68 research outputs found

    Whole-Genome Sequencing Of Mesorhizobium huakuii 7653R Provides Molecular Insights into Host Specificity and Symbiosis Island Dynamics

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    Background Evidence based on genomic sequences is urgently needed to confirm the phylogenetic relationship between Mesorhizobium strain MAFF303099 and M. huakuii. To define underlying causes for the rather striking difference in host specificity between M. huakuii strain 7653R and MAFF303099, several probable determinants also require comparison at the genomic level. An improved understanding of mobile genetic elements that can be integrated into the main chromosomes of Mesorhizobium to form genomic islands would enrich our knowledge of how genome dynamics may contribute to Mesorhizobium evolution in general. Results In this study, we sequenced the complete genome of 7653R and compared it with five other Mesorhizobium genomes. Genomes of 7653R and MAFF303099 were found to share a large set of orthologs and, most importantly, a conserved chromosomal backbone and even larger perfectly conserved synteny blocks. We also identified candidate molecular differences responsible for the different host specificities of these two strains. Finally, we reconstructed an ancestral Mesorhizobium genomic island that has evolved into diverse forms in different Mesorhizobium species. Conclusions Our ortholog and synteny analyses firmly establish MAFF303099 as a strain of M. huakuii. Differences in nodulation factors and secretion systems T3SS, T4SS, and T6SS may be responsible for the unique host specificities of 7653R and MAFF303099 strains. The plasmids of 7653R may have arisen by excision of the original genomic island from the 7653R chromosome

    Dietary Diversity and Nutrient Intake of Han and Dongxiang Smallholder Farmers in Poverty Areas of Northwest China

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    This study aimed to evaluate the status of dietary diversity and nutrient intake among Han and Dongxiang smallholder farmers in poor rural areas of northwest China. In this cross-sectional study, dietary intake was assessed in 499 smallholder farmers aged 18–75 years from two nationally designated impoverished counties in Gansu Province, China, using three consecutive 24 h dietary recalls. The dietary diversity score (DDS) and nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) were adopted to assess dietary diversity and micronutrient adequacy, respectively. The mean DDS (range from 1 to 9) in participants was relatively low (3.81 ± 1.01). Consumption of grains was excessive, while consumption of vegetables, fruits, meat, beans, eggs, fish, and dairy was inadequate. The NAR values were higher in Han Chinese, with the exceptions of vitamin C, potassium, pyridoxine, and selenium (p \u3c 0.05). For each nutrient, the high DDS group had a higher mean NAR (p \u3c 0.05), except for pyridoxine. High household monthly income, being Han Chinese, high DDS, and being aged over 45 years were positively associated with mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of 14 micronutrients evaluated. Lack of dietary diversity and insufficient intake of essential micronutrients are public health concerns in northwest China. Nutrition education and other proper methods to address these issues are needed

    Inequalities in the Access to Health Services Among Older Migrants: Evidence From the China Migrant Dynamic Monitoring Survey

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    Objectives: To identify differences in healthcare use between older migrant workers (OMWs) and older migrants (OMs) and explore associated factors and paths of healthcare use.Methods: The data came from the 2015 China Migrant Dynamic Monitoring Survey (CMDMS). CMDMS used a multi-stage stratified probability proportionate to size method as the sampling technique and conducted a desk review. The samples include OMWs, OMs for caring offspring (N = 4,439), and OMs for receiving care from family (N = 4,184). We built logistic regression and path analysis models to analyze the data.Results: Social health insurance (SHI) in current place of residence is associated with less expenditure among all subgroups. OMWs and OMs for receiving care from family with SHI in current place of residence are more likely to use healthcare.Conclusion: OMWs are particularly vulnerable in healthcare use and socioeconomic status. Having SHI registered in current place of residence helps decrease expenditure among OMs. We urge policymakers to consider a united health financing scheme across OMWs and other urban employees and streamline policies for migrants to enroll in SHI in current place of residence

    Groups Social Functioning and Individual Socioemotional and School Adjustment in Chinese Children

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    The study examined the relevancy of group social functioning to individual social, academic, and psychological adjustment. From a sample of elementary and high school students in China, 323 children were identified as group members. Information concerning social functioning, social preference, leadership, school-related competence and problems, academic achievement, and psychological adjustment including loneliness, depression, and perceived social competence was obtained from multiple sources. It was found that social functioning, including sociability, aggression, and shyness-inhibition, of group peers had unique contributions to individual social and school adjustment and adjustment problems, over and above the child’s self social functioning. It also was found that the contributions of peer social functioning to individual school adjustment might depend on the child’s social characteristics, and that the relations between child social functioning and socioemotional adjustment might be moderated by group context
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