Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 196 in total

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  1. Gong Y, Kang J, Wang M, Hayati F, Syed Abdul Rahim SS, Poh Wah Goh L
    Hum Vaccin Immunother, 2024 Dec 31;20(1):2312599.
    PMID: 38356280 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2312599
    An increasing body of research indicates that immunotherapy has demonstrated substantial effectiveness in the realm of metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC), especially among patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) (dMMR/MSI-H mCRC). This study constitutes the inaugural bibliometric and visual analysis of immunotherapy related to mCRC during the last decade. Between 2013 and the conclusion of 2022, we screened 306 articles from Web of Science and subjected them to analysis using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. The United States stood out as the primary contributor in this area, representing 33.33% of the publications, with China following closely at 24.51%. The most prolific institution has the lowest average citation rate. Sorbonne University were the most highly cited institutions. Notably, Frontiers In Oncology published the largest quantity of articles. Andre, Thierry, and Overman, Michael J. were prominent authors known for their prolific output and the high citation rates of their work. The focus areas in this field encompass "tumor microenvironment," "liver metastasis," "tumor-associated macrophages," "combination therapy" and "gut microbiota." Some keywords offer promise as potential biomarkers for evaluating the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic interventions.
  2. Bousquet Carrilho TR, Wang D, Hutcheon JA, Wang M, Fawzi WW, Kac G, et al.
    Am J Clin Nutr, 2024 Mar 22.
    PMID: 38522618 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.03.016
    BACKGROUND: Existing gestational weight gain (GWG) charts vary considerably in their choice of exclusion/inclusion criteria, and it is unclear to what extent these criteria create differences in the charts' percentile values. We aimed to establish the impact of including/excluding pregnancies with adverse neonatal outcomes when constructing GWG charts.

    METHODS: This is an individual participant data analysis from 31 studies from low- and middle-income countries. We created a dataset that included all participants and a dataset restricted to those with no adverse neonatal outcomes: preterm < 37 weeks, small or large for gestational age - SGA or LGA, low birth weight < 2,500 g, or macrosomia > 4,000 g. Quantile regression models were used to create GWG curves from 9 to 40 weeks, stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI, in each dataset.

    RESULTS: The dataset without the exclusion criteria applied included 14,685 individuals with normal weight and 4,831 with overweight. After removing adverse neonatal outcomes, 10,479 individuals with normal and 3,466 individuals with overweight remained. GWG distributions at 13, 27, and 40 weeks were virtually identical between the datasets with and without the exclusion criteria, except at 40 weeks for normal weight and 27 weeks for overweight. For the 10th and 90th percentiles, the differences between the estimated GWG were larger for overweight (approximately 1.5 kg) compared to normal weight (< 1 kg). Removal of adverse neonatal outcomes had minimal impact on GWG trajectories of normal weight. For overweight, the percentiles estimated in the dataset without the criteria were slightly higher than those in the dataset with the criteria applied. Nevertheless, differences were < 1 kg and virtually nonexistent at the end of pregnancy.

    CONCLUSIONS: Removing pregnancies with adverse neonatal outcomes had little or no influence on the GWG trajectories of individuals with normal and overweight.

  3. Wang H, Zheng K, Wang M, Ma K, Ren L, Guo R, et al.
    Microbiol Spectr, 2024 Feb 06;12(2):e0336723.
    PMID: 38214523 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03367-23
    Shewanella is a prevalent bacterial genus in deep-sea environments including marine sediments, exhibiting diverse metabolic capabilities that indicate its significant contributions to the marine biogeochemical cycles. However, only a few Shewanella phages were isolated and deposited in the NCBI database. In this study, we report the isolation and characterization of a novel Shewanella phage, vB_SbaS_Y11, that infects Shewanella KR11 and was isolated from the sewage in Qingdao, China. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that vB_SbaS_Y11 has an icosahedral head and a long tail. The genome of vB_SbaS_Y11 is a linear, double-stranded DNA with a length of 62,799 bp and a G+C content of 46.9%, encoding 71 putative open reading frames. No tRNA genes or integrase-related feature genes were identified. An uncharacterized anti-CRISPR AcrVA2 gene was detected in its genome. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequences of whole genomes and comparative genomic analyses indicate that vB_SbaS_Y11 has a novel genomic architecture and shares low similarity to Pseudomonas virus H66 and Pseudomonas phage F116. vB_SbaS_Y11 represents a potential new family-level virus cluster with eight metagenomic assembled viral genomes named Ranviridae.IMPORTANCEThe Gram-negative Shewanella bacterial genus currently includes about 80 species of mostly aquatic Gammaproteobacteria, which were isolated around the globe in a multitude of environments, such as freshwater, seawater, coastal sediments, and the deepest trenches. Here, we present a Shewanella phage vB_SbaS_Y11 that contains an uncharacterized anti-CRISPR AcrVA2 gene and belongs to a potential virus family, Ranviridae. This study will enhance the knowledge about the genome, diversity, taxonomic classification, and global distribution of Shewanella phage populations.
  4. Liu Y, Zhu C, Liang Y, McMinn A, Zheng K, Wang Z, et al.
    Int Microbiol, 2024 Jan 08.
    PMID: 38190086 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00476-5
    Sulfitobacter is a bacterium recognized for its production of AMP-independent sulfite oxidase, which is instrumental in the creation of sulfite biosensors. This capability underscores its ecological and economic relevance. In this study, we present a newly discovered phage, Sulfitobacter phage vB_SupP_AX, which was isolated from Maidao of Qingdao, China. The vB_SupP_AX genome is linear and double-stranded and measures 75,445 bp with a GC content of 49%. It encompasses four transfer RNA (tRNA) sequences and 79 open reading frames (ORFs), one of which is an auxiliary metabolic gene encoding thioredoxin. Consistent with other N4-like phages, vB_SupP_AX possesses three distinct RNA polymerases and is characterized by the presence of four tRNA molecules. Comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses position vB_SupP_AX and three other viral genomes from the Integrated Microbial Genomes/Virus v4 database within the Rhodovirinae virus subfamily. The identification of vB_SupP_AX enhances our understanding of virus-host interactions within marine ecosystems.
  5. Wang M, Yang J, Zheng S, Jia L, Yong ZY, Yong EL, et al.
    Environ Sci Technol, 2023 Dec 19;57(50):21038-21049.
    PMID: 38064758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06210
    Microplastic fibers from textiles have been known to significantly contribute to marine microplastic pollution. However, little is known about the microfiber formation and discharge during textile production. In this study, we have quantified microfiber emissions from one large and representative textile factory during different stages, spanning seven different materials, including cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics, to further guide control strategies. Wet-processing steps released up to 25 times more microfibers than home laundering, with dyeing contributing to 95.0% of the total emissions. Microfiber release could be reduced by using white coloring, a lower dyeing temperature, and a shorter dyeing duration. Thinner, denser yarns increased microfiber pollution, whereas using tightly twisted fibers mitigated release. Globally, wet textile processing potentially produced 6.4 kt of microfibers in 2020, with China, India, and the US as significant contributors. The study underlined the environmental impact of textile production and the need for mitigation strategies, particularly in dyeing processes and fiber choice. In addition, no significant difference was observed between the virgin polyesters and the used ones. Replacing virgin fibers with recycled fibers in polyester fabrics, due to their increasing consumption, might offer another potential solution. The findings highlighted the substantial impact of textile production on microfiber released into the environment, and optimization of material selection, knitting technologies, production processing, and recycled materials could be effective mitigation strategies.
  6. Schäffer A, Groh KJ, Sigmund G, Azoulay D, Backhaus T, Bertram MG, et al.
    Environ Sci Technol, 2023 Dec 05;57(48):19066-19077.
    PMID: 37943968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04213
    Pollution by chemicals and waste impacts human and ecosystem health on regional, national, and global scales, resulting, together with climate change and biodiversity loss, in a triple planetary crisis. Consequently, in 2022, countries agreed to establish an intergovernmental science-policy panel (SPP) on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention, complementary to the existing intergovernmental science-policy bodies on climate change and biodiversity. To ensure the SPP's success, it is imperative to protect it from conflicts of interest (COI). Here, we (i) define and review the implications of COI, and its relevance for the management of chemicals, waste, and pollution; (ii) summarize established tactics to manufacture doubt in favor of vested interests, i.e., to counter scientific evidence and/or to promote misleading narratives favorable to financial interests; and (iii) illustrate these with selected examples. This analysis leads to a review of arguments for and against chemical industry representation in the SPP's work. We further (iv) rebut an assertion voiced by some that the chemical industry should be directly involved in the panel's work because it possesses data on chemicals essential for the panel's activities. Finally, (v) we present steps that should be taken to prevent the detrimental impacts of COI in the work of the SPP. In particular, we propose to include an independent auditor's role in the SPP to ensure that participation and processes follow clear COI rules. Among others, the auditor should evaluate the content of the assessments produced to ensure unbiased representation of information that underpins the SPP's activities.
  7. Ge F, Guo R, Liang Y, Chen Y, Shao H, Sung YY, et al.
    Virus Res, 2023 Oct 15;336:199226.
    PMID: 37739268 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199226
    Stutzerimonas stutzeri is an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium belonging to the Gammaproteobacteria, exhibiting wide distribution in the environment and playing significant ecological roles such as nitrogen fixation or pollutant degradation. Despite its ecological importance, only two S. stutzeri phages have been isolated to date. Here, a novel S. stutzeri phage, vB_PstS_ZQG1, was isolated from the surface seawater of Qingdao, China. Transmission electron microscopy analysis indicates that vB_PstS_ZQG1 has a morphology characterized by a long non-contractile tail. The genomic sequence of vB_PstS_ZQG1 contains a linear, double-strand 61,790-bp with the G+C content of 53.24% and encodes 90 putative open reading frames. Two auxiliary metabolic genes encoding TolA protein and nucleotide pyrophosphohydrolase were identified, which are likely involved in host adaptation and phage reproduction. Phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses demonstrated that vB_PstS_ZQG1 exhibits low similarity with previously isolated phages or uncultured viruses (average nucleotide identity values range from 21.7 to 29.4), suggesting that it represents a novel viral genus by itself, here named as Fuevirus. Biogeographic analysis showed that vB_PstS_ZQG1 was only detected in epipelagic and mesopelagic zone with low abundance. In summary, our findings of the phage vB_PstS_ZQG1 will provide helpful insights for further research on the interactions between S. stutzeri phages and their hosts, and contribute to discovering unknown viral sequences in the metagenomic database.
  8. Jung S, Cheung WL, Li SJ, Wang M, Li W, Wang C, et al.
    Nat Commun, 2023 Oct 14;14(1):6481.
    PMID: 37838720 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42019-6
    The realization of operationally stable blue organic light-emitting diodes is a challenging issue across the field. While device optimization has been a focus to effectively prolong device lifetime, strategies based on molecular engineering of chemical structures, particularly at the subatomic level, remains little. Herein, we explore the effect of targeted deuteration on donor and/or acceptor units of thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters and investigate the structure-property relationship between intrinsic molecular stability, based on isotopic effect, and device operational stability. We show that the deuteration of the acceptor unit is critical to enhance the photostability of thermally activated delayed fluorescence compounds and hence device lifetime in addition to that of the donor units, which is commonly neglected due to the limited availability and synthetic complexity of deuterated acceptors. Based on these isotopic analogues, we observe a gradual increase in the device operational stability and achieve the long-lifetime time to 90% of the initial luminance of 23.4 h at the luminance of 1000 cd m-2 for thermally activated delayed fluorescence-sensitized organic light-emitting diodes. We anticipate our strategic deuteration approach provides insights and demonstrates the importance on structural modification materials at a subatomic level towards prolonging the device operational stability.
  9. Su Y, Zhang W, Liang Y, Wang H, Liu Y, Zheng K, et al.
    Microbiol Spectr, 2023 Sep 20;11(5):e0191223.
    PMID: 37728551 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01912-23
    Viruses play crucial roles in the ecosystem by modulating the host community structure, mediating biogeochemical cycles, and compensating for the metabolism of host cells. Mariana Trench, the world's deepest hadal habitat, harbors a variety of unique microorganisms that have adapted to its extreme conditions of low temperatures, high pressure, and nutrient scarcity. However, our knowledge about isolated hadal phage strains in the hadal trench is still limited. This study reported the discovery of a temperate phage, vB_HmeY_H4907, infecting Halomonas meridiana H4907, isolated from surface sediment from the Mariana Trench at a depth of 8,900 m. To our best knowledge, it is the deepest isolated siphovirus from the ocean. Its 40,452 bp linear dsDNA genome has 57.64% GC content and 55 open reading frames, and it is highly homologous to its host. Phylogenetic analysis and average nucleotide sequence identification reveal that vB_HmeY_H4907 is separated from the isolated phages and represents a new family, Suviridae, with eight predicted proviruses and six uncultured viral genomes. They are widely distributed in the ocean, suggesting a prevalence of this viral family in the deep sea. These findings expand our understanding of the phylogenetic diversity and genomic features of hadal lysogenic phages, provide essential information for further studies of phage-host interactions and evolution, and may reveal new insights into the lysogenic lifestyles of viruses inhabiting the hadal ocean. IMPORTANCE Halomonas phage vB_HmeY_H4907 is the deepest isolated siphovirus from the ocean, and it represents a novel abundant viral family in the ocean. This study provides insights into the genomic, phylogenetic, and ecological characteristics of the new viral family, namely, Suviridae.
  10. Zheng K, Liang Y, Paez-Espino D, Zou X, Gao C, Shao H, et al.
    mSystems, 2023 Sep 13;8(5):e0019723.
    PMID: 37702511 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00197-23
    The N4-like viruses, which were recently assigned to the novel viral family Schitoviridae in 2021, belong to a podoviral-like viral lineage and possess conserved genomic characteristics and a unique replication mechanism. Despite their significance, our understanding of N4-like viruses is primarily based on viral isolates. To address this knowledge gap, this study has established a comprehensive N4-like viral data sets comprising 342 high-quality N4-like viruses/proviruses (144 viral isolates, 158 uncultured viruses, and 40 integrated N4-like proviruses). These viruses were classified into 97 subfamilies (89 of which are newly identified), 148 genera (100 of which are newly identified), and 253 species (177 of which are newly identified). The study reveals that N4-like viruses inhibit the polar region, oligotrophic open oceans, and the human gut, where they infect various bacterial lineages, such as Alpha/Beta/Gamma/Epsilon-proteobacteria in the Proteobacteria phylum. Although N4-like viral endogenization appears to be prevalent in Proteobacteria, it has also been observed in Firmicutes. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis has identified evolutionary divergence within the hallmark genes of N4-like viruses, indicating a complex origin of the different conserved parts of viral genomes. Moreover, 1,101 putative auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were identified in the N4-like viral pan-proteome, which mainly participate in nucleotide and cofactor/vitamin metabolisms. Of these AMGs, 27 were found to be associated with virulence, suggesting their potential involvement in the spread of bacterial pathogenicity. IMPORTANCE The findings of this study are significant, as N4-like viruses represent a unique viral lineage with a distinct replication mechanism and a conserved core genome. This work has resulted in a comprehensive global map of the entire N4-like viral lineage, including information on their distribution in different biomes, evolutionary divergence, genomic diversity, and the potential for viral-mediated host metabolic reprogramming. As such, this work significantly contributes to our understanding of the ecological function and viral-host interactions of bacteriophages.
  11. Goh YX, Wang M, Hou XP, He Y, Ou HY
    Interdiscip Sci, 2023 Sep;15(3):349-359.
    PMID: 36849628 DOI: 10.1007/s12539-023-00555-1
    The CRISPR‒Cas system acts as a bacterial defense mechanism by conferring adaptive immunity and limiting genetic reshuffling. However, under adverse environmental hazards, bacteria can employ their CRISPR‒Cas system to exchange genes that are vital for adaptation and survival. Levilactobacillus brevis is a lactic acid bacterium with great potential for commercial purposes because it can be genetically manipulated to enhance its functionality and nutritional value. Nevertheless, the CRISPR‒Cas system might interfere with the genetic modification process. Additionally, little is known about the CRISPR‒Cas system in this industrially important microorganism. Here, we investigate the prevalence, diversity, and targets of CRISPR‒Cas systems in the genus Levilactobacillus, further focusing on complete genomes of L. brevis. Using the CRISPRCasFinder webserver, we identified 801 putative CRISPR-Cas systems in the genus Levilactobacillus. Further investigation focusing on the complete genomes of L. brevis revealed 54 putative CRISPR-Cas systems. Of these, 46 were orphan CRISPRs, and eight were CRISPR‒Cas systems. The type II-A CRISPR‒Cas system is the most common in Levilactobacillus and L. brevis complete genomes. Analysis of the spacer's target showed that the CRISPR‒Cas systems of L. brevis mainly target the enterococcal plasmids. Comparative analysis of putative CRISPR-Cas loci in Levilactobacillus brevis.
  12. Chen Y, Guo R, Liang Y, Luo L, Han Y, Wang H, et al.
    Virus Res, 2023 Sep;334:199183.
    PMID: 37499764 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199183
    Stutzerimonas stutzeri is an opportunistic pathogen widely distributed in the environment and displays diverse metabolic capabilities. In this study, a novel lytic S. stutzeri phage, named vB_PstM_ZRG1, was isolated from the seawater in the East China Sea (29°09'N, 123°39'E). vB_PstM_ZRG1 was stable at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 65°C and across a wide range of pH values from 3 to 10. The genome of vB_PstM_ZRG1 was determined to be a double-stranded DNA with a genome size of 52,767 bp, containing 78 putative open reading frames (ORFs). Three auxiliary metabolic genes encoded by phage vB_PstM_ZRG1 were predicted, including Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain, proline-alanine-alanine-arginine (PAAR) protein and SGNH (Ser-Gly-Asn-His) family hydrolase, especially TIR domain is not common in isolated phages. Phylogenic and network analysis showed that vB_PstM_ZRG1 has low similarity to other phage genomes in the GenBank and IMG/VR database, and might represent a novel viral genus, named Elithevirus. Additionally, the distribution map results indicated that vB_PstM_ZRG1 could infect both extreme colds- and warm-type hosts in the marine environment. In summary, our finding provided basic information for further research on the relationship between S. stutzeri and their phages, and expanded our understanding of genomic characteristics, phylogenetic diversity and distribution of Elithevirus.
  13. Wang H, Ren L, Liang Y, Zheng K, Guo R, Liu Y, et al.
    Microbiol Spectr, 2023 Aug 17;11(4):e0533522.
    PMID: 37272818 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05335-22
    Psychrobacter is an important bacterial genus that is widespread in Antarctic and marine environments. However, to date, only two complete Psychrobacter phage sequences have been deposited in the NCBI database. Here, the novel Psychrobacter phage vB_PmaS_Y8A, infecting Psychrobacter HM08A, was isolated from sewage in the Qingdao area, China. The morphology of vB_PmaS_Y8A was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, revealing an icosahedral head and long tail. The genomic sequence of vB_PmaS_Y8A is linear, double-stranded DNA with a length of 40,226 bp and 44.1% G+C content, and encodes 69 putative open reading frames. Two auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were identified, encoding phosphoadenosine phosphosulfate reductase and MarR protein. The first AMG uses thioredoxin as an electron donor for the reduction of phosphoadenosine phosphosulfate to phosphoadenosine phosphate. MarR regulates multiple antibiotic resistance mechanisms in Escherichia coli and is rarely found in viruses. No tRNA genes were identified and no lysogeny-related feature genes were detected. However, many similar open reading frames (ORFs) were found in the host genome, which may indicate that Y8A also has a lysogenic stage. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequences of whole genomes and comparative genomic analysis indicate that vB_PmaS_Y8A contains a novel genomic architecture similar only to that of Psychrobacter phage pOW20-A, although at a low similarity. vB_PmaS_Y8A represents a new family-level virus cluster with 22 metagenomic assembled viral genomes, here named Minviridae. IMPORTANCE Although Psychrobacter is a well-known and important bacterial genus that is widespread in Antarctic and marine environments, genetic characterization of its phages is still rare. This study describes a novel Psychrobacter phage containing an uncharacterized antibiotic resistance gene and representing a new virus family, Minviridae. The characterization provided here will bolster current understanding of genomes, diversity, evolution, and phage-host interactions in Psychrobacter populations.
  14. Wang M, Fu X, Zhang D, Chen F, Liu M, Zhou S, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2023 Jul 01;880:163470.
    PMID: 37076008 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163470
    Global climate change and rapid urbanization, mainly driven by anthropogenic activities, lead to urban flood vulnerability and uncertainty in sustainable stormwater management. This study projected the temporal and spatial variation in urban flood susceptibility during the period 2020-2050 on the basis of shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). A case study in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) was conducted for verifying the feasibility and applicability of this approach. GBA is predicted to encounter the increase in extreme precipitation with high intensity and frequency, along with rapid expansion of constructed areas, resulting in exacerbating of urban flood susceptibility. The areas with medium and high flood susceptibility will be expected to increase continuously from 2020 to 2050, by 9.5 %, 12.0 %, and 14.4 % under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, respectively. In terms of the assessment of spatial-temporal flooding pattern, the areas with high flood susceptibility are overlapped with that in the populated urban center in GBA, surrounding the existing risk areas, which is consistent with the tendency of construction land expansion. The approach in the present study will provide comprehensive insights into the reliable and accurate assessment of urban flooding susceptibility in response to climate change and urbanization.
  15. Peng R, Li D, Wang J, Xiong G, Wang M, Liu D, et al.
    Virol J, 2023 Jun 22;20(1):135.
    PMID: 37349792 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02064-5
    OBJECTIVE: To isolate a prevalent G9P[8] group A rotavirus (RVA) (N4006) in China and investigate its genomic and evolutionary characteristics, with the goal of facilitating the development of a new rotavirus vaccine.

    METHODS: The RVA G9P[8] genotype from a diarrhea sample was passaged in MA104 cells. The virus was evaluated by TEM, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and indirect immunofluorescence assay. The complete genome of virus was obtained by RT-PCR and sequencing. The genomic and evolutionary characteristics of the virus were evaluated by nucleic acid sequence analysis with MEGA ver. 5.0.5 and DNASTAR software. The neutralizing epitopes of VP7 and VP4 (VP5* and VP8*) were analyzed using BioEdit ver. 7.0.9.0 and PyMOL ver. 2.5.2.

    RESULTS: The RVA N4006 (G9P[8] genotype) was adapted in MA104 cells with a high titer (105.5 PFU/mL). Whole-genome sequence analysis showed N4006 to be a reassortant rotavirus of Wa-like G9P[8] RVA and the NSP4 gene of DS-1-like G2P[4] RVA, with the genotype constellation G9-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E2-H1 (G9P[8]-E2). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that N4006 had a common ancestor with Japanese G9P[8]-E2 rotavirus. Neutralizing epitope analysis showed that VP7, VP5*, and VP8* of N4006 had low homology with vaccine viruses of the same genotype and marked differences with vaccine viruses of other genotypes.

    CONCLUSION: The RVA G9P[8] genotype with the G9-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E2-H1 (G9P[8]-E2) constellation predominates in China and may originate from reassortment between Japanese G9P[8] with Japanese DS-1-like G2P[4] rotaviruses. The antigenic variation of N4006 with the vaccine virus necessitates an evaluation of the effect of the rotavirus vaccine on G9P[8]-E2 genotype rotavirus.

  16. Xie D, Zhang H, Wei H, Lin L, Wang D, Wang M
    Aquat Toxicol, 2023 May;258:106497.
    PMID: 36940520 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106497
    The continuous fragmentation of plastics and release of synthetic nanoplastics from products have been aggravating nanoplastic pollution in the marine ecosystem. The carrier role of nanoplastics may increase the bioavailability and toxicity effects of toxic metals, e.g., mercury (Hg), which is of growing concern. Here, the copepod Tigriopus japonicus was exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) and Hg (alone or combined) at environmental realistic concentrations for three generations (F0-F2). Then, Hg accumulation, physiological endpoints, and transcriptome were analyzed. The results showed that the copepod's reproduction was significantly inhibited under PS NPs or Hg exposure. The presence of PS NPs caused significantly higher Hg accumulation, lower survival, and lower offspring production in copepods relative to Hg exposure, suggesting an increased threat to the copepod's survivorship and health. From the molecular perspective, combined PS NPs and Hg caused a graver effect on the DNA replication, cell cycle, and reproduction pathways relative to Hg exposure, linking to lower levels of survivorship and reproduction. Taken together, this study provides an early warning of nanoplastic pollution for the marine ecosystem not only because of their adverse effect per se but also their carrier role for increasing Hg bioaccumulation and toxicity in copepods.
  17. Zheng K, Dong Y, Liang Y, Liu Y, Zhang X, Zhang W, et al.
    Mar Life Sci Technol, 2023 May;5(2):286-288.
    PMID: 37275540 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-023-00166-1
    [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s42995-022-00160-z.].
  18. Zheng K, Dong Y, Liang Y, Liu Y, Zhang X, Zhang W, et al.
    Mar Life Sci Technol, 2023 May;5(2):271-285.
    PMID: 37275543 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-022-00160-z
    Pseudoalteromonas, with a ubiquitous distribution, is one of the most abundant marine bacterial genera. It is especially abundant in the deep sea and polar seas, where it has been found to have a broad metabolic capacity and unique co-existence strategies with other organisms. However, only a few Pseudoalteromonas phages have so far been isolated and investigated and their genomic diversity and distribution patterns are still unclear. Here, the genomes, taxonomic features and distribution patterns of Pseudoalteromonas phages are systematically analyzed, based on the microbial and viral genomes and metagenome datasets. A total of 143 complete or nearly complete Pseudoalteromonas-associated phage genomes (PSAPGs) were identified, including 34 Pseudoalteromonas phage isolates, 24 proviruses, and 85 Pseudoalteromonas-associated uncultured viral genomes (UViGs); these were assigned to 47 viral clusters at the genus level. Many integrated proviruses (n = 24) and filamentous phages were detected (n = 32), suggesting the prevalence of viral lysogenic life cycle in Pseudoalteromonas. PSAPGs encoded 66 types of 249 potential auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) relating to peptidases and nucleotide metabolism. They may also participate in marine biogeochemical cycles through the manipulation of the metabolism of their hosts, especially in the phosphorus and sulfur cycles. Siphoviral and filamentous PSAPGs were the predominant viral lineages found in polar areas, while some myoviral and siphoviral PSAPGs encoding transposase were more abundant in the deep sea. This study has expanded our understanding of the taxonomy, phylogenetic and ecological scope of marine Pseudoalteromonas phages and deepens our knowledge of viral impacts on Pseudoalteromonas. It will provide a baseline for the study of interactions between phages and Pseudoalteromonas in the ocean.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-022-00160-z.

  19. Zhang W, Liu Y, Zheng K, Xing J, Li Q, Gu C, et al.
    PMID: 36975807 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01896-22
    The marine bacterial family Oceanospirillaceae, is well-known for its ability to degrade hydrocarbons and for its close association with algal blooms. However, only a few Oceanospirillaceae-infecting phages have been reported thus far. Here, we report on a novel Oceanospirillum phage, namely, vB_OsaM_PD0307, which has a 44,421 bp linear dsDNA genome and is the first myovirus infecting Oceanospirillaceae. A genomic analysis demonstrated that vB_OsaM_PD0307 is a variant of current phage isolates from the NCBI data set but that it has similar genomic features to two high-quality, uncultured viral genomes identified from marine metagenomes. Hence, we propose that vB_OsaM_PD0307 can be classified as the type phage of a new genus, designated Oceanospimyovirus. Additionally, metagenomic read mapping results have further shown that Oceanospimyovirus species are widespread in the global ocean, display distinct biogeographic distributions, and are abundant in polar regions. In summary, our findings expand the current understanding of the genomic characteristics, phylogenetic diversity, and distribution of Oceanospimyovirus phages. IMPORTANCE Oceanospirillum phage vB_OsaM_PD0307 is the first myovirus found to infect Oceanospirillaceae, and it represents a novel abundant viral genus in polar regions. This study provides insights into the genomic, phylogenetic, and ecological characteristics of the new viral genus, namely Oceanospimyovirus.
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