0.002) than non-PAS women (n=93). The 36 women with PAS (n=36) showed a higher rate of preeclampsia (χ²=4.80, P=0.029), pre-IUBT intervention (χ²=5.90, P=0.015), and transabdominal IUBT placement (χ²=14.94, P<0.001) and a shorter duration from delivery to Bakri insertion (χ²=3.31, P=0.002), than non-PAS women (n=32). CONCLUSIONS PAS was a major cause of PPH at 198 vaginal and cesarean births. An accurate and timely pre-IUBT intervention and Bakri IUBT placement was critical for controlling PPH in cesarean births, especially in women with PAS.

Efficacy of interventional closure therapy on cryptogenic stroke with coexisting patent foramen ovale in young patients and its impact on serum fibrinogen and D-dimer levels.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy of interventional closure therapy in young patients with cryptogenic stroke and coexisting patent foramen ovale and analyze its impact on serum fibrinogen and D-dimer levels. METHODS: All subjects in this study were young stroke patients with PFO. After excluding patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria, they were registered and divided into two groups based on the treatment method: the closure group and the medical group. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in basic clinical data between the two groups, indicating comparability (p > 0.05). The closure group showed better heart function after treatment compared to the medical group, with significant differences (p < 0.05). Headache symptoms in the closure group were less severe than those in the medical group after treatment, with significant differences (p < 0.05). Laboratory indicators in the closure group were better than those in the medical group after treatment, with significant differences (p < 0.05). Serum fibrinogen and D-dimer levels in the closure group were lower than those in the medical group after treatment, with significant differences (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Interventional closure therapy demonstrated positive effects on young patients with cryptogenic stroke and coexisting PFO, showing improvements in heart function, headache symptoms, and blood coagulation parameters. While the study suggests potential benefits, cautious interpretation is warranted, given the observational study design. Further research with a larger sample size and long-term follow-up is needed to validate these findings.

Clinical and Genetic Study of Three Inherited Microdeletions of Chromosome 16p11.2.

Copy number variations (CNVs) in chromosome 16p11.2 are not rare. 16p11.2 microdeletion is among the most commonly known genetic etiologies of overweightness, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and related neurodevelopmental disorders. We report the prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling of three cases with inherited 16p11.2 microdeletions. In these families, mother/father and fetus have the same microdeletion. Following the use of molecular genetic techniques including array-based methods, the number of reported cases has rapidly increased. A combination of prenatal three-dimensional ultrasound, karyotype analysis, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq), whole-exome sequencing (WES), and genetic counseling is helpful for the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal microdeletions/microduplications.

Expression profiling of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene family in ginkgo biloba L.

The PAL gene family plays an important role in plant growth, development, and response to abiotic stresses and has been identified in a variety of plants. However, a systematic characterization is still lacking in Ginkgo biloba. Using a bioinformatics approach, 11 GbPAL members of the PAL gene family identified in ginkgo were identified in this study. The protein structure and physicochemical properties indicated that the GbPAL genes were highly similar. Based on their exon-intron structures, they can be classified into three groups. A total of 62 cis-elements for hormone, light, and abiotic stress responses were identified in the promoters of GbPAL genes, indicating that PAL is a multifunctional gene family. GbPAL genes were specifically expressed in different tissues and ploidy of ginkgo. These results provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the functional expression of the GbPAL genes.

Genetic diversity, population structure, and genome-wide association analysis of ginkgo cultivars.

Ginkgo biloba is an economically valuable tree worldwide. The species has nearly become extinct during the Quaternary, which has likely resulted in reduction of its genetic variability. The genetic variability is now conserved in few natural populations in China and a number of cultivars that are, however, derived from a few ancient trees, helping the species survive in China through medieval times. Despite the recent interest in ginkgo, however, detailed knowledge of its genetic diversity, conserved in cultivated trees and cultivars, has remained poor. This limits efficient conservation of its diversity as well as efficient use of the existing germplasm resources. Here we performed genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) on 102 cultivated germplasms of ginkgo collected to explore their genetic structure, kinship, and inbreeding prediction. For the first time in ginkgo, a genome-wide association analysis study (GWAS) was used to attempt gene mapping of seed traits. The results showed that most of the germplasms did not show any obvious genetic relationship. The size of the ginkgo germplasm population expanded significantly around 1500 years ago during the Sui and Tang dynasties. Classification of seed cultivars based on a phylogenetic perspective does not support the current classification criteria based on phenotype. Twenty-four candidate genes were localized after performing GWAS on the seed traits. Overall, this study reveals the genetic basis of ginkgo seed traits and provides insights into its cultivation history. These findings will facilitate the conservation and utilization of the domesticated germplasms of this living fossil plant.

High Levels of Antibiotic Resistance in MDR-Strong Biofilm-Forming Salmonella Typhimurium ST34 in Southern China.

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is an important zoonotic pathogen with important public health significance. To understand S. typhimurium's epidemiological characteristics in China, multi-locus sequence typing, biofilm-forming ability, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and resistant genes of isolates from different regions and sources (human, food) were investigated. Among them, ST34 accounted for 82.4% (243/295), with ST19 ranking second (15.9%; 47/295). ST34 exhibited higher resistance levels than ST19 (p < 0.05). All colistin, carbapenem, and ciprofloxacin-resistant strains were ST34, as were most cephalosporin-resistant strains (88.9%; 32/36). Overall, 91.4% (222/243) ST34 isolates were shown to have multidrug resistance (MDR), while 53.2% (25/47) ST19 isolates were (p < 0.05). Notably, 97.8% (45/46) of the MDR-ACSSuT (resistance to Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol, Streptomycin, Sulfamethoxazole, and Tetracycline) isolates were ST34, among which 69.6% (32/46) of ST34 isolates were of human origin, while 30.4% (14/46) were derived from food (p < 0.05). Moreover, 88.48% (215/243) ST34 showed moderate to strong biofilm-forming ability compared with 10.9% (5/46) ST19 isolates (p < 0.01). This study revealed the emergence of high-level antibiotic resistance S. typhimurium ST34 with strong biofilm-forming ability, posing concerns for public health safety.

The effect of silicon groups on the physicochemical property and bioactivity of L-phenylalanine derived poly(amide-imide).

Poly(amide-imide) (PAI), serving as a synthetic polymer, has been widely used in industry for excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance and high thermal stability. However, lack of suitable cell niche and biological activity limited the further application of PAI in biomedical engineering. Herein, silicon modified L-phenylalanine derived poly(amide-imide) (PAIS) was synthesized by introducing silica to L-phenylalanine derived PAI to improve physicochemical and biological performances. The influence of silicon amount on physicochemical, immune, and angiogenic performances of PAIS were systemically studied. The results show that PAIS exerts excellent hydrophilic, mechanical, biological activity. PAIS shows no effects on the number of macrophages, but can regulate macrophage polarization and angiogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. This study advanced our understanding of silicon modification in PAI can modulate cell responses via initiating silicon concentration regulation. The acquired knowledge will provide a new strategy to design and optimize biomedical PAI in the future.

Structural Elucidation of a Glucan from Trichaster palmiferus by Its Degraded Products and Preparation of Its Sulfated Derivative as an Anticoagulant.

Echinoderms have been attracting increasing attention for their polysaccharides, with unique chemical structure and enormous potential for preparing drugs to treat diseases. In this study, a glucan (TPG) was obtained from the brittle star Trichaster palmiferus. Its structure was elucidated by physicochemical analysis and by analyzing its low-molecular-weight products as degraded by mild acid hydrolysis. The TPG sulfate (TPGS) was prepared, and its anticoagulant activity was investigated for potential development of anticoagulants. Results showed that TPG consisted of a consecutive α1,4-linked D-glucopyranose (D-Glcp) backbone together with a α1,4-linked D-Glcp disaccharide side chain linked through C-1 to C-6 of the main chain. The TPGS was successfully prepared with a degree of sulfation of 1.57. Anticoagulant activity results showed that TPGS significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and prothrombin time. Furthermore, TPGS obviously inhibited intrinsic tenase, with an EC50 value of 77.15 ng/mL, which was comparable with that of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) (69.82 ng/mL). TPGS showed no AT-dependent anti-FIIa and anti-FXa activities. These results suggest that the sulfate group and sulfated disaccharide side chains play a crucial role in the anticoagulant activity of TPGS. These findings may provide some information for the development and utilization of brittle star resources.

Assessment of Fungal Diversity in Minqin County, a Typical Arid Region in Northwestern China.

Minqin County is located in the Shiyang River Basin. As a typical arid area, it is eroded by the Badain Jaran and Tengger Desert all year round, and knowledge of the fungal diversity in this area is limited. Therefore, fungal community structure and distribution in the soil of the artificial forest, desert transition zone, farmland, and desert were investigated using amplicon sequencing of the fungal ITS gene. Ten fungal phyla and 23 classes were identified, including 1131 fungi OTUs, Sordariomycetes, Dothideomycetes, Pezizomycetes, and Agaricomycetes were the most abundant classes. Although most OTUs are shared among habitats, fungal community composition among samples was highly variable, which may influence the design of restoration practices in this area.

Transcriptome and proteome associated analysis of flavonoid metabolism in haploid Ginkgo biloba.

Having different number if genome copies affect transcription and metabolite production of plants. This may be due to different gene transcription and protein expression, but the reasons for this remains poorly known. Here we measured flavonoid content in leaves of three haploid and diploid grafted plants of Ginkgo biloba, a model gymnosperm important economically for its flavonoid content. We reported the first combined transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of the difference in flavonoid content in three haploid ginkgos to investigate the effect of haploidy. Haploids had always smaller leaves and flavonoid content than the diploids. The selected haploid had also generally lower gene dosage than the selected diploid, with 1149 up-regulated (46.8 %) and 1309 down-regulated (53.2 %) among 2452 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Of 686 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) detected, 289 proteins (42.1 %) were upregulated, and 397 proteins (57.9 %) were downregulated in haploids. A particular attention deserves the downregulation of PAL, PAM, FLS, OMT1 hub genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis regulation. Our study confirms the trend of haploids to have lower metabolic contents and points that lower flavonoid content in ginkgo monoploids could be due to reduced dosage of the corresponding regulatory genes and downregulation of genes involved in flavonoid synthesis.

Taxonomy and multi-gene phylogeny of Micropsalliota (Agaricales, Agaricaceae) with description of six new species from China.

Micropsalliota is a relatively small genus containing only 62 previously identified species. Here, we describe six new taxa of Micropsalliota based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses: M. minor, M. ovalispora, M. pseudodelicatula, M. rufosquarrosa, M. tenuipes, and M. wuyishanensis and a new record taxon to China. The first Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of a three-gene dataset (ITS, LSU, and rpb2) separated the genus into 18 weakly to strongly supported major clades and subclades, but only a few subclades were synapomorphies. According to phylogenetic analyses, M. cornuta does not belong in Micropsalliota. A key to 20 species of Micropsalliota in China is provided.

Pregnancy complicated with aortic dissection: Two cases report.

RATIONALE: This study aims to investigate the characteristics of pregnancy complicated with aortic dissection (AD), diagnosis and treatment plan, and maternal and infant outcomes. PATIENT CONCERNS: Two pregnant women suffered persistent back pain were admitted to Hubei Maternal and Child Health Hospital from December 2019 to December 2020. DIAGNOSIS: Pregnant women with chest and back pain and especially hypertension should be highly suspected of AD. However, to confirm diagnosis results, laboratory tests such as D-dimer, fibrinogen and white blood cells, and even some Special examination, cardiac ultrasound, computed tomographic angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), are required. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve maternal and infant outcomes. INTERVENTIONS: Cesarean sections were performed in both patients. Case 1 underwent thoracic aortic stent implantation one day after the onset of AD symptoms. Case 2 received endovascular repair of AD 4 days after the onset of AD symptoms. OUTCOMES: In these two cases, good maternal and infant outcomes were obtained through effective early identification and treatment. LESSONS: AD is characterized with an acute onset, and the rates of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis are high, which seriously endangers the life of mother and child. Hypertension is one of the high-risk factors causing AD. Good maternal and infant outcomes can be achieved by early identification, multidisciplinary collaboration and timely cardiac surgical intervention.

High-Depth Transcriptome Reveals Differences in Natural Haploid Ginkgo biloba L. Due to the Effect of Reduced Gene Dosage.

As a representative of gymnosperms, the discovery of natural haploids of Ginkgo biloba L. has opened a new door for its research. Haploid germplasm has always been a research material of interest to researchers because of its special characteristics. However, we do not yet know the special features and mechanisms of haploid ginkgo following this significant discovery. In this study, we conducted a homogenous garden experiment on haploid and diploid ginkgo to explore the differences in growth, physiology and biochemistry between the two. Additionally, a high-depth transcriptome database of both was established to reveal their transcriptional differences. The results showed that haploid ginkgo exhibited weaker growth potential, lower photosynthesis and flavonoid accumulation capacity. Although the up-regulated expression of DEGs in haploid ginkgo reached 46.7% of the total DEGs in the whole transcriptome data, the gene sets of photosynthesis metabolic, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, which were significantly related to these differences, were found to show a significant down-regulated expression trend by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We further found that the major metabolic pathways in the haploid ginkgo transcriptional database were down-regulated in expression compared to the diploid. This study reveals for the first time the phenotypic, growth and physiological differences in haploid ginkgos, and demonstrates their transcriptional patterns based on high-depth transcriptomic data, laying the foundation for subsequent in-depth studies of haploid ginkgos.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Parnassius glacialis (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae).

Parnassius glacialis is a butterfly species distributed in China, Korea, Japan. The complete P. glacialis mitochondrial genome was assembled using Illumina sequencing data. The mitogenome is 15,353 bp long and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes. A phylogenetic analysis of P. glacialis and 14 related Papilionidae species indicated that P. glacialis is clustered with other Parnassius species. This study generated useful genetic information for future studies on the taxonomy, phylogeny, and evolution of Papilionidae species.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Quercus sessilifolia Blume (Fagaceae).

Quercus sessilifolia Blume is one of the dominant tree species in East Asian evergreen broadleaved forests. In this study, we assembled and characterized the plastome of Q. sessilifolia using Illumina paired-end data. The circular genome is 160,813 bp in size, consisting of two copies of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,862 bp, one large single-copy (LSC) region of 90,218 bp, and one small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,871 bp. It encodes a total of 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 28 chloroplast genome sequences indicated that Q. sessilifolia was most closely related to Q. myrsinifolia with 90% bootstrap support.

Updated taxonomy on Gerronema (Porotheleaceae, Agaricales) with three new taxa and one new record from China.

Only three Gerronema (Porotheleaceae) species have been previously recorded in China. Here, we report collections of a fourth species in China: G.nemorale Har. Takah., which is widely distributed in Chinese temperate to subtropical zones. We also formally describe three new species, collected from Anhui, Fujian, and Zhejiang provinces: G.baishanzuense sp. nov., G.microcarpum sp. nov., and G.zhujian sp. nov. Furthermore, we include the results of a phylogenetic analysis of Porotheleaceae based on a multi-locus (ITS + nLSU) dataset. The results, which indicate that Gerronema is polyphyletic, support the taxonomic recognition of the three new species. Morphological descriptions, photographs, line drawings, and comparisons with closely related taxa are presented for the new and newly recorded species. A key to the seven species of Gerronema in China is also provided.