Electroacupuncture attenuates nociceptive behaviors in a mouse model of cancer pain.

Pain is a major symptom in cancer patients, and cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is the most common type of moderate and severe cancer-related pain. The current available analgesic treatments for CIBP have adverse effects as well as limited therapeutic effects. Acupuncture is proved effective in pain management as a safe alternative therapy. We evaluated the analgesic effect of acupuncture in treatment of cancer pain and try to explore the underlying analgesic mechanisms. Nude mice were inoculated with cancer cells into the left distal femur to establish cancer pain model. Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment was applied for the xenograft animals. Pain behaviors of mice were evaluated, followed by the detections of neuropeptide-related and inflammation-related indicators in peripheral and central levels. EA treatment alleviated cancer-induced pain behaviors covering mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain, and also down-regulated immunofluorescence expressions of neuropeptide CGRP and p75 in the skin of affected plantar area in xenograft mice, and inhibited expressions of overexpressed neuropeptide-related and inflammation-related protein in the lumbar spinal cord of xenograft mice. Overall, our findings suggest that EA treatment ameliorated cancer-induced pain behaviors in the mouse xenograft model of cancer pain, possibly through inhibiting the expressions of neuropeptide-related and inflammation-related protein in central level following tumor cell xenografts.

Phylogenomics and biogeographical diversification of Collabieae (Orchidaceae) and its implication in the reconstruction of the dynamic history of Asian evergreen broadleaved forests.

The tribe Collabieae (Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae) comprises approximately 500 species. Generic delimitation within Collabieae are confusing and phylogenetic interrelationships within the Collabieae have not been well resolved. Plastid genomes and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were used to estimate the phylogenetic relationships, ancestral ranges, and diversification rates of Collabieae. The results showed that Collabieae was subdivided into nine clades with high support. We proposed to combine Ancistrochilus and Pachystoma into Spathoglottis, merge Collabium and Chrysoglossum into Diglyphosa, and separate Pilophyllum and Hancockia as distinctive genera. The diversification of the nine clades of Collabieae might be associated with the uplift of the Himalayas during the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene. The enhanced East Asian summer monsoon in the Late Miocene may have promoted the rapid diversification of Collabieae at a sustained high diversification rate. The increased size of terrestrial pseudobulbs may be one of the drivers of Collabieae diversification. Our results suggest that the establishment and development of evergreen broadleaved forests facilitated the diversification of Collabieae.

Reduced Radial Artery Occlusion in Transradial Cerebral Angiography: Key Predictive Factors and Preventive Measures from a Single-Center Study of 543 Patients.

BACKGROUND The transradial approach (TRA) for cerebral angiography and neurointerventional treatment has gained popularity, but the narrow diameter and weak pulsation of the radial artery lower the initial puncture success rate compared to femoral artery puncture. This retrospective study from a single center evaluated the incidence of and factors associated with radial artery occlusion (RAO) in 543 patients who underwent transradial approach (TRA) for cerebral angiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS We included 543 patients who underwent TRA from July 2021 to February 2024. Ultrasound was used to determine whether the radial artery was occluded. Relevant clinical data were recorded to assess the incidence of and factors affecting RAO. RESULTS At 24 h after DSA, we performed ultrasound imaging. The patients were divided into an RAO group (n=32) and a non-RAO group (n=511). Results showed that RAO was significantly higher in patients who did not have add heparin to the antispasmodic agents, and they were more likely to have needed more than 3 radial artery puncture attempts, and tended to have received an 11-cm radial artery sheath with the Cordis puncture needles (all P<0.05). Multiple regression logistic analysis showed that adding heparin to the antispasmodic agents (OR=0.076, 95% CI: 0.018-0.321, P<0.001), having fewer than 3 radial artery puncture attempts (OR=0.245, 95% CI: 0.111-0.541, P<0.001), using a 16-cm radial artery sheath (OR=0.195, 95% CI: 0.067-0.564, P=0.003), and using Terumo puncture needles (OR=0.325, 95% CI: 0.148-0.717, P=0.005) can reduce the incidence of radial artery occlusion. CONCLUSIONS Our center found that adding heparin to the antispasmodic agents reduced the number of radial artery punctures attempts, and using a 16-cm radial artery sheath significantly lowered the incidence of early RAO after transradial cerebral angiography.

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OBJECTIVES: To investigate the risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in twin preterm infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks, and to provide a basis for early identification of BPD in twin preterm infants in clinical practice. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the twin preterm infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks who were admitted to 22 hospitals nationwide from January 2018 to December 2020. According to their conditions, they were divided into group A (both twins had BPD), group B (only one twin had BPD), and group C (neither twin had BPD). The risk factors for BPD in twin preterm infants were analyzed. Further analysis was conducted on group B to investigate the postnatal risk factors for BPD within twins. RESULTS: A total of 904 pairs of twins with a gestational age of <34 weeks were included in this study. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with group C, birth weight discordance of >25% between the twins was an independent risk factor for BPD in one of the twins (OR=3.370, 95%CI: 1.500-7.568, P<0.05), and high gestational age at birth was a protective factor against BPD (P<0.05). The conditional logistic regression analysis of group B showed that small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth was an independent risk factor for BPD in individual twins (OR=5.017, 95%CI: 1.040-24.190, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The development of BPD in twin preterm infants is associated with gestational age, birth weight discordance between the twins, and SGA birth.

Astrocytic connexin 43 deletion ameliorates SNI-induced neuropathic pain by reducing microglia activation.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic disease caused by damage to the peripheral or central nervous system. Connexin 43 (Cx43), the primary connexin expressed by astrocytes, has been reported to be significantly increased in NP. However, the roles and mechanisms of Cx43 in the development and maintenance of NP remain largely unknown, while microglia activation has been commonly regarded as a key factor of NP. In the present study, we found that Cx43 deletion significantly ameliorated spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced NP and suppressed SNI induced c-Fos expression in the spinal cord. Notably, Cx43 deletion led to much less SNI-induced microglia activation in the spinal cord. These results suggest that astrocyte Cx43 may play a significant role in regulating microglial activation and NP.

Phosphorylation of androgen receptor by mTORC1 promotes liver steatosis and tumorigenesis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Androgen receptor (AR) has been reported to play an important role in the development and progression of man's prostate cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is also male-dominant, but the role of AR in HCC remains poorly understood. Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) also has been reported to be highly activated in HCC. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of AR phosphorylation and its relationship with mTORC1 in hepatocarcinogenesis. APPROACH AND RESULTS: In vitro experiment, we observed that mTORC1 interacts with hepatic AR and phosphorylates it at S96 in response to nutrient and mitogenic stimuli in HCC cells. S96 phosphorylation promotes the stability, nuclear localization, and transcriptional activity of AR, which enhances de novo lipogenesis and proliferation in hepatocytes and induces liver steatosis and hepatocarcinogenesis in mice independently and cooperatively with androgen. Furthermore, high ARS96 phosphorylation is observed in human liver steatotic and HCC tissues and is associated with overall survival and disease-free survival, which has been proven as an independent survival predictor for patients with HCC. CONCLUSIONS: AR S96 phosphorylation by mTORC1 drives liver steatosis and HCC development and progression independently and cooperatively with androgen, which not only explains why HCC is man-biased but also provides a target molecule for prevention and treatment of HCC and a potential survival predictor in patients with HCC.

Simulated microgravity altered the proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix formation of L929 fibroblasts and the transforming growth factor-ß1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Exposure to microgravity can adversely affect the fitness of astronauts. The integrity of the skin plays a crucial role in protecting against mechanical forces and infections, fluid imbalance, and thermal dysregulation. In brief, the skin wound may cause unknown challenges to the implementation of space missions. Wound healing is a physiological process that relies on the synergistic action of inflammatory cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), and various growth factors to maintain the integrity of skin after trauma. Fibroblasts are present almost throughout the entire process of wound repair, especially in the scar formation at the endpoint of wound healing. However, there is limited knowledge about the extent to which fibroblasts are affected by the lack of gravity during wound healing. In this study, we utilized the rotary cell culture system, a ground-based facility that mimics the weightless condition, to study the alterations of L929 fibroblast cells under simulated microgravity (SMG). Our results demonstrated that the SM condition exerted negative influences on the proliferation and ECM formation of the L929 fibroblast. Whereas, the apoptosis of fibroblast was significantly upregulated upon exposure to SMG conditions. Moreover, the transforming growth factor-ß1/Smad3 (TGF-ß1/smad3) signaling pathway of L929 fibroblast related to wound repair was also altered significantly under a weightless environment. Overall, our study provided evidence that fibroblasts are strongly sensitive to SMG and elucidated the potential value of the TGF-ß1/Smad3 signaling pathway modulating wound healing in the future practice of space medicine.

Repair of complex digital soft-tissue defects using a free composite ulnar artery perforator flap from the volar wrist.

Digital skin defects resulting from trauma are often associated with dysfunction of the digital nerve and the extensor and flexor tendons in the affected fingers. The repair of these complex tissue defects requires a graft containing multiple tissues that can be used to reconstruct the tendons and nerves and restore the skin. Such procedures can cause multiple injuries and significant damage to the donor site. The current study used a novel technique to repair complex dorsal and palmar digital soft-tissue defects. First, multiple tissues were cut and collected from the donor site. Then, part of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon was transplanted to repair the tendon defect, and a medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve graft was used to repair the digital nerve defect. Finally, a skin flap was used to cover the skin defect. This paper reports on 31 cases of complex soft-tissue digital defects, with defect areas of 2-18 cm2 . One patient presented with a postoperative arterial crisis in the flap. All other patients recovered without experiencing a vascular crisis, flap necrosis, or wound infection. The postoperative flaps were similar in texture to the original digital skin. The sensation and the extension/flexion functions in the affected fingers recovered well. The effect on grip strength, wrist flexion, and forearm sensation was minor and the postoperative total active motion scores of the affected digits were good or excellent in 96.77% of the cases. The flap sensation recovery rate was also excellent in 83.87% of the cases. The present technique facilitates the repair of multiple dorsal and palmar digital soft-tissue, tendon and nerve defects, reduces the damage to the donor site, and significantly improves the success of surgical repair.

CUL4B increases platinum-based drug resistance in colorectal cancer through EMT: A study in its mechanism.

Platinum-based chemotherapy drugs play a very important role in the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer, but the drug resistance of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs is an important topic that puzzles us. If we can find mechanisms of resistance, it will be revolutionary for us. We analysed the differential genes, core genes and their enrichment pathways in platinum-resistant and non-resistant patients through a public database. Platinum-resistant cell lines were cultured in vitro for in vitro colony and Transwell analysis. Tumorigenesis analysis of nude mice in vivo. Verify the function of core genes. Through differential gene and enrichment analysis, we found that CUL4B was the main factor affecting platinum drug resistance and EMT. Our hypothesis was further verified by in vitro drug-resistant and wild-type cell lines and in vivo tumorigenesis analysis of nude mice. CUL4B leads to platinum drug resistance in colorectal cancer by affecting tumour EMT.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of the super hybrid rice Chaoyouqianhao under salt stress.

BACKGROUND: Soil salinization is a threat to food security. China is rich in saline land resources for potential and current utilization. The cultivation and promotion of salt-tolerant rice varieties can greatly improve the utilization of this saline land. The super hybrid rice Chaoyouqianhao (CY1000) is one of the most salt-tolerant rice varieties and is widely used, but the molecular mechanism underlying its salt tolerance is not clear. RESULTS: In this study, the characteristics of CY1000 and its parents were evaluated in the field and laboratory. The results showed that aboveground parts of CY1000 were barely influenced by salt stress, while the roots were less affected than those of its parents. A comparative transcriptomic strategy was used to analyze the differences in the response to salt stress among the male and female parents of CY1000 at the seedling stage and the model indica rice 93-11. We found that the salt tolerance of CY1000 was mainly inherited from its male parent R900, and its female parent GX24S showed hardly any salt tolerance. To adapt to salt stress, CY1000 and R900 upregulated the expression of genes associated with soluble component synthesis and cell wall synthesis and other related genes and downregulated the expression of most genes related to growth material acquisition and consumption. In CY1000 and R900, the expression of genes encoding some novel key proteins in the ubiquitination pathway was significantly upregulated. After treatment with MG-132, the salt tolerance of CY1000 and R900 was significantly decreased and was almost the same as that of the wild type after salt stress treatment, indicating that ubiquitination played an important role in the salt tolerance mechanism of CY1000. At the same time, we found that some transcription factors were also involved in the salt stress response, with some transcription factors responding only in hybrid CY1000, suggesting that salt tolerance heterosis might be regulated by transcription factors in rice. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that the ubiquitination pathway is important for salt tolerance in rice, and several novel candidate genes were identified to reveal a novel salt tolerance regulation network. Additionally, our work will help clarify the mechanism of heterosis in rice. Further exploration of the molecular mechanism underlying the salt tolerance of CY1000 can provide a theoretical basis for breeding new salt-tolerant rice varieties.

Halomonas faecis sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium isolated from human faeces.

A novel moderately halophilic, Gram-stain-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, strictly aerobic, non-sporulating, non-motile rod, designated strain JSM 104105 T, was isolated from human faeces. Strain JSM 104105 T was able to grow with 0.5-18% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 4-9%), at pH 6-10.5 (optimum pH 7-8) and at 10-40 °C (optimum 30 °C) in complex media. The major cellular fatty acids were C18:1ω7c, C16:0, C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c, C19:0 cyclo ω8c and C12:0 3-OH. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, an unidentified glycolipid and three unidentified phospholipids. The predominant respiratory quinone was Q-9 and the genomic DNA G + C content was 64.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain JSM 104105 T should be assigned to the genus Halomonas, and was most closely related to Halomonas gudaonensis SL014B-69 T (99.0% sequence similarity), followed by Halomonas azerbaijanica TBZ202T (98.6%) and Halomonas lysinitropha 3(2)T (97.3%). The whole genomic analysis showed that strain JSM 104105 T constituted a different taxon separated from the recognized Halomonas species. Combined data from phenotypic and genotypic studies demonstrated that strain JSM 104105 T represents a new species of the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas faecis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 104105 T (= CCTCC AB 2014160 T = CGMCC 1.12945 T = KCTC 42146 T).

Molecular Determinants for the High-Affinity Blockade of Human Ether-à-go-go-Related Gene K + Channel by Tolterodine.

ABSTRACT: Tolterodine is a first-line antimuscarinic drug used to treat overactive bladder. Adverse cardiac effects including tachycardia and palpitations have been observed, presumably because of its inhibition of the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) K + channel. However, the molecular mechanism of hERG channel inhibition by tolterodine is largely unclear. In this study, we performed molecular docking to identify potential binding sites of tolterodine in hERG channel, and two-microelectrode voltage-clamp to record the currents of hERG and its mutants expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The results of computational modeling demonstrated that phenylalanine at position 656 (F656) and tyrosine at position 652 (Y652) on the S6 helix of hERG channel are the most favorable binding residues of tolterodine, which was validated by electrophysiological recordings on Y652A and F656A hERG mutants. The Y652A and F656A mutations decreased inhibitory potency of tolterodine 345-fold and 126-fold, respectively. The Y652A mutation significantly altered the voltage dependence of channel inhibition by tolterodine. For both the wild-type and the mutant channels, tolterodine reduced the currents in a time-dependent manner, and the blockade occurred with the channel activated. Tolterodine did not interfere with hERG channel deactivation, whereas channel inactivation greatly impaired its blocking effect. The inhibition of hERG channel by tolterodine is independent of its action on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. In conclusion, tolterodine is an open-state blocker of hERG K + channel with nanomolar potency. Y652 and F656, 2 aromatic residues on the inner S6 helix, are responsible for the high-affinity binding of tolterodine to hERG channel.

Diversity-oriented and diastereoselective synthesis of diverse polycyclic thieno(2,3-b)-quinoline derivatives using a synergistic strategy.

A cascade spiroannulation of 2-mercaptoquinoline-3-carbaldehydes with α,α-dicyanoalkenes as well as a cascade spiroannulation of 2-mercaptoquinoline-3-carbaldehydes aldehydes with α-bromocarbonyl compounds was investigated based on a synergistic strategy, providing a series of diverse spiro-fused heterocyclic compounds containing more different functional groups. The features of this strategy directed towards molecular complexity and diversity include step economy, mild conditions, and high bond-forming efficiency, but important polycyclic heterocyclic products, which could be transformed into potential biologically interesting heterocyclic structures.

Improving protected area effectiveness through consideration of different human-pressure baselines.

Previous assessments of the effectiveness of protected areas (PAs) focused primarily on changes in human pressure over time and did not consider the different human-pressure baselines of PAs, thereby potentially over- or underestimating PA effectiveness. We developed a framework that considers both human-pressure baseline and change in human pressure over time and assessed the effectiveness of 338 PAs in China from 2010 to 2020. The initial state of human pressure on PAs was taken as the baseline, and changes in human pressure index (HPI) were further analyzed under different baselines. We used the random forest models to identify the management measures that most improved effectiveness in resisting human pressure for the PAs with different baselines. Finally, the relationships between the changes in the HPI and the changes in natural ecosystems in PAs were analyzed with different baselines. Of PAs with low HPI baselines, medium HPI baselines, and high HPI baselines, 76.92% (n=150), 11.11% (n=12), and 22.86% (n=8) , respectively, showed positive effects in resisting human pressure. Overall, ignoring human-pressure baselines somewhat underestimated the positive effects of PAs, especially for those with low initial human pressure. For PAs with different initial human pressures, different management measures should be taken to improve effectiveness and reduce threats to natural ecosystems. We believe our framework is useful for assessing the effectiveness of PAs globally, and we recommend it be included in the Convention on Biological Diversity Post-2020 Strategy.

Las evaluaciones previas de la efectividad de las áreas protegidas (AP) se han enfocado principalmente en los cambios de las presiones humanas con el tiempo y no han considerado las diferentes líneas base de las presiones humanas en las AP, por lo que potencialmente han sobrestimado o subestimado su efectividad. Desarrollamos un marco de trabajo que considera las líneas base de presión humana y los cambios de las presiones humanas con el tiempo y evaluamos a la efectividad de 338 AP en China entre 2010 y 2020. Consideramos el estado inicial de la presión humana en las AP como la línea base y analizamos los cambios en el índice de presión humana (IPH) bajo diferentes líneas base. Utilizamos modelos de bosque aleatorio para identificar las medidas de gestión que más aumentaron la efectividad de la resistencia a las presiones humanas en las AP con líneas base diferentes. Finalmente, analizamos con diferentes líneas base las relaciones entre los cambios en el IPH y los cambios en los ecosistemas naturales de las AP. De las AP con líneas base de IPH bajas, medianas y altas, 76.92% (n=150), 11.11% (n=12) y 22.86% (n=8), respectivamente, mostraron efectos positivos de resistencia a las presiones humanas. En general, si ignoramos las líneas base de las presiones humanas, se subestiman los efectos positivos de las AP de una u otra manera, especialmente aquellas con poca presión humana al inicio. En el caso de las AP que al inicio tienen diferentes presiones humanas, se deben tomar diferentes medidas de gestión para mejorar la efectividad y reducir las amenazas a los ecosistemas naturales. Creemos que nuestro marco de trabajo sirve para evaluar la efectividad mundial de las AP y recomendamos que se incluya en la Estrategia Post-2020 de la Convención sobre la Diversidad Biológica. Mejoría de la Efectividad de un Área Protegida al Considerar Diferentes Líneas Base de Presión Humana.

Saikosaponin A Inhibits Growth of Human Bladder Carcinoma T24 and 5637 Cells Both in Vitro and in Vivo.

Saikosaponin A (SSA)-a natural compound extracted from Radix bupleuri-possesses antitumor properties in several types of carcinomas. However, the role of SSA on bladder cancer and the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we have described the effect of SSA on human bladder cancer cell lines T24 and 5637 in the context of the regulation of mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis. In vitro, the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and cell wound healing assays were used to determine the proliferative effect of SSA treatment. Flow cytometry and Western blotting were performed to evaluate the apoptosis and related mechanisms. To further confirm that apoptosis is mediated through Caspase activation, Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining assay was done after cells were treated with SSA and caspase inhibitor-Z-VAD-FMK. In vivo, an orthotopic xenograft mice model was adopted to evaluate the effect of SSA. The tumors were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemical analysis, and Western blotting. In vitro, the results with CCK-8 assay showed obvious SSA-induced suppression in cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis, Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining assay and the assessment of the changes in the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family protein expression level revealed that SSA could significantly induce cell apoptosis, which was associated with apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathways. In vivo, the results revealed a reduction in cell proliferation. In conclusion, our data suggest that SSA inhibits the growth of bladder cancer cells by activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and inducing cell apoptosis.

Atomic-Scale Hidden Point-Defect Complexes Induce Ultrahigh-Irradiation Hardening in Tungsten.

Tungsten displays high strength in extreme temperature and radiation environments and is considered a promising plasma facing material for fusion nuclear reactors. Unlike other metals, it experiences substantial irradiation hardening, which limits service life and presents safety concerns. The origin of ultrahigh-irradiation hardening in tungsten cannot be well-explained by conventional strengthening theories. Here, we demonstrate that irradiation leads to near 3-fold increases in strength, while the usual defects that are generated only contribute less than one-third of the hardening. An analysis of the distribution of tagged atom-helium ions reveals that more than 87% of vacancies and helium atoms are unaccounted for. A large fraction of helium-vacancy complexes are frozen in the lattice due to high vacancy migration energies. Through a combination of in situ nanomechanical tests and atomistic calculations, we provide evidence that irradiation hardening mainly originates from high densities of atomic-scale hidden point-defect complexes.

Regioselective Fluoroalkylphosphorylation of Unactivated Alkenes by Radical-Mediated Alkoxyphosphine Rearrangement.

A novel distal radical rearrangement of alkoxyphosphine is developed for the first time and applied to the regioselective radical fluoroalkylphosphorylation of unactivated olefins. By employing a one-pot two-step reaction of (bis)homoallylic alcohols, organophosphine chlorides, and fluoroalkyl iodides under CFL (compact fluorescence light) irradiation, a series of fluoroalkylphosphorylated alkyl iodides and alcohols are easily synthesized by regiospecific installing a phosphonyl onto the inner carbon of terminal olefins and further iodination/hydroxylation. Mechanism studies reveal that the migration undergoes a distinctive radical cyclization/ß-scission on the lone electron pair of phosphorus, resulting in C-P bond formation and C-O bond cleavage.

Diversification in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Orchidinae (Orchidaceae) clades exhibiting pre-adaptations play critical role.

We explore the origins of the extraordinary plant diversity in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) using Orchidinae (Orchidaceae) as a model. Our results indicate that six major clades in Orchidinae exhibited substantial variation in the temporal and spatial sequence of diversification. Our time-calibrated phylogenetic model suggests that the species-richness of Orchidinae arose through a combination of in situ diversification, colonisation, and local recruitment. There are multiple origins of species-richness of Orchidinae in the QTP, and pre-adaptations in clades from North Temperate and alpine regions were crucial for in situ diversification. The geographic analysis identified 29 dispersals from Asia, Africa and Europe into the QTP and 15 dispersals out. Most endemic species of Orchidinae evolved within the past six million years.

Clinical characterization of NTCP deficiency in paediatric patients : A case-control study based on SLC10A1 genotyping analysis.

Na+ -taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide deficiency (NTCPD) is a newly described disorder arising from biallelic mutations of the SLC10A1 gene. As a result of a lack of compelling evidence from case-control studies, its genotypic and phenotypic features remain open for in-depth investigation. This study aimed to explore the genotypic and clinical phenotypic characteristics of paediatric patients with NTCPD. The SLC10A1 genotypes of all NTCPD patients were confirmed by screening for the prevalent variant c.800C>T and Sanger sequencing when necessary. The clinical presentations and laboratory changes were collected, reviewed and analysed, and then qualitatively and quantitatively compared with the relevant controls. A total of 113 paediatric NTCPD patients were diagnosed while c.374dupG and c.682_683delCT were detected as two novel pathogenic mutations. Hypercholanemia was observed in 99.12% of the patients. Indirect hyperbilirubinemia in affected neonates exhibited higher positive rates in comparison to controls. Moreover, transient cholestatic jaundice, elevated liver enzymes and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (Vit D) deficiency during early infancy were more commonly observed in patients than in controls. All NTCPD patients exhibited favourable clinical outcomes as a result of symptomatic and supportive treatment. The findings enriched the SLC10A1 mutation spectrum and provided comprehensive insights into the phenotypic characteristics of NTCPD. NTCPD should be considered and SLC10A1 gene should be analysed in patients with above age-dependent clinical features. Furthermore, over investigation and intervention should be avoided in the management of NTCPD patients.

Sediminibacillus terrae sp. nov., a moderate halophile isolated from non-saline farm soil.

A Gram-stain-positive, moderately halophilic, strictly aerobic, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, strain JSM 102062T, was isolated from a non-saline farm soil sample collected from Dehang Canyon in Hunan, PR China. Growth occurred with 0.5-20 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 4-7 %) at pH 5.5-11.0 (optimum pH 8.0) and at 20-50 °C (optimum 30-35 °C). Contained cell-wall peptidoglycan based on meso-diaminopimelic acid and possessed menaquinone-7 (MK-7) as the major respiratory isoprenoid quinone. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The polar lipid pattern consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, five unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C content was 44.1 mol%. Phylogeny based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain JSM 102062T belonged to the genus Sediminibacillus, sharing high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Sediminibacillus halophilus EN8dT (99.4 %) and Sediminibacillus albus NHBX5T (98.3 %). The whole genomic analysis showed that strain JSM 102062T constituted a different taxon separated from the recognized Sediminibacillus species. Combined data from phenotypic and genotypic studies demonstrated that strain JSM 102062T represents a noval species of the genus Sediminibacillus, for which the name Sediminibacillus terrae sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is JSM 102062T (=CCTCC AB 2014166T = CGMCC 1.12957T=DSM 28949T=KCTC 33541T).