A novel biocontrol agent Bacillus velezensis K01 for management of gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea

Abstract Gray mold is a destructive plant disease caused by a fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. The use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has proven to be a promising method to control this disease. Bacillus velezensis K01 was isolated from the rhizosphere of planting tomatoes. Strain K01 has a range of roles, including the ability to solubilize phytate phosphorus, stimulate resistant response, and produce indoleacetic acid (IAA), protease, cellulase, and antimicrobial substances. Strain K01 was found to inhibit 12 phytopathogenic fungi and 5 phytopathogenic bacteria. Specially, strain K01 demonstrated a biocontrol efficiency of over 78% against gray mold caused by B. cinerea on the leaves and fruits of tomato and pepper. Additionally, K01 was found to promote the growth of maize seedlings. Further genomic analysis revealed that K01 belongs to B. velezensis, which is consistent with phylogenetic analysis, average nucleotide polymorphism (ANI), and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH). The genome of strain K01 had a size of 3,927,799 bp and deduced 3866 predicted genes, with an average guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 46.5%. Based on the analyses of genomic secondary metabolites, over 18.4% of the genome was annotated to 12 gene clusters related to antimicrobial metabolite synthesis. Additionally, genome annotation and comparative genomics identified several genes associated with plant growth promotion and environmental adaption. These findings suggest that B. velezensis K01 has the potential to serve as a new biocontrol agent for management of gray mold on tomato and pepper

Subnormal Peripheral Blood Leukocyte Counts Are Related to the Lowest Prevalence and Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome: Tianjin Chronic Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study

Few studies have assessed the relationship between a subnormal inflammatory status and metabolic syndrome (MS). We therefore designed a cross-sectional and 5-year cohort study to evaluate how a subnormal peripheral blood leukocyte count is related to MS. Participants were recruited from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital-Health Management Centre. Both a baseline cross-sectional (n=46,179) and a prospective assessment (n=13,061) were performed. Participants without a history of MS were followed up for 5 years. Leukocyte counts and MS components were assessed at baseline and yearly during the follow-up. Adjusted logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess relationships between the categories of leukocyte counts and MS. The subnormal leukocyte counts group (1,100–3,900 cells/mm3) had the lowest prevalence and incidence of MS. The odds ratio and hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of the highest leukocyte counts were 1.98 (1.57–2.49) and 1.50 (1.22–1.84) (both P for trend <0.0001), respectively, when compared to the subnormal leukocyte counts group after adjusting for potential confounders. This study has shown that subnormal leukocyte counts are independently related to the lowest prevalence and incidence of MS. The findings suggest that it is necessary to restudy and discuss the clinical or preventive value of subnormal leukocyte counts

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorates osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats by regulating the Th17/Treg balance and gut microbiota structure

ABSTRACTBackground With increasing knowledge about the gut – bone axis, more studies for treatments based on the regulation of postmenopausal osteoporosis by gut microbes are being conducted. Based on our previous work, this study was conducted to further investigate the therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on ovariectomized (OVX) model rats and the immunological and microecological mechanisms involved.Results We found a protective effect of LGG treatment in OVX rats through changes in bone microarchitecture, bone biomechanics, and CTX-I, PINP, Ca, and RANKL expression levels. LGG was more advantageous in promoting osteogenesis, which may be responsible for the alleviation of osteoporosis. Th17 cells were imbalanced with Treg cells in mediastinal lymph nodes and bone marrow, with RORγt and FOXP3 expression following a similar trend. TNF-α and IL-17 expression in colon and bone marrow increased, while TGF-β and IL-10 expression decreased; however, LGG treatment modulated these changes and improved the Th17/Treg balance significantly. Regarding the intestinal barrier, we found that LGG treatment ameliorated estrogen deficiency-induced inflammation and mucosal damage and increased the expression of GLP-2 R and tight junction proteins. Importantly, 16S rRNA sequencing showed a significant increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio during estrogen deficiency. Dominant intestinal flora showed significant differences in composition; LGG treatment regulated the various genera that were imbalanced in OVX, along with modifying those that did not change significantly in other groups with respect to the intestinal barrier, inflammation development, and bile acid metabolism.Conclusions Overall, LGG ameliorated estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis by regulating the gut microbiome and intestinal barrier and stimulating Th17/Treg balance in gut and bone

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Is Positively Related to Metabolic Syndrome: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

<div><p>Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder that may affect dietary pattern, food digestion, and nutrient absorption. The nutrition-related factors are closely related to metabolic syndrome, implying that irritable bowel syndrome may be a potential risk factor for metabolic syndrome. However, few epidemiological studies are available which are related to this potential link. The purpose of this study is to determine whether irritable bowel syndrome is related to metabolic syndrome among middle-aged people. We designed a cross-sectional study of 1,096 subjects to evaluate the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and metabolic syndrome and its components. Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome was based on the Japanese version of the Rome III Questionnaire. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the criteria of the American Heart Association scientific statements of 2009. Dietary consumption was assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire. Principal-components analysis was used to derive 3 major dietary patterns: “Japanese”, “sweets-fruits”, and “Izakaya (Japanese Pub) “from 39 food groups. The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and metabolic syndrome were 19.4% and 14.6%, respectively. No significant relationship was found between the dietary pattern factor score tertiles and irritable bowel syndrome. After adjustment for potential confounders (including dietary pattern), the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of having metabolic syndrome and elevated triglycerides for subjects with irritable bowel syndrome as compared with non-irritable bowel syndrome are 2.01(1.13–3.55) and 1.50(1.03–2.18), respectively. Irritable bowel syndrome is significantly related to metabolic syndrome and it components. This study is the first to show that irritable bowel syndrome was significantly related to a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and elevated triglycerides among an adult population. The findings suggest that the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome may be a potentially beneficial factor for the prevention of metabolic syndrome. Further study is needed to clarify this association.</p></div

Age- and sex-adjusted characteristics of the subjects in relation to irritable bowel syndrome (n = 1,096)^†

†<p>BMI, body mass index; PA, physical activity; METs, metabolic equivalents; SDS, Self-rating Depression Scale; SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; TG, triglyceride; FBG, fasting blood glucose; HDL, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; hsCRP, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.</p>‡<p>Analysis of covariance or logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and sex where appropriate.</p>§<p>Adjusted least squares mean (95% confidence interval) (all such values).</p>¶<p>Adjusted geometric mean (95% confidence interval).</p><p>Age- and sex-adjusted characteristics of the subjects in relation to irritable bowel syndrome (n = 1,096)^{<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0112289#nt101" target="_blank">†</a>}</p

Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of IBS prevalence in staple foods consumption.^a

<p><i>Notes</i>: Model 1, adjusted for age (continuous variable), sex, and body mass index (continuous variable); Model 2, adjusted for Model 1 + smoking status (never, former, current), drinking frequency (never, sometimes, every day), occupation (desk work), educational levels (≥college), sleep duration (6–8 hours/day), physical activity (≥23 metabolic equivalent hours/week), and depressive symptoms (self-rating depression scale ≥45 points); Model 3, adjusted for Model 2 + fat intake (continuous variable); Model 4, adjusted for Model 2 + carbohydrate intake (continuous variable); Model 5, adjusted for Model 2 + plant protein intake (continuous variable); Model 6, adjusted for Model 2 + soluble fiber intake (continuous variable); Model 7, adjusted for Model 2 + insoluble fiber intake (continuous variable).</p><p>^a Analyzed by logistic regression analysis.</p><p>Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of IBS prevalence in staple foods consumption.<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0119097#t003fn002" target="_blank">^a</a></p

Analysis of Covariance on Association between Staple Foods Consumption and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Prevalence.

<p>Confounding factors include age (continuous variable), sex, body mass index (continuous variable), smoking status (never, former, current), drinking frequency (never, sometimes, every day), occupation (desk work), educational levels (≥college), sleep duration (6–8 hours/day), physical activity (≥23 metabolic equivalent hours/week), and depressive symptoms (self-rating depression scale ≥45 points). Data on the consumption of staple foods were log-transformed prior to multivariate statistical analyses due to their abnormal distribution and back-transformed for data presentation. Data were shown as means and 95% confidence interval. Of the 1 082 subjects, 212 had IBS.</p

Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence interval for the relationship between MS and IBS (n = 1,096) ^†

†<p>MS, metabolic syndrome; IBS, irritable bowel syndrome; HDL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure.</p>‡<p>Adjusted for age, sex and body mass index.</p>§<p>Additionally adjusted for smoking and drinking status, educational level, and physical activity.</p>¶<p>Additionally adjusted for dietary patterns, and total energy intake.</p><p>Additionally adjusted for depressive symptoms.</p>|<p>Additionally adjusted for mutual metabolic syndrome components.</p><p>Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence interval for the relationship between MS and IBS (n = 1,096) ^{<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0112289#nt105" target="_blank">†</a>}</p

Table_2_Identification and validation of a novel necroptosis-related prognostic signature in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma.csv

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic signature of necroptosis-related lncRNAs (NRLs) and explore their association with immune-related functions and sensitivity of the therapeutic drug in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC).MethodsUCSC Xena provided lncRNA sequencing and clinical data about CESC, and a necroptosis gene list was obtained from the KEGG database. NRLs were selected by structuring a co-expression network of lncRNAs and necroptosis-related genes. To further screen lncRNAs, we used the univariate Cox regression method, Lasso regression, and multivariate Cox regression. Afterward, an NRL signature was established. We used the xCell algorithm and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to clarify the pertinence between immune infiltration and NRL expressions in CESC patients and explored the relationship between the target lncRNAs and immune-related genes. By leveraging the GDSC database, the therapy-sensitive response of the prognostic signature was forecasted and an experimental validation was performed. We performed GSEA with the aim of recognizing the potential pathway related to the individual prognostic signature.ResultsThe two prognostic NRLs (AC009095.1 and AC005332.4) showed significant diversity and constituted the NRL signature. On the grounds of our signature, risk score was an independent element which was bound up with patient outcome (HR = 4.97 CI: 1.87–13.2, P = 0.001). The CESC patients were classified by the median risk score. Immune infiltration analysis revealed significant increases in CD4 + Tcm, eosinophils, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, NKT, plasma cells, platelets, and smooth muscle in the high-risk group (PConclusionsThis study elucidated that NRLs, as a novel signature, were indispensable factors which can significantly influence the prognosis of patients with CESC and could provide novel clinical evidence to serve as a potential molecular biomarker for future therapeutic targets.</p