High Identity Research Articles

The Morality of Care: Female Family Caregivers' Motivations for Providing Care to Older Migrants.

Finding suitable long-term care arrangements for older migrants in Europe, including Norway, has been a major concern for healthcare policymakers in the last decade. However, many older people with migrant backgrounds, and to a certain extent their descendants, often prefer that care arrangements are managed within the family. Although caring for family members may be personally satisfying, it can also be a source of distress. This study explores the motivations of care among female family caregivers of older Pakistani migrants within the Norwegian Ahmadiyya community. Our data are derived from a qualitative study including individual and group interviews with 19 female family caregivers. The study participants were aged 25-62 and resided in Norway. The interviews were conducted in Urdu and English and later transcribed verbatim in English. Our findings resulted in four main themes regarding motivations for caregiving: (1) "Who else, if not the family?": care perceived as a family obligation; (2) The divine duty of caregiving; (3) Women are better at caregiving; and (4) "What will people say?": fear of judgments. The intersection of culture, religion, gender, and migration shaped caregiving as a moral practice, and those providing care were considered individuals with high moral identity. The moral identity assigned to the role of family caregivers appears to exacerbate rather than alleviate the care burden on women of migrant origin. Understanding the motivations for caregiving can shed light on ways in which better support can be provided to ethnic minority families with aging members.

Aging and Pathological Conditions Similarity Revealed by Meta-Analysis of Metabolomics Studies Suggests the Existence of the Health and Age-Related Metapathway

Background: The incidence of many diseases increases with age and leads to multimorbidity, characterized by the presence of multiple diseases in old age. This phenomenon is closely related to systemic metabolic changes; the most suitable way to study it is through metabolomics. The use of accumulated metabolomic data to characterize this phenomenon at the system level may provide additional insight into the nature and strength of aging–disease relationships. Methods: For this purpose, metabolic changes associated with human aging and metabolic alterations under different pathological conditions were compared. To do this, the published results of metabolomic studies on human aging were compared with data on metabolite alterations collected in the human metabolome database through metabolite set enrichment analysis (MSEA) and combinatorial analysis. Results: It was found that human aging and pathological conditions involve the set of the same metabolic pathways with a probability of 99.96%. These data show the high identity of the aging process and the development of diseases at the metabolic level and allow to identify the set of metabolic pathways reflecting age-related changes closely associated with health. Based on these pathways, a metapathway was compiled, changes in which are simultaneously associated with health and age. Conclusions: The knowledge about the strength of the convergence of aging and pathological conditions has been supplemented by the rigor evidence at the metabolome level, which also made it possible to outline the age and health-relevant place in the human metabolism.

A wide distribution of Beiji nairoviruses and related viruses in Ixodes ticks in Japan

Beiji nairovirus (BJNV), in the family Nairoviridae, the order Bunyavirales, was recently reported as a causative agent of an emerging tick-borne zoonotic infection in China. This study investigated the prevalence of BJNV in ticks in Japan. Screening of over 2,000 ticks from multiple regions revealed a widespread distribution of BJNV and BJNV-related viruses in Japan, particularly in the northern island, and in other high altitude areas with exclusive occurrence of Ixodes ticks. Phylogenetic analysis identified three distinct groups of nairoviruses in ticks in Japan: BJNV, Yichun nairovirus (YCNV) and a newly identified Mikuni nairovirus (MKNV). BJNV and YCNV variants identified in ticks in Japan exhibited high nucleotide sequence identities to those in China and Russia with evidence of non-monophyletic evolution among BJNVs, suggesting multiple cross-border transmission events of BJNV between the Eurasian continent and Japan. Whole genome sequencing of BJNV and MKNV revealed a unique GA-rich region in the S segment, the significance of which remains to be determined. In conclusion, the present study has shown a wide distribution and diversity of BJNV-related nairoviruses in Ixodes ticks in Japan and has identified unique genomic structures. The findings demonstrate the significance of BJNV as well as related viruses in Japan and highlight the necessity of monitoring emerging nairovirus infections and their potential risks to public health.

Balancing Academics and Athletics: Examining Academic and Athletic Identity Profiles in a Large Sample of NCAA Division I College Athletes

College athletes balance academic and athletic roles and, as a result, can hold different combinations of academic and athletic identities. The purpose of this study was to identify common identity profiles in a large sample of Division I (elite) college athletes in the U.S. and to examine these profiles on a number of measures in academics and athletics: performance, motivation (e.g., achievement goals, autonomous motivation, competence, interest, effort, value, persistence, passion), satisfaction, and ethical conduct (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, sportspersonship, gamesmanship, aggression). Profiles were derived in Study 1 (N = 1124) and cross-validated with an independent sample in Study 2 (N = 184). Results showed four common identity profiles: (1) fully engaged college athletes with the highest academic and athletic identities, (2) committed athletes with a low academic identity and a high athletic identity, (3) academics-focused college athletes with an average academic identity and a low athletic identity, and (4) academically unengaged athletes with an extremely low academic identity and a low athletic identity. The identity profiles differed significantly across the measures of academic and athletic performance, achievement motivation (mastery, performance, task, and ego goals), satisfaction, and ethical conduct (academic misconduct, homework cheating, plagiarism, test cheating, sportspersonship, gamesmanship, instrumental aggression) in Study 1, as well as autonomous motivation (competence, relatedness, value/usefulness, effort/importance), academic persistence, and athletic passion (harmonious, obsessive) in Study 2. Taken together, findings provided evidence of both the multidimensional nature of college athletes’ identities and the heterogeneity of the college athlete population. Overall, these findings point to the importance of concurrent examination of academic and athletic identities as separate yet interrelated dimensions in research studies. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of college athletes' experiences and provides a more nuanced perspective on their identity development.

Immunodiagnostic detection of banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV) infecting abaca through the recombinant coat protein and its sequence diversity analysis in the Philippines

Abaca is an indigenous fiber crop in the Philippines and is an important source of raw fiber worldwide. Banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV) causes the abaca bract mosaic disease which results in decreased fiber yield and quality. Out of the 261 abaca samples tested, 175 tested positive via ELISA using raw antiserum against the recombinant BBrMV coat protein (CP). To further validate the antisera produced, a total of 48 samples were screened for BBrMV CP fragment via RT-PCR. Out of the 26 positives for RT-PCR, 22 were cloned and sequenced to validate the RT-PCR amplified fragments. Nucleotide analysis showed a high percentage identity (97–98%) towards BBrMV CP Pacific and Indian isolates while phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering of BBrMV CP Philippine abaca isolates with the Pacific group. The results validate the application of polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant coat protein of BBrMV (rCP) for its serological detection in infected abaca.

Identification of a newly discovered virus from Culex and Armigeres mosquitoes in China

Mosquito associated virus have always been a significant threat to global health. Metagenomics offers a straightforward and quantitative means to acquire the information of novel virus and has greatly enriched the content of mosquito associated virus databases. During an entomological surveillance for arthropod-borne viruses in China, we identified a previously unrecognized virus from mosquitoes, temporarily named Huajieling virus. In this study, a total of 3,960 mosquitoes were collected and then divided into 91 pools, according to location and species. QRT-PCR and nested PCR were performed to confirm the presence of Huajieling virus. Its genomic features and phylogenetic relationships were further analyzed. Our results showed that Huajieling virus was detected in 7 of the 91 mosquito pools and that the minimum infection rate (MIR) was 0.18% (7/3,960). One complete genome sequence and 2 viral partial sequences were obtained from the Huajieling virus-positive pools. Pairwise distances analysis indicated that these amplified sequences shared high nucleotide identity. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that Huajieling virus is most closely related to Wufeng shrew picorna-like virus 43, which belonging to Picornavirales. Further analyses indicated that Huajieling virus is a new member of unclassified Picornavirales, and is intermediate between the family Caliciviridae and Secoviridae in taxonomic status.

Molecular Detection and Isolation of Chicken Astrovirus from Commercial Chicken Flocks of Kerala, India

Reduced productivity due to enteric infections in chickens is a very common challenge in the poultry industry of India. Various studies associated Chicken astrovirus (CAstV) as a common pathogen in commercial flocks exhibiting poor weight gain, stunted growth and visceral gout. However, no published report documented the detection of the virus from Kerala so far. Hence, this study was done to investigate the presence of CAstV in 50 broiler flocks from different parts of Kerala with clinical signs such as retarded growth, diarrhoea, and a mortality of 5 to 10 %. Out of the 50, five flocks were found positive for the virus by using the Reverse Transcriptase – Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method with the primers targeting the partial ORF1b gene of the viral nucleic acid. The viral presence was confirmed by isolation using embryonated chicken eggs (ECE), which produced notable alteration to the infected embryos. Nucleotide sequencing of the isolates revealed a high identity of up to 100 % with the other CAstV sequences retrieved from the NCBI database. The study confirms the first report of molecular detection and isolation of CAstV from the state of Kerala.

Cytochromes b5 Occurrence in Viruses Belonging to the Order Megavirales.

Cytochrome b5 is a small electron transport protein that is found in animals, plants, fungi and photosynthetic proteobacteria where it plays key metabolic roles in energy production, lipid and sterol biosynthesis and cytochrome P450 biochemistry. Previously it was shown that a gene encoding a soluble and functional cytochrome b5 protein was encoded in the large double stranded DNA virus OtV2 that infects the unicellular marine green alga Ostreococcus tauri, the smallest free-living eukaryote described to-date. This single gene represented a unique finding in the virosphere. We now report that genes for soluble and membrane-bound cytochromes b5 also occur in giant viruses in the proposed order Megavirales, particularly the AT-rich Mimiviridae and Tupanviruses. Conversely, other members of the Megaviralestaxa such as the GC-rich Pandoraviridae have not been found to encode cytochrome b5 as yet. Megaviruses encoding cytochrome b5 have been isolated from the deep ocean, from freshwater and terrestrial sources, as well as from human patients. Giant virus cytochrome b5 proteins share high sequence identity with one another (45-95% depending on group) but no more than 25% identity with the cytochrome b5 gene product we identified in Acanthamoeba castellanii, an amoeba host for many giant viruses. Thus, the origin of the unique cytochrome b5 genes in giant viruses remainsunknown. Examination of viral cytochrome b5 primary amino acid sequences revealed that some have either a N- or C-terminal transmembrane anchor, whilst others lack a membrane anchor and are thus predicted to be soluble proteins. This cytochrome b5 topography suggests adapted biochemical functions in those viruses. Our findings raise questions regarding the evolution and diversity of cytochrome b5 proteins in nature, adding to questions about the origin of viral haemoproteins in general.

A first report of rotavirus B from Zambian pigs leading to the discovery of a novel VP4 genotype P[9]

BackgroundRotavirus B (RVB) causes diarrhea in humans and pigs. Although various RVB strains were identified in humans and various animals globally, little is known about the epidemiology RVB infection in Africa. In this study, we attempted to examine the prevalence of RVB infection in pig populations in Zambia.MethodsMetagenomic analyses were conducted on pig feces collected in Zambia to detect double stranded RNA viruses, including RVB. To clarify the prevalence of RVB infection in pig populations in Zambia, 147 fecal samples were screened for the RVB detection by RT-qPCR. Full genome sequence of a detected RVB was determined by Sanger sequencing and genetically analyzed.ResultsThe metagenomic analyses revealed that RVB sequence reads and contigs of RVB were detected from one fecal sample collected from pigs in Zambia. RT-qPCR screening detected RVB genomes in 36.7% (54/147) of fecal samples. Among 54 positive samples, 13 were positive in non-diarrheal samples (n = 48, 27.1%) and 41 in diarrheal samples (n = 99, 41.4%). Genetic analyses demonstrated that all the segments of ZP18-18, except for VP4, had high nucleotide sequence identities (80.6–92.6%) with all other known RVB strains detected in pigs. In contrast, the VP4 sequence of ZP18-18 was highly divergent from other RVB strains (< 64.6% identities) and formed a distinct lineage in the phylogenetic tree. Notably, the VP8 subunit of the VP4 showed remarkably low amino acid identities (33.3%) to those of known RVB strains, indicating that the VP8 subunit of ZP18-18 was unique among RVB strains. According to the whole genome classification for RVB, ZP18-18 was assigned to a genotype constellation, G18-P[9]-I12-R4-C4-M4-A8-N10-T5-E4-H7 with the newly established VP4 genotype P[9].ConclusionsThis current study updates the geographical distribution and the genetic diversity of RVB. Given the lack of information regarding RVB in Africa, further RVB surveillance is required to assess the potential risk to humans and animals.

Genome resource announcement for emerging pathogen Bipolaris gigantea, isolated from Microstegium vimineum

Bipolaris gigantea is a pathogen of the invasive grass Microstegium vimineum and an emerging pathogen of other hosts such as hemp and barley, causing characteristic eyespot foliar lesions. The fungus is characterized by long pale hyaline conidia measuring about 300 to 350 μm. Previously, this pathogen was classified in the Drechslera genus, and recently reassigned as Bipolaris based on molecular identification. Here, we generated a high-quality draft genome sequence of B. gigantea isolate BGF using long and short read DNA sequencing. The assembled genome, 30.23 Mb in size with a BUSCO completeness score of 98.4%, exhibited synteny with the common grass pathogen B. sorokiniana isolate 10943. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) analyses revealed high sequence identity with B. gigantea isolates from Cannabis sativa fields in Kentucky. This research provides a genomic resource that will contribute to future studies to understand the host range evolution and pathogenicity of this novel pathogen.

Description of Pegethrix niliensis sp. nov., a Novel Cyanobacterium from the Nile River Basin, Egypt: A Polyphasic Analysis and Comparative Study of Related Genera in the Oculatellales Order.

In this paper, we examine the filamentous cyanobacterial strain NILCB16 and describe it as a new species within the genus Pegethrix. The original population was sampled from a mat growing in an irrigation canal in the Nile River, Egypt. Initially classified under Plectonema or Planktolyngbya, the strain is a potential producer of the toxins microcystin and β-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA). Additionally, we reviewed the taxonomic relationships between the Oculatellales genera. To describe the new species, we conducted a polyphasic study, encompassing 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analyses performed using both Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian methods, sequence identity (p-distance) analysis, 16S-23S ITS secondary structures, and morphological and habitat comparisons. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain NILCB16 clustered within the Pegethrix clade with strong phylogenetic support, but in a distinct position from other species in the genus. The strain shared a maximum 16S rRNA gene identity of 97.3% with P. qiandaoensis and 96.1% with the type species, P. bostrychoides. Morphologically, NILCB16 can be differentiated from other species in the genus by its lack of false branching. Our phylogenetic analyses also show that Pegethrix, Cartusia, Elainella, and Maricoleus are clustered with strong phylogenetic support. They exhibit high 16S rRNA gene identity and are morphologically indistinguishable, suggesting they could potentially be merged into a single genus in the future.

Genetic features of avian influenza (A/H5N8) clade 2.3.4.4b isolated from quail in Egypt

Several genotypes of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N8 subtype within clade 2.3.4.4b continue to circulate in different species of domestic birds across Egypt. It is believed that quail contribute to virus replication and adaptation to other gallinaceous poultry species and humans. This study provides genetic characterization of the full genome of HPAI H5N8 isolated from quail in Egypt. The virus was isolated from a commercial quail farm associated with respiratory signs. To characterize the genetic features of the detected virus, gene sequencing via Sanger technology and phylogenetic analysis were performed. The results revealed high nucleotide identity with the HPAI H5N8 virus from Egypt, which has multiple basic amino acid motifs PLREKRRKR/GLF at the hemagglutinin (HA) cleavage site. Phylogenetic analysis of the eight gene segments revealed that the quail isolate is grouped with HPAI H5N8 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b and closely related to the most recent circulating H5N8 viruses in Egypt. Whole-genome characterization revealed amino acid preferences for avian receptors with few mutations, indicating their affinity for human-like receptors and increased virulence in mammals, such as S123P, S133A, T156A and A263T in the HA gene. In addition, the sequencing results revealed a lack of markers associated with influenza antiviral resistance in the neuraminidase and matrix-2 coding proteins. The results of the present study support the spread of HPAIV H5N8 to species other than chickens in Egypt. Therefore, continuous surveillance of AIV in different bird species in Egypt followed by full genomic characterization is needed for better virus control and prevention.

A Mixed Methods Study of Ethnic Identity and Mental Health Recovery Processes in Minoritized Young Adults.

Ethnic identity development is associated with positive mental health in young adults from ethnic minority groups. How a sense of belonging and attachment to one's ethnic culture is related to personal mental health recovery remains unexplained. This study examines the experiences of ethnic minority young adults in the U.S. to understand the aspects of culture and identity development that are relevant to their recovery processes. Young adults who were living with chronic mental disorders were recruited from four rehabilitation programs. Interviews produced quantitative and qualitative data. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used to integrate the qualitative findings from a sub-group of young adults (n = 44) with the results from the quantitative study. Directed content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data, and the integrated data were analyzed in joint displays. The prominent themes characterizing ethnic identity development in personal recovery were (a) cultural history, traditions, and values; (b) mental illness stigma within the ethnic community; and (c) bias and discrimination in mental health services. Young adults with high ethnic identity development reported having more support from family, but they also described experiences with stigma and racism. The integrated results suggest that ethnic identity development promotes mental health recovery in minoritized young adults through social support and improved well-being and resilience. Experiences of intersectional stigma and structural racism associated with ethnic identity can interfere with self-determination and access to care among minoritized Hispanic/Latine, Black, and multiracial young adults in the U.S.

Unclearly immoral: Low self-concept clarity increases moral disengagement.

This research examines the effect of self-concept clarity (i.e., having self-beliefs that are clearly and confidently defined, internally consistent, and stable) on moral behavior. Seven preregistered studies (N = 3,373) document that low (vs. high) self-concept clarity decreases moral behavior (e.g., donation, volunteering, tax compliance, honesty in an incentivized game). This effect occurs because low self-concept clarity increases moral disengagement, leading people to behave in morally questionable manners without damaging their self-concept. As evidence for this proposed underlying mechanism, we show that the effect of self-concept clarity on moral behavior is mediated by state moral disengagement and attenuates (a) among people with low trait moral disengagement, (b) among people with high trait moral identity internalization, and (c) in the presence of an honor pledge cueing moral engagement. We then show that the effect holds only when a prosocial act is congruent with personal values. Overall, these findings contribute to the literature on self-concept and moral self-regulation and have implications for how to promote morality and curb unethical behavior in society. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Mitochondrial DNA sequence-based identification of two subterranean termite species, from Riyadh Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Termites are economically important wood-destroying and agricultural pests. The termite fauna almost consists of 2900 described species in 286 genera worldwide. In the present study, hundreds of termite samples from 42 different locations in the Riyadh province were collected. These samples were previously used for morphometric identification and reported two subterranean termite species, Coptotermes heimi and Psammotermes hypostoma, in the family Rhinotermitidae. In the present study, these samples were analysed using DNA barcoding with the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene to confirm the conventional taxonomical identification on a molecular basis. The obtained COI gene sequences of all 42 termite specimens were submitted to GenBank (accession numbers: ON529959-ON529969, OP825131-OP825132, and OP890882-OP890910). Eleven of the 42 samples were thus identified as C. heimi and the remaining 31 samples as P. hypostoma, which were phylogenetically analysed. All the 11 C. heimi sequences were grouped in a single clade, indicating close relatedness. While 31 sequences of P. hypostoma constituted two clades in the phylogenetic tree. Pairwise nucleotide sequence identity and divergence analysis showed that C. heimi sequences showed high nucleotide identities of 87.6-99.5% and less divergence ranging from 0.5% to 13.6%. Similarly, sequences of P. hypostoma also showed high nucleotide identity of 78.6-100% and low divergence among them ranging from 0-10.7%. A further application, significance, and shortcomings of COI-based DNA barcoding have been discussed. DNA barcoding using the COI gene is a reliable tool to distinguish C. heimi and P. hypostoma genotypes.

The Evolution and Biological Activity of Metazoan Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like Protein (MLKL).

In mammals, mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) is the executor of necroptosis. MLKL comprises an N-terminal domain (NTD), which alone suffices to trigger necroptosis by forming pores in the plasma membrane, and a C-terminal domain that inhibits the NTD activity. Evolutionarily, MLKL is poorly conserved in animals and not found in Protostomia. Although MLKL orthologs exist in invertebrate Deuterostomia, the biological activity of invertebrate MLKL is unknown. Herein, we examined 34 metazoan phyla and detected MLKL not only in Deuterostomia but also in Protostomia (Rotifera). The Rotifera MLKL exhibited low identities with non-Rotifera MLKL but shared relatively high identities with non-metazoan MLKL. In invertebrates, MLKL formed two phylogenetic clades, one of which was represented by Rotifera. In vertebrates, MLKL expression was tissue-specific and generally rich in immune organs. When expressed in human cells, the MLKL-NTD of Rotifera, Echinodermata, Urochordata, and Cephalochordata induced strong necroptosis. The necroptotic activity of Rotifera MLKL depended on a number of conserved residues. Together these findings provided new insights into the evolution of MLKL in Metazoa and revealed the biological activity of invertebrate MLKL.

Three hepcidins from the spotted knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus) promote antimicrobial activity via TLR/NFκB pathway

Hepcidin belongs to a class of small cationic antimicrobial peptides rich in cysteine. It is synthesized by liver and is widely involved in host antimicrobial, antiviral and other immune responses. We identified and characterized three hepcidin genes (OpHep1, OpHep2 and OpHep3) in spotted knifejaw. All the OpHeps shared high identities with hepcidins in other teleost, containing alpha helix and β-sheets. Three OpHeps were all detected in healthy tissues, with the abundant expression in liver. They were significantly increased after Vibrio harveyi infection in the six immune-relevant tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, gill, skin and intestine). OpHeps knockdown in spotted knifejaw liver cells affected the mRNA levels of inflammation-related genes, including il1β, il6, il8, and nfκb. Further, the recombinant hepcidin proteins were effective in suppressing the growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. To identify the function of OpHeps in vivo, we performed the overexpression of three OpHeps in zebrafish, and found OpHeps could significantly induce immune-related genes expression in transgenic zebrafish, including myd88, il10, il21, il16, tlr1, tlr3 and lysozyme. When infected with V. harveyi, OpHeps transgenic zebrafishes had a higher survival rate than wild-type zebrafishes. The expression of myd88, il10, il8, il1β, nfκb and lysozyme were all significantly up-regulated in transgenic fishes during bacterial infection. In summary, these results indicated that hepcidin could protect fish fight against pathogen through TLR/NFκB signaling cascade and Lysozyme. Three OpHeps would be potential targets for prevention of bacterial infections in aquaculture industry of spotted knifejaw, which provided a new idea for the molecular breeding of fish disease resistance.

Commercial Trade and Conservation: DNA Barcoding of Wild Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus) (Schneider, 1801) for Sustainable Management

Abstract The reticulated python, scientifically known as Malayopython reticulatus, is a prominent member of the Pythonidae family, exhibiting a wide geographic distribution across Southeast Asia. Like most python species, it is listed on Appendix II of CITES, allowing for regulated harvest and commercial export. However, inadequate monitoring of snakeskin origins within Malaysia has facilitated illegal trade, exacerbating concerns over population declines. Thus, this study aims to document the DNA barcoding of M. reticulatus in Pantai Penyabong, Johor, utilizing the COI gene marker of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Observations revealed 11 reticulated pythons, with two successfully captured for blood sample extraction and amplification. Sequences obtained exhibited a high identity percentage in the NCBI GenBank database, supported by similar topologies in phylogenetic trees. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of molecular identification techniques in combating illegal wildlife trade. Governments and law enforcement agencies can enforce conservation laws and protect wild populations by verifying mislabeled python species. This study highlights the crucial role of DNA barcoding in wildlife forensics and conservation management, offering a rapid and reliable method for species identification and monitoring in the face of escalating threats.

Bifidobacterium fermentum sp. nov. and Bifidobacterium aquikefiricola sp. nov., isolated from water kefir.

Four strains, representing two novel Bifidobacterium species, were isolated from water kefir, a fermented beverage. 16S rRNA gene analysis suggested that the novel species share high identities (98.82-98.89%) with Bifidobacterium aquikefiri LMG 28769T. Complete genomes were assembled with a short- and long-read hybrid sequencing approach. In agreement with the 16S rRNA gene analysis, phylogenetics with 117 marker genes places the novel species closest to B. aquikefiri LMG 28769T as well. The isolates have average nucleotide identity (ANI) scores ranging from 81.46 to 84.84% and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) scores from 23.9 to 38.5% with the closest related species, as well as ANI scores between the proposed new species of 80.50%, indicating that the isolates represent two novel species. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight chemotaxonomic analysis supported the gene-based taxonomic placement. We propose the names Bifidobacterium fermentum sp. nov. and Bifidobacterium aquikefiricola sp. nov. for these novel species within the Bifidobacterium genus. The proposed type strain B. fermentum WK012_4_13T (= LMG 33104T = DSM 116073T; GenBank accession number GCF_041080835.1) has a genome size of 2.43 Mbp, with a G+C content of 56.00 mol%. The proposed type strain for B. aquikefiricola WK041_4_12T (= LMG 33105T = DSM 116074T; GenBank accession number GCF_041080795.1) has a genome size of 2.36 Mbp and a G+C content of 53.94 mol%. B. fermentum cells are Gram-positive staining, non-motile, non-spore-forming, fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase (F6PPK)-positive, catalase- and oxidase-negative and bacillary club shaped. B. aquikefiricola cells are Gram-positive staining, non-motile, non-spore-forming, F6PPK-positive, catalase- and oxidase-negative and square rod shaped.

Mosaic HIV-1 vaccine and SHIV challenge strain V2 loop sequence identity and protection in primates

The failure of human vaccine efficacy trials assessing a mosaic HIV-1 vaccine calls into question the translatability of preclinical SHIV challenge studies that demonstrated high efficacy of this vaccine in primates. Here we present a post hoc immune correlates analysis of HIV-1 Env peptide-binding antibody responses from the NHP13-19 study identifying the V2 loop as the principal correlate of protection in primates. Moreover, we found high V2 loop sequence identity between the Mos1 vaccine component and the SHIV challenge strain, while the vaccine showed considerably lower V2 identity to globally circulating HIV-1 sequences. Thus, the induction of immune responses against the V2 epitope, which had exceptional identity between the vaccine and challenge Env strains, may have contributed to the high protection in primates.