StemCell Therapy

When the French Emmanuelle Charpentier and the American Jennifer Doudna, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020, the award fell short compared to the importance of their contribution to the gene editing. These girls, yeah they discovered the black thread with their scissors CRISPR to alter and repair DNA, contributing to the health of living beings. A revolutionary technique, thanks to which mice with damage to the spinal cord They have walked again, hoping that one day it could be applied to humans.

Although it seems inspired by the Lucy movie, gene editing also known as biohacking, it is nothing other than correct and repair the cells of the DNA Or, insert the missing cells, which cause genetic diseases as simple as myopia to the diabetes. In addition, they have been shown to have an important benefit in other types of patients such as HIV. Being a new miracle in medicine.

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In a simple explanation, one of the theories of CRISPR, is that genetic diseases are due to damage or absence in the genomic sequence. What the experts do is all engineering work, repairing or inserting the genetic sequence. For example, some genetic diseases such as sclerosis, diabetes or muscular dystrophy are believed to be due toin the absence or damage de a gene X, while biohackers take care of repair it. It is truly fascinating.

However, gene editing therapies in humans are illegal in many countries, in addition to being a potentially controversial issue because it questions the objective of prolonging life and practically playing god. In fact, a group of UNESCO scientists requested the prohibition of any edition of the human germ line since they could lead to actions of baby design .

Twitter: @N_Neandertalien

However, a study of the Ruhr University, in Germany, revives the debate on the future of genetic medicine, by getting a group of hamsters with spinal cord damage to walk again dfter two to three weeks of receiving a new gene therapy, while there is a huge chance that this new treatment will have the same success in humans.

The scientists worked with mice with spinal damage and consequently lost all mobility on both legs. They first began by stimulating the nervous system to identify the damaged gene, after a series of studies, they developed the gene hyperinterleukin-6genetically modified and injected it into the sensory motor cortex and did what they could at the time: wait.

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Being an unpublished study, the consequences could have been diverse, but once the hyper-interleukin-6, achieved adapt to the genetic sequence, for the production of the protein within the cells. Lto protein, or hyperinterleukin-6 (hIL-6), acts assuming a key characteristic Disabling spinal cord injuries, which is damage to nerve fibers known as axons. What is special about our study is that the protein is not only used to stimulate nerve cellss that produce it themselves, but also takes it further (through the brain) , Gave DailyMail, Dr. Dietmar Fischer, who led the study.

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There is no miracle, everything is thanks to science and like all treatment, genetic editing would take time to show the first results. But, after a couple of weeks, the CRISPR worked its magic. All mice managed to recobrar movement body and not only that, Little time they all walked again.

Now the scientists will have to wait to analyze if the mice do not suffer from serious side effects, if so, they will take the next step to study if this gene-editing therapy can be applied in humans, which could save more than five million people in the world who suffer from partial or total paralysis.

It sounds spectacular, we know. But please dont try to play scientist. Gene editing may have grave consequences in humans, if it is practiced in a way experimental. While modified genes are not found in nature, they are designed specifically for genetic engineers with all the knowledge and within a laboratory. Better, if you are interested in the subject and you would like to enter the world of CRISPR, we recommend the Netflix documentary entitled Unnatural Selection

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The story of the hamster that walked again thanks to genetic editing - Explica

Introduction

Elizabethkingia anophelis (E. anophelis) is an aerobic, immotile, oxidase-positive, indole-positive, Gram-negative, non-fermenting bacillus, belonging to the genus Elizabethkingia and the family Flavobacteriaceae, which was first isolated from the midgut of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae in 2011.1 The first clinically significant E. anophelis infection was associated with a case of neonatal meningitis in Bangui, Central African Republic in 2011.2

Thereafter, within the genus Elizabethkingia, E. anophelis has emerged as a major nosocomial pathogen, which can cause severe pneumonia, meningitis, infections of the bloodstream, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, endophthalmitis, skin and soft tissue infection, urinary tract infection and abdominal infection.310,14,15 Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has recently uncovered a wide range of virulence factors contributing to the pathogenesis of E. anophelis, including products of the capsule, lipopolysaccharides, endopeptidases, lipid biosynthesis and metabolism, magnesium transport proteins, macrophage infectivity, heat shock proteins, catalase, peroxidases, superoxide dismutase, two-component regulatory system, and more.5,1820

Extensive research has shown that E. anophelis isolates are resistant to most -lactams, carbapenems and aminoglycosides.4,5,1417 The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens is considered a potential public health hazard, they are widely detected in the environment and their transmission to humans is either by the food chain or via infected animals, poultry, and fish.2629 Furthermore, MDR bacterial pathogens often pose a therapeutic dilemma for clinicians and are therefore associated with a high mortality rate and poor prognosis.

Recently, the incidence of infections caused by the genus Elizabethkingia has increased continuously worldwide, especially those caused by E. anophelis species. A single-hospital study from South Korea reported that there was an increase in the prevalence of Elizabethkingia genus infections among hospitalized patients from 0.02 in 2009 to 0.88 in 2017.9 The first recorded outbreak of E. anophelis infection was from Singapore in 2012, in which three out of five patients died of septicemia.3 Furthermore, during 20142016, several outbreaks have occurred in the Midwestern United States, including Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, in which the patient fatality rate related to E. anophelis infections ranged from 30.8% to 70%.58 Therefore, E. anophelis infection is regarded as profoundly serious and important and should be taken seriously by clinicians.

A recent study indicated that E. anophelis has been continuously misidentified as Elizabethkingia meningoseptica (E. meningoseptica) using conventional methods (API/ID32, Phoenix 100 ID/AST, Vitek 2 and Vitek MS).13 Therefore, most of the previously reported data regarding clinical characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and carbapenem resistance mechanisms of E. anopheles, may be incorrect. To date, however, the susceptibility patterns of E. anophelis isolates have not been reported in Mainland China, especially with data collated using the more robust broth dilution method. Genome-wide analysis has revealed that this multidrug-resistant pathogen carries a class A serine--lactamase, CME, 2 metallo--lactamases, GOB and BlaB, in addition to numerous genes encoding for putative efflux pumps.5,1820 However, no studies have focused on the function of these putative efflux pumps in E. anophelis isolates. In addition, data reporting on risk factors associated with infection and mortality in E. anophelis infected patients may potentially help clinicians identify high-risk patients and help guide future therapeutic strategies.

The present study was therefore initiated to: (i) identify the risk factors associated with E. anophelis infection and in-hospital mortality, (ii) investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and carbapenem resistance mechanisms of E. anophelis isolates and (iii) characterize the function of -lactamases and putative efflux pumps expressed in E. anophelis isolates.

This study used the clinical microbiology database from a 3200-bed university-affiliated medical center (Chongqing, China) to retrospectively collect those strains that were identified as the genus Elizabethkingia between January 2015 and December 2019. Sampling and isolation of bacterial strains were a part of the routine hospital laboratory procedures and microbial identification was performed in the microbiology laboratory using the VITEK2 compact (bioMrieux, Inc., NC, USA) and the VITEK MS (bioMrieux, MO, USA) systems. All strains from the genus Elizabethkingia were stored at 80C in 15% glycerol until use. Complete 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to reconfirm the identity of all isolates. The primers used for amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene are listed in Table S1 in Additional file 1. The sequences were assembled using SeqMan (DNAStar) and compared with publicly available sequences in the NCBI (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) using the BLAST algorithm. Strains were considered to be accurately identified when a strain shared >99.0% 16S rRNA sequence with a type of strain in GenBank. The sequences of 16S rRNA were performed using ClustalW, and the phylogenetic trees were constructed in MEGA7 software using the Neighbor-Joining method.

Electronic medical records of the patients were collected retrospectively and we excluded subjects with the following characteristics: patients with polymicrobial infection and patients admitted for <48 hours. Only the first episode was considered for patients with more than one positive E. anophelis culture. To evaluate the risk factors associated with E. anophelis infection, controls were defined as randomly selected patients with non-E. anophelis infections during the same time (at a 3:1 ratio to the case group). Selected epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment and outcome data were obtained from the electronic medical records. Empirically administering agents to isolates that were not susceptible was defined as inappropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy. Shock was defined as the coexistence of a systolic pressure of <90 mm Hg and organ dysfunction of the respiratory system, liver, or kidneys. Serum total protein content of <60 g/L or albumin content <25 g/L was the criteria used to define hypoproteinemia. Hypokalemia was diagnosed for a serum potassium level <3.5 mmol/L. Systemic steroid use was defined as oral or intravenous administration of at least 20 mg/day of a steroid (prednisone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, or dexamethasone) within 1 month of infection. We defined anemia as a hemoglobin level of <130 g/L in men and <120 g/L in women according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The primary clinical outcome was in-hospital mortality.

The reference broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of all antibiotics in E. anophelis and recombinant strains according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M07-Ed11 (2019). The criterion suggested by the CLSI for other non-Enterobacteriaceae was used to determine the susceptibility of isolates to antibiotics except for ceftazidime/avibactam, aztreonam/avibactam, vancomycin, tigecycline, rifampicin, colistin and fosfomycin. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Enterobacteriaceae criteria were used to interpret isolate susceptibility to tigecycline (resistant MIC 8 g/mL, susceptible MIC 2 g/mL and intermediate MIC = 4 g/mL). The MIC breakpoint applied to vancomycin and rifampicin was adapted from the CLSI criteria for Staphylococcus spp. A MIC of 16/4 g/mL was considered resistant for the combination of ceftazidime/avibactam and aztreonam/avibactam. MICs for colistin were interpreted at susceptible breakpoints of 2 g/mL and resistant breakpoints of >2g/mL according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) Enterobacteriaceae criteria. Likewise, for fosfomycin, we elected to use the susceptible breakpoint of 32 g/mL and resistant breakpoint of >32 g/mL based on EUCAST Enterobacteriaceae criteria. The reference strains Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) were used as negative controls and quality controls for antibiotic susceptibility testing.

The presence of the carbapenemase genes (blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaNDM, blaBlaB, blaGOB and blaOXA-48-like) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCME and blaCTX-M) were confirmed by touch-down PCR assays and sequencing. Touch-down PCR amplification was performed using a thermal cycler (Applied Biosystems VeritiPro PCR, CA, USA) under the following cycling conditions: Initial step of 95C for 3 min, followed by 8 cycles of 92C for 20 sec, with annealing temperatures starting at 68C for 20 sec (decreasing 2C/cycle), and with a final extension at 72C for 30 sec; this step was followed by 21 cycles of 92C for 20 sec, 55C for 20 sec, 72C for 30 sec, and finally, 72Cfor 5 min. DNA sequencing was performed using an Applied Biosystems 3730 DNA Analyzer.

We amplified the full-length coding sequences (CDSs) of the genes using specific primers flanked by restriction sites (EcoRI, XhoI or BamHI). These included genes encoding for blaCME, blaBlaB, blaGOB, CzcABC family efflux RND transporter, Efflux ABC transporter (ATP-binding protein), the MATE family of MDR efflux pumps, small multidrug resistance family (SMR) proteins and MFS-type transporter. Amplified PCR fragments were purified and cloned into the corresponding sites within the pET-28a plasmid and then electroporated into BL21 competent E. coli. Positive clones were verified by PCR and sequencing. The sets of primers used for amplification and sequencing of target genes are provided in Table S1 in Additional file 1.

The data were evaluated using SPSS statistical software (version 22.0, IBM). Data are presented as counts (proportions) for categorical variables. Direct comparisons between two groups were determined using the 2 test or Fishers exact test. Means ( standard deviation) were used to express normally distributed continuous variables and the median ( inter-quartile range) was calculated for non-normally distributed variables. Comparisons between two groups were conducted using Students t-test for normally distributed variables or a MannWhitney U-test for non-normally distributed variables. To evaluate independent risk factors for the infection and in-hospital mortality of E. anophelis isolates, we examined all plausible variables using a univariate analysis. Risk factors with a P value <0.1 as detected by the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate logistic-regression model with the enter method. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined for each risk factor of infection and in-hospital mortality. A two-tailed P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The Institutional Review Board and Ethics Committee of Chongqing Medical University approved this study (approval number: 2020703). The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. The collection of culture isolates and collation of anonymous clinical data was in accordance with the approved clinical practice guidelines. The need to give informed consent for this study was waived by the Institutional Review Board due to the nature of the retrospective analysis with no individual patient identifiers.

A total of 59 non duplicated Elizabethkingia isolates were collected from the clinical microbiology laboratory for microbial trait investigation. Full 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on 59 Elizabethkingia clinical strains. After comparison with available sequences in the NCBI using BLAST, 16S rRNA sequencing showed that 39 (69.6%) isolates were identified as Elizabethkingia anophelis R26. The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA showed the genetic relationship among Elizabethkingia anophelis (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Phylogenetic tree showing the relationship of the 39 E. anophelis isolates using 16S rRNA gene sequence. Bootstrap support value above branches, the scale bar indicates the number of substitutions per site.

Of the E. anophelis isolates with a documented site of infection, 18 (46.2%) were from the respiratory tract, eight (20.5%) were from the urinary tract, six (15.4%) from blood, three (7.7%) from cerebrospinal fluid, and four were from peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, conjunctival sac, and the cornea (Table 5). From January 2015 to December 2019, 39 E. anophelis samples were isolated from 39 consecutive patients who were enrolled in the study. These patients consisted of 21 males (53.8%) and 18 females (46.2%) with a median age of 61.

Notably, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the most frequent comorbidity (76.9%), followed by anemia (66.7%). The empirical antibiotics used in the 39 patients included carbapenems (38.5%), -lactam/lactamase inhibitors (33.3%), -lactams (30.8%), teicoplanin (25.6%), levofloxacin (17.9%), aminoglycosides (17.9%), minocycline (12.8%) and antibiotics administered either alone or in combination (Table 5), and 84.6% of these empirical antibiotic therapies were deemed as inappropriate antibiotic use. Overall, the in-hospital mortality rate of patients with E. anophelis infection was 51.3%. Furthermore, -lactam/lactamase inhibitor antibiotics were used significantly more in patients who did not survive (P = 0.041).

Compared to the non-E. anophelis infection controls, the potential risk factors for the acquisition of E. anophelis infections are shown in Tables 1 and 2. Univariate analysis indicated that hypertension, cerebrovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal diseases, surgery in the past 6 months, anemia, hypoproteinemia, and hypokalemia were significantly more frequent in patients with E. anophelis infections (P < 0.05). There was also a positive correlation between patient age and their likelihood of acquiring an E. anophelis infection (P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, coronary artery diseases (OR 5.81, 95% CI: 1.0930.93, P = 0.039), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 6.71, 95% CI: 1.5528.99, P = 0.011), surgery in the past 6 months (OR 18.04, 95% CI: 3.2998.87, P = 0.001), anemia (OR 6.72, 95% CI: 1.1240.42, P = 0.038) and systemic steroid use (OR 9.87, 95% CI: 1.3074.94, P = 0.027) were independent risk factors for the acquisition of an E. anophelis infection.

Table 1 Univariate Analysis of Clinical Features of Patients Infected with E. anophelis Isolates

Table 2 Multivariate Analysis of Clinical Features of Patients Infected with E. anophelis Isolates

Univariate and multivariate logistic-regression analysis results for the factors associated with in-hospital mortality are shown in Table 3. Univariate analysis showed that cerebrovascular disease (P = 0.035), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.020), nasogastric tube insertion (P = 0.008) and anemia (P = 0.002) were associated with a higher mortality rate. Using further multivariate analysis, anemia (OR 86.38, 95% CI: 1.425251.29; P = 0.033) was identified as the only independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in patients with E. anophelis infections.

Table 3 Risk Factors Associated with In-Hospital Mortality

The susceptibility of the 39 E. anophelis isolates to the antimicrobial agents tested in this study is shown in Table 4. The isolates showed high in-vitro susceptibility towards minocycline (100%), and piperacillin/tazobactam (71.8%) but with lower in-vitro susceptibility towards levofloxacin (38.5%), ciprofloxacin (30.8%), rifampicin (20.5%), piperacillin (17.9%) and tigecycline (10.3%). The MIC50, MIC90 and MIC range for minocycline on the isolates were 0.5, 1, and 0.251 g/mL, respectively, whereas the MIC50, MIC90 and MIC range for piperacillin/tazobactam were 16, 32, and 464 g/mL, respectively. All isolates displayed resistance to vancomycin, ceftazidime, cefepime, aztreonam, ceftazidime/clavulanic acid, cefepime/clavulanic acid, colistin and fosfomycin according to the breakpoints used. It is worth noting that while all isolates produced the MBLs BlaB and GOB, aztreonam/avibactam could not further inhibit growth.

Table 4 Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of E. Anophelis Isolates Determined by the Broth Microdilution Method

PCR experiments were used to detect the presence of blaGOB and blaBlaB in 37 isolates, and blaCME -lactamase genes in 36 isolates from the original 39 E. anophelis isolates (Table 5 and Figure 2). Sequence alignments showed that E. anophelis strains harbored two types of the blaCME gene, blaCME-1 (n = 34) and blaCME-2 (n = 2), eight types of the blaBlaB gene, including blaBlaB-29 (17), blaBlaB-2 (7), blaBlaB-1 (5), blaBlaB-17 (3), blaBlaB-3 (1), blaBlaB-9 (1), blaBlaB-33 (1) and blaBlaB-34 (1), and eight types of the blaGOB gene, including blaGOB-38 (19), blaGOB-20 (8), blaGOB-32 (3), blaGOB-50 (3), blaGOB-39 (1), blaGOB-4 (1), blaGOB-40 (1) and blaGOB-45 (1). The most detected combination of -lactamases was CME-1 + BlaB-29 + GOB-38 (n = 17).

Table 5 Empirical Antimicrobial Therapy in Patients Infected with E. anophelis Isolates

Figure 2 (A) Electrophoretic pattern of BlaB gene (759 bp); M: 1002000 bp DNA ladder; Lanes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9: positive E. anophelis strains; Lanes 4: negative E. anophelis strain. (B) Electrophoretic pattern of CME gene (912 bp); M: 1002000 bp DNA ladder; Lanes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8: positive E. anophelis strains; Lanes 5, 9: negative E. anophelis strains. (C) Electrophoretic pattern of GOB gene (885 bp); M: 1002000 bp DNA ladder; Lanes 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9: positive E. anophelis strains; Lanes 3, 6: negative E. anophelis strains.

We also investigated the presence of other -lactamase genes, however, none of the 39 E. anophelis isolates harbored carbapenemase genes (blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaNDM and blaOXA-48-like) or ESBL genes (blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX-M).

To further evaluate the function of -lactamases, the most prevalent forms of blaCME, blaBlaB and blaGOB genes from E. anophelis isolates were cloned into a pET28a(+) plasmid vector. We also amplified and cloned genes encoding putative efflux pump proteins including the CzcABC family efflux RND transporter, Efflux ABC transporter (ATP-binding protein), MATE family members of the MDR efflux pump, small multidrug resistance family (SMR) proteins and MFS-type transporter. These plasmids were transformed into BL21 (DE3) E.coli and the MICs of the common antibiotics were tested in the resultant strains. The strain transformed with pET-CME displayed an increased MIC for ampicillin, piperacillin, cefazolin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone and aztreonam when compared to the pET28a(+) vector construct. This suggests that the extended-spectrum serine--lactamase CME is functionally involved in cephalosporin and monobactam resistance (Table 6). The MIC for imipenem increased 32-fold (from 0.125 to 4 g/mL) in the presence of the pET-BlaB construct and 16-fold (from 0.125 to 2 g/mL) in the presence of the pET-GOB construct. This suggests that the MBLs BlaB and GOB, are responsible for increased imipenem resistance (Table 6). Along with the increase in imipenem resistance, the pET-BlaB and pET-GOB constructs also conferred an increased MIC for ampicillin, piperacillin, cefazolin, cefuroxime, and ceftazidime. This indicates that the MBLs BlaB and GOB can also degrade ampicillin, piperacillin, cefazolin, cefuroxime, and ceftazidime (Table 6). All the efflux pump transformants tested, including pET-ABC, pET-MFS, pET-MATE, pET-SMR and pET-RND did not result in increased MICs for any of the antibiotics tested (Table 6).

Table 6 The Antibiotic Susceptibilities of BL21 (DE3) E. coli Expressing CME, BlaB, GOB, Putative Efflux Proteins or the pET28a(+) Vector

Infection with E. anophelis in humans is increasing in many countries and there have been several reports of E. anophelis outbreaks in the community and nosocomial environment in Singapore and the Midwestern United States, including Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.310 However, as suggested previously, E. anophelis is commonly misidentified as E. meningoseptica when using biochemical identification methodologies or automated identification systems in clinical settings. Therefore, data regarding the clinical features, clinical prognosis, and the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of E. anophelis could be skewed. For these reasons, we have, for the first time identified the risk factors associated with the acquisition of E. anophelis and we have found that anemia is an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in patients with E. anophelis infections. Moreover, we demonstrate for the first time that various putative efflux pumps found in E. anophelis do not alter antimicrobial resistance and therefore, do not possess a drug efflux function. -Lactamases were commonly found in E. anophelis isolates and the MBLs BlaB and GOB, are responsible for carbapenem resistance, whereas the ESBL, CME is functionally involved in resistance to cephalosporins and monobactams.

In the present study, we initially explored risk factors associated with E. anophelis infection and using multivariate analysis, we found that coronary artery diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, surgery in the past 6 months, anemia and systemic steroid use were independently associated with E. anophelis infection. Previous studies have suggested that patients with E. anophelis infection could have greater underlying comorbidities and this study is the first to provide a statistical analysis to support this hypothesis.310 Moreover, surgery in the past 6 months, anemia and systemic steroid use are known to compromise the immune status of the patients. Therefore, these patients are more vulnerable to the acquisition of E. anophelis infection in the same hospital environment.

In previous reports, the case fatality rate of patients with E. anophelis infection ranged from 24% to 60% in different countries.414 In line with this, our study showed that the in-hospital mortality rate of patients with an E. anophelis infection was 51.3%. We, therefore, went on to explored the factors influencing this mortality. When compared with the only previous study investigating risk factors for mortality,10 our study demonstrated that anemia was the only independent predictor of mortality in patients infected with E. anophelis, a factor which has not been reported previously and these patients may present as anemic because of the hemolytic activity of E. anophelis. Several studies have reported that this bacterium can lyse erythrocytes to access essential nutrients (such as amino acids) using hemolysins and heme-degrading proteins.2022 This process may alter the host's physiological status and compromise the immune system, thereby worsening the patient prognosis with E. anophelis. Therefore, anemic patients with a confirmed E. anophelis infection should be considered as higher risk and should be given greater scrutiny and special care. Unexpectedly, inadequate antibiotic therapy was not associated with mortality, this is probably because of the small sample size of infected patients in our study.

Published information concerning the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of E. anophelis, identified using reliable methods is limited. Studies from Singapore and Taiwan have demonstrated that E. anophelis was resistant to carbapenems, -lactams, -lactam/-lactam inhibitor and aminoglycosides.1416 However, previous research showed that the susceptibility of E. anophelis to fluoroquinolones, tigecycline, piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was variable.46,10,17 Using a disk diffusion or agar dilution test, studies from Hong Kong, South Korea and the USA reported the following susceptibilities of E. anophelis to ciprofloxacin (22%100%), levofloxacin (29%96%), piperacillin (41.1%100%), piperacillin-tazobactam (92%), vancomycin (0%100%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (22%70.6%).4,5,17 However, when using the broth microdilution test, researchers from Taiwan and Singapore showed the following susceptibilities of E. anophelis to ciprofloxacin (1%21.5%), levofloxacin (16%78.5%), piperacillin (19.4%), piperacillin-tazobactam (30.6%92.4%), vancomycin (0%), tigecycline (5.1%26.4%), minocycline (97.5%100%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (4%92.4%).1416 As shown above, there are huge discrepancies in the susceptibility levels of E. anophelis to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, piperacillin, and vancomycin when comparing the disk diffusion or agar dilution tests and the broth microdilution test. This suggests that the susceptibility of E. anophelis seen using the disk diffusion test or agar dilution test may be unreliable and inaccurate, as the broth microdilution test represents the gold-standard method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

There are also obvious differences in the susceptibility of E. anophelis to antibacterial agents when the standard broth microdilution test is used. A possible explanation for this inconsistency is that natural geographical differences cause variation in the susceptibility patterns observed in previous studies. It is therefore necessary to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility of E. anophelis in local areas as a guide to antibiotic selection. Our study showed the following susceptibility of E. anophelis to various treatments: minocycline (100%), piperacillin-tazobactam (71.8%), levofloxacin (38.5%), ciprofloxacin (30.8%), piperacillin (17.9%), rifampicin (20.5%) and tigecycline (10.3%). All isolates displayed resistance to ceftazidime, cefepime, aztreonam, ceftazidime/clavulanic acid, cefepime/clavulanic acid, colistin and fosfomycin, according to the breakpoints used. Most of the antimicrobial susceptibility results in this study are consistent with those of previous studies performed using the broth microdilution test. These results suggest that antimicrobial therapy for E. anophelis should prioritize minocycline or piperacillin-tazobactam. However, in our study, patients in the non-survival group were treated with significantly more -lactam/lactamase inhibitor antibiotics as compared to the survival group (P = 0.041). This observation indicates that piperacillin-tazobactam is not an effective treatment for E. anophelis infections. This study was limited by the fact that antimicrobial susceptibility in-vitro does not equate to in-vivo clinical efficacy. Therefore, large prospective clinical trials are urgently needed to validate therapeutic recommendations.

In this study, we screened for the presence of carbapenemase genes (blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaNDM, blaBlaB, blaGOB and blaOXA-48-like) and ESBL genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCME and blaCTX-M) in all 39 E. anophelis isolates. No carbapenemase genes (blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaNDM and blaOXA-48-like) or ESBL genes (blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX-M) were detected in any isolates. However, we identified 35 (89.7%) isolates co-harboring blaGOB, blaBlaB and blaCME -lactamase genes. The most detected combination of -lactamases was CME-1, BlaB-29, and GOB-38 (n = 17).

To further evaluate the function of -lactamases, recombinant strains harboring either blaCME, blaBlaB or blaGOB were constructed. The transformed strain expressing CMEs displayed an increased MIC for ampicillin, piperacillin, cefazolin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone and aztreonam as compared to the pET28a(+) vector construct. This suggests that the ESBL CME is functionally involved in resistance to cephalosporins and monobactams. The MIC for imipenem increased 32-fold (from 0.125 to 4 g/mL) in the presence of the BlaB-expressing construct and 16-fold (from 0.125 to 2 g/mL) in the presence of the GOB-expressing construct. This suggests that the metallo--lactamases BlaB and GOB are responsible for the observed carbapenem resistance.

Aztreonam/avibactam is a novel class of combinational -lactamase-inhibitor, designed to treat serious infections of metallo--lactamase (MBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria, which is currently in Phase I clinical trials (NCT01689207). Aztreonam is relatively stable against MBL hydrolysis, however, it is easily inactivated by class A (eg, KPC), class C (eg, AmpC) and certain class D (eg, OXA-48) serine--lactamase enzymes.23 Avibactam potently inhibits class A, class C and certain class D serine--lactamase enzymes and displays a broader -lactamase inhibition profile than other -lactamase inhibitors.23 When in combination, aztreonam/avibactam is effective against isolates co-producing ESBLs and MBLs with porin loss/deficiency.24 However, it was quite unexpected that E. anophelis is resistant to aztreonam/avibactam according to our experimental results.

Genomic annotation of all Elizabethkingia spp. reveals that besides -lactamases, there are also numerous putative efflux pump proteins including CzcABC family efflux RND transporter, Efflux ABC transporter (ATP-binding protein), MATE family of MDR efflux pumps, small multidrug resistance family (SMR) proteins and MFS-type transporter. Interestingly, however, none of these transporters have been phenotypically characterized.5,1820 It was, therefore, critical to investigate the function of these putative efflux pumps. Our data showed that all recombinant efflux pump strains including pET-ABC, pET-MFS, pET-MATE, pET-SMR and pET-RND did not result in increased MICs for -lactam and non--lactam antibiotics. These results suggest that the putative efflux pump genes from E. anophelis are not responsible for antimicrobial drug resistance. Similarly, Schindler et al cloned and expressed 21 putative efflux pump genes in Staphylococcus aureus which had no effect on any of the antibiotics tested.25 In summary, we demonstrate for the first time that the various putative efflux pumps found in E. anophelis do not possess antimicrobial drug efflux function.

There were some limitations to our study; however, firstly, the small sample size from the single-center study prevented its translation to the wider population. However, the identification of both a carbapenem resistance mechanism and the susceptibility profile of the drug-resistant E. anophelis are of great clinical importance and warrant an urgent, wider, in-depth study. Secondly, no further investigation into the clonality of these isolates was performed, so that the possibility of infection outbreaks cannot be ruled out.

In conclusion, this study provided a detailed report of risk factors, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and carbapenem resistance mechanisms in E. anophelis clinical isolates from one medical center in Southwest China. Our data showed that patients with anemia, coronary artery diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or patients who have received systemic steroids or surgery in the past 6 months are more likely to acquire an E. anophelis infection. Furthermore, patients with anemia have a worse prognosis and therefore require more attention and special care from clinicians. The collected clinical isolates exhibited remarkable multidrug resistance to colistin, fosfomycin, aztreonam/avibactam and tigecycline, which are all regarded as last-resort treatments for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, while minocycline is the most effective antibiotic against E. anophelis in-vitro. Mechanistic analysis revealed that carbapenem resistance is associated with the hydrolytic activity of the MBLs BlaB and GOB and is not associated with various putative efflux pumps expressed in E. anophelis. Future in-vivo and prospective clinical trials are urgently needed to determine optimal antimicrobial agent efficacies based on in-vitro drug susceptibility testing results and resistance mechanisms.

This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing (No.cstc2019jcyj-msxmX0253). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript.

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

1. Kampfer P, Matthews H, Glaeser SP, Martin K, Lodders N, Faye I. Elizabethkingia anophelis sp. nov., isolated from the midgut of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2011;61(Pt11):26702675. doi:10.1099/ijs.0.026393-0

2. Frank T, Gody JC, Nguyen LB, et al. First case of Elizabethkingia anophelis meningitis in the Central African Republic. Lancet. 2013;381(9880):1876. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60318-9

3. Teo J, Tan SY, Tay M, et al. First case of E anophelis outbreak in an intensive-care unit. Lancet. 2013;382(9895):855856. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61858-9

4. Lau SK, Chow WN, Foo CH, et al. Elizabethkingia anophelis bacteremia is associated with clinically significant infections and high mortality. Sci Rep. 2016;6:26045. doi:10.1038/srep26045

5. Perrin A, Larsonneur E, Nicholson AC, et al. Evolutionary dynamics and genomic features of the Elizabethkingia anophelis 2015 to 2016 Wisconsin outbreak strain. Nat Commun. 2017;8:15483. doi:10.1038/ncomms15483

6. Navon L, Clegg WJ, Morgan J, et al. Notes from the field: investigation of Elizabethkingia anophelis cluster - Illinois, 20142016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2016;65(48):13801381. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6548a6

7. Wisconsin department of health services: Elizabethkingia. Available from: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/elizabethkingia.htm. Accessed April 17, 2017.

8. CDC. Elizabethkingia, recent outbreaks. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/elizabethkingia/outbreaks/. Accessed December 26, 2016.

9. Choi MH, Kim M, Jeong SJ, et al. Risk factors for Elizabethkingia acquisition and clinical characteristics of patients, South Korea. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(1):4251. doi:10.3201/eid2501.171985

10. Lin JN, Lai CH, Yang CH, Huang YH, Lin HH. Clinical manifestations, molecular characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and contributions of target gene mutation to fluoroquinolone resistance in Elizabethkingia anophelis. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2018;73(9):24972502. doi:10.1093/jac/dky197

11. Janda JM, Lopez DL. Mini review: new pathogen profiles: Elizabethkingia anophelis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2017;88(2):201205. doi:10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2017.03.007

12. Lin JN, Lai CH, Yang CH, Huang YH. Elizabethkingia infections in humans: from genomics to clinics. Microorganisms. 2019;7(9):295. doi:10.3390/microorganisms7090295

13. Lin JN, Lai CH, Yang CH, Huang YH, Lin HF, Lin HH. Comparison of four automated microbiology systems with 16S rRNA gene sequencing for identification of Chryseobacterium and Elizabethkingia species. Sci Rep. 2017;7(1):13824. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-14244-9

14. Lin JN, Lai CH, Yang CH, Huang YH. Comparison of clinical manifestations, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and mutations of fluoroquinolone target genes between Elizabethkingia meningoseptica and Elizabethkingia anophelis isolated in Taiwan. J Clin Med. 2018;7(12):538. doi:10.3390/jcm7120538

15. Chew KL, Cheng B, Lin RTP, Teo JWP. Elizabethkingia anophelis is the dominant Elizabethkingia species found in blood cultures in Singapore. J Clin Microbiol. 2018;56(3). doi:10.1128/JCM.01445-17

16. Cheng YH, Perng CL, Jian MJ, et al. Multicentre study evaluating matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry for identification of clinically isolated Elizabethkingia species and analysis of antimicrobial susceptibility. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2019;25(3):340345. doi:10.1016/j.cmi.2018.04.015

17. Han MS, Kim H, Lee Y, et al. Relative prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of clinical isolates of Elizabethkingia species based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. J Clin Microbiol. 2017;55(1):274280. doi:10.1128/JCM.01637-16

18. Lin JN, Lai CH, Yang CH, Huang YH, Lin HH. Genomic features, phylogenetic relationships, and comparative genomics of Elizabethkingia anophelis strain EM361-97 isolated in Taiwan. Sci Rep. 2017;7(1):14317. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-14841-8

19. Breurec S, Criscuolo A, Diancourt L, et al. Genomic epidemiology and global diversity of the emerging bacterial pathogen Elizabethkingia anophelis. Sci Rep. 2016;6:30379. doi:10.1038/srep30379

20. Li Y, Liu Y, Chew SC, et al. Complete genome sequence and transcriptomic analysis of the novel pathogen Elizabethkingia anophelis in response to oxidative stress. Genome Biol Evol. 2015;7(6):16761685. doi:10.1093/gbe/evv101

21. Chen S, Bagdasarian M, Walker ED. Elizabethkingia anophelis: molecular manipulation and interactions with mosquito hosts. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2015;81(6):22332243. doi:10.1128/AEM.03733-14

22. Kukutla P, Lindberg BG, Pei D, et al. Insights from the genome annotation of Elizabethkingia anophelis from the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. PLoS One. 2014;9(5):e97715. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0097715

23. Wong D, van Duin D. Novel beta-lactamase inhibitors: unlocking their potential in therapy. Drugs. 2017;77(6):615628. doi:10.1007/s40265-017-0725-1

24. Zou H, Xiong SJ, Lin QX, Wu ML, Niu SQ, Huang SF. CP-CRE/non-CP-CRE stratification and CRE resistance mechanism determination help in better managing CRE bacteremia using ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam-avibactam. Infect Drug Resist. 2019;12:30173027. doi:10.2147/IDR.S219635

25. Schindler BD, Frempong-Manso E, DeMarco CE, et al. Analyses of multidrug efflux pump-like proteins encoded on the Staphylococcus aureus chromosome. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2015;59(1):747748. doi:10.1128/AAC.04678-14

26. Makharita RR, El-Kholy I, Hetta HF, et al. Antibiogram and genetic characterization of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative pathogens incriminated in healthcare-associated infections. Infect Drug Resist. 2020;13:39914002. doi:10.2147/IDR.S276975

27. Algammal AM, Mabrok M, Sivaramasamy E, et al. Emerging MDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa in fish commonly harbor oprL and toxA virulence genes and blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and tetA antibiotic-resistance genes. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):15961. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-72264-4

28. Algammal AM, Enany ME, El-Tarabili RM, Ghobashy MOI, Helmy YA. Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profiles, virulence and enterotoxins-determinant genes of MRSA isolated from subclinical bovine mastitis in Egypt. Pathogens. 2020;9(5):362. doi:10.3390/pathogens9050362

29. Enany ME, Algammal AM, Nasef SA, et al. The occurrence of the multidrug resistance (MDR) and the prevalence of virulence genes and QACs resistance genes in E. coli isolated from environmental and avian sources. AMB Express. 2019;9(1):192. doi:10.1186/s13568-019-0920-4

Originally posted here:
[Full text] MBLs, Rather Than Efflux Pumps, Led to Carbapenem Resistance in Fosfom | IDR - Dove Medical Press

Attempts to identify the genetic causes of neuropsychiatric diseases such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through large-scale genome-wide analyses have yielded thousands of potential links. The challenge is further complicated by the wide range of symptoms exhibited by those who have PTSD. For instance, does extreme arousal, anger, or irritation experienced by some have the same genetic basis as the tendency to re-experience traumatic events, another symptom of the disorder?

A new study led by researchers at Yale and the University of California-San Diego (UCSD) provides answers to some of these questions and uncovers intriguing genetic similarities between PTSD and other mental health disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

The findings also suggest that existing drugs commonly used for other disorders might be modified to help treat individual symptoms of multiple disorders.

The complexity is still there, but this study helped us chip away at it, said co-senior author Joel Gelernter, theFoundations Fund Professor of Psychiatry and professor of genetics and neurobiology at Yale.

The study was publishedJan. 28 in the journal Nature Genetics.

For the study, the researchers analyzed the complete genomes of more than 250,000 participants in theMillion Veteran Program, a national research program of the U.S. Veterans Administration that studies how genes, lifestyle, and military experiences affect the health and illness of military veterans. Among those participants were approximately 36,000 diagnosed with PTSD.

But instead of looking just for gene variants shared by PTSD patients, they also searched for variants that have been linked to three kinds of clinical symptoms that are experienced, to varying degrees, by those diagnosed with the disorder. These symptom groups, or subdomains, include the re-experience of a traumatic event, hyperarousal or acute anger and irritability, and the avoidance of people or subjects that might be related to past trauma.

While the researchers found underlying genetic commonalities among all three symptom groups, they also discovered specific variants linked to only one or two of the symptoms.

We found a remarkably high degree of genetic relatedness between these three symptom subdomains. But we also wouldnt expect them to be genetically identical, and they are not, Gelernter said. We found biological support for different clinical presentations of PTSD.

The research also showed that some these variants found in subgroups of patient symptoms are also linked to other disorders such as major depression. The results suggest drugs used to treat other disorders might also help treat of PTSD.

Our research pointed to some medications that are currently marketed for other disease states and could be repurposed for PTSD, said co-senior author Murray Stein, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Public Health at UC-San Diego.

Intriguingly, some of the variants linked to all PTSD symptoms have been associated with other neuropsychiatric disorders. For instance, PTSD-associated variants of the geneMAD1L1,which helps regulate cell cycling, have also been linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

These observations, and the recent finding of GWS [genomewide-significant] association with anxietysuggest thatMAD1L1may be a general risk factor for psychopathology, the authors write.

Read this article:
Genetic analysis of symptoms yields new insights into PTSD - Yale News

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --The ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting will be a fully virtual meeting in 2021 and continues to provide groundbreaking research and the latest advances in medical genetics, genomics and personalized medicine. To be held April 1316, experience four days of professional growth, education, networking and collaboration with colleagues from around the world and discover what's shaping the future of genetics and genomics, including several sessions on COVID-19. The 2021 ACMG Meeting Virtual Experience is designed to offer a variety of engaging and interactive educational formats and types of sessionsfrom Scientific Sessions and Workshops to TED-Style Talks, Case-based Sessions, Platform Presentations and Short Courses. The 2021 ACMG Meeting Virtual Experience has something for everyone on the genetics healthcare team and will be available to participate in from the convenience of your home or office.

Interview those at the forefront in medical genetics and genomics, connect with new sources, and get story ideas on the clinical practice of genetics and genomics in healthcare today and for the future. Learn how genetics and genomics research is being integrated and applied into medical practice. Topics include COVID-19, gene editing, cancer genetics, molecular genomics, exome sequencing, pre- and perinatal genetics, diversity/equity and inclusion, biochemical/metabolic genetics, genetic counseling, health services and implementation, legal and ethical issues, therapeutics and more.

Credentialed media representatives on assignment are invited to cover the ACMG Annual Meeting A Virtual Experience on a complimentary basis. Contact Kathy Moran, MBA at [emailprotected]for the Press Registration Invitation Code, which will be needed to register at http://www.acmgmeeting.net.

Abstracts of presentations will be available online in February.

A few 2021 ACMG Annual Meeting highlights include:

Program Highlights:

Two Short Courses Available Starting on Tuesday, April 13:

Cutting-Edge Scientific Concurrent Sessions:

Social Media for the 2021 ACMG Meeting Virtual Experience: As the ACMG Annual Meeting approaches, journalists can stay up to date on new sessions and information by following the ACMG social media pages on Facebook,Twitterand Instagramand by usingthe hashtag #ACMGMtg21 for meeting-related tweets and posts.

The ACMG Annual Meeting website has extensive information at http://www.acmgmeeting.net and will be updated as new information becomes available.

About the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (ACMGF)

Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) is the only nationally recognized medical society dedicated to improving health through the clinical practice of medical genetics and genomics and the only medical specialty society in the US that represents the full spectrum of medical genetics disciplines in a single organization. The ACMG is the largest membership organization specifically for medical geneticists, providing education, resources and a voice for more than 2,400 clinical and laboratory geneticists, genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals, nearly 80% of whom are board certified in the medical genetics specialties. ACMG's mission is to improve health through the clinical and laboratory practice of medical genetics as well as through advocacy, education and clinical research, and to guide the safe and effective integration of genetics and genomics into all of medicine and healthcare, resulting in improved personal and public health. Four overarching strategies guide ACMG's work: 1) to reinforce and expand ACMG's position as the leader and prominent authority in the field of medical genetics and genomics, including clinical research, while educating the medical community on the significant role that genetics and genomics will continue to play in understanding, preventing, treating and curing disease; 2) to secure and expand the professional workforce for medical genetics and genomics; 3) to advocate for the specialty; and 4) to provide best-in-class education to members and nonmembers. Genetics in Medicine, published monthly, is the official ACMG journal. ACMG's website (www.acmg.net) offers resources including policy statements, practice guidelines, educational programs and a 'Find a Genetic Service' tool. The educational and public health programs of the ACMG are dependent upon charitable gifts from corporations, foundations and individuals through the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine.

Kathy Moran, MBA[emailprotected]

SOURCE American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics

http://www.acmg.net

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Press Registration Is Now Open for the 2021 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting - A Virtual Experience - PRNewswire

Huntsville Hospital and Kailos Genetics are teaming up to offer COVID-19 testing for businesses. Basically, all they have to do is sign up and get tested.

Troy Moore with Kailos Genetics said they're making it easy for businesses to reduce outbreaks in an office.

"The Huntsville hospital staff comes on sight and they perform the collection, and then, they bring the samples back to Kailoss lab over at HudsonAlpha," said Moore.

Businesses can sign up for weekly sentinel testing. Kailos Genetics created a viral wash as a less invasive way to get tested for COVID-19. You will get the results back within four days.

The CEO of Huntsville Hospital, David Spillers, said testing for the virus is vital.

If anything, I think testing has become more important going forward than it has been in the past, particularly with these new strains," he said.

The testing Kailos Genetics uses is able to detect both the COVID-19 we've been seeing and the new variants. Moore said consistent testing is key to reducing COVID-19 in a workplace.

What were looking for is to identify those that are carrying the virus, or have been exposed but arent showing symptoms yet, take them back out before they spread it to others, or catch those people that have been exposed very early so they dont, you know, obviously dont spread it to more," Moore said.

Moore said they will discuss with the businesses how frequently they should do sentinel testing based on individual risk factors.

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Huntsville Hospital, Kailos Genetics work to prevent coronavirus outbreaks in the workplace - WAAY

New York, Jan. 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Animal Genetics Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Product, Genetic Material, and Services and Geography." - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06010023/?utm_source=GNW However, the market is likely to get impacted by the limited number of skilled professionals in veterinary research and stringent government regulations for animal genetics during the forecast period.

The branch of genetics that deals with the study of gene variation and inheritance in companion, domestic and wild animals is called as animal genetics.Animal genetics are used for genetic trait testing, DNA testing, and genetic disease treatment.

Animal genetics is one of the best mainstays of livestock development (alongside animal nutrition, animal health, and husbandry concerns such as housing). According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, it is a wide field, ranging from characterization to maintenance to genetic improvement, and involves activities at local, national, regional, and global scales.Increasing population and rapid urbanization across the world has resulted in growing preference for animal derived food products such as dairy products and meat that contain high protein.The demand for animal derived proteins and food products, which, in turn drives the growth of animal genetics market.

Growing focus on developing superior animal breeds using genetic engineering to obtain high reproduction rates for large-scale production of modified breeds is expected to drive animal genetics market during the forecast period.Based on product, the market is segmented into poultry, porcine, bovine, canine, and others.The porcine segment held the largest share of the market in 2019, whereas the same segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.

Growth of this segment is attributed to rise in production of porcine and increase in pork consumption across the globe.Based on genetic material, the market is segmented into semen and embryo. The embryo segment held the largest share of the market in 2019, and the semen segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.COVID-19 pandemic has become the most significant challenge across the world.This challenge would be frightening, especially in developing countries across the globe, as it may lead to reducing imports due to disruptions in global trade, which further increases the shortages of meat and dairy product supplies, resulting in a considerable price increase.

Asian countries such as China, South Korea, and India are severely affected due to COVID-19 outbreak.The World Health Organization, Food and Drug Administration, American Pet Products Association, American Veterinary Medical Cattle Health, and Welfare Group for Disease Control and Prevention are among the major primary and secondary sources referred for preparing this report.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06010023/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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Animal Genetics Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Product, Genetic Material, and Services and Geography. -...

Fiona the hippopotamus could play a major role in her species' rebound. The world-famous hippo, who turns 4 this week at the Cincinnati Zoo, has genetics that are pretty valuable, her zookeepers said. She could play a critical role in bringing back a threatened species. Hippos are listed as a vulnerable, meaning they face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Officially, threatened species are those listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable. Hippos are listed as vulnerable due to widespread poaching for meat and ivory, as well as human encroachment. It is the eventual goal to have Fiona breed in an effort to increase her species' numbers, but the timeline on when she will be able to breed remains murky.We anticipate that she will not be sexually mature until about 5 or 6 years old maybe even later than that because Fiona was a preemie, said Wendy Rice, head keeper of Africa Department at Cincinnati Zoo.Fiona was thrust into the spotlight due to her remarkable survival story. Born six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo on Jan. 24, 2017, Fiona weighed only 29 pounds at birth 25 pounds less than the lowest recorded birth weight for her species. But she has rebounded from near-death, now weighing a whopping 1,600 pounds, consistent with a normal hippo her age. Fiona has a long way to go until shes considered full grown. But shes on track and making gains every day, Rice said.Already, Cincinnati's once-baby hippo has reached a certain level of maturity. And, when she's ready, Fiona will likely attempt to breed.Her fate and her love interest will likely be determined by the Hippo Species Survival Plan, a cooperation of all zoos across the United States that house hippos and breed them. The group shares information about captive populations in order to maintain genetic diversity.With Fiona being Henrys only living offspring, her genetics are fairly valuable in that theyre not well represented in the population that we have," Rice said. "Its very likely that she will get a recommendation to breed someday.So what happens then? It's highly unlikely that Fiona would move away from Cincinnati, Rice said. Instead, expect a male suitor to arrive in the Queen City.If and when she gets a recommendation for a breeding partner, theres a really good chance that the boy would have to come to Cincinnati. We do not want to have our princess leave Cincinnati, and the whole city would probably riot if she moved away.But we're still talking at least a year -- probably more -- down the road. In the meantime, Fiona will focus on growing. Right now, Rice said Fiona is probably the human equivalent of a pre-teen girl. She's growing out of her sassy phase and becoming more and more independent of her mother. In the past, wherever Bibi was, thats where Fiona was. Just this past year, shes gotten a little bit braver and bolder. Shes also starting to read boundaries a little bit better with mom. She was pushing the envelope, trying to see what she could get away with. But shes kind of settled down a bit and matured, and she can now read mama really well, Rice said. Even as the hippo matures, Rice said her personality is here to stay.Shes still full of personality and shell still come out here and put a show on for her guests," Rice said." Shell come right up to the glass and make eye contact with people. She understands that theyre here for her and that shes kind of a big deal. I think she appreciates her fandom and tries to give them the best experience possible.

Fiona the hippopotamus could play a major role in her species' rebound.

The world-famous hippo, who turns 4 this week at the Cincinnati Zoo, has genetics that are pretty valuable, her zookeepers said. She could play a critical role in bringing back a threatened species.

Hippos are listed as a vulnerable, meaning they face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Officially, threatened species are those listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable. Hippos are listed as vulnerable due to widespread poaching for meat and ivory, as well as human encroachment.

It is the eventual goal to have Fiona breed in an effort to increase her species' numbers, but the timeline on when she will be able to breed remains murky.

We anticipate that she will not be sexually mature until about 5 or 6 years old maybe even later than that because Fiona was a preemie, said Wendy Rice, head keeper of Africa Department at Cincinnati Zoo.

Fiona was thrust into the spotlight due to her remarkable survival story. Born six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo on Jan. 24, 2017, Fiona weighed only 29 pounds at birth 25 pounds less than the lowest recorded birth weight for her species.

But she has rebounded from near-death, now weighing a whopping 1,600 pounds, consistent with a normal hippo her age.

Fiona has a long way to go until shes considered full grown. But shes on track and making gains every day, Rice said.

Already, Cincinnati's once-baby hippo has reached a certain level of maturity. And, when she's ready, Fiona will likely attempt to breed.

Her fate and her love interest will likely be determined by the Hippo Species Survival Plan, a cooperation of all zoos across the United States that house hippos and breed them. The group shares information about captive populations in order to maintain genetic diversity.

With Fiona being Henrys only living offspring, her genetics are fairly valuable in that theyre not well represented in the population that we have," Rice said. "Its very likely that she will get a recommendation to breed someday.

So what happens then? It's highly unlikely that Fiona would move away from Cincinnati, Rice said. Instead, expect a male suitor to arrive in the Queen City.

If and when she gets a recommendation for a breeding partner, theres a really good chance that the boy would have to come to Cincinnati. We do not want to have our princess leave Cincinnati, and the whole city would probably riot if she moved away.

But we're still talking at least a year -- probably more -- down the road. In the meantime, Fiona will focus on growing.

Right now, Rice said Fiona is probably the human equivalent of a pre-teen girl. She's growing out of her sassy phase and becoming more and more independent of her mother.

In the past, wherever Bibi was, thats where Fiona was. Just this past year, shes gotten a little bit braver and bolder. Shes also starting to read boundaries a little bit better with mom. She was pushing the envelope, trying to see what she could get away with. But shes kind of settled down a bit and matured, and she can now read mama really well, Rice said.

Even as the hippo matures, Rice said her personality is here to stay.

Shes still full of personality and shell still come out here and put a show on for her guests," Rice said." Shell come right up to the glass and make eye contact with people. She understands that theyre here for her and that shes kind of a big deal. I think she appreciates her fandom and tries to give them the best experience possible.

More here:
Fionas genetics are hugely valuable in species rebound - WLWT Cincinnati

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Digbi Health, the first company with a clinically proven genetics and gut-microbiome based program to safely and sustainably treat and manage obesity and associated inflammatory gut, skin and cardiometabolic health issues, is now available to Blue Shield of California members, as a fully covered program, on the health plan'sWellvolution platform.

It's the first time over 60,000 physicians and clinicians practicing in California in the Blue Shield of California's network can prescribe a weight-loss program personalized on a person's genetic, gut microbiome and lifestyle. Through the Digbi Health solution, patients are supported by a team of caregivers, led by a physician and care experts trained in nutrition, cognitive behavior therapy, genetics and gut microbiome. Blue Shield of California offers access to Digbi Health through the Wellvolution platform as a fully covered program to members who qualify.

The Digbi Health Precision Care Network (PCN) is a network of physicians practicing precision medicine. As part of that network, physicians get marketing resources to educate their patients about Digbi Health on the Wellvoution platform, access to their patient's dashboard, with patient approval, and additional support from the Digbi Health care concierge team to support their patients between visits to help improve patient outcomes. Digbi Health program members without a physician can also get referred to a specialist in the PCN.

"The development of cardiovascular disease is a matter of genetic predisposition and gut microbiome composition interacting with acquired conditions, and factors such as diet, exercise, and exposure to damaging elements," said Cynthia Thaik, MD. Harvard-trained cardiologist at the Holistic Healing Heart Center and Digbi Health PCN member.

"I have already prescribed Digbi Health to a patient covered by Blue Shield of California for pre-diabetes and hypertension," she added.

Blue Shield of California is taking the lead on personalized and preventive care for their members.

Among participants participating in Wellvolution:

"We are an innovative telehealth company that supports overburdened physicians by redefining care for 100 million Americans who struggle under one-size-fits-all digital health programs, weight loss diets and stigma of "poor self-control" while fighting obesity and associated inflammatory comorbidities," said Ranjan Sinha, CEO and founder of Digbi Health.

About Digbi Health Precision Care NetworkOur network includes healthcare providers from all specialties and practice settings throughout the U.S., including bariatric surgeons, internal medicine, family medicine, chiropractitioners, nutritional experts, and others in the lifestyle and integrative medicine space using genetics, nutrigenomics, gut microbiome and lifestyle risk to treat the complexity of the multifactorial disease of obesity and its' related medical conditions. Providers can sign-up to the network at no charge here.

About Digbi HealthDigbi Health is a first-of-its-kind precision digital therapeutics company that offers a prescription-grade digitally enabled personalized obesity and obesity related gut, skin disorders, hypertension and other cardiometabolic health management programs based on an individual's gut biome, genetic risks, blood markers, and lifestyle factors. Digbi Health and members of its physician network are committed to empowering people to take control of their own health and wellness. Digbi Health is prescribed by doctors, health care providers, and insurance companies.

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A team of researchers from the University of Maine Darling Marine Center in Walpole, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay and Maine Department of Marine Resources in West Boothbay Harbor recently published their research on the effects of ocean warming and acidification on gene expression in the earliest life stages of the American lobster.

The work was published in the scientific journal Ecology and Evolution with collaborators from the University of Prince Edward Island and Dalhousie University in Canada.

Leading the study was recent UMaine graduate student Maura Niemisto, who received her masters degree in marine science. Co-authors on the journal article were her advisers Richard Wahle, research professor in UMaines School of Marine Sciences and director of the Lobster Institute, and David Fields, senior research scientist at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.

Co-authors Spencer Greenwood of the University of Prince Edward Island and Fraser Clark of Dalhousie University brought the genetic expertise to the study. Jesica Waller of the Maine Department of Marine Resources conducted some of the initial studies that led to Niemistos experiments, also in the laboratories of Wahle and Fields.

The teams experiments examined the gene regulatory response of postlarval lobsters to the separate and combined effects of warming and acidification anticipated by the end of the 21st century. They found that genes regulating a range of physiological functions, from those controlling shell formation to the immune response, are either up- or down-regulated. Importantly, they observed that the two stressors combined induced a greater gene regulatory response than either stressor alone.

The results from the study indicate that changes in gene expression of postlarval lobster may act as a mechanism to accommodate rapid changes in the ocean environment. Niemisto noted that there is still need for further study to determine how rapidly populations of the species may be able to adapt to changing conditions. To better understand how gene regulation in response to environmental changes functions within the species, we should look at subpopulations and multigenerational studies to determine the extent of species capacity to respond to altered environmental conditions.

Mauras study reveals some of the hidden mechanisms species employ minute to minute and hour to hour at the cellular level to function normally in a variable environment, said Wahle. We need to gain these insights as we take on the larger challenge of understanding how species adapt on the much larger time scale of decades.

According to the National Marine Fisheries Service, the American lobster fishery is the most valuable in North America. The species holds particular socioeconomic importance in the Gulf of Maine, where sea surface temperatures are increasing at a rate faster than most of the worlds oceans and waters are more susceptible to higher rates of acidification.

The center of the American lobster range has been shifting northward in response to warming ocean temperatures. However, little is known about how the species will respond to the combined effects of increasing ocean temperatures and acidification. This study is a first step in answering that question. The species earliest life stages are thought to be especially vulnerable to these climate related challenges.

The research was supported by a grant from the NOAAs Ocean Acidification Program and the National Sea Grant Program. Additional funding for student internships came from Bigelow Laboratorys Research Experience for Undergraduates program, supported by the National Science Foundation.

Contact: Matt Norwood, matthew.norwood@maine.edu; 207.563.8220

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Research reveals genetic response of ocean warming and acidification in American lobster - UMaine News - University of Maine - University of Maine

LARGO There are roughly up to 500 boys in the world and only boys who suffer from NEMO deficiency syndrome, a rare genetic illness that affects the nervous system and leave one susceptible to infections.

Peyton Kudrnovsky and his brother Trevor are among them. Two weeks ago, 15-year-old Peyton lost his Golden Retriever Axl Rose, who had been a part of the family for 12 years. Axl always sat by Peytons side during his infusions.

Then on Saturday, his family brought home a new four-legged member of the family: Toby.

Toby is a Huskypoo a mix between a Siberian Husky and a poodle donated to the 15-year-old by the Petland Largo store.

Petland Largo manager Miranda Schimenek said they decided to donate Toby after they learned about Peytons story and the loss of Axl. The store at 10289 Ulmerton Road will also provide veterinary care and training for Toby, according to a press release.

The loss of Axl was particularly hard for Peyton, said his mother Tatiana Lee. Axl had been there every step of the way through the 15-year-olds medical treatments, she said. Axl was given to Peyton by his stepfather, Kyle Resler. But the stepfather died two years ago from cancer.

Over two years ago, we lost a loved one to terminal cancer, the mother said in a statement. Peyton had formed a very close bond with him. He was Peytons support system through the illness and we all miss Kyle very much.

They also miss Axl, who helped the family after they lost their stepfather.

He was there for us through the loss of my sons stepdad, Kyle, and would sit by Peyton as he had his infusions each week he was our rock, and we know he is looking down on us, she said. Toby will be an incredible addition to our family and I cannot thank Petland enough for their incredibly gracious gesture.

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Huskypoo puppy donated to teen with rare genetic disorder - Tampa Bay Times

Abstract

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic diversity reflect the evolutionary potential and history of species, respectively. However, the levels and spatial patterns of genetic and phylogenetic diversity of wildlife at the regional scale have largely remained unclear. Here, we performed meta-analyses of genetic diversity in Chinese terrestrial vertebrates based on three genetic markers and investigated their phylogenetic diversity based on a dated phylogenetic tree of 2461 species. We detected strong positive spatial correlations among mitochondrial DNA-based genetic diversity, phylogenetic diversity, and species richness. Moreover, the terrestrial vertebrates harbored higher genetic and phylogenetic diversity in South China and Southwest China than in other regions. Last, climatic factors (precipitation and temperature) had significant positive effects while altitude and human population density had significant negative impacts on levels of mitochondrial DNA-based genetic diversity in most cases. Our findings will help guide national-level genetic diversity conservation plans and a post-2020 biodiversity conservation framework.

Biodiversity loss and conservation are among the most concerning global issues. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was established to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. An endangerment status assessment of worldwide vertebrates showed that approximately 20% of vertebrates have become threatened (1). In China, the situation is even worse: 21.4% of vertebrates are threatened, including 43.1% of amphibians, 29.7% of reptiles, 26.4% of mammals, 20.4% of fishes, and 10.6% of birds (2). Thus, it is urgent to protect biodiversity regionally and globally. As the most fundamental dimension of biodiversity, genetic diversity is a key basis for species survival and ecosystem functions (3). Higher genetic diversity means higher evolutionary potential and a greater ability to respond to environmental changes (4). An increasing number of studies have shown that genetic factors play a critical role in species endangerment and extinction (57). Thus, assessment and protection of genetic diversity are becoming essential and high-priority strategies for biodiversity conservation (4). However, under the current CBD framework, the goal proposed for genetic diversity focuses mainly on the conservation of farmed and domestic animals and cultivated plants and neglects that of wild animals and plants, which would overlook genetic erosion and harm the evolutionary potential of wildlife (8). Therefore, to better conserve the genetic diversity of wildlife, it is necessary to assess genetic diversity at regional and global scales for use in the scientific designs of natural protected areas and biodiversity conservation strategies. Miraldo et al. (9) presented the first global distribution of genetic diversity for mammals and amphibians using mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (Co1) gene sequences. However, the grid cell size (~150,000 km2) that they used was so large that it was difficult to determine the national- or regional-level pattern of genetic diversity in detail, including in China.

Phylogenetic diversity is the sum of phylogenetic branch lengths for all of the species in an area (10). Phylogenetic diversity measures the time scale of species evolution and reflects the evolutionary history of species (11), which contributes to the selection of biodiversity conservation priority areas (1214). Higher phylogenetic diversity excluding the effect of taxonomic richness indicates a higher proportion of distantly related and anciently diverged taxa (11, 15). Previous studies have shown that regions with higher phylogenetic diversity may not necessarily have higher species diversity, which would result in neglecting the conservation of the regions (11, 16). In this case, the conservation of older evolutionary lineages might be neglected. Thus, monitoring the level and spatial distribution of phylogenetic diversity is also important for effective conservation of biodiversity.

China is one of the countries with the richest biodiversity in the world, harboring more than 3000 terrestrial vertebrates (2). In recent years, with the development of molecular genetics, genetic diversity of many species has been assessed and numerous DNA sequences have been accumulated. In this study, we focus on the patterns of genetic and phylogenetic diversity in Chinese terrestrial vertebrates, using meta-analyses of a large published dataset and a robust dated phylogenetic tree as well as species distribution. We aim to (i) reveal whether positive spatial correlation existed among species richness, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic diversity; (ii) identify hotspot regions of high genetic diversity and high phylogenetic diversity; and (iii) explore the influences of abiotic (precipitation, temperature, and altitude) and biotic (human population) factors on the levels of genetic and phylogenetic diversity. We found that, on the whole, species richness predicted phylogenetic diversity and mitochondrial DNA-based genetic diversity in a positive direction, and higher phylogenetic diversity predicted higher genetic diversity. We identified that the terrestrial vertebrates in South China and Southwest China harbored higher genetic and phylogenetic diversity than in other regions, and central South China was identified as an evolutionary museum, while the Hengduan Mountains was identified as an evolutionary cradle. We also revealed that both mean annual precipitation and temperature had significant positive effects, while altitude and human population density had significant negative impacts on levels of mitochondrial DNA-based genetic diversity in most cases. Our findings provide insights into the spatial patterns and influencing factors of genetic and phylogenetic diversity at a regional scale.

We surveyed the population-level genetic diversity data of Chinese terrestrial vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians) based on three molecular markers (mitochondrial Cytb gene sequence, mitochondrial D-loop sequence, and nuclear microsatellites). A total of 287 terrestrial vertebrate species (103 mammals, 59 birds, 31 reptiles, and 94 amphibians) were assessed for population-level genetic diversity with at least one molecular marker, accounting for 9.3% of the 3075 terrestrial vertebrates distributed in China (figs. S1 to S4 and tables S1 to S9). Two unbiased genetic diversity indices, nucleotide diversity () for the Cytb and D-loop sequences and expected heterozygosity (HE) for microsatellite, were used as measures of population-level genetic diversity. In this study, the Cytb-, D-loop, and microsatellite-based genetic diversity measures were analyzed separately (tables S1 to S9). Furthermore, the species-level genetic diversity for three genetic markers was obtained by averaging the population-level genetic diversity values (tables S10 to S12).

The species-level phylogenetic diversity of Chinese terrestrial vertebrates was surveyed on the basis of the coding sequences of five mitochondrial genes (Cytb, Co1, Nd1, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA). A total of 2461 terrestrial vertebrates were assessed for phylogenetic diversity with at least one available mitochondrial gene sequence, accounting for 80% of the Chinese terrestrial vertebrates (figs. S5 to S7 and table S13). On the basis of a constructed maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree and 391 available divergence times from the TimeTree database (table S14), we estimated the divergence times of these vertebrates. The results showed that the amphibians first diverged from the fishes and then the reptiles evolved from the amphibians. Both the mammals and birds evolved from the reptiles, with the mammals diverging first. These results are consistent with the general conclusion about the divergence order of the terrestrial groups (17). In this study, we used divergence time as the measure of phylogenetic diversity for further analysis.

We first divided the map of China into 0.5 0.5 (~50 km by 55 km) grid cells and then calculated the species richness, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic diversity within each grid cell. The spatial correlation tests showed that the genetic diversity measures based on mitochondrial Cytb and D-loop sequences were significantly correlated [correlation coefficient (r) = 0.385, P = 0.012]. However, no significant correlation was observed for Cytb versus microsatellites (r = 0.128, P = 0.475) and for D-loop versus microsatellites (r = 0.084, P = 0.463) (fig. S8 and table S15). The inconsistencies in spatial correlations among the three genetic markers were most likely due to different measure rationales (nucleotide diversity versus expected heterozygosity) and evolutionary rates (slowly versus rapidly evolving). The differences in correlation among the different markers were similar to that of Miraldo et al. (9).

The tests for spatial correlations between genetic diversity and species richness revealed a significant positive correlation for Cytb genetic diversity (r = 0.728, P = 0.008), and a marginally significant correlation for D-loop genetic diversity (r = 0.320, P = 0.072) (Fig. 1, A and B). These results were consistent with those of global terrestrial mammals (18) and global marine and freshwater fishes (19). However, a nonsignificant correlation for microsatellite genetic diversity (r = 0.138, P = 0.499) was detected (Fig. 1C and table S15), which was similar to AFLP marker-based genetic diversity assessment of alpine plant communities (20). The differences in correlation showed that the widely discussed correlation relationship between genetic and species diversity was genetic marker dependent.

(A to C) Correlation tests between species richness (SR) and Cytb-, D-loop, and microsatellite-based genetic diversity (GD). (D) Correlation test between SR and phylogenetic diversity (PD). (E to G) Correlation tests between PD and Cytb-, D-loop, and microsatellite-based GD.

The tests for spatial correlations between genetic diversity and phylogenetic diversity showed a significant positive correlation for Cytb (r = 0.722, P = 0.013) and a marginally significant positive correlation for D-loop (r = 0.306, P = 0.089) (Fig. 1, E and F). The results were similar to those of global terrestrial mammals (18). However, the correlation was not significant for microsatellites (r = 0.123, P = 0.566) (Fig. 1G and table S15). In addition, we selected a set of abundant terrestrial vertebrate species with a threatened status rank of LC (Least-Concern) (table S16) and tested the spatial correlations between genetic and phylogenetic diversity. The results were similar to those for all the terrestrial vertebrates (table S17).

A significant positive correlation was detected between phylogenetic diversity and species richness (r = 0.99, P < 0.001) (Fig. 1D and table S15), implying that the regions with high species richness often had high phylogenetic diversity. The significant positive correlation pattern between phylogenetic diversity and species richness may be common, as shown in different large-scale analyses focusing on birds, mammals, and angiosperms (16, 18, 21).

It is generally accepted that Chinas zoogeographical regionalization is divided into the Palaearctic and Oriental realms, including seven zoogeographical regions (22, 23). The Palaearctic realm includes the Northeast China, North China, Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang, and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau regions, while the Oriental realm consists of the Southwest China, Central China, and South China regions. We mapped the genetic diversity data onto the zoogeographical region map of China using a grid size of 0.5 0.5. Overall, the terrestrial vertebrates distributed in the Oriental realm had higher genetic diversity than those in the Palaearctic realm for all three markers (Fig. 2, A to C; fig. S9; and table S18). In the case of zoogeographical regions, the vertebrates in South China harbored the highest genetic diversity for Cytb and microsatellites, suggesting a hotspot region of genetic diversity, whereas those in North China had the lowest genetic diversity for D-loop and microsatellites (table S18). In addition, the Southwest China and west Central China harbored relatively high genetic diversity. The spatial pattern of species richness across the Palaearctic and Oriental realms was similar to that of genetic diversity (Fig. 2D). However, within the zoogeographical regions, the spatial patterns of species richness were somewhat different from those of genetic diversity. The South China region had the highest species richness, whereas the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang regions harbored the lowest species richness (Fig. 2D). These results suggest that regions with low species richness do not necessarily have low genetic diversity, such as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which should be given more conservation attention. To determine the possible effects of different sample sizes of the grid cells, we examined the frequency distribution of the proportion of species with surveyed genetic diversity data in the grid cells based on the classification of seven zoogeographical regions and found similar frequency distributions on the whole across the seven regions (figs. S10 to S12).

Northeast China (NE), North China (NC), Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang (IX), Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QT), Southwest China (SW), Central China (CC), and South China (SC). The red line indicates the boundary between the Palaearctic and Oriental realms. (A and B) Spatial patterns of Cytb- and D-loopbased GDs. measured by nucleotide diversity. (C) Spatial pattern of microsatellite-based GD measured by expected heterozygosity. (D) Spatial pattern of SR measured by number of species.

The province-level distributions of genetic diversity based on the three markers demonstrated similar patterns on the whole (figs. S13 and S14). The terrestrial vertebrates distributed in Yunnan, Guangxi, Sichuan, and Guizhou provinces harbored the highest genetic diversity. In contrast, the terrestrial vertebrates distributed in Shanxi, Shandong, Hebei, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, and part of Xinjiang had lower genetic diversity. The terrestrial vertebrates in Qinghai and Tibet had intermediate genetic diversity. These results could help guide province-level conservation plans for genetic diversity.

The terrestrial vertebrates in the Oriental realm had significantly higher phylogenetic diversity (PD = 10,390.25 2029.43) than those in the Palaearctic realm (PD = 4942.60 1402.09) (Fig. 3, A and B). The terrestrial vertebrates in South China harbored the highest phylogenetic diversity (PD = 12,327.46 2111.27), and those in Central China and Southwest China had the second highest phylogenetic diversity. The terrestrial vertebrates on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau had the lowest phylogenetic diversity (PD = 3936.66 1162.35) (Fig. 3B and table S18). The province-level distribution of phylogenetic diversity showed a clear pattern, in which the terrestrial vertebrates in south China had notably higher phylogenetic diversity than those in north China (fig. S15). Specifically, the vertebrates in Yunnan and Guangxi provinces had the highest phylogenetic diversity, and those in Tibet, Xinjiang, and Qinghai had the lowest phylogenetic diversity (fig. S15). These results could help guide province-level conservation plans for phylogenetic diversity.

(A) A dated phylogenetic tree of Chinese terrestrial vertebrates based on five mitochondrial genes (Cytb, Co1, Nd1, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA). Ma, million years. (B) Spatial pattern of PD measured by species divergence time. The red line indicates the boundary between the Palaearctic and Oriental realms. (C) Areas with significantly higher or lower PD after controlling for the confounding effect of SR. The red line indicates the boundary between the Palaearctic and Oriental realms.

As shown by the correlation analysis above, the phylogenetic diversity pattern was highly correlated with the species richness pattern (Fig. 1D). To control for the confounding effect of species richness, we detected areas with significantly higher or lower phylogenetic diversity than expected using a randomization method. The result showed that significantly higher phylogenetic diversity occurred in the central South China region, mainly including Hainan and Guangxi provinces, suggesting that these areas harbored many older terrestrial vertebrate lineages, serving as an evolutionary museum (Fig. 3C and fig. S16) (9). This result is similar to that for the phylogenetic diversity of genus-level angiosperms in China, in which the top 5% highest phylogenetic diversity and standard effective size of phylogenetic diversity were mainly located in Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, and Hainan provinces (15). These results suggested that the above areas are phylogenetic diversity hotspots not only for terrestrial vertebrates but also for angiosperms in China, which deserve more conservation efforts. In contrast, significantly lower phylogenetic diversity occurred in the Southwest China region, i.e., the Hengduan Mountains, suggesting that these areas were the centers of recent speciation events and thus contained many younger lineages, serving as an evolutionary cradle (Fig. 3C and fig. S16) (15, 24). This divergence pattern is similar to that of a study on global terrestrial birds (16).

The above correlation results showed that the mitochondrial DNA-based genetic diversity was strongly correlated with species richness. Therefore, to reveal the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on genetic diversity, we performed the semi-part spatially explicit generalized linear mixed modeling (spaGLMM) analysis by regressing genetic diversity against species richness and then using the residuals of models to evaluate the effects of abiotic (mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, and altitude) and biotic (human population density) factors. The results showed that most of the genetic diversity measures were well predicted by these factors (Table 1). In detail, mean annual precipitation had a significant positive effect on Cytb-based genetic diversity; mean annual temperature had a significant positive effect on D-loopbased genetic diversity; and altitude and human population density had significant negative impacts on Cytb- and D-loopbased genetic diversity (Table 1). In addition, the spaGLMM analysis with the species richness included as an explanatory variable gave similar results to the semi-part spaGLMM analysis (table S19). Because the relationships between most of the factors and microsatellite-based genetic diversity were different from theoretically expected, here we did not discuss microsatellite-related results.

MAP, mean annual precipitation; MAT, mean annual temperature; ALT, mean altitude; HPD, human population density.

Because the phylogenetic diversity was very strongly correlated with species richness, we also performed the semi-part spaGLMM analysis for phylogenetic diversity. The results showed that the above abiotic and biotic factors had no significant impacts on phylogenetic diversity (Table 1), suggesting that the species richness had a much higher effect on phylogenetic diversity compared to other factors. To test this, we performed the spaGLMM analysis with species richness as an independent variable. The results showed that the importance of species richness was far more than those of other factors, indicating that phylogenetic diversity was mainly affected by species richness (table S19).

This is the first study to assess the correlation between genetic diversity and phylogenetic diversity for all the terrestrial vertebrate groups at a large spatial scale. The findings revealed a significant correlation between genetic and phylogenetic diversity for Cytb-based genetic diversity measure and a marginally significant correlation for D-loopbased measure at a grid cell scale, demonstrating the important role of phylogenetic diversity in predicting level of genetic diversity. In addition, we also found a significant positive correlation between genetic diversity and species richness for Cytb-based genetic diversity measure and a marginally significant correlation for D-loopbased measure. However, no significant correlations were detected between genetic diversity and phylogenetic diversity (or species richness) for microsatellite-based measure, suggesting that these correlations are genetic marker dependent.

Our study is also the first region-level survey and assessment of the genetic and phylogenetic diversity of Chinese terrestrial vertebrates that demonstrated the spatial distribution pattern of diversity and identified the regions of high and low genetic/phylogenetic diversity. The spatial patterns showed that the terrestrial vertebrates in South China and Southwest China harbored not only higher genetic diversity but also higher phylogenetic diversity, highlighting the high conservation priority for these hotspot regions. We also identified key areas with significantly higher or lower phylogenetic diversity after controlling for the effects of species richness and discerned the evolutionary museum and cradle for Chinese terrestrial vertebrates. In particular, we found inconsistencies among the regions in terms of genetic and species diversity. Although the terrestrial vertebrates on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau had the lowest species richness, they had intermediate genetic diversity, possibly because of less human activity and heterogeneous abiotic effects in this region. The terrestrial vertebrates in North China and Northeast China, which are exposed to more human activity and located in north further in latitude, harbored intermediate species richness but lower genetic diversity. These results were supported by the semi-part spaGLMM analyses, which revealed that abiotic (precipitation, temperature, and altitude) and biotic factors (human population) played important roles in the spatial patterns of genetic diversity.

We investigated the effects of abiotic and biotic factors driving the spatial patterns of genetic and phylogenetic diversity at a grid cell scale. On the whole, the effects of these factors on Cytb- and D-loopbased genetic diversity were consistent with ecological and evolutionary expectations. Mean annual precipitation and temperature had significant positive effects on genetic diversity, because higher precipitation and temperature most likely provide more suitable conditions for species survival, population expansion, and speciation. In contrast, altitude had significant negative impacts on genetic diversity, because higher elevation means harsher living conditions especially for terrestrial vertebrates. For biotic factor, human population density had significant negative impacts on genetic diversity, because higher density means more human activities and more possible interference with wildlife and their habitats.

Our study summarizes the findings of genetic/phylogenetic diversity studies, revealing the basic background of genetic resources in Chinese terrestrial vertebrates, which could facilitate genetic resource protection under the CBD framework and guide future genetic/phylogenetic diversity research and conservation. In addition, compared with the total number of Chinese terrestrial vertebrates, the number of species with surveyed genetic diversity data is relatively small. To better conserve genetic diversity, scientists and managers should cooperate to perform genetic diversity surveys for more species, especially those with an unclear genetic status. Furthermore, the genetic and phylogenetic diversity of freshwater and marine vertebrates should be surveyed and assessed to protect gradually decreasing aquatic genetic resources. Last, our study is the first to use nuclear microsatellite markers to assess large-scale genetic diversity pattern and explore the relationship between genetic and phylogenetic diversity. However, it is worth noting that microsatellite-based correlation and model analyses produced different results from those based on mitochondrial DNA, which cautions us to carefully interpret results from different genetic markers.

We retrieved published literatures of population-level genetic diversity studies from public academic databases. For the English literature, we searched the Web of Science database (http://apps.webofknowledge.com/) using the search rule TS = (species Latin name OR species English name) AND TS = genetic diversity AND TS = population. For the Chinese literature, we searched the CNKI database (www.cnki.net), CQVIP database (www.cqvip.com), and Chinese Science Citation Database (http://sciencechina.cn) using the search rule species Latin name AND genetic diversity. Then, to search the literature as comprehensively as possible, we searched only the species Latin name again for species without related references or with few related references.

We screened the retrieved literature following several steps. First, we used only the literature about wild animal studies and discarded the literature studying captive populations. Second, we focused on population-level studies based on microsatellite, mitochondrial Cytb, or D-loop markers. These three markers have been widely used in population genetics and phylogeographic studies of vertebrates. For microsatellite-based studies, we extracted the expected heterozygosity (HE) values for each population of species as the measure of microsatellite genetic diversity. HE is an unbiased measure and thus insensitive to small sample sizes (25). For mitochondrial Cytb gene and D-loop sequence-based studies, we extracted Neis nucleotide diversity () values for each population of species as the measure of Cytb or D-loop genetic diversity (26). is also unbiased and thus insensitive to small sample sizes (26). If the same population had more than one HE or from different references, we used the mean value as the genetic diversity measure of this population. Last, on the basis of population-level genetic diversity data, we estimated species-level genetic diversity by averaging the population-level genetic diversity values (9). Mean genetic diversity metric has been widely applied in large-scale studies (9, 18, 19).

In total, we compiled a dataset of 287 terrestrial vertebrates, which included 103 mammals, 59 birds, 31 reptiles, and 94 amphibians, accounting for 15.6, 4.1, 6.7, and 18.6% of the respective total numbers of species (figs. S1 and S2). Overall, the assessment proportions for genetic diversity of mammals and amphibians were higher than those of birds and reptiles, with the proportion of birds being the lowest. The number of terrestrial vertebrate species with population-level genetic diversity data based on microsatellite marker (n = 151) was higher than those based on Cytb gene (n = 142) and D-loop (n = 105), accounting for 4.9, 4.6, and 3.4% of the 3075 Chinese terrestrial vertebrates, respectively (figs. S3 and S4).

Sequences of five mitochondrial genes (Cytb, Co1, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and Nd1) were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of Chinese terrestrial vertebrates. The sequences of the five mitochondrial genes were searched in GenBank with the following steps. First, the available mitochondrial reference genomes were downloaded, and the corresponding coding sequences of these genes were extracted. Then, the available coding sequences for the remaining species were directly downloaded from GenBank using the species Latin name and gene name. If more than one sequence was available for the same locus of a species, the sequence with a length similar to that of the corresponding gene was selected. Last, the short genes whose coding sequence length was <300 base pairs were discarded from the dataset. After these steps, we compiled a total of 2461 species including 573 mammals, 1170 birds, 359 reptiles, and 359 amphibians, representing 87.0, 81.0, 77.2, and 71.0% of the respective total numbers of species. Our dataset covered 46 orders, 204 families, and 847 genera. For each gene, the coding sequences of 973 species were extracted from their mitochondrial genomes, while others were directly downloaded from the GenBank database. The numbers of species with Cytb and Co1 sequences were higher than those with Nd1, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA sequences (fig. S7).

The coding sequences of each gene were concatenated and aligned by MAFFT (27) with default parameters, and the poorly aligned sites at the beginning and the end were trimmed. Then, the aligned sequences of these five genes were imported into SequenceMatrix software (28) to construct a supermatrix with the gaps treated as missing data. A phylogenetic analysis was performed on this supermatrix using the maximum likelihood method implemented in RAxML 8.2.12 (29) with the ASC_GTRGAMMA model and 1000 bootstrap replicates. Each gene was treated as a partition, and the zebrafish was used as outgroup. On the basis of this phylogenetic tree, we used the penalized likelihood method implemented in treePL (30) to date the divergence times of these vertebrates. A total of 391 available divergence times from TimeTree (31) were selected as calibration points for the dating analysis (table S14). The prime option and through analysis were implemented with optimal parameters.

On the basis of our dated phylogenetic tree and species distribution data, we calculated Faiths phylogenetic diversity of Chinese terrestrial vertebrates using the picante package (32) in R, as widely used in phylogenetic diversity studies (33). In this study, we used divergence time as the measure of phylogenetic diversity of each species.

The distributional ranges of terrestrial vertebrate species (including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds) were derived from the IUCN spatial database (www.iucnredlist.org/resources/spatial-data-download). The range of each species was originally in a vectorized shapefile format and was rasterized into a grid system with a 0.5 0.5 resolution (~50 km by 55 km). We double-checked the rasterized maps to confirm that they matched the original vectorized distributional range maps. The resultant rasterized map of each species was always conservative relative to the original vectorized map, as many margins of species fragmented distributions might not have been recorded as the presence of the species in our 0.5 0.5 grid cells. This is because the areas of these margins were too small in the corresponding grid cells. The map of China used in this study was from Resource and Environment Science and Data Center (www.resdc.cn/data.aspx?DATAID=200). The Latin name of each species was checked to avoid potential synonyms. In total, our gridded distribution database included the occurrence records for 1941 species. After matching with the genetic and phylogenetic data, the final distribution dataset used for the diversity assessment included a total of 180 species for the genetic diversity analysis and 1685 species for the phylogenetic diversity analysis.

Climate data with a 2.5 spatial resolution were collected from the WorldClim database (https://worldclim.org/). We used the two most important climatic variables, mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation that were calculated for the climate data from 1970 to 2000, as predictors of spatial patterns of genetic and phylogenetic diversity of terrestrial vertebrates in China. Human population density in 2010 in China (in persons per square kilometer) was derived from the Gridded Population of the World collection (https://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/data/collection/gpw-v4). Digital elevation data with a 2.5 spatial resolution in China were originally derived from the NASA Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission and downloadable from the WorldClim database. Because we mapped the genetic and phylogenetic diversity using a grid cell size of 0.5 0.5 for each variable (including altitude), we took the average of all values within each grid cell as the variables value for the grid cell.

In many cases in which biodiversity data are collected associated with spatial information (e.g., sampling location coordinates), conventional correlation tests are not valid because the assumption of total independence of samples is violated. For spatial biodiversity data, neighboring locations can present similar biodiversity features (e.g., genetic diversity or phylogenetic diversity as investigated here), which is a phenomenon known as spatial autocorrelation, resulting in nonindependent association of biodiversity information between neighboring locations. To this end, conventional correlation tests can be misleading. To cope with this issue, we used a modified t test to account for spatial autocorrelation (34, 35) when testing the spatial associations between genetic diversity, phylogenetic diversity, and species richness. The test is based on the adjustment of the sample correlation coefficient between the two spatially correlated quantities and requires the estimation of an effective sample size (degrees of freedom).

We performed spatial correlation tests between genetic diversity based on different markers, between genetic diversity and species richness, between genetic diversity and phylogenetic diversity, and between phylogenetic diversity and species richness. In addition, we selected a set of abundant terrestrial vertebrate species with a threatened status rank of LC (2) to further explore the relationship between genetic diversity and phylogenetic diversity. The set of abundant terrestrial vertebrates included 39 species for Cytb, 25 species for D-loop, and 45 species for microsatellite (table S16). We performed the correlation analyses for Cytb-, D-loop, and microsatellite-based genetic diversity separately.

We divided the map of China into 0.5 0.5 grid cells using R software. Then, we mapped the spatial distributional patterns of species richness, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic diversity based on the diversity values calculated for each grid cell. For species richness, we summed the total number of species occurring in the grid cell. For genetic diversity, we summed the genetic diversity values of each species present within the grid cell and divided the total value by the number of species surveyed in the grid cell, as used in (9). For phylogenetic diversity, we summed the divergence times of all species surveyed within the grid cell following the definition of Faiths phylogenetic diversity (10, 15).

To detect grid cells with significantly higher or lower phylogenetic diversity than expected controlling for the confounding effect of species richness, we used a randomization protocol (36). In detail, we first computed the phylogenetic diversity for each grid cell and divided this value by the species richness found in the cell. Then, we used a random swapping algorithm to randomize the species-site binary matrix while fixing the species richness of each grid cell and the range size of each species. The randomization procedure was repeated 1000 times, and the following effective size of phylogenetic diversity-species richness was computedZPD=ObsPDMean(RandPD)SD(RandPD)where ObsPD is the observed phylogenetic diversity-species richness ratio for each grid cell. RandPD represents the random phylogenetic diversity-species richness ratio calculated for each grid cell derived from the randomized species-site matrix. Mean(RandPD) and SD(RandPD) denote the mean and standard deviation of the 1000 random phylogenetic diversity-species richness ratio values, respectively. ZPD approximately followed a standard normal distribution; as such, at the significance level of 0.05, a grid cell was identified as having statistically significantly high phylogenetic diversity given the associated species richness if ZPD > 1.96. Conversely, a grid cell was identified as having statistically significantly low phylogenetic diversity given the associated species richness if ZPD < 1.96.

Species richness might have strong associations with genetic and phylogenetic diversity (37, 38). To explore the effects of factors affecting the spatial patterns of genetic and phylogenetic diversity of Chinese terrestrial vertebrates, we performed a semi-part spaGLMM implemented in the spaMM package (39) in the R environment (40), in which the influence of species richness on genetic or phylogenetic diversity was explicitly partialled out. To do so, we firstly constructed a spaGLMM model in which species richness is the only explanatory variable of genetic or phylogenetic diversity and then we used the residuals of this model for evaluating the impacts of other abiotic and biotic factors on genetic or phylogenetic diversity. In addition, to assess the effect of species richness on genetic and phylogenetic diversity, we also performed the spaGLMM analyses with the species richness as an explanatory variable as well as other factors.

For all the above spaGLMM analyses, a correlation matrix according to the Matrn correlation function was assumed and fitted on the basis of the longitude and latitude information of the center point of each grid cell when fitting the mixed model. The Matrn correlation function, containing a scale parameter and a smoothness parameter, is widely applied to model spatial correlation by including exponential and squared exponential models as special cases (41, 42). For the modeling results of semi-part spaMM analyses, when the confidence interval of the estimated coefficient for an explanatory variable was significantly deviated from zero, the variable was considered to have a significant effect on levels of genetic or phylogenetic diversity.

R. Frankham, J. D. Ballou, D. A. Briscoe, Introduction to Conservation Genetics (Cambridge Univ. Press, 2002).

D. J. Futuyma, Evolution (Oxford Univ. Press, 2013).

R. Z. Zhang, China Animal Geography (Science Press, 1999).

M. L. Stein, Interpolation of Spatial Data: Some Theory for Kriging (Springer Press, 2012).

Acknowledgments: We thank Jiekun He for providing the map of zoogeographical regionalization. Funding: This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31821001); the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB31000000); the Biodiversity Survey, Monitoring and Assessment Project of Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China (2019HB2096001006); the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31672319); the Youth Innovation Promotion Association, CAS (2016082); and the Special Research Assistant Program of CAS. Author contributions: F.W. conceived and supervised the project. Y.H., H.F., J.C., X.Z., H.W., B.Z., L.Y., X.H., X.S., T.P., W.W., and J.L. performed the data collection. Y.H., H.F., Y.C., J.C., M.W., W.Z., L.Y., and H.H. performed the data analysis. Y.H., H.F., and Y.C. wrote the manuscript with input from F.W. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Data and materials availability: All data needed to evaluate the conclusions in the paper are present in the paper and/or the Supplementary Materials. Additional data related to this paper may be requested from the authors.

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Spatial patterns and conservation of genetic and phylogenetic diversity of wildlife in China - Science Advances

TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --The company 'Tikun Olam Cannbit' (TASE: TKUN)is making history - The company have developed an in-house revolutionary genetic system for the identification and tracking of cannabis strains (cultivars and varieties), through the characterization of the genetic fingerprints based on the DNA sequence of each and every cannabis plant. True to its role, the system is called: Cannabis Genetic Fingerprinting, or 'CGF'.

Putting an end to the mess - the CGF system changes the rules of the game : The characterization of fingerprints by this system is being done by the genetic diagnosis of a variety of unique sequences along the cannabis plant's genome, based on a number of consecutive genetic technologies. The genetic fingerprint is actually a biological and totally natural barcode (Non-GMO), which accompanies the plant throughout its complete life cycle, and in some cases, into the final product.

The CGF system is expected to play as a substantial "game changer" in the cannabis industry, as well as set a standard in terms of strain's identification, genetic stability, uniformity (reducing the deviation ranges in the active ingredients profile), repeatability and thus resulting in improved 'Therapeutic Continuity', IP registration and protection, organization's strains bank management and tracking of cannabis strains in the future cannabis market.

This ability to identify strains accurately and independently has been considered for many decades as a "holy grail" of the cannabis world. A world comprising thousands of strains, with no ability to identify which is which in an objective manner, or to effectively track and monitor strains over time in the global space.

Till today, the identification of cannabis plants has been based on the characterization of its observable measured traits . Traits such as plant's height, color tone of the leaf, stem's diameter, the measured active ingredients profile and many more expressed and variable characteristics. However, the plant's traits are in fact varying, depending on hundreds of external varying factors, unrelated to the plant itself or its identity. Factors in the level of environmental conditions, cultivation methods, storage, as well as measurements and procedures. Factors such as lighting and radiation, fertilizers, humidity, pests, diseases, temperature, measurement tools, work methods and many other variable factors. Depending on these variables, the characteristics of the tested plant may also vary along with his identity, which is diagnosed accordingly.

Apart from the obvious use of the CGF system to identify unknown cannabis plants and hence also to identify different types of products, the company believes that based on this system, the process of registering strains as an IP rights, can also be substantially improved and streamlined.

The CGF system is currently in the commercialization phase which is expected to provide a cost effective, fast technical platform and to enable ongoing and big scale commercial use.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Eliana Horenczyk [emailprotected]

SOURCE Tikun Olam Cannbit

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Tikun Olam-Cannbit have developed a revolutionary system for the characterization of genetic fingerprints in order to identify and track cannabis...

Sticking with what we have and selecting for superior genetics rather than importing genetics from New Zealand is seen as the way forward for Irish sheep farmers, according to Nicola Featherstone.

Nicola was speaking at the first of two virtual Teagasc Sheep Conferences which were held yesterday evening (Tuesday, January 26).

Teagasc Walsh Scholar Nicola gave an update on the INZAC trial in Teagasc Athenry, Co. Galway, which compares 1-star and 5-star Irish ewes with elite New Zealand ewes.

One question put to Nicola during yesterdays session was how relevant did she think New Zealand sheep are in an Irish context and if they are far superior to what we have here in Ireland?

She explained: During my time in New Zealand, along with visiting a number of farms, I also collaborated with a consultancy company and over there we generated a model and that model looked at all different scenarios that we could put into practice here in Ireland.

For example, whether or not we would look at importing New Zealand genetics or should we stick with what we have here in Ireland or maybe a mixture of both.

From looking at the results, it showed that the benefit, in terms of genetics and economics, would be greater for the Irish industry if we stuck with what we have rather than importing New Zealand genetics, as long as we source our genetics from more progressive breeders.

So, essentially, it means that we need commercial farmers to drive demand towards sourcing animals of superior genetics.

If we stick with the system we have which identifies the elite animals, in terms of being 5-stars, then this is the best way forward for Irish sheep farmers.

RELATED STORIES

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'Sticking with what we have and selecting superior genetics seen as the way forward' - Agriland

Thousands of Firsts campaign celebrates students, faculties early memories of program

COURTESY OF ELSON S. FLOYD COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

Weve been conceiving this idea for nearly four years now, to capture all of these firsts, all of these amazing moments that have occurred since the start of the medical school, said Christina VerHeul, director of communications, marketing and strategic operations at WSUs College of Medicine.

WSUs Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine will graduate its first class of medical students at the end of the spring 2021 semester.

In 2017, the colleges dean welcomed the first class of students, said Christina VerHeul, director of communications, marketing and strategic operations at WSUs College of Medicine. The dean shared a quote during the event: The beauty of the first time is that it leads to 1,000 firsts.

VerHeul said this inspired a campaign to capture all the thousands of firsts that will happen for the students and the school. The college has been collecting students and faculties first memories since then.

It is the largest and most expensive ad campaign the college has done. This milestone is a significant moment for the college and it needs to be celebrated, she said.

Weve been conceiving this idea for nearly four years now, to capture all of these firsts, all of these amazing moments that have occurred since the start of the medical school, VerHeul said.

This is not just about the medical school, she said. They want to share the success of the students with every Washingtonian. Everyone from the taxpayers and patients to health care professionals were involved in making this medical school a reality.

We really wanted to bring the state together, especially in this really difficult time, particularly in the health care community, VerHeul said. Theres a little bit of light out there this year that we feel is such an exciting thing.

Senior medical student Christie Kirkpatricks story is incorporated into the campaign. Her story is just one of the many firsts from the students, VerHeul said.

Christie had this incredible first where she delivered her first baby alongside the doctor who delivered her, she said.

Kirkpatrick said she realized in college that medical school was a good fit for her. It felt like a natural starting point because she had grown up in a family of medical doctors.

Working as my fathers medical scribe made me realize I wanted to pursue medicine, she said.

Kirkpatricks favorite memories include seeing her father care for patients and clue into what they really need. She said she would like to practice primary care and specialize in internal medicine.

Part of the reason I am choosing my specialty is because we get to do everything, she said. If I had to pick my favorite, I like preventative medicine and lifestyle changes, so thinking about metabolic disease.

Kirkpatrick said the COVID-19 pandemic is emotionally challenging for her, but she thinks it will make her a better doctor in the long run.

She acquired a greater appreciation for life and became more resilient. Kirkpatrick said this pandemic really showed her where the problems are within the medical system.

She said she hopes to be a pillar for her patients and to be compassionate and comforting. She is encouraging everyone to not lose hope, to keep their heads up and to know they are loved.

The campaign for the medical school can be viewed on the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine website and YouTube channel.

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WSU's first class of medical students will graduate this spring - The Daily Evergreen

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicine thought leaders,entrepreneurs and board-certified osteopathicpractitioners, Dr. Vincent Apicella and Dr. Mariaclara Bago, known asDr. A & B,areredefining the currenthealthcare system by combining the best of traditional and alternative medical strategies.

Utilizingtheir comprehensive knowledge and passion for health and wellness, the husband-and-wife duo arestarring in the documentary,The Blob Blob Fish: A Journey Through Obesity,set to be released this summer.Produced and directed by Andrew Mossop (DreamsWorks, MTV, VH1), the filmis an upliftingand thought-provokingdocumentary which highlights the flaws in our current healthcare model.

The Blob Blob Fish: A Journey Through Obesitybeautifully demonstrates Dr. A & B's methodsbyexamining the benefits of drastic lifestyle changes on weight loss. In it, three patients, including a teenage boy who is deemed the "blob blob fish" by his peers, embark on a transformative, inspiring, and heartwarming journey to improve their health, self-esteem and overallquality of life.

"I wish everyone understood that they don't need to depend upon insurance, drugs, or the government for better health," says Dr. A. "We want to show the differences people can make in their own healthcare by starting with a moreholistic approach, andthentraditional medicine second. "Or on an as-needed basis," adds Dr. B.

The mission of the film is to redefine how health is perceived in this country. With a culture stuck on the path of least resistance, thismentality has led to trillions of dollars of healthcare spending and very minimal impact on chronic diseases.

Dr. A & B practice functional medicine,a root-cause, holistic, and natural approach that addresses the body as a whole when treating specific medical problems. Their preventative method can often target and cure healthailmentsbeforetraditional medicine techniques like drugs andsurgery arerequired.

Tointerview Dr. A & B, contact EKC PR at 310-441-1000 or email -[emailprotected].

About Dr. A & B

Dr. A & B have been applying their "life changing through lifestyle altering" treatments by way of theirintegrative medicalpractice for the last 15 years, including running their own renowned health and wellness center in Wellington, FL.

SOURCE Dr. A & B

https://draandb.com

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Husband-and-Wife Medical Duo Confront the Deficiencies of America's Healthcare System in New Documentary - PRNewswire

Its not uncommon for viruses to transform during their life cycle and while understanding the process and rate at which they evolve is incredibly complex, its extremely important for developing preventative medicines and treatments that will mitigate against transmission and any serious health impacts experienced by infected individuals.

In recent months, confirmation of several more prominent variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the cause of the ongoing global pandemic), have been made in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil with two of those variants recently detected in Nova Scotia. As these new variants are believed to spread more quickly, its critical that scientists continue to study and document these mutations so that public health officials can control their spread and ensure that current COVID-19 tests are able to detect all variants of the virus and vaccines able to defend against them.

One of the ways in which scientists are able to detect and track variants of the COVID-19 virus and also other viruses, is through technology known as genome sequencing. We asked Finlay Maguire, who specializes in the fields of public health, epidemiology and bioinformatics and is the Faculty of Computer Science's Donald Hill Family Fellow, to explain how genomic data can be used to help fight against COVID-19.

What exactly is genome sequencing?

Genome sequencing is any of several methods that we use to work out the make-up of all the genetic material in an organism or virus. These methods and the analysis of the data that they produce are foundational to modern life sciences/medicine. Genome sequencing is being actively used to help understand the evolution and epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus i.e., how the virus is changing and spreading over time. Led by Jalees Nasir in Prof. Andrew McArthurs lab at McMaster University, we, along with many other groups, have done research comparing the strengths and weaknesses of different methods to sequence the genome of SARS-CoV-2. The raw data generated by genome sequencing requires a fair amount of computational processing to remove errors and identify any variants.

In an interesting bit of cross-discipline collaboration, I worked with a cosmologist from the Perimeter Institute (Prof. Kendrick Smith) to scale up the methods being used to do this in the McArthur lab. This has enabled hundreds to thousands of genomes to be processed at the same time and is now used by McMaster and the Public Health Agency of Canada for this particular type of sequencing.

How can genomic data be used to predict the evolution of SARS-CoV-2? How does this information help scientists develop vaccines that fight against current and future genetic variants of the virus?

Genomic data gives us the precise genetic fingerprint of the virus that infected the person or animal from which it was sampled. By comparing this fingerprint to the genomes of other SARS-CoV-2 viruses, we can investigate how the virus is spreading. For example, whether an outbreak is all from one source and what that source is likely to be, such as travel from a specific country or region. The pattern of variations, or differences in genetic material, across these genomes can also be used to predict things like how much SARS-CoV-2 is circulating in a population and how quickly it is being transmitted. Using genomic data to answer epidemiological questions like these is known as Genomic Epidemiology.

In terms of vaccine development, genomic data allows researchers to better understand how the virus infects human cells, how quickly specific components change over time, and thus which parts of the virus to target with a vaccine. Every single SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and vaccine candidate was developed using genomic data in some way. This link is particularly clear in the mRNA vaccines being deployed against SARS-CoV-2, as these vaccines are based on a copied portion of the viral genome. We also use genomic sequencing to monitor whether a virus has evolved to overcome the vaccine. By sequencing any person that might become infected after being vaccinated, we can determine how the virus has changed and whether the vaccine needs updating.

Given recent news that mutations of the COVID-19 virus have been found in areas like Great Britain and Canada, are researchers around the world collaborating in the study of these mutations? If so, how are they tracking sharing this information?The analysis of SARS-CoV-2 is a truly international and cross-discipline effort, with open and rapid sharing of data, tools, and preliminary findings outside of traditional (and slow) academic publishing channels. There are currently over 425,000 genomes deposited in databases such as the European Nucleotide Archive and GISAIDs EpiCoV through the work of individual research groups and national sequencing initiatives such as the Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN).

However, genomes are only so useful without accompanying high-quality metadata (e.g., details about the genomes such as when/where the genome was collected). To this end, as part of the Public Health Alliance for Genomic Epidemiology, we (led by Dr. Emma Griffths at the BCCDC/Simon Fraser University) have developed international consensus standards to try and ensure that everyone is generating consistent, specific, usable metadata with their sequencing. This allows us to more easily collaborate on a global scale to study this virus.

To enable all this data to be used effectively, open-source projects such as Nextstrain develop tools and facilitate the sharing of results. These projects allow researchers and public health officials to analyse data from their area of interest and automatically sample the global data to provide context for their results. Through a collaboration with Ontarios ONCoV Genomics Rapid Response Coalition and Prof. Andrew McArthur, I currently maintain and host a continually updated evolutionary analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in Canada using these tools.

How have insights gained from genome sequencing been used by governments and health officials to develop policy and protocols to manage the global pandemic and spread of the virus?

Historically, the process of sequencing and analyzing genomic data took too long to actively drive public health policy/interventions during an active outbreak. Thanks to work on improving open international standards and infrastructure through initiatives like the Public Health Alliance for Genomic Epidemiology, Nextstrain, and Canadas Integrated Rapid Infectious Disease Analysis project, it is now possible to perform genomic epidemiological analyses in essentially real-time.

This has allowed the genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 to inform public health interventions throughout the pandemic at every level from the imposition of international travel restrictions to try to control the spread of new rapidly transmitting variants down to changes in cleaning and staff-screening policies within single hospitals or long-term care facilities to control outbreaks. Beyond this pandemic, genomic epidemiology is likely going to continue to become an increasingly important tool in the management of infectious diseases.

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Ask an expert: Finlay Maguire on using genomic data to better understand how COVID19 and its variants behave - Dal News

BATTLE AGAINST THE DEADLY VIRUS. REPORTER: EVEN WITH THE VACCINATION ROLLOUT, THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 IS FAR FROM OVER. IT IS WHY EVERY PATIENT WHO LEAVES THE HOSPITAL OR NEVER EVEN HAS TO BE ADMITTED IS CELEBRATED AS A VICTORY. [APPLAUSE] >> W ARE PREVENTING PEOPLE FROM GETTING PROFOUNDLY ILL. IF YOU CAN D THAT AND THEY CAN GET BACK TO THEIR LIVES THAT IS WHAT MEDICINE IS ABOUT AT THE END OF THE DAY. REPORTER: DR. JOE FLYNN WITH NORTON HEALTHCARE IS PART OF A TEAM OF RESEARCHERS THATS BEEN WORKING WITH MONO-COLONAL ANTIBODIES FOR MONTHS. ALREADY THIS WEEK, 30 COVID PATIENTS WERE GIVEN THE DRUG 500 IN RECENT WEEKS, AND OF THOSE, ONLY 3 HAD TO BE HOSPITALIZED. IN ORDER TO KEEP HOSPITALS AND STAFF FROM BECOMING OVERWHELMED DOCTORS SAY IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP NUMBERS LOW. NORTON HEALTHCARE REPOR 182 COVID RELATED HOSPITALIZATIONS. AT BAPTIST, 74, AND TO HEALTH SAYS THEY HAVE JUST UNDER 100. U OF L HEALTH, IN PART BECAUSE OF THEIR RENOWNED CARDIAC TEAM, IS FINDING THEMSELVES WELL EQUIPPED TO DEAL WITH THOSE IN THE ICU. ECMO, OXYGENATING A PATIENTS BLOOD TO ALLOW THEIR LUNGS AND HEART TO HEAL, HAS ALREADY SAVED 5 LIVES THIS YEAR, ACCORDING T SURGEON MATTHEW FOX. >> AS SURGEONS WE DO NOT GET TO TREA COVID PATIENTS AS MUCH AS OUR CRITICAL-CARE CARE COLLEAGUES THAT SEE IT EVERY DAY THERE IT BEING ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE IN YOUR OWN WAY. REPORTER: BUT EVEN WITH ADVANCEMENTS BEING MADE DAILY, DOCTORS CAUTION THERES A LONG WAY TO GO. PREVENTATIVE MEASURES LIKE MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING MUST CONTINUE TO BE FOLLO >> WHEN WE STARTED IN MARCH AND APRIL WE WERE STILL TRYING TO INVENT THE WHEEL. WE MIGHT BE DRIVING A MODEL T BUT WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO. OUR TICKET OUT OF THIS IS THROUGH THE VACCINE. REPORTER: ANOTHER INCREDIBLE STEP, JUST AS INCREDIBLE AS MEDICINE, DR. FLYNN SAYS, IS THE MANPOWER. >> I LOVE SCIENCE. THAT IS WHAT I DO. THE THING THAT HAS BEEN TRANSFORMATIVE IS THE HUMAN REACTION AND WHAT PEOPLE HAVE STEPPED UP TO DO FOR OTHERS IS JUST SO UPLIFTING TO ME.

Which COVID-19 treatments are working at Louisville-area hospitals?

Updated: 6:58 PM EST Jan 28, 2021

Even with the vaccination rollout, the fight against COVID-19 is far from over. It's why every patient who leaves the hospital, or never even has to be admitted, is celebrated as a victory."We're preventing people from getting profoundly ill and they're quickly going back to their lives. That's what medicine's really all about at the end of the day," Dr. Joe Flynn, with Norton Healthcare, told WLKY.Flynn has been part of a team of researchers that has been working with monoclonal antibodies for months. Already this week, 30 COVID-19 patients were given the drugs. In recent weeks, that number was 500, and of those, only three had to be hospitalized. Flynn said it's critical to keep those numbers lower, so that hospitals and staff don't get overwhelmed.Currently, Norton reports 182 COVID-19-related hospitalizations, there are 98 at UofL Health, while Baptist Health has 74 COVID-19 hospitalizations.UofL Health, in part because of their renowned cardiac team, is finding themselves well equipped to deal with those in the ICU. ECMO, oxygenating a patient's blood to allow their lungs and heart to heal, has already saved five lives this year, according to surgeon Dr. Matthew Fox."As surgeons, we don't get to treat COVID patients as much as our critical care colleagues that see it every day, and being able to contribute in your own way is nice," Fox said.But even with advancements being made daily, doctors caution there's a long way to go. Preventative measures, like masks and social distancing, must continue."When we started in March or April, we were in the Stone Age, trying to invent the wheel now we might be driving a model T, but we've got a long way to go. Our ticket out of this is through the vaccine," Dr. Benjamin Klausing, an infectious disease specialist with Baptist Health, said.The development of multiple vaccinations signals an incredible step in the fight against COVID-19. But just as incredible as the medicine, Dr. Flynn said, is the manpower."I love science, that's what I do, but to me the thing that has been transformative is human reaction and what people have stepped up to do for others it's so uplifting to me, that's what I take from all of this," he said.Kentucky is currently in Phase 1B of the vaccination rollout. Area doctors suspect the greater population will not be vaccinated until late summer or early fall.

Even with the vaccination rollout, the fight against COVID-19 is far from over. It's why every patient who leaves the hospital, or never even has to be admitted, is celebrated as a victory.

"We're preventing people from getting profoundly ill and they're quickly going back to their lives. That's what medicine's really all about at the end of the day," Dr. Joe Flynn, with Norton Healthcare, told WLKY.

Flynn has been part of a team of researchers that has been working with monoclonal antibodies for months. Already this week, 30 COVID-19 patients were given the drugs. In recent weeks, that number was 500, and of those, only three had to be hospitalized. Flynn said it's critical to keep those numbers lower, so that hospitals and staff don't get overwhelmed.

Currently, Norton reports 182 COVID-19-related hospitalizations, there are 98 at UofL Health, while Baptist Health has 74 COVID-19 hospitalizations.

UofL Health, in part because of their renowned cardiac team, is finding themselves well equipped to deal with those in the ICU. ECMO, oxygenating a patient's blood to allow their lungs and heart to heal, has already saved five lives this year, according to surgeon Dr. Matthew Fox.

"As surgeons, we don't get to treat COVID patients as much as our critical care colleagues that see it every day, and being able to contribute in your own way is nice," Fox said.

But even with advancements being made daily, doctors caution there's a long way to go. Preventative measures, like masks and social distancing, must continue.

"When we started in March or April, we were in the Stone Age, trying to invent the wheel now we might be driving a model T, but we've got a long way to go. Our ticket out of this is through the vaccine," Dr. Benjamin Klausing, an infectious disease specialist with Baptist Health, said.

The development of multiple vaccinations signals an incredible step in the fight against COVID-19. But just as incredible as the medicine, Dr. Flynn said, is the manpower.

"I love science, that's what I do, but to me the thing that has been transformative is human reaction and what people have stepped up to do for others it's so uplifting to me, that's what I take from all of this," he said.

Kentucky is currently in Phase 1B of the vaccination rollout. Area doctors suspect the greater population will not be vaccinated until late summer or early fall.

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Which COVID-19 treatments are working at Louisville-area hospitals? - WLKY Louisville

A new informative report on theGlobal Preventative Healthcare Technologies and ServicesMarket has recently been published by DBMR and added to its widespread database which will help to make better strategic decisions in the businesses. such as Company Overview, Financial Overview, Product Portfolio, Business Strategies, and Recent Developments. Moreover, it offers summarized data on various business perspectives such as global market shares, drivers, restraints, recent innovative trends, and challenges in front of the global Preventative Healthcare Technologies and Services market. Preventative Healthcare Technologies and Services industry report firstly introduced the Preventative Healthcare Technologies and Services basics: Definitions, Classifications, Applications and Market Overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the worlds main region Preventative Healthcare Technologies and Services market conditions, including the product Price, Profit, Capacity, Production, Supply, forecast (2021 -2027), demand, market growth rate etc.

Preventative healthcare technologies and services market is expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2020 to 2027. Data Bridge Market Research analyses the market to account to growing at a CAGR of 11.10% in the above-mentioned forecast period. The growing awareness amongst the physicians and patients regarding the benefits of advance technology as well as services will help in boosting the growth of the market.

Download Free Exclusive Sample (350 Pages PDF) Report: To Know the Impact of COVID-19 on this Industry @https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-preventative-healthcare-technologies-and-services-market&AS

The major players who are leading the market throughout the globe are:

COVID 19 scenario analysis:

Preventative Healthcare Technologies and Services MarketSegmentation:

By Type (Early Detection and Screening Technologies, Chronic Disease Management Technologies, Vaccines, Advanced Technologies to Reduce Errors)

By Application (Hospitals, Clinics, Others)

MAJOR TOC OF THE REPORT:-

Get Complete Latest TOC of This Report @https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=global-preventative-healthcare-technologies-and-services-market&AS

Competitive Landscape and Preventative Healthcare Technologies and Services Market Share Analysis

Preventative healthcare technologies and services market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies focus related to preventative healthcare technologies and services market.

The major players covered in the preventative healthcare technologies and services market report are Myriad Genetics, Inc., Quest Diagnostics Incorporated., Medtronic, Abbott., Merck & Co., Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc., Omnicell, Inc., McKesson Corporation, Pfizer Inc., Dilon Technologies, Inc., OMRON Healthcare Europe B.V., among other domestic and global players. Market share data is available for Global, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America separately. DBMR analysts understand competitive strengths and provide competitive analysis for each competitor separately.

Significant Highlights of the Report:

Global Preventative Healthcare Technologies and Services Market Scope and Market Size

Based on type, preventative healthcare technologies and services market is segmented into early detection and screening technologies, chronic disease management technologies, vaccines, and advanced technologies to reduce errors. Early detection and screening technologies have been further segmented into automated screening, personalized medicine, and other advanced screening technologies. Chronic disease management technologies have been further segmented into blood pressure monitors, asthma monitors, cardiovascular monitors, and glucose monitors.

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Preventative Healthcare Technologies and Services Market Country Level Analysis

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Global Preventative Healthcare Technologies and Services Industry (2021 to 2027) Market Trends and Drivers Quest Diagnostics Incorporated,...

Ivermectin is showing up in web searches and social media posts about COVID treatments. It's not an approved treatment.

ALABAMA, USA The drug ivermectin has been popping up on Google searches and social media as a treatment for COVID.

What's the story behind ivermectin and COVID? We checked it out.

Sources: National Institutes of Health, FDA,

What is ivermectin?

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for certain conditions, particularly parasitic worm infections. It's also commonly used to as a heartworm preventative and to treat some parasitic conditions in animals.

Is ivermectin a treatment for COVID-19?

According to all three of our sources, the answer is that there is research being done, but its usefulness and effectiveness have not been proven, and it's not approved for the treatment or prevention of COVID.

Clinical studies have given conflicting results, and there are major limitations on these studies. The NIH says,

The most frequent limitations cited were the small sizes of the studies and the administration of other medications along with ivermectin, making it hard to assess of the true efficacy or safety of ivermectin.

Conclusion:

While there have been a number of small-scale studies on the effectiveness of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 with varying results, it is not approved as a treatment. Research is still underway.

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VERIFY: No, ivermectin is not an approved treatment for COVID - WZDX

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A new variant of the coronavirus has been found in Nevada, and health officials say it is more contagious than the original strain.

The new strain first emerged in the United Kingdom last fall, and it has been popping up in the United States in recent weeks. The U.K. variant, also known as B.1.1.7, has been found in at least 24 states in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It has also been found in Nevada, so some local experts say we should step up our prevention efforts.

Public health measures are increasingly more important, said. Dr. Marc J. Kahn, Dean of the UNLV School of Medicine.

This week, officials announced the U.K. strain of the virus was detected in a specimen from a Las Vegas woman.

Its able to potentially infect more people, according to Dr. Kahn.

Dr. Kahn tells 8 News NOW that it is still unclear whether the U.K. strain is more deadly because more research needs to be done on that front. But experts agree, it is around 50 percent more contagious.

Dr. Kahn says it is not a bad idea for mitigation measures for high-risk groups to be increased. He says that includes double masking.

The greater the barrier you have between yourself and others, the less likely this virus is able to be transmitted, Dr. Kahn said.

Dr. Kahn adds it is also important to keep your time inside places like grocery stores limited, and you should avoid areas with inadequate airflow.

With a more contagious variant, we need to be even more careful, Dr. Kahn said.

While research shows the COVID-19 vaccine is effective against new virus strains, Dr. Jonathan Baktari, CEO and Medical Director for e7 Health, says Pfizer and Moderna are both working on booster shots to fight mutated versions of the virus better.

In other words, modulating the mRNA vaccine to take that variant into account, and then potentially being prepared to give people a booster shot if that becomes necessary, Dr. Baktari said.

Dr. Baktari says these additional doses will only be necessary if the variants continue to cause issues that the current vaccines cannot handle.

Potentially, were going to need to come up with vaccines for mutations if we dont get it under control soon, Dr. Baktari said.

The two-dose system for the vaccine is still the current official recommendation. Dr. Kahn says regardless of what research is left to do, the vaccine is the best form of protection against COVID-19.

As soon as your time comes up to get vaccinated, you have got to get vaccinated, Dr. Kahn said.

8 News NOW asked the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) if it is officially recommending any extra steps in light of the new strain. SNHD officials sent the following statement:

The Southern Nevada Health District recommends that everyone continue to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The same measures we have been advising everyone to take social distancing, wearing face coverings, avoiding large gatherings, staying home if youre sick, washing your hands, and disinfecting surfaces are effective against the variant strain found in one Clark County resident.

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Health experts say Nevada should step up preventative methods after UK variant strain of COVID-19 is found in the state - KLAS - 8 News Now