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Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Coastal Viral Community Structure and Potential Biogeochemical Roles Affected by an Ulva prolifera Green Tide

Han M, Sun J, Yang Q, Liang Y, Jiang Y, Gao C, et al.

mSystems, 2023 Feb 23.
PMID: 36815859 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01211-22

The world's largest macroalgal green tide, caused by Ulva prolifera, has resulted in serious consequences for coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, China. Although viruses are considered to be one of the key factors in controlling microalgal bloom demise, understanding of the relationship between viral communities and the macroalgal green tide is still poor. Here, a Qingdao coastal virome (QDCV) time-series data set was constructed based on the metagenomic analysis of 17 DNA viromes along three coastal stations of the Yellow Sea, covering different stages of the green tide from Julian days 165 to 271. A total of 40,076 viral contigs were detected and clustered into 28,058 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs). About 84% of the vOTUs could not be classified, and 62% separated from vOTUs in other ecosystems. Green tides significantly influenced the spatiotemporal dynamics of the viral community structure, diversity, and potential functions. For the classified vOTUs, the relative abundance of Pelagibacter phages declined with the arrival of the bloom and rebounded after the bloom, while Synechococcus and Roseobacter phages increased, although with a time lag from the peak of their hosts. More than 80% of the vOTUs reached peaks in abundance at different specific stages, and the viral peaks were correlated with specific hosts at different stages of the green tide. Most of the viral auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were associated with carbon and sulfur metabolism and showed spatiotemporal dynamics relating to the degradation of the large amount of organic matter released by the green tide. IMPORTANCE To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the responses of viruses to the world's largest macroalgal green tide. It revealed the spatiotemporal dynamics of the unique viral assemblages and auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) following the variation and degradation of Ulva prolifera. These findings demonstrate a tight coupling between viral assemblages, and prokaryotic and eukaryotic abundances were influenced by the green tide.
Structure identification of a polysaccharide purified from Lycium barbarium fruit

Yuan Y, Wang YB, Jiang Y, Prasad KN, Yang J, Qu H, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2016 Jan;82:696-701.
PMID: 26505952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.10.069

The water-soluble bioactive polysaccharides can contribute to the health benefits of Lycium barbarium fruit. However, the structure characteristics of these polysaccharides remain unclear yet. An important polysaccharide (LBPA) was isolated and purified from L. barbarium in this work. It was identified by chemical and spectroscopic methods as arabinogalactan with β-d-(1→6)-galactan as backbone, which was different to any reported polysaccharides from this species before. This arabinogalactan was comprised of Araf, Galp, GlcpA and Rhap with a molar ratio of 9.2:6.6:1.0:0.9. The side chains, including α-l-Araf-(1→, α-l-Araf-(1→5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, β-l-Araf-(1→5)-α-l-Araf-(1→ and α-l-Rhap-(1→4)-β-d-GlcpA-(1→6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, were linked to β-d-(1→6)-galactan at O-3. The putative structure was drawn as below. The molecular weight was determined to be 470,000g/mol by gel permeation chromatography.
Structure identification of a polysaccharide purified from litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) pulp

Yang B, Prasad KN, Jiang Y

Carbohydr Polym, 2016 Feb 10;137:570-575.
PMID: 26686165 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.10.088

As a health-beneficial fruit, litchi is widely accepted by people in subtropical and tropical regions. However, the critical chemicals responsible for the health benefits are not clear yet. As a large amount of polysaccharides are present in litchi, they might play an important role in the health benefits. In this work, the main water-soluble polysaccharide (LPPBa) was purified from litchi pulp. The chemical structure was characterized as arabinogalactan by gas chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR). NMR data revealed the glycosidic linkages and their locations in backbone and branches. The precise structure was putatively identified as below, and it was different to those commonly occurred arabinogalactans. The molecular weight was determined to be 2.4 × 10(6)Da by gel permeation chromatography.
Fulltext The Genetic Architecture of Depression in Individuals of East Asian Ancestry: A Genome-Wide Association Study

Giannakopoulou O, Lin K, Meng X, Su MH, Kuo PH, Peterson RE, et al.

JAMA Psychiatry, 2021 Nov 01;78(11):1258-1269.
PMID: 34586374 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.2099

IMPORTANCE: Most previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of depression have used data from individuals of European descent. This limits the understanding of the underlying biology of depression and raises questions about the transferability of findings between populations.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetics of depression among individuals of East Asian and European descent living in different geographic locations, and with different outcome definitions for depression.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Genome-wide association analyses followed by meta-analysis, which included data from 9 cohort and case-control data sets comprising individuals with depression and control individuals of East Asian descent. This study was conducted between January 2019 and May 2021.
EXPOSURES: Associations of genetic variants with depression risk were assessed using generalized linear mixed models and logistic regression. The results were combined across studies using fixed-effects meta-analyses. These were subsequently also meta-analyzed with the largest published GWAS for depression among individuals of European descent. Additional meta-analyses were carried out separately by outcome definition (clinical depression vs symptom-based depression) and region (East Asian countries vs Western countries) for East Asian ancestry cohorts.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Depression status was defined based on health records and self-report questionnaires.
RESULTS: There were a total of 194 548 study participants (approximate mean age, 51.3 years; 62.8% women). Participants included 15 771 individuals with depression and 178 777 control individuals of East Asian descent. Five novel associations were identified, including 1 in the meta-analysis for broad depression among those of East Asian descent: rs4656484 (β = -0.018, SE = 0.003, P = 4.43x10-8) at 1q24.1. Another locus at 7p21.2 was associated in a meta-analysis restricted to geographically East Asian studies (β = 0.028, SE = 0.005, P = 6.48x10-9 for rs10240457). The lead variants of these 2 novel loci were not associated with depression risk in European ancestry cohorts (β = -0.003, SE = 0.005, P = .53 for rs4656484 and β = -0.005, SE = 0.004, P = .28 for rs10240457). Only 11% of depression loci previously identified in individuals of European descent reached nominal significance levels in the individuals of East Asian descent. The transancestry genetic correlation between cohorts of East Asian and European descent for clinical depression was r = 0.413 (SE = 0.159). Clinical depression risk was negatively genetically correlated with body mass index in individuals of East Asian descent (r = -0.212, SE = 0.084), contrary to findings for individuals of European descent.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: These results support caution against generalizing findings about depression risk factors across populations and highlight the need to increase the ancestral and geographic diversity of samples with consistent phenotyping.
Fulltext The hidden risk of microplastic-associated pathogens in aquatic environments

Zhong H, Wu M, Sonne C, Lam SS, Kwong RWM, Jiang Y, et al.

Eco Environ Health, 2023 Sep;2(3):142-151.
PMID: 38074987 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2023.07.004

Increasing studies of plastisphere have raised public concern about microplastics (MPs) as vectors for pathogens, especially in aquatic environments. However, the extent to which pathogens affect human health through MPs remains unclear, as controversies persist regarding the distinct pathogen colonization on MPs as well as the transmission routes and infection probability of MP-associated pathogens from water to humans. In this review, we critically discuss whether and how pathogens approach humans via MPs, shedding light on the potential health risks involved. Drawing on cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, we show that some MPs may facilitate the growth and long-range transmission of specific pathogens in aquatic environments, ultimately increasing the risk of infection in humans. We identify MP- and pathogen-rich settings, such as wastewater treatment plants, aquaculture farms, and swimming pools, as possible sites for human exposure to MP-associated pathogens. This review emphasizes the need for further research and targeted interventions to better understand and mitigate the potential health risks associated with MP-mediated pathogen transmission.
Fulltext The influence of big five personality traits on anxiety: The chain mediating effect of general self-efficacy and academic burnout

Wu X, Zhang W, Li Y, Zheng L, Liu J, Jiang Y, et al.

PLoS One, 2024;19(1):e0295118.
PMID: 38166098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295118

BACKGROUND: As an important factor affecting personal health, anxiety has always been valued by people. Prior research has consistently shown that personality traits is associated with anxiety level,but little is known about the inner mechanism of this relationship. To fill the gap, the present research aims to explore the chain mediating role of general self-efficacy and academic burnout in the relationship between big five personality and anxiety.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed from September to November 2022. Self-reported questionnaires including the Big Five Personality Questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Scale, College Student's academic burnout Scale, Generalized Anxiety Scale and demographic characteristics were distributed to 2505 college students in a university in Hebei Province, of which 2,471 were valid. Statistical analysis was carried out through SPSS26.0 and SPSS PROCESS macro.
RESULTS: Results showed four of the big five personality characters (i.e., extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness) were negatively correlated with anxiety. Neuroticism was positively correlated with anxiety. Moreover, general self-efficacy was found to be negatively correlated with academic burnout and anxiety; academic burnout was positively correlated with anxiety. Finally, general self-efficacy and academic burnout mediated the relationship between personality traits (i.e., extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness) and anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS: Personality traits (i.e., extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, and openness) could influence anxiety through the chain mediating effects of general self-efficacy and academic burnout. Interventions focusing on anxiety reduction may be successful in increasing general self-efficacy and decreasing students' academic burnout.
The lower effectiveness of text-only health warnings in China compared to pictorial health warnings in Malaysia

Elton-Marshall T, Xu SS, Meng G, Quah AC, Sansone GC, Feng G, et al.

Tob Control, 2015 Nov;24 Suppl 4:iv6-13.
PMID: 26420242 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2015-052616

In 2009, China changed its health warnings on cigarette packs from side-only text warnings to two text-only warnings on 30% of the bottom of the front and back of the pack. Also in 2009, Malaysia changed from similar text warnings to pictorial health warnings consistent with Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Article 11 Guidelines.
The structure characteristics, biosynthesis and health benefits of naturally occurring rare flavonoids

Bo S, Chang SK, Chen Y, Sheng Z, Jiang Y, Yang B

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2024;64(9):2490-2512.
PMID: 36123801 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2124396

Rare flavonoids, a special subclass of naturally occurring flavonoids with diverse structures including pterocarpans, aurones, neoflavonoids, homoisoflavones, diphenylpropanes, rotenoids and 2-phenylethyl-chromones. They are mainly found in legumes with numerous health benefits. Rare flavonoids are regarded as minor flavonoids due to their very limited abundance in nature. This review gives an overview of the natural occurrences of rare flavonoids from previous literatures. Recent findings on the biosynthesis of rare flavonoids have been updated by describing their structural characteristics and classifications. Recent findings on the health benefits of rare flavonoids have also been compiled and discussed. Natural rare flavonoids with various characteristics from different subclasses from plant-based food sources are stated. They show a wide range of health benefits, including antibacterial, anticancer, anti-osteoporosis and antiviral activities. Studies reviewed suggest that rare flavonoids possessing different skeletons demonstrate different characteristic bioactivities by discussing their mechanism of actions and structure-activity relationships. Besides, recent advances on the biosynthesis of rare flavonoids, such as pterocarpans, rotenoids and aurones are well-known, while the biosynthesis of other subclasses remain unknown. The perspectives and further applications of rare flavonoids using metabolic engineering strategies also be expected.
Fulltext Time perspective as a predictor of smoking status: findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Surveys in Scotland, France, Germany, China, and Malaysia

Sansone G, Fong GT, Hall PA, Guignard R, Beck F, Mons U, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2013;13:346.
PMID: 23587205 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-346

Prior studies have demonstrated that time perspective-the propensity to consider short-versus long-term consequences of one's actions-is a potentially important predictor of health-related behaviors, including smoking. However, most prior studies have been conducted within single high-income countries. The aim of this study was to examine whether time perspective was associated with the likelihood of being a smoker or non-smoker across five countries that vary in smoking behavior and strength of tobacco control policies.
Ultrahigh luminescence quantum yield lanthanide coordination polymer as a multifunctional sensor

Zheng K, Liu Z, Jiang Y, Guo P, Li H, Zeng C, et al.

Dalton Trans, 2018 Nov 29.
PMID: 30488066 DOI: 10.1039/c8dt03832e

The investigation and development of advanced multifunctional and sensitive sensors with high luminescent quantum yield and the capability of detecting different analytes, such as metal ions, is imperative. Due to its inherent properties the lanthanide coordination complex is one candidate for sensing applications, particularly for multifunctional sensors. Herein, we present two series of alkali ion decorated lanthanide coordination polymers (Ln-CPs), which show ultrahigh luminescence quantum yields (QYs) of 77% (1a) and 92% (2a). To the best of our knowledge, 1a represents the first trifunctional lanthanide complex sensor that can simultaneous detect and discriminate three different analytes, namely H+/Cd2+/Cr3+ through a multimode optical response. Furthermore, the limit of detection (LOD) for Cr3+ is an ultralow value of 2.0 × 10-9 M with a sensing time of 2 h, which is comparable to the most sensitive Cr3+ chemosensor. More interestingly, 92% (2a) is an unprecedented luminescence QY among the reported lanthanide coordination complexes.
Validation and comparison of three formulae to estimate sodium and potassium excretion from a single morning fasting urine compared to 24-h measures in 11 countries

Mente A, O'Donnell MJ, Dagenais G, Wielgosz A, Lear SA, McQueen MJ, et al.

J Hypertens, 2014 May;32(5):1005-14; discussion 1015.
PMID: 24569420 DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000000122

Although 24-h urinary measure to estimate sodium and potassium excretion is the gold standard, it is not practical for large studies. We compared estimates of 24-h sodium and potassium excretion from a single morning fasting urine (MFU) using three different formulae in healthy individuals.
Viral Characteristics of the Warm Atlantic and Cold Arctic Water Masses in the Nordic Seas

Gao C, Xia J, Zhou X, Liang Y, Jiang Y, Wang M, et al.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2021 10 28;87(22):e0116021.
PMID: 34469192 DOI: 10.1128/AEM.01160-21

Nordic Seas are the subarctic seas connecting the Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic Ocean with complex water masses, experiencing an abrupt climate change. Though knowledge of the marine virosphere has expanded rapidly, the diversity of viruses and their relationships with host cells and water masses in the Nordic Seas remain to be fully revealed. Here, we establish the Nordic Sea DNA virome (NSV) data set of 55,315 viral contigs including 1,478 unique viral populations from seven stations influenced by both the warm Atlantic and cold Arctic water masses. Caudovirales dominated in the seven NSVs, especially in the warm Atlantic waters. The major giant nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) contributed a significant proportion of the classified viral contigs in the NSVs (32.2%), especially in the cold Arctic waters (44.9%). The distribution patterns of Caudovirales and NCLDVs were a reflection of the community structure of their hosts in the corresponding water masses and currents. Latitude, pH, and flow speed were found to be key factors influencing the microbial communities and coinfluencing the variation of viral communities. Network analysis illustrated the tight coupling between the variation of viral communities and microbial communities in the Nordic Seas. This study suggests a probable linkage between viromes, host cells, and surface water masses from both the cool Arctic and warm Atlantic Oceans. IMPORTANCE This is a systematic study of Nordic Sea viromes using metagenomic analysis. The viral diversity, community structure, and their relationships with host cells and the complex water masses from both the cool Arctic and the warm Atlantic oceans were illustrated. The NCLDVs and Caudovirales are proposed as the viral characteristics of the cold Arctic and warm Atlantic waters, respectively. This study provides an important background for the viromes in the subarctic seas connecting the Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic Ocean and sheds light on their responses to abrupt climate change in the future.
Fulltext Wolbachia infection in field-collected Aedes aegypti in Yunnan Province, southwestern China

Zhang H, Gao J, Ma Z, Liu Y, Wang G, Liu Q, et al.

Front Cell Infect Microbiol, 2022;12:1082809.
PMID: 36530420 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1082809

BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is gram-negative and common intracellular bacteria, which is maternally inherited endosymbionts and could expand their propagation in host populations by means of various manipulations. Recent reports reveal the natural infection of Wolbachia in Aedes Aegypti in Malaysia, India, Philippines, Thailand and the United States. At present, none of Wolbachia natural infection in Ae. aegypti has been reported in China.
METHODS: A total of 480 Ae. aegypti adult mosquitoes were collected from October and November 2018 based on the results of previous investigations and the distribution of Ae. aegypti in Yunnan. Each individual sample was processed and screened for the presence of Wolbachia by PCR with wsp primers. Phylogenetic trees for the wsp gene was constructed using the neighbour-joining method with 1,000 bootstrap replicates, and the p-distance distribution model of molecular evolution was applied.
RESULTS: 24 individual adult mosquito samples and 10 sample sites were positive for Wolbachia infection. The Wolbachia infection rate (IR) of each population ranged from 0 - 41.7%. The infection rate of group A alone was 0%-10%, the infection rate of group B alone was 0%-7.7%, and the infection rate of co-infection with A and B was 0-33.3%.
CONCLUSIONS: Wolbachia infection in wild Ae. aegypti in China is the first report based on PCR amplification of the Wolbachia wsp gene. The Wolbachia infection is 5%, and the wAlbA and wAlbB strains were found to be prevalent in the natural population of Ae. aegypti in Yunnan Province.

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