Search

Dickeya dadantii is a common pathogen of bacterial soft rot on a wide range of plants, including several crops. In this study, we present the complete genome sequence of the D. dadantii type strain DSM18020T. The genome was assembled using PacBio technology, resulting in a 4,997,541 bp circular chromosome with a G+C content of 56.5%. Our sequence analyses predicted 4277 protein-encoding genes, including several associated with known bacterial virulence factors and secondary metabolites. Comparative genomics analysis between Dickeya revealed that the category of 'metabolism' is the most important in both the core and accessory genomes, while the category of 'information storage and processing' is the most dominant in unique genomes. These findings will not only help us to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of D. dadantii DSM18020T, but also provide us with useful information for new control strategies against this phytopathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ningxiang pigs are popular for their high meat quality and unique flavor, but they contain a low lean percentage. Long-term excessive intake of pork with high fat content and its products might be associated with dyslipidemia. Lactobacillus delbrueckii has been proven to regulate lipid metabolism and improve blood lipids in our previous studies; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of L. delbrueckii on gut microbiota and body lipid metabolism and found that L. delbrueckii regulated hepatic and tissular fat metabolism via gut microbiota modulation and fecal TBA excretion to reduce blood lipid levels in Ningxiang pigs. Lactobacillus delbrueckii intervention can regulate body lipid metabolism, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Our study investigated the effects of L. delbrueckii on serum lipid levels, tissular fat metabolism and deposition, bile acid metabolism, and gut microbiota in Ningxiang pigs. Ninety-six pigs were divided into two groups and fed basal diets containing either 0 (CON) or 0.1% L. delbrueckii (LD) for 60 days. Dietary L. delbrueckii promoted fecal total bile acid (TBA) excretion and increased hepatic enzyme activities related to cholesterol and bile synthesis but decreased hepatic and serum lipid concentrations. L. delbrueckii downregulated gene expression associated with fatty acid synthesis but upregulated gene expression related to lipolysis and β-fatty acid oxidation in liver and subcutaneous fat. L. delbrueckii elevated gut Lactobacillus abundance and colonic short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria but declined the abundance of some pathogenic bacteria. These findings demonstrated that L. delbrueckii modulated intestinal microbiota composition and facilitated fecal TBA excretion to regulate hepatic fat metabolism, which resulted in less lipid deposition in the liver and reduced levels of serum lipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns emerged that vaccinated individuals might engage less in infection-preventive behaviors, potentially contributing to virus transmission. This study evaluates the causal effects of COVID-19 vaccination on such behaviors within Japan, highlighting the significance of understanding behavioral dynamics in public health strategies. Methods: Utilizing Japan's age-based vaccination priority for those born before April 1, 1957, this research employs a regression discontinuity design (RDD) to assess the vaccination's impact. Data from the fourth round of a longitudinal online survey, conducted from July 20 to 27, 2021, served as the basis for analyzing 14 infection-protective behaviors, including mask usage, handwashing, and avoiding crowds. Results: A total of 12067 participants completed the survey. The analyzed sample size varied by outcome variable, ranging from 1499 to 5233. The analysis revealed no significant differences in the 14 behaviors examined among fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated individuals. This consistency across groups suggests that vaccination status did not significantly alter engagement in protective behaviors during the observation period. Conclusions: Empirical findings highlight the complexity of behavioral responses following vaccination, indicating that such responses may be influenced by various factors, rather than by vaccination status alone. Additionally, this result underscores the importance of crafting public health policies that account for the intricate interplay between vaccination and behavior. This study contributes to the broader discourse on managing responses to the pandemic and tailoring interventions to sustain or enhance protective health behaviors amid vaccination rollouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Serous cystadenoma, often known as ovarian serous cystadenoma, is one of the common benign ovarian neoplasms. On the other hand, primary retroperitoneal serous cystadenoma is an extremely rare benign entity whose pathogenesis has not been well understood. Clinical presentation and symptomatology vary greatly and are highly dependent on the size and location of the lesion. Primary retroperitoneal serous cystadenomas are homogeneous, unilocular, thin-walled cystic masses. If they grow large enough, they tend to compress and deform adjacent organs, giving clinicians a misimpression of malignant pattern of behavior. Therefore, it is crucial to differentiate benign primary retroperitoneal serous cystadenomas from other epithelial and nonepithelial cystic lesions or masses involving retroperitoneal regions. Management-wise, complete cyst excision without rupture or spillage of the cyst contents is the recommended therapeutic method for primary retroperitoneal serous cystadenomas. This review will highlight the current knowledge on its pathogenesis and discuss its histopathologic features and differential diagnoses from the pathologist's point of view. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2020;144:523-528; doi: 10.5858/arpa.2018-0245-RS), Serous cystadenomas of the ovary are benign, thin-walled, fluid-containing cystic tumors that are usually unilocular or paucilocular. They generally contain clear serous or, less commonly, hemorrhagic or thin mucinous fluid. [...]