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Hemp seeds are consumed in "Bama longevity villages" in China and are believed to contribute to the locals' longevity. However, the molecular breeding of hemp seeds is limited due to our lack of understanding of molecular regulation and metabolite accumulation at different maturity stages. Here, we conducted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of hemp seeds from the Bama region at four maturity stages (S1 to S4). In total, 1231 metabolites of 11 classes were detected in hemp seeds from S1–S4, including 233 flavonoids, 214 phenolic acids, 159 lipids, 118 amino acids and derivatives, 100 alkaloids, 100 organic acids, 71 nucleotides and derivatives, 43 lignans and coumarins, 14 terpenoids, 13 tannins, and 166 others. The metabolomic analysis of hemp seeds (from the Bama region) revealed a higher number of flavonoid metabolites compared with seven other varieties from other regions in China. Hemp seeds are rich in metabolites like cannflavin, trigonelline, citric acid, vitexin, choline alfoscerate, and choline, which may potentially contribute to the longevity of the Bama people. Through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, a gradual decrease in the overall expression pattern of genes and metabolite accumulation was observed during seed maturation. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that two genes (ncbi_115696993 and ncbi_115706674) are involved in regulating main metabolites, while transcription factor association analysis revealed that three transcription factor genes (MYB, NAC, and GRAS) are also involved in regulating the metabolites. The expression pattern of these five candidate genes was further verified by qPCR. Our study provides valuable insights into the metabolic substances during seed maturation and identifies candidate genes that could be utilized for future genetic engineering to enhance the endogenous biosynthesis of health-promoting metabolites in hemp seeds, potentially leading to improved nutritional and medicinal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of non-fungible token (NFT) with paintings, music, games, videos and other forms of creative content is an innovation to protect the copyright of authors. It digitizes physical works with unique labels. At present, the NFT industry is blooming in the area of digital collections in China, attracting increasingly more artists, art collectors and platform enterprises to interact. However, the NFT digital collection platform is facing challenges and growth limitations. This study adopts the theory framework of responsible innovation. Through semi-structured interview and secondary document review, it analyzes the positive and negative effects of China's NFT digital collections alongside technological, economical, ethical and social dimensions. The paper proposes four development paths to achieve responsible innovation of this emerging new business. Further discussion links NFT with open innovation dynamics, alongside areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The onset of puberty is influenced by thyroid function, and thyroid hormones (THs) fluctuate substantially during the period of pubertal development. However, it needs to be further clarified how THs change at specific puberty stages and how it influences pubertal development in girls. So far, longitudinal data from China are scarce. Methods: A cohort study was conducted among girls during puberty in iodine-sufficient regions of East China between 2017 to 2019. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) were determined for each participant. Thyroid homeostasis structure parameters (THSPs), including the ratio of FT4 to FT3 (FT4/FT3), Jostel's TSH index (TSHI), and thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), were calculated. Puberty category scores (PCS), calculated based on the Puberty Development Scale (PDS), was used to assess the stage of puberty. Girls were grouped into three categories according to PCS changes (△PCS) and six categories according puberty stage (BPFP: pre-pubertal at both baseline and follow-up; BPFL: pre-pubertal at baseline and late-pubertal at follow-up, respectively; BPFT: pre-pubertal at baseline and post-pubertal at follow-up, respectively; BLFL: late-pubertal at both baseline and follow-up; BLFT: late-pubertal at baseline and post-pubertal at follow-up, respectively; BTFT: post-pubertal at both baseline and follow-up). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations of THs changes with pubertal progress. Results: The levels of serum TSH and FT3 decreased while serum FT4 increased during the study period (P<0.001). In multiple linear regression analyses, after adjustment for covariables, FT3 decreased by an additional 0.24 pmol/L (95% CI: -0.47 to -0.01) in the higher △PCS group than the lower △PCS group. Compared with the BLFL group, the BPFT group showed an additional decline in FT3 (β= -0.39 pmol/L, 95%CI: -0.73 to -0.04), the BTFT group showed a lower decline in TSH (β=0.50 mU/L, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.80) and a lower decline in TSHI (β=0.24, 95%CI: 0.06 to 0.41), respectively. There was no association of △FT4 or △TFQI with △PCS or the puberty pattern. Conclusions: Serum TSH and FT3 decreased while serum FT4 increased among girls during puberty. Both the initial stage and the velocity of pubertal development were related to thyroid hormone fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An electronic health record (e-HR) system has been developed in Minhang District of Shanghai, China, since 2005, making it convenient for local health institutions to provide integrative and comprehensive health care and management for major diseases. Methods: In 2008, an e-HR-based cancer prevention program was initiated to screen multiple cancers, including colorectal, gastric, liver, lung, cervical, and breast cancers, and provide subsequent health education and health management to cancer patients and high-risk individuals. This study was designed in prospective analysis, based on the constructive analysis of key information, observation of cancer screening and healthcare processes and organizations, and stages of cancers detected by the e-HR-based programs. Results: From 2008 to 2016, health education was conducted for over 5 million attendances, and more than 3 million screening tests were performed for eligible residents over 40 years old. A total of 2,948 cancer cases were detected, accounting for 13.3% of all newly diagnosed cancers in the district during the 9-year period. Thirty point seven percent detected cancer cases were at the early stage, significantly higher than the 22.9% in cases identified by e-HR-based follow-up and 13.8% in cases diagnosed due to signs or symptoms. More than 136,000 residents were identified as individuals at high risk of cancer and subject to sustainable clinical follow-up and health management. Conclusions: The successful application of e-HR system in cancer prevention and control in Minhang district of Shanghai, China, implies that the system may act as an extendable and sustainable infrastructure for comprehensive health care and services for a broad spectrum of diseases and health events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and genetic environment of the oxazolidinone resistance gene optrA in Streptococcus suis (S. suis) isolates from diseased pigs in China. A total of 178 S. suis isolates were screened for the optrA gene by PCR. The phenotypes and genotypes of optrA -positive isolates were investigated by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, core genome Multilocus Sequence Typing (cgMLST), capsular serotypes determination and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Fifty-one (28.7%) S. suis isolates were positive for optrA. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the spread of the optrA among S. suis isolates was primarily due to horizontal transfer. Analysis of S. suis serotypes from diseased pigs revealed substantial diversity. The genetic environment of optrA was complex and diverse and could be divided into 12 different types. Interestingly, we identified a novel integrative and conjugative element ICE Ssu 988S, carrying optrA and erm (T) genes. This is to the best of our knowledge the first report of the optrA and erm (T) co-located on an ICE in S. suis. Our results showed a high prevalence of optrA gene in S. suis isolates in China. Further research is needed to evaluate the importance of ICEs, as they horizontally propagate important clinical resistance genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study characterized a novel integrative and conjugative element, carrying eight resistance genes and seven IS elements, from a serovar 2 Glaesserella parasuis ST279 isolate. • Tn6743, a novel transposon carrying six resistance genes, was identified. • This study characterized a novel insertion element ISGpa1, which is the first characterized example in G. parasuis. ICE Gpa1804 was identified in the genome of a serovar 2, ST279 isolate EHP1804 carrying eight different resistance genes from 200 Glaesserella parasuis strains isolated from swine with lower respiratory tract infection in seven provinces of China. Susceptibility testing for EHP1804 was determined by broth microdilution, and its genetic profile was determined by whole-genome sequencing. The complete ICE Gpa1804 was analysed by polymerase chain reaction, conjugation assay and bioinformatics tools. The conjugation assay was performed using EHP1804 as the donor and G. parasuis V43 (rifampicin-resistant) as the recipient. ICE Gpa1804 has a size of 71,880 bp and contains 83 genes, including eight resistance genes [ tet (B), bla Rob-1 , aphA1, strA, strB, aac(3)-IId, catA3 and sul2 ]. The conjugation assay showed that ICE Gpa1804 could be transferred to G. parasuis V43 with frequencies of 4.3 × 10−7. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to identify a novel integrative and conjugative element (ICE) carrying eight resistance genes and seven insertion sequence (IS) elements from a G. parasuis isolate. Tn 6743 , a novel transposon carrying six resistance genes, was identified. Moreover, IS Gpa1 , a novel IS 256 family insertion element, is the first characterized example of a G. parasuis insertion element. Multiple mobile genetic elements involved in resistance genes were located in chromosomal ICE Gpa1804 , which showed that ICEs may serve as a vital platform for the accumulation of resistance genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Until now, polymyxin resistance has involved chromosomal mutations but has never been reported via horizontal gene transfer. During a routine surveillance project on antimicrobial resistance in commensal Escherichia coli from food animals in China, a major increase of colistin resistance was observed. When an E coli strain, SHP45, possessing colistin resistance that could be transferred to another strain, was isolated from a pig, we conducted further analysis of possible plasmid-mediated polymyxin resistance. Herein, we report the emergence of the first plasmid-mediated polymyxin resistance mechanism, MCR-1, in Enterobacteriaceae.Methods: The mcr-1 gene in E coli strain SHP45 was identified by whole plasmid sequencing and subcloning. MCR-1 mechanistic studies were done with sequence comparisons, homology modelling, and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. The prevalence of mcr-1 was investigated in E coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains collected from five provinces between April, 2011, and November, 2014. The ability of MCR-1 to confer polymyxin resistance in vivo was examined in a murine thigh model.Findings: Polymyxin resistance was shown to be singularly due to the plasmid-mediated mcr-1 gene. The plasmid carrying mcr-1 was mobilised to an E coli recipient at a frequency of 10(-1) to 10(-3) cells per recipient cell by conjugation, and maintained in K pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In an in-vivo model, production of MCR-1 negated the efficacy of colistin. MCR-1 is a member of the phosphoethanolamine transferase enzyme family, with expression in E coli resulting in the addition of phosphoethanolamine to lipid A. We observed mcr-1 carriage in E coli isolates collected from 78 (15%) of 523 samples of raw meat and 166 (21%) of 804 animals during 2011-14, and 16 (1%) of 1322 samples from inpatients with infection.Interpretation: The emergence of MCR-1 heralds the breach of the last group of antibiotics, polymyxins, by plasmid-mediated resistance. Although currently confined to China, MCR-1 is likely to emulate other global resistance mechanisms such as NDM-1. Our findings emphasise the urgent need for coordinated global action in the fight against pan-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.Funding: Ministry of Science and Technology of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the status of anxiety, depression, and psychological resilience among individuals with COVID-19, and their interrelationships to provide a scientific basis for developing psychological intervention strategies for these patients., Methods: A total of 126 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital were recruited in this study. A comprehensive survey was conducted using a general information questionnaire, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, the self-rating depression scale, and the Chinese version of the psychological Connor-Davidson resilience scale; a questionnaire-based survey was conducted., Results: Significant differences in anxiety scores were observed among COVID-19 patients with different education levels and the number of immediate family members. The differences in depression scores were noted among patients of different age groups, and marital statuses were also significant. The total psychological resilience score and the scores of all dimensions are negatively correlated with anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the patient's gender, the number of immediate family members, and the psychological resilience dimensions are associated with the severity anxiety of patients. Patient age and psychological resilience are associated with the depression level of patients., Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 exhibit elevated levels of both anxiety and depression. Notably, psychological resilience emerges as a protective factor against the development of anxiety and depression., (© 2023 The Authors. Brain and Behavior published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: To examine the association between daily physical activity (PA) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in northwest China., Methods: The data in this analysis were part of the baseline survey of the Regional Ethnic Cohort Study in Northwest China from June 2018 to May 2019 in Shaanxi Province. This study used standardized self-reported total physical activity (continuous and categorical variables) and self-reported outcomes of MACEs. All analyses were conducted using the logistic regression model and stratified by age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and region. The dose-response relationships were assessed with a restricted cubic spline., Results: The average level of total PA was 17.60 MET hours per day (MET-h/d). Every increase of four MET-h/d of total PA was associated with a lower risk of MACEs [adjusted OR = 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93~0.98)]. Compared with participants in the bottom quartile of total PA, a lower risk of MACEs was observed in the top quartile group [≥23.3 MET-h/d, 0.68 (0.55~0.83)]. Stratified analyses showed similar results in males, females, participants over 45 years old, participants in the rural region, and normal weight range participants (BMI < 24 kg/m 2 ). Total participants also observed a dose-response relationship after adjusting for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors., Conclusions: A higher level of PA was associated with a lower MACE risk. Future research should examine the longitudinal association of prospectively measured PA and the risk of MACEs., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wang, Liu, He, Zhang, Liu, Xu, Cao, Huo, Liu, Zeng, Yan, Dang and Mi.)

Here, the mechanisms of colistin heteroresistance (CHR) were assessed in 12 Escherichia coli isolates from swine in China. CHR was investigated by population analysis profile tests. CHR stability was studied by culturing isolates for five overnight incubation periods in colistin-free medium. Subsequently, the mcr-1 gene and mutations in PmrAB, PhoPQ, and MgrB were screened in parental isolates and resistant subpopulations. Additionally, the expression levels of phoPQ , its target gene pagP , and its negative regulator gene mgrB , as well as pmrAB and its target genes pmrHFIJKLM and pmrC , were determined by real-time relative quantitative PCR. Eleven of the 12 isolates were confirmed to show CHR, with 17 resistant subpopulations. Also, 11 of the 17 subpopulations (64.71%) harbored point mutations in PmrB and/or PhoQ, differing from their parental isolates. However, only one stable resistant subpopulation (EPF42-4) was identified; it harbored an arginine-to-proline substitution at position 93 (R 93 P) within the PmrB HAMP (histidine kinase, adenylyl cyclase, methyl-binding protein, and phosphatase) domain. Compared to the pmrB expression levels in the parental isolate EPF42 and E. coli K-12 MG1655, remarkable pmrB overexpression was observed in EPF42-4, which showed upregulated pmrA , pmrK , and pmrC expression. Structural analysis demonstrated that the R 93 P substitution promotes conformational changes in the HAMP domain, leading to an acceleration in its signal transduction ability and the activation of PmrB expression. In conclusion, point mutations in PmrB and/or PhoQ were primarily associated with CHR. The R 93 P substitution resulted in the establishment of stable resistant subpopulations in E. coli showing CHR., (Copyright © 2020 American Society for Microbiology.)

Background: The plasmid-encoded multidrug efflux pump oqxAB confers bacterial resistance primarily to olaquindox, quinolones, and chloramphenicol. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of oqxAB among Escherichia coli isolates from dogs, cats, and humans in Henan, China and the susceptibilities of E. coli isolates to common antibiotics., Methods: From 2012 to 2014, a total of 600 samples which included 400 rectal samples and 200 clinical human specimens were tested for the presence of E. coli . All isolates were screened for oqxAB genes by PCR and sequencing. The MICs of 11 antimicrobial agents were determined by the broth microdilution method. A total of 30 representative oqxAB -positive isolates were subjected to ERIC-PCR and MLST. Additionally, conjugation experiments and southern hybridizations were performed., Results: Of 270 isolates, 58.5% (62/106) of the isolates from dogs, 56.25% (36/64) of the isolates from cats, and 42.0% (42/100) of the isolates from humans were positive for the oqxAB . Olaquindox resistance was found for 85.7%-100% of oqxAB -positive isolates. Of oqxAB -positive isolates from dogs, cats, and humans, ciprofloxacin resistance was inspected for 85.8%, 59.1%, and 93.8%, respectively. Several oqxAB -positive isolates were demonstrated by ERIC-PCR and MLST, and have high similarity. Phylogenetic analysis showed that oqxAB -positive isolates could be divided into 7 major clusters. OqxAB -positive conjugants were obtained, southern hybridization verified that the oqxAB gene complex was primarily located on plasmids., Conclusion: In conclusion, oqxAB -positive isolates were widespread in animals and humans in Henan, China. Carriage of oqxAB on plasmids of E. coli isolates may facilitate the emergence of multidrug resistant and its transmission via horizontal transfer, and might pose a potential threat to public health., Competing Interests: With regards to our study’s use of animals, this study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Henan Agriculture University animal ethics committee, and the experiment was performed in accordance with the regulations and guidelines established by this committee. For experiments involving human participants, this study was approved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences human ethics committee, and was carried out strictly in accordance with the approved guidelines. Informed consent was obtained from the hospital.Not applicable.The authors declare that they have no competing interests.Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Three hybrid CTX-M β-lactamases, CTX-M-64, CTX-M-123, and CTX-M-132, with N and C termini matching CTX-M-1 group enzymes and centers matching CTX-M-9 group enzymes, have been identified. The hybrid gene sequences suggested recombination between blaCTX-M-15 and blaCTX-M-14, the two most common blaCTX-M variants worldwide. However, blaCTX-M-64 and blaCTX-M-123 are found in an ISEcp1-blaCTX-M transposition unit with a 45-bp "spacer," rather than the 48 bp usually associated with blaCTX-M-15, and 112 bp of IncA/C plasmid backbone. This is closer to the context of blaCTX-M-55, which has one nucleotide difference from blaCTX-M-15, on IncI2 plasmid pHN1122-1. Here, we characterized an IncI2 plasmid carrying blaCTX-M-15 with a 45-bp spacer (pHNY2-1) by complete sequencing and also sequenced IncI2 plasmids carrying blaCTX-M-64 (pHNAH46-1) or blaCTX-M-132 (pHNLDH19) and an IncI1 plasmid carrying blaCTX-M-123 (pHNAH4-1). pHNY2-1 has the same ISEcp1-blaCTX-M-IncA/C insertion as pHN1122-1, pHNAH46-1, and pHNLDH19, and all four plasmid backbones are almost identical. pHNAH4-1 (IncI1 sequence type 108 [ST108]) carries a transposition unit that includes a 2,720-bp fragment of the IncI2 backbone, suggesting ISEcp1-mediated transfer of blaCTX-M-IncA/C-IncI2 to an IncI1 plasmid. All three hybrid blaCTX-M genes may have resulted from recombination between blaCTX-M-14 and blaCTX-M-15 with a 45-bp spacer on an IncI2 plasmid. Five additional Escherichia coli isolates of different sequence types from different provinces, farms, and/or animals had blaCTX-M-64 on a pHNAH46-1-like IncI2 plasmid and 9 had blaCTX-M-123 on a pHNAH4-1-like IncI1 ST108 plasmid. Thus, epidemic IncI plasmids may be responsible for the spread of blaCTX-M-64 and blaCTX-M-123 between different animals and different locations in China., (Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the trends and the diversity of CTX-M types of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) in Escherichia coli isolated from food animals in China over a ten-year period. From 2003 to 2012, 2815 E. coli isolates collected from diseased animals (chickens, pigs, and waterfowl) were screened for the prevalence of CTX-M genes. CTX-M-positive isolates were tested for their susceptibilities to 10 antimicrobial agents and the clonal relationship of CTX-M-producing E. coli isolates was also assessed. Overall, 677 (20.1%) of the 2815 E. coli isolates carried CTX-M genes. Eighteen different types of CTX-M ESBLs were identified, with CTX-M-14, CTX-M-55, and CTX-M-65 being the most dominant genotypes. The occurrence of CTX-M-producing E. coli increased significantly from 5.7% in 2003-2005 to 35.3% in 2009-2012 (p<0.0001). High genetic heterogeneities were observed in the CTX-M-producing E. coli isolates. Most CTX-M-producing strains were also resistant to other classes of antimicrobials. Compared to isolates carrying CTX-M-9 subgroup of ESBLs, isolates carrying CTX-M-1 subgroup ESBLs showed significantly higher resistance rates to ceftazidime, amikacin, and fosfomycin (p<0.01). The study reported the dramatic increase of CTX-M ESBLs in E. coli isolated from animals overtime in China. The increasing incidence of CTX-M-55 with high hydrolytic activity against ceftazidime and the widely spread co-resistance in CTX-M-producing isolates alarm the serious antimicrobial resistance situation in China and highlight the need for urgent control strategies to limit the dissemination of those resistant genes in China., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study was performed to determine the prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants and characterize the ciprofloxacin resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from different sources in China. PMQR determinants were detected by PCR amplification and sequencing in 2297 E. coli isolates randomly collected from animals, food and humans during 2004 to 2011. MICs of ciprofloxacin were determined by agar dilution method. Of the 2297 E. coli isolates, 43.6% harbored at least one PMQR gene. The most common PMQR gene was oqxAB (29.3%), followed by qnr (13.6%), aac(6')-Ib-cr (11.6%), and qepA (3.3%). 12.0% isolates carried two or more PMQR genes. The prevalence of PMQR genes in food animal isolates increased over time, from 38.7% in 2004 to 69.8% in 2011. The prevalence of PMQR/ciprofloxacin resistance among isolates from pig, chicken, duck, companion animals, animal food and human volunteers were 65.2%/69.6%, 42.4%/60.0%, 59.4%/65.0%, 28.6%/57.5%, 29.3%/25.6%, and 14.0/8.7%, respectively. Most isolates carrying qnr along showed susceptible to ciprofloxacin, and only 21.6% the isolates exhibited resistance to ciprofloxacin, which was significantly lower than those carrying other PMQR genes (65.2-89.9%) and those that do not (43.1%) (p<0.01). In conclusion, high frequency of ciprofloxacin resistance and PMQR genes was observed among E. coli isolates of different origins in China, with oqxAB being the most frequent. qnr-positive E. coli isolates have relatively low ciprofloxacin resistance rate compared with other PMQR determinants-carrying isolates and PMQR-negative isolates., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The chimeric bla(CTX-M-123) gene was identified in two ceftazidime-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from animals in different Chinese provinces. Like other CTX-M-1/9 group hybrids (CTX-M-64 and CTX-M-132), the ends (amino acids 1 to 135 and 234 to 291) of CTX-M-123 match CTX-M-15 while the central part (122 to 241) matches CTX-M-14. bla(CTX-M-123) is carried on related, but not identical, ~90-kb IncI1 plasmids in the two isolates, and one isolate simultaneously carries the group 1 blaCTX-M-55 gene on an additional IncI2 plasmid.

pHN1122-1 carrying bla(CTX-M-55), from an Escherichia coli isolate from a dog, was completely sequenced. pHN1122-1 has an IncI2 replicon and typical IncI2-associated genetic modules, including mok/hok-finO-yafA/B, nikABC, and two transfer regions, tra and pil, as well as a shufflon. bla(CTX-M-55) is found within a 3.084-kb ISEcp1 transposition unit that includes a fragment of IncA/C plasmid backbone. pHN1122-1 and closely related plasmids were identified in other E. coli isolates from animals in China.