Current status and potential applications of underexplored prokaryotes

Thousands of prokaryotic genera have been published, but methodological bias in the study of prokaryotes is noted. Prokaryotes that are relatively easy to isolate have been well-studied from multiple aspects. Massive quantities of experimental findings and knowledge generated from the well-known prokaryotic strains are inundating scientific publications. However, researchers may neglect or pay little attention to the uncommon prokaryotes and hard-to-cultivate microorganisms. In this review, we provide a systematic update on the discovery of underexplored culturable and unculturable prokaryotes and discuss the insights accumulated from various research efforts. Examining these neglected prokaryotes may elucidate their novelties and functions and pave the way for their industrial applications. In addition, we hope that this review will prompt the scientific community to reconsider these untapped pragmatic resources

Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccination Intention among University Students : A Cross-Sectional Study in Malaysia

Vaccination is crucial in controlling the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that triggered the pandemic, but herd immunity can only work with high vaccination coverage in the population. This study aims to measure the COVID-19 knowledge level and determine the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intention among university students in Malaysia. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out with 1,274 Malaysian university students in July 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to examine the relationships between the study variables. Results showed that the majority of university students had an acceptable level of knowledge of COVID-19. The knowledge, risk perception of COVID-19, social norms, and perceived benefit of COVID-19 vaccination were positively associated with vaccination intention. However, perceived trust in information sources of COVID-19 vaccination and the government's response to COVID-19 did not affect the university students’ desire to receive the vaccination. These findings are essential for health policymakers and healthcare providers to implement evidence-based interventions to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake among university students

Cell Cycle Regulation by Poxviruses

The parapoxvirus, orf virus (OV) encodes a RING-H2 protein that is a homologue of subunit 11 (APC11) of the Anaphase Promoting Complex or Cyclosome (APC/C). APC/C is a ubiquitin ligase and through this activity it functions as a master regulator of the cell cycle responsible for controlling mitotic exit and G1 phase progression. The OV homologue of APC11, referred to as PACR (Poxvirus APC/C Regulator), shares with APC11 the ability to bind APC2 and competes with APC11 for incorporation into APC/C. However, unlike its cellular counterpart, PACR does not support ubiquitination. This led us to postulate that OV may be capable of modulating the cell cycle. In the present study, we show that PACR causes G2/M arrest, consistent with the inhibition of APC/C. Interestingly, OV infection causes G1 phase arrest and prevents cellular DNA replication. These effects were not dependent on the presence of PACR, although, the inhibitory effects occurred more quickly in its presence. The rapid arrest is believed to be contributed to by the accumulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, p27, which is a known inhibitor of S phase entry. Surprisingly on top of this, there are also indications of OV having a cell cycle promoting affect similar to mitogenic stimulation. OV replication was shown to be more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of the nucleoside analogue, cidofovir (CDV) when PACR is absent. This suggests a role for PACR in generating a nucleotide pool able to support efficient OV replication. Curiously, all of the small number of poxviruses that encode PACR homologues do not encode a version of the viral thymidine kinase, which is otherwise common among poxviruses, and all of the PACR-encoding viruses are primarily epitheliotropic. The current study provides a glimpse into OV's modulation of the cell cycle and to the possible roles PACR plays in ensuring successful OV replication in the skin. The present study also shows that the M026L protein, a PACR homologue encoded by Molluscum contagiosum virus, is functionally similar to PACR in its binding with APC/C and inability to support ubiquitination. Structural modelling of PACR and M026L shows substitution of amino acids in loop 2 and the α2-helix region, which in APC11 form a hydrophobic cleft needed for the recruitment of E2. It is hypothesized these differences explain the absence of ubiquitination function in M026L and PACR. A similar substitution pattern is conserved in all PACR homologues suggesting conservation of function as well. Based on these data it is proposed that the PACR-encoding epitheliotropic poxviruses diverged from a common ancestor after the acquisition of the PACR progenitor from a host species

Cell Cycle Regulation by Poxviruses

The parapoxvirus, orf virus (OV) encodes a RING-H2 protein that is a homologue of subunit 11 (APC11) of the Anaphase Promoting Complex or Cyclosome (APC/C). APC/C is a ubiquitin ligase and through this activity it functions as a master regulator of the cell cycle responsible for controlling mitotic exit and G1 phase progression. The OV homologue of APC11, referred to as PACR (Poxvirus APC/C Regulator), shares with APC11 the ability to bind APC2 and competes with APC11 for incorporation into APC/C. However, unlike its cellular counterpart, PACR does not support ubiquitination. This led us to postulate that OV may be capable of modulating the cell cycle. In the present study, we show that PACR causes G2/M arrest, consistent with the inhibition of APC/C. Interestingly, OV infection causes G1 phase arrest and prevents cellular DNA replication. These effects were not dependent on the presence of PACR, although, the inhibitory effects occurred more quickly in its presence. The rapid arrest is believed to be contributed to by the accumulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, p27, which is a known inhibitor of S phase entry. Surprisingly on top of this, there are also indications of OV having a cell cycle promoting affect similar to mitogenic stimulation. OV replication was shown to be more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of the nucleoside analogue, cidofovir (CDV) when PACR is absent. This suggests a role for PACR in generating a nucleotide pool able to support efficient OV replication. Curiously, all of the small number of poxviruses that encode PACR homologues do not encode a version of the viral thymidine kinase, which is otherwise common among poxviruses, and all of the PACR-encoding viruses are primarily epitheliotropic. The current study provides a glimpse into OV's modulation of the cell cycle and to the possible roles PACR plays in ensuring successful OV replication in the skin. The present study also shows that the M026L protein, a PACR homologue encoded by Molluscum contagiosum virus, is functionally similar to PACR in its binding with APC/C and inability to support ubiquitination. Structural modelling of PACR and M026L shows substitution of amino acids in loop 2 and the α2-helix region, which in APC11 form a hydrophobic cleft needed for the recruitment of E2. It is hypothesized these differences explain the absence of ubiquitination function in M026L and PACR. A similar substitution pattern is conserved in all PACR homologues suggesting conservation of function as well. Based on these data it is proposed that the PACR-encoding epitheliotropic poxviruses diverged from a common ancestor after the acquisition of the PACR progenitor from a host species

In vitro antiviral activity of aqueous extracts of polygonum minus huds leaves against herpes simplex virus 1

Polygonum minus (P. minusi extract was investigated as a potential antiviral agent against herpes simplex virus I (HSY- I). Cell survival to assess antiviral activity was detrmined via MTT and crystal violet assays. Initially, cytotoxicity for minimal non-toxic dose was determined prior to MIT assay. The HSY-l was infected at 1.00 MOl into Vero cells and the cytopathic effect was observed by inverted microscopy. Antiviral treatment was performed based on a time-of-addition routine; simultaneous-treatment, pre-treatment and post-treatment for 24 hours incubation. Aqueous extract was found to be effective in inhibiting HSY-I in post-treatment, mildly effective in pre-treatment and not effective in simultaneous treatment. In conclusion, aqueous extract of P. minus could be a potential candidate for anti-HSV-I activity. Indeed, further studies are required before a conclusive experimental finding be suggested

Thermophiles in the genomic era: Biodiversity, science, and applications

Thermophiles and hyperthermophiles are present in various regions of the Earth, including volcanic environments, hot springs, mud pots, fumaroles, geysers, coastal thermal springs, and even deep-sea hydrothermal vents. They are also found in man-made environments, such as heated compost facilities, reactors, and spray dryers. Thermophiles, hyperthermophiles, and their bioproducts facilitate various industrial, agricultural, and medicinal applications and offer potential solutions to environmental damages and the demand for biofuels. Intensified efforts to sequence the entire genome of hyperthermophiles and thermophiles are increasing rapidly, as evidenced by the fact that over 120 complete genome sequences of the hyperthermophiles Aquificae, Thermotogae, Crenarchaeota, and Euryarchaeota are now available. In this review, we summarise the major current applications of thermophiles and thermozymes. In addition, emphasis is placed on recent progress in understanding the biodiversity, genomes, transcriptomes, metagenomes, and single-cell sequencing of thermophiles in the genomic era

"Analysis of Anoxybacillus Genomes from the Aspects of Lifestyle Adaptations, Prophage Diversity, and Carbohydrate Metabolism"

No grant i

COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR SUPPORT OF TERRITORIAL LEVEL STATE ECOLOGICAL MONITORING

The functional model of the State ecological monitoring, methods of making solutions on the planning of the State ecological monitoring activity, structure and functions of the computer system have been developed. The practical results are as follows: effective accumulation and use of the information resources, increase of the State ecological monitoring efficiency in conditions of the limited resources. The work has been put into the Minprirods of Republic Northern Osetia-AlaniaAvailable from VNTIC / VNTIC - Scientific & Technical Information Centre of RussiaSIGLERURussian Federatio

Reassortment and genomic analysis of a G9P[8]-E2 rotavirus isolated in China

Abstract 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

Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intention among university students: A cross-sectional study in Malaysia

Vaccination is crucial in controlling the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that triggered the pandemic, but herd immunity can only work with high vaccination coverage in the population. This study aims to measure the COVID-19 knowledge level and determine the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intention among university students in Malaysia. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out with 1,274 Malaysian university students in July 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to examine the relationships between the study variables. Results showed that the majority of university students had an acceptable level of knowledge of COVID-19. The knowledge, risk perception of COVID-19, social norms, and perceived benefit of COVID-19 vaccination were positively associated with vaccination intention. However, perceived trust in information sources of COVID-19 vaccination and the government's response to COVID-19 did not affect the university students’ desire to receive the vaccination. These findings are essential for health policymakers and healthcare providers to implement evidence-based interventions to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake among university students