G-Protein β-Subunit Gene TaGB1-B Enhances Drought and Salt Resistance in Wheat

In the hexaploid wheat genome, there are three Gα genes, three Gβ and twelve Gγ genes, but the function of Gβ in wheat has not been explored. In this study, we obtained the overexpression of TaGB1 Arabidopsis plants through inflorescence infection, and the overexpression of wheat lines was obtained by gene bombardment. The results showed that under drought and NaCl treatment, the survival rate of Arabidopsis seedlings' overexpression of TaGB1-B was higher than that of the wild type, while the survival rate of the related mutant agb1-2 was lower than that of the wild type. The survival rate of wheat seedlings with TaGB1-B overexpression was higher than that of the control. In addition, under drought and salt stress, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and proline (Pro) in the wheat overexpression of TaGB1-B were higher than that of the control, and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower than that of the control. This indicates that TaGB1-B could improve the drought resistance and salt tolerance of Arabidopsis and wheat by scavenging active oxygen. Overall, this work provides a theoretical basis for wheat G-protein β-subunits in a further study, and new genetic resources for the cultivation of drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant wheat varieties.

[Research advances on the prevention and treatment of burn infection in the elderly]

Infection is a common complication after burns and the major cause of death in patients suffering severe burn injury. The infection of the elderly after burns is more serious due to their decreased immune function that is complicated with factors such as multiple chronic diseases and dysfunction of various organs. In addition, the burn infection in the elderly lacks the specific symptoms and signs, which brings great challenges to its diagnosis and treatment. To effectively prevent and control infection is very important for the treatment of elderly burn patients. Combined the clinical characteristics of burn infection in the elderly, this paper summarized the research advances of prevention and treatment for burn infection in the elderly from fluid resuscitation, wound treatment, antibiotic using, organ protection, nutritional support, and infection prevention, aiming to provide reference for clinical practice.

Foxtail millet MYB-like transcription factor SiMYB16 confers salt tolerance in transgenic rice by regulating phenylpropane pathway

R2R3-MYB transcription factors play an important role in the synthesis of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds, which in turn provide salt tolerance in plant. In this study, we found that the expression of foxtail millet R2R3-MYB factor SiMYB16 can be induced by salt and drought. SiMYB16 is localized in the nucleus and acts as a transcriptional activator. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that SiMYB16 belongs to the R2R3-MYB transcription factor family subgroup 24. Transgenic rice expressing SiMYB16 (OX16) had a higher survival rate, lower malondialdehyde content, and heavier fresh weight compared with type (WT) under salt stress conditions. The transgenic plants also had a higher germination rate in salt treatment conditions and higher yield in the field compared with wild-type plants. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the up-regulated differential expression genes in the transgenic rice were mainly involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, fatty acid elongation, phenylalanine metabolism, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis also showed that the genes encoding the major enzymes in the lignin and suberin biosynthesis pathways had higher expression level in SiMYB16 transgenic plants. Correspondingly, the content of flavonoid and lignin, and the activity of fatty acid synthase increased in SiMYB16 transgenic rice compared with wild-type plants under salt stress treatment. These results indicate that SiMYB16 gene can enhance plant salt tolerance by regulating the biosynthesis of lignin and suberin.

Genome-wide analysis of TALE superfamily in Triticum aestivum reveals TaKNOX11-A is involved in abiotic stress response

BACKGROUND

Three-amino-loop-extension (TALE) superfamily genes are widely present in plants and function directly in plant growth and development and abiotic stress response. Although TALE genes have been studied in many plant species, members of the TALE family have not been identified in wheat.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified 70 wheat TALE protein candidate genes divided into two subfamilies, KNOX (KNOTTED-like homeodomain) and BEL1-like (BLH/BELL homeodomain). Genes in the same subfamily or branch in the phylogenetic tree are similar in structure, and their encoded proteins have similar motifs and conserved structures. Wheat TALE genes are unevenly distributed on 21 chromosomes and expanded on the fourth chromosome. Through gene duplication analysis, 53 pairs of wheat TALE genes were determined to result from segmental duplication events, and five pairs were caused by tandem duplication events. The Ka/Ks between TALE gene pairs indicates a strong purification and selection effect. There are multiple cis-elements in the 2000 bp promoter sequence that respond to hormones and abiotic stress, indicating that most wheat TALE genes are involved in the growth, development, and stress response of wheat. We also studied the expression profiles of wheat TALE genes in different developmental stages and tissues and under different stress treatments. We detected the expression levels of four TALE genes by qRT-PCR, and selected TaKNOX11-A for further downstream analysis. TaKNOX11-A enhanced the drought and salt tolerances of Arabidopsis thaliana. TaKNOX11-A overexpressing plants had decreased malondialdehyde content and increased proline content, allowing for more effective adaptation of plants to unfavorable environments.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified TALE superfamily members in wheat and conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. The discovery of the potential role of TaKNOX11-A in drought resistance and salt tolerance provides a basis for follow-up studies of wheat TALE family members, and also provides new genetic resources for improving the stress resistance of wheat.

[Fluid resuscitation strategy and efficacy evaluation in shock stage in severely burned children with different burn areas in different age groups]

Objective: To explore the fluid resuscitation strategy in shock stage in severely burned children with different burn areas in different age groups, and to evaluate the curative effect. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. From January 2015 to June 2020, 235 children with severe and above burns who met the inclusion criteria were hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, including 150 males and 85 females, aged 3 months to 12 years. After admission, it was planned to rehydrate the children with electrolyte, colloid, and water according to the domestic rehydration formula for pediatric burn shock, and the rehydration volume and speed were adjusted according to the children's mental state, peripheral circulation, heart rate, blood pressure, and urine output, etc. The actual input volume and planned input volume of electrolyte, colloid, water, and total fluid of all the children were recorded during the 8 hours since fluid replacement and the first and second 24 hours after injury. According to urine output during the 8 hours since fluid replacement, all the children were divided into satisfactory urine output maintenance group (119 cases) with urine output ≥1 mL·kg^-1·h^-1 and unsatisfactory urine output maintenance group (116 cases) with urine output <1 mL·kg^-1·h^-1, and the electrolyte coefficient, colloid coefficient, and water coefficient of the children were calculated during the 8 hours since fluid replacement. According to the total burn area, children aged <3 years (155 cases) and 3-12 years (80 cases) were divided into 15%-25% total body surface area (TBSA) group and >25%TBSA group, respectively. The electrolyte coefficient, colloid coefficient, water coefficient, and urine output of the children were calculated or counted during the first and second 24 hours after injury, and the non-invasive monitoring indicators of body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation and efficacy indicators of hematocrit, platelet count, hemoglobin, albumin, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of the children were recorded 48 hours after injury. The prognosis and outcome indicators of all the children during the treatment were counted, including complications, cure, improvement and discharge, automatic discharge, and death. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample or paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results: During the 8 hours since fluid replacement, the actual input volume of electrolyte of all the children was significantly more than the planned input volume, and the actual input volumes of colloid, water, and total fluid were significantly less than the planned input volumes (Z=13.094, 5.096, 13.256, 7.742, P<0.01). During the first and second 24 hours after injury, the actual input volumes of electrolyte of all the children were significantly more than the planned input volumes, and the actual input volumes of water and total fluid were significantly less than the planned input volumes (Z=13.288, -13.252, 3.867, 13.183, -13.191, 10.091, P<0.01), while the actual input volumes of colloid were close to the planned input volumes (P>0.05). During the 8 hours since fluid replacement, compared with those in unsatisfactory urine output maintenance group, there was no significant change in electrolyte coefficient or colloid coefficient of children in satisfactory urine output maintenance group (P>0.05), while the water coefficient was significantly increased (Z=2.574, P<0.05). Among children <3 years old, compared with those in >25%TBSA group, the electrolyte coefficient and water coefficient of children were significantly increased and the urine output of children was significantly decreased in 15%-25%TBSA group during the first and second 24 hours after injury (Z=-3.867, -6.993, -3.417, -5.396, -5.062, 1.503, P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the colloid coefficient did not change significantly (P>0.05); the levels of efficacy indicators of hematocrit, platelet count, and hemoglobin at 48 h after injury were significantly increased, while ALT level was significantly decreased (Z=-2.720, -3.099, -2.063, -2.481, P<0.05 or P<0.01); the levels of the rest of the efficacy indicators and non-invasive monitoring indicators at 48 h after injury did not change significantly (P>0.05). Among children aged 3-12 years, compared with those in >25%TBSA group, the electrolyte coefficient and water coefficient of children in 15%-25%TBSA group were significantly increased during the first and second 24 hours after injury, the colloid coefficient during the second 24 h was significantly decreased (Z=-2.042, -4.884, -2.297, -3.448, -2.480, P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the colloid coefficient during the first 24 hours after injury, urine output during the first and second 24 hours after injury, and the non-invasive monitoring indicators and efficacy indicators at 48 hours after injury did not change significantly (P>0.05). Complications occurred in 17 children during the treatment. Among the 235 children, 211 cases were cured, accounting for 89.79%, 5 cases were improved and discharged, accounting for 2.13%, 16 cases were discharged automatically, accounting for 6.81%, and 3 cases died, accounting for 1.28%. Conclusions: The electrolyte volume in early fluid resuscitation in severely burned children exceeding the volume calculated by the formula can obtain a good therapeutic effect. Among children <3 years old, the volume of fluid resuscitation should be appropriately increased in children with extremely severe burns compared with children with severe burns during fluid resuscitation; among children aged 3-12 years, the colloid volume should be appropriately increased in children with extremely severe burns compared with children with severe burns during fluid resuscitation; non-invasive monitoring indicators can be used to monitor hemodynamics and guide fluid resuscitation in severely burned children.

Genome-Wide Analysis of MADS-Box Genes in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.) and Functional Assessment of the Role of SiMADS51 in the Drought Stress Response

MADS-box transcription factors play vital roles in multiple biological processes in plants. At present, a comprehensive investigation into the genome-wide identification and classification of MADS-box genes in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) has not been reported. In this study, we identified 72 MADS-box genes in the foxtail millet genome and give an overview of the phylogeny, chromosomal location, gene structures, and potential functions of the proteins encoded by these genes. We also found that the expression of 10 MIKC-type MADS-box genes was induced by abiotic stresses (PEG-6000 and NaCl) and exogenous hormones (ABA and GA), which suggests that these genes may play important regulatory roles in response to different stresses. Further studies showed that transgenic Arabidopsis and rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants overexpressing SiMADS51 had reduced drought stress tolerance as revealed by lower survival rates and poorer growth performance under drought stress conditions, which demonstrated that SiMADS51 is a negative regulator of drought stress tolerance in plants. Moreover, expression of some stress-related genes were down-regulated in the SiMADS51-overexpressing plants. The results of our study provide an overall picture of the MADS-box gene family in foxtail millet and establish a foundation for further research on the mechanisms of action of MADS-box proteins with respect to abiotic stresses.

Genome-wide analysis of the serine carboxypeptidase-like protein family in Triticum aestivum reveals TaSCPL184-6D is involved in abiotic stress response

Background

The serine carboxypeptidase-like protein (SCPL) family plays a vital role in stress response, growth, development and pathogen defense. However, the identification and functional analysis of SCPL gene family members have not yet been performed in wheat.

Results

In this study, we identified a total of 210 candidate genes encoding SCPL proteins in wheat. According to their structural characteristics, it is possible to divide these members into three subfamilies: CPI, CPII and CPIII. We uncovered a total of 209 TaSCPL genes unevenly distributed across 21 wheat chromosomes, of which 65.7% are present in triads. Gene duplication analysis showed that ~ 10.5% and ~ 64.8% of the TaSCPL genes are derived from tandem and segmental duplication events, respectively. Moreover, the Ka/Ks ratios between duplicated TaSCPL gene pairs were lower than 0.6, which suggests the action of strong purifying selection. Gene structure analysis showed that most of the TaSCPL genes contain multiple introns and that the motifs present in each subfamily are relatively conserved. Our analysis on cis-acting elements showed that the promoter sequences of TaSCPL genes are enriched in drought-, ABA- and MeJA-responsive elements. In addition, we studied the expression profiles of TaSCPL genes in different tissues at different developmental stages. We then evaluated the expression levels of four TaSCPL genes by qRT-PCR, and selected TaSCPL184-6D for further downstream analysis. The results showed an enhanced drought and salt tolerance among TaSCPL184-6D transgenic Arabidopsis plants, and that the overexpression of the gene increased proline and decreased malondialdehyde levels, which might help plants adapting to adverse environments. Our results provide comprehensive analyses of wheat SCPL genes that might work as a reference for future studies aimed at improving drought and salt tolerance in wheat.

Conclusions

We conducte a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of the TaSCPL gene family in wheat, which revealing the potential roles of TaSCPL genes in abiotic stress. Our analysis also provides useful resources for improving the resistance of wheat.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07647-6.

The Ankyrin-Repeat Gene GmANK114 Confers Drought and Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis and Soybean

Ankyrin repeat (ANK) proteins are essential in cell growth, development, and response to hormones and environmental stresses. In the present study, 226 ANK genes were identified and classified into nine subfamilies according to conserved domains in the soybean genome (Glycine max L.). Among them, the GmANK114 was highly induced by drought, salt, and abscisic acid. The GmANK114 encodes a protein that belongs to the ANK-RF subfamily containing a RING finger (RF) domain in addition to the ankyrin repeats. Heterologous overexpression of GmANK114 in transgenic Arabidopsis improved the germination rate under drought and salt treatments compared to wild-type. Homologous overexpression of GmANK114 improved the survival rate under drought and salt stresses in transgenic soybean hairy roots. In response to drought or salt stress, GmANK114 overexpression in soybean hairy root showed higher proline and lower malondialdehyde contents, and lower H2O2 and O2- contents compared control plants. Besides, GmANK114 activated transcription of several abiotic stress-related genes, including WRKY13, NAC11, DREB2, MYB84, and bZIP44 under drought and salt stresses in soybean. These results provide new insights for functional analysis of soybean ANK proteins and will be helpful for further understanding how ANK proteins in plants adapt to abiotic stress.

Expression Analyses of Soybean VOZ Transcription Factors and the Role of GmVOZ1G in Drought and Salt Stress Tolerance

Vascular plant one-zinc-finger (VOZ) transcription factor, a plant specific one-zinc-finger-type transcriptional activator, is involved in regulating numerous biological processes such as floral induction and development, defense against pathogens, and response to multiple types of abiotic stress. Six VOZ transcription factor-encoding genes (GmVOZs) have been reported to exist in the soybean (Glycine max) genome. In spite of this, little information is currently available regarding GmVOZs. In this study, GmVOZs were cloned and characterized. GmVOZ genes encode proteins possessing transcriptional activation activity in yeast cells. GmVOZ1E, GmVOZ2B, and GmVOZ2D gene products were widely dispersed in the cytosol, while GmVOZ1G was primarily located in the nucleus. GmVOZs displayed a differential expression profile under dehydration, salt, and salicylic acid (SA) stress conditions. Among them, GmVOZ1G showed a significantly induced expression in response to all stress treatments. Overexpression of GmVOZ1G in soybean hairy roots resulted in a greater tolerance to drought and salt stress. In contrast, RNA interference (RNAi) soybean hairy roots suppressing GmVOZ1G were more sensitive to both of these stresses. Under drought treatment, soybean composite plants with an overexpression of hairy roots had higher relative water content (RWC). In response to drought and salt stress, lower malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and higher peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were observed in soybean composite seedlings with an overexpression of hairy roots. The opposite results for each physiological parameter were obtained in RNAi lines. In conclusion, GmVOZ1G positively regulates drought and salt stress tolerance in soybean hairy roots. Our results will be valuable for the functional characterization of soybean VOZ transcription factors under abiotic stress.

Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution, and Expression of GDSL-Type Esterase/Lipase Gene Family in Soybean

GDSL-type esterase/lipase proteins (GELPs) belong to the SGNH hydrolase superfamily and contain a conserved GDSL motif at their N-terminus. GELPs are widely distributed in nature, from microbes to plants, and play crucial roles in growth and development, stress responses and pathogen defense. However, the identification and functional analysis of GELP genes are hardly explored in soybean. This study describes the identification of 194 GELP genes in the soybean genome and their phylogenetic classification into 11 subfamilies (A-K). GmGELP genes are disproportionally distributed on 20 soybean chromosomes. Large-scale WGD/segmental duplication events contribute greatly to the expansion of the soybean GDSL gene family. The Ka/Ks ratios of more than 70% of duplicated gene pairs ranged from 0.1-0.3, indicating that most GmGELP genes were under purifying selection pressure. Gene structure analysis indicate that more than 74% of GmGELP genes are interrupted by 4 introns and composed of 5 exons in their coding regions, and closer homologous genes in the phylogenetic tree often have similar exon-intron organization. Further statistics revealed that approximately 56% of subfamily K members contain more than 4 introns, and about 28% of subfamily I members consist of less than 4 introns. For this reason, the two subfamilies were used to simulate intron gain and loss events, respectively. Furthermore, a new model of intron position distribution was established in current study to explore whether the evolution of multi-gene families resulted from the diversity of gene structure. Finally, RNA-seq data were used to investigate the expression profiles of GmGELP gene under different tissues and multiple abiotic stress treatments. Subsequently, 7 stress-responsive GmGELP genes were selected to verify their expression levels by RT-qPCR, the results were consistent with RNA-seq data. Among 7 GmGELP genes, GmGELP28 was selected for further study owing to clear responses to drought, salt and ABA treatments. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and soybean plants showed drought and salt tolerant phenotype. Overexpression of GmGELP28 resulted in the changes of several physiological indicators, which allowed plants to adapt adverse conditions. In all, GmGELP28 is a potential candidate gene for improving the salinity and drought tolerance of soybean.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the DYW Subgroup PPR Gene Family and Identification of GmPPR4 Responses to Drought Stress

Pentatricopeptide-repeat (PPR) proteins were identified as a type of nucleus coding protein that is composed of multiple tandem repeats. It has been reported that PPR genes play an important role in RNA editing, plant growth and development, and abiotic stresses in plants. However, the functions of PPR proteins remain largely unknown in soybean. In this study, 179 DYW subgroup PPR genes were identified in soybean genome (Glycine max Wm82.a2.v1). Chromosomal location analysis indicated that DYW subgroup PPR genes were mapped to all 20 chromosomes. Phylogenetic relationship analysis revealed that DYW subgroup PPR genes were categorized into three distinct Clusters (I to III). Gene structure analysis showed that most PPR genes were featured by a lack of intron. Gene duplication analysis demonstrated 30 PPR genes (15 pairs; ~35.7%) were segmentally duplicated among Cluster I PPR genes. Furthermore, we validated the mRNA expression of three genes that were highly up-regulated in soybean drought- and salt-induced transcriptome database and found that the expression levels of GmPPR4 were induced under salt and drought stresses. Under drought stress condition, GmPPR4-overexpressing (GmPPR4-OE) plants showed delayed leaf rolling; higher content of proline (Pro); and lower contents of H2O2, O2- and malondialdehyde (MDA) compared with the empty vector (EV)-control plants. GmPPR4-OE plants exhibited increased transcripts of several drought-inducible genes compared with EV-control plants. Our results provided a comprehensive analysis of the DYW subgroup PPR genes and an insight for improving the drought tolerance in soybean.

[Analysis of differential gene expressions of inflammatory and repair-related factors in chronic refractory wounds in clinic]

Objective: To compare the tissue morphology and gene expressions of inflammatory and repair-related factors in chronic refractory wound tissue including pressure ulcers and diabetic feet. Methods: During August 2016 to September 2017, 10 samples of prepuce were collected after circumcision of 10 urological patients [all male, aged (38±4) years old] admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University and included in normal skin group, samples of tissue around the edge of wounds with blood supply were collected from 9 heat or electric burn patients [6 male patients, 3 female patients, aged (51±8) years old], 13 pressure ulcer patients [9 male patients, 4 female patients, aged (51±14) years old] and 10 diabetic foot patients [8 male patients, 2 female patients, aged (61±10) years old] during the operations. The samples were divided into burn wound group (9 samples), pressure ulcer group (13 samples), and diabetic foot group (10 samples). Ten slices were taken from pressure ulcer group and diabetic foot group respectively, and 5 slices in each group were used to observe the tissue morphology and expressions of Ki67 and CD31 of wounds respectively with immunofluorescence method. Ten samples from normal skin group, 9 samples from burn wound group, 13 samples from pressure ulcer group, and 10 samples from diabetic foot group were collected for analysis of mRNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor 192 (VEGF192), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) , interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) by real time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were processed with Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test. Results: (1) The expression level of Ki67 in diabetic foot group (390±100) was higher than that of pressure ulcer group (182±14, Z=-2.611, P<0.01). (2) Although there were a large number of vascular endothelial cells (CD31 positive cells) in wounds of diabetic foot group, their distribution was disordered and failed to form intact lumen. There were less vascular endothelial cells in wounds of pressure ulcer group than those of diabetic foot group, but the complete lumen was formed. (3) The mRNA expression levels of VEGF192 in wounds of burn wound group, pressure ulcer group, and diabetic foot group were significantly lower than the level in normal skin group (H=13.72, 30.50, 15.20, P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the level was the lowest in pressure ulcer group. The mRNA expression level of VEGF192 in wounds of pressure ulcer group was significantly lower than that of diabetic foot group (H=15.30, P<0.01). Compared with that of normal skin group, the mRNA expression level of TGF-β in wounds of burn wound group showed no significant difference (H=-9.50, P>0.05), while the mRNA expression levels of TGF-β in wounds of pressure ulcer group and diabetic foot group were significantly decreased (H=18.04, 14.50, P<0.01). The mRNA expression level of TGF-β in wounds of pressure ulcer group was similar to that of diabetic foot group (H=3.54, P>0.05). (4) Compared with those of normal skin group, the mRNA expression levels of VCAM-1 in wounds of burn wound group and pressure ulcer group were significantly increased (H=-22.50, -11.50, P<0.05 or P<0.01), and there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression level of VCAM-1 in wounds of diabetic foot group (H=10.00, P>0.05); the mRNA expression level of ICAM-1 in wounds of burn wound group showed no significant difference (H=-9.50, P>0.05), and the levels of ICAM-1 in wounds of pressure ulcer group and diabetic foot group were significantly decreased (H=16.50, 16.50, P<0.01). The mRNA expression level of VCAM-1 in wounds of pressure ulcer group was significantly higher than that of diabetic foot group (H=-21.50, P<0.01), the mRNA expression level of ICAM-1 in wounds of pressure ulcer group was similar to that of diabetic foot group (H=0, P>0.05). (5) Compared with those of normal skin group, except for the mRNA expression level of IL-1β in wounds of diabetic foot group showed no significant difference (H=-10.00, P>0.05), the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β in wounds of burn wound group and pressure ulcer group were significantly increased (H=-32.50, -21.50, P<0.01); the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 were significantly increased in wounds of burn wound group, pressure ulcer group, and diabetic foot group (H=-17.50, -30.50, -11.80, P<0.05 or P<0.01); except for the mRNA expression level of TNF-α in wounds of burn wound group showed no significant difference (H=-9.50, P>0.05), the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α in wounds of pressure ulcer group and diabetic foot group were significantly decreased (H=18.04, 14.50, P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in wounds of pressure ulcer group were significantly lower than those of burn wound group (H=11.00, 27.54, P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the mRNA expression level of IL-6 was significantly higher (H=-13.00, P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in wounds of diabetic foot group were significantly lower than those of burn wound group (H=22.50, 24.00, P<0.01), while the mRNA expression level of IL-6 showed no significant difference (H=5.70, P>0.05). Conclusions: The phenotypes of diabetic foot and pressure ulcer vary from the expressions levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and blood vessels forming ability to the expression levels of growth factors, cell adhesion factors, and inflammatory cytokines.

Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Analysis of Soybean TGA Transcription Factors Identified a Novel TGA Gene Involved in Drought and Salt Tolerance

The TGA transcription factors, a subfamily of bZIP group D, play crucial roles in various biological processes, including the regulation of growth and development as well as responses to pathogens and abiotic stress. In this study, 27 TGA genes were identified in the soybean genome. The expression patterns of GmTGA genes showed that several GmTGA genes are differentially expressed under drought and salt stress conditions. Among them, GmTGA17 was strongly induced by both stress, which were verificated by the promoter-GUS fusion assay. GmTGA17 encodes a nuclear-localized protein with transcriptional activation activity. Heterologous and homologous overexpression of GmTGA17 enhanced tolerance to drought and salt stress in both transgeinc Arabidopsis plants and soybean hairy roots. However, RNAi hairy roots silenced for GmTGA17 exhibited an increased sensitivity to drought and salt stress. In response to drought or salt stress, transgenic Arabidopsis plants had an increased chlorophyll and proline contents, a higher ABA content, a decreased MDA content, a reduced water loss rate, and an altered expression of ABA- responsive marker genes compared with WT plants. In addition, transgenic Arabidopsis plants were more sensitive to ABA in stomatal closure. Similarly, measurement of physiological parameters showed an increase in chlorophyll and proline contents, with a decrease in MDA content in soybean seedlings with overexpression hairy roots after drought and salt stress treatments. The opposite results for each measurement were observed in RNAi lines. This study provides new insights for functional analysis of soybean TGA transcription factors in abiotic stress.

The WRKY Transcription Factor GmWRKY12 Confers Drought and Salt Tolerance in Soybean

WRKYs are important regulators in plant development and stress responses. However, knowledge of this superfamily in soybean is limited. In this study, we characterized the drought- and salt-induced gene GmWRKY12 based on RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR. GmWRKY12, which is 714 bp in length, encoded 237 amino acids and grouped into WRKY II. The promoter region of GmWRKY12 included ABER4, MYB, MYC, GT-1, W-box and DPBF cis-elements, which possibly participate in abscisic acid (ABA), drought and salt stress responses. GmWRKY12 was minimally expressed in different tissues under normal conditions but highly expressed under drought and salt treatments. As a nucleus protein, GmWRKY12 was responsive to drought, salt, ABA and salicylic acid (SA) stresses. Using a transgenic hairy root assay, we further characterized the roles of GmWRKY12 in abiotic stress tolerance. Compared with control (Williams 82), overexpression of GmWRKY12 enhanced drought and salt tolerance, increased proline (Pro) content and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content under drought and salt treatment in transgenic soybean seedlings. These results may provide a basis to understand the functions of GmWRKY12 in abiotic stress responses in soybean.

Productivity of lactating dairy cows fed diets with teff hay as the sole forage

Groundwater depletion is one of the most pressing issues facing the dairy industry in arid regions. One strategy to improve the industry's drought resilience involves feeding drought-tolerant forage crops in place of traditional forage crops such as alfalfa and corn silage. The objective of this study was to assess the productivity of lactating dairy cows fed diets with teff hay (Eragrostis tef) as the sole forage. Teff is a warm-season annual grass native to Ethiopia that is well adapted to drought conditions. Nine multiparous Holstein cows (185 ± 31 d in milk; mean ± standard deviation) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 diets in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with 18-d periods (14 d acclimation and 4 d sampling). Diets were either control, where dietary forage consisted of a combination of corn silage, alfalfa hay, and native grass hay, or 1 of 2 teff diets (teff-A and teff-B), where teff hay [13.97 ± 0.32% crude protein, dry matter (DM) basis] was the sole forage. All 3 diets were formulated for similar DM, crude protein, and nonfiber carbohydrate concentrations. Control and teff-A were matched for concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from forage (18.2 ± 0.15% of DM), and teff-B included slightly less, providing 16.6% NDF from forage. Dry matter intake, milk and component production, body weight, body condition score, as well as DM and NDF digestibility were monitored and assessed using mixed model analysis, with significance declared at P < 0.05. Treatment had no effect on dry matter intake (28.1 ± 0.75 kg/d). Similarly, treatment had no effect on milk production (40.7 ± 1.8 kg/d). Concentrations of milk fat (3.90 ± 0.16%) and lactose (4.68 ± 0.07%) were also unaffected by treatment. Teff-A and teff-B increased milk protein concentration compared with the control (3.07 vs. 3.16 ± 0.09%). Treatment had no effect on energy-corrected milk yield (43.4 ± 1.3 kg/d), body weight, or body condition score change. Additionally, treatment had no effect on total-tract DM or NDF digestibility. Results from this study indicate that teff hay has potential to replace alfalfa and corn silage in the diets of lactating dairy cattle without loss of productivity.

[Advances in the research of treatment of burns in the elderly]

With our country going into the aging society, burns in the elderly often occur. Studies have shown that the number of elderly burn patients has reached 13% to 20% of the total number of burn patients. As the sensory and cognitive functions are low, skin is thinning, the functions of heart, lung, and kidney are reduced, the immunity is impaired, and other physiological characteristics exist in the elderly, the wounds of elderly burn patients often heal slowly, and the mortality is high. At present, there is still a lack of enough attention to the elderly burn patients. In this review, according to the physiological characteristics of the elderly, for reference to our peers, we make a summary of the treatment of elderly burn patients, such as fluid resuscitation, wound treatment, acute kidney injury management, infection management, and nutritional support.

[Advances in the research of application of vacuum-assisted closure in wound healing and its mechanism]

As a new generation of negative pressure drainage technology, vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) can provide stable and persistent negative pressure, and there are several modes to choose from. VAC plays an important role in closing wounds quickly, controlling infection, promoting angiogenesis, increasing blood flow, and promoting granulation tissue growth of wounds. It is now widely applied in all kinds of acute, chronic, and special wounds in clinic with good therapeutic results. However, we need to pay attention to contraindications and complications of VAC when it is used, avoiding secondary damage due to improper treatment. In this review, we summarize VAC dressings, treating pressure and mode choice, mechanism in promoting wound healing, and clinical application of VAC.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the RAV Family in Soybean and Functional Identification of GmRAV-03 Involvement in Salt and Drought Stresses and Exogenous ABA Treatment

Transcription factors play vital roles in plant growth and in plant responses to abiotic stresses. The RAV transcription factors contain a B3 DNA binding domain and/or an APETALA2 (AP2) DNA binding domain. Although genome-wide analyses of RAV family genes have been performed in several species, little is known about the family in soybean (Glycine max L.). In this study, a total of 13 RAV genes, named as GmRAVs, were identified in the soybean genome. We predicted and analyzed the amino acid compositions, phylogenetic relationships, and folding states of conserved domain sequences of soybean RAV transcription factors. These soybean RAV transcription factors were phylogenetically clustered into three classes based on their amino acid sequences. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that the soybean RAV proteins were located in the nucleus. The expression patterns of 13 RAV genes were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Under drought stresses, the RAV genes expressed diversely, up- or down-regulated. Following NaCl treatments, all RAV genes were down-regulated excepting GmRAV-03 which was up-regulated. Under abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, the expression of all of the soybean RAV genes increased dramatically. These results suggested that the soybean RAV genes may be involved in diverse signaling pathways and may be responsive to abiotic stresses and exogenous ABA. Further analysis indicated that GmRAV-03 could increase the transgenic lines resistance to high salt and drought and result in the transgenic plants insensitive to exogenous ABA. This present study provides valuable information for understanding the classification and putative functions of the RAV transcription factors in soybean.

The wheat E subunit of V-type H+-ATPase is involved in the plant response to osmotic stress

The vacuolar type H⁺-ATPase (V-type H⁺-ATPase) plays important roles in establishing an electrochemical H⁺-gradient across tonoplast, energizing Na⁺ sequestration into the central vacuole, and enhancing salt stress tolerance in plants. In this paper, a putative E subunit of the V-type H⁺-ATPase gene, W36 was isolated from stress-induced wheat de novo transcriptome sequencing combining with 5'-RACE and RT-PCR methods. The full-length of W36 gene was 1097 bp, which contained a 681 bp open reading frame (ORF) and encoded 227 amino acids. Southern blot analysis indicated that W36 was a single-copy gene. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the expression level of W36 could be upregulated by drought, cold, salt, and exogenous ABA treatment. A subcellular localization assay showed that the W36 protein accumulated in the cytoplasm. Isolation of the W36 promoter revealed some cis-acting elements responding to abiotic stresses. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing W36 were enhanced salt and mannitol tolerance. These results indicate that W36 is involved in the plant response to osmotic stress.

Vascular smooth muscle cell cytotoxicity and sustained inhibition of neointimal formation by fibroblast growth factor 2-saporin fusion protein

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) is an important mediator of smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation following arterial injury that results in neointimal growth. The present study was designed to explore the effects of recombinant FGF2 linked to the ribosome-inactivating protein saporin-6 (rFGF2-SAP) on vascular SMC cytotoxicity and neointimal formation following arterial injury. Cultured rat aortic SMCs were exposed to various concentrations of rFGF2-SAP, FGF2, and saporin-6 (SAP). Incubation with rFGF2-SAP resulted in a decreased number of SMCs beginning at a concentration of 10(-9) mol/L. Significant cytotoxicity was observed with as little as a 30-minute exposure of SMCs to rFGF2-SAP. To evaluate the ability of rFGF2-SAP in an in vivo model to reduce neointimal formation, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent carotid artery balloon denudation and received an intravenous bolus of vehicle or 5, 10, 15, or 20 micrograms/kg rFGF2-SAP on 0, 3, 6, and 9 days after injury. Rats were euthanized at 14 days, and carotid arteries were analyzed by computerized morphometry. The threshold dose for a significant reduction in neointimal area by rFGF2-SAP was 15 micrograms/kg (47% reduction in neointima). When dosing was extended to include days 16, 19, and 22, the neointima was reduced 33% at 28 days (P = .048). rFGF2-SAP reduced neointima without associated medial thinning or arterial wall dilatation. To determine if rFGF2-SAP directly targets SMCs in vivo, rats underwent carotid injury and received either 15 micrograms/kg rFGF2-SAP or vehicle on day 0 and at 72 hours, with euthanasia at 78 hours after balloon denudation. Medial SMC number was reduced 46% in the rFGF2-SAP group. Tissue sections from arteries 3 days after balloon injury demonstrated rFGF2-SAP binding to medial SMCs and adventitial cells. Staining for fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 revealed a high level of expression in ballooned arteries 3 and 14 days after injury. Taken together, these results provide a molecular and cellular basis for the observed specificity. Prolonged delivery of rFGF2-SAP can affect the natural history of arterial repair after injury.