Calenduloside e modulates macrophage polarization via KLF2-regulated glycolysis, contributing to attenuates atherosclerosis.

Glycolysis-mediated macrophage polarization plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis. Although it is known that calenduloside E (CE) exerts anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects in atherosclerosis, the underlying mechanism of action is not clearly understood. We hypothesized that CE functions by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization via regulation of glycolysis. To verify this hypothesis, we determined the effects of CE in apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE-/-) mice and on macrophage polarization in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and peritoneal macrophages. We also determined whether these effects are linked to regulation of glycolysis both in vivo and in vitro. The plaque size was reduced, and serum cytokine levels were decreased in the ApoE-/- +CE group compared with that in the model group. CE decreased lipid droplet formation, inflammatory factor levels, and mRNA levels of M1 macrophage markers in ox-ldl-induced macrophages. CE suppressed ox-ldl-induced glycolysis, lactate levels, and glucose uptake. The relationship between glycolysis and M1 macrophage polarization was demonstrated using the glycolysis inhibitor 3-(3-pyridinyl)-1-(4-pyridinyl)-2-propen-1-one. CE substantially upregulated ox-ldl-induced Kruppel-like transcription factor (KLF2) expression, and the effects of CE on ox-ldl-induced glycolysis and inflammatory factor levels disappeared after KLF2 knockdown. Together, our findings suggest that CE alleviates atherosclerosis by inhibiting glycolysis-mediated M1 macrophage polarization through upregulation of KLF2 expression, providing a new strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Emergence of an ancient and pathogenic mammarenavirus.

ABSTRACTEmerging zoonoses of wildlife origin caused by previously unknown agents are one of the most important challenges for human health. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau represents a unique ecological niche with diverse wildlife that harbors several human pathogens and numerous previously uncharacterized pathogens. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel arenavirus (namely, plateau pika virus, PPV) from plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau by virome analysis. Isolated PPV strains could replicate in several mammalian cells. We further investigated PPV pathogenesis using animal models. PPV administered via an intraventricular route caused trembling and sudden death in IFNαßR-/- mice, and pathological inflammatory lesions in brain tissue were observed. According to a retrospective serological survey in the geographical region where PPV was isolated, PPV-specific IgG antibodies were detected in 8 (2.4%) of 335 outpatients with available sera. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that this virus was clearly separated from previously reported New and Old World mammarenaviruses. Under the co-speciation framework, the estimated divergence time of PPV was 77-88 million years ago (MYA), earlier than that of OW and NW mammarenaviruses (26-34 MYA).

Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived engineered T cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells in immunotherapy.

T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages (Macs), and dendritic cells (DCs) are among the most common sources for immune-cell-based therapies for cancer. Antitumor activity can be enhanced in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived immune cells by using iPSCs as a platform for stable genetic modifications that impact immuno-activating or -suppressive signaling pathways, such as transducing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or deletion of immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules. This review outlines the utility of four iPSC-derived immune-cell-based therapies, highlight the latest progress and future trends in the genome-editing strategies designed to improve efficacy, safety, and universality, and provides perspectives that compare different contexts in which each of these iPSC-derived immune cell types can be most effectively used.

[Effect of apigenin in combination with oxymatrine on non-small cell lung cancer and mechanism].

This study explores the effect of apigenin(APG), oxymatrine(OMT), and APG+OMT on the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines and the underlying mechanisms. Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay was used to detect the vitality of A549 and NCI-H1975 cells, and colony formation assay to evaluate the colony formation ability of the cells. EdU assay was employed to examine the proliferation of NCI-H1975 cells. RT-qPCR and Western blot were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression of PLOD2. Molecular docking was carried out to explore the direct action ability and action sites between APG/OMT and PLOD2/EGFR. Western blot was used to study the expression of related proteins in EGFR pathway. The viability of A549 and NCI-H1975 cells was inhibited by APG and APG+OMT at 20, 40, and 80 µmol·L~(-1) in a dose-dependent manner. The colony formation ability of NCI-H1975 cells was significantly suppressed by APG and APG+OMT. The mRNA and protein expression of PLOD2 was significantly inhibited by APG and APG+OMT. In addition, APG and OMT had strong binding activity with PLOD2 and EGFR. In APG and APG+OMT groups, the expression of EGFR and proteins in its downstream signaling pathways was significantly down-regulated. It is concluded that APG in combination with OMT could inhibit non-small lung cancer, and the mechanism may be related to EGFR and its downstream signaling pathways. This study lays a new theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with APG in combination with OMT and provides a reference for further research on the anti-tumor mechanism of APG in combination with OMT.

Morphological and genomic characteristics of two novel actinomycetes, Ornithinimicrobium sufpigmenti sp. nov. and Ornithinimicrobium faecis sp. nov. isolated from bat faeces (Rousettus leschenaultia and Taphozous perforates).

Four Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, non-motile, circle-shaped bacteria were isolated from the faeces of bats (Rousettus leschenaultia and Taphozous perforates) collected from Guangxi autonomous region (E106°49'20″, N22°20'54″) and Yunnan province (E102°04'39″, N25°09'10″) of South China. Strains HY006T and HY008 shared highly 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to those of Ornithinimicrobium pratense W204T (99.3%) and O. flavum CPCC 203535T (97.3%), while the strains HY1745 and HY1793T were closest to the type strains O. ciconiae H23M54T (98.7%), O. cavernae CFH 30183T (98.3%), and O. murale 01-Gi-040T (98.1%). Furthermore, when compared to the other members of the genus Ornithinimicrobium, the digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values of the four novel strains were within the ranges of 19.6-33.7% and 70.6-87.4%, respectively, both of which were below the respective recommended cutoff values of 70.0% and 95-96%. Significantly, strain HY006T was resistant to chloramphenicol and linezolid whereas strain HY1793T was resistant to erythromycin, clindamycin (intermediately), and levofloxacin (intermediately). The main cellular fatty acids (>20.0%) of our isolates were iso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0. Strains HY006T and HY1793T contained ornithine as the diagnostic diamino acid, also along with the alanine, glycine and glutamic acid in their cell wall. Based on phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic analyses, these four strains could be classified as two novel species of the genus Ornithinimicrobium, for which the names Ornithinimicrobium sufpigmenti sp. nov. and Ornithinimicrobium faecis sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are HY006T (=CGMCC 1.16565T =JCM 33397T) and HY1793T (=CGMCC 1.19143T =JCM 34881T), respectively.

Improving the resident assessment process: application of App-based e-training platform and lean thinking.

BACKGROUND: The assessment system for standardized resident training is crucial for developing competent doctors. However, it is complex, making it difficult to manage. The COVID-19 pandemic has also aggravated the difficulty of assessment. We, therefore, integrated lean thinking with App-based e-training platform to improve the assessment process through Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) cycles. This was designed to avoid unnecessary activities that generate waste. METHODS: Panels and online surveys were conducted in 2021-2022 to find the main issues that affect resident assessment and the root causes under the frame of waste. An online app was developed. Activities within the process were improved by brainstorming. Online surveys were used to improve the issues, satisfaction, and time spent on assessment using the app. RESULTS: A total of 290 clinical educators in 36 departments responded to the survey, and 153 clinical educators used the online app for assessment. Unplanned delay or cancellation was defined as the main issue. Eleven leading causes accounted for 87.5% of the issues. These were examiner time conflict, student time conflict, insufficient examiners, supervisor time conflict, grade statistics, insufficient exam assistants, reporting results, material archiving, unfamiliarity with the process, uncooperative patients, and feedback. The median rate of unplanned delay or cancellation was lower with use of the app (5% vs 0%, P < 0.001), and satisfaction increased (P < 0.001). The median time saved by the app across the whole assessment process was 60 (interquartile range 60-120) minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Lean thinking integrated with an App-based e-training platform could optimize the process of resident assessment. This could reduce waste and promote teaching and learning in medical education.

Psychometric evaluation of the academic involution scale for college students in China: An application of Rasch analysis.

Recent academic attention on educational involution in China underpins the need for a valid and reliable instrument to precisely measure college students' academic involution behaviors. Seeing the scarcity of a proper instrument, the current study attempted to analyze the item-level psychometric properties of the newly developed Academic Involution Scale for College Students (AISCS) in China by using a Rasch model. A total of 637 college students in a public university in northern China participated in the study. Data were examined with respect to unidimensionality, rating scale functioning, item fit statistics, item polarity, item- and person-level reliability and separation, item hierarchy and invariance across educational background with Winsteps. The results show that AISCS was a single unidimensional construct with good psychometric properties. Although two items demonstrated differential item functioning, it is plausible given the differences between assessment methods for undergraduates and postgraduates. Limitations and future research directions with regard to sample selection, inclusion of more validity evidence and adding prospective additional academic involution were discussed.

Comparative Evaluation of Standard RT-PCR Assays and Commercial Real-Time RT-PCR Kits for Detection of Lassa Virus.

Lassa virus (LASV) is a causative agent of hemorrhagic fever epidemic in West Africa. In recent years, it has been transmitted several times to North America, Europe, and Asia. Standard reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and real-time RT-PCR are extensively used for early detection of LASV. However, the high nucleotide diversity of LASV strains complicates the development of appropriate diagnostic assays. Here, we analyzed LASV diversity clustered with geographic location and evaluated the specificity and sensitivity of two standard RT-PCR methods (GPC RT-PCR/1994 and 2007) and four commercial real-time RT-PCR kits (namely, Da an, Mabsky, Bioperfectus, and ZJ) to detect six representative LASV lineages using in vitro synthesized RNA templates. The results showed that the GPC RT-PCR/2007 assay had better sensitivity compared to the GPC RT-PCR/1994 assay. The Mabsky and ZJ kits were able to detect all RNA templates of six LASV lineages. Contrastingly, the Bioperfectus and Da an kits failed to detect lineages IV and V/VI. The limit of detection for lineage I with the Da an, Bioperfectus, and ZJ kits were significantly higher than that of the Mabsky kit at an RNA concentration of 1 × 1010 to 1 × 1011 copies/mL. The Bioperfectus and Da an kits detected lineages II and III at an RNA concentration of 1 × 109 copies/mL, higher than that of the other kits. In conclusion, the GPC RT-PCR/2007 assay and the Mabsky kit were suitable assays for the detection of LASV strains based on good analytical sensitivity and specificity. IMPORTANCE Lassa virus (LASV) is a significant human pathogen causing hemorrhagic fever in West Africa. Increased traveling around the world raises the risk of imported cases to other countries. The high nucleotide diversity of LASV strains clustered with geographic location complicates the development of appropriate diagnostic assays. In this study, we showed that the GPC reverse transcription (RT)-PCR/2007 assay and the Mabsky kit are suitable for detecting most LASV strains. Future assays for molecular detection of LASV should be based on specific countries/regions along with new variants.

Taxi drivers' traffic violations detection using random forest algorithm: A case study in China.

OBJECTIVE: To effectively explore the impacts of several key factors on taxi drivers' traffic violations and provide traffic management departments with scientific decisions to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. METHODS: 43,458 electronic enforcement data about taxi drivers' traffic violations in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China, from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, were utilized to explore the characteristics of traffic violations. A random forest algorithm was used to predict the severity of taxi drivers' traffic violations and 11 factors affecting traffic violations, including time, road conditions, environment, and taxi companies were analyzed using the Shapley Additionality Explanation (SHAP) framework. RESULTS: Firstly, the ensemble method Balanced Bagging Classifier (BBC) was applied to balance the dataset. The results showed that the imbalance ratio (IR) of the original imbalanced dataset reduced from 6.61% to 2.60%. Moreover, a prediction model for the severity of taxi drivers' traffic violations was established by using the Random Forest, and the results showed that accuracy, m_F1, m_G-mean, m_AUC, and m_AP obtained 0.877, 0.849, 0.599, 0.976, and 0.957, respectively. Compared with the algorithms of Decision Tree, XG Boost, Ada Boost, and Neural Network, the performance measures of the prediction model based on Random Forest were the best. Finally, the SHAP framework was used to improve the interpretability of the model and identify important factors affecting taxi drivers' traffic violations. The results showed that functional districts, location of the violation, and road grade were found to have a high impact on the probability of traffic violations; their mean SHAP values were 0.39, 0.36, and 0.26, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this paper may help to discover the relationship between the influencing factors and the severity of traffic violations, and provide a theoretical basis for reducing the traffic violations of taxi drivers and improving the road safety management.

[Research Status of and Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Sleep Disorders in China].

The quality of sleep, a key physiological factor that regulates information, memory, decision making, and other vital brain functions, can affect important physiological functions of the human body. According to disease classification systems, sleep disorders can be categorized into more than 90 types, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and hypersomnia. It may cause a variety of adverse consequences, such as depression, anxiety and other emotional disorders, as well as physical diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and stroke. In addition, the relevant cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and cognitive impairment not only harm physical health, but also are associated with workplace accidents and safety problems, constituting public safety hazards. Sleep disorders have become a major social and scientific problem that impacts on the national economy and the livelihood of the people. Research on sleep disorders should be given more attention by researchers and policy makers. Herein, we mainly discussed the latest findings and difficulties concerning research on the prevention and intervention of sleep disorders and proposed strategies and suggestions accordingly.

Sweet taste receptor subunit T1R3 regulates casein secretion and phosphorylation of STAT5 in mammary epithelial cells.

During lactation, mammary epithelial cells (MECs) on the apical membrane are in contact with lactose in milk, while MECs on the basolateral membrane are in contact with glucose in blood. Both glucose and lactose are sweeteners that are sensed by a sweet taste receptor. Previously, we have shown that lactose exposure on the basolateral membrane, but not the apical membrane, inhibits casein production and phosphorylation of STAT5 in MECs. However, it remains unclear whether MECs have a sweet taste receptor. In this study, we confirmed that the sweet taste receptor subunit T1R3 existed in both the apical and basolateral membranes of MECs. Subsequently, we investigated the influence of apical and basolateral sucralose as a ligand for the sweet taste receptor using a cell culture model. In this model, upper and lower media were separated by the MEC layer with less-permeable tight junctions. The results showed in the absence of glucose, both apical and basolateral sucralose induced phosphorylation of STAT5, which is a positive transcriptional factor for milk production. In contrast, the T1R3 inhibitor basolateral lactisole reducing phosphorylated STAT5 and secreted caseins in the presence of glucose. Furthermore, exposure of the apical membrane to sucralose in the presence of glucose inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT5. Simultaneously, GLUT1 was partially translocated from the basolateral membrane to the cytoplasm in MECs. These results suggest that T1R3 functions as a sweet receptor and is closely involved in casein production in MECs.

Dyadobacter chenhuakuii sp. nov., Dyadobacter chenwenxiniae sp. nov., and Dyadobacter fanqingshengii sp. nov., isolated from soil of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Six novel bacterial strains, designated CY22T, CY357, LJ419T, LJ53, CY399T and CY107 were isolated from soil samples collected from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, PR China. Cells were aerobic, rod-shaped, yellow-pigmented, catalase- and oxidase-positive, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and non-spore-forming. All strains were psychrotolerant and could grow at 0 °C. The results of phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and core genomic genes, indicated that the three strain pairs (CY22T/CY357, LJ419T/LJ53 and CY399T/CY107) were closely related to members of the genus Dyadobacter and clustered tightly with two species with validly published names, Dyadobacter alkalitolerans 12116T and Dyadobacter psychrophilus BZ26T. Values of digital DNA-DNA hybridization between genome sequences of the isolates and other strains from the GenBank database in the genus Dyadobacter were far below the 70.0 % threshold. The genomic DNA G+C content of these six strains ranged from 45.2 to 45.8 %. The major cellular fatty acids of all six strains were iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c). MK-7 was the only respiratory quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine was the predominant polar lipid for strains CY22T, LJ419T and CY399T. On the basis of the phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic evidence presented, these six strains represent three novel members of the genus Dyadobacter, for which the names Dyadobacter chenhuakuii sp. nov., Dyadobacter chenwenxiniae sp. nov. and Dyadobacter fanqingshengii sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are CY22T (= GDMCC 1.3045T = KCTC 92299T), LJ419T (= GDMCC 1.2872T = JCM 33794T) and CY399T (= GDMCC 1.3052T = KCTC 92306T), respectively.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry, 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics to reveal the material basis and mechanism of Yinzhihuang granule against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Yinzhihuang granule (YZHG) has liver protective effect and can be used for clinical treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but its material basis and mechanism need to be further clarified. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to reveal the material basis and mechanism of YZHG treating NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum pharmacochemistry were employed to identify the components from YZHG. The potential targets of YZHG against NAFLD were predicted by system biology and then preliminarily verified by molecular docking. Furthermore, the functional mechanism of YZHG in NAFLD mice was elucidated by 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. RESULTS: From YZHG, 52 compounds were identified, of which 42 were absorbed into the blood. Network pharmacology and molecular docking showed that YZHG treats NAFLD with multi-components and multi-targets. YZHG can improve the levels of blood lipids, liver enzymes, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and inflammatory factors in NAFLD mice. YZHG can also significantly improve the diversity and richness of intestinal flora and regulate glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism. Moreover, Western Blot experiment showed that YZHG can regulate liver lipid metabolism and enhance intestinal barrier function. CONCLUSIONS: YZHG may treat NAFLD by improving the disruption of intestinal flora and enhancing the intestinal barrier. This will reduce the invasion of LPS into the liver subsequently regulate liver lipid metabolism and reduce liver inflammation.

Description of Ornithinimicrobium cryptoxanthini sp. nov., a Novel Actinomycete Producing ß-cryptoxanthin Isolated from the Tongtian River Sediments.

Two novel Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile, and yellow-pigmented, irregular rod-shaped bacteria (JY.X269 and JY.X270T) were isolated from the near-surface sediments of river in Qinghai Province, P. R. China (32°37'13″N, 96°05'37″E) in July 2019. Both strains were shown to grow at 15-35 °C and pH 7.0-10.0, and in the presence of 0-6.0% (w/v) NaCl. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolates were closely related to Ornithinimicrobium cavernae CFH 30183 T (98.6-98.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), O. ciconiae H23M54T (98.5-98.6%) and O. murale 01-Gi-040T (98.3-98.5%). The phylogenetic and phylogenomic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene and 537 core gene sequences, respectively, revealed that the two strains formed a distinct cluster with the above three species. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between our two isolates (JY.X269 and JY.X270T) and other Ornithinimicrobium species were within the ranges of 19.0-23.9% and 70.8-80.4%, respectively, all below the respective recommended 70.0% and 95-96% cutoff point. Furthermore, the major cellular fatty acids (> 10.0%) of strains JY.X269 and JY.X270T were iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, and summed feature 9. Strain JY.X270T contained MK-8(H4) and ornithine as the predominant menaquinone and diagnostic diamino acid component within the cell wall teichoic acids. ß-cryptoxanthin (C40H56O) can be extracted from strain JY.X270T, and its content is 6.3 µg/ml. Based on results from the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic analyses, the two strains could be classified as a novel species of the genus Ornithinimicrobium, for which the name Ornithinimicrobium cryptoxanthini sp. nov. is proposed (type strain JY.X270T = CGMCC 1.19147T = JCM 34882T).

The functional evolution of architecturally different plant geranyl diphosphate synthases from geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase.

Terpenoids constitute the largest class of plant primary and secondary metabolites with a broad range of biological and ecological functions. They are synthesized from isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate, which in plastids are condensed by geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthases (GGPPSs) to produce GGPP (C20) for diterpene biosynthesis and by geranyl diphosphate synthases (GPPSs) to form GPP (C10) for monoterpene production. Depending on the plant species, unlike homomeric GGPPSs, GPPSs exist as homo- and heteromers, the latter of which contain catalytically inactive GGPPS-homologous small subunits (SSUs) that can interact with GGPPSs. By combining phylogenetic analysis with functional characterization of GGPPS homologs from a wide range of photosynthetic organisms, we investigated how different GPPS architectures have evolved within the GGPPS protein family. Our results reveal that GGPPS gene family expansion and functional divergence began early in nonvascular plants, and that independent parallel evolutionary processes gave rise to homomeric and heteromeric GPPSs. By site-directed mutagenesis and molecular dynamic simulations, we also discovered that Leu-Val/Val-Ala pairs of amino acid residues were pivotal in the functional divergence of homomeric GPPSs and GGPPSs. Overall, our study elucidated an evolutionary path for the formation of GPPSs with different architectures from GGPPSs and uncovered the molecular mechanisms involved in this differentiation.

A novel phytopathogen Erwinia sorbitola sp. nov., isolated from the feces of ruddy shelducks.

The species in the genus Erwinia are Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, motile, and rod-shaped. Most species in the genus Erwinia are phytopathogens. Also, Erwinia persicina was involved in several human infections. Based on the reverse microbial etiology principles, it is worth analyzing the pathogenicity of species in this genus. In this study, we isolated and sequenced two species of Erwinia. Phylogenetic, phenotypic, biochemical, and chemotaxonomic analyses were performed to identify its taxonomy position. The virulence tests on plant leaves and pear fruits were used to identify the plant pathogenicity of two species of Erwinia. Bioinformatic methods predicted the possible pathogenic determinants based on the genome sequence. Meanwhile, adhesion, invasion, and cytotoxicity assays on RAW 264.7 cells were applied to identify animal pathogenicity. We isolated two Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, motile, and rod-shaped strains from the feces of ruddy shelducks in the Tibet Plateau of China, designated J780T and J316. Distinct phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic, biochemical, and chemotaxonomic characters of J780T and J316 identified they were novel species and belonged to the genus Erwinia, for which the name Erwinia sorbitola sp. nov. was proposed, the type strain was J780T (= CGMCC 1.17334T = GDMCC 1.1666T = JCM 33839T). Virulence tests showed blight and rot on the leaves and pear fruits confirmed Erwinia sorbitola sp. nov. was a phytopathogen. Predicted gene clusters of motility, biofilm formation, exopolysaccharides, stress survival, siderophores, and Type VI secretion system might be the causes of pathogenicity. In addition, predicted polysaccharide biosynthesis gene clusters on the genome sequence, and the high capacity for adhesion, invasion, and cytotoxicity to animal cells confirmed it has pathogenicity on animals. In conclusion, we isolated and identified a novel phytopathogen Erwinia sorbitola sp. nov. in ruddy shelducks. A predefined pathogen is beneficial for preventing from suffering potential economic losses caused by this new pathogen.

Genome-wide identification and comparative analyses of key genes involved in C4 photosynthesis in five main gramineous crops.

Compared to C3 species, C4 plants showed higher photosynthetic capacity as well as water and nitrogen use efficiency due to the presence of the C4 photosynthetic pathway. Previous studies have shown that all genes required for the C4 photosynthetic pathway exist in the genomes of C3 species and are expressed. In this study, the genes encoding six key C4 photosynthetic pathway enzymes (ß-CA, PEPC, ME, MDH, RbcS, and PPDK) in the genomes of five important gramineous crops (C4: maize, foxtail millet, and sorghum; C3: rice and wheat) were systematically identified and compared. Based on sequence characteristics and evolutionary relationships, their C4 functional gene copies were distinguished from non-photosynthetic functional gene copies. Furthermore, multiple sequence alignment revealed important sites affecting the activities of PEPC and RbcS between the C3 and C4 species. Comparisons of expression characteristics confirmed that the expression patterns of non-photosynthetic gene copies were relatively conserved among species, while C4 gene copies in C4 species acquired new tissue expression patterns during evolution. Additionally, multiple sequence features that may affect C4 gene expression and subcellular localization were found in the coding and promoter regions. Our work emphasized the diversity of the evolution of different genes in the C4 photosynthetic pathway and confirmed that the specific high expression in the leaf and appropriate intracellular distribution were the keys to the evolution of C4 photosynthesis. The results of this study will help determine the evolutionary mechanism of the C4 photosynthetic pathway in Gramineae and provide references for the transformation of C4 photosynthetic pathways in wheat, rice, and other major C3 cereal crops.

Effectiveness of horticultural therapy in aged people with depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Depression, an increasing global crisis, has affected many people's daily life, especially for older adults. Horticultural therapy has been widely used in non-pharmacological treatment for patients with depression, with a body of studies demonstrating its therapeutic effects. However, a lack of systematic reviews and meta-analyses makes it difficult to get a holistic picture of this research field. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the reliability of the previous studies and the effectiveness of horticultural therapy (including the intervention of environmental settings, activities, and duration) on older adults with depression. Methods: This systematic review was conducted under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched relevant studies in multiple databases, and the original search was finished on 25 September 2022. We included studies using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental designs. Results: We yielded a total of 7,366 studies and finally included 13 which involved 698 aged people with depression. Results from meta-analysis indicated significant effects of horticultural therapy on reducing depressive symptoms for the older adults. Besides, we found different outcomes among various horticultural interventions (such as environmental setting, activities, and duration). Depression reduction was more effective in care-providing settings than in community settings; participatory activities were more effective in reducing depression than observational activities; intervention of 4-8 weeks might represent the optimal course of treatment compared to interventions more than 8 weeks in duration. Conclusion: We came up with a comprehensive set of recommendations based on the meta-analysis: aged people in care-providing settings with depression could get the most benefit from horticultural therapy by participating in participatory activities for 4-8 weeks. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022363134, identifier CRD42022363134.

Impact on etiology diagnosis by high-resolution vessel wall imaging in young adults with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

PURPOSE: The etiological features of stroke in young adults are different from those in older adults. We aimed to investigate the impact of high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HRVWI) on etiologic diagnosis in young adults with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). METHODS: A total of 253 young adults (aged 18-45 years) who consecutively underwent HRVWI for clarifying stroke etiology were retrospectively recruited. Two experienced neurologists classified stroke etiology for each patient using Trial of Org 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment categories with and without the inclusion of HRVWI diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine which etiologic category would be significantly impacted after including HRVWI. RESULTS: The etiologic classification was altered in 39.1% (99/253) of patients after including HRVWI in the conventional investigations. The proportion of patients classified as having stroke of undetermined etiology (SUE) and the proportion of patients classified as having small-artery occlusion (SAO) both significantly decreased (36.4 to 13.8% and 9.1 to 2.0%), whereas the proportion of patients classified as having large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) significantly increased (28.5 to 58.1%) (all P < 0.001). The inclusion of HRVWI had a significant diagnostic impact on young adults who were primarily classified as SAO (odds ratio [OR] 14.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.9, 71.8], P < 0.001) or SUE (OR 8.3, 95% CI [2.2, 31.5], P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: HRVWI had a substantial impact on etiologic classification in young adults with ischemic stroke or TIA, particularly for those primarily classified as having SAO or SUE. This impact of HRVWI will be beneficial for therapeutic decision-making.