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A rapid expansion of HFMD with enterovirus 71 infection outbreaks has occurred and caused deaths in recent years in China, but no vaccine or antiviral drug is currently available for EV71 infection. This study aims to provide treatment programs for HFMD patients. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial and evaluated clinical efficacy of therapy with rHuIFN-α1b in HFMD patients with EV71 infection. There were statistical differences in outcomes including the fever clearance time, healing time of typical skin or oral mucosa lesions, and EV71 viral load of the HFMD patients among ultrasonic aerosol inhalation group, intramuscular injection group and control group. rHuIFN-α1b therapy reduced the fever clearance time, healing time of typical skin or oral mucosa lesions, and EV71 viral load in children with HFMD. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2007, a novel bunyavirus was found in Henan Province, China and named fever, thrombocytopenia and leukocytopenia syndrome virus (FTLSV); since then, FTLSV has been found in ticks and animals in many Chinese provinces. Human-to-human transmission has been documented, indicating that FTLSV should be considered a potential public health threat. Determining the historical spread of FTLSV could help curtail its spread and prevent future movement of this virus. Method/Principal Findings: To examine the pattern of FTLSV evolution and the origin of outbreak strains, as well to examine the rate of evolution, the genome of 12 FTLSV strains were sequenced and a phylogenetic and Bayesian phylogeographic analysis of all available FTLSV sequences in China were performed. Analysis based on the FTLSV L segment suggests that the virus likely originated somewhere in Huaiyangshan circa 1790 (95% highest probability density interval: 1756–1817) and began spreading around 1806 (95% highest probability density interval: 1773–1834). Analysis also indicates that when FTLSV arrived in Jiangsu province from Huaiyangshan, Jiangsu Province became another source for the spread of the disease. Bayesian factor test analysis identified three major transmission routes: Huaiyangshan to Jiangsu, Jiangsu to Liaoning, and Jiangsu to Shandong. The speed of FTLSV movement has increased in recent decades, likely facilitated by modern human activity and ecosystem changes. In addition, evidence of RNA segment reassortment was found in FTLSV; purifying selection appears to have been the dominant force in the evolution of this virus. Conclusion: Results presented in the manuscript suggest that the Huaiyangshan area is likely be the origin of FTLSV in China and identified probable viral migration routes. These results provide new insights into the origin and spread of FTLSV in China, and provide a foundation for future virological surveillance and control. Author Summary: FTLSV is novel bunyavirus belonging to genus Phlebovirus and was first found in Huaiyangshan area. The epidemiology and pathogenesis of FTLSV remain poorly understood. This lack of information underscores the importance of analyzing the movement and genetic history of FTLSV in China. Recent advances in Bayesian coalescent phylogenetic analyses have resulted in more sophisticated methods being available for determining the relative age of emerging pathogens. In this study, a phylogenetic and Bayesian phylogeographic analysis was performed for FTLSV whole genomic sequences isolated from China. Results identified the Huaiyangshan area as the most probable origin of FTLSV and suggested migrating routes of the virus. These results offer the first description of the movement and history of FTLSV in China. RNA segment reassortment was found in FTLSV; purifying selection appears to have been the dominant force driving the evolution of this virus. The results of this study could be used to facilitate the development of new strategies for controlling FTLSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2007, a novel bunyavirus was found in Henan Province, China and named fever, thrombocytopenia and leukocytopenia syndrome virus (FTLSV); since then, FTLSV has been found in ticks and animals in many Chinese provinces. Human-to-human transmission has been documented, indicating that FTLSV should be considered a potential public health threat. Determining the historical spread of FTLSV could help curtail its spread and prevent future movement of this virus. Method/Principal Findings: To examine the pattern of FTLSV evolution and the origin of outbreak strains, as well to examine the rate of evolution, the genome of 12 FTLSV strains were sequenced and a phylogenetic and Bayesian phylogeographic analysis of all available FTLSV sequences in China were performed. Analysis based on the FTLSV L segment suggests that the virus likely originated somewhere in Huaiyangshan circa 1790 (95% highest probability density interval: 1756–1817) and began spreading around 1806 (95% highest probability density interval: 1773–1834). Analysis also indicates that when FTLSV arrived in Jiangsu province from Huaiyangshan, Jiangsu Province became another source for the spread of the disease. Bayesian factor test analysis identified three major transmission routes: Huaiyangshan to Jiangsu, Jiangsu to Liaoning, and Jiangsu to Shandong. The speed of FTLSV movement has increased in recent decades, likely facilitated by modern human activity and ecosystem changes. In addition, evidence of RNA segment reassortment was found in FTLSV; purifying selection appears to have been the dominant force in the evolution of this virus. Conclusion: Results presented in the manuscript suggest that the Huaiyangshan area is likely be the origin of FTLSV in China and identified probable viral migration routes. These results provide new insights into the origin and spread of FTLSV in China, and provide a foundation for future virological surveillance and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fever, Thrombocytopenia and Leukopenia Syndrome (FTLS) is caused by a bunyavirus known as the FTLS virus (FTLSV), which was recently discovered in China. We examined the epidemiological and etiological features of 637 laboratory-confirmed cases of FTLS with onset from January 2011 to December 2012 in Henan Province, China. The highest incidence of FTLS occurred between May and August: 76.5% of all laboratory-confirmed cases occurred during those four months. Of the laboratory-confirmed cases, 60.9% were in the 46–69 years old age groups; 96.1% (612/637) occurred in farmers; 98.1% (625/637) were reported from Xinyang Prefecture. During the same time period, 2047 cases were reported in China. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of FTLSV strains identified during 2011–2012 in Henan Province were ≥96% identical. This findings provides insight for developing public-health interventions for the control and prevention of FTLS in epidemic area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2011, human coxsackievirus B5 (CVB5) caused an outbreak of viral encephalitis in Henan, China. Complete genome sequence analysis based on two isolates showed that the 5′ half of the genome (nt 1-4540) had high similarity (>97 %) to that of CVB5 strain GU376747, and the 3′ half (nt 4700-7402) showed high similarity (>96 %) to that of human coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) strain GQ141875. These isolates had the highest similarity (97.7 %) to the Changchun strain, based on the complete genome, rather than to other CVB5 strains isolated from Henan in recent years. There were therefore at least two groups of CVB5 circulating in Henan Province, which evolved at different rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) plays an essential role in the development of various gastroduodenal diseases; however, no vaccines preventing H. pylori infection have been available now. This study was to evaluate the protective effect of rOmp22-HpaA fusion protein against H. pylori infection in mouse model and to screen the candidate to be used in the development of an oral vaccine against H. pylori. rOmp22, rHpaA, rOmp22+rHpaA, and rOmp22-HpaA groups were used to immunize mice with mLT63 as adjuvant by intragastric route, respectively, four times at 1-week intervals. Two weeks after last immunization, all of the animals were orally challenged with H. pylori NCTC11637 and then were killed after another 2 weeks. The mice gastric tissue of all groups was separated to detect the presence of infection by urease tests, to culture H. pylori, and to observe the histological characteristics. The protective effect against H. pylori challenge in mice immunized with rOmp22-HpaA fusion protein and mLT63 adjuvant was significantly higher than PBS and mLT63 control groups ( P < 0.05), but no significant difference was detected among rOmp22, rHpaA, rOmp22+rHpaA, and rOmp22-HpaA groups ( P > 0.05). rOmp22-HpaA fusion protein retained immunogenicity and could be used as an antigen candidate in the development of an oral vaccine against H. pylori infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging epidemics of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) associated with enterovirus 71 (EV71) has become a serious concern in mainland China. It caused 126 and 353 fatalities in 2008 and 2009, respectively. The epidemiologic and pathogenic data of the outbreak collected from national laboratory network and notifiable disease surveillance system. To understand the virological evolution of this emerging outbreak, 326 VP1 gene sequences of EV71 detected in China from 1987 to 2009 were collected for genetic analyses. Evidence from both traditional and molecular epidemiology confirmed that the recent HFMD outbreak was an emerging one caused by EV71 of subgenotype C4. This emerging HFMD outbreak is associated with EV71 of subgenotype C4, circulating persistently in mainland China since 1998, but not attributed to the importation of new genotype. Originating from 1992, subgenotype C4 has been the predominant genotype since 1998 in mainland China, with an evolutionary rate of 4.6,4.861023 nucleotide substitutions/site/year. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the majority of the virus during this epidemic was the most recent descendant of subgenotype C4 (clade C4a). It suggests that the evolution might be one of the potential reasons for this native virus to cause the emerging outbreak in China. However, strong negative selective pressure on VP1 protein of EV71 suggested that immune escape might not be the evolving strategy of EV71, predicting a light future for vaccine development. Nonetheless, long-term antigenic and genetic surveillance is still necessary for further understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing threat of global warming on coral reefs underscores the urgency of identifying heat‐tolerant corals and discovering their adaptation mechanisms to high temperatures. Corals growing in intertidal rock pools that vary markedly in daily temperature may have improved heat tolerance. In this study, heat stress experiments were performed on scleractinian coral Porites lutea from subtidal habitat and intertidal rock pool of Weizhou Island in the northern South China Sea. Thermotolerance differences in corals from the two habitats and their mechanisms were explored through phenotype, physiological indicators, ITS2, 16S rRNA, and RNA sequencing. At the extremely high temperature of 34°C, rock pool P. lutea had a stronger heat tolerance than those in the subtidal habitat. The strong antioxidant capacity of the coral host and its microbial partners was important in the resistance of rock pool corals to high temperatures. The host of rock pool corals at 34°C had stronger immune and apoptotic regulation, downregulated host metabolism and disease‐infection‐related pathways compared to the subtidal habitat. P. lutea, in this habitat, upregulated Cladocopium C15 (Symbiodiniaceae) photosynthetic efficiency and photoprotection, and significantly increased bacterial diversity and coral probiotics, including ABY1, Ruegeria, and Alteromonas. These findings indicate that rock pool corals can tolerate high temperatures through the integrated response of coral holobionts. These corals may be 'touchstones' for future warming. Our research provides new insights into the complex mechanisms by which corals resist global warming and the theoretical basis for coral reef ecosystem restoration and selection of stress‐resistant coral populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite many reports on the characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, relatively little is known about the transmission features of COVID-19 outside Wuhan, especially at the provincial level.Methods: We collected epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological and occupation information, along with contact history, of 671 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 reported from January 23 to February 5, 2020, in Henan province, China. We described characteristics of these cases, compared the diagnostic accuracy and features of blood testing, computed tomography (CT) scans and X-rays, and analysed SARS-CoV-2 transmission sources and patients' occupations in Henan province.Results: The mean age of patients in this case series was 43 years, 56.2% were male and 22.4% had coexisting medical disorders. The death rate was 0.3%. Fourteen patients did not show any symptoms. Lymphocyte percentage was associated with disease severity (χ2 = 6.71, P = 0.035) but had a large variation in each sample group. The mean time from illness onset to diagnosis was 5.6 days. A total of 330 patients had ever lived in or visited Wuhan, 150 had contact with confirmed cases, 323 had been to a hospital and 119 had been to a wet market. There were 33 patients who did not have a traceable transmission source, with 21.2% of these being farmers and 15.2% being workmen.Conclusions: Lymphocyte percentage was a sign of severe COVID-19 in general but was not a good diagnostic index. Longer time from illness onset to diagnosis was associated with higher COVID-19 severity, older age, higher likelihood of having coexisting cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, and being male. Farming was found to be a high-risk occupation in Henan province, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Eurya honey (EH) is produced from the nectar of Eurya. In this paper, the physicochemical properties (moisture, free acidity, pH, 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, conductivity, sugar, and colour) of EH were systematically studied for the first time. The total phenols and flavonoids were determined by spectrophotometry, and the contents were 40.29 ± 4.17 mg GAE/100 g and 12.44 ± 0.62 mg RE/100 g, respectively. A total of 232 compounds were identified, and 30 of them were quantified by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q/TOF‐MS). The potential markers of EH were abscisic acid (21.3–103.4 μg/100 g), gallic acid (6.9–220.2 μg/100 g), tricoumaroyl spermidine (284.2–518.1 μg/100 g), and kaempferol (15.0–258.7 μg/100 g). EH showed antioxidant capacities in DPPH free radical‐scavenging activity (IC50: 42.87–131.26 mg mL−1), ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (23.22–112.24 μmol FeSO4·7H2O/100 g), and ABTS radical‐scavenging activity assays (9.51–31.21 μmol Trolox/100 g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness caused by enteroviruses. HFMD outbreaks and reported cases have sharply increased in China since 2008. Epidemiological and clinical data of HFMD cases reported in Henan Province were collected from 2008 to 2013. Clinical specimens were obtained from a subset of these cases. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the time, region and population distribution. The VP1 gene from EV71 and CA16 isolates was amplified, and the sequences were analyzed. 400,264 cases of HFMD were reported in this study, including 22,309 severe and 141 fatal cases. Incidence peaked between April and May. Laboratory confirmation was obtained for 27,692 (6.9%) cases; EV71, CA16, and other enteroviruses accounted for 59.5%, 14.1%, 26.4%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that EV71 belonged to the C4a evolution branch of C4 sub-genotype and CA16 belonged to subtype B1a or B1b. The occurrence of HFMD in Henan was closely related to season, age and region distribution. Children under five were the most affected population. The major pathogens causing HFMD and their genotypes have not notably changed in Henan. The data strongly support the importance of EV71 vaccination in a high population density area such as Henan, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Both non-volatile and volatile compounds in LYT are comprehensively described. • YT of eight different geographical origins are distinguished. • Altitude is the main factor responsible for the chemical variations of LYT. • The high-altitude LYT contained more free amino acids, sugars, and organic acids, and less catechins. The relationship between the chemical composition and quality of Lushan Yunwu tea (LYT) from different geographical origins is not clear. Sensory evaluation, metabolomics analyses combined with chemometrics were conducted on LYT from 8 different geographical origins, and altitude was identified as the main factor responsible for the differences among LYT. A total of 32 non-volatile and 27 volatile compounds were identified as marker metabolites to distinguish the origins of high altitudes from those of low altitudes. LYT samples from higher altitude areas contained more free amino acids, sugars, and organic acids, and less catechins, which may contribute to the reduction of bitterness and astringency and the enhancement of umami. The contents of geranylacetone, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl caprylate, 3-carene, d-cadinene, linalool, nerol, and nerolidol in high altitude areas were higher than those in low altitude areas, indicating that LYT from high altitude had strong floral and fruity aroma. The altitudes were positively correlated with pH value, total flavonoids, soluble protein, total free amino acids, and the antioxidant capacities of the LYT. This study provided a theoretical basis for the study of the effect of altitude on tea quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND β‐Glucosidases (3.2.1.21) play essential roles in the removal of nonreducing terminal glucosyl residues from saccharides and glycosides. However, the full potential and different applications of recombinant high‐yield microbial β‐glucosidase‐producing systems remain to be tackled. RESULTS: A β‐glucosidase gene designated as Mg132 was isolated from a coral microorganism by high‐throughput sequencing and functional screening. The deduced amino acid sequences of Mg132 showed a highest identity of 97% with β‐glucosidase predicted in the GenBank database. This gene was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for the first time. The optimal pH and temperature of purified recombinant Mg132 were 8.0 and 50 °C respectively. It exhibited a high level of stability at high concentration of glucose and ethanol, and glucose concentrations below 300 mmol L–1 distinctly stimulated p‐nitrophenyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside hydrolysis, reaching 200% at 15% ethanol. The Km and Vmax values were 0.293 mmol L–1 and 320 μmol min−1 mg−1 respectively while using p‐nitrophenyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside as a substrate. Wine treated with Mg132 had an obvious positive catalytic specificity for glycosides, which give a pleasant flavor of temperate fruity and floral aromas. The total concentration of fermentative volatiles was 201.42 ± 10.22 μg L−1 following Mg132 treatment and 99.21 ± 7.72 μg L−1 in control samples. CONCLUSION: Good tolerance of winemaking and aroma fermentative properties suggest that Mg132 has potential application in aroma enhancement in wine and warrants further study. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For the past few years, only a few monovalent EV71 vaccines have been developed, while other enterovirus vaccines are in short supply. We conducted a quantitative meta-analysis to explore the epidemiological characteristics, routine laboratory diagnosis, clinical signs and risk factors for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). Methods: PubMed, Embase and the Web of Science were searched for eligible reports published before April 16, 2021, with no publication time or language restrictions. The primary outcome was the odds ratio of the epidemiological characteristics, routine laboratory diagnosis, and clinical signs associated with HFMD severity and death. Results: After screening 10522 records, we included 32 articles comprising 781903 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease. Patients with severe illness developed some clinical signs (hypersomnia (OR = 21.97, 95% CI: 4.13 to 116.74), convulsion (OR = 16.18, 95% CI: 5.30 to 49.39), limb shaking (OR = 47.96, 95% CI: 15.17 to 151.67), and breathlessness (OR = 7.48, 95% CI: 1.90 to 29.40)) and had some changes in laboratory parameters (interleukin-6 levels standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.57, 95%CI: 0.55 to 2.60), an increased neutrophils ratio (SMD = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.17 to 0.93), cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+) (SMD = -1.38, 95%CI: -2.33 to -0.43) and a reduced lymphocytes ratio (SMD = -0.48, 95%CI: -0.93 to -0.33)) compared with patients with mild illness. The risk factors for death included cyanosis (OR = 5.82, 95% CI: 2.29 to 14.81), a fast heart rate (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.65 to 6.30), vomiting (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.33 to 5.49) and an increased WBC count (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.93). Conclusions: China has the highest incidence of HFMD. Our meta-analyses revealed important risk factors that are associated with the severity and mortality of HFMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a serious infectious disease with a fatality of up to 30%. To identify the severity of SFTS precisely and quickly is important in clinical practice. Methods: From June to July 2020, 71 patients admitted to the Infectious Department of Joint Logistics Support Force No. 990 Hospital were enrolled in this study. The most frequently observed symptoms and laboratory parameters on admission were collected by investigating patients' electronic records. Decision trees were built to identify the severity of SFTS. Accuracy and Youden's index were calculated to evaluate the identification capacity of the models. Results: Clinical characteristics, including body temperature (p = 0.011), the size of the lymphadenectasis (p = 0.021), and cough (p = 0.017), and neurologic symptoms, including lassitude (p<0.001), limb tremor (p<0.001), hypersomnia (p = 0.009), coma (p = 0.018) and dysphoria (p = 0.008), were significantly different between the mild and severe groups. As for laboratory parameters, PLT (p = 0.006), AST (p<0.001), LDH (p<0.001), and CK (p = 0.003) were significantly different between the mild and severe groups of SFTS patients. A decision tree based on laboratory parameters and one based on demographic and clinical characteristics were built. Comparing with the decision tree based on demographic and clinical characteristics, the decision tree based on laboratory parameters had a stronger prediction capacity because of its higher accuracy and Youden's index. Conclusion: Decision trees can be applied to predict the severity of SFTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scleractinian corals exhibit a dual trophic pattern of autotrophic photosynthesis and heterotrophic predation. However, whether corals can adjust their trophic status under contrasting environmental conditions remains unclear. In our study, 70 scleractinian corals (Favia palauensis) were collected from Sanya and the Xisha and Nansha Islands in the South China Sea. We measured the zooxanthellae density (ZD) and δ13C of zooxanthellae (δ13Cz) and host tissue (δ13Ch) and analyzed the difference between δ13Ch and δ13Cz (i.e., Δh−z 13C). The relatively high ZD and δ13Cz values in the samples from Sanya indicate that these corals might have higher photosynthetic rates and autotrophic abilities than those from Xisha and Nansha. In contrast, the relatively low δ13Ch and Δh−z 13C values in the samples from Xisha and Nansha suggest that these corals might have a higher heterotrophic ability than those from Sanya. In addition, we tested the coral tissue biomass and skeletal δ13C (δ13Cs) in the samples from Sanya and examined their correlations with Δh−z 13C. The results showed a negative correlation, indicating that the more the organic material produced by the coral, the stronger its heterotrophic ability. Our results show that corals can adjust their trophic status under different environmental and physiological conditions, which is essential for increasing their adaptability to different environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In this study, we investigated whether environmental factors can effectively control the spatial distribution of various benthic algae and examined the critical ecological impacts of algae on corals across the South China Sea (SCS). Relationships between benthic algae and environmental factors were assessed, and potential ecological impacts of algae on coral communities were evaluated across spatial scales. Location: A total of 104 sites at 12 coral reefs in four coral reef regions (CRRs) of the SCS (latitude range of 9–22° N). Taxa: Turf algae, macroalgae (including fleshy macroalgae and Halimeda), crustose coralline algae (CCA), coral and juvenile coral. Methods: Using diver‐based surveys (2015–2018), we investigated four CRRs with different reef distance to mainland (RDM) across the SCS. We obtained field data on benthic algal composition and cover, coral cover and diversity, and juvenile coral density. We also measured and collected the environmental factors (including seawater environmental parameters and reef fish diversity). Results: The cover of turf algae and CCA gradually decreased and increased, respectively, with an increase in RDM, which had a strong relationship with the gradually changing environmental factors. Random forest models suggested that nutrients, reef fish diversity, seawater transparency and temperature were the most important factors for predicting turf algae and CCA cover. Linear regression analyses showed a significant relationship between the turf algae, macroalgae, and CCA covers, and juvenile coral density. Main conclusions: Our results showed that gradually changing environmental factors were correlated with the spatial distributions of turf algae and CCA. However, the natural biophysical relationships between macroalgae and environmental factors may be disrupted by turf algal overgrowth and nutrient subsidies. Increases in all benthic algal groups significantly impacted coral recruitment, highlighting the critical role of benthic algae in determining the recovery trajectory of the Indo‐Pacific reefs that are threatened by human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is a novel coronavirus causing the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. High adaptive plasticity on the spike protein of SASR-CoV-2 enables it to transmit across different host species. In the present study, we collected 2092 high-quality genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 from 160 regions in over 50 countries and reconstructed their phylogeny. We also analyzed the polymorphic interaction between spike protein and human ACE2 (hACE2). Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 suggests that SARS-CoV-2 is probably originated from a recombination event on the spike protein between a bat coronavirus and a pangolin coronavirus that endows it humans infectivity. Compared with other regions in the S gene of SARS-CoV-2, the direct-binding sites of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) is more conserved. We focused on 3,860 amino acid mutations in spike protein RBD (T333-C525) of SARS-CoV-2 and simulated their differential stability and binding affinity to hACE2 (S19-D615). The results indicate no preference for SARS-CoV-2 infectivity on people of different ethnic groups. The variants in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 may also be a good indicator demonstrating the transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 from its natural reservoir to human hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light quality affects plant leaf growth and its metabolism of amino acids and polyphenols. Anoectochilus roxburghii has been used for food, medicine, and ornamental purposes. To obtain the optimal light quality for improved accumulation of metabolites in A. roxburghii in vitro. The seedings were cultured under the white light (W), blue light (B), red light (R), red: blue light = 1:2 (R1B2), red: blue light = 1:1 (R1B1), red: blue light = 2:1 (R2B1). Twenty compounds in raw leaves were in situ rapidly identified within 20 s by neutral desorption-extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ND-EESI-MS) without any sample pretreatment, including eight amino acids, eleven polyphenols, and kinsenoside. Meanwhile, leaf area and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were evaluated. Our results showed that leaf area and antioxidant enzyme activities of the R2B1 were significantly higher than B or R group. The red-blue light increased the content of isoleucine, histidine, serine, arginine, and promoted the accumulation of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, and rutin in phenylpropane metabolism, especially in the R2B1, which could be used as the optimal light quality. ND-EESI-MS could enhance our understanding of the effect of light quality on the accumulation of amino acids and polyphenols in A. roxburghii. [Display omitted] • Red-blue light increased leaf area and improved antioxidant enzyme activities. • Information-rich fingerprints were obtained within 20 s by in situ mass spectrometry. • Amino acids and polyphenols were analyzed without any sample pretreatment. • roxburghii under light qualities was rapidly identified by multivariate analysis. • Red-blue light promoted the accumulation of metabolites in phenylpropane metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease with the high case-fatality rate, and lack of vaccines. We aimed to systematically analysed the epidemiological characteristics, clinical signs, routine laboratory diagnosis, risk factors, and outcomes.Methods: Documents on SFTS were collected by searching the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Data, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from 2011 to 2018. Meta-analysis was performed by using Review Manager and Stata software.Results: Twenty-five articles involving 4143 cases were included. Diarrhea (odds ratio (OR) =1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06 to 2.42, P = 0.02), and vomiting (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.39, P = 0.04) on admission were associated with the fatal outcomes of SFTS. Compared to patients with mild symptoms, patients with severe symptoms had significantly elevated levels of lactic acid dehydrogenase (standard mean difference (SMD) =1.27, 95% CI: 0.59 to 1.94), alanine aminotransferase (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.85), aspirate aminotransferase (SMD = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.69 to 1.32), and creatine kinase (SMD = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.33) but had reduced platelet counts (SMD = -0.87, 95% CI: - 1.16 to - 0.58) and albumin levels (SMD = -1.00, 95% CI: - 1.32 to - 0.68). The risk factors for poor prognosis included age (mean difference (MD) =6.88, 95% CI: 5.41 to 8.35) and farming (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.06 to 3.80). For the risk factors of contracting SFTS, the incidence of SFTS related to tick bites was 24% [95% CI: 0.18 to 0.31]. The pooled case-fatality rate of SFTS patients was 18% [95% CI: 0.16 to 0.21].Conclusions: China is the country with the highest incidence of SFTS. May to July was the peak of the epidemic, and farmers were a high-risk group. The risk factor for SFTS included age (poor prognosis) and tick bites (contracting SFTS). Patients with severe diarrhea and vomiting symptoms on admission should be noted. Clinicians could use routine laboratory parameters and clinical symptoms as references for clinically suspected cases, classification of SFTS, and timely treatment, especially in basic hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an efficient indicator of coral reef health, live coral cover (LCC) is regularly surveyed and recorded by many coral reef documents. However, there usually exist some blanks for the historic records, while current in-field surveys are impossible to fill the blanks. To overcome such difficulties, we focus on exploiting the potential of optical satellite images. The purpose is to fill the blanks of the records over the past and further estimate the LCC in future. As historic records were usually lack of accurate geographical locations to match to the satellite images, a spectral index was defined based on the mean of the subsurface remote sensing reflectance. The index was then used to link the LCC with the satellite images by a cubic polynomial function. Thereafter, the LCC and the coefficients of the polynomial function were finally estimated by simultaneously combining the mean subsurface remote sensing reflectance, the historic LCC records, and the constraints among LCC in adjacent years. Experiments on a series of Landsat images of Luhuitou fringing reef (1973 to 2018) demonstrated that the proposed method is effective and feasible, where the introduction of the satellite images can greatly improve the accuracy. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Relative Errors (MRE) of the LCC were able to reach 5.4%, 4.0%, and 15.9% respectively. This is regarded as the first test on LCC estimation by combining such a long-term LCC records with a series of satellite images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a severe emerging disease caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV), and the geographical distribution of SFTS has been increasing throughout China in recent years. To assess SFTSV-specific antibody seroprevalence, a cross-sectional study was conducted for healthy people in high SFTS endemic areas of Henan province in 2016. Methods: This study used a stratified random sampling method to select 14 natural villages as the investigation sites. From April to May 2016, participants completed a questionnaire survey and serum samples were collected. All serum samples were subjected to ELISA to detect SFTSV-specific IgM and IgG. All IgM-positive samples were further tested by real-time RT-PCR, and isolation of virus from serum was attempted. Any participant who was IgM-positive was followed up with a month later to confirm health status. Results: In total, 1463 healthy people participated in this study. The average seropositive rates for SFTSV-specific IgG and IgM were 10.46% (153/1463) and 0.82% (12/1463), respectively. IgM was detected in 12 individuals, and SFTSV RNA was detected in six of them. Virus was isolated from five of the six SFTSV RNA-positive individuals, and phylogenetic analyses revealed that all five isolates belonged to SFTSV group A. No IgM-positive participants exhibited any symptoms or other signs of illness at the one-month follow up. Conclusions: This study identified a relatively high incidence of SFTSV-specific antibody seropositivity in healthy people in Xinyang city. Moreover, our data provide the first evidence for asymptomatic SFTSV infections, which may have significant implications for SFTS outbreak control. Author summary: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a severe emerging infectious disease caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV) that was first discovered in rural areas of China. Henan province has had the largest number of SFTS cases in China every year since the disease was discovered, however, seropositivity for SFTSV-specific antibodies in healthy people in this region is still not clear. To address this issue, a cross-sectional survey was performed in high endemic areas from April to May 2016. The results showed that SFTSV seroprevalence was relatively high and possibly increasing. Notably, SFTSV RNA, as well as virus itself, was isolated from specimens obtained from healthy people. This study confirmed there are asymptomatic SFTSV infections in humans, and it is the first to report SFTSV isolation from healthy people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel mass spectrometry method is developed to analyze of honey. • Four botanical origins of honey are distinguished with multivariate analysis. • Potential markers for three different types of honey are identified and quantified. • The results derived from the new method are verified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The botanical origins of honey are important for the quality control and commercialization of honey. In this research, we established a nanoliter electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (Nano-ESI-MS) method to identify Castanopsis honey (CH), Eurya honey (EH), Dendropanax dentiger honey (DH), and Triadica cochinchinensis honey (TH). In total, 38 compounds were identified based on the collision-induced dissociation experiments by Nano-ESI-MS with 16 differential compounds and 7 quantified as potential differential markers. These four types of honey were distinguished from each other by their mass spectrometry data combined with multivariate analysis with three out of the 7 differential markers, i.e., phenethylamine, tricoumaroyl spermidine, and (+/–)-abscisic acid, identified as potential markers for CH, EH, and DH, respectively. Both the qualitative and quantitative results derived from Nano-ESI-MS were further verified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Our studies provided the significant potential of the Nano-ESI-MS method in the identification of the botanical origins of different kinds of honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spermidine derivatives were identified as the plant-derived biomarkers in honey. • Two patterns of honey maturation processes were identified based on metabolomics. • Lactone glycoside analogs and organic acids accumulate during honey maturation. • Strong reducing components of plant-derived are reduced during honey maturation. The maturation patterns of nectar into honey are not well understood. The current work selected Triadica cochinchinensis honey (TCH) at three maturity stages to systematically investigate the variation patterns in physicochemical parameters and metabolites. Based on both targeted and untargeted metabolomics analyses, the N1, N5, N10-(E)-tricoumaryl spermidine was identified as the plant-derived characteristic compound in TCH. A total of 26 compounds were quantified by UPLC-QTOF-MS using an external standard calibration method. Two patterns of the honey maturation process were identified based on the 723 metabolite signature transformations. The first was that the levels of plant-derived compounds with strong reducing activity were reduced, such as spermidine, flavonoids, and their derivatives. In contrast, the second pattern was that the maturation process of honey was accompanied by the formation of lactone glycoside analogs and organic acids, which may be facilitated by the enzymatic transformation of enzymes secreted by the bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of residues of three kinds of organophosphorus insecticides and two kinds of carbamate insecticides in honey using neutral desorption-extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ND-EESI–MS) without any sample pretreatment. The detection limits of the assay ranged from 1.16 to 4.18 ng/g for the studied pesticides. The developed assay was linear over the concentration range of 20.00–1000.00 ng/mL, with correlation coefficients of more than 0.996, and the recoveries ranged between 87.00% and 114.98%, with RSD lower than 6.22% for all pesticides. The matrix effect for all of the pesticides showed signal suppression except for chlorpyrifos-methyl. This ND-EESI–MS method was proved to be effective for the detection of pesticide residues by analyzing eighteen kinds of commercial honey in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guo, J.; Yu, K.; Wang, Y.; Xu, D.; Huang, X.; Zhao, M.; Yang, H., and Zhang, R., 2017. Nutrient distribution in Coral Reef degraded areas within Sanya Bay, South China Sea. An investigation was conducted in August 2014 to explore the spatial distribution of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphate ( ) in overlying water, pore water, and surface sediment from Sanya Bay and living coral cover on Luhuitou fringing reef. Generally, nutrient contents gradually decreased from the estuary to the central bay, which confirmed that terrigenous inputs from Sanya River and Sanya Harbor were the primary nutrient sources. The results of K-means cluster analysis suggested the Luhuitou fringing reef is in danger of being affected by the pollution source. The results of nutrient diffusive fluxes at the sediment-seawater interface indicated diffusion from pore water to overlying water. Compared with other coral reef areas around the world, nutrient levels in Luhuitou fringing reef were at the medium level. Significant correlation between temporal variation of nutrients and living coral cover was not found, which suggests that low nutrient enrichment, ranging from 1.89 to 2.89 μmol/L for DIN and from 0.1 to 0.49 μmol/L for , may not be responsible for the coral reef decline on Luhuitou fringing reef from 2002 to 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple environmental pressures caused by global warming and human activities have aroused widespread concern about PAHs pollution in tropical marine coral reef regions (CRRs). However, the trophodynamics of PAHs in the food webs of the CRRs and the related influence factors have not been reported. This study investigated the occurrence, trophic amplification, and transmission of PAHs in various organisms selecting between at least representative species for each level in CRRs of the South China Sea (SCS); revealed their driving mechanisms; and explored the trophodynamics of PAHs in the food web of the coral reef ecosystem. Results showed that more PAHs can be accumulated in the mantle tissue of Tridacnidae, and the proportion of mantle tissue of Tridacnidae increases with the increase of latitude (y = 0.01x + 0.17, R2 = 0.49, p < 0.05). Latitude drives the differential occurrence level and bioaccumulation of PAHs in tropical marine organisms, and also affects the trophodynamics of PAHs in aquatic ecosystem food webs. PAHs undergo trophic amplification in the food webs of tropical marine ecosystems represented by coral reefs, thus further aggravating the negative environmental impact on coral reef ecosystems. The cancer risk caused by accidental ingestion of PAHs by humans through consumption of seafood in CRRs is very low, but we should be alert to the biomagnification effect of PAHs. [Display omitted] • Reported PAHs' occurrence in the coral reef food web for the first time. • Latitude affected PAHs' occurrence and bioaccumulation in the organisms. • Latitude drove the PAHs' trophodynamics in aquatic ecosystem food webs. • PAHs underwent trophic amplification in the food webs of coral reef ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light quality affects the plant growth, physiology, and polyamine (PA) metabolism. Anoectochilus roxburghii is an ornamental, medicinal, and culinary perennial herb in many countries. In this study, we identified the optimal light environment for enhancing the growth of A. roxburghii in vitro , and analyzed PA metabolism under blue (B), three red:blue combinations at different proportions of the total incident photon flux density (R1B2: the ratio of 1: 2, R1B1: the ratio of 1: 1, and R2B1: the ratio of 2: 1, respectively), red (R), and white light (W) environment for 120 days. The biomass accumulation and stomata characteristics were evaluated, as well as total phenolic, total flavonoids, soluble sugars, and soluble proteins. Besides, nine PA compounds were quantitatively analyzed by nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nano-ESI-MS) without complex sample pretreatment. The results showed that the biomass, total phenolic, total flavonoids, soluble sugars, and soluble proteins were significantly higher in the R1B1 group, which was more conducive to stomata opening. The accumulation of the nine PA compounds increased significantly in the B and R groups, compared with W group, but decreased in the combinations of red and blue lights, especially in the R1B1 group, which A. roxburghii showed better growth. We conclude that the R1B1 could be used as the optimal growth light environment of A. roxburghii tissue culture. Nano-ESI-MS could be used as a rapid and sensitive method to quantify PAs, providing new data for enhancing our understanding about the functions of PAs in plant-light environment interactions. [Display omitted] • Red:blue combinations at proportions of 1: 1 is the optimal light for growth. • Red:blue light promoted biomass accumulation and increased stomatal pore area. • Red:blue light increased total phenolic, total flavonoids, soluble sugars levels. • Monochromatic red and blue lights improved polyamines accumulated, inhibited growth. • Polyamines were quantitatively analyzed without complex sample pretreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huanglongbing (HLB), a devastating disease for citrus worldwide, is caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (C Las). In this study, we employed a novel extractive electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (EESI-MS) method to analyze the metabolites in leaves of uninfected and HLB-infected Newhall navel orange. The results showed that uninfected and HLB-infected leaves could be readily distinguished based on EESI-MS combined by multivariable analysis. Nine phenolic compounds involved in phenylpropanoid pathway, such as p -coumaric acid, naringin, and apigenin, were principal components to distinguish the leaves of uninfected and HLB-infected Newhall navel orange. Gene expression was also conducted to further explore the molecular mechanism of phenylpropanoid branch pathway in HLB. The expression of genes (4CL , HCT , CHI , CHS , CYP , and C12R) involved in phenylpropanoid branch pathway was increased in asymptomatic and early period of HLB-infected leaves, while decreased in later period of HLB-infected leaves. This study provides a novel method for early detection of citrus HLB and suggests the regulation mechanism of phenylpropanoid pathway in the interaction between citrus and C Las. [Display omitted] • Extractive electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry method was established. • EESI-MS could be a powerful approach for early detection of Huanglongbing. • Phenylpropanoid pathway may play an important role in resisting Huanglongbing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand, foot and mouth disease, associated with enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections, has recently become an important public health issue throughout the world. Serum neutralizing antibodies are major indicators of EV71 infection and protective immunity. However, the potential for cross-reactivity of neutralizing antibodies for different EV71 genotypes and subgenotypes is unclear. Here we measured the cross-reactive neutralizing antibody titers against EV71 of different genotypes or subgenotypes in sera collected from EV71-infected children and vaccine-inoculated children in a phase III clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01636245) using a new pseudovirus-based neutralization assay. Antibodies induced by EV71-C4a were cross-reactive for different EV71 genotypes, demonstrating that C4a is a good candidate strain for an EV71 vaccine. Our study also demonstrated that this new assay is practical for analyses of clinical samples from epidemiological and vaccine studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The levels, fate, and potential sources of 22 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in coral tissues and the surrounding air-seawater system from the South China Sea (SCS) were elucidated for the first time. ∑ 22 OCPs (total concentration of 22 OCPs) (16.1–223 pg L−1) was relatively higher in coastal seawater than in offshore seawater, which may be the widespread influence of coastal pollution inputs under the western boundary current. The atmospheric ∑ 22 OCPs were predominantly distributed in the gas phase (48.0–2264 pg m−3) and were mainly influenced by continental air mass origins. The air-seawater exchange of selected OCPs showed that OCPs tended to migrate from the atmosphere to seawater. The distribution of ∑ 22 OCPs in coral tissues (0.02–52.2 ng g−1 dw) was significantly correlated with that in air samples, suggesting that OCPs may have a migration pattern of atmosphere-ocean corals in the SCS. Corals exhibited higher bioaccumulation ability (Log BAFs : 2.42–7.41) for OCPs. Source analysis showed that the new application of technical Chlordanes (CHLs) was primarily responsible for the current levels of CHLs in the surrounding environment over the SCS, while historical residues were the primary sources of other OCPs. [Display omitted] • Pioneer OCPs study of coral tissues from the South China Sea (SCS). • Corals presented a higher bioaccumulative ability to OCPs. • Ocean currents and monsoons played essential roles in the OCPs' spatial distribution. • Net atmospheric deposition of OCPs occurred in the coral reef regions (CRRs), SCS. • OCPs may have a migration pattern of atmosphere-ocean-corals in the CRRs, SCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated an outbreak of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) that occurred during May and June 2010, to identify the mode of transmission. Contact with the index patient's blood was significantly associated with development of SFTS (P = .01, by the χ2 test for linear trend); the frequency of contact with the index patient's blood increased the risk of SFTS in a dose-response manner (P = .03, by the χ2 test for linear trend). We concluded that human-to-human transmission caused this cluster of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Serum neutralizing antibody titers are indicative of protective immunity against Coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16) and Enterovirus 71 (EV71), the two main etiological agents of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), and provide the basis for evaluating vaccine efficacy. The current CV-A16 neutralization assay based on inhibition of cytopathic effects requires manual microscopic examination, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In this study, a high-throughput neutralization assay was developed by employing CV-A16 pseudoviruses expressing luciferase for detecting infectivity in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells and measuring serum viral neutralizing antibodies. Without the need to use infectious CV-A16 strains, the neutralizing antibody titer against CV-A16 could be determined within 15h by measuring luciferase signals by this assay. The pseudovirus CV-A16 neutralization assay (pCNA) was validated by comparison with a conventional CV-A16 neutralization assay (cCNA) in testing 174 human serum samples collected from children (age <5 years). The neutralizing antibody titers determined by these two assays were well correlated (R 2 =0.7689). These results suggest that the pCNA can serve as a rapid and objective procedure for the measurement of neutralizing antibodies against CV-A16. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Genetic recombination is a well-known phenomenon for enteroviruses. To investigate the genetic characterization and the potential recombination of enterovirus 71 (EV71) circulating in China, we determined the 16 complete genome sequences of EV71 isolated from Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) patients during the large scale outbreak and non-outbreak years since 1998 in China. The full length genome sequences of 16 Chinese EV71 in present study were aligned with 186 genome sequences of EV71 available from GenBank, including 104 China mainland and 82 international sequences, covering the time period of 1970–2011. The oldest strains of each subgenotype of EV71 and prototype strains of HEV-A were included to do the phylogenetic and Simplot analysis. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all Chinese strains were clustered into C4 subgenotype of EV71, except for HuB/CHN/2009 clustered into A and Xiamen/CHN/2009 clustered into B5 subgenotype. Most of C4 EV71 were clustered into 2 predominant evolutionary branches: C4b and C4a evolutionary brunches. Our comprehensive recombination analysis showed the evidence of genome recombination of subgenotype C4 (including C4a and C4b) sequences between structural genes from genotype C EV71 and non-structural genes from the prototype strains of CAV16, 14 and 4, but the evidence of intratypic recombination between C4 strains and B subgenotype was not enough strong. This intertypic recombination C4 viruses were first seen in 1998 and became the predominant endemic viruses circulating in China mainland for at least 14 years. A shift between C4a and C4b evolutionary brunches of C4 recombination viruses were observed, and C4a viruses have been associated with large scale nationwide HFMD outbreak with higher morbidity and mortality since 2007. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey produced from medicinal plants has great benefits to human health. Herein, a monofloral honey from Dendropanax dentiger (DDH) was investigated for the first time. The physicochemical properties (moisture, free acidity, pH, hydroxymethylfurfural, diastase activity, electrical conductivity, sugars, and color) of DDH were characterized. The total phenolic and total flavonoids were determined, with contents of 62.89 ± 10.31 mg GAE/100 g and 40.86 ± 4.32 mg RE/100 g, respectively. A total of 190 compounds were identified and 23 of them were quantified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS). Abscisic acid, protocatechuic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid could be assigned as potential markers of DDH. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo , DDH showed potent antioxidant activity. The results showed that DDH was dark-colored, rich in polyphenols, could effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation in the liver of mice, and highlighted the health benefits and commercial value. • Dendropanax dentiger honey (DDH) were firstly investigated. • Physicochemical properties of DDH were characterized. • Identification of a total of 190 phenolic compounds and quantification of 23 of them. • Potential characteristic markers of DDH were found. • DDH had potent antioxidant activity, improved antioxidant capacity in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous study revealed PAHs' wide occurrence in corals from multiple coral reef regions (CRRs) in the South China Sea. However, little is known about their occurrence, distribution, fate, and sources in the ambient environment of these CRRs. This study aimed to resolve these research gaps. The results showed ∑ 15 PAHs (total concentrations of 15 US EPA priority controlled PAHs exclude naphthalene) in the atmosphere (gas-phase: 0.31–49.6 ng m−3; particle-phase: 2.6–649 pg m−3) were mainly influenced by air mass origins. Southwesterly wind caused higher ∑ 15 PAHs than the southeasterly wind. The ∑ 15 PAHs in seawater from the nearshore (462 ± 244 ng L−1) was higher than that from offshore Zhongsha Islands (80.5 ± 72.1 ng L−1) because of the effect of terrigenous pollution and ocean current. Source apportionment indicated that the mixed sources of spilled oil and combustion from neighboring countries were the main contributors to PAHs in these CRRs. The total deposition fluxes showed that PAHs tended to migrate from the atmosphere to seawater. Global warming may inhibit this process, but PAHs still have a migration pattern of atmosphere-ocean-corals, which will further increase the environmental pressure on coral reef ecology. [Display omitted] • PAHs' level and sources were studied in air and water of coral reef regions (CRR). • Ocean current and wind fields were key factors affecting the distribution of PAHs. • Net atmospheric deposition of PAHs occurred in CRRs, South China Sea (SCS). • Global warming may retard atmospheric deposition of PAHs in coral reef regions. • PAHs may have a migration pattern of atmosphere-ocean-corals in SCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Honey was significantly different and higher than pale syrup in mineral elements. • Sparse PLS-DA were applied optimize the classify model and test effectiveness. • Six models' classify accuracy were exceed 87.7% as well as in blind test. Mineral elements are important constituents in honey, which play vital roles in determining the quality and authenticity. The present work aims to systematically estimate the mineral profile of honeys, syrups, and adulterated honeys by syrup directly with chemometrics. Twelve mineral elements with higher contents were determined by ICP-OES in 67 honeys from 6 botanical origins, 17 syrups from 3 types, and 61 adulterations. Statistical analysis revealed honey was significantly different and higher than pale syrup in mineral profile except for barium. Five mono-floral models were established based on chemometrics analysis using the sPLS-DA method, and their discrimination accuracy were over 93% Although mineral contents in honeys from different botanical and geographical origins were quite different, the multi-floral model's classify accuracy was 87.7% as well as in blind test. The results revealed that mineral element chemometrics profiling can be a stable and robust tool to differentiate adulterated honey from pure honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Glucosidase is a microbial cellulose multienzyme that plays an important role in the regulation of the entire cellulose hydrolysis process, which is the rate-limiting step in bacterial carbon cycling in marine environments. Despite its importance in coral reefs, the diversity of β-glucosidase-producing bacteria, their genes, and enzymatic characteristics are poorly understood. In this study, 87 β-glucosidase-producing cultivable bacteria were screened from 6 genera of corals. The isolates were assigned to 21 genera, distributed among three groups: Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. In addition, metagenomics was used to explore the genetic diversity of bacterial β-glucosidase enzymes associated with scleractinian corals, which revealed that these enzymes mainly belong to the glycosidase hydrolase family 3 (GH3). Finally, a novel recombinant β-glucosidase, referred to as Mg9373, encompassing 670 amino acids and a molecular mass of 75.2 kDa, was classified as a member of the GH3 family and successfully expressed and characterized. Mg9373 exhibited excellent tolerance to ethanol, NaCl, and glucose. Collectively, these results suggest that the diversity of β-glucosidase-producing bacteria and genes associated with scleractinian corals is high and novel, indicating great potential for applications in the food industry and agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An extractive electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry method was established. • The method for simultaneous detection of multi-type of metabolite in one minute. • Aliphatic-GLs were accumulated with increasing blue light ratio. • Blue light upregulated the key genes in aliphatic-GLs synthesis pathway. • The lighting with a ratio of 5:5 between the red and blue light was most beneficial. Broccoli sprouts are rich in secondary metabolites, especially glucosinolates (GLs). The synthesis of GLs can be modified by light. In this study, extractive electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (EESI-MS) was used to analyze the broccoli sprouts extracts (BSE) under different light quality treatments. Multivariable statistical methods were used to analyze the difference of different light quality treatments. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the gene expression of key enzymes in the aliphatic-GLs biosynthesis pathway. Nineteen compounds, including 7 GLs, 3 phenolic acids, 6 amino acids and 3 organic acids were simultaneously detected in one minute by EESI-MS. Relative expression of MYB28 , BCAT4 , CYP79F1 , CYP83A1 and AOP3 were mostly upregulated in R5B5 (light ratios of red/blue 5:5) treatment. These findings suggest that blue light improving the accumulation of secondary metabolites in broccoli sprouts, and the R5B5 treatment was most beneficial. Furthermore, we established EESI-MS method to simultaneous and rapid detection of secondary metabolites in broccoli sprouts, especially GLs. This study could provide a reference for selecting proper LED lighting conditions to produce broccoli sprouts with high content of bioactive components, and provides light regulation technology and theoretical basis for the industrialized production of sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chilling stress is a major production threat for Oryza sativa. • Low temperature activated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis in 93-11 variety. • Cold stress induced the expression of methyl jasmonate biosynthesis-related genes in Qiutianxiaoting variety. • EESI-MS shows promise for metabolomics analysis to external stimuli in plants. Chilling stress is a major production threat for rice (Oryza sativa L.). The mechanism of chilling response has not been unveiled up to now, especially at the metabolomic level. In this study, two Asian rice cultivars, Qiutianxiaoting (chilling-tolerant variety) and 93−11 (chilling-susceptible variety), were used to analyze the metabolic changes when exposed to low temperature and recovered by extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (EESI-MS). Physiological and metabolic analysis combining with bioinformatics were performed to reveal cold resistance mechanism of these two varieties. Physiological analysis showed that only Qiutianxiaoting survived after 36 h chilling treatment, and the growth indexes of Qiutianxiaoting took on a decreasing trend, but these indexes of 93−11 appeared a trend of increase under cold treatment; moreover, the levels of antioxidant activities (SOD, POD and CAT) were higher in Qiutianxiaoting than 93−11, especially at recovery stage. PCA and OPLS-DA analysis all showed that Qiutianxiaoting, not 93−11, could be separated with each other under chilling stress, which indicated that these two subspecies of rice had different mechanisms to resist cold temperature. The results of metabolic analysis indicated that low temperature activated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis in 93−11, while it induced the expression of methyl jasmonate biosynthesis-related genes in Qiutianxiaoting, which might mitigate chilling damage and effectively make it more cold-resistant than 93−11. This study would shed some lights on the cold resistance mechanism of these two rice cultivars in terms of physiological and metabolic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing the chemical composition of nectar and honey will contribute to honey traceability, which has become a research hotspot in recent years. However, the rapid, green, and facile analytical methods without tedious chemical pretreatment remain to be developed. Herein, the extractive electrospray ionization high resolution-mass spectrometry (EESI-HRMS) was used to analyze the polyphenols and amino acids composition of the nectars and honeys from three Citrus species, and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV) was used to validate the results. 12 polyphenols and 8 amino acids were identified by EESI-HRMS, whilst 9 polyphenols were quantified by HPLC-UV. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the chemical composition of Citrus nectars was similar, and so do honeys, but the nectar and its corresponding honey were chemically differentiated. Accordingly, EESI-HRMS is a reliable analytical method for the analysis of samples with limited sources and complex composition, which contributes to the honey traceability. • A fast EESI-HRMS method was developed for compounds analysis in nectar and honey. • This method was firstly applied in the analysis of nectar and honey. • Samples did not require tedious pretreatment. • The result that hesperetin was the marker of Citrus honey can be validated by EESI-HRMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming has degraded coral reef ecosystems worldwide. Some corals develop thermal tolerance by associating with heat-tolerant Symbiodiniaceae. Here, we studied the mechanisms surrounding the dispersal, genetic variation and symbionts interaction of heat-tolerant Durusdinium trenchii across 13° latitudes in the South China Sea (SCS), to explore the possible mechanisms underlying these changes. Our results showed that Durusdinium trenchii are widely distributed in the seawater from the SCS. Our analyses of microsatellite loci revealed that D. trenchii has a high genetic diversity in the SCS; STRUCTURE analysis indicated that D. trenchii can be divided into four populations within the SCS; There exist positive correlations between genetic variation and geographic isolation, average sea surface temperature (SST) and variations in SST. Network modelling inferences showed that D. trenchii is a key species in the Symbiodiniaceae communities in the tropical SCS and contributes the greatest number of co-exclusion relationships. These results indicated that D. trenchii can affect the rare Symbiodiniaceae community. The long lifespan and the monsoon-driven ocean currents have shaped the wide distribution of D. trenchii. But low SST limits the ability of D. trenchii to establish stable symbioses with coral in the subtropical habitats. Geographical isolation and SST have shaped significant genetic variation of D. trenchii around the SCS. Our data reveals the biogeography and genetic population characteristics of D. trenchii in the Indo-Pacific region, and suggests that heat-tolerance and high genetic diversity of D. trenchii aid the corals with their adaptation to climate change. Unlabelled Image • Durusdinium trenchii are widely distributed in the seawater from the South China Sea (SCS). • D. trenchii has high genetic diversity and clone richness in the SCS. • Geographic isolation and sea surface temperature has shaped the genetic variation of D. trenchii around the SCS. • D. trenchii can affect the rare Symbiodiniaceae community. • Heat-tolerance and high genetic diversity of D. trenchii enables it to help corals adapt to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There are significant geographic and intergeneric differences in CTT in the SCS. • The CTT in the SCS is shaped by local environment conditions. • Corals in the northern SCS have mainly suffered from destructive human activity. • Corals in the southern SCS are mainly threatened by thermal stress. • Variation in CTT in the SCS affects the stability of coral communities under stress. Coral tissue thickness (CTT) is an effective indicator of the adaptability of corals to environmental stress, but the relationships between the spatial and intergeneric variation of coral tissue across latitudes and tolerance to environmental stress are not well understood. To investigate this, the CTT of 768 specimens of 10 typical coral genera and surrounding seawater parameters were measured in six coral reef regions (CRRs) across the 9–22°N latitudes in the South China Sea (SCS). Results showed significant differences in CTT between different genera of corals and CRRs. CTTs were significantly higher in the northern SCS than in the southern SCS. There was also notable intergeneric variation, with the abundance of branching Acropora and foliaceous Pavona being significantly lower than that of massive Porites , Galaxea , Favia , Favites , Hydnophora , Platygyra , and encrusting Montipora , Psammocora across these CRRs. Redundancy analysis showed that dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), sea surface temperature (SST), turbidity, and transparency were the main factors affecting CTT. Overall CTT, irrespective of genus, was significantly positively correlated with DIN, SRP, and latitude, but was significantly negatively correlated with transparency and SST. Further analysis suggested that corals in the southern SCS are mainly threatened by thermal stress, whereas in the northern SCS, corals have often suffered from destructive anthropogenic disturbance. Although seawater conditions were normal during on-site investigation, a large number of branching corals (e.g., Acropora corals) have been lost in the last several decades due to destructive human activity. In contrast, massive and encrusting corals may have higher energy reserves and photo-protective capacities due to their thicker tissues, and consequently have higher tolerance to environmental stress. Therefore, the coral communities of the SCS have gradually been transformed from branching corals to massive/encrusting corals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 19 man-made antibiotics were firstly studied in coral reef fishes, South China Sea. • 17 antibiotics were detected in the fishes at the level of 10−2–10−1 ng/g ww. • The concentrations were generally higher in offshore fishes than in coastal fishes. • Consumption of coral reef fish might not pose a significant risk to human health. Coral reef fishes are about 10% of commercial fishes worldwide. Their pollution is close to human's health. Antibiotics are one group of emerging organic pollutants in the marine environment. However, little data is available on the bioaccumulation and dietary risks of antibiotics in coral reef fish from the South China Sea (SCS) or any other parts of the global coral reef environment. In this study, we examined 19 antibiotics in 18 species of coral reef fish collected from coastal and offshore regions in the SCS. The results revealed that 17 antibiotics were detected in the fishes. Their average concentrations ranged from 1.3 × 10−5 to 7.9 × 10−1 ng/g ww, which were at the lower end of the global range about antibiotic levels in fish. The average total antibiotic concentrations (∑ 19 ABs) were significantly higher in the offshore fish (1.2 ng/g ww) than in the coastal fish (0.16 ng/g ww). Different fish species or the protection of mucus produced by coastal fish at severe environmental stress may cause the differences. Fluoroquinolones (FQs) accounted for 89% and 74% of the average ∑ 19 ABs in the offshore and coastal fish, respectively. It may relate to their relative high aqueous solubility and adsorption ability to particles. The log BAFs (bioaccumulation factors) of the antibiotics ranged from −0.34 to 4.12. Norfloxacin, dehydrated erythromycin (DETM), and roxithromycin were bioaccumulative in some offshore fish samples with their log BAFs higher than 3.7. The results of trophic magnification factors (TMFs) demonstrated that DETM underwent significant trophic dilution while enoxacin underwent trophic magnification in the food web of coral reef fishes. The estimated daily intakes of antibiotics via fish consumption by China residents ranged from 2.0 × 10−4 to 2.7 ng/kg weight body/day, which was 3 to 8 orders of magnitude lower than the respective acceptable daily intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study first studied PAHs contamination in coral mucus besides coral tissues. • 15 PAHs widely occurred in the coastal and offshore corals, the South China Sea. • The ∑ 15 PAHs was much higher in coastal coral tissues than in offshore tissues. • The PAHs widely occurred in the mucus at a much higher level than in the tissues. • Mucus played an essential role in the bioaccumulation of PAHs by corals. Coral reefs have suffered degradation from climate change and water quality deterioration. Studies have shown that PAHs are present widely in some coastal seawater and coral tissues. However, no studies have focused on the PAHs in coastal coral mucus and offshore coral tissues. Targeting the South China Sea, this study for the first time investigated the occurrence, tissue-mucus partitioning, and bioaccumulation of PAHs in coastal and offshore corals. The tissue and mucus of the corals were processed separately. The results indicated that the total concentration of 15 of the 16 PAHs that are prioritized by U.S. EPA (excluding naphthalene) (∑ 15 PAHs) was significantly higher in the coastal tissues (173 ± 314 ng g−1 dw) than in the offshore tissues (71 ± 109 ng g−1 dw), as well as in coastal seawater (196 ± 96 ng L−1) than in the offshore water (54 ± 9 ng L−1). ∑ 15 PAHs is two orders of magnitude higher in the mucus (3200 ± 6470 ng g−1 dw) than in the tissues (128 ± 43 ng g−1 dw). By average, 29% of ∑ 15 PAHs were accumulated in the mucus. The results suggest that mucus plays an important role in the bioaccumulation of PAHs by corals from ambient seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]