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Introduction: In our previous study, we successfully constructed the recombinant brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-adeno-associated virus (AAV) modified by the influenza virus hemagglutinin-2 (HA2) and trans-transcriptional activator (TAT). BDNF-HA2TAT/AAV has been confirmed to have antidepression effects. BDNF-HA2TAT/AAV seems a promising therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the BDNF plays an important role in the function of the nervous system. However, the effects of BDNF-HA2TAT/AAV on PTSD caused by the single prolonged stress (SPS) model are unknown. Methods: After the SPS model was established, BDNF-HA2TAT/AAV was administered (1 × 1011 vg per rat) through inhalation in the SPS + BDNF group for 2 weeks. Next, the rats underwent behavioral tests including an open-field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and a forced swimming test (FST). Sera and hippocampi were obtained from the rats, and an enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay was performed to determine corticosterone concentration. Western blotting was conducted to determine BDNF, tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB), cAMP-response element-binding protein, and protein kinase B levels. Results: BDNF-HA2TAT/AAV released anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in OFT, EPM, and FST. BDNF-HA2TAT/AAV also results in high plasma concentrations of corticosterone, BDNF, and TrkB in the hippocampus. Conclusions: SPS is an excellent animal model to assess PTSD. BDNF-HA2TAT/AAV therapeutically effects PTSD caused by SPS, with changes seen in plasma corticosterone and BDNF-TrkB pathways within the hippocampus; therefore, BDNF-HA2TAT/AAV may be a promising treatment for patients with PTSD.

The number of measles cases reported worldwide has increased in recent years, and in 2015, there was a measles outbreak in Xi’an, China. However, the epidemiology of measles and the seroepidemiology of healthy people after 2015 have not been fully understood. We collected fingertip blood samples from healthy people around each suspected measles case in Xi’an in 2016-2018 and tested IgG using ELISA. Eighty measles cases were reported in Xi’an in 2016–2018, with an average annual incidence of 0.29 per 100,000 persons. Children aged ≤ 5 years and adults aged 25-29 accounted for a large proportion of measles cases. More than half of the cases in the 0-year group were under 8 months. A total of 5476 blood samples from healthy people were collected. Apart from 1-4 years and over 40, other age groups’ seroprevalence was 93%. Our findings suggest that the first vaccine shot should be administered at 6 months or earlier, the second at 12 months, and the third at 10 years, and couples prepared for [pregnancy](javascript:showjdsw(’showlj_1’,’lj_1’)) should be vaccinated with another dose. The findings may provide novel insights into measles elimination.

To investigate the pivotal physiological processes modulating lead (Pb) tolerance capacities of poplars, the saplings of two contrasting poplar species, Populus × canescens with high Pb sensitivity and Populus nigra with relatively low Pb sensitivity, were treated with either 0 or 8 mM Pb for 6 weeks. Lead was absorbed by the roots and accumulated massively in the roots and leaves, leading to overproduction of reactive oxygen species, reduced photosynthesis and biomass in both poplar species. Particularly, the tolerance index of P. × canescens was significantly lower than that of P. nigra. Moreover, the physiological responses including the concentrations of nutrient elements, thiols, organic acids, phytohormones and nonenzymatic antioxidants, and the activities of antioxidative enzymes in the roots and leaves were different between the two poplar species. Notably, the differences in concentrations of nutrient elements, organic acids and phytohormones were remarkable between the two poplar species. A further evaluation of the Pb tolerance-related physiological processes showed that the change of ‘sulfur (S) metabolism’ in the roots was greater, and that of ‘organic acid accumulation’ in the roots and ‘phytohormone regulation’ in the leaves were markedly smaller in P. × canescens than those in P. nigra. These results suggest that there are differences in Pb tolerance capacities between P. × canescens and P. nigra, which is probably associated with their contrasting physiological responses to Pb stress, and that S metabolism, organic acid accumulation and phytohormone regulation are probably the key physiological processes modulating the different Pb tolerance capacities between the two poplar species.

Cultivated chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat.) is a beloved ornamental crop due to the diverse capitula types among varieties, but the molecular mechanism of capitulum development remains unclear. Here, we report a 2.60 Gb chromosome-scale reference genome of C. lavandulifolium, a wild Chrysanthemum species found in China, Korea and Japan. The evolutionary analysis of the genome revealed that only recent tandem duplications occurred in the C. lavandulifolium genome after the shared whole genome triplication (WGT) in Asteraceae. Based on the transcriptomic profiling of six important developmental stages of the radiate capitulum in C. lavandulifolium, we found genes in the MADS-box, TCP, NAC and LOB gene families that were involved in disc and ray floret primordia differentiation. Notably, NAM and LOB30 homologs were specifically expressed in the radiate capitulum, suggesting their pivotal roles in the genetic network of disc and ray floret primordia differentiation in chrysanthemum. The present study not only provides a high-quality reference genome of chrysanthemum but also provides insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the diverse capitulum types in chrysanthemum.

Coccidia are protozoan parasites in the class Conoidasida. To determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of coccidia species in blue peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in Henan, China, 240 fecal specimens were collected and screened for the presence of Eimeria spp. and Isospora spp. The overall prevalence was 65.0% (156/240), and seven different coccidia species were identified: E. pavonis (51.3%, 123/240), E. arabic (40.0%, 96/240), E. riyadhae (37.1%, 89/240), E. mandali (22.9%, 55/240), E. mayurai (14.2%, 34/240), I. mayuir (10.9%, 26/240), and I. lacazei (8.5%, 21/240). E. arabic and E. riyadhae were detected for the first time in China. Additionally, we provide molecular data of the seven different coccidia species at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the COI loci. Sequence homology percentages among the five species of Eimeria at the 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and COI loci were 96.0%-98.6%, 90.7%-98.2%, and 85.0%-94.9%, respectively, whereas for two species of Isospora the sequence homology percentages were 98.8%, 99.1%, and 95.4% at three corresponding loci. This is the first report of the molecular data of the seven coccidia species in blue peafowl in China.

Flower type is an important quality trait of ornamental plants. Mastering genetic variation in flower types is of practical significance for breeding improved flower types. Chrysanthemum (non-anemone type) flowers consist of several elements; both ray floret shape and the relative number of ray florets (RNRF) on the capitulum are very important factors. However, until recently, few reports have standardized chrysanthemum flower type evaluations, hindering the development of genetic studies of chrysanthemum flower types. In this study, as an important index of ray floret shape, the corolla tube merged degree (CTMD) was defined as the corolla tube length/ray floret length (CTL/RFL). In addition, the number of ray florets/number of florets (NRF/NF) was used to describe the RNRF on the capitulum. Major gene and polygene mixed inheritance analyses were conducted based on 2 F1 populations from 2 pairs of parents that strongly differed in the CTMD and RNRF. ANOVA revealed that all traits strongly significantly differed among the different hybrids, and correlation analysis revealed that the CTMD and RNRF might have evolved independently. Additionally, according to the Q-mode cluster analysis results, we divided the RNRF into 4 levels: single, semi-double I, semi-double II and double. Genetic analysis revealed that both the CTMD and RNRF could be described by a B-2 genetic model via two additive-dominance major genes. In addition, the heritability of the major genes for these traits was greater than 50%, indicating that the CTMD and RNRF were controlled mainly by genetic factors. These results will provide a new theoretical basis for further improvement and breeding of chrysanthemum flower types.

What is already known about this topic? Healthcare workers are at high risk of acquiring COVID-19 from occupational exposure to COVID-19 virus during their daily medical service work. Excellent infection prevention and control measures and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired COVID-19. What is added by this report? On March 17, 2021, a female healthcare professional who already received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination and was working in the isolation area of a designated COVID-19 hospital was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Xi’an city. Her exposure likely occurred five days before illness onset when she obtained nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs from the two imported cases that were identified as belonging to the B.1.1.7 lineage, the variant first detected in the United Kingdom. What are the implications for public health practices? Since the healthcare worker had been fully vaccinated and had mild symptomatology, it is considered a mild breakthrough infection. All vaccines are associated with breakthrough infections. In addition to rigorous adherence to infection prevention and control measures, use of adequate PPE, and using good clinical practices, the potential role of chronic upper respiratory infection in acquiring COVID-19 during medical procedures deserves further consideration.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread across the world and was characterized as a pandemic. To protect medical laboratory personnel from infection, most laboratories inactivate the virus causing COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in clinical samples before testing. However, the effect of inactivation on the detection results remains unknown. Here, we used a digital PCR assay to determine the absolute SARS-CoV-2 RNA copy number in 63 nasopharyngeal swab samples and assess the effect of inactivation methods on viral RNA copy number., The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread across the world and was characterized as a pandemic. To protect medical laboratory personnel from infection, most laboratories inactivate the virus causing COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in clinical samples before testing. However, the effect of inactivation on the detection results remains unknown. Here, we used a digital PCR assay to determine the absolute SARS-CoV-2 RNA copy number in 63 nasopharyngeal swab samples and assess the effect of inactivation methods on viral RNA copy number. Viral inactivation was performed by three different methods: (i) incubation with the TRIzol LS reagent for 10 min at room temperature, (ii) heating in a water bath at 56°C for 30 min, and (iii) high-temperature treatment, including autoclaving at 121°C for 20 min, boiling at 100°C for 20 min, and heating at 80°C for 20 min. Compared to the amount of RNA in the original sample, TRIzol treatment destroyed 47.54% of the nucleocapsid protein (N) gene and 39.85% of open reading frame (ORF) 1ab. For samples treated at 56°C for 30 min, the copy number of the N gene and ORF 1ab was reduced by 48.55% and 56.40%, respectively. The viral RNA copy number dropped by 50 to 66% after heating at 80°C for 20 min. Nearly no viral RNA was detected after autoclaving at 121°C or boiling at 100°C for 20 min. These results indicate that inactivation reduced the quantity of detectable viral RNA and may cause false-negative results, especially in weakly positive cases. Thus, use of the TRIzol reagent rather than heat inactivation is recommended for sample inactivation, as the TRIzol reagent had the least effect on the RNA copy number among the tested methods.

The process of cadmium (Cd) accumulation and detoxification under different sulfur levels remains largely unknown in woody plants. To investigate the physiological and transcriptomic regulation mechanisms of poplars in response to different sulfate (S) supply levels and Cd exposure, we exposed Populus deltoides saplings to one of the low, moderate and high S levels together with either 0 or 50 µM Cd. Cd accumulation was decreased in low S-treated poplar leaves, and it tended to be increased in high S-supplied leaves under the Cd exposure condition. Sulfur nutrition was deficient in low S-supplied poplars, and it was improved in high S-treated leaves. Cd exposure resulted in lower sulfur level in the leaves supplied with moderate S, it exacerbated a Cd-induced sulfur decrease in low S-treated leaves and it caused a higher sulfur concentration in high S-supplied leaves. In line with the physiological changes, a number of mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in Cd accumulation and sulfur assimilation were identified and the miRNA–mRNA networks were dissected. In the networks, miR395 and miR399 members were identified as hub miRNAs and their targets were ATP sulfurylase 3 (ATPS3) and phosphate 2 (PHO2), respectively. These results suggest that Cd accumulation and sulfur assimilation are constrained by low and enhanced by high S supply, and Cd toxicity is aggravated by low and relieved by high S in poplar leaves, and that miRNA–mRNA regulatory networks play pivotal roles in sulfur-mediated Cd accumulation and detoxification in Cd-exposed poplars.

We report infection of humans with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in Shaanxi, China, in May 2017. We obtained complete genomes for samples from 5 patients and from live poultry markets or farms in 4 cities. Results indicate that H7N9 is spreading westward from southern and eastern China.

An acute gastroenteritis outbreak occurred at a private college in June 2014 in northwest China. This outbreak involved two teachers and 629 students (range: 17–27 years, average 21.3 years). The main symptoms included non-bloody watery diarrhea, stomach ache, nausea, and vomiting, and the duration of illness ranged from 1 to 7 days. Eight of 18 water samples were disqualified. Thirty-four norovirus (NoV) RNA-positive samples were identified from 48 stool-related samples (genotyping results: 13 GII, 13 GI and 8 GI + GII mixture). Fourteen NoV samples were successfully characterized for genotype, including two GII.6, five GI.6, four GI.3, and three GI.1. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enteroadherent Escherichia coli (EAEC) DNA was detected from patient stool specimens and water samples from well one; two EAEC strains and one EPEC strain were isolated from patient stool specimens. The risk ratios (RRs) associated with wells one and two were 1.66 and 1.49, respectively, and the RR associated with living in north dormitory building one was 2.59. The patients' epidemiological characteristics, symptoms, and duration of illness indicated that NoV-contaminated water might be the origin of this outbreak, and RR analysis suggested that the two wells were linked to the outbreak.

A study was conducted to investigate the circulation of HRSV subgroup B (HRSVB) in China in recent years. HRSVB sequences from 365 samples collected in 1991, 2004 and 2008–2014 in China, together with 332 Chinese HRSVB sequences obtained from GenBank were analyzed to determine the geographic and yearly distribution of HRSVB. Phylogenetic analysis revealed these HRSVB sequences clustered into 4 genotypes with different frequencies: BA (83%), CB1 (11%), SAB (3.0%) and GB3 (0.7%). Between 2005 and 2013, there was a co-circulation of BA and non-BA genotypes in China. Genotypes BA9 and BA10 were two of the main BA genotypes detected in this study. Genotype BA9 was first detected in China in 2006 and became the predominant HRSVB genotype circulating in China from 2008 to 2014. Three different lineages were detected for both genotypes BA9 and BA10. Time to the most recent common ancestor for genotypes BA9 and BA10 was estimated for years 1997 and 1996, respectively. Results of this study not only contribute to the understanding of the circulation pattern, but also the phylogenetic pattern and evolution of HRSVB in China from 1991 to 2014.

To investigate the physiological responses of poplars to amino acids as sole nitrogen (N) sources, Populus × canescens (Ait.) Smith plants were supplied with one of three nitrogen fertilizers (NH4NO3, phenylalanine (Phe) or the mixture of NH4NO3 and Phe) in sand culture. A larger root system, and decreased leaf size and CO2 assimilation rate was observed in Phe- versus NH4NO3-treated poplars. Consistently, a greater root biomass and a decreased shoot growth were detected in Phe-supplied poplars. Decreased enzymatic activities of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamate synthase (GOGAT) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and elevated activities of nitrite reductase (NiR), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), glutamine synthetase (GS) and asparagine synthase (AS) were found in Phe-treated roots. Accordingly, reduced concentrations of NH4+, NO3- and total N, and enhanced N-use efficiencies (NUEs) were detected in Phe-supplied poplars. Moreover, the transcript levels of putative Phe transporters ANT1 and ANT3 were upregulated, and the mRNA levels of NR, glutamine synthetase 2 (GS2), NADH-dependent glutamate synthase (NADH-GOGAT), GDH and asparagine synthetase 2 (ASN2) were downexpressed in Phe-treated roots and/or leaves. The 15N-labeled Phe was mainly allocated in the roots and only a small amount of 15N-Phe was translocated to poplar aerial parts. These results indicate that poplar roots can acquire Phe as an N source to support plant growth and that Phe-induced NUEs in the poplars are probably associated with NH4+ re-utilization after Phe deamination and the carbon bonus simultaneously obtained during Phe uptake.

Hantavirus, a rodent-borne zoonotic pathogen, has a global distribution with 200,000 human infections diagnosed annually. In recent decades, repeated outbreaks of hantavirus infections have been reported in Eurasia and America. These outbreaks have led to public concern and an interest in understanding the underlying biological mechanisms. Here, we propose a climate-animal-Hantaan virus (HTNV) infection model to address this issue, using a unique dataset spanning a 54-y period (1960-2013). This dataset comes from Central China, a focal point for natural HTNV infection, and includes both field surveillance and an epidemiological record. We reveal that the 8-y cycle of HTNV outbreaks is driven by the confluence of the cyclic dynamics of striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) populations and climate variability, at both seasonal and interannual cycles. Two climatic variables play key roles in the ecology of the HTNV system: temperature and rainfall. These variables account for the dynamics in the host reservoir system and markedly affect both the rate of transmission and the potential risk of outbreaks. Our results suggest that outbreaks of HTNV infection occur only when climatic conditions are favorable for both rodent population growth and virus transmission. These findings improve our understanding of how climate drives the periodic reemergence of zoonotic disease outbreaks over long timescales.

To explore whether lead (Pb)-induced defense responses are responsible for the low root-to-shoot Pb translocation, we exposed saplings of the two contrasting poplar species, Populus × canescens with relatively high root-to-shoot Pb translocation and P. nigra with low Pb translocation, to 0 or 8 mM PbCl2. Pb translocation from the roots to aboveground tissues was lower by 57% in P. nigra than that in P. × canescens. Lower Pb concentrations in the roots and aerial tissues, greater root biomass, and lower ROS overproduction in the roots were found in P. nigra than those in P. × canescens treated with Pb. P. nigra roots had higher proportions of cell walls (CWs)-bound Pb and water insoluble Pb compounds, and higher transcript levels of some pivotal genes related to Pb vacuolar sequestration, such as phytochelatin synthetase 1.1 (PCS1.1), ATP-binding cassette transporter C1.1 (ABCC1.1) and ABCC3.1 than P. × canescens roots. Pb exposure induced defense responses including increases in the contents of pectin and hemicellulose, and elevated oxalic acid accumulation, and the transcriptional upregulation of PCS1.1, ABCC1.1 and ABCC3.1 in the roots of P. nigra and P. × canescens. These results suggest that the stronger defense barriers in P. nigra roots are probably associated with the lower Pb translocation from the roots to aerial tissues, and that Pb exposure-induced defense responses can enhance the barriers against Pb translocation in poplar roots.

Resistance of Bordetella pertussis to erythromycin has been increasingly reported. We developed an allele-specific PCR method for rapid detection of erythromycin-resistant B. pertussis directly from nasopharyngeal (NP) swab samples submitted for diagnostic PCR. Based on the proven association of erythromycin resistance with the A2047G mutation in the 23S rRNA of B. pertussis , four primers, two of which were designed to be specific for either the wild-type or the mutant allele, were used in two different versions of the allele-specific PCR assay. The methods were verified with results obtained by PCR-based sequencing of 16 recent B. pertussis isolates and 100 NP swab samples submitted for diagnostic PCR. The detection limits of the two PCR assays ranged from 10 to 100 fg per reaction for both erythromycin-susceptible and -resistant B. pertussis . Two amplified fragments of each PCR, of 286 and 112 bp, respectively, were obtained from a mutant allele of the isolates and/or NP swab samples containing B. pertussis DNAs. For the wild-type allele, only a 286-bp fragment was visible when the allele-specific PCR assay 1 was performed. No amplification was found when a number of non- Bordetella bacterial pathogens and NP swab samples that did not contain the DNAs of B. pertussis were examined. This assay can serve as an alternative for PCR-based sequencing, especially for local laboratories in resource-poor countries.

Sulfur (S) can modulate plant responses to toxic heavy metals, but the underlying physiological and transcriptional regulation mechanisms remain largely unknown. To investigate the effects of S supply on lead (Pb)-induced toxicity in poplars, Populus deltoides monilifera (Aiton) Eckenw. saplings were exposed to 0 or 50 μM Pb together with one of the three S concentrations (0 (low S), 100 (moderate S) or 1500 (high S) μM Na2SO4). Populus deltoides roots absorbed Pb and it was partially translocated to the aerial organs, thereby decreasing the CO2 assimilation rate and leaf growth. Lead accumulation in poplars caused the overproduction of O2- and H2O2 to induce higher levels of total thiols (T-SH) and glutathione (GSH). Lead uptake by the roots and its accumulation in the aerial organs were repressed by low S application, but stimulated by high S supply. Lead-induced O2- and H2O2 production were exacerbated by S limitation, but alleviated by high S supply. Moreover, the concentrations of S-containing antioxidants including T-SH and GSH were reduced in S-deficient poplars, but increased in high S-treated plants, which corresponded well to the changes in the activities of enzymes involved in S assimilation and GSH biosynthesis. The transcript levels of both genes encoding sulfate transporters, i.e., SULTR1.1 and SULTR2.2, were elevated by low S application or high S supply in the roots, and the transcriptional upregulation of both genes was more pronounced under Pb exposure. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of several genes involved in S assimilation and the biosynthesis of GSH and phytochelatins, i.e., ATPS1, ATPS3, GSHS1, GSHS2 and PCS1, were upregulated in poplar roots with high S supply, particularly under Pb exposure. These results indicate that a high S supply can stimulate Pb accumulation and reduce its toxicity in poplars by improving S assimilation and stimulating the biosynthesis of S-containing compounds including T-SH and GSH.

The gut microbial association with host co-existence is critical for body homeostasis and pathogenicity. Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disease manifested with hyperthyroidism and ophthalmopathy. However, we hypothesized that gut bacteria could affect an important role in GD pathogenicity. The current study aim was to characterize and investigate the intestinal bacterial composition of GD qualitatively and quantitatively. 27 GD and 11 healthy controls were enrolled for fecal sample collection. The PCR-DGGE of 16S rRNA gene by targeting V3 region and Real-time PCR for Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides vulgatus and Clostridium leptum, were performed. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene with the V3+V4 site was perormed on Hiseq2500 platform on randomly 20 selected samples. The relative analysis of richness indices and diversity illustrated lesser diversification of intestinal bacteria in GD patients in contrast to controls. The data statistics shows the alteration in phyla of GD as compared to control. At the family taxonomic level, the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae and Pasteurellaceae were significantly higher in patients, while Enterobacteriaceae, Veillonellaceae, and Rikenellaceae were significantly lower in the diseased group as compared to control. At the genus level, a significant raised in genera count of the diseased group were Prevotella_9 and Haemophilus, while significantly decreased in the genera of the GD group were Alistipes and Faecalibacterium. The modulation in intestinal bacterial composition was checked at species level particularly H. parainfluenza abundance was raised in GD. The outcomes of the current study are aligned with the proposed hypothesis of gut microbial dysbiosis in GD. Statistically, alpha indices and differential abundance analyses of each intestinal bacterial community were significantly changed in GD. Therefore, the current study may provide a new insight into the GD pathogenesis and, in turn, explore its contribution in possible treatments.

After publication of the research paper[...]

The aim of this study was to examine the microbiological and related parameters (antibiotic resistance and pathogen identification) of water at two salmonid fish farms in Northern Ireland. Total Bacterial Counts at the Movanagher Fish Farm was 1730 colony forming units (cfu)/ml water (log10 3.24cfu/ml) and 3260cfu/ml (log10 3.51cfu/ml) at the Bushmills Salmon Station. Examination of resulting organisms revealed 10 morphological phenotypes, which were subsequently sequenced to determine their identification. All these organisms were Gram-negative and no Gram-positive organisms were isolated from any water sample. From these phenotypes, eight different genera were identified including Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Chryseobacterium, Erwinia, Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas and Rheinheimera. One unnamed novel taxon was identified from water at the Movanagher Fish Farm, belonging to the genus Acinetobacter and has been tentatively named Acinetobacter movanagherensis. No other novel taxa were observed. All but one of these environmental organisms (Erwinia) are potential pathogens of fish disease. Total antibiotic resistance was observed to varying degrees in water specimens. The most resistant populations were observed in water taken from the Bushmills Salmon Station inlet, followed by water from the Movanagher Fish Farm. No resistance was observed against tetracycline and there was only one occurrence of resistance against ciprofloxacin. Overall, this study indicates that potential fish pathogens made up the majority of environmental organisms identified, even in the absence of recorded fish disease. There was also relatively high levels of total antibiotic resistance in the bacterial water populations examined, where tetracycline was the only antibiotic with zero resistance. These data indicate that the threat of bacterial disease is relatively close due to the indigenous colonization of farm water and that husbandry standards should be maintained at a high standard to avert bacterial disease outbreaks, rather than relying on the absence of specific pathogens in the immediate farm environment.

Tobacco Smoking, most commonly, can cause the diseases affecting the lungs and heart. Human gut microbiota plays a key role to decide the health status of the host. Current study aimed to characterize the gut microbiota of healthy Chinese tobacco smokers and to study the alteration in diversity and similarity of gut microbiota, with comparison of healthy non-smokers.Fecal samples were collected from fourteen healthy tobacco smokers and six from healthy non-smoker individuals. PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, with universal primers focusing V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene, was done to characterize the overall gut microbial composition of healthy tobacco smokers in comparison with healthy non-smoker subjects and some strongly dominant gel bands were excised for sequencing. Real time PCR was also performed to evaluate the copy numbers of some dominant bacteria of intestinal flora.The results indicated that gut microbial diversity in tobacco smoker group was lower than non-smoker controls. Furthermore, similarity index comparison also indicated that it was lower in inter-group than intra-group, which showed that gut microbial composition was changed in tobacco smoker group. Sequencing results also indicated a change in bacterial composition between both groups. We also observed that in tobacco smoker group, there was a significant reduction in Bifidobacterium and non-significant increase in Bacteroides vulgatus, while nonsignificant decrease in Lactobacillus and clostridium leptum sub group, respectively.It can be concluded that in healthy Chinese tobacco smoker group, there is a notable alteration in the molecular characterization of gut microbiota.

Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in cadmium (Cd) tolerance in woody plants, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. To elucidate the physiological and transcriptional regulation mechanisms of GSH-mediated Cd tolerance in woody plants, we exposed Populus × canescens (Ait.) Smith saplings to either 0 or 75 μM Cd together with one of three external GSH levels. Glutathione treatments include buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, an inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis), no external GSH and exogenous GSH. External GSH resulted in higher Cd2+ uptake rate in the roots, greater Cd amount in poplars, lower Cd-induced H2O2 levels in the roots, and higher contents of endogenous GSH in Cd-treated roots and leaves. Furthermore, external GSH led to upregulated transcript levels of several genes including zinc/iron regulated transporter related protein 6.2 (ZIP6.2) and natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1.3 (NRAMP1.3), which probably take part in Cd uptake, glutathione synthetase 2 (GS2) implicated in Cd detoxification, metal tolerance protein 1 (MTP1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter C3 (ABCC3) involved in Cd vacuolar accumulation in the roots, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (ECS) and phytochelatin synthetase family protein 1 (PCS1) involved in Cd detoxification, and oligopeptide transporter 7 (OPT7) probably implicated in Cd detoxification in the leaves of Cd-exposed P. × canescens. In contrast, BSO often displayed the opposite effects on Cd-triggered physiological and transcriptional regulation responses in poplars. These results suggest that exogenous GSH can enhance Cd accumulation and alleviate its toxicity in poplars. This is probably attributed to external-GSH-induced higher net Cd2+ influx in the roots, greater Cd accumulation in aerial parts, stronger scavenging of reactive oxygen species, and transcriptional overexpression of several genes involved in Cd uptake, detoxification and accumulation.

The gut microbiota has a crucial effect on human health and physiology. Hypothyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder manifested with environmental and genetic factors. However, it is hypothesized that intestinal microbes might play a vital role in the pathogenesis of HT. The aim of current was to investigate and characterize the gut microbial composition of HT patients both quantitatively and qualitatively. The fecal samples from 29 HT patients and 12 healthy individuals were collected. The PCR-DGGE targeted V3 site of 16S rRNA gene and real time PCR for Bifidobacterium Lactobacillus, Bacteroides vulgatus and Clostridium leptum were performed. Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene with V4 location was performed on 20 randomly selected samples. The comparative analysis of diversity and richness indices revealed diversification of gut microbiota in HT as compared to control. The statistical data elucidate the alterations in phyla of HT patients which was also affirmed at the family level. We observed the declined abundance of Prevotella_9 and Dialister, while elevated genera of the diseased group included Escherichia-Shigella and Parasutterella. The alteration in gut microbial configuration was also monitored at the species level, which showed an increased abundance of E. coli in HT. Therefore, the current study is in agreement with the hypothesis that HT patients have intestinal microbial dysbiosis. The taxa statistics at species-level along with each gut microbial community were modified in HT. Thus, the current study may offer the new insights into the treatment of HT patients, disease pathway, and mechanism.

Overexpression of bacterial γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase in the cytosol of Populus tremula × P. alba produces higher glutathione (GSH) concentrations in leaves, thereby indicating the potential for cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation. However, the net Cd(2+) influx in association with H(+) /Ca(2+) , Cd tolerance, and the underlying molecular and physiological mechanisms are uncharacterized in these poplars. We assessed net Cd(2+) influx, Cd tolerance and the transcriptional regulation of several genes involved in Cd(2+) transport and detoxification in wild-type and transgenic poplars. Poplars exhibited highest net Cd(2+) influxes into roots at pH 5.5 and 0.1 mM Ca(2+) . Transgenics had higher Cd(2+) uptake rates and elevated transcript levels of several genes involved in Cd(2+) transport and detoxification compared with wild-type poplars. Transgenics exhibited greater Cd accumulation in the aerial parts than wild-type plants in response to Cd(2+) exposure. Moreover, transgenic poplars had lower concentrations of O2 ˙(-) and H2 O2 ; higher concentrations of total thiols, GSH and oxidized GSH in roots and/or leaves; and stimulated foliar GSH reductase activity compared with wild-type plants. These results indicate that transgenics are more tolerant of 100 μM Cd(2+) than wild-type plants, probably due to the GSH-mediated induction of the transcription of genes involved in Cd(2+) transport and detoxification.

To determine whether the composition and structure of skin microbiota differ with age, cutaneous bacteria were isolated from the axillary fossa of 37 healthy human adults in two age groups (old people and young adults). Bacterial genomic DNA was extracted and characterized by nested PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) with primers specifically targeting V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The excised gel bands were sequenced to identify bacterial categories. The total bacteria, Staphylococcus spp., Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium spp. were further enumerated by quantitative PCR. There were no significant differences in the species diversity profiles between age groups. The similarity index was lower across age groups than that it was intra-group. This indicates that the composition of skin flora is more similar to others of the same age than across age groups. While Staphylococcus spp. and Corynebacterium spp. were the dominant bacteria in both groups, sequencing and quantitative PCR revealed that skin bacterial composition differed by age. The copy number of total bacteria and Corynebacterium spp. were significantly lower in younger subjects, whereas there were no statistical differences in the quantity of Staphylococcus spp. and Staphylococcus epidermidis. These results suggest that the skin flora undergo both quantitative and qualitative changes related to aging.

Systemic inflammation contributes to both the development of cancer and of cachexia. The microenvironment of bacterial habitats might be changed during the progression of cancer cachexia. The aim of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively compare the composition of the skin microbiota between cancer cachexia patients and healthy volunteers. Cutaneous bacteria were swabbed at the axillary fossa of 70 cancer cachexia patients and 34 healthy individuals from China. Nested-PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) with primers specifically targeting V3 region and quantitative PCR (qPCR) for total bacteria, Corynebacterium spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Staphylococcus epidermidis were performed on all samples. Barcoded 454 pyrosequencing of the V3-V4 regions was performed on 30 randomly selected samples. By comparing diversity and richness indices, we found that the skin microbiome of cachectic cancer patients is less diverse than that of healthy participants, though these differences were not significant. The main microbes that reside on human skin were divided into four phyla: Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Staphylococcus spp. and Corynebacterium spp. were the dominant bacteria at the genus level. Significantly fewer Corynebacterium spp. had been observed in cachexia patients compared to healthy subjects. These results suggest that the presence of cancer and cachexia alters human skin bacterial communities. Understanding the changes in microbiota during cancer cachexia may lead to new insights into the syndrome.

Ectomycorrhizas (EMs), which are symbiotic organs formed between tree roots and certain fungi, can mediate cadmium (Cd) tolerance of host plants, but the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. To investigate EMs mediated Cd tolerance in woody plants, Populus × canescens was inoculated with Paxillus involutus (strain MAJ) to establish mycorrhizal roots. Mycorrhizal poplars and non-mycorrhizal controls were exposed to 0 or 50 μM CdSO4 . EMs displayed higher net Cd(2+) influx than non-mycorrhizal roots. Net Cd(2+) influx was coupled with net H(+) efflux and inactivation of plasma membrane (PM) H(+) -ATPases reduced Cd(2+) uptake of EMs less than of non-mycorrhizal roots. Consistent with higher Cd(2+) uptake in EMs, in most cases, transcript levels of genes involved in Cd(2+) uptake, transport and detoxification processes were increased in EMs compared to non-mycorrhizal roots. Higher CO2 assimilation, improved nutrient and carbohydrate status, and alleviated oxidative stress were found in mycorrhizal compared to non-mycorrhizal poplars despite higher Cd(2+) accumulation. These results indicate that mycorrhizas increase Cd(2+) uptake, probably by an enlarged root volume and overexpression of genes involved in Cd(2+) uptake and transport, and concurrently enhance Po. × canescens Cd tolerance by increased detoxification, improved nutrient and carbohydrate status and defence preparedness.

Outbreaks of ARD associated with HAdV have been reported in military populations in many countries. Here, we report an ARD outbreak caused by HAdV-7 in a military training camp in Shaanxi Province, China, from February to March of 2012. Epidemic data and samples from the patients were collected, and viral nucleotides from samples and viral isolations were detected and sequenced. IgG and IgA antibodies against HAdV, and the neutralization antibodies against the viral strain isolated in this outbreak, were detected. Epidemiological study showed that all personnel affected were males with an average age of 19.1 years. Two peaks appeared on the epicurve and there was an 8-day interval between peaks. Laboratory results of viral nucleotide detection carried out with clinical specimens were positive for HAdV (83.33%, 15/18). Further study through serum antibody assay, virus isolation and phylogenetic analysis showed that HAdV-7 was the etiological agent responsible for the outbreak. IgA antibody began to appear on the 4th day after the onset and showed 100% positivity on the 8th day. The virus strain in the present outbreak was highly similar to the virus isolated in Hanzhong Shaanxi in 2009. We conclude that HAdV-7 was the pathogen corresponding to the outbreak, and this is the first report of an ARD outbreak caused by HAdV-7 in military persons in China. Vaccine development, as well as enhanced epidemiological and virological surveillance of HAdV infections in China should be emphasized.