Epigenetic divergence of key genes associated with water temperature and salinity in a highly invasive model ascidian

Invasive species offer good models for studying mechanisms of response to rapid changing environments in the wild. DNA methylation is considered to be one of crucial drivers for rapid local adaptation. However, the extent of epigenetic variation and the factors driving such variation remain largely unexplored in biological invasions. Here we used direct bisulfite sequencing to investigate DNA methylation patterns of five key genes corresponding to two important environmental factors in marine ecosystems, water temperature and salinity, in a model invasive ascidian Ciona robusta (=C. intestinalis spA). Our results clearly showed that DNA methylation mainly occurred in gene bodies, rather than promoters, at regions with low values of CpG O/E. We detected significant variation of DNA methylation among populations in two genes (heat shock protein 90 and Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl^? cotransporter). Interestingly, significant correlation was detected between methylation levels and the two environmental factors at some CpGs in these two genes. When the data of all CpGs was subjected to principal component analysis, individuals were assigned back to their population orgins. All the results suggest that environmental factors likely contribute, at least partially, to the observed DNA methylation variation. Such variation, either by some loci alone or through gene networks, might be involved in rapid local adaptation during biological invasions.     

Optimization of conditions for the production of pullulan and high molecular weight pullulan by Aureobasidium pullulans

Aureobasidium pullulans had a maximum yield coefficient of pullulan (Y _p/s=0.24) with an initial pH of the culture broth of 6.5 in a shake-flask culture. In a batch culture, the maximum pullulan yield coefficient of 0.30 was obtained at the aeration rate of 0.5 vvm. A yeast-like form and mycelial form of cells were found at the culture broth with pH controlled at 4.5 with a maximum yield coefficient of pullulan of 0.27. However, a high portion (35%) of high molecular weight pullulan (M _w>2 000 000) was produced at pH 6.5 with a yeast-like morphology of the cells.     

Trehalose protects wine yeast against oxidation under thermal stress

Accumulation of trehalose in yeasts has been suggested to be an important mechanism of tolerance against adverse stress conditions, particularly in thermal stress. However, under thermal stress, it is not clear if the mechanism of protection is related to its antioxidant role. In this study, a newly isolated wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisia was used to examine the protective effect of trehalose against oxidation during thermal stress treatment. Cells were treated either with a mild heat treatment at 37°C (which leads to trehalose accumulation) or with a 50 mM trehalose solution and then exposed to a high temperature of 53°C. According to our results, mild heat treatment at 37°C and trehalose addition which promote accumulation of trehalose significantly increased cell survival upon exposure to thermal stress at 53°C which seems to be correlated with decrease in reactive oxygen species levels and lipid peroxidation. Trehalose could protect yeast from oxidative injuries under thermal stress.     

Blood transfusion and lung surgeries in pediatric age group: a single center retrospective study

Incompatibility of blood groups or unexpected antibodies are primary considerations when acute hemolysis occurs during or after transfusion. However, less attention is paid to drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA), which is a rare but potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease. We present the case of a 34-year-old woman (group A, RhD+) who was treated with multiple antibiotics after meningioma resection. As her hemoglobin (Hb) decreased significantly from 109 g/L to 52 g/L without obvious bleeding, a blood transfusion was conducted soon after the medication, during which acute hemolysis occurred. An unexpected antibody, anti-M (MNS blood group system), was identified in the patient. It was confirmed that both the recipient and donor were group A, M antigen negative (M−) with CCDee phenotype, and no agglutination reactivity was observed in major crossmatch by testing the specimens before and after transfusion. Meanwhile, the results of the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) changed from negative to positive. Anti-meropenem, a drug-dependent antibody of meropenem, was detected, and hemolysis resolved after cessation. Anti-meropenem may mainly act through an \