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Fulltext On Nash Equilibrium and Evolutionarily Stable States That Are Not Characterised by the Folk Theorem

Li J, Kendall G

PLoS One, 2015;10(8):e0136032.
PMID: 26288088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136032

In evolutionary game theory, evolutionarily stable states are characterised by the folk theorem because exact solutions to the replicator equation are difficult to obtain. It is generally assumed that the folk theorem, which is the fundamental theory for non-cooperative games, defines all Nash equilibria in infinitely repeated games. Here, we prove that Nash equilibria that are not characterised by the folk theorem do exist. By adopting specific reactive strategies, a group of players can be better off by coordinating their actions in repeated games. We call it a type-k equilibrium when a group of k players coordinate their actions and they have no incentive to deviate from their strategies simultaneously. The existence and stability of the type-k equilibrium in general games is discussed. This study shows that the sets of Nash equilibria and evolutionarily stable states have greater cardinality than classic game theory has predicted in many repeated games.
Fulltext The effects of extra-somatic weapons on the evolution of human cooperation towards non-kin

Phillips T, Li J, Kendall G

PLoS One, 2014;9(5):e95742.
PMID: 24796325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095742

Human cooperation and altruism towards non-kin is a major evolutionary puzzle, as is 'strong reciprocity' where no present or future rewards accrue to the co-operator/altruist. Here, we test the hypothesis that the development of extra-somatic weapons could have influenced the evolution of human cooperative behaviour, thus providing a new explanation for these two puzzles. Widespread weapons use could have made disputes within hominin groups far more lethal and also equalized power between individuals. In such a cultural niche non-cooperators might well have become involved in such lethal disputes at a higher frequency than cooperators, thereby increasing the relative fitness of genes associated with cooperative behaviour. We employ two versions of the evolutionary Iterated Prisoner's Dilemma (IPD) model--one where weapons use is simulated and one where it is not. We then measured the performance of 25 IPD strategies to evaluate the effects of weapons use on them. We found that cooperative strategies performed significantly better, and non-cooperative strategies significantly worse, under simulated weapons use. Importantly, the performance of an 'Always Cooperate' IPD strategy, equivalent to that of 'strong reciprocity', improved significantly more than that of all other cooperative strategies. We conclude that the development of extra-somatic weapons throws new light on the evolution of human altruistic and cooperative behaviour, and particularly 'strong reciprocity'. The notion that distinctively human altruism and cooperation could have been an adaptive trait in a past environment that is no longer evident in the modern world provides a novel addition to theory that seeks to account for this major evolutionary puzzle.
De novo assembly and characterization of foot transcriptome and microsatellite marker development for Paphia textile

Chen X, Li J, Xiao S, Liu X

Gene, 2016 Jan 15;576(1 Pt 3):537-43.
PMID: 26546834 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.11.001

Paphia textile is an important, aquaculture bivalve clam species distributed mainly in China, Philippines, and Malaysia. Recent studies of P. textile have focused mainly on artificial breeding and nutrition analysis, and the transcriptome and genome of P. textile have rarely been reported. In this work, the transcriptome of P. textile foot tissue was sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq™ 2000 platform. A total of 20,219,795 reads were generated, resulting in 4.08 Gb of raw data. The raw reads were cleaned and assembled into 54,852 unigenes with an N50 length of 829 bp. Of these unigenes, 38.92% were successfully annotated based on their matches to sequences in seven public databases. Among the annotated unigenes, 14,571 were assigned Gene Ontology terms, 5448 were classified to Clusters of Orthologous Groups categories, and 6738 were mapped to 228 pathways in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. For functional marker development, 5605 candidate simple sequence repeats were identified in the transcriptome and 80 primer pairs were selected randomly and amplified in a wild population of P. textile. A total of 36 loci that exhibited obvious repeat length polymorphisms were detected. The transcriptomic data and microsatellite markers will provide valuable resources for future functional gene analyses, genetic map construction, and quantitative trait loci mapping in P. textile.
[Gene cloning and sequencing of chicken anemia virus(CAV) isolated from Harbin]

He C, Ding N, Li J, Li Y

Wei Sheng Wu Xue Bao, 2002 Aug;42(4):436-41.
PMID: 12557549

A Chicken anemia virus has been isolated from a chicken flock in Harbin of China. The genome of the ivrus was cloned through polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and sequence of the genome was analyzed. The cycle genome is made of 2298 base pairs including three overlapping open reading frames(vp1, vp2, vp3) and a regulative region. Comparing sequence of the genome through BLAST in GenBank, this sequence exhibits 96.9% identity with other genome of CA Vs and least. Multiple alignment of this genome of this virus, 26p4, strain isolated in Germany, strain isolated in Malaysia and Cux-1 found that this sequence exhibits 98.2% (42/2298), 98.2% (42/2298), 96.9% (72/2298) and 97.5% (60/2319) identify with them, respectively. A new CAV strain was isolated and it has better identify with CAV isolated in Europe countries than is Asia country Malaysia. Multiple alignment of VP1, VP2, VP3 of 26p4, strain isolated in Germany, strain isolated in Malaysia, Cux-1 and strain isolated in Harbin of China found the VP2 the most conservative.
An analysis of the plastic waste trade and management in Asia

Liang Y, Tan Q, Song Q, Li J

Waste Manag, 2021 Jan 01;119:242-253.
PMID: 33091837 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.09.049

It is well known that Asia generates and receives large quantities of plastic waste. Through a detailed study of plastic waste generation and trade, the management and treatment of plastic waste in Asia were analyzed from the regional perspective. The amounts of plastic waste in municipal solid waste and in industrial solid waste were estimated to be 79 Mt and 42 Mt, respectively, in Asia. The overall treatment and recycling status in Asia are unsatisfactory. Asia imported 74% of the plastic waste in the world in 2016, and China (mainland) imported the most plastic waste until 2017, with 5.8 to 8.3 Mt. In 2017, about half the plastic waste imported by Asia came from other regions, and after subtracting the exported quantity, 98% of the plastic waste was left in Asia for treatment and disposal. The plastic waste imported by Asia declined about 72% in monetary value in 2018. There is still a large gap between the plastic waste quantity imported to Asia and that exported from Asia. China's ban of plastic waste imports caused import quantities to drop to 52 kt in 2018, simultaneously, exports from the largest exporting countries or regions such as Hong Kong (China), the USA, Japan, and Germany decreased. While Vietnam, Malaysia and some other Asian countries and regions saw significant increases in plastic waste imports from 2016 to 2018. Considering this situation, countries in Asia are starting to strictly limit plastic waste imports from other countries.
Fulltext Impact of juice extraction method on the physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties of Sabah snake grass (Clinacanthus nutans) juice mix

Noranizan, M., Pean, L. F., Li, J. W., Aadil, R. M., Ahmad, T., Rosli, S. Z., et al.

International Food Research Journal, 2020;27(5):835-845.
MyJurnal

The present work investigated the impact of several juice extraction methods (blender,
centrifugal juicer, and slow juicer) and thermal pasteurisation (72°C, 15 s) on the different
properties [physicochemical, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, and functional] of
Clinacanthus nutans juice mix during storage (28 d, 4°C). Regardless of juicing technique, all
juices had similar colour and antioxidants [tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl
(DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods]. The juices also had similar
PPO activity and sensory acceptance in terms of colour, aroma, flavour, mouthfeel, and
overall acceptability. The blender yielded juice with higher pH, soluble solids, and relative
viscosity than other methods. The slow juicer was the best at retaining ascorbic acid (39.33 ±
3.06 mg/100 mL), while the blender was best at retaining phenolic compounds (11.82 ± 0.12
mg gallic acid equivalents/100 mL) and chlorophyll (6.95 ± 0.31 μg/mL). Pasteurisation
negatively affected the colour, functional properties, and sensory characteristics (colour,
aroma, flavour, and mouthfeel) of the juice.
Fulltext Anxiety determination by antibody-conjugated nanoparticles on an interdigitated electrode sensor

Wang X, Gopinath SCB, Li J

3 Biotech, 2020 Sep;10(9):377.
PMID: 32802719 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02370-7

This work focused on the detection of cortisol on an interdigitated electrode sensor surface using an anti-cortisol antibody. To improve immobilization, antibodies were conjugated with silver nanoparticles and attached to the surface of the sensor. Cortisol interacted in a dose-dependent manner on the antibody-immobilized sensor surface, and current changes were observed. Linear regression analysis was performed by a 3σ calculation, and the limit of detection fell into the range of 0.01 and 0.1 ng/mL. The sensitivity of cortisol was calculated to be 0.01 ng/mL and the sensor discriminated against other hormones, namely norepinephrine and progesterone, with higher selectivity for cortisol. This result represented the selective detection of cortisol with high performance, which can help to determine anxiety disorders.
Unraveling the driving factors of the plastic waste trade network formation and dynamics

Liu F, Fan C, Li J, Tan Q

J Environ Manage, 2023 Dec 15;348:119422.
PMID: 37879176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119422

International trade of plastic waste promotes the global plastic circular economy and improves resource efficiency, but exacerbates the ubiquitous plastic pollution. Understanding the drivers behind the evolution of the global plastic waste trade network (GPWTN) is pivotal for developing new international instruments to end plastic pollution and fostering clean solid-waste trade. Employing social network analysis (SNA) and quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) model, this study structures the GPWTN using bilateral trade data, revealing shifts from highly centralized to cross-layered networks and relevant drivers. It is suggested that Malaysia and Turkey has become the new key recipients of the GPWTN, replacing China, accompanied by the launch of new environmental regulations in some countries. Transportation cost is the most critical factor for the formation of the GPWTN, followed by gaps in resource demand, bio-based resource availability, and transportation accessibility. Trading partners in closer proximity, especially those with contiguous borders, are more likely to trade in waste plastics, while coastal countries play an important role in these partnerships. Economies with more abundant biomaterials, higher incomes, and greater environmental burdens are more likely to be exporters, while economies with scarcer resources and more compelling demands are more likely to import plastic waste. Countries involved in the trade in plastic waste, as either importers or exporters, receive varying degrees of economic benefits but bear potential environmental impacts. Therefore, global plastic pollution control and trade prosperity necessitates necessitate coordinated endeavors from nations and intergovernmental bodies for a mutually advantageous denouement.
Fulltext Connectedness among Urban Parks from the Users' Perspective: A Systematic Literature Review

Li J, Md Dali M, Nordin NA

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023 Feb 18;20(4).
PMID: 36834348 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043652

Although many benefits of urban green space networks have been consistently demonstrated, most of the discussion on space connectivity has concentrated on ecological aspects, such as patch-corridor-matrix connectivity. There are limited systematic studies that have investigated the connectedness between urban parks and people. This study aimed to explore the connectedness among urban parks from the users' perspective by using a systematic literature review. By following the PRISMA protocol and analyzing 54 studies from Scopus and Web of Science between 2017 and 2022, we proposed the concepts of physical connectedness and perceived connectedness. The "physical connectedness" contained the dimensions of road attributes and park attributes, as well as six categories including physical accessibility, street connectivity, the street environment, spatial scale, facilities and amenities, and natural elements. The "perceived connectedness" mainly referred to people's perception of the physical environment. The four categories were perceived accessibility, perceived safety, aesthetics, and Kaplan's perceptual model. Finally, in terms of individual attributes, the impact of sociodemographic factors (age, gender, income, education, and occupation) and the motivation for activity on park connectedness were also taken into account. On the basis of our findings, this study suggested that park connectedness should not only focus on physical connectedness but also perceived connectedness.
A federated learning framework based on transfer learning and knowledge distillation for targeted advertising

Su C, Wei J, Lei Y, Li J

PeerJ Comput Sci, 2023;9:e1496.
PMID: 37705669 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.1496

The rise of targeted advertising has led to frequent privacy data leaks, as advertisers are reluctant to share information to safeguard their interests. This has resulted in isolated data islands and model heterogeneity challenges. To address these issues, we have proposed a C-means clustering algorithm based on maximum average difference to improve the evaluation of the difference in distribution between local and global parameters. Additionally, we have introduced an innovative dynamic selection algorithm that leverages knowledge distillation and weight correction to reduce the impact of model heterogeneity. Our framework was tested on various datasets and its performance was evaluated using accuracy, loss, and AUC (area under the ROC curve) metrics. Results showed that the framework outperformed other models in terms of higher accuracy, lower loss, and better AUC while requiring the same computation time. Our research aims to provide a more reliable, controllable, and secure data sharing framework to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of targeted advertising.
Fulltext Development and optimization of a rapid BOD detection method using microbial immobilized particles with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and diatomite modifiers

Huo H, Li J, Hurzaid A

MethodsX, 2024 Jun;12:102595.
PMID: 38328507 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102595

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) serves as an important indicator in water quality monitoring. It provides valuable information for studying biology and conducting environmental impact assessments, making it the preferred method for environmental applications. Currently, the most common approach for BOD monitoring is the BOD5 standard detection method. However, this method has several drawbacks, like a long 5-day culture time, extended detection duration, complex operations, and low reproducibility of results. To address these issues, our study introduces a rapid BOD detection method, that focused on optimizing microbial immobilized particles and their detection capabilities. The method demonstrated better detection accuracy, stability, and reproducibility, with results available in less than 8 min. Our customization includes: •Prepared the particles using the cross-linking-embedding method by adding specific modifiers which are Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and diatomite.•Improved the detection results, reducing the overall detection error by over 10%.•Confirmed our method' effectiveness in rapidly detecting BOD solution prepared in the lab, outsourced BOD standard solution and actual waste water samples with high accuracy.
Fulltext Hepatitis C virus treatment as prevention in an extended network of people who inject drugs in the USA: a modelling study

Zelenev A, Li J, Mazhnaya A, Basu S, Altice FL

Lancet Infect Dis, 2018 02;18(2):215-224.
PMID: 29153265 DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(17)30676-X

BACKGROUND: Chronic infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV are highly prevalent in the USA and concentrated in people who inject drugs. Treatment as prevention with highly effective new direct-acting antivirals is a prospective HCV elimination strategy. We used network-based modelling to analyse the effect of this strategy in HCV-infected people who inject drugs in a US city.
METHODS: Five graph models were fit using data from 1574 people who inject drugs in Hartford, CT, USA. We used a degree-corrected stochastic block model, based on goodness-of-fit, to model networks of injection drug users. We simulated transmission of HCV and HIV through this network with varying levels of HCV treatment coverage (0%, 3%, 6%, 12%, or 24%) and varying baseline HCV prevalence in people who inject drugs (30%, 60%, 75%, or 85%). We compared the effectiveness of seven treatment-as-prevention strategies on reducing HCV prevalence over 10 years and 20 years versus no treatment. The strategies consisted of treatment assigned to either a randomly chosen individual who injects drugs or to an individual with the highest number of injection partners. Additional strategies explored the effects of treating either none, half, or all of the injection partners of the selected individual, as well as a strategy based on respondent-driven recruitment into treatment.
FINDINGS: Our model estimates show that at the highest baseline HCV prevalence in people who inject drugs (85%), expansion of treatment coverage does not substantially reduce HCV prevalence for any treatment-as-prevention strategy. However, when baseline HCV prevalence is 60% or lower, treating more than 120 (12%) individuals per 1000 people who inject drugs per year would probably eliminate HCV within 10 years. On average, assigning treatment randomly to individuals who inject drugs is better than targeting individuals with the most injection partners. Treatment-as-prevention strategies that treat additional network members are among the best performing strategies and can enhance less effective strategies that target the degree (ie, the highest number of injection partners) within the network.
INTERPRETATION: Successful HCV treatment as prevention should incorporate the baseline HCV prevalence and will achieve the greatest benefit when coverage is sufficiently expanded.
FUNDING: National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Plasmodium inui is not closely related to other quartan Plasmodium species

Kissinger JC, Collins WE, Li J, McCutchan TF

J Parasitol, 1998 Apr;84(2):278-82.
PMID: 9576499

Plasmodium inui (Halberstaedter and von Prowazek, 1907), a malarial parasite of Old World monkeys that occurs in isolated pockets throughout the Celebes, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, has traditionally been considered to be related more closely to Plasmodium malariae of humans (and its primate counterpart Plasmodium brasilianum), than to other primate Plasmodium species. This inference was made in part because of the similarities in the periodicities or duration of the asexual cycle in the blood, the extended sporogonic cycle, and the longer period of time for development of the pre-erythrocytic stages in the liver. Both P. inui and P. malariae have quartan (72 hr) periodicities associated with their asexual cycle, whereas other primate malarias, such as Plasmodium fragile and Plasmodium cynomolgi, are associated with tertian periodicities (48 hr), and Plasmodiumn knowlesi, with a quotidian (24 hr) periodicity. Phylogenetic analyses of portions of orthologous small subunit ribosomal genes reveal that P. inui is actually more closely related to the Plasmodium species of the "vivax-type" lineage than to P. malariae. Ribosomal sequence analysis of many different, geographically isolated, antigenically distinct P. inui isolates reveals that the isolates are nearly identical in sequence and thus members of the same species.
Bioaccumulation of trace metals in the coastal Borneo (Malaysia) and health risk assessment

Anandkumar A, Nagarajan R, Prabakaran K, Bing CH, Rajaram R, Li J, et al.

Mar Pollut Bull, 2019 Aug;145:56-66.
PMID: 31590824 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.002

The concentration of nine trace elements were analyzed in the different tissue organs of commonly available crabs (Portunus sanguinolentus, Portunus pelagicus and Scylla serrate) and bivalve (Polymesoda erosa) species collected from the Miri coast, Borneo in order to evaluate the potential health risk by consumption of these aquatic organisms. Among the analyzed organs, metal accumulation was higher in the gill tissues. The essential (Cu and Zn) and non-essential (Pb and Cd) elements showed the highest (i.e. Zn) and lowest concentrations (i.e. Cd) in their tissue organs, respectively. The estimated daily intake and hazard indices of all metals in the muscle indicate that the measured values were below the provisional tolerable daily intake suggested by the joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Compared to Malaysian and international seafood guideline values the results obtained from the present study are lower than the permissible limits and safe for consumption.
Fulltext Perception of Health Conditions and Test Availability as Predictors of Adults' Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Study of Adults in Malaysia

Dai H, Zhang SX, Looi KH, Su R, Li J

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 07 30;17(15).
PMID: 32751459 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155498

Research identifying adults' mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic relies solely on demographic predictors without examining adults' health condition as a potential predictor. This study aims to examine individuals' perception of health conditions and test availability as potential predictors of mental health-insomnia, anxiety, depression, and distress-during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey of 669 adults in Malaysia was conducted during 2-8 May 2020, six weeks after the Movement Control Order (MCO) was issued. We found adults' perception of health conditions had curvilinear relationships (horizontally reversed J-shaped) with insomnia, anxiety, depression, and distress. Perceived test availability for COVID-19 also had curvilinear relationships (horizontally reversed J-shaped) with anxiety and depression. Younger adults reported worse mental health, but people from various religions and ethnic groups did not differ significantly in reported mental health. The results indicated that adults with worse health conditions had more mental health problems, and the worse degree deepened for unhealthy people. Perceived test availability negatively predicted anxiety and depression, especially for adults perceiving COVID-19 test unavailability. The significant predictions of perceived health condition and perceived COVID-19 test availability suggest a new direction for the literature to identify the psychiatric risk factors directly from health-related variables during a pandemic.
International study of medical school learning environments and their relationship with student well-being and empathy

Tackett S, Wright S, Lubin R, Li J, Pan H

Med Educ, 2017 Mar;51(3):280-289.
PMID: 27896846 DOI: 10.1111/medu.13120

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether favourable perceptions of the learning environment (LE) were associated with better quality of life, less burnout and more empathy across three undergraduate medical education programmes in Israel, Malaysia and China.

METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys were administered at the end of the 2013-2014 academic year at three medical schools: Technion American Medical Students Program (TAMS) in Israel, Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine (PURCSI) in Malaysia and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) in China. LE perceptions were assessed using the Johns Hopkins Learning Environment Scale (JHLES). Well-being was assessed using validated items for quality of life and the depersonalisation and emotional exhaustion domains of burnout. The 20-item Jefferson Empathy Scale assessed empathy. Statistical analyses included bivariate regressions and multivariate regressions that adjusted for gender, school, class year and perceived academic rank.

RESULTS: Overall, 400/622 (64.3%) students responded, with the following rates by site: TAMS 92/121 (76.0%), PURCSI 160/198 (80.1%) and PUMC 148/303 (48.8%). In multivariate models, favourable overall LE perceptions were associated with higher odds of good quality of life (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-5.8; p < 0.001) and lower odds of emotional exhaustion (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.24-0.50; p < 0.001) and depersonaliation (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.24-0.37; p = 0.001). 'Community of Peers', one of seven factors in the JHLES, was the only one to be independently associated with better quality of life and less emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. After adjusting for covariates, there was not a statistically significant association between overall LE and empathy (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.91-2.2; p = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS: Students' LE perceptions are closely associated with their well-being, and fostering peer community may hold promise for enhancing quality of life and protecting against burnout. Across these three settings, LE and empathy were not closely related, suggesting that any influence of learning environment on empathy would be modest.
Nanomedicines guided nanoimaging probes and nanotherapeutics for early detection of lung cancer and abolishing pulmonary metastasis: Critical appraisal of newer developments and challenges to clinical transition

Gao X, Guo L, Li J, Thu HE, Hussain Z

J Control Release, 2018 12 28;292:29-57.
PMID: 30359665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.10.024

Lung cancer (LC) is the second most prevalent type of cancer and primary cause of mortality among both men and women, worldwide. The most commonly employed diagnostic modalities for LC include chest X-ray (CXR), magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT-scan), and fused-positron-emitting-tomography-CT (PET-CT). Owing to several limitations associated with the use of conventional diagnostic tools such as radiation burden to the patient, misleading diagnosis ("missed lung cancer"), false staging and low sensitivity and resolution, contemporary diagnostic regimen needed to be employed for screening of LC. In recent decades, nanotechnology-guided interventions have been transpired as emerging nanoimaging probes for detection of LC at advanced stages, while producing signal amplification, better resolution for surface and deep tissue imaging, and enhanced translocation and biodistribution of imaging probes within the cancerous tissues. Besides enormous potential of nanoimaging probes, nanotechnology-based advancements have also been evidenced for superior efficacy for treatment of LC and abolishing pulmonary metastasis (PM). The success of nanotherapeutics is due to their ability to maximise translocation and biodistribution of anti-neoplastic agents into the tumor tissues, improve pharmacokinetic profiles of anti-metastatic agents, optimise target-specific drug delivery, and control release kinetics of encapsulated moieties in target tissues. This review aims to overview and critically discuss the superiority of nanoimaging probes and nanotherapeutics over conventional regimen for early detection of LC and abolishing PM. Current challenges to clinical transition of nanoimaging probes and therapeutic viability of nanotherapeutics for treatment for LC and PM have also been pondered.
Global Metabolic Analyses of Acinetobacter baumannii

Mahamad Maifiah MH, Velkov T, Creek DJ, Li J

Methods Mol Biol, 2019;1946:321-328.
PMID: 30798566 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9118-1_28

Acinetobacter baumannii is rapidly emerging as a multidrug-resistant pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections including pneumonia, bacteremia, wound infections, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. Metabolomics provides a powerful tool to gain a system-wide snapshot of cellular biochemical networks under defined conditions and has been increasingly applied to bacterial physiology and drug discovery. Here we describe an optimized sample preparation method for untargeted metabolomics studies in A. baumannii. Our method provides a significant recovery of intracellular metabolites to demonstrate substantial differences in global metabolic profiles among A. baumannii strains.
Loss of Y chromosome: An emerging next-generation biomarker for disease prediction and early detection?

Guo X, Li J, Xue J, Fenech M, Wang X

Mutat Res Rev Mutat Res, 2021 07 05;788:108389.
PMID: 34893154 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2021.108389

As human life expectancy increases substantially and aging is the primary risk factor for most chronic diseases, there is an urgent need for advancing the development of post-genomic era biomarkers that can be used for disease prediction and early detection (DPED). Mosaic loss of Y chromosome (LOY) is the state of nullisomy Y in sub-groups of somatic cells acquired from different post-zygotic development stages and onwards throughout the lifespan. Multiple large-cohort based epidemiology studies have found that LOY in blood cells is a significant risk factor for future mortality and various diseases in males. Many features intrinsic to LOY analysis may be leveraged to enhance its use as a non-invasive, sensitive, reliable, high throughput-biomarker for DPED. Here, we review the emerging literatures in LOY studies and highlight ten strengths for using LOY as a novel biomarker for genomics-driven DPED diagnostics. Meanwhile, the current limitations in this area are also discussed. We conclude by identifying some important knowledge gaps regarding the consequences of malsegregation of the Y chromosome and propose further steps that are required before clinical implementation of LOY. Taken together, we think that LOY has substantial potential as a biomarker for DPED, despite some hurdles that still need to be addressed before its integration into healthcare becomes acceptable.
The Mechanism of Piezocatalysis: Energy Band Theory or Screening Charge Effect?

Wang K, Han C, Li J, Qiu J, Sunarso J, Liu S

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl, 2022 Feb 01;61(6):e202110429.
PMID: 34612568 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202110429

Piezocatalysis, a newly emerging catalysis technology that relies on the piezopotential and piezoelectric properties of the catalysts, is attracting unprecedented research enthusiasm for applications in energy conversion, organic synthesis, and environmental remediation. Despite the rapid development in the past three years, the mechanism of piezocatalysis is still under debate. A fundamental understanding of the working principles of this technology should enable the future design and optimization of piezocatalysts. Herein, we provide an overview of the two popular theories used to explain the observed piezocatalysis: energy band theory and screening charge effect. A comprehensive discussion and clarification of the differences, relevance, evidence, and contradiction of the two mechanisms are provided. Finally, challenges and perspectives for future mechanistic studies are highlighted. Hopefully, this Review can help readers gain a better understanding of piezocatalysis and enable its application in their own research.

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