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Background: Observational studies have suggested a correlation between alopecia areata (AA) and thyroid dysfunction (TD). However, the causal relationship between AA and TD remains uncertain. The purpose of this study is to investigate the causal relationship between these two conditions. Understanding the potential causal relationship between AA and TD is valuable for elucidating the pathogenesis of AA and for designing innovative methods to prevent and treat AA and its related complications. Methods: All data for this two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study were sourced from public databases. This study selected hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, subacute thyroiditis, and Graves' disease as exposure factors, with AA as the outcome variable. Data for hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, subacute thyroiditis, Graves' disease, and AA were obtained from related genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Various MR analysis methods such as inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR‐Egger, and weighted median were utilized. Additionally, Cochrane's Q test was used to detect heterogeneity in MR results, and the MR‐Egger intercept test and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR‐PRESSO) test were used to detect horizontal pleiotropy. A leave‐one‐out analysis was conducted to investigate the sensitivity of this association. Results: We found statistically significant genetic predictions of AA with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and subacute thyroiditis (IVW OR = 1.4009815, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1210399–1.750829; p = 0.003030698, OR = 1.396101, 95% CI: 1.030134–1.89208; p = 0.03144273, OR = 0.732702, 95% CI: 0.604812–0.887634; p = 0.001483368). Furthermore, tests for pleiotropy showed no evidence of pleiotropy, enhancing the credibility of the study results. Finally, the leave‐one‐out test demonstrated the stability and robustness of this association. Conclusion: This study provides new evidence of a potential genetic link between thyroid issues and AA. By employing the two‐sample MR method to eliminate confounding factors and reverse causation, unbiased results were obtained, confirming a causal relationship between hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, and AA. This lays the foundation for further mechanistic studies and potential clinical applications. Future research should further explore the specific biological mechanisms between TD and the onset of AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report a novel wheat-infecting marafivirus, tentatively named "Triticum aestivum marafivirus" (TaMRV). The full-length genome sequence of TaMRV comprises 6,437 nucleotides, excluding the poly(A) tail. Pairwise sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis revealed that TaMRV may represent a novel species within the genus Marafivirus in the family Tymoviridae. We also observed a mass of isometric particles with a diameter of about 30 nm in ultrathin sections of infected wheat leaf tissue. In addition, the leafhopper Psammotettix alienus was identified as a vector for this virus. This is the first report of the occurrence of a wheat-infecting marafivirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to prepare a highly sensitive and specific zearalenone (ZEN) monoclonal antibody, which was then used to develop an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ic‐ELISA) and a colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA). These techniques were used for the detection of Coicis Semen and related products (Coicis Semen flour, Yimigao, and Yishigao). Immunogens were synthesized by oxime active ester techniques and characterized via ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Immunogens were injected subcutaneously into the abdominal cavities and backs of mice. Using the prepared antibodies, we developed ic‐ELISA and GICA rapid detection methods, which were then applied for the rapid detection of ZEN and its analogues from Coicis Semen and related products. For ic‐ELISA, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for ZEN, α‐zearalenol (α‐ZEL), β‐zearalenol (β‐ZEL), zearalanone (ZAN), α‐zearalanol (α‐ZAL), and β‐zearalanol (β‐ZAL) were determined to be 1.13, 1.69, 2.06, 0.66, 1.20, and 0.94 ng•mL−1, respectively. For GICA, the cutoff values of ZEN, α‐ZEL, β‐ZEL, α‐ZAL, and β‐ZAL on test strips were 0.5 ng•mL−1 in phosphate buffer saline (0.01 M, pH 7.4), while ZAN was found to be 0.25 ng•mL−1. Furthermore, the cutoff values of test strips were between 10 and 20 µg∙kg−1 in Coicis Semen and related products. The results of these two detection methods were in good agreement with results from liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. This study provides technical support for the preparation of broad‐specificity monoclonal antibodies against ZEN and lays the foundation for the simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins from food and herbal medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the medicinal tea (MT) system has promoted the health awareness in the whole world, and the nutritional elements are also an important resource of health care delivery except for the medicinal components. Among various medicinal teas, Astragalus membranaceus (AM), Zingiberaceae rhizome (ZR), and Lonicera japonica (LJ) were the most popular ingredients in China. However, except for the nutrition value, MT was inevitably contaminated with heavy metals due to the special planting environment and processing system. This study was aimed to investigate the distribution characteristics of nutrition elements and combined health risk of heavy metals in MT sample, referring to the maximum residue limit (MRL), estimated daily intake (EDI), total target hazard quotients (TTHQs), and lifetime cancer risk (LCR). Furthermore, the bioaccessibility of gastrointestinal phase and bioavailability of human colon adeno carcinoma cell line were selected for elaborating the exact damage degree to human digestive system. The results showed that, the nutritional elements of Na, Se, K, Ca, and Mn were very rich in MT, but a total of 50% of MT were contaminated by Cr, Hg, and Cd in raw material. Although the cumulative lifetime cancer risk can be accepted under the bioaccessibility (26.62–99.27%), the heavy metals of Cr, As, Hg, and Fe in AM and LJ posed a slight threaten of non-carcinogenic risk to consumers. This study will give an exactly assessment of multiple elements in digestive system, thus further to predict the potential health risk under the consumption of MT products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relevant studies have demonstrated that urban green spaces composed of various types of plants are able to alleviate the morbidity and mortality of respiratory diseases, by reducing air pollution levels. In order to explore the relationship between the spatial pattern of urban green spaces and air pollutant concentrations, this study takes 37 garden cities with subtropical monsoon climate in China as the research object and selects the urban air quality monitoring data and land use type data in 2019 to analyze the relationship between the spatial pattern and the air pollutant concentration through the landscape metrics model and spatial regression model. Moreover, the threshold effect of the impact of green space on air pollutant concentrations is estimated, as well. The results showed that the spatial pattern of urban green space was significantly correlated with the concentrations of PM2.5 (PM with aerodynamic diameters of 2.5 mmor less), NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide), and SO2 (Sulfur dioxide) pollutants in the air, while the concentrations of PM10 (PM with aerodynamic diameters of 10 mmor less) pollutants were not significantly affected by the green space pattern. Among them, the patch shape index (LSI), patch density (PD) and patch proportion in landscape area (PLAND) of forest land can affect the concentration of PM2.5, NO2, and SO2, respectively. The PLAND, PD, and LSI of grassland and farmland can also have an additional impact on the concentration of SO2 pollutants. The study also found that there was a significant threshold effect within the impact mechanism of urban green space landscape pattern indicators (LSI, PD, PLAND) on the concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 air pollutants. The results of this study not only clarified the impact mechanism of the spatial pattern of urban green space on air pollutant concentrations but also provided quantitative reference and scientific basis for the optimization and updating of urban green space to promote public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Lycii Fructus (LF) is considered as a 'superfood' due to its health benefits and delicious tastes, which has gained popularity worldwide. However, LF is also a proper host for fungal growth due to its abundant nutrients. Fungal contamination seriously affects the quality and safety of LF and poses threats to consumer health. Methods and Results: In this study, a total of 15 LF samples were collected from five provinces in China, and were divided into five groups based on the collection areas. Fungal contamination in LF was investigated by targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 region using Illumina Miseq PE300 platform, and the differences of fungal community in groups based on collection areas were compared. Results showed that the fungal contamination was detected in all the 15 LF samples. Ascomycota, Dothideomycetes, Pleosporales and Pleosporaceae were dominant at the phylum, class, order and family levels, respectively. At the genus level, Alternaria, Cladosporium and Fusarium were the three dominant genera. In all, 24 fungal species were identified. Among which, two species, namely Penicillium oxalicum and Trichothecium roseum, were potentially toxigenic. Conclusions: All 15 LF samples were detected with fungal contamination. The differences of fungal community in LF samples collected from different areas were observed. DNA metabarcoding was demonstrated as an efficient method to monitor the fungal contamination in LF. Significance and Impact of the Study: This work comprehensively reveals the fungal diversity and composition in LF and provides early warning for potential mycotoxin contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morindae Officinalis Radix (MOR) and Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus (AOF) have been widely used as dietary supplements and traditional herbal medicines for centuries. Fungal and mycotoxin contamination in MOR and AOF has been reported recently. In this study, fungi in MOR and AOF are first investigated using DNA metabarcoding, and the differences in fungal microbiome between moldy and non−moldy samples are analyzed. The results show that Ascomycota is the most prevailing fungus at the phylum level in MOR and AOF with relative abundances of 49.53–94.32% and 14.81–81.85%, respectively. Penicillium (1.86–76.14%), Cladosporium (1.82–56.65%), and Trichoderma (0.12–19.71%) are the dominant genera in MOR. Penicillium (0.27–56.06%), Papiliotrema (0.04–51.71%), and Cladosporium (3.08–44.41%) are the dominant genera in AOF. Two potential toxigenic fungi were detected, namely, Trichoderma atroviride and Fusarium equiseti. Moreover, the differences in fungal communities between moldy and non−moldy samples were monitored. In conclusion, DNA metabarcoding can be used to assess the fungal microbiome in edible medicinal herbs, thereby providing a basis for ensuring food safety and drug efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel wheat-infecting polerovirus, tentatively named "wheat yellow dwarf virus" (WYDV), was identified from winter wheat in China using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) combined with RT-PCR and RACE amplification. WYDV has a single-stranded RNA genome of 5,650 nucleotides (nt) and contains seven putative open reading frames (ORFs). WYDV was found to share the highest sequence identity with cereal yellow dwarf virus RPV (CYDV-RPV, genus Polerovirus), 71.1% for the nucleotide sequence of the whole genome, and 77.3% and 70.0% for the amino acid sequences of the coat protein (CP) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase protein (RdRp), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete genome and CP and RdRp amino acid sequences showed that WYDV is most closely related to the cereal-infecting poleroviruses CYDV-RPV, CYDV-RPS, and barley yellow dwarf virus-GPV. These data suggest that WYDV, which is associated with a newly emerging yellow dwarf disease in wheat fields in central China, should be classified as a new member of the genus Polerovirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumorigenesis is a complex multifactorial and multistep process in which tumors can utilize a diverse repertoire of immunosuppressive mechanisms to evade host immune attacks. The degradation of tryptophan into immunosuppressive kynurenine is considered an important immunosuppressive mechanism in the tumor microenvironment. There are three enzymes, namely, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2), involved in the metabolism of tryptophan. IDO1 has a wider distribution and higher activity in catalyzing tryptophan than the other two; therefore, it has been studied most extensively. IDO1 is a cytosolic monomeric, heme-containing enzyme, which is now considered an authentic immune regulator and represents one of the promising drug targets for tumor immunotherapy. Collectively, this review highlights the regulation of IDO1 gene expression and the ambivalent mechanisms of IDO1 on the antitumoral immune response. Further, new therapeutic targets via the regulation of IDO1 are discussed. A comprehensive analysis of the expression and biological function of IDO1 can help us to understand the therapeutic strategies of the inhibitors targeting IDO1 in malignant tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platycladi Semen, which is derived from the dried ripe seed of Platycladus orientalis , has been used for the treatment of insomnia and constipation in China for 2000 years. However, it is susceptible to fungal and aflatoxin contamination under proper humidity and temperature during storage. Although aflatoxin contamination in Platycladi Semen has been reported preliminarily, few studies have been conducted on fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination simultaneously. Thus, this work aims to provide an in-depth understanding of fungal contamination in Platycladi Semen, and information on aflatoxin contamination. We focused on a comparison of the difference in fungal diversity between aflatoxin-contaminated and aflatoxin-free Platycladi Semen samples. First, aflatoxin levels in 11 Platycladi Semen samples, which were collected from local herbal markets in Shandong, Anhui, and Hebei provinces throughout China, were determined by IAC-HPLC-FLD, and positive confirmation of detected samples was performed by LC-MS/MS. The samples were divided into two groups, based on production or non-production of aflatoxin. We then used the Illumina MiSeq PE250 platform, and targeted the internal transcribed spacer two sequences to analyze the diversity and composition of the fungal microbiome, as well as to assess the presence of potential mycotoxin-producing fungi. Results showed that five samples were contaminated with aflatoxins, one of which exceeded the legal limits of Chinese Pharmacopeia Commission (2015). At the phylum level, the Ascomycota was the most dominant in all tested samples, with a relative abundance of 83.04–99.46%. Aspergillus (27.88–97.28%), Xerochrysium (0–28.49%), and Xeromyces (0–22.24%) were the three predominant genera. Furthermore, differences in fungal composition between the aflatoxin-contaminated and aflatoxin-free groups, as well as between different provinces were observed. A total of 74 species were identified, and four potential mycotoxin-producing fungi were detected in all samples, namely Aspergillus flavus , Aspergillus fumigatus , Fusarium poae , and Penicillium steckii. In conclusion, we report the great diversity of fungi associated with Platycladi Semen, highlight the risk to consumers of ingesting potent aflatoxin, and provide a reference for the safe application and quality improvement of Platycladi Semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural transformation of Escherichia coli is a novel and recently developed system that has significance for genetic studies and the biological safety of genetic engineering. However, the mechanisms of transformation, including development of competence and DNA uptake, are not thoroughly understood. In this study, we demonstrated the effect of the general stress response regulator RpoS, which has been associated with E. coli transformation, on natural transformation performed in an 'open system'. We find that RpoS is required for natural transformation but not to artificial transformation and RpoS mainly affect transformation in the liquid culture prior to plating. In the liquid culture, RpoS over-expression promotes natural transformation in early exponential phase and static incubation accumulates RpoS and promotes transformation to a limited extent. These findings provide detailed understanding of RpoS function on natural transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epimedium wushanense (Berberidaceae) is recorded as the source plant of Epimedii Wushanensis Folium in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, controversies exist on the classification of E. wushanense and its closely related species, namely, E. pseudowushanense, E. chlorandrum, E. mikinorii, E. ilicifolium, and E. borealiguizhouense. These species are often confused with one another because of their highly similar morphological characteristics. This confusion leads to misuse in the medicinal market threatening efficiency and safety. Here, we studied the plastid genomes of these Epimedium species. Results show that the plastid genomes of E. wushanense and its relative species are typical circular tetramerous structure, with lengths of 156,855–158,251 bp. A total of 112 genes were identified from the Epimedium plastid genomes, including 78 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and 4 rRNA genes. A loss of rpl32 gene in E. chlorandrum was found for the first time in this study. The phylogenetic trees constructed indicated that E. wushanense can be distinguished from its closely related species. E. wushanense shows a closer relationship to species in ser. Dolichocerae. In conclusion, the use of plastid genomes contributes useful genetic information for identifying medicinally important species E. wushanense and provides new evidence for understanding phylogenetic relationships within the Epimedium genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus (Wuweizi) is often adulterated with Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus (Nanwuweizi) in the herbal market. This adulteration is a threat to clinical treatment and safety. In this study, we aimed to develop a nucleotide signature for the identification of Wuweizi and its Chinese patent medicines based on the mini-DNA barcoding technique. We collected 49 samples to obtain internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences and developed a 26-bp nucleotide signature (5′-CGCTTTGCGACGCTCCCCTCCCTCCC-3′) on the basis of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) site within the ITS2 region that is unique to Wuweizi. Then, using the nucleotide signature, we investigated 27 batches of commercial crude drug samples labeled as Wuweizi and eight batches of Chinese patent medicines containing Wuweizi. Results showed that eight commercial crude drug samples were adulterants and one of the Chinese patent medicines contained adulterants. The nucleotide signature can serve as an effective tool for identifying Wuweizi and its Chinese patent medicines and can thus be used to ensure clinical drug safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine system for decades. Under proper humidity and temperature, ZSS is easily contaminated by fungi and mycotoxins during harvest, storage, and transport, thereby posing a considerable threat to consumer health. In this study, we first used the Illumina MiSeq PE250 platform and targeted the internal transcribed spacer 2 sequences to investigate the presence of fungi in moldy and normal ZSS samples collected from five producing areas in China. Results showed that all 14 samples tested were contaminated by fungi. Ascomycota was the dominant fungus at the phylum level, accounting for 64.36–99.74% of the fungal reads. At the genus level, Aspergillus, Candida, and Wallemia were the most predominant genera, with the relative abundances of 13.52–87.87%, 0.42–64.56%, and 0.06–34.31%, respectively. Meanwhile, 70 fungal taxa were identified at the species level. Among these taxa, three potential mycotoxin-producing fungi, namely, Aspergillusflavus, A. fumigatus, and Penicillium citrinum that account for 0.30–36.29%, 0.04–7.37%, and 0.01–0.80% of the fungal reads, respectively, were detected in all ZSS samples. Moreover, significant differences in fungal communities were observed in the moldy and normal ZSS samples. In conclusion, our results indicated that amplicon sequencing is feasible for the detection and analysis of the fungal community in the ZSS samples. This study used a new approach to survey the fungal contamination in herbal materials. This new approach can provide early warning for mycotoxin contamination in herbal materials, thereby ensuring drug efficacy and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genus Epimedium consists of approximately 50 species in China, and more than half of them possess medicinal properties. The high similarity of species' morphological characteristics complicates the identification accuracy, leading to potential risks in herbal efficacy and medical safety. In this study, we tested the applicability of four single loci, namely, rbcL, psbA-trnH, internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and ITS2, and their combinations as DNA barcodes to identify 37 Epimedium species on the basis of the analyses, including the success rates of PCR amplifications and sequencing, specific genetic divergence, distance-based method, and character-based method. Among them, character-based method showed the best applicability for identifying Epimedium species. As for the DNA barcodes, psbA-trnH showed the best performance among the four single loci with nine species being correctly differentiated. Moreover, psbA-trnH + ITS and psbA-trnH + ITS + rbcL exhibited the highest identification ability among all the multilocus combinations, and 17 species, of which 12 are medicinally used, could be efficiently discriminated. The DNA barcode data set developed in our study contributes valuable information to Chinese resources of Epimedium. It provides a new means for discrimination of the species within this medicinally important genus, thus guaranteeing correct and safe usage of Herba Epimedii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]