Characterization of three novel stem rot pathogens and their antagonistic endophytic bacteria associated with Cistanche deserticola.

Cistanche deserticola is a precious Chinese medicinal material with extremely high health care and medicinal value. In recent years, the frequent occurrence of stem rot has led to reduced or even no harvests of C. deserticola. The unstandardized use of farm chemicals in the prevention and control processes has resulted in excessive chemical residues, threatening the fragile desert ecological environment. Therefore, it is urgent to explore safe and efficient prevention and control technologies. Biocontrol agents, with the advantages of safety and environment-friendliness, would be an important idea. The isolation, screening and identification of pathogens and antagonistic endophytic bacteria are always the primary basis. In this study, three novel pathogens causing C. deserticola stem rot were isolated, identified and pathogenicity tested, namely Fusarium solani CPF1, F. proliferatum CPF2, and F. oxysporum CPF3. For the first time, the endophytic bacteria in C. deserticola were isolated and identified, of which 37 strains were obtained. Through dual culture assay, evaluation experiment and tissue culture verification, a biocontrol candidate strain Bacillus atrophaeus CE6 with outstanding control effect on the stem rot was screened out. In the tissue culture system, CE6 showed excellent control effect against F. solani and F. oxysporum, with the control efficacies reaching 97.2% and 95.8%, respectively, indicating its great potential for application in the production. This study is of great significance for the biocontrol of plant stem rot and improvement of the yield and quality of C. deserticola.

Simultaneous determination of inflammatory factors SAA and LTF based on stable element labeling and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to aid in the diagnosis of infection.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical value of Serum amyloid A (SAA) and Lactoferrin (LTF) has received significant attention, but their detection methods are inadequate, which limits their application. This study aims to develop a dual detection method based on stable element labeling strategies and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for SAA/LTF and to assess whether it can be widely used in clinical practice. METHODS: A duplex immunoassay system based on sandwich method was constructed. After optimization, methodological evaluation was performed with the guidelines of Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Finally, 131 plasma samples were collected to analyze whether the new method is suitable for clinical detection. RESULTS: The LoB, LLoQ, ULoQ, and linear range of the assay were 1.09 ng/mL, 3 ng/mL, 1500 ng/mL, 3-1500 ng/mL for SAA and 0.85 ng/mL, 2 ng/mL, 1200 ng/mL, 2-1200 ng/mL for LTF respectively. The recovery rates were 95.01% to 106.26%, the intra-batch precision of low, intermediate, and high-level samples was <8%, and the inter-batch of them was <11%, the deviation of interference test results was less than±10%. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) was 0.9809 for SAA, 0.8599 for LTF, and 0.9986 for combination. CONCLUSION: The quantitative duplex immunoassay for SAA/LTF has high accuracy, good precision, and high specificity, which meets the clinical testing requirements and can be widely used in clinical practice.

Unveiling research trends in the prognosis of osteosarcoma: A bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2022.

Background: Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most prevalent form of malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, producing osteoid and immature bone. Numerous high quality studies have been published in the OSA field, however, no bibliometric study related to this area has been reported thus far. Therefore, the present study retrieved the published data from 2000 to 2022 to reveal the dynamics, development trends, hotspots and future directions of the OSA. Methods: Publications regard to osteogenic sarcoma and prognosis were searched in the core collection on Web of Science database. The retrieved publications were analyzed by publication years, journals, categories, countries, citations, institutions, authors, keywords and clusters using the two widely available bibliometric visualization tools, VOS viewer (Version 1.6.16), Citespace (Version 6.2. R1). Results: A total of 6260 publications related to the current topic were retrieved and analyzed, revealing exponential increase in the number of publications with an improvement in the citations on the OSA over time, in which China and the USA are the most productive nations. Shanghai Jiao Tong University, University of Texas System and Harvard University are prolific institutions, having highest collaboration network. Oncology Letters and Journal of Clinical Oncology are the most productive and the most cited journals respectively. The Wang Y is a prominent author and articles published by Bacci G had the highest number of citations indicating their significant impact in the field. According to keywords analysis, osteosarcoma, expression and metastasis were the most apparent keywords whereas the current research hotspots are biomarker, tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy and DNA methylation. Conclusion: Our findings offer valuable information for researchers to understand the current research status and the necessity of future research to mitigate the mortality of the OS patients.

Antimicrobial Resistance and the Genomic Epidemiology of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis ST11 in China.

BACKGROUND: With the recent evolution of multidrug-resistant strains, the genetic characteristics of foodborne Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis and clinical isolates have changed. ST11 is now the most common genotype associated with S. Enteritidis isolates. METHODS: A total of 83 strains of S. Enteritidis were collected at the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army. Of these, 37 were from aseptic sites in patients, 11 were from the feces of patients with diarrhea, and the remaining 35 were of chicken-origin. The minimum inhibitory concentration of S. Enteritidis was determined by the broth microdilution method. Genomic DNA was extracted using the QiAamp DNA Mini Kit, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using an Illumina X-ten platform. Prokka was used for gene prediction and annotation, and bioinformatic analysis tools included Resfinder, ISFinder, Virulence Factor Database, and PlasmidFinder. IQ-TREE was used to build a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree. The phylogenetic relationship and distribution of resistance genes was displayed using iTOL. Comparative population genomics was used to analyze the phenotypes and genetic characteristics of antibiotic resistance in clinical and chicken-origin isolates of S. Enteritidis. RESULTS: The chicken-origin S. Enteritidis isolates were more resistant to antibiotics than clinical isolates, and had a broader antibiotic resistance spectrum and higher antibiotic resistance rate. A higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistance genes was observed in chicken-origin S. Enteritidis compared to clinical isolates, along with distinct patterns in the contextual characteristics of these genes. Notably, genes such as blaCTX-M and dfrA17 were exclusive to plasmids in clinical S. Enteritidis, whereas in chicken-origin S. Enteritidis they were found in both plasmids and chromosomes. Additionally, floR was significantly more prevalent in chicken-origin isolates than in clinical isolates. Careful analysis revealed that the delayed isolation of chicken-origin S. Enteritidis contributes to accelerated gene evolution. Of note, certain resistance genes tend to integrate seamlessly and persist steadfastly within the chromosome, thereby expediting the evolution of resistance mechanisms against antibiotics. Our comparative analysis of virulence genes in S. Enteritidis strains from various sources found no substantial disparities in the distribution of other virulence factors. In summary, we propose that chicken-origin S. Enteritidis has the potential to cause clinical infections. Moreover, the ongoing evolution and dissemination of these drug-resistant genes poses a formidable challenge to clinical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Constant vigilance is needed to monitor the dynamic patterns of drug resistance in S. Enteritidis strains sourced from diverse origins.

Macrosemiafengi Wang sp. nov. from Yunnan and Guizhou, China (Hemiptera, Cicadidae, Cicadinae).

Background: The genus Macrosemia Kato, 1925 (Hemiptera, Cicadidae, Cicadinae, Dundubiini, Dundubiina) currently includes 16 species (excluding subspecies and varieties), mainly occurring in the Oriental Region. More than half of them, 10 species, are known from China, including one new species, described in the present study. New information: A new species of cicada, Macrosemiafengi Wang sp. nov., is described from Yunnan and Guizhou, southwest China. Colour plates are presented to illustrate its diagnostic characters. The distribution map of the new species is also given.

A new species of Tanna Distant, 1905 from Yunnan, China (Hemiptera, Cicadidae, Cicadinae).

Background: The genus Tanna Distant, 1905 (Hemiptera, Cicadidae, Cicadinae, Leptopsaltriini, Leptopsaltriina) currently includes 23 species (three tentatively placed), with its actual geographical distribution in China, Japan, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Most of them, 16 species, are known from China, including one new species here described. New information: A new species of cicada, Tannafengi Wang sp. nov., is described from Yunnan, southwest China. Colour plates are presented to illustrate all diagnostic characters. An updated list of Tanna species occurring in China is provided.

A diagnostic model for distinguishing between active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection based on the blood expression profiles of autophagy-related genes.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy is closely involved in the control of mycobacterial infection. OBJECTIVES: Here, a diagnostic model was developed using the levels of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in the blood to differentiate active tuberculosis (ATB) and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of three prospective cohorts. METHODS: The expression of ARGs in patients with ATB and LTBI were analyzed using the GSE37250, GSE19491, and GSE28623 datasets from the GEO database. RESULTS: Twenty-two differentially expressed ARGs were identified in the training dataset GSE37250. Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariate logistic regression, three ARGs (FOXO1, CCL2, and ITGA3) were found that were positively associated with adaptive immune-related lymphocytes and negatively associated with myeloid and inflammatory cells. A nomogram was constructed using the three ARGs. The accuracy, consistency, and clinical relevance of the nomogram were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, the C-index, calibration curves, and validation in the datasets GSE19491 and GSE28623. The nomogram showed good predictive performance. CONCLUSION: The nomogram was able to accurately differentiate between ATB and LTBI patients. These findings provide evidence for future study on the pathology of autophagy in tuberculosis infection.

Diagnostic Value of Synovial Fluid Biomarkers for Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Prospective, Double-blind Trial.

BACKGROUND This prospective, double-blind study investigated the clinical diagnostic value of synovial fluid S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and investigated the subtypes of a-defensin that have diagnostic value for PJI. MATERIAL AND METHODS Synovial fluid samples were collected from 82 patients with suspected PJI after total joint arthroplasty. Patients were divided into a PJI group (n=39) and non-PJI group (n=43). Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to determine S100A8, S100A9, alpha-defensin, and internal reference standards in synovial fluid. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of S100A8, S100A9, and alpha-defensin for PJI, as well as the diagnostic value in combination with common biomarkers of infection. RESULTS S100A8, 3 variants of S100A9, and 3 alpha-defensins (human neutrophil peptides [HNP]1-3) in synovial fluid were significantly higher in the PJI group than in the non-PJI group (P<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and the area under ROC curve (AUC) for diagnosing PJI were 97.4%, 86.0%, and 0.964 (95% CI: 0.929-0.998), respectively, for synovial fluid S100A8; 87.2%, 88.4% and 0.902 (95% CI: 0.823-0.980), respectively, for S100A9; and 89.7%, 83.7%, and 0.933 (95% CI: 0.884-0.982), respectively, for HNP1-3. The diagnostic efficiency was improved when combined with synovial fluid white blood cell count and percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS Synovial fluid S100A8, S100A9, and HNP1-3 have satisfactory diagnostic efficiency for the diagnosis of PJI, which will help clinicians to accurately diagnose PJI.

Potential plasma biomarkers at low altitude for prediction of acute mountain sickness.

Background: Ascending to high altitude can induce a range of physiological and molecular alterations, rendering a proportion of lowlanders unacclimatized. The prediction of acute mountain sickness (AMS) prior to ascent to high altitude remains elusive. Methods: A total of 40 participants were enrolled for our study in the discovery cohort, and plasma samples were collected from all individuals. The subjects were divided into severe AMS-susceptible (sAMS) group, moderate AMS-susceptible (mAMS) group and non-AMS group based on the Lake Louise Score (LLS) at both 5000m and 3700m. Proteomic analysis was conducted on a cohort of 40 individuals to elucidate differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and associated pathways between AMS-susceptible group and AMS-resistant group at low altitude (1400m) and middle high-altitude (3700m). Subsequently, a validation cohort consisting of 118 individuals was enrolled. The plasma concentration of selected DEPs were quantified using ELISA. Comparative analyses of DEPs among different groups in validation cohort were performed, followed by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate the predictive efficiency of DEPs for the occurrence of AMS. Results: The occurrence of the AMS symptoms and LLS differed significantly among the three groups in the discovery cohort (p<0.05), as well as in the validation cohort. Comparison of plasma protein profiles using GO analysis revealed that DEPs were primarily enriched in granulocyte activation, neutrophil mediated immunity, and humoral immune response. The comparison of potential biomarkers between the sAMS group and non-AMS group at low altitude revealed statistically higher levels of AAT, SAP and LTF in sAMS group (p=0.01), with a combined area under the curve(AUC) of 0.965. Compared to the mAMS group at low altitude, both SAP and LTF were found to be significantly elevated in the sAMS group, with a combined AUC of 0.887. HSP90-α and SAP exhibited statistically higher levels in the mAMS group compared to the non-AMS group at low altitude, with a combined AUC of 0.874. Conclusion: Inflammatory and immune related biological processes were significantly different between AMS-susceptible and AMS-resistant groups at low altitude and middle high-altitude. SAP, AAT, LTF and HSP90-α were considered as potential biomarkers at low altitude for the prediction of AMS.

Dosage optimization of tacrolimus based on the glucocorticoid dose and pharmacogenetics in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to develop a genotype-incorporated population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model of tacrolimus (TAC) in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to investigate the factors influencing TAC pharmacokinetics and to develop an individualized dosing regimen based on the model. In addition, a non-genotype-incorporated model was also established to assess its predictive performance compared to the genotype-incorporated model. METHODS: A total of 365 trough concentrations from 133 adult SLE patients treated with TAC were collected to develop a genotype-incorporated PPK model and a non-genotype-incorporated PPK model of TAC using a nonlinear mixed-effects model (NONMEM). External validation of the two models was performed using data from an additional 29 patients. Goodness-of-fit diagnostic plots, bootstrap method, and normalized predictive distribution error test were used to validate the predictive performance and stability of the final models. The goodness-of-fit of the two final models was compared using the Akaike information criterion (AIC). The dosing regimen was optimized using Monte Carlo simulations based on the developed optimal model. RESULTS: The typical value of the apparent clearance (CL/F) of TAC estimated in the final genotype-incorporated model was 14.3 L h-1 with inter-individual variability of 27.6%. CYP3A5 polymorphism and coadministered medication were significant factors affecting TAC-CL/F. CYP3A5 rs776746 GG genotype carriers had only 77.3% of the TAC-CL/F of AA or AG genotype carriers. Omeprazole reduced TAC-CL/F by 3.7 L h-1 when combined with TAC, while TAC-CL/F increased nonlinearly as glucocorticoid dose increased. Similar findings were demonstrated in the non-genotype-incorporated PPK model. Comparing these two models, the genotype-incorporated PPK model was superior to the non-genotype-incorporated PPK model (AIC = 643.19 vs. 657.425). Monte Carlo simulation based on the genotype-incorporated PPK model indicated that CYP3A5 rs776746 AA or AG genotype carriers required a 1/2-1 fold higher dose of TAC than GG genotype carriers to achieve the target concentration. And as the daily dose of prednisone increases, the dose of TAC required to reach the target concentration increases appropriately. CONCLUSIONS: We developed the first pharmacogenetic-based PPK model of TAC in adult patients with SLE and proposed a dosing regimen based on glucocorticoid dose and CYP3A5 genotype according to the model, which could facilitate individualized dosing for TAC.

CircRNF10 triggers a positive feedback loop to facilitate progression of glioblastoma via redeploying the ferroptosis defense in GSCs.

BACKGROUND: Glioma exhibit heterogeneous susceptibility for targeted ferroptosis. How circRNAs alterations in glioma promote iron metabolism and ferroptosis defense remains unclarified. METHODS: The highly enriched circRNAs in glioblastoma (GBM) were obtained through analysis of sequencing datasets. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression of circRNF10 in glioma and normal brain tissue. Both gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies were used to assess the effects of circRNF10 on ferroptosis using in vitro and in vivo assays. The hypothesis that ZBTB48 promotes ferroptosis defense was established using bioinformatics analysis and functional assays. RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were performed to examine the interaction between circRNF10 and target proteins including ZBTB48, MKRN3 and IGF2BP3. The posttranslational modification mechanism of ZBTB48 was verified using coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) and ubiquitination assays. The transcription activation of HSPB1 and IGF2BP3 by ZBTB48 was confirmed through luciferase reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The stabilizing effect of IGF2BP3 on circRNF10 was explored by actinomycin D assay. Finally, a series of in vivo experiments were performed to explore the influences of circRNF10 on the glioma progression. RESULTS: A novel circular RNA, hsa_circ_0028912 (named circRNF10), which is significantly upregulated in glioblastoma tissues and correlated with patients' poor prognosis. Through integrated analysis of the circRNA-proteins interaction datasets and sequencing results, we reveal ZBTB48 as a transcriptional factor binding with circRNF10, notably promoting upregulation of HSPB1 and IGF2BP3 expression to remodel iron metabolism and facilitates the launch of a circRNF10/ZBTB48/IGF2BP3 positive feedback loop in GSCs. Additionally, circRNF10 can competitively bind to MKRN3 and block E3 ubiquitin ligase activity to enhance ZBTB48 expression. Consequently, circRNF10-overexpressed glioma stem cells (GSCs) display lower Fe2+ accumulation, selectively priming tumors for ferroptosis evading. CONCLUSION: Our research presents abnormal circRNAs expression causing a molecular and metabolic change of glioma, which we leverage to discover a therapeutically exploitable vulnerability to target ferroptosis.

A Brighton Collaboration standardized template with key considerations for a benefit/risk assessment for the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine (NVX-CoV2373), a recombinant spike protein vaccine with Matrix-M adjuvant to prevent disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

Novavax, a global vaccine company, began evaluating NVX-CoV2373 in human studies in May 2020 and the pivotal placebo-controlled phase 3 studies started in November 2020; five clinical studies provided adult and adolescent clinical data for over 31,000 participants who were administered NVX-CoV2373. This extensive data has demonstrated a well-tolerated response to NVX-CoV2373 and high vaccine efficacy against mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19 using a two-dose series (Dunkle et al., 2022) [1], (Heath et al., 2021) [2], (Keech et al., 2020) [3], (Mallory et al., 2022) [4]. The most common adverse events seen after administration with NVX-CoV2373 were injection site tenderness, injection site pain, fatigue, myalgia, headache, malaise, arthralgia, nausea, or vomiting. In addition, immunogenicity against variants of interest (VOI) and variants of concern (VOC) was established with high titers of ACE2 receptor-inhibiting and neutralizing antibodies in these studies (EMA, 2022) [5], (FDA, 2023) [6]. Further studies on correlates of protection determined that titers of anti-Spike IgG and neutralizing antibodies correlated with efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 established in clinical trials (p < 0.001 for recombinant protein vaccine and p = 0.005 for mRNA vaccines for IgG levels) (Fong et al., 2022) [7]. Administration of a booster dose of the recombinant protein vaccine approximately 6 months following the primary two-dose series resulted in substantial increases in humoral antibodies against both the prototype strain and all evaluated variants, similar to or higher than the antibody levels observed in phase 3 studies that were associated with high vaccine efficacy (Dunkle et al., 2022) [1], (Mallory et al., 2022) [4]. These findings, together with the well tolerated safety profile, support use of the recombinant protein vaccine as primary series and booster regimens.

A mitochondria-targeted multifunctional nanoplatform combining carbon monoxide delivery with O2-independent free radical burst under 1064 nm light irradiation for efficient hypoxic tumor therapy.

In situ mitochondrial oxidative stress amplification is an effective strategy to improve efficacy of cancer treatment. In this work, a tumor and mitochondria dual-targeted multifunctional nanoplatform CMS@AIPH@PDA@COTPP@FA (CAPCTF) was prepared, in which a thermally decomposable radical initiator AIPH was loaded inside the mesoporores of CuxMoySz (CMS) nanoparticles with polydopamine (PDA) covered films that were further covalently functionalized by a mitochondria-targeted CO donor (COTPP) and a directing group of folic acid (FA). The prepared CAPCTF nanoplatform selectively accumulated in cancer cells and further targeted the mitochondrial organelle where carbon monoxide (CO) and O2-independent free radicals (•OH/•R) were in situ generated upon 1064 nm laser irradiation. Furthermore, the CMS nanocarrier was capable of depleting the GSH overexpressed in the tumor microenvironment (TME), thus preventing free radical scavenging. As a result, the CAPCTF nanoplatform exhibited outstanding in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy under hypoxic conditions. This provides an innovative strategy that combines O2-independent free radicals (•OH/•R) generation, CO delivery and GSH consumption to amplify intracellular oxidative stresses and induce mitochondrial dysfunction, thus leading to cancer cells eradication, which may have significant implications for personalized hypoxic tumor treatment.

Two new species of Anoplophora Hope, 1839 from China (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae).

Two new species of starry longhorn beetles are described from China, i.e. Anoplophora iadina sp. nov. from Yunnan and A. zibroides sp. nov. from Hunan and Guangxi. Color plates are presented to illustrate their diagnostic characters.

Population pharmacokinetic analyses of tacrolimus in non-transplant patients: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tacrolimus (TAC) has been increasingly used in patients with non-transplant settings. Because of its large between-subject variability, several population pharmacokinetic (PPK) studies have been performed to facilitate individualized therapy. This review summarized published PPK models of TAC in non-transplant patients, aiming to clarify factors affecting PKs of TAC and identify the knowledge gap that may require further research. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase databases, and Cochrane Library, as well as related references, were searched from the time of inception of the databases to February 2023, to identify TAC population pharmacokinetic studies modeled in non-transplant patients using a non-linear mixed-effects modeling approach. RESULTS: Sixteen studies, all from Asian countries (China and Korea), were included in this study. Of these studies, eleven and four were carried out in pediatric and adult patients, respectively. One-compartment models were the commonly used structural models for TAC. The apparent clearance (CL/F) of TAC ranged from 2.05 to 30.9 L·h-1 (median of 14.9 L·h-1). Coadministered medication, genetic factors, and weight were the most common covariates affecting TAC-CL/F, and variability in the apparent volume of distribution (V/F) was largely explained by weight. Coadministration with Wuzhi capsules reduced CL/F by about 19 to 43%. For patients with CYP3A5*1*1 and *1*3 genotypes, the CL/F was 39-149% higher CL/F than patients with CYP3A5*1*1. CONCLUSION: The optimal TAC dosage should be adjusted based on the patient's co-administration, body weight, and genetic information (especially CYP3A5 genotype). Further studies are needed to assess the generalizability of the published models to other ethnic groups. Moreover, external validation should be frequently performed to improve the clinical practicality of the models.

Several potential serum proteomic biomarkers for diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis based on mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarticular tuberculosis is one of the extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) diseases, which is mainly caused by infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in bone and joints. The limitation of current clinical test methods is leading to a high misdiagnosis rate and affecting the treatment and prognosis. This study aims to search serum biomarkers that can assist in the diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis. METHODS: Proteomics can serve as an important method in the discovery of disease biomarkers. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to analyze proteins in 90 serum samples, which were collected from June 2020 to December 2021, then evaluated by statistical analysis to screen potential biomarkers. After that, potential biomarkers were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and diagnostic models were also established for observation of multi-index diagnostic efficacy. RESULTS: 118 differential expressed proteins (DEPs) were obtained in serum after statistical analysis. After the diagnostic efficacy evaluation and clinical verification, inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H2 (ITIH2), complement factor H-related protein 2 (CFHR2), complement factor H-related protein 3 (CFHR3), and complement factor H-related protein 5 (CFHR5) were found as potential biomarkers, with 0.7167 (95 %CI: 0.5846-0.8487), 0.8600 (95 %CI: 0.7701-0.9499), 0.8150 (95 %CI: 0.6998-0.9302), and 0.9978 (95 %CI: 0.9918-1.0040) AUC value, respectively. The remaining DEPs except CFHR5 were constructed as diagnostic models, the diagnostic model contained CFHR2 and CFHR3 had good diagnostic efficacy with 0.942 (95 %CI: 0.872-0.980) AUC value compared to other models. CONCLUSION: This study provides a reference for the discovery of serum protein markers for osteoarticular tuberculosis diagnosis, and the screened DEPs can also provide directions for subsequent pathogenesis research.

Multi-gene phylogeny and morphology of two new Phyllosticta (Phyllostictaceae, Botryosphaeriales) species from China.

Phyllosticta (Phyllostictaceae, Botryosphaeriales) includes plant pathogens, endophytes and saprobes, occurring on various hosts worldwide. During the present study, isolates associated with leaf spots were obtained from the hosts Quercusaliena and Viburnumodoratissimum, and identified based on morphological features and phylogenetic inference from the analyses of five loci (ITS, LSU, tef1, act and gapdh). Results supported the introduction of two novel species, namely Phyllostictaanhuiensis and P.guangdongensis. Phylogenetically, P.anhuiensis and P.guangdongensis formed two well-separated lineages in the P.concentrica and P.capitalensis species complexes, distinguishing from all presently accepted species in this genus by DNA sequence data. Morphologically, P.anhuiensis and P.guangdongensis have the typical structure of the genus Phyllosticta, and differed from their closely related species by the length of the conidial appendage.

Detection of synovial fluid LTF and S100A8 by chemiluminescence immunoassay for the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Synovial fluid lactoferrin (LTF) and S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) have been considered as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) through our previous research. However, the detection methods of these two proteins are still immature, so a rapid, accurate and cost-effective testing method is warranted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) for the automated detection of synovial fluid LTF and S100A8 and assessed the analytical performance for these two methods. In addition, we recruited 86 patients who were suspected of PJI after total joint replacement (TJA) and examined their synovial fluid using CLIA to explore the clinical application value of these methods and the diagnostic efficiency of synovial fluid LTF and S100A8 for PJI. RESULTS: Our established CLIA methods have a wide linear range of 20-10,000 ng/mL for LTF detection system and 5-5000 ng/mL for S100A8 detection system. Performance parameters such as precision, specificity, and recovery rate can meet the industry standards. Then, the established methods were used to detect LTF and S100A8 in synovial fluid samples, which showed excellent diagnostic efficiency for PJI, and the areas under ROC curve (AUC) were 0.954 (95 % CI: 0.909-0.999) and 0.958 (95 % CI: 0.918-0.997), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our established CLIA methods have the advantages of automation, high throughput, low price, and is expected to be widely popularized in clinical applications. Synovial fluid LTF and S100A8 detected through CLIA had efficient diagnostic potentiality for predicting and diagnosing PJI.

A new species of Eurypogon Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Artematopodidae) from China, with notes on E. sanzang Wang & Liu.

Eurypogon Motschulsky, 1859 is a small artematopodid genus from the Nearctic and Palaearctic realms, with only three species known from mainland China. Here, we describe Eurypogon schuhi Packova & Kundrata, sp. nov. from the Hubei province in China, which is similar in the black body coloration to the recently described Eurypogon sanzang Wang & Liu, 2021 from the Henan province. Both species differ mainly in the ratio of basal antennomeres, elytral surface and proportions, and shape of male genitalia. We report populations of E. sanzang from the Qinling Shan in the Shaanxi province (a new province record) and from the Xiong'er Shan in the Henan province. Additionally, we describe the female of E. sanzang and discuss intraspecific variability in male genitalia. We provide images of main diagnostic characters for both species.

A new species of Hea Distant, 1906 from China, with annotated catalogue for the genus (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettinae).

A new species of cicada, Hea qiuae Wang, sp. n. (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettinae), is described and illustrated from Chongqing and Yunnan, Southwest China. An annotated catalogue and an updated key to the four species of Hea are presented.