Molecular Genetic Analysis Research Articles

STUDY OF BETA-CASEIN GENE POLYMORPHISM IN DOMESTIC BREED DAIRY COWS

Studies have been conducted on the study of beta-casein gene polymorphism in Sumy inbred cattle populations of the Ukrainian black-spotted dairy and Ukrainian brown dairy breeds. The research was carried out in the breeding plants of the State Enterprise "Experimental Farm of the Institute of Agriculture of the North East of the National Academy of Sciences". Determination of polymorphism of the beta-casein gene was carried out in the genetic laboratory of the Bogomolets Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences using a molecular biological analysis of allele recognition, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method in real time. It was established that cows of the studied breeds are characterized by polymorphism at the CSN2 locus. Allele A2 prevailed in frequency in animals of both groups. A difference in the frequency of this allele was established between them, to the advantage of animals of the Ukrainian brown dairy breed (by 1.4 times). No difference was found between actual and expected frequencies of genotypes in cows of both breeds. The results of the molecular genetic analysis of the cattle of the two breeds reflect the genetic structure at the studied locus, which corresponds to the breed characteristics of the Swiss and Holstein.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa] genotypes using molecular markers in the North-Western plains of India

Bael is a fruit crop that is extensively distributed throughout South-East Asia and is underutilized in medicine. The potential applications of bael's therapeutic and nutritional qualities in diverse ethnic communities are enormous. This study focuses on evaluating the morpho-pomological and molecular characteristics, utilizing SSR markers, of 80 wild bael genotypes alongside the NB-5 and NB-9 cultivars, derived from the North Western plains of India. Based on the evaluated morpho-pomological features, substantial variations were found between all genotypes. The fruit's inner diameter and pulp weight varied from 4.41 to 11.54 cm and 34.63 to 786.41 g, respectively. Numerous variations in the genotypes were observed in the shell weight/fruit, fruit skull thickness and fruit yield/plant. The bael fruit mucilage's total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugar content varied from 40.10 to 49.60 obrix and 8.11 to 21.17%, respectively. Using ward cluster analysis, the genotypes were divided into two primary clusters. Among the bael genotypes, the population structure analysis identified three subpopulations. SSR markers are used to measure genetic variety; of the 27 polymorphic markers, 17 show allelic diversity between genotypes. Molecular genetic diversity analysis, on the other hand, highlighted the genotypes genetic distinctiveness by classifying them into three major clusters. These findings offer valuable insights into the rich diversity and intricate interactions among the bael genotypes under investigation, paving the way for more strategic future breeding and selection efforts to elevate the quality of this remarkable fruit.

Anamnestic, clinical, laboratory and molecular genetic characteristics of patients with neonatal diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is an increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus throughout the world, including the steadily increasing number of rare, genetically determined forms of diabetes. Of particular interest are monogenic forms, including neonatal diabetes mellitus, which is a rare heterogeneous disease that manifests, as a rule, in the first 6 months of a child’s life, characterized by a severe labile course and a high risk of complications. Neonatal diabetes mellitus is a rare heterogeneous disease that usually manifests itself in the first 6 months of a child’s life, characterized by a severe, labile course and a high risk of complications. Currently, more than 25 genes are known, mutations in which cause both permanent and transient neonatal diabetes mellitus, as well as syndromic variants of this disease, which are of particular interest due to their severity and polymorphic clinical picture. In this regard, timely verification of the diagnosis is of particular importance. AIM: The aim of this study is to increase the efficiency of diagnosis of neonatal diabetes mellitus based on the analysis of anamnestic, clinical, laboratory and molecular genetic characteristics of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 14 patients with transient and permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus were examined. RESULTS: 11 (78.6%) patients had isolated neonatal diabetes, in three of them the disease was verified in the structure of hereditary syndromes (Wolcott–Rallison syndrome, IPEX syndrome and Donohue syndrome). According to molecular genetic analysis, 14 variants were found in the genes ABCC8, KCNJ11, GCK, GATA6, WFS1, CACNA1D, EIF2AK3, FOXP3, PAX4, INSR, IGF1R, three of which were not previously described in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical heterogeneity identified in patients is determined primarily by the diversity of verified variants in causative genes. New variants in the CACNA1D and IGF1R genes that may be associated with the development of NDM, remain poorly understood and require further research.

Molecular analysis of 31 cases with fetal skeletal dysplasia.

The aim of this study was to describe the prenatal ultrasound findings of fetuses with skeletal dysplasia and to evaluate the genetic variations by molecular genetic analysis. Between August 1, 2018 and March 1, 2023, we conducted a retrospective case series at a tertiary referral center involving patients with fetal skeletal abnormalities. For cases referred for a possible diagnosis of fetal skeletal dysplasia, an ultrasound database and prenatal genetic counseling records were first searched. Terminated cases diagnosed with skeletal dysplasia by pathologic and radiologic findings and cases with skeletal dysplasia proven by postnatal clinical findings were included in the study. Between 2018 and 2023, a total of 64 cases were diagnosed as skeletal dysplasia based on radiologic findings, pathologic findings, and clinical features. The median week of the first ultrasound performed on patients is 19 0/7weeks, while the median week of the ultrasound in which skeletal dysplasia is suspected is 21 3/7weeks. Although micromelia was evaluated as a common feature in all cases, the most common concomitant anomaly was thoracic hypoplasia. Exome sequencing analysis was achieved in 31 (48 %) of cases. In 31 cases, in total of 35 pathogenic single gene mutations and 5 VUS (variants of uncertain significance) variants composing of 23 autosomal dominant, 10 autosomal recessive and 2 X linked recessive mutations were determined. Prenatal ultrasound findings can lead us to specific diagnoses, and with the appropriate molecular analysis method, a definitive diagnosis can be made without wasting time and money.

Investigation of the distribution and origin of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1 in the swine production chain: A retrospective study of three farms in Thailand.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV), is a global issue that affects Thai swine as well. In Thailand, PRRSV-2 predominates over PRRSV-1. The origin of PRRSV-1 transmission remains undiscovered. This study traced the source of infected pigs responsible for disease transmission among three pig-fattening farms and analyzed the spread of PRRSV-1. A total of 696 swine samples from breeding and pig-fattening farms in Thailand were screened for PRRSV using open reading frames (ORF7) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Positive samples were identified as PRRSV-1 using ORF5 RT-PCR. The analysis included the study of nucleotide homology, GP5 amino acid sequences, and N-linked glycosylation patterns to assess the spread of PRRSV-1 across these farms. Genetic examination identified 28 PRRSV-1-positive samples, of which 13 were chosen as representatives. These strains were categorized into three groups based on breeding farm pig houses and showed distinct distribution patterns across pig-fattening farms. Group 1 included piglets transferred from pig house A to Nakhon Pathom, Chonburi, and Sa Kaeo. Groups 2 and 3 showed transfers from pig houses F and H to Chonburi and Sa Kaeo farms. All 13 PRRSV-1 strains were categorized into PRRSV-1 subtype 1/clade H. N-linked glycosylation analysis revealed that nearly all PRRSV-1 strains exhibited a conserved glycosylation pattern at amino acid positions N37, N46, and N53. This pattern is consistent with the glycosylation profile of the previous Thai PRRSV-1 subtype 1/clade H. The present study highlights the persistent presence of PRRSV-1 in Thai swine, which leads to sporadic outbreaks. The molecular genetic analysis identified three primary strain groups dispersed throughout the pig production system, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring for new PRRSV strains in this herd. Understanding the PRRSV-1 distribution in swine farms is vital for veterinarians. This knowledge supports strategies for eradicating the virus and managing swine health effectively in Thailand.

A critical role of a plant-specific TFIIB-related protein, BRP1, in salicylic acid-mediated immune response.

An integral part of plant immunity is transcription reprogramming by concerted action of specific transcription factors that activate or repress genes through recruitment or release of RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Pol II is assembled into Pol II holoenzyme at the promoters through association with a group of general transcription factors including transcription factor IIB (TFIIB) to activate transcription. Unlike other eukaryotic organisms, plants have a large family of TFIIB-related proteins with 15 members in Arabidopsis including several plant-specific TFIIB-related proteins (BRPs). Molecular genetic analysis has revealed important roles of some BRPs in plant reproductive processes. In this study, we report that Arabidopsis knockout mutants for BRP1, the founding member of the BRP protein family, were normal in growth and development, but were hypersusceptible to the bacterial pathogen Psuedomonas syringae. The enhanced susceptibility of the brp1 mutants was associated with reduced expression of salicylic acid (SA) biosynthetic gene ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE 1 (ICS1) and SA-responsive PATHOGENESIS-RELATED (PR) genes. Pathogen-induced SA accumulation was reduced in the brp1 mutants and exogenous SA rescued the brp1 mutants for resistance to the bacterial pathogen. In uninfected plants, BRP1 was primarily associated with the plastids but pathogen infection induced its accumulation in the nucleus. BRP1 acted as a transcription activator in plant cells and binded to the promoter of ICS1. These results collectively indicate that BRP1 is a functionally specialized transcription factor that increasingly accumulates in the nucleus in response to pathogen infection to promote defense gene expression.

Congenital hyperinsulinism and novel KDM6A duplications -resolving pathogenicity with genome and epigenetic analyses.

Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HI) can be the presenting feature of Kabuki syndrome (KS), which is caused by loss-of-function variants in KMT2D or KDM6A. As these genes play a critical role in maintaining methylation status in chromatin, individuals with pathogenic variants have a disease-specific epigenomic profile -an episignature. We evaluated the pathogenicity of three novel partial KDM6A duplications identified in three individuals presenting with neonatal-onset HI without typical features of KS at the time of genetic testing. Three different partial KDM6A duplications were identified by routine targeted next generation sequencing for HI and initially classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS) as their location, and hence their impact on the gene, was not known. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was undertaken to map the breakpoints of the duplications with DNA methylation profiling performed in two individuals to investigate the presence of a KS-specific episignature. WGS confirmed the duplication in proband 1 as pathogenic as it caused a frameshift in the normal copy of the gene leading to a premature termination codon. The duplications identified in probands 2 and 3 did not alter the reading frame and therefore their significance remained uncertain after WGS. Subsequent DNA methylation profiling identified a KS-specific episignature in proband 2 but not in proband 3. Our findings confirm a role for KDM6A partial gene duplications in the etiology of KS and highlight the importance of performing in-depth molecular genetic analysis to properly assess the clinical significance of VUS's in the KDM6A gene.

Dysfibrinogenemia and hypofibrinogenemia - Spectrum of pathogenic variants in Slovak patients.

Congenital hypofibrinogenemia (CH) and congenital dysfibrinogenemia (CD) are rare coagulation disorders caused by quantitative or qualitative defects in the fibrinogen gene. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic background and the clinical manifestations of congenital fibrinogen disorders in the patients from Slovakia registered at the National Haemophilia Centre. Results of genetic analysis of the fibrinogen genes FGA, FGB and FGG using polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing were evaluated in 36 patients. Molecular-genetic analysis revealed six novel variants - FGA c.923_968dup p.(Gly324Lysfs*44) and FGG c.1105C>T p.(His369Tyr) were identified in CD patients. In CH patients, in the FGG gene c.8G>A p.(Trp3*), c.823G>T p.(Glu275*) and c.323C>A p.(Ala108Asp) variants were detected. In the FGB gene c.1427C>T p.(Ser476Leu) was identified. This study is a positive contribution towards expanding knowledge about genetic variants in patients with congenital fibrinogen disorders.

Genetic and clinical study of PARK7 in Japanese Parkinson's disease

BackgroundBiallelic variants in PARK7, which encodes protein-nucleic acid deglycase DJ-1, can cause early-onset Parkinson's disease (PD). Although many patients with PARK7 variants have been identified from European and Middle Eastern ethnic groups, there have been no reports in the Japanese population. ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and clinical features of patients with PD harboring PARK7 variants in Japan. MethodsWe performed a molecular genetic analysis of PD patients with PARK7 variants identified using comprehensive panel sequencing, to explore the details of variants. Moreover, clinical neurological features were investigated, including neuroimaging analyses. This study followed STROBE guidelines. ResultsFour patients with biallelic rare variants of PARK7 were identified in the cohort. All four patients presented with levodopa-responsive parkinsonism, with an age at onset in the early 30s. Furthermore, two of the four patients had psychiatric complications. Dopamine transporter imaging revealed nigrostriatal pathway dysfunction. ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first report of Japanese patients with PARK7 variants. We identified a relatively low frequency of PARK7 variants in patients in Japan. As opposed to typical patients with sporadic PD, the identified patients developed the disease in their 30s and presented with a variety of non-motor symptoms and complications. Further studies are needed to identify the clinical features related to PARK7 variants in Japanese patients with PD, and to analyze the pathophysiology of how the variants identified in the present study might affect DJ-1 function.

Treatment strategy for patient with non-syndromic tooth agenesis: a case report and literature review

BackgroundNon-syndromic tooth agenesis (NSTA) is a type of ectodermal dysplasia (ED) in which patients with non-syndromic oligodontia may only affect teeth. No pathological findings were found in other tissues of the ectodermal. Herein, we report a case of a NSTA patient with severe dental anxiety and poor oral health.Case presentationA 5-year-old boy without systemic diseases presented as a patient with oligodontia, extensive caries, and periapical periodontitis. Molecular genetic analysis found a mutation in the Ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene, confirming the diagnosis of NSTA.ConclusionTooth agenesis (TA) is the most common ectodermal developmental abnormality in humans. Non-syndromic oligodontia patients often seek treatment in the department of stomatology. Because of their complex oral conditions, these patients should be provided with a systematic and personalized treatment plan.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of Chinese pediatric and adult patients with hereditary spherocytosis

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the clinical features, pathogenic gene variants, and potential genotype–phenotype correlations in Chinese patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS).MethodsRetrospective analysis of clinical data and molecular genetic characteristics was conducted on patients diagnosed with HS at Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Pingxiang People's Hospital and The Third People's Hospital of Jingdezhen between November 2017 and June 2023. Statistical analyses were performed to compare and analyze the red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) data between and within groups based on different mutations and age groups (< 14 and ≥ 14 years).ResultsA total of 34 HS patients were included in this study, comprising 22 children (64.70%) and 12 adults (35.30%). The probands who underwent genetic testing were derived from 34 unrelated families. Thirty-two variants were tested and 9 of them are novel. Eighteen cases had ANK1 variants, 15 had SPTB variants, and 1 had SLC4A1 variant. 25 patients performed core family members underwent genetic testing, 17 (68.0%, 17/25) were de novo, 5 (20.0%, 5/25) were maternally inherited, and 3 (12.0%, 3/25) were paternally inherited. ANK1-HS patients exhibited more severe anemia compared to cases with SPTB-HS, showing lower levels of RBC and HB (P < 0.05). Anemia was more severe in patients diagnosed in childhood than in those diagnosed in adulthood. Within the ANK1-HS group, MCH levels in adult patients was significantly higher than those in children (P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in RBC, HB, MCV, and MCHC levels between two groups. Adult patients with SPTB-HS had significantly higher levels of RBC, HB, and MCH than pediatric patients (P < 0.05), while MCV and MCHC levels showed no significant statistical differences.ConclusionThis study conducted a comparative analysis of phenotypic characteristics and molecular genetics in adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with HS, confirming that pediatric ANK1-HS patients exhibit a more severe anemic phenotype compared to SPTB-HS patients, while the severity of HS in adults does not significantly differ between different causative genes.

A clinical case: gastric cancer after gastric bypass

Introduction: Gastric cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases in the world, occupying the 5th place of morbidity and the 3rd place in the structure of mortality from oncological diseases. For a long time, issues affecting the risk of developing cancer after bariatric surgery remain relevant. Our observation is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with gastric cancer after gastric bypass. Description of the clinical case: A 62‑year‑old patient was operated on 13. 07. 2016 – laparoscopic Roux gastric bypass for morbid obesity, 11. 09. 2019 – laparoscopic installation of the Cardioplant plate on a small stomach due to recurrent weight gain. Since 2020 the patient had the phenomena of anastomositis, dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux. Courses of conservative therapy, sessions of balloon dilation of gastroenteroanastomosis and anastomosis resection failed to show a significant effect. The patient underwent comprehensive examinations at each treatment, including abdominal MSCT, cancer markers and studies of biopsy material of the gastric mucosa and gastroenteroanastomosis. As a result of histological studies, no signs of cancer were found. After applying to the Avicenna Medical Center in 2022 a molecular genetic analysis was carried out, in which the mRNA panel most corresponded to a malignant neoplasm. 20. 12. 2022 extirpation of the stomach stump with resection of the esophagus was performed. The cancer diagnosis was confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical studies: low‑grade adenocarcinoma of the stomach with a cricoid component with germination into the esophagus and small intestine, with spread beyond the muscle layer. Conclusion: This clinical case highlights the complexity of oncological verification in patients after bariatric surgery. Prolonged dysphagia, anastomositis and recurrent GERD in such patients determine the need for a more detailed examination, including the latest achievements of molecular genetic analysis.

Kaspar Hauser’s alleged noble origin – New molecular genetic analyses resolve the controversy

Kaspar Hauser's parentage has been the subject of research and debate for nearly 200 years. As for his possible aristocratic descent through the House of Baden, there is suspicion that he was swapped as a baby, kidnapped, and kept in isolation to bring a collateral lineage to the throne. In the last 28 years, various genetic analyses have been carried out to investigate this possible aristocratic origin. Previous results using less sensitive Sanger and electrophoresis-based methods were contradictory, and moreover, the authenticity of some samples was disputed, thus leaving the question open. Our analyses using modern capture- and whole genome-based massively parallel sequencing techniques reveal that the mitochondrial DNA haplotypes in different samples attributed to Kaspar Hauser were identical, demonstrating authenticity for the first time, and clearly different from the mitochondrial lineage of the House of Baden, which rules out a maternal relationship and thus the widely believed "Prince theory".

Molecular Genetic Analysis of Perioperative Colonization by Infection-Related Microorganisms in Patients Receiving Intraoral Microvascular Grafts.

Background/Objectives: In oral and maxillofacial surgery, the reconstruction of defects often involves the transfer of skin tissue into the oral cavity utilizing microvascular grafts. This study investigates postoperative changes in microbial colonization following intraoral microvascular transplantation, as well as potential influencing factors. Methods: In 37 patients undergoing intraoral reconstructions, pre- and postoperative swabs were taken from the donor and recipient regions to quantify the seven selected marker bacteria using TaqMan PCRs. Patient-specific factors and clinical data were also recorded. Results: The infection-associated Acinetobacter baumannii tended to decrease postoperatively, while the infectious pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis and the family of Enterobacteriaceae showed a postoperative increase without being directly associated with a clinical infection. Streptococcus mitis showed a significant postoperative decrease on buccal mucosa and increase on the graft surface (oral dysbiosis) and was significantly reduced or displaced by other bacteria (e.g., Mycoplasma salivarium, positive selection) when treated with ampicillin/sulbactam. Conclusions: The cutaneous microbiome of the graft adapts to the local intraoral environment. Postoperative shifts in oral bacterial colonization and an increase in infection-relevant bacteria were observed. These perioperative changes in colonization are also influenced by the administration of ampicillin/sulbactam. Consequently, single doses of antibiotics appear to be more beneficial compared to longer-term preventive use.

Correlation of posterior segment lesions with anterior segment biometric parameters and FBN1 genotype in patients with Marfan syndrome

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of posterior segment lesions in Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients and their relationship with anterior segment biometric parameters and FBN1 genotype. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 121 MFS patients, 76 males and 45 females, with an average age of (11.72±11.66) years, who visited the Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University from January 2013 to March 2023 were included. The presence of posterior scleral staphyloma was observed using B-mode ultrasound, and macular lesions were identified and classified using the atrophy-traction-neovascularization system based on ultra-widefield fundus images, color fundus images, and optical coherence tomography scans. Anterior segment biometric parameters, including axial length of the eye, average corneal curvature, corneal astigmatism, horizontal corneal diameter, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness, were collected, and the direction and extent of lens dislocation were observed. Molecular genetic analysis of FBN1 gene mutations in patients was performed using next-generation sequencing based on a panel of ocular genetic diseases, and the impact of the genotype and anterior segment biometric parameters on the posterior segment manifestations was analyzed. Results: Sixty patients exhibited posterior segment lesions, including retinal detachment (4 cases, 3.31%), macular lesions (47 cases, 38.84%), and posterior scleral staphyloma (54 cases, 44.63%). There was statistically significant difference in axial length of the eye between patients with and without posterior scleral staphyloma [23.09 (22.24, 24.43) and 27.04 (25.44, 28.88) mm], between patients with and without macular lesions [23.16 (22.24, 24.61) and 27.04 (25.74, 28.78) mm], and between patients with and without atrophic macular lesions [23.16 (22.24, 24.61) and 27.04 (25.74, 28.79) mm] (all P<0.001). There was statistically significant difference in anterior chamber depth between patients with and without macular lesions [3.11 (2.75, 3.30) and 3.34 (3.09, 3.60) mm] (P<0.05). There was also statistically significant difference in corneal astigmatism between patients with and without posterior scleral staphyloma [2.15 (1.20, 2.93) and 1.40 (1.00, 2.20) diopters] (P<0.05). The location and region of the FBN1 gene mutation not only showed statistically significant difference from the positive rates of posterior scleral staphyloma and macular lesions (all P<0.05), but also influenced the occurrence of atrophic macular lesions (both P<0.05). Patients with FBN1 mutations located in the transforming growth factor β regulatory sequence had the highest proportion of posterior scleral staphyloma and macular lesions (both 10/11). Conclusions: Posterior scleral staphyloma and macular lesions have a relatively high incidence in MFS patients and tend to progress to more severe grades. The age, axial length of the eye, anterior chamber depth, corneal astigmatism, and location and region of the FBN1 gene mutation are factors affecting the posterior segment lesions in MFS patients.

The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of the Medicinal Moss Rhodobryum giganteum (Bryaceae, Bryophyta): Comparative Genomics and Phylogenetic Analyses.

Rhodobryum giganteum (Bryaceae, Bryophyta), a rare medicinal bryophyte, is valued for its cardiovascular therapeutic properties in traditional Chinese medicine. This study presents the first complete chloroplast genome sequence of R. giganteum, including its assembly and annotation. The circular chloroplast genome of R. giganteum is 124,315 bp in length, displaying a typical quadripartite structure with 128 genes: 83 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. Analyses of codon usage bias, repetitive sequences, and simple sequence repeats (SSRs) revealed an A/U-ending codon preference, 96 repetitive sequences, and 385 SSRs in the R. giganteum chloroplast genome. Nucleotide diversity analysis identified 10 high mutational hotspots. Ka/Ks ratio analysis suggested potential positive selection in rpl20, rps18, petG, and psbM genes. Phylogenetic analysis of whole chloroplast genomes from 38 moss species positioned R. giganteum within Bryales, closely related to Rhodobryum laxelimbatum. This study augments the chloroplast genomic data for Bryales and provides a foundation for molecular marker development and genetic diversity analyses in medicinal bryophytes.

Genetic diversity and prevalence of emerging Rickettsiales in Yunnan Province: a large-scale study

BackgroundRickettsia and related diseases have been identified as significant global public health threats. This study involved comprehensive field and systematic investigations of various rickettsial organisms in Yunnan Province.MethodsBetween May 18, 2011 and November 23, 2020, field investigations were conducted across 42 counties in Yunnan Province, China, encompassing small mammals, livestock, and ticks. Preliminary screenings for Rickettsiales involved amplifying the 16S rRNA genes, along with additional genus- or species-specific genes, which were subsequently confirmed through sequencing results. Sequence comparisons were carried out using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). Phylogenetic relationships were analyzed using the default parameters in the Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) program. The chi-squared test was used to assess the diversities and component ratios of rickettsial agents across various parameters.ResultsA total of 7964 samples were collected from small mammals, livestock, and ticks through Yunnan Province and submitted for screening for rickettsial organisms. Sixteen rickettsial species from the genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neoehrlichia, and Wolbachia were detected, with an overall prevalence of 14.72%. Among these, 11 species were identified as pathogens or potential pathogens to humans and livestock. Specifically, 10 rickettsial organisms were widely found in 42.11% (24 out of 57) of small mammal species. High prevalence was observed in Dremomys samples at 5.60%, in samples from regions with latitudes above 4000 m or alpine meadows, and in those obtained from Yuanmou County. Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis were broadly infecting multiple genera of animal hosts. In contrast, the small mammal genera Neodon, Dremomys, Ochotona, Anourosorex, and Mus were carrying individually specific rickettsial agents, indicating host tropism. There were 13 rickettsial species detected in 57.14% (8 out of 14) of tick species, with the highest prevalence (37.07%) observed in the genus Rhipicephalus. Eight rickettsial species were identified in 2375 livestock samples. Notably, six new Rickettsiales variants/strains were discovered, and Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii was unambiguously identified.ConclusionsThis large-scale survey provided further insight into the high genetic diversity and overall prevalence of emerging Rickettsiales within endemic hotspots in Yunnan Province. The potential threats posed by these emerging tick-borne Rickettsiales to public health warrant attention, underscoring the need for effective strategies to guide the prevention and control of emerging zoonotic diseases in China.Graphical

Clinicopathological and molecular genetic features of confined placental mosaicism

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological and genetic features of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) and its effect on fetal intrauterine growth. Methods: Fourteen CPM cases of Haidian Maternal and Children Health Hospital were collected from May 2018 to March 2022. Clinicopathological examination on placental specimens and molecular genetic analysis were performed. Results: The age of the parturient women ranged from 27 to 34 years, with an average age of (30.0±3.54) years. The gestational weeks ranged from 35+1 to 41+2 weeks. There were 4 premature births and 10 term births, among which 6 were female and 8 were male fetuses. Nine cases (9/14) had adverse pregnancy outcomes, including 7 cases of fetal growth restriction. The weight of CPM placenta decreased, with 6 cases below the 10th percentile of weight standards and 5 cases between the 10th and 25th percentile. All 14 CPM placental specimens showed morphological changes of perfusion dysfunction to varying degrees, with mainly placental-maternal vascular malperfusion followed by placental-fetal vascular malperfusion. The mosaic chromosomes in different CPM cases varied, with 16-trisomy/monosomy mosaicism being the most common followed by 7-trisomy and 21-trisomy/monosomy mosaicism. The mosaic proportion was unequal in different parts of the same CPM placenta, with the mosaic proportion of umbilical cord, fetal membranes, fetal surface, maternal surface, and edge ranging from 1% to 70%. Conclusions: The mosaic chromosomes in different CPM cases vary, and the mosaic proportion is unequal in different parts of the same CPM placenta. The pathological morphology is mainly manifested as perfusion dysfunction, which can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as fetal growth restriction and preterm birth.

Clinical characteristics and genetic profile of complement system in renal thrombotic microangiopathy in patients with severe forms of arterial hypertension

The spectrum of diseases characterized by the development of renal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) encompasses the malignant hypertension (MHT). TMA in MHT has conventionally been regarded as a variation of secondary TMA, the treatment of which is restricted to the stabilization of blood pressure levels, a measure that frequently fails to prevent the rapid progression to end-stage renal disease in patients. Nevertheless, there exists a rationale to suggest that, in certain instances, endothelial damage in MHT might be rooted in the dysregulation of the complement system (CS), thereby presenting potential opportunities for the implementation of complement-blocking therapy. To study clinical manifestations and genetic profile of CS in patients with morphologically confirmed renal TMA combined with severe AH. 28 patients with morphologically verified renal TMA and severe AH were enrolled to the study. Patients with signs of microangiopathic hemolysis and thrombocytopenia were not included in the study due to possible compliance with the criteria for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). The prevalence of rare genetic defects (GD) of the CS was assessed by molecular genetic analysis (search for mutations in the clinically significant part of the human genome - exome) by next-generation sequencing technology (NGS). GD of CS were detected in a quarter of patients. Rare genetic variants classified as "likely pathogenic" including defects in CFI, C3, CD46, CFHR4, CFHR5 genes were detected in five cases. Two patients were found to have chromosomal deletions containing CFH-related proteins genes (CFHR1, CFHR3). Rare variants of CS genes linked to aHUS were found in 25% of patients with renal TMA, the genesis of which was originally thought to be secondary and attributed to MHT, with partial or complete absence of hematological manifestations of microangiopathic pathology. The key to confirming TMA associated with MHT, particularly in the absence of microangiopathic hemolysis and thrombocytopenia, elucidating its nature, and potentially effective complement-blocking therapy in patients with GD of CS, appears to be a genetic study of CS combined with a morphological study of a renal biopsy.

Insecticide resistance status and bar-codingof dengue vectors in three districts of Tamil Nadu, India.

Occurrence and distribution of vector population are crucial for entomological study in context of prevention, control and elimination of vector-borne diseases. To update some entomological aspects in three districts of Tamil Nadu state namely Kumbakonam, Nagapattinam and Thriuvarur districts, the study was undertaken. The objective of the study was to understand the prevalence of mosquitoes; to assess insecticide resistance and phylogenetic analysis of dengue vectors [Aedes (Ae.) aegypti and Ae.albopictus]. The immature stages of mosquitoes were collected from different localities by standard WHO methods marking with GPS and mapping was done using ArcGIS 10.4 software for all three districts. Insecticide resistance test was conducted using WHO susceptibility test kits. The F1 generation of female adult mosquitoes of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were exposed to DDT 4% and Malathion 5% with the control paper of Risella oil and olive oil respectively. Further, genomic DNA of individual mosquito was isolated, and the sequencingwas done through Eurofins, Bangalore, India. The FASTA sequence was analyzed and the phylogenic tree was constructed using the Maximum likelihood method in Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) software (version 10.0). A totally 5307 specimens were collected through expanded survey in all three study areas. The collection yielded 16 species from six genera of mosquitoes. In total collection, the Ae. albopictus was the dominant species in Kumbakonam and Thiruvarur districts and Ae. aegypti was dominant in Nagapattinam district. The predominant breeding sources were discarded tyre with rainwater, plastic cups, coconut shells, aluminum vessels, sliver containers, bottles, grinding stones and earthen pots etc. The study revealed high pupal indices in all three study areas. Insecticide resistance monitoring revealed possible resistance in Ae. aegypti against DDT in all three districts whereas against Malathion, possible resistance was recorded in Kumbakonam and Nagapattinam and in Thiruvarur district, the species was found to be susceptible. Ae. albopictus showed resistance against DDT in all three districts but susceptible to Malathion. The sequences obtained for Dengue vectors showed 99% similar with Genbank. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using COI region sequences. Certainly, observed the different genetic relationship among Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus between the study areas. The study confirmed the presence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in all three districts. The study further revealed that these vectors are susceptible to Malathion but resistance to DDT. The continue surveillance of dengue vector and monitoring of insecticide resistance will strengthen the control programme for appropriate vector control measurements.