UDP-glucosyltransferase 71C4 controls the flux of phenylpropanoid metabolism to shape cotton seed development

Seeds play a crucial role in plant reproduction, making it essential to identify genes that affect seed development. In this study, we focused on UDP-glucosyltransferase 71C4 (UGT71C4) in cotton, a member of the glycosyltransferase family that shapes seed width, length, and therefore, seed index and seed cotton yield. Overexpression of UGT71C4 results in seed enlargement due to its glycosyltransferase activity on flavonoids, which redirects metabolic flux from lignin to flavonoid metabolism. This shift promotes cell proliferation of ovule via accumulation of flavonoid glycoside, significantly enhancing seed cotton yield with the seed index increasing from 10.66 g to 11.91 g. In contrast, knockout of UGT71C4 leads to smaller seeds owing to activation of the lignin metabolism pathway, and redirection of metabolic flux back to lignin synthesis. This redirection leads to increased ectopic lignin deposition in the ovule, inhibiting ovule growth and development, and alters yield component, increasing the lint percentage from 41.42% to 43.40% but reducing the seed index from 10.66 g to 8.60 g. Our research sheds new light on seed size development and opens potential pathways for enhancing plant seed yield.

Deciphering the tumor immune microenvironment of imatinib-resistance in advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors at single-cell resolution

The heterogeneous nature of tumors presents a considerable obstacle in addressing imatinib resistance in advanced cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). To address this issue, we conducted single-cell RNA-sequencing in primary tumors as well as peritoneal and liver metastases from patients diagnosed with locally advanced or advanced GIST. Single-cell transcriptomic signatures of tumor microenvironment (TME) were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence staining were used to further validate it. This analysis revealed unique tumor evolutionary patterns, transcriptome features, dynamic cell-state changes, and different metabolic reprogramming. The findings indicate that in imatinib-resistant TME, tumor cells with activated immune and cytokine-mediated immune responses interacted with a higher proportion of Treg cells via the TIGIT-NECTIN2 axis. Future immunotherapeutic strategies targeting Treg may provide new directions for the treatment of imatinib-resistant patients. In addition, IDO1+ dendritic cells (DC) were highly enriched in imatinib-resistant TME, interacting with various myeloid cells via the BTLA-TNFRSF14 axis, while the interaction was not significant in imatinib-sensitive TME. Our study highlights the transcriptional heterogeneity and distinct immunosuppressive microenvironment of advanced GIST, which provides novel therapeutic strategies and innovative immunotherapeutic agents for imatinib resistance.

Comprehensive Overview of Controlled Fabrication of Multifunctional Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots and Exploring Applications

In recent years, carbon dots (CDs) have garnered increasing attention due to their simple preparation methods, versatile performances, and wide-ranging applications. CDs can manifest various optical, physical, and chemical properties including quantum yield (QY), emission wavelength (Em), solid-state fluorescence (SSF), room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP), material-specific responsivity, pH sensitivity, anti-oxidation and oxidation, and biocompatibility. These properties can be effectively regulated through precise control of the CD preparation process, rendering them suitable for diverse applications. However, the lack of consideration given to the precise control of each feature of CDs during the preparation process poses a challenge in obtaining the requisite features for various applications. This paper is to analyze existing research and present novel concepts and ideas for creating CDs with different distinct features and applications. The synthesis methods of CDs are discussed in the first section, followed by a comprehensive overview of the important properties of CDs and the modification strategy. Subsequently, the application of CDs and their requisite properties are reviewed. Finally, the paper outlines the current challenges in controlling CDs properties and their applications, discusses potential solutions, and offers suggestions for future research.

Gossypium purpurascens genome provides insight into the origin and domestication of upland cotton

INTRODUCTION

Allotetraploid upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is native to the Mesoamerican and Caribbean regions, had been improved in the southern United States by the mid-eighteenth century, was then dispersed worldwide. However, a Hainan Island Native Cotton (HIC) has long been grown extensively on Hainan Island, China.

OBJECTIVES

Explore HIC's evolutionary relationship and genomic diversity with other tetraploid cottons, its origin and whether it was used for YAZHOUBU (Yazhou cloth, World Intangible Cultural Heritage) weaving, and the role of structural variations (SVs) in upland cotton domestication.

METHODS

We assembled a high-quality genome of one HIC plant. We performed phylogenetic analysis, divergence time estimation, principal component analysis and population differentiation estimation using cotton assemblies and/or resequencing data. SVs were detected by whole-genome comparison. A F2 population was used for linkage analysis and to study effects of SVs. Buoyancy and salt water tolerance tests for seeds were conducted.

RESULTS

We found that the HIC belongs to G. purpurascens. G. purpurascens is best classified as a primitive race of G. hirsutum. The potential for long range transoceanic dispersal of G. purpurascens seeds was proved. A set of SVs, selective sweep regions between G. hirsutum races and cultivars, and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of eleven agronomic traits were obtained. SVs, especially large-scale SVs, were found to have important effects on cotton domestication and improvement. Of them, eight large-scale inversions strongly associated with yield and fiber quality have probably undergone artificial selection in domestication.

CONCLUSION

G. purpurascens including HIC is a primitive race of G. hirsutum, probably disperse to Hainan from Central America by floating on ocean currents, may have been partly domesticated, planted and was likely used for YAZHOUBU weaving in Hainan much earlier than the Pre-Columbian period. SV plays an important role in cotton domestication and improvement.

Deep learning for the early identification of periodontitis: a retrospective, multicentre study

AIM

To develop a deep-learning model to help general dental practitioners diagnose periodontitis accurately and at an early stage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the panoramic radiographs (PARs) from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were input into the convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to establish the PAR-CNN model for healthy controls and periodontitis patients. Then, the PARs from the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were included in the second testing set to validate the effectiveness of the model with data from two centres. Heat maps were produced using a gradient-weighted class activation mapping method to visualise the regions of interest of the model. The accuracy and time required to read the PARs were compared between the model, periodontal experts, and general dental practitioners. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were used to evaluate the performance of the model.

RESULTS

The AUC of the PAR-CNN model was 0.843, and the AUC of the second test set was 0.793. The heat map showed that the regions of interest predicted by the model were periodontitis bone lesions. The accuracy of the model, periodontal experts, and general dental practitioners was 0.800, 0.813, and 0.693, respectively. The time required to read each PAR by periodontal experts (6.042 ± 1.148 seconds) and general dental practitioners (13.105 ± 3.153 seconds), which was significantly longer than the time required by the model (0.027 ± 0.002 seconds).

CONCLUSION

The ability of the CNN model to diagnose periodontitis approached the level of periodontal experts. Deep-learning methods can assist general dental practitioners to diagnose periodontitis quickly and accurately.

A stochastic resonance etection algorithm based on orthonormalized basis function for magnetic anomaly detection

To address the problem that the performance of the detector in airborne magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) is terrible, a stochastic resonance (SR) detection algorithm based on orthonormalized basis function (OBF-SR) is proposed for MAD under low signal-to-noise ratio conditions. The signal contaminated by noise is first preprocessed by the OBF method, where the sum of the three components in the OBF space is selected as the SR system input. Then, a parallel SR system with different initial states is designed to detect the signal. Finally, the simulation analysis of MAD methods is performed to draw a comparison between the OBF-SR method, the typical SR method, and the OBF method. The results show that the OBF-SR method outperforms the SR and OBF methods in the detection probability and detection range under the same conditions.

A resonant sextuplet of sub-Neptunes transiting the bright star HD 110067

Planets with radii between that of the Earth and Neptune (hereafter referred to as 'sub-Neptunes') are found in close-in orbits around more than half of all Sun-like stars1,2. However, their composition, formation and evolution remain poorly understood3. The study of multiplanetary systems offers an opportunity to investigate the outcomes of planet formation and evolution while controlling for initial conditions and environment. Those in resonance (with their orbital periods related by a ratio of small integers) are particularly valuable because they imply a system architecture practically unchanged since its birth. Here we present the observations of six transiting planets around the bright nearby star HD 110067. We find that the planets follow a chain of resonant orbits. A dynamical study of the innermost planet triplet allowed the prediction and later confirmation of the orbits of the rest of the planets in the system. The six planets are found to be sub-Neptunes with radii ranging from 1.94R⊕ to 2.85R⊕. Three of the planets have measured masses, yielding low bulk densities that suggest the presence of large hydrogen-dominated atmospheres.

GoSTR, a negative modulator of stem trichome formation in cotton

Trichomes, the outward projection of plant epidermal tissue, provide an effective defense against stress and insect pests. Although numerous genes have been identified to be involved in trichome development, the molecular mechanism for trichome cell fate determination is not well enunciated. Here, we reported GoSTR functions as a master repressor for stem trichome formation, which was isolated by map-based cloning based on a large F2 segregating population derived from a cross between TM-1 (pubescent stem) and J220 (smooth stem). Sequence alignment revealed a critical G-to-T point mutation in GoSTR's coding region that converted codon 2 from GCA (Alanine) to TCA (Serine). This mutation occurred between the majority of Gossypium hirsutum with pubescent stem (GG-haplotype) and G. barbadense with glabrous stem (TT-haplotype). Silencing of GoSTR in J220 and Hai7124 via virus-induced gene silencing resulted in the pubescent stems but no visible change in leaf trichomes, suggesting stem trichomes and leaf trichomes are genetically distinct. Yeast two-hybrid assay and luciferase complementation imaging assay showed GoSTR interacts with GoHD1 and GoHOX3, two key regulators of trichome development. Comparative transcriptomic analysis further indicated that many transcription factors such as GhMYB109, GhTTG1, and GhMYC1/GhDEL65 which function as positive regulators of trichomes were significantly upregulated in the stem from the GoSTR-silencing plant. Taken together, these results indicate that GoSTR functions as an essential negative modulator of stem trichomes and its transcripts will greatly repress trichome cell differentiation and growth. This study provided valuable insights for plant epidermal hair initiation and differentiation research.

Structural variation (SV)-based pan-genome and GWAS reveal the impacts of SVs on the speciation and diversification of allotetraploid cottons

Structural variations (SVs) have long been described as being involved in the origin, adaption, and domestication of species. However, the underlying genetic and genomic mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly of Gossypium barbadense acc. Tanguis, a landrace that is closely related to formation of extra-long-staple (ELS) cultivated cotton. An SV-based pan-genome (Pan-SV) was then constructed using a total of 182 593 non-redundant SVs, including 2236 inversions, 97 398 insertions, and 82 959 deletions from 11 assembled genomes of allopolyploid cotton. The utility of this Pan-SV was then demonstrated through population structure analysis and genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Using segregation mapping populations produced through crossing ELS cotton and the landrace along with an SV-based GWAS, certain SVs responsible for speciation, domestication, and improvement in tetraploid cottons were identified. Importantly, some of the SVs presently identified as associated with the yield and fiber quality improvement had not been identified in previous SNP-based GWAS. In particular, a 9-bp insertion or deletion was found to associate with elimination of the interspecific reproductive isolation between Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense. Collectively, this study provides new insights into genome-wide, gene-scale SVs linked to important agronomic traits in a major crop species and highlights the importance of SVs during the speciation, domestication, and improvement of cultivated crop species.

DUSP1 mediates BCG induced apoptosis and inflammatory response in THP-1 cells via MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathway

Tuberculosis (TB) is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Apoptosis and necrosis caused by the interaction between the host and the pathogen, as well as the host's inflammatory response, play an important role in the pathogenesis of TB. Dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) plays a vital role in regulating the host immune responses. However, the role of DUSP1 in the regulation of THP-1 macrophage apoptosis induced by attenuated Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) infection remains unclear. In the present study, we report that infection with BCG significantly induces macrophage apoptosis and induces the production of DUSP1, TNF-α and IL-1β. DUSP1 knockdown significantly inhibited BCG-induced macrophage apoptosis and activation of MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, DUSP1 knockdown suppressed BCG-induced inflammation in vivo. Taken together, this study demonstrates that DUSP1, as a regulator of MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathway, plays a novel role in BCG-induced macrophage apoptosis and inflammatory response.

Duplicate mutations of GhCYP450 lead to the production of ms5m6 male sterile line in cotton

The duplicated male sterile genes ms₅m₆ in cotton were map-based cloned and validated by the virus-induced gene silencing assays. Duplicate mutations of the GhCYP450 gene encoding a cytochrome P450 protein are responsible for the male sterility in cotton. The utilization of male sterility in cotton plays a vital role in improving yield and fiber quality. A complete male sterile line (ms₅ms₆) has been extensively used to develop hybrid cotton worldwide. Using Zhongkang-A (ZK-A) developed by transferring Bt and ms₅ms₆ genes into the commercial cultivar Zhongmiansuo 12, the duplicate genes were map-based cloned and confirmed via the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assays. The duplicate mutations of GhCYP450 genes encoding a cytochrome P450 protein were responsible for producing male sterility in ms₅ms₆ in cotton. Sequence alignment showed that GhCYP450-Dt in ZK-A differed in two critical aspects from the fertile wild-type TM-1: GhCYP450-Dt has three amino acid (D98E, E168K, G198R) changes in the coding region and a 7-bp (GGAAAAA) insertion in the promoter domain; GhCYP450-At appears to be premature termination of GhCYP450 translation. Further morphological observation and cytological examination of GhCYP450-silenced plants induced by VIGS exhibited shorter filaments and no mature pollen grains. These results indicate that GhCYP450 is essential for pollen exine formation and pollen development for male fertility. Investigating the mechanisms of ms₅ms₆ male sterility will deepen our understanding of the development and utilization of heterosis.

Development of the engineered "glanded plant and glandless seed" cotton

After fiber, cottonseed is the second most important by-product of cotton production. However, high concentrations of toxic free gossypol deposited in the glands of the cottonseed greatly hamper its effective usage as food or feed. Here, we developed a cotton line with edible cottonseed by specifically silencing the endogenous expression of GoPGF in the seeds, which led to a glandless phenotype with an ultra-low gossypol content in the seeds and nearly normal gossypol in other parts of the plants. This engineered cotton maintains normal resistance to insect pests, but the gossypol content in the seeds dropped by 98%, and thus, it can be consumed directly as food. The trait of a low gossypol content in the cottonseeds was stable and heritable, while the protein, oil content, and fiber yield or quality were nearly unchanged compared to the transgenic receptor W0. In addition, comparative transcriptome analysis showed that down-regulated genes in the ovules of the glandless cotton were enriched in terpenoid biosynthesis, indicating the underlying relationship between gland formation and gossypol biosynthesis. These results pave the way for the comprehensive utilization of cotton as a fiber, oil, and feed crop in the future.

Opportunities to tackle short-lived climate pollutants and other greenhouse gases for China

To limit the global temperature increase to below 1.5 °C, it is critical to reduce not only carbon dioxide (CO₂), but also specific non-CO₂ greenhouse gases (GHGs) and precursors, including some short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). These include emissions of black carbon, methane (CH4), tropospheric ozone, and fluorinated gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). As the largest CH4 emitter and second-largest HFCs emitter, China plays a critical role in global efforts to reduce SLCPs and has acknowledged the need to reduce non-CO₂ GHGs in its 2060 carbon neutrality goal. This study reviewed leading international experiences with SLCP reduction to identify global best practices to inform target development and policy actions in China and elsewhere. We used bottom-up modeling and scenario analysis to evaluate pathways of non-CO₂ emission mitigation in China to 2050, drawing on mitigation measures developed through updated 2030 and 2050 cost curves. We identified a cost-effective reduction potential of 35 % for methane, 30 % for fluorinated gases, and 40 % for nitrous oxides-another potent GHG-in 2030 relative to 2015 levels for China under a Deep Non-CO₂ Mitigation scenario. Annual total reduction potential of 1080 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent is also possible by 2030. For long-term targets, progress made on reducing SLCPs could help China reach its carbon neutrality target by 2060. While some uncertainties regarding the long-term mitigation potential of SLCPs remain, our analyses suggest that the fast adoption of available cost-effective technologies could allow China to reduce its non-CO₂ GHGs by 56 % by 2050.

COTTONOMICS: a comprehensive cotton multi-omics database

The rapid advancement of sequencing technology, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), has greatly improved sequencing efficiency and decreased cost. Consequently, huge amounts of genomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic data concerning cotton species have been generated and released. These large-scale data provide immense opportunities for the study of cotton genomic structure and evolution, population genetic diversity and genome-wide mining of excellent genes for important traits. However, the complexity of NGS data also causes distress, as it cannot be utilized easily. Here, we presented the cotton omics data platform COTTONOMICS (http://cotton.zju.edu.cn/), an easily accessible web database that integrates 32.5 TB of omics data including seven assembled genomes, resequencing data from 1180 allotetraploid cotton accessions and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), small RNA-sequencing (smRNA-seq), Chromatin Immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), DNase hypersensitive sites sequencing (DNase-seq) and Bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq). COTTONOMICS allows users to employ various search scenarios and retrieve information concerning the cotton genomes, genomic variation (Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and Insertion and Deletion (InDels)), gene expression, smRNA expression, epigenetic regulation and quantitative trait locus (QTLs). The user-friendly web interface offers a variety of modules for storing, retrieving, analyzing and visualizing cotton multi-omics data to diverse ends, thereby enabling users to decipher cotton population genetics and identify potential novel genes that influence agronomically beneficial traits.

Database URL: http://cotton.zju.edu.cn

Advanced genes expression pattern greatly contributes to divergence in Verticillium wilt resistance between Gossypium barbadense and Gossupium hirsutum

Verticillium, representing one of the world's major pathogens, causes Verticillium wilt in important woody species, ornamentals, agricultural, etc., consequently resulting in a serious decline in production and quality, especially in cotton. Gossupium hirutum and Gossypium barbadense are two kinds of widely cultivated cotton species that suffer from Verticillium wilt, while G. barbadense has much higher resistance toward it than G. hirsutum. However, the molecular mechanism regarding their divergence in Verticillium wilt resistance remains largely unknown. In the current study, G. barbadense cv. Hai7124 and G. hirsutum acc. TM-1 were compared at 0, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h post-inoculation (hpi) utilizing high throughput RNA-Sequencing. As a result, a total of 3,549 and 4,725 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, respectively. In particular, the resistant type Hai7124 displayed an earlier and faster detection and signaling response to the Verticillium dahliae infection and demonstrated higher expression levels of defense-related genes over TM-1 with respect to transcription factors, plant hormone signal transduction, plant-pathogen interaction, and nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) genes. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of divergence in Verticillium wilt resistance between G. barbadense and G. hirsutum and important candidate genes for breeding V. dahliae resistant cotton cultivars.

OP0114 IDENTIFICATION AND FUNCTIONAL PREDICTION OF LONG NONCODING RNA RELATED TO CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE-ASSOCIATED INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASES

Background

Recently, the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in rheumatic immune diseases has attracted widespread attention1. However, knowledge of lncRNA in connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) is limited.

Objectives

To explore the expression profile of lncRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of CTD-ILD patients and the possible mechanisms of significantly differentially expressed lncRNA involved in CTD-ILD, especially systemic sclerosis (SSc)-ILD and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-ILD.

Methods

LncRNA microarray analysis was used to identify the pattern of lncRNA dysregulation between CTD-ILD and connective tissue disease without associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-NILD). Differential genes were identified by bioinformatic analysis. Relative expression levels of five differentially expressed lncRNAs in 120 SSc and RA patients with or without ILD were detected by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR).

Results

The differential gene expression analysis revealed 46 lncRNAs were upregulated while 194 lncRNAs were downregulated in the CTD-ILD group compared to the CTD-NILD group (Figure 1). Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses identified several significant biological processes and signaling pathways, including NF-kappa B signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, B cell receptor signaling pathway. QRT-PCR confirmed that the selected target genes were differentially expressed in different groups. In particular, the ENST00000604692 expression level was significantly higher in the ILD than the NILD group (p<0.05, Figure 1); T311354 and arginase-1were significantly higher in SSc than RA group; Furthermore, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve for ENST00000604692 in predicting ILD from NILD was 0.797 (Figure 1).

Conclusion

This research has demonstrated, for the first time, the specific profile of lncRNA in PBMCs of CTD-ILD patients and the potential signal pathways related to the pathogenesis of CTD-ILD. ENST00000604692 can effectively distinguish ILD group from NILD group,which may be a diagnostic indicator of CTD-ILD, especially SSc-ILD and RA-ILD.

References

[1]Guo CJ, Xu G, Chen LL. Mechanisms of Long Noncoding RNA Nuclear Retention. Trends Biochem Sci (2020) 45(11):947-60. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2020.07.001.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

The influence of evaporation from porous concrete on air temperature and humidity

Porous concrete is increasingly being used as a more sustainable surfacing alternative to asphalt and other impermeable materials. This is because, not only does it provide source control of stormwater, but it also has the potential to help mitigate the urban heat island effect through the process of evaporative cooling. This experimental investigation examines how evaporation from these systems is affected by the availability of water within the porous concrete and the influence this has on the surrounding environment, particularly in terms of air temperature and humidity. The effect of a dual layer porous concrete on evaporation rates is also assessed, which is important because the dual layer system is a relatively new development that is now being used in many parts of the world. It was found that both evaporation rate and evaporative cooling were strongly influenced by water availability near the upper surface of the porous concrete and under these conditions significant air temperature reductions can be achieved. It was also found that having a dual layered porous concrete system did not have a considerable effect on evaporation rates in this study, probably because of the relatively large thickness of the upper layer.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the regulation network for fiber strength in cotton

OBJECTIVE

Determine the effect of secondary cell wall (SCW) thickness and microcrystalline cellulose content (MCC) on mature fiber strength (FS) and reveal through comparative transcriptome analysis the molecular regulation network governing FS in cotton.

RESULTS

Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis of two parent varieties, Prema with elite FS and 86-1 with weak fiber, revealed significant difference in the SCW but not in MCC. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes differentially expressed during SCW thickening (20 DPA) are highly related to FS; in particular, up-regulated genes such as UDPG, CESA2, and NAC83 were important in SCW thickening, likely contributing to higher FS. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed the common up-regulated genes to be enriched in carbon metabolism and terms relating to the cell wall.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed two recombinant inbred lines with elite FS, selected from the filial generation of Prema and 86-1. By comparing transcriptomic data, we revealed the gene expression network governing SCW thickness in mature fiber. Our results provide solid insights into the relationship of the SCW and FS.

ANA-positive primary immune thrombocytopaenia: a different clinical entity with increased risk of connective tissue diseases

Objective

Primary immune thrombocytopaenia (ITP) is highly heterogeneous. ANA-positive primary ITP may resemble the preclinical stage of connective tissue diseases (CTDs), but is still considered primary ITP due to a controversial CTD risk assessment in this group. The objective of this study was to clarify the risk of CTD in ANA-positive patients with primary ITP.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study and a meta-analysis. 586 patients with newly diagnosed primary ITP were followed up and Cox regression analyses were used to analyse the associations of ANA positivity and other immune parameters with CTD development.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 37 (19–56) months. ANA was positive in 21.33% (125 of 586) of patients with primary ITP in our retrospective cohort, and the overall rate of ANA positivity in the meta-analysis was 17.06% (369 of 2163). The adjusted HR for CTD in ANA-positive primary ITP was 6.15 (95% CI 2.66 to 14.23, p<0.001). Five patients in the ANA-positive group developed SLE (5 of 125, 4.0%), significantly higher than in the ANA-negative group (0 of 461, 0%). A clinical model combining ANA, anti-Sjogren’s syndrome A antibody and C3 was successfully developed to predict the risk of CTD in patients with primary ITP. Increased risk of CTD (risk ratio=12.43, 95% CI 7.91 to 19.55, p<0.00001), especially SLE (risk ratio=30.41, 95% CI 13.23 to 69.86, p<0.00001), among ANA-positive patients with primary ITP was confirmed by a meta-analysis of previous studies and the present study.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that ANA-positive primary ITP is a clinical entity distinct from other primary ITPs and is associated with increased risk of developing CTDs, especially SLE.

AB0011 EXPRESSION PROFILE AND POTENTIAL FUNCTION OF CIRCRNAS IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEAR CELLS FROM PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY GOUT

Background:

Autophagy is a phenomenon of “self-phagocytosis” in eukaryotic cells, which maintains cell homeostasis by transporting intracellular materials to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. In recent years, studies have shown that autophagy may be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)[1], but its specific mechanism is still unclear.

Objectives:

The expression levels of autophagy-related genes(ATG) unc-51-like kinase 1(ULK1), ATG13, ATG17, microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and P62 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with RA were detected, and their role and clinical significance in the pathogenesis of RA were explored.

Methods:

Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression levels of ULK1, ATG13, ATG17, LC3, and P62 in PBMCs of 50 RA patients, 50 healthy controls (HC), and 25 moderate to severe RA patients before and after treatment. Then, t test, χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

1.The levels of hsCRP, white blood cell(WBC), neutrophils(GR), platelet(PLT) and plateletcrit(PCT) in RA group were higher than those in HC group (P <0.05). Lymphocytes (LY), red blood cell(RBC), hemoglobin(HGB), hematocrit(HCT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH), mean red blood cell volume(MCV) and mean red blood cell hemoglobin concentration(MCHC) in RA group were lower than those in HC group (P <0.05). 2.The expressions of ULK1, ATG17, and LC3 in RA group were higher than those in HC group, while the expressions of P62 was lower than those in HC group(P<0.05) (Figure 1). The correlation analysis suggested that ATG17 was positively correlated with tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) (P<0.05); ULK1 and HAQ were negatively correlated (P<0.05).3. Compared with before treatment with TNFi, ATG17, HAQ, DAS-28, ESR, hsCRP, WBC, GR, PLT and PCT were significantly reduced after treatment (P<0.05); the expressions of RBC, HCT, MCV and MCH were significantly increased after treatment,(P<0.05); ULK1, ATG13, LC3, P62 and other related clinical and laboratory indicators were not significantly different before and after treatment with TNFi (P>0.05).

Figure 1.

The expression levels of ATGs in HC and RA groups.

Conclusion:

There is abnormal expression of autophagy genes in the peripheral blood of RA patients. ULK1, ATG17, LC3 and P62 may be related to the pathogenesis of RA, among them, ATG17 may regulate the pathogenesis of RA by participating in the TNF-α pathway.

References:

[1]Rockel Jason S,Kapoor Mohit,Autophagy: controlling cell fate in rheumatic diseases.[J].Nat Rev Rheumatol, 2016, 12: 517-31.

Disclosure of Interests:

Yu-Feng Qing Grant/research support from: Science and Technology Project of Nanchong City (no.18SXHZ0522), Fei Dai: None declared, Quan-Bo Zhang Grant/research support from: the National Natural Science Foundation of China(General Program) (no.81974250), and Science and Technology Plan Project of Sichuan Province (no.2018JY0257), Yi-Ping Tang: None declared, Zeng-Rong Dong: None declared, Yi-Xi He: None declared, Yi Jiang: None declared, Yu-Qin Huang: None declared, Jianxiong Zheng: None declared

AB0075 HSA_CIRC_0012732, HSA_CIRC_0008961, HSA_CIRC_0405239 AND HSA_CIRC_0068784 MIGHT BE INVOLVED IN THE PATHOGENESIS AND DEVELOPMENT OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Background:

CircRNAs have been found to be involved in the occurrence and development of many rheumatic diseases[1-2]. Are circRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS)? How do these circRNAs participate in the pathogenesis of AS? This all needs further study.

Objectives:

This study is to clarify the expression levels of hsa_circ_0012732, hsa_circ_0008961, hsa_circ_0405239 and hsa_circ_0068784 in the peripheral blood of AS patients, and to explore whether these circRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of AS.

Methods:

To collected 60 cases of AS (30 cases of active AS (ASA): BASDA> 6 or 6> BASDAI> 4, ESR> 22mm / h or 6> BASDAI> 4, hsCRP> 9mg / L; 30 cases of stable AS (ASS): BASDAI <4) and 30 health control (HC) peripheral blood samples, related clinical and laboratory indicators. The relative expression levels of hsa_circ_0012732, hsa_circ_0008961, hsa_circ_0405239 and hsa_circ_0068784 in each group were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The relationships between the 4 circRNAs and clinical and laboratory indicators were explored by correlation analysis.

Results:

1. The qPCR results suggested that the expression of hsa_circ_0012732 between the ASA and ASS groups was statistically significant (p<0.05), and the expression of hsa_circ_0008961 was statistically significant between the ASA and HC groups (p<0.05). Howeverthere was no statistical significance among other groups (p>0.05)Figure 1. Similarly, the expression level of hsa_circ_0405239 was not statistically significant among the groups (p>0.05), and the same was true for hsa_circ_0068784 (p>0.05).

2. Correlation analysis results (Figure 2) showed that hsa_circ_0012732 is positively correlated with lymphocyte count (LY), mean corpusular volume (MCV), albumin (ALB), and negatively correlated with Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), Globulin (GLOB) (p<0.05); hsa_circ_0008961 is negatively correlated with platelet (PLT) (p<0.05); hsa_circ_0405239 is negatively correlated with BASDAI and BASFI; hsa_circ_0068784 was negatively correlated with BASDAI (p<0.05); and there was no statistically significant (p>0.05) between these 4 circRNAs and other indicators.

Conclusion:

Hsa_circ_0012732, hsa_circ_0008961, hsa_circ_0405239 and hsa_circ_0068784 may be related to the pathogenesis of AS. Among them, hsa_circ_0012732 may be involved in AS inflammation and has the potential to participate in the judgment of disease activity.

References:

[1]LS, K., et al., The biogenesis, biology and characterization of circular RNAs. 2019. 20(11): p. 675-691.

[2]J, W., et al., Non-coding RNAs in Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Bench to Bedside. 2019. 10: p. 3129.

Disclosure of Interests:

Yi-Ping Tang Grant/research support from: Science and Technology Project of Nanchong City (18SXHZ0522)., Yu-Feng Qing: None declared, Zeng-Rong Dong: None declared, Fei Dai: None declared, Jianxiong Zheng: None declared, Yi Jiang: None declared, Yi-Xi He: None declared, Quan-Bo Zhang Grant/research support from: National Natural Science Foundation of China(General Program) (81974250); Science and Technology Plan Project of Sichuan Province (2018JY0257)

AB0449 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISK FACTORS OF SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS WITH HEMATOLOGIC SYSTEM DAMAGES

Background:

SSc characterized by varying degrees of fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, clinicians pay more attention to skin and viscera conditions, tend to ignore hematologic system damage. Studies have shown that rheumatic disease such as SLE, RA, pSS often accompanied with hematologic system damages, and hematologic system damages is multiple organ involvement and risk factor of poor prognosis[1-2].

Objectives:

To investigate the the clinical features, laboratory characteristics and risk factors of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patient with hematologic system damages.

Methods:

The clinical data of 180 patients were collected from January 2010 to April 2020, at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College. The demographic information, laboratory tests, and clinical symptoms were analyzed retrospectively.

Results:

Among 180 SSc patients, 70(38.9%) cases were complicated with hematologic system damages. 51(72.9%) cases had anemia, 24 cases (34.3%) had leukopenia, 24 cases (34.3%) had thrombocytopenia, and 22 cases had hematologic system damages associated with more than two cell line involvement. Clinical symptoms: arthritis was significantly higher in the hematologic system damages group than patient without (P<0.05), however, there was no significantly difference in gender, age, disease course, respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, Raynaud’s phenomenon, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension (all P>0.05). Laboratory tests: ESR and hsCRP were increased in the hematologic system damages group, while the albumin decreased (all P<0.05). The positive rates of resistance to anti-dsDNA antibody and anti-ribosomal P protein antibody was higher in the hematologic system damages group (all P<0.05). Prognosis: During follow-up, leukopenia was more likely to recover, while the thrombocytopenia was more difficult to recover. Logistics regression analysis showed that positive of anti-ribosomal P protein antibody maght be a risk factor for SSc complicated with hematologic system damages [OR = 3.930(P<0.05)] (Table 1).

Conclusion:

SSc complicated with hematologic system damages is common, and patients with hematologic system damages have more serious clinical symptoms, some of whom have difficulty in recovey. Anti-ribosomal P protein antibody may be a risk factor of SSc hematologic system damages.

Table 1.

Bivariate logistics regression analysis on risk factors associated with hematologic damages in SSc.

FactorBSEWaldOR(95%CI)P valuearthritis0.6540.3473.5431.922(0.973-3.797)0.060ESR-0.0810.4870.0280.922(0.355-2.393)0.868hsCRP-0.0070.4920.0000.993(0.379-2.607)0.989anti-dsDNA0.8680.6731.6642.393(0.637-8.916)0.197anti-Rib-P1.3690.6364.6333.930(1.130-13.666)0.031

References:

[1]González-Naranjo L A, Betancur O M, Alarcón G S, et al. Features associated with hematologic abnormalities and their impact in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Data from a multiethnic Latin American cohort[J]. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 2016,45(6):675-683.DOI:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2015.11.003.

[2]Skare T, Damin R, Hofius R. Prevalence of the American College of Rheumatology hematological classification criteria and associations with serological and clinical variables in 460 systemic lupus erythematosus patients[J]. Revista Brasileira de Hematologia e Hemoterapia, 2015,37(2):115-119.DOI:10.1016/j.bjhh.2015.01.006

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

POS1146 NONCODING RNA CONTRIBUTE TO PATHOGENESIS IN PRIMARY GOUTY ARTHRITIS

Background:

Gout is an arthritic disease caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystal (MSU) in the joints, which can lead to acute inflammation and damage adjacent tissue [1].Over the past decade, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been shown to have crucial importance in health and disease[2,3]. However, studies evaluating the function of ncRNAs in gout are scarce, and current knowledge of the role of ncRNAs in gout is still limited.

Objectives:

To assess the contribution of noncoding RNAs to gout and the clinical importance of these genes in primary gouty arthritis (GA).

Methods:

The mRNA expression levels of noncoding RNAs (LINC00173, LINC00963, LINC01330 and miRNA-182-5p) were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 60 gout patients(including 30 acute gout patients, 30 intercritical gout patients) and 40 healthy subjects. The relationship between noncoding RNA expression levels and laboratory features was analyzed in GA patients.

Results:

The expression levels of LINC00173, LINC00963 and miRNA-182-5p were much lower in the AG and IG group than in the HC groups (p<0.05), and no significant difference was detected between AG and IG groups(P>0.05). The expression levels of LINC01330 were much lower in the AG group than in the IG and HC groups (p<0.05), and no significant difference was detected between AG and IG groups(P>0.05). In GA patients, the levels of noncoding RNAs mRNA correlated with laboratory inflammatory and metabolic indexes.

Conclusion:

Altered noncoding RNAs expression suggests that noncoding RNAs is involved in the pathogenesis of GA and participates in regulating inflammation and metabolism.

References:

[1]Xu Yi-Ting,Leng Ying-Rong,Liu Ming-Ming et al. MicroRNA and long noncoding RNA involvement in gout and prospects for treatment.[J].Int Immunopharmacol, 2020, 87: 106842.doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106842

[2]Yu Yunfang,Zhang Wenda,Li Anlin et al. Association of Long Noncoding RNA Biomarkers With Clinical Immune Subtype and Prediction of Immunotherapy Response in Patients With Cancer.[J].JAMA Netw Open, 2020, 3: e202149.doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.2149

[3]Zou Yaoyao,Xu Siqi,Xiao Youjun et al. Long noncoding RNA LERFS negatively regulates rheumatoid synovial aggression and proliferation.[J].J Clin Invest, 2018, 128: 4510-4524.doi:10.1172/JCI97965

Figure 1.

Relative Expression of noncoding RNAs in the PBMCs of Patients.

Disclosure of Interests:

Quan-Bo Zhang Grant/research support from: the National Natural Science Foundation of China(General Program) (no.81974250) and Science and Technology Plan Project of Sichuan Province (no.2018JY0257), Yu-Qin Huang: None declared, Fan-Ni Xiao: None declared, gui-lin jian: None declared, Yi-Ping Tang: None declared, Fei Dai: None declared, Jian-Xiong Zheng: None declared, Yu-Feng Qing Grant/research support from: Science and Technology Project of Nanchong City (no.18SXHZ0522).

POS0430 EXPRESSION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF AUTOPHAGY-RELATED GENES IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEAR CELLS OF SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Background:

Growing evidences have demonstrated that autophagy is a powerful regulators in the pathogenesis of fibrosis and autoimmune diseases. Autophagy abnormalities in SSc involve abnormal autophagy-related protein and autophagy-related gene polymorphism[1-2], however there is a few reports on the expression and clinical significance of autophagy-related genes.

Objectives:

To investigate the expression and clinical significance of autophagy-related genes LC-3 mRNA, Becline-1 mRNA, Agt-3 mRNA, Agt-5 mRNA, Agt-12 mRNA and Agt-16L1 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods:

51 cases of SSc and 60 cases of normal control were received from the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, and autophagy-related genes were detected by RT-PCR. SPSS19.0 statistical software was used to compare the expression of autophagy-related genes between groups and analyze the relationship between autophagy-related genes and clinical data, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant

Results:

LC-3, Becline-1, and Agt-3 were highly expressed in SSc compared with normal control [LC-3: 0.78(0.60) ×10-3 vs. 0.52(0.54) ×10-3; Beclin-1: 6.68(3.56)×10-3 vs. 5.22(3.54)×10-3; Agt-3: 17.58(12.33)×10-3 vs. 11.00(4.56)×10-3, P<0.05], however Agt-5, Agt-12 and Agt-16L1 of autophagy-related genes were not statistically significant [AGT-5: 6.67(3.58) ×10-3 vs. 6.67(2.64) ×10-3; AGT-12: 8.64(5.56)×10-3 vs. 8.57(4.66)×10-3; Agt-16L1: 2.69(2.19)×10-3 vs. 2.52(2.26)×10-3] (Figure 1). Beclin-1 and Agt-5 high expressed in SSc with the positive of anti-SSA/Ro antibody. LC-3 was positively correlated with Age(r=0.662) and ESR(r=0.355) (all P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Autophagy-related genes were increased in PBMC of SSc, and were correlated with Age, ESR and autoantibody, suggested that autophagy is a key feature in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis.

Figure 1.

The relative expression of autophagy-related genes

References:

[1]LIU C, ZHOU X, LU J, et al. Autophagy mediates 2-methoxyestradiol-inhibited scleroderma collagen synthesis and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition induced by hypoxia[J]. Rheumatology, 2019;58(11):1966–1975.

[2]Mayes M D, Bossini-Castillo L, Gorlova O, et al. Immunochip Analysis Identifies Multiple Susceptibility Loci for Systemic Sclerosis[J]. The American Journal of Human Genetics, 2014,94(1):47-61.DOI:10.1016/j.ajhg.2013.12.002.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Gene mapping reveals the association between tyrosine protein kinase Abl1 and the silk yield of Bombyx mori

The Z chromosome of the silkworm contains a major gene that influences silk yield. This major locus on chromosome Z accounts for 35.10% of the phenotypic variance. The location and identification of the gene have been a focus of silkworm genetics research. Unfortunately, identification of this gene has been difficult. We used extreme phenotype subpopulations and selected from a backcross population, BC₁ M, which was obtained using the high-yield strain 872B and the low-yield strain IS-Dazao as parents, for mapping the gene on the chromosome Z. The candidate region was narrowed down to 134 kb at the tip of the chromosome. BmAbl1 in this region correlated with silk gland development by spatiotemporal expression analysis. This gene was differentially expressed in the posterior silk glands of the high- and low-yield strains. In BmAbl1, an insertion-deletion (indel) within the 10th exonic region and an SNP within the 6th intronic region were detected and shown to be associated with cocoon shell weight in 84 Bombyx mori strains with different yields. Nucleotide diversity analysis of BmAbl1 and its 50 kb flanking regions indicated that BmAbl1 has experienced strong artificial selection during silkworm domestication. This study is the first to identify the genes controlling silk yield in the major QTL of the Z chromosome using forward genetics.

Neurological Involvement in Patients With Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The neurological involvement associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) can be life threatening. However, the specific characteristics of pSS-related neurological involvement remain obscure. This study aimed at determining the clinical characteristics of this neurological involvement in patients with pSS.

METHODS

The clinical data of 205 patients with pSS who were admitted to our department between January 2015 and June 2017 were studied. Characteristics and laboratory findings of pSS patients with neurological abnormalities were compared with pSS patients without.

RESULTS

Forty of the 205 patients with pSS exhibited neurological abnormalities (19.51%); of these, 13 patients exhibited central nervous system (CNS) involvement only, 20 patients exhibited peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement only, and 7 patients exhibited both, yielding a total of 20 (9.76%) patients with CNS involvement and 27 (13.17%) patients with PNS involvement. The titers of anti-Sjögren's syndrome type A (SSA) antibodies were significant higher while the presence of anti-Sjögren's syndrome type B (SSB) antibodies was significant lower in patients with vs. without neurological involvement. Similar results were found in patients with CNS involvement. No significant differences between patients with and without neurological involvement were found for the other clinical parameters examined.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurological involvement in patients with pSS is common and needs to be carefully evaluated. Patients with pSS with a high titer of anti-SSA and low presence of anti-SSB antibodies might have a relatively high risk of developing neurological involvement. Future studies should focus on identifying biomarkers that may aid in the early diagnosis of neurological involvement in patients with pSS.

Poor sleep is associated with higher blood pressure and uterine artery pulsatility index in pregnancy: a prospective cohort study

Objective

To elucidate the association between sleep disturbances and blood pressure as well as uterine artery Doppler during pregnancy in women with no pre‐existing hypertension.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Outpatient specialist clinics at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore.

Population

Women with viable singleton pregnancies confirmed by ultrasonography at less than 14 weeks of amenorrhoea at first visit.

Methods

In all, 926 subjects were recruited for this study in the outpatient specialist clinics at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, between 1 September 2010 and 31 August 2014. They were followed up throughout pregnancy with sleep quality, blood pressure and uterine artery Doppler assessed at each visit.

Main outcome measures

Sleep quality, blood pressure and uterine artery Doppler.

Results

Sleep progressively worsened as pregnancy advanced. Shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep efficiency were associated with higher blood pressure, especially in the first trimester. Mixed model analysis demonstrated an overall positive association between sleep quality represented by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P < 0.001) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (P = 0.005) during pregnancy after considering all trimesters. Sleep duration was found to be negatively associated with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.029) and DBP (P = 0.002), whereas sleep efficiency was negatively correlated with DBP (P = 0.002) only. Overall poor sleep during pregnancy was also found to be associated with a higher uterine artery pulsatility index.

Conclusion

Our prospective study demonstrated that poor sleep quality is significantly associated with higher blood pressure and uterine artery pulsatility index during pregnancy.

Tweetable abstract

Poor sleep quality is significantly associated with higher blood pressure and higher uterine artery pulsatility index during pregnancy.

Poor sleep quality is significantly associated with higher blood pressure and higher uterine artery pulsatility index during pregnancy.

STAU1 selectively regulates the expression of inflammatory and immune response genes and alternative splicing of the nerve growth factor receptor signaling pathway

Double‑stranded RNA‑binding protein Staufen homolog 1 (STAU1) is a highly conserved multifunctional double‑stranded RNA‑binding protein, and is a key factor in neuronal differentiation. RNA sequencing was used to analyze the overall transcriptional levels of the upregulated cells by STAU1 and control cells, and select alternative splicing (AS). It was determined that the high expression of STAU1 led to changes in the expression levels of a variety of inflammatory and immune response genes, including IFIT2, IFIT3, OASL, and CCL2. Furthermore, STAU1 was revealed to exert a significant regulatory effect on the AS of genes related to the 'nerve growth factor receptor signaling pathway'. This is of significant importance for neuronal survival, differentiation, growth, post‑damage repair, and regeneration. In conclusion, overexpression of STAU1 was associated with immune response and regulated AS of pathways related to neuronal growth and repair. In the present study, the whole transcriptome of STAU1 expression was first analyzed, which laid a foundation for further understanding the key functions of STAU1.

Genomic signatures and candidate genes of lint yield and fibre quality improvement in Upland cotton in Xinjiang

Xinjiang has been the largest and highest yield cotton production region not only in China, but also in the world. Improvements in Upland cotton cultivars in Xinjiang have occurred via pedigree selection and/or crossing of elite alleles from the former Soviet Union and other cotton producing regions of China. But it is unclear how genomic constitutions from foundation parents have been selected and inherited. Here, we deep-sequenced seven historic foundation parents, comprising four cultivars introduced from the former Soviet Union (108Ф, C1470, 611Б and KK1543) and three from United States and Africa (DPL15, STV2B and UGDM), and re-sequenced sixty-nine Xinjiang modern cultivars. Phylogenetic analysis of more than 2 million high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms allowed their classification two groups, suggesting that Xinjiang Upland cotton cultivars were not only spawned from 108Ф, C1470, 611Б and KK1543, but also had a close kinship with DPL15, STV2B and UGDM. Notably, identity-by-descent (IBD) tracking demonstrated that the former Soviet Union cultivars have made a huge contribution to modern cultivar improvement in Xinjiang. A total of 156 selective sweeps were identified. Among them, apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor gene (GhAATF1) and mitochondrial transcription termination factor family protein gene (GhmTERF1) were highly involved in the determination of lint percentage. Additionally, the auxin response factor gene (GhARF3) located in inherited IBD segments from 108Ф and 611Б was highly correlated with fibre quality. These results provide an insight into the genomics of artificial selection for improving cotton production and facilitate next-generation precision breeding of cotton and other crops.

Antinuclear antibodies positivity is a risk factor of recurrent pregnancy loss: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Immunologic mechanisms have been proposed as part of the pathogenesis mechanisms involved in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Presence of positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is regarded as a typical feature of autoimmunity. Many studies had tried to clarify the association of ANA with RPL, but the conclusions were controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess whether ANA was positively associated with increased RPL risk.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Embase databases for relevant literatures on the association between ANA positivity and RPL. The odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were pooled using meta-analysis, and either fixed-effect or random-effect model was used based on heterogeneity across the included studies.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies with 5038 participants (including 2683 RPL patients and 2355 controls) met the inclusion criteria were included. The total positive rate of ANA was 22.0% (591/2683) in RPL group, and 8.3% (196/2355) in the control group. RPL patients had a significantly higher ANA positive rate than controls (OR = 2.97, 95%CI 1.91-4.64, P<0.00001; I² = 75%), and a significant association between positive ANA and unexplained RPL was also observed (OR = 3.27, 95%CI 2.01-5.31, P<0.00001; I² = 70%). ANA positivity was also significantly associated with increased risk of RPL in women without defined autoimmune diseases (OR = 2.23, 95%CI 1.40-3.55, P=0.0007). Subgroup analysis demonstrated low titers of ANA (1:40≤ANA≤1: 80) were not associated with RPL (OR = 2.44, 95%CI 0.42-14.06, P=0.32), while higher ANA titer (≥1:160) had a significant association with RPL (OR = 45.89, 95%CI 8.44-249.45, P<0.00001). A higher rate of homogenous pattern in RPL patients was observed (OR = 4.89, 95%CI 2.20-10.87, P<0.001), and no significant difference in speckled pattern or nucleolar pattern was found.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that ANA positivity was positively associated with increased RPL risk. ANA positivity is an important risk factor for RPL which needed to be screened among women with RPL.

Clinical Characteristics of Secondary Immune Thrombocytopenia Associated With Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

Objective: Clinical characteristics of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of secondary ITP in patients with pSS.

Methods: 291 pSS patients in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings were compared between pSS patients with and without ITP.

Results: The prevalence of secondary ITP in pSS patients was 12.03%. Compared to pSS patients without ITP, pSS patients with ITP were younger and had higher disease activity. The prevalence of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) was significantly lower in pSS patients with ITP (30.43 vs. 54.95%; P = 0.029), and it was the same with arthritis (17.14 vs. 3.9.11%; P = 0.014) and dry eye (33.33 vs. 54.17%, P = 0.027) compared with those without ITP. Serum creatinine level was lower in pSS patients with ITP (P = 0.009), while positivity of anti-histone autoantibodies was higher in pSS patients with ITP (P = 0.025).

Conclusion: This study is an initial report describing clinical features of ITP in pSS. The lower incidence of ILD and arthritis among pSS patients with ITP indicated potential active roles of platelets in the pathogenesis of fibrosis or inflammatory arthritis, which may open the way for further experimental and clinical work.

[The role of nitric oxide in the inhibitory effects of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on rat colonic smooth muscle contraction]

Objective: To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S)-induced inhibition upon colonic smooth muscle contraction. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was applied to observe the distribution of H(2)S-producing enzymes CBS and CSE in adult male Wistar rats. Organ bath system was used to observe the spontaneous contraction of colonic smooth muscle. Patch clamp technique was applied to record currents of L-type calcium channel (I(Ca,L)) in smooth muscle cells. Results: Specific immunoreactivity for CSE and CBS was observed in mucosa, smooth muscle and enteric plexus of rat proximal colon. NaHS elicited relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner upon muscle contraction in the presence of tetrodotoxin. The NaHS IC(50) of LM was 917.6 μmol/L (95% CI: 776.3-1 085 μmol/L, n=6) and the NaHS IC(50) of CM was 730.4 μmol/L (95% CI: 592.2-900.8 μmol/L, n=6). The SNP-induced relaxation in muscle strips was partially reversed by NaHS (P<0.05). Instead, the relaxation caused by NaHS was decreased by the sGC inhibitor ODQ but affected neither by NO precursor L-arginine, the NO inhibitor L-NNA nor the competitive cGMP antagonist PET-cGMP. NaHS (100 μmol/L) increased I(Ca,L) while NaHS (300 μmol/L) decreased the peak I(Ca,L) with modifying the ion channel characteristics (P<0.05). Conclusions: Exogenous hydrogen sulfide might have a dual effect on colonic motility and its inhibitory effect might be independent of NO signaling system. L-type calcium channel may play an important role during the process of H(2)S modulating colonic contraction.

PVAT: an important guardian of the cardiovascular system

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) had long been considered to serve only structural, vessel-supporting purposes, but today PVAT is recognized to be an endocrine organ with important physiological and pathological effects. The expansion of PVAT in vascular homeostasis and vascular disease has attracted much interest. PVAT has been shown to release a wide spectrum of molecules, such as PVAT-derived relaxing factors (PVATRFs) and PVAT-derived contracting factors (PVATCFs). PVAT dysfunction may lead to obesity, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular diseases. This review describes recent advances in our understanding of PVAT's important effects on the cardiovascular system.

Magnetic ionic liquids: interactions with bacterial cells, behavior in aqueous suspension, and broader applications

Previously, we demonstrated capture and concentration of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica ser. Typhimurium using magnetic ionic liquids (MILs), followed by rapid isothermal detection of captured cells via recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). Here, we report work intended to explore the broader potential of MILs as novel pre-analytical capture reagents in food safety and related applications. Specifically, we evaluated the capacity of the ([P₆₆₆₁₄⁺][Ni(hfacac)₃^-]) ("Ni(II)") MIL to bind a wider range of human pathogens using a panel of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolates, including a "deep rough" strain of S. Minnesota. We extended this exploration further to include other members of the family Enterobacteriaceae of food safety and clinical or agricultural significance. Both the Ni(II) MIL and the ([P₆₆₆₁₄⁺][Dy(hfacac)₄^-]) ("Dy(III)") MIL were evaluated for their effects on cell viability and structure-function relationships behind observed antimicrobial activities of the Dy(III) MIL were determined. Next, we used flow imaging microscopy (FIM) of Ni(II) MIL dispersions made in model liquid media to examine the impact of increasing ionic complexity on MIL droplet properties as a first step towards understanding the impact of suspension medium properties on MIL dispersion behavior. Finally, we used FIM to examine interactions between the Ni(II) MIL and Serratia marcescens, providing insights into how the MIL may act to capture and concentrate Gram-negative bacteria in aqueous samples, including food suspensions. Together, our results provide further characterization of bacteria-MIL interactions and support the broader utility of the Ni(II) MIL as a cell-friendly capture reagent for sample preparation prior to cultural or molecular analyses. Graphical abstract.

Biomarkers in VSMC phenotypic modulation and vascular remodeling

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are not terminally differentiated and can change their phenotype in response to environmental cues. Phenotype switching of VSMCs to less differentiated forms has led to an underestimation of their role in the development of vascular remodeling and many vascular diseases in both humans and animal models of this disease. In recent studies, many factors, such as microRNAs, matrix metalloproteinases, integrins, oxidative stress, autophagy, have been shown to play important roles in the mechanisms of VSMC phenotypic switch and vascular remodeling. This review highlights the current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms of VSMC phenotypic modulation in vascular remodeling. In this review, we want to provide effective molecular targets and opportunities for the future development of new therapeutics to regulate vascular remodeling diseases.

[rmIL-33-stimulated nuocytes promote allergic inflammation in mouse model of allergic rhinitis]

Objective:The study aimed to investigate the role of nuocytes in allergic rhinitis （AR） murine models. Method:After intranasal administration of recombinant （rm） interleukin （IL）-33 in BALB/c mice, nuocytes were sorted and purified from the mouse nasal-associated lymphoid tissue （NALT）. Then, we examined the response of nuocytes to rmIL-33 in vitro. After a murine model of AR was established using ovalbumin, we adoptively transferred the cultured NALT-derived nuocytes to mice models, and determined allergic responses in them. Result:rmIL-33 expanded nuocytes in NALT of mice compared with AR mice （t=3.66, P<0.01）, and increased production of IL-13 from these cells in vitro in comparison with unstimulated nuocytes （t=19.90, P<0.000 1）. After adoptive transfer of nuocytes, sneezing （t=9.89, P<0.000 1） ,numbers of eosinophils（t=8.17, P<0.000 1）, concentrations of IL-13 （t=40.47, P<0.000 1） and IL-33 （t=19.89, P<0.000 1） in nasal lavage fluid were all enhanced when compared with AR mice. Conclusion:Nuocytes promote allergic inflammation in a murine model of AR.

Multifractal vector optical fields

We introduce the concept of multifractal into vector optical fields (VOFs). We propose, design and generate new fractal VOFs-multifractal VOFs (MF-VOFs), in which multifractal structure and VOF act as the lattice and the base, respectively. We generate two kinds of MF-VOFs experimentally and explore their focusing behaviors. We also investigate the self-healing and information recovering abilities of MF-VOFs, comparing with those of single-fractal VOFs (SF-VOFs) when their lattices are composed of the same hierarchy of fractal geometries. The results show that MF-VOFs have better self-healing and information recovering abilities than that of traditional SF-VOFs, meaning that MF-VOFs have better ability to resist the information loss during the focusing and imaging processes. These properties may find potential applications in information transmission, optical communication, and so on.

ROCK inhibitors alleviate myofibroblast transdifferentiation and vascular remodeling via decreasing TGFβ1-mediated RhoGDI expression

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI) on TGFβ1-mediated vascular adventitia myofibroblast transdifferentiation and on the inhibition of ROCK inhibitors. Myofibroblast transdifferentiation and vascular remodeling model were induced by TGFβ1 in vitro and by balloon injury in vivo. H&E (Hematoxylin & Eosin) and PSR (Picrosirius Red) staining were used to observe vascular morphology while immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to measure protein expression. Fasudil treatment reduced the expression of TGFβ1, RhoGDI1, and RhoGDI2 in addition to vascular remodeling in the rat balloon injury model. TGFβ1 induced the expression of α-SMA, TGFβRI, phospho-TGFβRI, RhoGDI1, RhoGDI2, and collagen secretion in human aortic adventitial fibroblasts (HAAFs). These effects were diminished after treatment with Y27632. Suppressing both RhoGDI1 and RhoGDI2 expression also blocked TGFβ1-induced α-SMA expression and collagen secretion in HAAFs. Moreover, TGFβR inhibition blocked TGFβ1-mediated collagen secretion and the expression of α-SMA, RhoGDI1, and RhoGDI2. These data suggested that ROCK inhibitors alleviate myofibroblast transdifferentiation and vascular remodeling by decreasing TGFβ1-mediated expression of RhoGDI.

Differences of the immune cell landscape between normal and tumor tissue in human prostate

BACKGROUND

Over the past few decades, immunological checkpoint therapy has been an increasingly prominent strategy in the treatment of tumors, including prostate cancer (PC). There are few systematic studies of the phenotypic of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in PC tissues.

METHODS

CIBERSORT is an analytical tool for estimating the abundance of member cell types in mixed cell population by gene expression data. Herein, we analyzed different levels of tumor-infiltrating immunity cells in normal tissue compared with PC using CIBERSORT.

RESULTS

The results showed that proportion of M1 macrophages and resting mast cells presented significant differences in prostate tumor than these normal tissues. A higher proportion of resting mast cells was associated with a worse outcome and M1 macrophages was associated with a favorable outcome. Moreover, the radiotherapy and targeted molecular therapy can affect the immune infiltration of M1 macrophages and resting mast cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Resting mast cells and M1 macrophages has an important role in the prognosis of prostate cancer. Our data provides valuable information about the future treatment of PC.

Gossypium barbadense and Gossypium hirsutum genomes provide insights into the origin and evolution of allotetraploid cotton

Allotetraploid cotton is an economically important natural-fiber-producing crop worldwide. After polyploidization, Gossypium hirsutum L. evolved to produce a higher fiber yield and to better survive harsh environments than Gossypium barbadense, which produces superior-quality fibers. The global genetic and molecular bases for these interspecies divergences were unknown. Here we report high-quality de novo-assembled genomes for these two cultivated allotetraploid species with pronounced improvement in repetitive-DNA-enriched centromeric regions. Whole-genome comparative analyses revealed that species-specific alterations in gene expression, structural variations and expanded gene families were responsible for speciation and the evolutionary history of these species. These findings help to elucidate the evolution of cotton genomes and their domestication history. The information generated not only should enable breeders to improve fiber quality and resilience to ever-changing environmental conditions but also can be translated to other crops for better understanding of their domestication history and use in improvement.

[Differentiation of naive T cells into Th2 cells induced by nuocyte cells in mice with allergic rhinitis]

Objective:The aim of this study is to examine whether nuocytes induced differentiation of primary T cells into Th2 cells in AR mice in vitro. Method:A murine model of AR on the background of BALB/c was established using ovalbumin, and nuocytes were sorted and purified from the mouse nasal associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and cultured in vitro. Then, we assessed the expression of IL-4 in these cells. Mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and Th2 cells and T cells were isolated for in vitro culture, and the percentage of T cells in Th2 cells was detected. Then, NALT-derived nuocyte cells cultured in vitro were added to the above-mentioned mouse T cell culture medium for co-culture. Result:Numbers of sneezing, nasal rubbing and eosinophils in nasal lavage fluid were all enhanced in AR mice compared to normal ones. We used flow cytometry analysis to identify nuocytes from mice NALT as CD3CD4CD8CD19CD11bCD11cFcεR1 (lineage)-ICOS+, and also found that the cells expressed IL-4, and its protein and mRNA were all increased in AR mice versus normal mice. After nuocytes were co-cultured with T-cell cultures, we determined the percentage of Th2 cells in total T cells, and found that the percentage was increased significantly. Conclusion:nuocyte cells may induce the differentiation of primary T cells into Th2 cells in AR mice through IL-4 pathway.