Isolation and identification of hoylesella marshii causing pleural infection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hoylesella marshii can be isolated from human oral cavities affected by dental pulp and periodontal infections, as well as from the dental plaque of healthy individuals, making it a common bacterium within the oral microbiota. However, its role in causing pleural infections in humans is rare. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of purulent pleural effusion occurred shortly after discharge in an elderly patient who had undergone surgery for gastric cancer. The infection was identified as being caused by an obligate anaerobe through laboratory culture, and was further identified as Hoylesella marshii causing pleural infection through 16 S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Susceptibility testing guided precise treatment with cefoperazone-sulbactam and metronidazole. The patient's clinical symptoms improved rapidly, laboratory test indicators gradually returned to normal, and the patient ultimately recovered. CONCLUSION: Hoylesella marshii can cause pleural infections in humans. Clinical microbiology laboratories should pay special attention to the cultivation of obligate anaerobes when routine aerobic cultures do not show bacterial growth but bacteria are visible on smear staining, and when conventional identification methods fail to identify the bacterium, analysis based on the highly conserved 16 S rRNA gene sequence can accurately and specifically identify the bacterium, guiding clinicians in formulating precise anti-infection strategies.

Isolation and Identification of Postharvest Rot Pathogens in Citrus × tangelo and Their Potential Inhibition with Acidic Electrolyzed Water.

This study focused on the identification of rot-causing fungi in Citrus × tangelo (tangelo) with a particular emphasis on investigating the inhibitory effects of acidic electrolyzed water on the identified pathogens. The dominant strains responsible for postharvest decay were isolated from infected tangelo fruits and characterized through morphological observation, molecular identification, and pathogenicity detection. Two strains were isolated from postharvest diseased tangelo fruits, cultured and morphologically characterized, and had their gene fragments amplified using primers ITS1 and ITS4. The results revealed the rDNA-ITS sequence of two dominant pathogens were 100% homologous with those of Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus sydowii. These isolated fungi were confirmed to induce tangelo disease, and subsequent re-isolation validated their consistency with the inoculum. Antifungal tests demonstrated that acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on P. citrinum and A. sydowii, with EC50 values of 85.4 µg/mL and 60.12 µg/mL, respectively. The inhibition zones of 150 µg/mL AEW to 2 kinds of pathogenic fungi were over 75 mm in diameter. Furthermore, treatment with AEW resulted in morphological changes such as bending and shrinking of the fungal hyphae surface. In addition, extracellular pH, conductivity, and absorbance at 260 nm of the fungi hypha significantly increased post-treatment with AEW. Pathogenic morphology and IST sequencing analysis confirmed P. citrinum and A. sydowii as the primary pathogenic fungi, with their growth effectively inhibited by AEW.

[Active constituents of essential oil from Curcuma phaeocaulis for treatment of dysmenorrhea].

This study aims to identify the active constituents of essential oil from the rhizomes of Curcuma phaeocaulis for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. The compounds were separated and purified by molecular distillation, silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography, and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography. Their structures were identified by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The animal model of primary dysmenorrhea and the contraction model of isolated uterine smooth muscle of rats were established to examine the active constituents in the essential oil for treating dysmenorrhea. Six sesquiterpenes were isolated and identified as dehydrocommiterpene A(1), comosone Ⅱ(2), 5α(H)-eudesma-3(4),7(11)-dien-9ß-ol-6-one(3), guaia-6(7)-en-11-ol(4), curcumenol(5), and isocurcumenol(6), among which compound 1 was a novel compound. The animal experiments showed that the essential oil from C. phaeocaulis significantly lowered the level of PGF_(2α) in uterine tissue compared with the model group. The experiment with the contraction model of isolated uterine smooth muscle demonstrated that the components with high boiling points outperformed those with low boiling points in relaxing the uterine smooth muscle, and compounds 1, 2, 5, and 6 isolated from the fraction with a high boiling point had the effect of relaxing the uterine smooth muscle. Among them, compounds 5 and 6 inhibited the extracellular Ca~(2+) influx and intracellular Ca~(2+) release to relax the uterine smooth muscle. In conclusion, the components with high boiling points and sesquiterpenes are the active components in the essential oil of C. phaeocaulis for treating dysmenorrhea.

[Chemical constituents from Alangium chinense subsp. pauciflorum].

Chemical constituents of 70% ethanol extract of Alangium chinense subsp. pauciflorum were investigated. The 70% ethanol extract of A. chinense subsp. pauciflorum was isolated and purified by D-101 macroporous resins, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and other methods. As a result, nineteen compounds were isolated and identified as 4-cyclohexene-1α,2α,3α-triol-1-O-ß-D-glucoside(1), 1ß,4α,6α,13-tetrahydroxy-eudesm-11(12)-ene(2), sucrose(3), 1'-O-benzyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1″→6')-ß-D-glucopyranoside(4), bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate(5),(Z)-10-heneicosenoic acid(6), di-O-methylcrenati(7), methyl-α-D-fructofuranoside(8), ß-daucosterol(9), syringic acid(10), vanillicacid(11), octacosanol(12), isoarborinol(13), 2,7-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-1-naphthalenecarboxylate(14),vanillin(15), coniferyl aldehyde(16), 9(11)-dehydroergosterolperoxide(17), 5α,8α-epidioxy-(22E,24R)-ergosta-6,22-dien-3ß-ol(18), ß-sitosterol(19), respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 were new compounds, compounds 5-11, 13, 15-18 were isolated from Alangium for the first time.The anti-inflammatory activity of compourd 1 was determinded by the LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophage inflammation model. The results showed that the new compound 1 has a certain inhibitory effect on LPS-induced NO production of RAW264.7 cells, and the inhibitory rate was 54.57%.

Three rare anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene lactones from Magnolia grandiflora.

Four new sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) (1-4), along with a biosynthetically related SL (5), have been isolated from the leaves of Magnolia grandiflora. Magrandate A (1) is notable as the first C18 homogemarane type SL, featuring a unique 1,7-dioxaspiro[4.4]nonan-6-one core. Compounds 2 and 3, representing the first instances of chlorine-substituted gemarane-type SL analogs in natural products, were also identified. The structures of these isolates were elucidated through a combination of spectroscopic data analysis, electronic circular dichroism calculations, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. All isolates demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Notably, 3-5 showed a significant inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production, with IC50 values ranging from 0.79 to 4.73 µmol·L-1. Additionally, 4 and 5 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against three cancer cell lines, with IC50 values between 3.09 and 11.23 µmol·L-1.

Prevalence, Molecular Characteristics and Virulence Identification of Bovine Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 in China.

Bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV-3) is one of the major pathogens of the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). BPIV-3 surveillance in China has been quite limited. In this study, we used PCR to test 302 cattle in China, and found that the positive rate was 4.64% and the herd-level positive rate was 13.16%. Six BPIV-3C strains were isolated and confirmed by electron microscopy, and their titers were determined. Three were sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Phylogenetic analyses showed that all isolates were most closely related to strain NX49 from Ningxia; the genetic diversity of genotype C strains was lower than strains of genotypes A and B; the HN, P, and N genes were more suitable for genotyping and evolutionary analyses of BPIV-3. Protein variation analyses showed that all isolates had mutations at amino acid sites in the proteins HN, M, F, and L. Genetic recombination analyses provided evidence for homologous recombination of BPIV-3 of bovine origin. The virulence experiment indicated that strain Hubei-03 had the highest pathogenicity and could be used as a vaccine candidate. These findings apply an important basis for the precise control of BPIV-3 in China.

High-throughput sequencing and characterization of potentially pathogenic fungi from the vaginal mycobiome of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in estrus and non-estrus.

Introduction: The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) reproduction is of worldwide attention, and the vaginal microbiome is one of the most important factors affecting the reproductive rate of giant pandas. The aim of this study is to investigate the diversity of vaginal mycobiota structure, and potential pathogenic fungi in female giant pandas during estrus and non-estrus. Methods: This study combined with high-throughput sequencing and laboratory testing to compare the diversity of the vaginal mycobiota in giant pandas during estrus and non-estrus, and to investigate the presence of potentially pathogenic fungi. Potentially pathogenic fungi were studied in mice to explore their pathogenicity. Results and discussion: The results revealed that during estrus, the vaginal secretions of giant pandas play a crucial role in fungal colonization. Moreover, the diversity of the vaginal mycobiota is reduced and specificity is enhanced. The abundance of Trichosporon and Cutaneotrichosporon in the vaginal mycobiota of giant pandas during estrus was significantly higher than that during non-estrus periods. Apiotrichum and Cutaneotrichosporon were considered the most important genera, and they primarily originate from the environment owing to marking behavior exhibited during the estrous period of giant pandas. Trichosporon is considered a resident mycobiota of the vagina and is an important pathogen that causes infection when immune system is suppressed. Potentially pathogenic fungi were further isolated and identified from the vaginal secretions of giant pandas during estrus, and seven strains of Apiotrichum (A. brassicae), one strain of Cutaneotrichosporon (C. moniliiforme), and nine strains of Trichosporon (two strains of T. asteroides, one strain of T. inkin, one strain of T. insectorum, and five strains of T. japonicum) were identified. Pathogenicity results showed that T. asteroides was the most pathogenic strain, as it is associated with extensive connective tissue replacement and inflammatory cell infiltration in both liver and kidney tissues. The results of this study improve our understanding of the diversity of the vaginal fungi present in giant pandas and will significantly contribute to improving the reproductive health of giant pandas in the future.

Isolation and identification of active components from Grifola frondosa and its anti-EV71 virus effect.

BACKGROUND: It is reported that anti-enterovirus 71 (EV71) drugs have some side effects on human health. Notably, fungi plays a crucial role in promoting human health and anti-virus. Grifola frondosa is a type of large medicinal and edible fungi, rich in active substances. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-EV71 effect of G. frondosa and the potential active substances. RESULTS: In the present study, the water extract of G. frondosa was subjected to ethanol precipitation to obtain the water-extracted supernatant of G. frondosa (GFWS) and water-extracted precipitation of G. frondosa. Their inhibitory effects on EV71 virus were studied based on a cell model. The results showed that GFWS had stronger security and anti-EV71 effects. In addition, the chemical constituents of GFWS were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which were selected for further separation and purification. Three compounds, N-butylaniline, succinic acid and l-tryptophan, were isolated from GFWS by NMR spectroscopy. It is noteworthy that N-butylaniline and l-tryptophan were isolated and identified from the G. frondosa fruiting bodies for the first time. Our study found that l-tryptophan has anti-EV71 virus activity, which reduced EV71-induced apoptosis and significantly inhibited the replication process after virus adsorption. Furthermore, it could also bind to capsid protein VP1 to prevent the virus from attaching to the cells. CONCLUSION: l-tryptophan was an inhibitor of the EV71 virus, which could be used in infant nutrition and possibly provide a new drug to treat hand, foot and mouth disease. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Isolation of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 10 from Culicoides tainanus and Associated Infections in Livestock in Yunnan, China.

Two strains of viruses, JC13C644 and JC13C673, were isolated from Culicoides tainanus collected in Jiangcheng County, Yunnan Province, situated along the border area shared by China, Laos, and Vietnam. JC13C644 and JC13C673 viruses can cause cytopathic effect (CPE) in mammalian cells BHK21 and Vero cells, and cause morbidity and mortality in suckling mice 48 h after intracerebral inoculation. Whole-genome sequencing was performed, yielding complete sequences for all 10 segments from Seg-1 (3942nt) to Seg-10 (810nt). Phylogenetic analysis of the sub-core-shell (T2) showed that the JC13C644 and JC13C673 viruses clustered with the Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) isolated from Japan and Australia, with nucleotide and amino acid homology of 93.1% to 98.3% and 99.2% to 99.6%, respectively, suggesting that they were Eastern group EHDV. The phylogenetic analysis of outer capsid protein (OC1) and outer capsid protein (OC2) showed that the JC13C644 and JC13C673 viruses were clustered with the EHDV-10 isolated from Japan in 1998, with the nucleotide homology of 98.3% and 98.5%, and the amino acid homology of 99.6% and 99.6-99.8%, respectively, indicating that they belong to the EHDV-10. Seroepidemiological survey results demonstrated that JC13C644 virus-neutralizing antibodies were present in 29.02% (177/610) of locally collected cattle serum and 11.32% (89/786) of goat serum, implying the virus's presence in Jiangcheng, Yunnan Province. This finding suggests that EHDV-10 circulates not only among blood-sucking insects in nature but also infects local domestic animals in China. Notably, this marks the first-ever isolation of the virus in China and its discovery outside of Japan since its initial isolation from Japanese cattle. In light of these results, it is evident that EHDV Serotype 10 exists beyond Japan, notably in the natural vectors of southern Eurasia, with the capacity to infect local cattle and goats. Therefore, it is imperative to intensify the surveillance of EHDV infection in domestic animals, particularly focusing on the detection and monitoring of new virus serotypes that may emerge in the region and pose risks to animal health.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus strain CH/HLJ/18 isolated in China: characterization and phylogenetic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is an infectious disease of the digestive tract caused by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), characterized by vomiting, severe diarrhea, and high mortality rates in piglets. In recent years, the distribution of this disease in China has remarkably increased, and its pathogenicity has also increased. PEDV has been identified as the main cause of viral diarrhea in piglets. This study aimed to understand the genetic evolution and diversity of PEDV to provide a theoretical basis for the development of new vaccines and the prevention and treatment of PED. METHODS: A PEDV strain was isolated from the small intestine of a diarrheal piglet using Vero cells. The virus was identified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and transmission electron microscopy. The whole genome sequence was sequenced, phylogenetic analysis was conducted using MEGA (version 7.0), and recombination analysis was performed using RDP4 and SimPlot. The S protein amino acid sequence was aligned using Cluster X (version 2.0), and the S protein was modeled using SWISS-MODEL to compare differences in structure and antigenicity. Finally, the piglets were inoculated with PEDV to evaluate its pathogenicity in newborn piglets. RESULT: PEDV strain CH/HLJ/18 was isolated. CH/HLJ/18 shared 89.4-99.2% homology with 52 reference strains of PEDV belonging to the GII-a subgroup. It was a recombinant strain of PEDV BJ-2011-1 and PEDV CH_hubei_2016 with a breakpoint located in ORF1b. Unique amino acid deletions and mutations were observed in the CH/HLJ/18 S protein. The piglets then developed severe watery diarrhea and died within 7 d of inoculation with CH/HLJ/18, suggesting that CH/HLJ/18 was highly pathogenic to newborn piglets. CONCLUSION: A highly pathogenic recombinant PEDV GII-a strain, CH/HLJ/18, was identified in China, with unique deletion and mutation of amino acids in the S protein that may lead to changes in protein structure and antigenicity. These results will be crucial for understanding the prevalence and variation of PEDV and for preventing and controlling PED.

Isolation and identification of pathogens of Morchella sextelata bacterial disease.

Morel mushroom (Morchella spp.) is a rare edible and medicinal fungus distributed worldwide. It is highly desired by the majority of consumers. Bacterial diseases have been commonly observed during artificial cultivation of Morchella sextelata. Bacterial pathogens spread rapidly and cause a wide range of infections, severely affecting the yield and quality of M. sextelata. In this study, two strains of bacterial pathogens, named M-B and M-5, were isolated, cultured, and purified from the tissues of the infected M. sextelata. Koch's postulates were used to determine the pathogenicity of bacteria affecting M. sextelata, and the pathogens were identified through morphological observation, physiological and biochemical analyses, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Subsequently, the effect of temperature on the growth of pathogenic bacteria, the inhibitory effect of the bacteria on M. sextelata on plates, and the changes in mycelial morphology of M. sextelata mycelium were analyzed when M. sextelata mycelium was double-cultured with pathogenic bacteria on plates. The results revealed that M-B was Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aureofaciens and M-5 was Bacillus subtilis. Strain M-B started to multiply at 10-15°C, and strain M-5 started at 15-20°C. On the plates, the pathogenic bacteria also produced significant inhibition of M. sextelata mycelium, and the observation of mycelial morphology under the scanning electron microscopy revealed that the inhibited mycelium underwent obvious drying and crumpling, and the healthy mycelium were more plump. Thus, this study clarified the pathogens, optimal growth environment, and characteristics of M. sextelata bacterial diseases, thereby providing valuable basic data for the disease prevention and control of Morchella production.

UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS-Guided Isolation of Bioactive Withanolides from the Fruits of Physalis angulata.

Physalis angulata Linn. is an exotic Amazonian fruit that is commonly recognized as wild tomato, winter cherry, and gooseberry. While its fruit is known to contain many nutrients, such as minerals, fibers, and vitamins, few papers have investigated withanolide derivatives from its fruits. UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS, which produces fragmentation spectra, was applied for the first time to guide the isolation of bioactive withanolide derivatives from P. angulata fruits. As a result, twenty-six withanolide derivatives, including two novel 1,10-secowithanolides (1 and 2) and a new derivative (3), were obtained. Compounds 1 and 2 are rare rearranged 1,10-secowithanolides with a tetracyclic 7/6/6/5 ring system. All structures were assigned through various spectroscopic data and quantum chemical calculations. Nine withanolide derivatives exhibited significant inhibitory effects on three tumor cell lines with IC50 values of 0.51-13.79 µM. Moreover, three new compounds (1-3) exhibited potential nitric oxide inhibitory effects in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells (IC50: 7.51-61.8 µM). This investigation indicated that fruits of P. angulata could be applied to treat and prevent cancer and inflammatory-related diseases due to their potent active withanolide derivatives.

Isolation, biological and whole genome characteristics of a Proteus mirabilis bacteriophage strain.

Proteus mirabilis, a naturally resistant zoonotic bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, has exhibited an alarming increase in drug resistance. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore alternative antimicrobial agents. Bacteriophages, viruses that selectively target bacteria, are abundant in the natural environment and have demonstrated potential as a promising alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we successfully isolated four strains of Proteus mirabilis phages from sewage obtained from a chicken farm in Sichuan, China. Subsequently, we characterized one of the most potent lytic phages, Q29, by examining its biological and genomic features. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the functional genes and phylogenetic evolution of Q29 phages. Our findings revealed that Proteus mirabilis bacteriophage Q29 possesses an icosahedral symmetrical head with a diameter of 95 nm and a tail length of 240 nm. Moreover, phage Q29 exhibited stability within a temperature range of 37 ℃ to 55 ℃ and under pH conditions ranging from 4 to 9. The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) for this phage was determined to be 0.001. Furthermore, the one-step growth curve results indicated an incubation period of approximately 15 min, an outbreak period of approximately 35 min, and an average cleavage quantity of approximately 60 plaque-forming units (PFU) per cell. The genome of phage Q29 was found to have a total length of 58,664 base pairs and encoded 335 open reading frames (ORFs) without carrying any antibiotic resistance genes. Additionally, genetic evolutionary analysis classified phage Q29 within the family Caudalidae and the genus Myotail. This study provides valuable research material for further development of Proteus mirabilis bacteriophage biologics as promising alternatives to antibiotics, particularly in light of the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance posed by this bacterium.

Evaluation of bioactive compounds from Ficus carica L. leaf extracts via high-performance thin-layer chromatography combined with effect-directed analysis.

This study compares different solvent systems with the use of spontaneous fermentation on the phytochemical composition of leaf extracts from a locally grown white variety of common fig (Ficus carica Linn.). The aim was to detect and identify bioactive compounds that are responsible for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-amylase and cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme inhibition, and compounds that exhibit antimicrobial activity. Bioactive zones in chromatograms were detected by combining High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) with enzymatic and biological assays. A new experimental protocol for measuring the relative half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) was designed to evaluate the potency of the extracts compared to the potency of known inhibitors. Although the IC50 of the fig leaf extract for α-amylase and AChE inhibition were significantly higher when compared to IC50 for acarbose and donepezil, the COX-1 inhibition by the extract (IC50 = 627 µg) was comparable to that of salicylic acid (IC50 = 557 µg), and antimicrobial activity of the extract (IC50 = 375-511 µg) was similar to ampicillin (IC50 = 495 µg). Four chromatographic zones exhibited bioactivity. Compounds from detected bioactive bands were provisionally identified by comparing the band positions to coeluted standards, and by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra from eluted zones. Flash chromatography was used to separate selected extract into fractions and isolate fractions that are rich in bioactive compounds for further characterisation with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The main constituents identified were umbelliferon (zone 1), furocoumarins psoralen and bergapten (zone 2), different fatty acids (zone 3 and 4), and pentacyclic triterpenoids (calotropenyl acetate or lupeol) and stigmasterol (zone 4).

Isolation, identification, and pathogenicity of a NADC30-like porcine reproductive and respiratory disorder syndrome virus strain affecting sow production.

Since it was first reported in 1987, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has caused several economic crises worldwide. The current prevalence of PRRSV NADC30-like stains causing clinical disease outbreaks in Chain is highly concerning. Immunization against and the prevention of this infection are burdensome for farming organizations as the pathogen frequently mutates and undergoes recombination. Herein, the genetic characterization of a NADC30-like strain (termed BL2019) isolated from a farm in Guangdong Province, China, was analyzed and its pathogenicity for piglets and sows was assessed. Results revealed that BL2019 exhibits a nucleotide homology of 93.7% with NADC30 PRRSV and its NSP2 coding region demonstrates the same 131aa deletion pattern as that of NADC30 and NADC30-like. Furthermore, we identified two recombination breakpoints located nt5804 of the NSP5-coding region and nt6478 of NSP2-coding region, the gene fragment between the two breakpoints showed higher homology to the TJ strain(a representative strain of highly pathogenic PRRSV) compared to the NADC30 strain. In addition, BL2019 infection in piglets caused fever lasting for 1 week, moderate respiratory clinical signs and obvious visual and microscopic lung lesions; infection in gestating sows affected their feed intake and increased body temperature, abortion rates, number of weak fetuses, and other undesirable phenomena. Therefore, we report a NADC30-like PRRSV strain with partial recombination and a representative strain of HP-PRRSV, strain TJ, that can provide early warning and support for PRRS immune prevention and control.

Genetic and pathogenicity analysis for the two FCV strains isolated from Eastern China.

In this study, the diversity and regularity of two new feline calicivirus (FCV) isolates, QD-7 and QD-164, were investigated. The genomes of these new strains were compared with 39 strains from the NCBI database including isolates from China, United States, Germany, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Japan. The nucleotide sequence identities ranged from 75-88%, indicating a high degree of variability. These variations were not related to distributions of the virus by time of isolation and geographical location. Cats that were experimentally infected with the new isolate QD-164 showed typical clinical symptoms of sneezing, fever and conjunctivitis and all recovered within 30 days. In contrast, QD-7 infections were asymptomatic and the virus was cleared within 16 days. These results indicate that QD-7 and QD-164 were naturally attenuated strains. NNS mutations characteristic of highly virulent strains at positions 441-443 were absent in QD-7 while QD-164 possessed an N at position 442. This indicated that mutations in regions 441-443 may be linked to disease severity.

Isolation, Identification, and Whole Genome Analysis of Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus in an Outbreak of Disease in Adult Layer Hens.

Chicken infectious anemia (CIA) poses a significant threat to the chicken industry in China. Due to its non-specific symptoms, the disease is often overlooked. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the etiology and pathology of CIA in Guangxi Province, China. Three strains of the chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) were isolated from liver samples of diseased 20-week-old chickens. The complete genomes of these strains were sequenced, and experiments on specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks revealed that the GX21121 strain exhibited high virulence. Histopathological examination of the deceased chickens showed liver cell necrosis, fibrous serous exudation, inflammatory cell infiltration, hemorrhage in liver tissues, and congestion in lung and renal tissues. Phylogenetic analysis of the genome revealed that the three strains had a close genetic relationship to the Heilongjiang wild-type strain (GenBank KY486144). The genetic evolution of their VP1 genes indicated that all three CIAV isolates belonged to genotype IIIc. In summary, this study demonstrated the genomic diversity of three CIAV strains in adult layer hens. The isolation and characterization of the GX21121 strain as a highly virulent isolate provide valuable information for further investigations into the etiology, molecular epidemiology, and viral evolution of CIAV.

A novel Vestitain A from the ripe fruits of Embelia vestita Roxb.

A new compound, vestitain A (1), together with 11 known compounds were isolated from the ripe fruits of Embelia vestita Roxb., among them compounds 5,10-12 were isolated from this plant for the first time. Their structures were elucidated and characterized by detailed spectroscopic analysis. Further, the isolated new compound 1 was evaluated for its hypoglycemic effects in vivo. Our research showed that compound 1 could decrease the fasting blood glucose (FBG) by approximately 36.31% in diabetic rats at the high dose (800 mg/kg). By the Morris Water Maze experiments, we found that compound 1 had the effect of intervention on social behavior in diabetic rats, which might provide a reference basis for its development and utilization as a potential hypoglycemic drug.

[Research progress in strigolactones and application prospect in medicinal plants].

Strigolactones(SLs) are a class of sesquiterpenoids derived from the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway with the core carbon skeleton consisting of tricyclic lactone(ABC tricyclic ring) and α,ß-unsaturated furan ring(D ring). SLs are widely distributed in higher plants and are symbiotic signals between plants and Arbuscular mycorrhiza(AM), which play key roles in the evolution of plant colonizing terrestrial habitats. As a new type of plant hormone, SLs possess such important biological functions as inhibiting shoot branching(tillers), regulating root architecture, promoting secondary growth, and improving plant stress resistance. Therefore, SLs have attracted wide attention. The biological functions of SLs are not only closely related to the formation of "excellent shape and quality" of Chinese medicinal materials but also have important practical significance for the production of high-quality medicinal materials. However, SLs have been currently widely studied in model plants and crops such as Oryza sativa and Arabidopsis thaliana, and few related studies have been reported on SLs in medicinal plants, which need to be strengthened. This review focused on the latest research progress in the isolation and identification, biological and artificial synthesis pathways, biosynthesis sites and transport modes, signal transduction pathways and mechanisms, and biological functions of SLs, and prospected the research on the regulation mechanism of SLs in the growth and development of medicinal plants and their related application on targeted regulation of Chinese herbal medicine production, which is expected to provide some references for the in-depth research on SLs in the field of Chinese medicinal resources.

Research Note: Isolation and complete genome analysis of a genotype II goose astrovirus in Sichuan Province, China.

The emergence of Goose astrovirus (GoAstV) has led to the gout in geese. This study aimed to isolate and identify the GoAstV from diseased goslings in Sichuan Province, China, followed by performing whole genome phylogenetic analysis of the isolate. The GoAstV was successfully isolated by inoculating the diseased gosling liver and kidney homogenate into the 11-day-old goose embryo allantoic cavity for 3 passages, and the isolate was named as GoAstV-C2 strain. The virus particles were spherical, without capsule, and the size was about 28 nm under transmission electronic microscope. The complete genome length of GoAstV-C2 was 7.035 nt, and the whole genome sequence phylogenetic analysis revealed that it belongs to the GoAstV genotype II (GoAstV-II) subgenotype IIc. The isolated GoAstV-C2 strain was able to be stably passaged in the goose embryo and uric acid sedimentation was observed. The complete genome bioinformation of GoAstV-C2 determined the evolutionary characteristics of the GoAstV isolated from Sichuan, China. This finding lays a foundation for the development of preventive measures, effective vaccines, and therapeutic drugs.