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Abstract β-Lactam antibiotics are a class of antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections. However, the effects of β-lactam antibiotics on term neonatal intestinal flora have not been fully elucidated. Hospitalized full-term newborns receiving β-lactam antibiotics formed the antibiotic group (n = 67), while those without antibiotic treatment comprised the non-antibiotic group (n = 47). A healthy group included healthy full-term newborns (n = 16). Stool samples were collected for 16 S rDNA sequencing to analyze gut microbiota variations. Further investigation was carried out within the β-lactam antibiotic group, exploring the effects of antibiotic use on the newborns’ gut microbiota in relation to the duration and type of antibiotic administration, delivery method, and feeding practices. The antibiotic group exhibited significant difference of microbial community composition compared to the other groups. Genera like Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Alistipes, and Aeromonas were enriched, while Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Bifidobacterium, and Parabacteroides were reduced. Klebsiella negatively correlated with Escherichia-Shigella, positively with Enterobacter, while Escherichia-Shigella negatively correlated with Enterococcus and Streptococcus. Regardless of neonatal age, β-lactam antibiotics induced an elevated abundance of Klebsiella and Enterococcus. The impact on gut microbiota varied with the duration and type of antibiotic (cefotaxime or ampicillin/sulbactam). Compared to vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery after β-lactam treatment heightened the abundance of Klebsiella, Enterobacteriaceae_Unclassified, Lactobacillales_Unclassified, and Pectobacterium. Feeding patterns minimally influenced β-lactam-induced alterations. In conclusion, β-lactam antibiotic treatment for neonatal pneumonia and sepsis markedly disrupted intestinal microbiota, favoring Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Alistipes, and Aeromonas. The impact of β-lactam varied by duration, type, and delivery method, emphasizing heightened disruptions post-cesarean delivery.

Preterm infants face a high risk of various complications, and their gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in health. Delivery modes have been reported to affect the development of gut microbiota in term infants, but its impact on preterm infants remains unclear. Here, we collected fecal samples from 30 preterm infants at five-time points within the first four weeks of life. Employing 16 S rRNA sequencing, principal coordinates analysis, the analysis of similarities, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, we examined the top dominant phyla and genera, the temporal changes in specific taxa abundance, and their relationship with delivery modes, such as Escherichia-Shigella and Enterococcus based on vaginal delivery and Pluralibacter related to cesarean section. Moreover, we identified particular bacteria, such as Taonella, Patulibacter, and others, whose proportions fluctuated among preterm infants born via different delivery modes at varying time points, as well as the microbiota types and functions. These results indicated the influence of delivery mode on the composition and function of the preterm infant gut microbiota. Importantly, these effects are time-dependent during the early stages of life. These insights shed light on the pivotal role of delivery mode in shaping the gut microbiota of preterm infants and have significant clinical implications for their care and management.

Abstract In this study, two rice varieties (RS4 and GZ93) with different amylose and lipid contents were studied, and their starch was used to prepare starch-palmitic acid complexes. The RS4 samples showed a significantly higher lipid content in their flour, starch, and complex samples compared to GZ93. The static in vitro digestion highlighted that RS4 samples had significantly lower digestibility than the GZ93 samples. The C∞ of the starch-lipid complex samples was found to be 17.7% and 18.5% lower than that of the starch samples in GZ93 and RS4, respectively. The INFOGEST undigested fractions were subsequently used for in vitro colonic fermentation. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations, mainly acetate, and propionate were significantly higher in starch-lipid complexes compared to native flour or starch samples. Starch-lipid complexes produced a distinctive microbial composition, which resulted in different gene functions, mainly related to pyruvate, fructose, and mannose metabolism. Using Model-based Integration of Metabolite Observations and Species Abundances 2 (MIMOSA2), SCFA production was predicted and associated with the gut microbiota. These results indicated that incorporating lipids into rice starch promotes SCFA production by modulating the gut microbiota selectively.

Abstract In multi-objective particle swarm optimization, it is very important to select the personal best and the global best. These leaders are expected to effectively guide the population toward the true Pareto front. In this paper, we propose a two-stage maintenance and multi-strategy selection for multi-objective particle swarm optimization (TMMOPSO), which adaptively selects the global best and updates the personal best by means of hyper-cone domain and aggregation, respectively. This strategy enhances the global exploration and local exploitation abilities of the population. In addition, the excellent particles are perturbed and a two-stage maintenance strategy is used for the external archive. This strategy not only improves the quality of the solutions in the population but also accelerates the convergence speed of the population. In this paper, the proposed algorithm is compared with several multi-objective optimization algorithms on 29 benchmark problems. The experimental results show that TMMOPSO is effective and outperforms the comparison algorithms on most of the 29 benchmark problems.

The multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm has several drawbacks, such as premature convergence, inadequate convergence, and inadequate diversity. This is particularly true for complex, high-dimensional, multi-objective problems, where it is easy to fall into a local optimum. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel algorithm called IMOPSOCE. The innovations for the proposed algorithm mainly contain three crucial factors: 1) an external archive maintenance strategy based on the inflection point distance and distribution coefficient is designed, and the comprehensive indicator (CM) is used to remove the non-dominated solutions with poor comprehensive performance to improve the convergence of the algorithm and diversity of the swarm; 2) using the random inertia weight strategy to efficiently control the movement of particles, balance the exploration and exploitation capabilities of the swarm, and avoid excessive local and global searches; and 3) offering different flight modes for particles at different levels after each update to further enhance the optimization capacity. Finally, the algorithm is tested on 22 typical test functions and compared with 10 other algorithms, demonstrating its competitiveness and outperformance on the majority of test functions.

Abstract We assessed dynamic changes in visceral hypersensitivity and fecal metabolomics through a mouse model of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) from childhood to adulthood. A mouse model of IBS was constructed with maternal separation (MS) in early life. Male mice aged 25, 40, and 70 days were used. Visceral sensitivity was assessed by recording the reaction between the abdominal withdrawal reflex and colorectal distension. Metabolomics was identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The visceral sensitivity of the MS group was significantly higher than that of the non-separation (NS) group in the three age groups. The top four fecal differential metabolites in the different age groups were lipids, lipid molecules, organic heterocyclic compounds, organic acids and derivatives, and benzenoids. Five identical differential metabolites were detected in the feces and ileal contents of the MS and NS groups at different ages, namely, benzamide, taurine, acetyl-L-carnitine, indole, and ethylbenzene. Taurine and hypotaurine metabolism were the most relevant pathways at P25, whereas histidine metabolism was the most relevant pathway at P40 and P70. Visceral hypersensitivity in the MS group lasted from childhood to adulthood. The different metabolites and metabolic pathways detected in MS groups of different ages provide a theoretical basis for IBS pathogenesis.

The content of resistant starch (RS) was considered positively correlated with the apparent amylose content (AAC). Here, we analyzed two Indica rice mutants, RS111 and Zhedagaozhi 1B, similar in high AAC and found that their RS content differed remarkably. RS111 had higher RS3 content but lower RS2 content than Zhedagaozhi 1B; correspondingly, cooked RS111 showed slower digestibility. RS111 had smaller irregular and oval starch granules when compared with Zhedagaozhi 1B and the wild type. Zhedagaozhi 1B showed a B-type starch pattern, different from RS111 and the wild type, which showed A-type starch. Meantime, RS111 had more fa and fb1 but less fb3 than Zhedagaozhi 1B. Both mutants showed decreased viscosity and swelling power when compared with the parents. RS111 had the lowest viscosity, and Zhedagaozhi 1B had the smallest swelling power. The different fine structures of amylopectin between RS111 and Zhedagaozhi 1B led to different starch types, gelatinization properties, paste viscosity, and digestibility. In addition to enhancing amylose content, modifications on amylopectin structure showed great potent in breeding rice with different RS2 and RS3 content, which could meet the increasing needs for various rice germplasms.

In the gastrointestinal tract, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an important monoamine that regulates intestinal dynamics. QGP-1 cells are human-derived enterochromaffin cells that secrete 5-HT and functionally express Piezo ion channels associated with cellular mechanosensation. Piezo ion channels can be blocked by Grammostola spatulata mechanotoxin 4 (GsMTx4), a spider venom peptide that inhibits cationic mechanosensitive channels. The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of GsMTx4 on 5-HT secretion in QGP-1 cells in vitro. We investigated the transcript and protein levels of the Piezo1/2 ion channel, tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. In addition, we observed that GsMTx4 affected mouse intestinal motility in vivo. Furthermore, GsMTx4 blocked the response of QGP-1 cells to ultrasound, a mechanical stimulus.The prolonged presence of GsMTx4 increased the 5-HT levels in the QGP-1 cell culture system, whereas Piezo1/2 expression decreased, and TPH1 expression increased. This effect was accompanied by the increased phosphorylation of the p38 protein. GsMTx4 increased the entire intestinal passage time of carmine without altering intestinal inflammation. Taken together, inhibition of Piezo1/2 can mediate an increase in 5-HT, which is associated with TPH1, a key enzyme for 5-HT synthesis. It is also accompanied by the activation of the p38 signaling pathway. Inhibitors of Piezo1/2 can modulate 5-HT secretion and influence intestinal motility.

BackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder. Traditionally, early life stress (ELS) is predisposed to IBS in adult. However, whether ELS induces IBS in early life remains unclear.MethodsSeparated cohort studies were conducted in neonatal male pups of C57BL/6 mice by maternal separation (MS) model. MS and non-separation mice were scheduled to be evaluated for prime IBS-phenotypes, including visceral hypersensitivity, intestinal motility, intestinal permeability, and anxiety-like behavior. Ileal contents and fecal samples were collected and analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bacterial community analyses. Subcellular structures of intestinal epithelial, such as epithelial tight junctions and mitochondria, were observed under transmission electron microscopy.ResultsMS induced visceral hypersensitivity and decreased total intestinal transit time from childhood to adulthood. In addition, MS induced intestinal hyperpermeability and anxiety-like behavior from adolescence to adulthood. Besides, MS affected intestinal microbial composition from childhood to adulthood. Moreover, MS disrupted intestinal mitochondrial structure from childhood to adulthood.ConclusionThe study showed for the first time that MS induced IBS from early life to adulthood in mice. The disrupted intestinal mitochondrial structure and the significant dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota in early life may contribute to the initiation and progress of IBS from early life to adulthood.

Abstract The increasing rates of antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are a major concern of the decreasing eradication rate. Large-scale and long-period studies on antimicrobial susceptibility of H. pylori in children are limited. This study aimed to describe the temporal changes of antibiotic resistance among children in southeast China. Gastric biopsies obtained from children were cultured for H. pylori from 2015 to 2020. Susceptibility to clarithromycin (CLA), amoxicillin (AML), metronidazole (MTZ), furazolidone (FZD), tetracycline (TET) and levofloxacin (LEV) was tested. Data from 2012 to 2014 reported previously were obtained for comparing the change in temporal trends of antibiotic resistance. A total of 1638 (52.7%) H. pylori strains were isolated from 3111 children recruited. The resistance rates to CLA, MTZ and LEV were 32.8%, 81.7% and 22.8%, respectively. There were 52.9% strains resistant to single resistance, 28.7% to double resistance, and 9.0% to triple resistance. The total resistance rate and resistance rates to CLA, MTZ, LEV, CLA + LEV and CLA + MTZ + LEV increased annually in a linear manner. All resistant patterns except single resistance increased obviously from 2015 to 2017 and 2018 to 2020 compared to that from 2012 to 2014. Double resistance to CLA + MTZ increased significantly with age. The resistance rate to CLA and triple resistance to CLA, MTZ and LEV increased in children with prior H. pylori treatment than that from children without prior treatment. The antibiotic resistance rates of H. pylori were high in a large pediatric population in southeast China from 2015 to 2020. Individual treatment based on susceptibility test is imperative and optimal regimens should be chosen in H. pylori eradication therapy.

Resistant starch (RS) is beneficial for humans, especially for the diabetes. Raw potato had a great deal of RS, while most of which become digestible after gelatinization. Thus, few RS will be retained in potatoes after regular cooking. To preserve RS in cooked potatoes as much as possible, microwave heating before (MFD) and after freeze-drying (FDM) were conducted with three different potatoes. After MFD, the RS content in potatoes was lower than 7% and the RDS content was higher than 45% for three potatoes. However, RS in potatoes treated with FDM was still as high as 40%, similar to that in the raw potatoes. Meantime, FDM caused less browning, produced a certain level of pyrazines, benzeneacetaldehyde and other flavor compounds, endowing cooked potatoes special baked flavor. Freeze-drying before microwave heating is a valuable way to reserve RS in cooked potatoes, which could also be used to reserve high RS content in crisp, chips, and other processed potatoes.

High temperature (HT) during grain filling had adverse influences on starch synthesis. In this study, the influences of HT on resistant starch (RS) formation in rice were investigated. Most genes in ssIIIa mutants especially in RS4 were upregulated under Normal Temperature (NT) while downregulated under HT when compared with those of wild parent R7954. ssIIIa mutants had higher RS content, more lipid accumulation, higher proportion of short chains of DP 9–15, and less long chains of DP ≥37. ssIIIa mutation exacerbated the influences of HT on starch metabolite and caused larger declines in the expression of BEI, BEIIa, BEIIb, and SSIVb when exposed to HT. HT reduced the contents of total starch and apparent amylose significantly in wild type but not in mutants. Meanwhile, lipids were enriched in all varieties, but the amounts of starch–lipid complexes and the RS content were only heightened in mutants under HT. HT led to greatest declines in the amount of DP 9–15 and increases in the proportion of fb3 (DP ≥37); the declines and increases were all larger in mutants, which resulted in varied starch crystallinity. The increased long-chain amylopectin and lipids may be the major contributor for the elevated RS content in mutants under HT through forming more starch–lipid complexes (RSV).

Abstract Sweet potato, a dicotyledonous and perennial plant, is the third tuber/root crop species behind potato and cassava in terms of production. Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are highly abundant in sweet potato, contributing to genetic diversity. Retrotransposon-based insertion polymorphism (RBIP) is a high-throughput marker system to study the genetic diversity of plant species. To date, there have been no transposon marker-based genetic diversity analyses of sweet potato. Here, we reported a structure-based analysis of the sweet potato genome, a total of 21555 LTR retrotransposons, which belonged to the main LTR-retrotransposon subfamilies Ty3-gypsy and Ty1-copia were identified. After searching and selecting using Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), 1616 LTR retrotransposon sequences containing at least two models were screened. A total of 48 RBIP primers were synthesized based on the high copy numbers of conserved LTR sequences. Fifty-six amplicons with an average polymorphism of 91.07% were generated in 105 sweet potato germplasm resources based on RBIP markers. A Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmatic Mean (UPGMA) dendrogram, a model-based genetic structure and principal component analysis divided the sweet potato germplasms into 3 groups containing 8, 53, and 44 germplasms. All the three analyses produced significant groupwise consensus. However, almost all the germplasms contained only one primary locus. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) among the groups indicated higher intergroup genetic variation (53%) than intrapopulation genetic variation. In addition, long-term self-retention may cause some germplasm resources to exhibit variable segregation. These results suggest that these sweet potato germplasms are not well evolutionarily diversified, although geographic speciation could have occurred at a limited level. This study highlights the utility of RBIP markers for determining the intraspecies variability of sweet potato and have the potential to be used as core primer pairs for variety identification, genetic diversity assessment and linkage map construction. The results could provide a good theoretical reference and guidance for germplasm research and breeding.

Abstract Background Zn deficiency is one of the leading public health problems in the world. Staple food crop, such as rice, cannot provide enough Zn to meet the daily dietary requirement because Zn in grain would chelate with phytic acid, which resulted in low Zn bioavailability. Breeding new rice varieties with high Zn bioavailability will be an effective, economic and sustainable strategy to alleviate human Zn deficiency. Results The high Zn density mutant LLZ was crossed with the low phytic acid mutant Os-lpa-XS110–1, and the contents of Zn and phytic acid in the brown rice were determined for the resulting progenies grown at different sites. Among the hybrid progenies, the double mutant always displayed significantly higher Zn content and lower phytic acid content in grain, leading to the lowest molar ratio of phytic acid to Zn under all environments. As assessed by in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell model, the double mutant contained the relatively high content of bioavailable Zn in brown rice. Conclusions Our findings suggested pyramiding breeding by a combination of high Zn density and low phytic acid is a practical and useful approach to improve Zn bioavailability in rice grain.

The intestinal microbiota has emerged as a critical regulator of growth and development in the early postnatal period of life. Cesarean section (CS) delivery is one of the strongest disrupting factors of the normal colonization process and has been reported as a risk factor for disorders in later life. In this study, we dynamically and longitudinally evaluated the impact of CS on the initial colonization pattern and development of gut microbiota by 16 healthy Chinese infants with fecal samples collected at 9 time points (day 5, day 8, day 11, week 2, week 4, week 6, week 7, month 2, and month 3) during the first 3 months of life. The V3–V4 regions of 16S rRNA gene were analyzed by Illumina sequencing. In comparison with vaginally delivered (VD) infants, infants born by CS showed decreased relative abundance of Bacteroides and Parabacteroides and enrichment of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Clostridioides, and Veillonella. Most interestingly, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was found to be significantly higher in the CS group than in the VD group from day 5 until month 3. Besides, the results of microbial functions showed that the VD group harbored significantly higher levels of functional genes in vitamin B6 metabolism at day 5, day 8, week 2, week 4, week 6, week 7, month 2, and month 3 and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism at day 5, while the phosphotransferase system and starch and sucrose metabolism involved functional genes were plentiful in the CS group at day 11, week 2, week 4, week 6, week 7, and month 2 and at week 2, week 7, and month 2, respectively. Our results establish a new evidence that CS affected the composition and development of gut microbiota in the first 3 months and provide a novel insight into strategies for CS-related disorders in later life.

Abstract Background Artificial mutagenesis not only provides a new approach to increase the diversity of desirable traits for breeding new varieties but are also beneficial for characterizing the genetic basis of functional genes. In recent decades, many mutation genes have been identified which are responsible for phenotype changes in mutants in various species including Arabidopsis and rice. However, the mutation feature in induced mutants and the underlying mechanisms of various types of artificial mutagenesis remain unclear. Results In this study, we adopted a transcriptome sequencing strategy to characterize mutations in coding regions in a barley dwarf mutant induced by gamma-ray radiation. We detected 1193 genetic mutations in gene transcription regions introduced by gamma-ray radiation. Interestingly, up to 97% of the gamma irradiation mutations were concentrated in certain regions in chromosome 5H and chromosome 7H. Of the 26,745 expressed genes, 140 were affected by gamma-ray radiation; their biological functions included cellular and metabolic processes. Conclusion Our results indicate that mutations induced by gamma-ray radiation are not evenly distributed across the whole genome but located in several concentrated regions. Our study provides an overview of the feature of genetic mutations and the genes affected by gamma-ray radiation, which should contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of radiation mutation and their application in gene function analysis.

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection is the main cause of chronic gastritis in children. Little is known about the effect of Helicobacter pylori on microbiota and immunity. This study was aimed at characterizing stomach microbiota and immune-regulatory properties of children with Helicobacter pylori colonization.MethodsWe studied 122 children who had undergone gastric endoscopy due to gastrointestinal symptoms, 57 were diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection. Endoscopic mucosal biopsy samples were obtained for DNA and RNA extraction. Microbiomes were analyzed by 16S rRNA profiling, with the differentially expressed genes analyzed using RNA sequencing. The RNA-sequencing results of selected genes were validated by qRT-PCR.ResultsBacterial diversity of Helicobacter pylori-positive gastric specimens were lower than those of negative, and both groups were clearly separated according to beta diversity. Helicobacter pylori-positive group significantly reduced proportions of six phyla and eight genera; only Helicobacter taxa were more abundant in Helicobacter pylori-negative group. Gastric tissues RNA sequencing showed increased expression of multiple immune response genes in Helicobacter pylori -infection. Helicobacter pylori -infected children with restructured gastric microbiota had higher levels of FOXP3, IL-10, TGF-β1 and IL-17A expressions, which were consistent with increased CD4+T cell and macrophagocyte, compared with non-infected children.ConclusionsPresence of Helicobacter pylori significantly influences gastric microbiota and results in lower abundance of multiple taxonomic levels in children. Meanwhile, it affects gastric immune environment and promotes the occurrence of gastritis.Clinical Trial Registration[http://www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR1800015190]

Humans and symbiotic bacteria are interdependent and co-evolved for millions of years. These bacteria communicate with human hosts in the gut in a contact-independent metabolite. Because most intestinal bacteria are non-adhesive, they do not penetrate the mucus layer and are not directly in contact with epithelial cells (ECs). Here, we found that there are adhesive bacteria attached to the Children's terminal ileum. And we compared the immune factors of non-adhesive bacteria in the children ileum with adhesive bacteria as well. Stimulated Th17 cell associated with adherent bacteria in the ileum ECs. SIgA responses are similar to those roles in mouse experiments. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that the expression of SAA1, IL-2, IL-17A, foxp3, RORγt, TGFβ, and protein increased in Th17 cells. Finally, we used 16S rRNA genes 454 pyrosequencing to analyze the differences in bacterial communities between adhesive and non-adhesive bacteria in the ileum. Ileum with adherent bacteria demonstrated increased mucosa-related bacteria, such as Clostridium, Ruminococcus, Veillonella, Butyricimonas, and Prevotella. We believe that adhesive bacteria in children’s terminal ileum associated with an increased Th17 cell activation and luminal secretory IgA. Adhesive bacteria very closely adhere to terminal ileum of children. They may play important role in human gut immunity and Crohn’s disease.

Endophytic fungi infect plant tissues by evading the immune response, potentially stimulating stress-tolerant plant growth. The plant selectively allows microbial colonization to carve endophyte structures through phenotypic genes and metabolic signals. Correspondingly, fungi develop various adaptations through symbiotic signal transduction to thrive in mycorrhiza. Over the past decade, the regulatory mechanism of plant-endophyte interaction has been uncovered. Currently, great progress has been made on plant endosphere, especially in endophytic fungi. Here, we systematically summarize the current understanding of endophytic fungi colonization, molecular recognition signal pathways, and immune evasion mechanisms to clarify the transboundary communication that allows endophytic fungi colonization and homeostatic phytobiome. In this work, we focus on immune signaling and recognition mechanisms, summarizing current research progress in plant-endophyte communication that converge to improve our understanding of endophytic fungi.

Based on career construction theory, this study explored the relationship and mediating mechanisms between career adaptability and secondary school students' academic engagement. Four hundred and eight secondary school students from three Chinese secondary schools were surveyed using a three-wave time-lag design. The study found that career adaptability positively predicted academic engagement. Parental support and career hope mediated the relationship between career adaptability and academic engagement. Additionally, parental support and career hope also played a series of mediating roles between career adaptability and academic engagement. The results of this study contribute to the fields of positive psychology and occupational psychology research, extend the application of career construction theory to secondary students, and provide practical insights into increasing academic engagement and interventions for secondary students. The implications of these findings for practice and future research are discussed.

Sugars, which are important signaling molecules, regulate diverse biological processes in plants. However, the convergent regulatory mechanisms governing these physiological activities have not been fully elucidated. MODIFIER OF snc1-1 (MOS1), a modulator of plant immunity, also regulates floral transition, cell cycle control, and other biological processes. However, there was no evidence of whether this protein was involved in sugar responses. In this study, we found that the loss-of-function mutant mos1-6 (mos1) was hypersensitive to sugar and was characterized by defective germination and shortened roots when grown on high-sugar medium. The expression of MOS1 was enhanced by sucrose. Hexokinase 1, an important gene involved in sugar signaling, was upregulated in the mos1 mutant compared to wild-type Col-0 in response to sugar. Furthermore, the mos1 mutant accumulated more anthocyanin than did wild-type Col-0 when grown on high-sugar concentration medium or under high light. MOS1 was found to regulate the expression of flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in response to exogenous sucrose and high-light stress but with different underlying mechanisms, showing multiple functions in addition to immunity regulation in plant development. Our results suggest that the immune regulator MOS1 serves as a coordinator in the regulatory network, governing immunity and other physiological processes.

Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are commensal organisms that grow by anchoring a specialized holdfast structure to the intestinal walls of a variety of animals. Interaction of SFB with Peyer’s patches in mice promotes the post-natal maturation of the immune system. We previously reported that the colonization of SFB in humans mainly occurs by 36 months of age, and is difficult to be detected afterward. In this study, we measured the level of SFB in intestinal fluids of human children. SFB were found via qPCR to represent a small fraction of the whole SFB-positive microbiota (105 SFB in 1011 total bacteria). Bacteria with filamentous segmented morphology were observed in intestinal fluids via fluorescent in situ hybridization, and from gut biopsies via scanning electron microscopy. SFB-specific DNA and peptide fragments were also identified via multiple displacement amplification PCR and mass spectrometry. There was an overall positive correlation between the presence of SFB and the titer of total secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which is more apparent in intestinal fluids of the age group of 8–36 months. Afterward there was a decline of SFB in numbers correlated with a reduction of total sIgA. RT-qPCR analysis of the terminal ileal biopsies revealed that the expression of Th17 pathway genes were induced in SFB-positive samples, while the markers of T and B cell receptor signaling pathways were also upregulated. Collectively, these data suggest that SFB is a rare member of microbiota, and may play an important role in the development of human gut immunity.

Background and Aim The infection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is acquired in childhood and the prevalence vary greatly in different countries and regions. The study aimed to investigate the characteristics of H. pylori infection among children with gastrointestinal symptoms in Hangzhou, a representative city of eastern China. Methods A systematic surveillance of H. pylori infection according to the 13C-urea breath test was conducted from January 2007 to December 2014 in the Children’s hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The demographic information and main symptoms of every subject were recorded. Results A total of 12,796 subjects were recruited and 18.6% children evaluated as H. pylori positive. The annual positive rates decreased from 2007 to 2014 (χ2 = 20.461, p

Background: Leptin is thought to play an important role in Crohn's disease (CD) pathogenesis and progression. Independent studies have revealed a strong upregulation of leptin expression in the mesenteric fat of CD patients. Objectives: This study assessed the relationship between leptin gene polymorphisms and CD susceptibility in a Chinese pediatric population. Methods: A total of 86 patients with CD and 142 healthy controls were recruited for this case-control study. The genotypes of 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs2071045, rs41457646, rs11761556, and rs2167270) in the leptin gene were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with next-generation sequencing. Results: We found that leptin rs2167270 had a significantly different distribution of alleles and genotypes between CD patients and healthy controls (G is a risk allele: 83.7% of cases vs 72.5% of controls; odds ratio [OR] 1.947; 95% CI, 1.203-3.151; P = 0.006; GG is a risk genotype: 72.1% of cases vs 53.5% of controls; P = 0.021). Patients with the CC genotype (rs2071045) had a significantly increased risk of early onset of CD (58.3% in A1a vs 31.1% in A1b; P = 0.003). Similarly, patients carrying the G allele (100% in A1a vs 84.1% in A1b; P = 0.015) and GG genotype (100% in A1a vs 71.0% in A1b; P = 0.048) of rs41457646, A allele (93.3% in A1a vs 71.8% in A1b; P = 0.013) and AA genotype (93.3% in A1a vs 47.9% in A1b; P = 0.003) in rs11761556 had a higher risk of early onset of CD. However, there was no significant difference in any of these 4 SNPs between patients with and without perianal lesions, as well as in low and normal body mass index (BMI) patients. Conclusions: The leptin rs2167270 polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility to CD in a Chinese pediatric population. Leptin rs2071045, rs41457646, and rs11761556 might lead to the early onset of pediatric CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]