Protective effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy attenuates autophagy and apoptosis in osteoporotic osteoarthritis model rats by activating PPARγ

Osteoporotic osteoarthritis (OPOA) is a specific phenotype of OA with high incidence and severe cartilage damage. This study aimed to explore the protective efficacy of PEMF on the progression of OPOA and observed the effects of PEMF on PPARγ, autophagy- and apoptosis-related proteins in OPOA rats. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, OPOA group, and PEMF group (n = 6). One week after surgery, the rats in PEMF group were subjected to PEMF (3.82 mT, 8 Hz, 40 min/day and 5 day/week) for 12 weeks. Results showed that PEMF retarded cartilage degeneration and bone loss, as evidenced by pathological staining image, decreased MMP-13 expression and increased bone mineral density. PEMF inhibited the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, and the expressions of caspase-3 and caspase-8, while upregulated the expression of PPARγ. Moreover, PEMF significantly improved the autophagy disorders, represented by decrease expressions of Beclin-1, P62, and LC3B. The research demonstrates that PEMF can effectively prevent cartilage and subchondral bone destruction in OPOA rats. The potential mechanism may be related to upregulation of PPARγ, inhibition of chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation, and improvement of autophagy disorder. PEMF therapy thus shows promising application prospects in the treatment of postmenopausal OA.

Cryptochrome 1b represses gibberellin signaling to enhance lodging resistance in maize

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide. Photoperiod, light quality, and light intensity in the environment can affect the growth, development, yield, and quality of maize. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), cryptochromes are blue-light receptors that mediate the photocontrol of stem elongation, leaf expansion, shade tolerance, and photoperiodic flowering. However, the function of maize cryptochrome ZmCRY in maize architecture and photomorphogenic development remains largely elusive. The ZmCRY1b transgene product can activate the light signaling pathway in Arabidopsis and complement the etiolation phenotype of the cry1-304 mutant. Our findings show that the loss-of-function mutant of ZmCRY1b in maize exhibits more etiolation phenotypes under low blue light and appears slender in the field compared with wild-type plants. Under blue and white light, overexpression of ZmCRY1b in maize substantially inhibits seedling etiolation and shade response by enhancing protein accumulation of the bZIP transcription factors ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (ZmHY5) and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5-LIKE (ZmHY5L), which directly upregulate the expression of genes encoding gibberellin (GA) 2-oxidase to deactivate GA and repress plant height. More interestingly, ZmCRY1b enhances lodging resistance by reducing plant and ear heights and promoting root growth in both inbred lines and hybrids. In conclusion, ZmCRY1b contributes blue-light signaling upon seedling de-etiolation and integrates light signals with the GA metabolic pathway in maize, resulting in lodging resistance and providing information for improving maize varieties.

Clearance of Neutrophils From ICH-Affected Brain by Macrophages Is Beneficial and Is Assisted by Lactoferrin and CD91

BACKGROUND

Within hours after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) onset, masses of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) infiltrate the ICH-affected brain. After degranulation involving controlled release of many toxic antimicrobial molecules, the PMNs undergo rapid apoptosis and then are removed by phagocytic microglia/macrophages (MΦ) through a process called efferocytosis. Effective removal of PMNs may limit secondary brain damage and inflammation; however, the molecular mechanisms governing these cleanup activities are not well understood. We propose that scavenger receptor CD91 on myeloid phagocytes especially in presence of CD91 ligand, LTF (lactoferrin, protein abundant in PMNs), plays an important role in clearance of dead apoptotic PMNs (ANs).

METHODS

Mice/rats were subjected to an autologous blood injection model of ICH. Primary cultured microglia were used to assess phagocytosis of ANs. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess CD91 expression and PMN infiltration. CD91 knockout mice selectively in myeloid phagocytes (Mac-CD91-KO) were used to establish the CD91/LTF function in phagocytosis and in reducing ICH-induced injury, as assessed using behavioral tests, hematoma resolution, and oxidative stress.

RESULTS

Masses of PMNs are found in ICH-affected brain, and they contain LTF. MΦ at the outer border of hematoma are densely packed, expressing CD91 and phagocytosing ANs. Microglia deficient in CD91 demonstrate defective phagocytosis of ANs, and mice deficient in CD91 (Mac-CD91-KO) subjected to ICH injury have increased neurological dysfunction that is associated with impaired hematoma resolution (hemoglobin and iron clearance) and elevated oxidative stress. LTF that normally ameliorates ICH injury in CD91-proficient control mice shows reduced therapeutic effects in Mac-CD91-KO mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that CD91 plays a beneficial role in improving ANs phagocytosis and ultimately post-ICH outcome and that the beneficial effect of LTF in ICH is in part dependent on presence of CD91 on MΦ.

Comparison of anal function and quality of life after conformal sphincter preservation operation and intersphincteric resection of very low rectal cancer: a multicenter, retrospective, case-control analysis

PURPOSE

Conformal sphincter preservation operation (CSPO) is a sphincter preservation operation for very low rectal cancers. Compared to intersphincteric resection (ISR), CSPO retains more dentate line and distal rectal wall, and also avoids damaging the nerves in the intersphincteric space. This study aimed to compare the postoperative anal function and quality of life between the CSPO and ISR.

METHOD

Patients with low rectal cancer undergoing CSPO (n = 117) and ISR (n = 66) were included from Changhai and Huashan Hospital, respectively, between 2011 and 2020. A visual analog scale (range 0-10) was utilized to evaluate satisfaction with anal function and quality of life. The anal function was evaluated with Wexner scores and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. Quality of life was evaluated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38.

RESULTS

The CSPO group had more male patients (65.8% vs. 50%, p = 0.042), more preoperative chemoradiotherapy (33.3% vs. 10.6%, p < 0.001), lower tumor position (3.45 ± 1.13 vs. 4.24 ± 0.86 cm, p < 0.001), and more postoperative chemotherapy (65% vs. 13.6%, p < 0.001) compared to the ISR group. In addition, CSPO patients had shorter postoperative stay (6.63 ± 2.53 vs. 7.85 ± 4.73 days, p = 0.003) and comparable stoma reversal rates within 1 year after surgery (92.16% vs. 96.97%, p = 0.318). Multivariable analysis showed that CSPO significantly contributed to higher satisfaction with anal function (beta = 1.752, 95% CI 0.776-2.728) and with quality of life (beta = 1.219, 95% CI 0.374-2.064), but not to Wexner, LARS score, or EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38.

CONCLUSION

CSPO improved the satisfaction with anal function and quality of life but utilized more preoperative chemoradiotherapy. CSPO may be an alternative choice for patients with very low rectal cancers in better physical health and with higher requirements for anal function and quality of life.

Methodological and Reporting Quality of Non-Inferiority or Equivalence Designs: A Systematic Review of Trial Characteristics, Design Consideration and Interpretation in Breast Cancer Radiotherapy Trials

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To investigate the methodological and reporting quality of non-inferiority (NI)/equivalence trials of breast cancer radiotherapy and to provide suggestions for future NI/equivalence trials.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Prospective phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different radiation modalities in patients with breast cancer and designed or interpreted as NI/equivalence were identified in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library. Two reviewers independently extracted data on trial characteristics, statistical design assumptions and analysis considerations, primary end point results and conclusions. The relationship between the number of published trials and the year of publication was assessed by simple linear regression. Trials with pre-specified NI margins as absolute risk differences were reevaluated using margins as relative risk differences.

RESULTS

A total of 1490 records were screened and 41 articles published between January 1, 2001 and May 9, 2022 were selected for full text review. A total of 21 trials were included (18 designed as NI and 3 as equivalence). Publication of these trials increased over time (p = 0.023). Trial interventions included dose fractionation (n = 10), partial/whole breast irradiation (n = 8) and tumor bed boost (n = 3). Eleven (52.4%) trials clearly described the non-efficacy benefits. The primary endpoints included 5-year local recurrence (LR) (n = 11), 5-year locoregional recurrence (n = 3), acute/late toxicities (n = 5), 2-year LR and cosmetic outcome (n = 1), and 10-year LR (n = 1). Only seven (33.3%) trials provided justification of the margins. The absolute and relative risk margins were both mentioned in nine (42.9%) trials' methods and reported in six (28.6%) trials' results. The analyzed populations were intention-to-treat (ITT) in 10, both ITT and per-protocol in 9 trials. Seventeen (81%) trials reported confidence interval (CI), with twelve reporting CI that agreed with the type I error used in sample size calculation, but only eight (38.1%) reported p value for NI/equivalence test. Fifteen (71.4%) trials concluded NI/equivalence. Five (23.8%) trials had misleading conclusions (four for not mentioning small sample size insufficient to confirm NI/equivalence and one for inconsistent with the published results). Thirteen (61.9%) trials reported that the protocol's initial accrual target was not met, with ten (47.6%) owing to overestimation of event rates. For trials that met NI only based on absolute margin, three of eight (37.5%) trials were classified as inconclusive with the assumed relative margins.

CONCLUSION

The use of NI/equivalence trials of breast cancer radiotherapy has dramatically increased recently, but there is substantial room for improvement in the methodological and reporting quality of NI/equivalence trials.

Using Proteome Microarray and Gene Expression Omnibus Database to Screen Tumour-Associated Antigens to Construct the Optimal Diagnostic Model of Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

AIMS

Autoantibodies against tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) are promising biomarkers for early immunodiagnosis of cancers. This study was designed to screen and verify autoantibodies against TAAs in sera as diagnostic biomarkers for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The customised proteome microarray based on cancer driver genes and the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to identify potential TAAs. The expression levels of the corresponding autoantibodies in serum samples obtained from 243 ESCC patients and 243 healthy controls were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In total, 486 serum samples were randomly divided into the training set and the validation set in the ratio of 2:1. Logistic regression analysis, recursive partition analysis and support vector machine were performed to establish different diagnostic models.

RESULTS

Five and nine candidate TAAs were screened out by proteome microarray and bioinformatics analysis, respectively. Among these 14 anti-TAAs autoantibodies, the expression level of nine (p53, PTEN, GNA11, SRSF2, CXCL8, MMP1, MSH6, LAMC2 and SLC2A1) anti-TAAs autoantibodies in the cancer patient group was higher than that in the healthy control group based on the results from ELISA. In the three constructed models, a logistic regression model including four anti-TAA autoantibodies (p53, SLC2A1, GNA11 and MMP1) was considered to be the optimal diagnosis model. The sensitivity and specificity of the model in the training set and the validation set were 70.4%, 72.8% and 67.9%, 67.9%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for detecting early patients in the training set and the validation set were 0.84 and 0.85, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This approach to screen novel TAAs is feasible, and the model including four autoantibodies could pave the way for the diagnosis of ESCC.

Functions of Plant Phytochrome Signaling Pathways in Adaptation to Diverse Stresses

Phytochromes are receptors for red light (R)/far-red light (FR), which are not only involved in regulating the growth and development of plants but also in mediated resistance to various stresses. Studies have revealed that phytochrome signaling pathways play a crucial role in enabling plants to cope with abiotic stresses such as high/low temperatures, drought, high-intensity light, and salinity. Phytochromes and their components in light signaling pathways can also respond to biotic stresses caused by insect pests and microbial pathogens, thereby inducing plant resistance against them. Given that, this paper reviews recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of action of phytochromes in plant resistance to adversity and discusses the importance of modulating the genes involved in phytochrome signaling pathways to coordinate plant growth, development, and stress responses.

A placental model of SARS-CoV-2 infection reveals ACE2-dependent susceptibility and differentiation impairment in syncytiotrophoblasts

SARS-CoV-2 infection causes COVID-19. Several clinical reports have linked COVID-19 during pregnancy to negative birth outcomes and placentitis. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning SARS-CoV-2 infection during placentation and early pregnancy are not clear. Here, to shed light on this, we used induced trophoblast stem cells to generate an in vitro early placenta infection model. We identified that syncytiotrophoblasts could be infected through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Using a co-culture model of vertical transmission, we confirmed the ability of the virus to infect syncytiotrophoblasts through a previous endometrial cell infection. We further demonstrated transcriptional changes in infected syncytiotrophoblasts that led to impairment of cellular processes, reduced secretion of HCG hormone and morphological changes vital for syncytiotrophoblast function. Furthermore, different antibody strategies and antiviral drugs restore these impairments. In summary, we have established a scalable and tractable platform to study early placental cell types and highlighted its use in studying strategies to protect the placenta.

[Efficacy of high-dose dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection eradication in servicemen: a randomized controlled trial]

Objective: To assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of high-dose dual therapy compared with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for treating Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection in servicemen patients. Methods: A total of 160 H. pylori-infected, treatment-naive servicemen, including 74 men and 86 women, aged from 20 years to 74 years, with a mean (SD) age of 43 (13) years, tested in the First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from March 2022 to May 2022 were enrolled in this open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups: the 14-day high-dose dual therapy group and the bismuth-containing quadruple therapy group. Eradication rates, adverse events, patient compliance, and drug costs were compared between the two groups. The t-test was used for continuous variables, and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Results: No significant difference in H. pylori eradication rates were found between high-dose dual therapy and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy by ITT, mITT and PP analysis[ITT:90.0% (95%CI 81.2%-95.6%) vs. 87.5% (95%CI 78.2%-93.8%), χ²=0.25, P=0.617;mITT:93.5% (95%CI 85.5%-97.9%) vs. 93.3% (95%CI 85.1%-97.8%), χ²<0.01, P=1.000; PP: 93.5% (95%CI 85.5%-97.9%) vs. 94.5% (95%CI 86.6%-98.5%), χ²<0.01, P=1.000 ]. The dual therapy group exhibited significantly less overall side effects compared with the quadruple therapy group [21.8% (17/78) vs. 38.5% (30/78), χ²=5.15,P=0.023]. There were no significant differences in the compliance rates between the two groups [98.7%(77/78) vs. 94.9%(74/78), χ²=0.83,P=0.363]. The cost of medications in the dual therapy was 32.0% lower compared with that in the quadruple therapy (472.10 RMB vs. 693.94 RMB). Conclusions: The dual regimen has a favorable effect on the eradication of H. pylori infection in servicemen patients. Based on the ITT analysis, the eradication rate of the dual regimen is grade B (90%, good). Additionally, it exhibited a lower incidence of adverse events, better compliance and significantly reduced cost. The dual regimen is expected to be a new choice for the first-line treatment of H. pylori infection in servicemen but needs further evaluation.

Young Astrocytic Mitochondria Attenuate the Elevated Level of CCL11 in the Aged Mice, Contributing to Cognitive Function Improvement

Aging drives cognitive decline, and mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of age-induced neurodegeneration. Recently, we demonstrated that astrocytes secrete functional mitochondria (Mt), which help adjacent cells to resist damage and promote repair after neurological injuries. However, the relationship between age-dependent changes in astrocytic Mt function and cognitive decline remains poorly understood. Here, we established that aged astrocytes secret less functional Mt compared to young astrocytes. We found the aging factor C-C motif chemokine 11 (CCL11) is elevated in the hippocampus of aged mice, and that its level is reduced upon systemic administration of young Mt, in vivo. Aged mice receiving young Mt, but not aged Mt improved cognitive function and hippocampal integrity. Using a CCL11-induced aging-like model in vitro, we found that astrocytic Mt protect hippocampal neurons and enhance a regenerative environment through upregulating synaptogenesis-related gene expression and anti-oxidants that were suppressed by CCL11. Moreover, the inhibition of CCL11-specific receptor C-C chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) boosted the expression of synaptogenesis-related genes in the cultured hippocampal neurons and restored the neurite outgrowth. This study suggests that young astrocytic Mt can preserve cognitive function in the CCL11-mediated aging brain by promoting neuronal survival and neuroplasticity in the hippocampus.

Abstract 16: Retinoid X Receptors (RXR) Play Essential Roles In Improving Post-ischemic Stroke Recovery In Aged Brain By Restoring Age-associated Dysfunctions Of Microglia/macrophages

After stroke, microglia and blood macrophages (MΦ) clear dead cells and cellular debris in the infarcted brain through phagocytosis. However, the phagocytic capability of MΦ declines with age. Age-related dysfunctions in MΦ also include reduced secretion of trophic factors, resulting in poor recovery after stroke. Retinoid-X-receptor (RXR) is a pleiotropic transcription factor. Our earlier studies suggest that RXR enhances MΦ phagocytic functions and improves post-stroke recovery in young mice. To assess MΦ dysfunctions with age, microglia were FACS-sorted from the brains of young adults (2-4 mo old) and aged (18-20 mo old) mice for gene expression profiling with qPCR. RXR agonist bexarotene (BEX; 5 mg/kg) or vehicle were IP injected daily for 3d prior to harvest (n=3/group). We found that compared to young adults, aged microglia have reduced expression of trophic factors ( Vegf ) and scavenger receptors ( Cd206 and Cd36 ) and that BEX treatment restored this deficit. Also, in agreement with gene expression profiles, using erythrocytes as targets for phagocytosis, we showed that BEX enhanced the phagocytic ability of MΦ in aged brain. This suggests that RXR activations restore the age-associated dysfunctions in MΦ.To further investigate the role of MΦ RXR activations in recovery after stroke, aged (18-20 months old) myeloid-specific RXRα knockout mice (Mac-RXRα-KO) and littermate control (RXRα-LoxP) of both sexes were subject to 60 min MCA occlusion. To activate RXR, BEX (5 mg/kg) or vehicle control was IP injected 24h after stroke onset and then daily for 7d (n=22/group). Sensorimotor functions were assessed using foot-fault and corner turn tests (d3, 7, 14, 28). The cognitive functions were evaluated via novel object recognition test (d30). We found that BEX significantly improved sensorimotor and cognitive functions in RXRα-LoxP mice. The beneficial effect of BEX was diminished in Mac-RXRα-KO mice, suggesting RXR signaling in MΦ plays essential role in recovery after stroke. Brain histology and serological cytokine profiles will also be discussed. In conclusion, our data show that activating RXR restores age-related dysfunctions in MΦ. More importantly, RXR in MΦ may be a potential target to improve post-stroke recovery in aged brain.

[Effects of adjuvant trastuzumab on long-term survival of T1N0M0 stage human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive breast cancer: a real-world study]

Objective: To investigate the prognosis impact of adjuvant trastuzumab treatment on human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) positive early breast cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, HER-2-positive T1N0M0 stage breast cancer patients who underwent surgery in the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2010 to December 2019 were divided into treatment group and control group according to whether they were treated with trastuzumab or not. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the confounding bias caused by differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the risk factors affecting disease-free survival (DFS). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the 3- and 5-year DFS and overall survival (OS) rates of the two groups before and after PSM. Results: There were 291 patients with HER-2 positive T1N0M0 stage breast cancer, including 21 cases in T1a (7.2%), 61 cases in T1b (21.0%), and 209 cases in T1c (71.8%). Before PSM, there were 132 cases in the treatment group and 159 cases in the control group, the 5-year DFS rate was 88.5%, and the 5-year OS rate was 91.5%. After PSM, there were 103 cases in the treatment group and 103 cases in the control group, the 5-year DFS rate was 86.0%, and the 5-year OS rate was 88.5%. Before PSM, there were significant differences in tumor size, histological grade, vascular invasion, Ki-67 index, postoperative chemotherapy or not and radiotherapy between the treatment group and the control group (P<0.05). After PSM, there were no significant difference in clinicopathological features between the treatment group and the control group (P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that histological grade (HR=2.927, 95 CI: 1.476, 5.805; P=0.002), vascular invasion (HR=3.410, 95 CI: 1.170, 9.940; P=0.025), menstrual status (HR=3.692, 95 CI: 1.021, 13.344, P=0.046), and chemotherapy (HR=0.238, 95 CI: 0.079, 0.720; P=0.011) were independent factors affecting DFS. After PSM, the 5-year DFS rate of the treatment group was 89.2%, while that of the control group was 83.5%(P=0.237). The 5-year OS rate of the treatment group was 96.1%, while that of the control group was 84.7%(P=0.036). Conclusion: Postoperative targeted therapy with trastuzumab can reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis in patients with HER-2-positive T1N0M0 stage breast cancer.

Combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals the effects of light quality on maize hybrids

BACKGROUND

Heterosis, or hybrid vigor, refers to the phenotypic superiority of an F₁ hybrid relative to its parents in terms of growth rate, biomass production, grain yield, and stress tolerance. Light is an energy source and main environmental cue with marked impacts on heterosis in plants. Research into the production applications and mechanism of heterosis has been conducted for over a century and a half, but little is known about the effect of light on plant heterosis.

RESULTS

In this study, an integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis was performed using maize (Zea mays L.) inbred parents, B73 and Mo17, and their hybrids, B73 × Mo17 (BM) and Mo17 × B73 (MB), grown in darkness or under far-red, red, or blue light. Most differentially expressed genes (73.72-92.50%) and differentially accumulated metabolites (84.74-94.32%) exhibited non-additive effects in BM and MB hybrids. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that differential genes and metabolites were involved in glutathione transfer, carbohydrate transport, terpenoid biosynthesis, and photosynthesis. The darkness, far-red, red, and blue light treatments were all associated with phenylpropanoid-flavonoid biosynthesis by Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis. Five genes and seven metabolites related to phenylpropanoid-flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were identified as potential contributors to the interactions between maize heterosis and light conditions. Consistent with the strong mid-parent heterosis observed for metabolites, significant increases in both fresh and dry weights were found in the MB and BM hybrids compared with their inbred parents. Unexpectedly, increasing light intensity resulted in higher biomass heterosis in MB, but lower biomass heterosis in BM.

CONCLUSIONS

The transcriptomic and metabolomic results provide unique insights into the effects of light quality on gene expression patterns and genotype-environment interactions, and have implications for gene mining of heterotic loci to improve maize production.

Longwave IR lattice matched L-valley Ge/GeSiSn waveguide quantum cascade detector

We propose a lattice-matched Ge/GeSiSn quantum cascade detector (QCD) capable of operating in the longwave infrared. The optical absorption and carrier transport based on intersubband transitions all occur within the L-valley of the conduction band of the group-IV material system using N-doped quantum wells (QWs). The waveguided lattice matched structure can be deposited strain free on top of a Ge buffer grown on Si substrate, and is end-coupled to low-loss on-chip Ge waveguides. We optimized the QCD structure through the analysis of the photoresponsivity and detectivity D*. The QCD operates in photovoltaic mode with narrow spectral response that is peaked anywhere in the 9 to 16 µm range, tunable by design. This work aims to push the optical response of the photodetectors made from the SiGeSn material system to longer wavelengths. The study suggests the QCD response can indeed significantly extend the spectral range beyond that of the photodiodes and photoconductors made from the same group-IV system for a wide variety of applications in imaging, sensing, lidar, and space-and-fiber communications.

HFR1, a bHLH Transcriptional Regulator from Arabidopsis thaliana, Improves Grain Yield, Shade and Osmotic Stress Tolerances in Common Wheat

Common wheat, Triticum aestivum, is the most widely grown staple crop worldwide. To catch up with the increasing global population and cope with the changing climate, it is valuable to breed wheat cultivars that are tolerant to abiotic or shade stresses for density farming. Arabidopsis LONG HYPOCOTYL IN FAR-RED 1 (AtHFR1), a photomorphogenesis-promoting factor, is involved in multiple light-related signaling pathways and inhibits seedling etiolation and shade avoidance. We report that overexpression of AtHFR1 in wheat inhibits etiolation phenotypes under various light and shade conditions, leading to shortened plant height and increased spike number relative to non-transgenic plants in the field. Ectopic expression of AtHFR1 in wheat increases the transcript levels of TaCAB and TaCHS as observed previously in Arabidopsis, indicating that the AtHFR1 transgene can activate the light signal transduction pathway in wheat. AtHFR1 transgenic seedlings significantly exhibit tolerance to osmotic stress during seed germination compared to non-transgenic wheat. The AtHFR1 transgene represses transcription of TaFT1, TaCO1, and TaCO2, delaying development of the shoot apex and heading in wheat. Furthermore, the AtHFR1 transgene in wheat inhibits transcript levels of PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 3-LIKEs (TaPIL13, TaPIL15-1B, and TaPIL15-1D), downregulating the target gene STAYGREEN (TaSGR), and thus delaying dark-induced leaf senescence. In the field, grain yields of three AtHFR1 transgenic lines were 18.2–48.1% higher than those of non-transgenic wheat. In summary, genetic modification of light signaling pathways using a photomorphogenesis-promoting factor has positive effects on grain yield due to changes in plant architecture and resource allocation and enhances tolerances to osmotic stress and shade avoidance response.

Remote telemedicine strategy based on multi-risks intervention by intelligent wearable health devices in elderly comorbidities patients with coronary heart disease

Background

Telemedicine based on wearable intelligent health devices becomes increasingly promissing for the elderly due to the accelerated aging population. Especially during COVID-19 pandemic, more elderly coronary heart disease patients with chronic comorbidities are in less secondary prevention management at home.

Objective

To explore the prevention effect on main cardiovascular risk factors and repeated hospitalization in elderly comorbidities patients by telemedicine intervention based on multi-parameter wearable monitoring devices.

Methods

Total of 337 patients with comorbidities of coronary heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, with age more than 65 years old were recruited in the study from October 2019 to January 2021. They were randomly divided into control group and telemedcine intervention group. The latter used remote multi-parameter wearable devices to measure blood pressure, glycemic and electrocardiograph at home every day. A real-time monitoring platform would alarm any abnormal data to the doctors. Both doctors and patients can read the measurement results on a real-time mobile phone APP and interact with each other remotely twice a week routinely. A medical team remotely indicated the medications, while offering guidance on lifestyle. In contrast, the control group adopted traditional outpatient medical strategy to manage diseases.

Results

A total of 306 patients were enrolled in the follow-up experiment finally: 153 in the intervention group and 153 in the control group. Patient characteristics at baseline were balanced between two groups. After 12 months, compared with the control group, the intervention group saw the following metrics significantly reduced: systolic blood pressure (SBP) (131.66±9.43 vs 137.20±12.02 mmHg, P=0.000), total cholesterol (TC) (3.65±0.79 vs 4.08±0.82 mmol/L, P=0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (2.06±0.53 vs 2.38±0.61 mmol/L, P=0.002), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (6.26±0.75 vs 6.81±0.97 mmol/L, P=0.000), while the following metrics went up significantly: blood pressure control rate (77.3% vs 59.1%, P=0.039), blood lipid control rate(39.4% vs 21.2%, P=0.037), glycemic control rate (71.2% vs 51.5%, P=0.031), and medication adherence score (7.10±0.77 vs 6.80±0.73, P=0.020). Linear regression model analysis indicates that when interaction frequency ≥1.53, 2.47 and 1.15 times/week, the SBP, LDL-C and FBG levels would be controlled, respectively. Cox survival analysis finds that the hospitalization rate of intervention group is significantly lower than that of the control group (24.18% vs 35.29%, P=0.031).

Conclusion

The telemedicine interactive intervention based on multi-parameter wearable devices provides effectively improvement of cardiovascular risk controlling, medication adherence, while reducing the hospitalization rate of patients. A frequency of doctor-patient interactions more than 2 times/week is beneficial for disease management the elderly at home.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Key scientific research project of Health Commission

Long-term cardiovascular outcomes in five-year cancer survivors: a nationwide cohort study

Background

Patients with cancer have higher short-term rates of cardiovascular events than the general population. However, little is known about rates of long-term cardiovascular outcomes in 5-year cancer survivors, especially in older patients.

Objective

We investigated the long-term rates of cardiovascular outcomes, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction in five-year cancer survivors, overall and according to age.

Methods

Using Danish nationwide registries, five-year survivors of 20 of the most common cancers (diagnosed between 1994 and 2013; 15 years of age or older at the time of the diagnosis) were matched with four non-cancer controls from the background population by age and sex. Study participants with a history of any the outcomes of interest prior to index date were excluded. Rates of outcomes in the cancer and non-cancer group were compared with Cox regression models, overall and according to age (i.e., 15–39, 40–59, and &gt;60 years).

Results

In total, 167,215 five-year cancer survivors were age- and sex-matched with 668,860 non-cancer controls (median age 66 years; 34.4% men, median follow-up of 6.8 years). Five-year survivors had higher associated rates of cardiovascular outcomes, irrespective of age, and the incidence rates per 1,000 person-years of cardiovascular outcomes for cancer survivors and non-cancer controls were: HF: 6.2 (95% CI: 6.1–6.4) and 5.2 (5.1–5.3), respectively; atrial fibrillation: 11.1 (10.9–11.3) and 9.3 (9.3–9.4), respectively; venous thromboembolism: 5.1 (5.0–5.2) and 2.8 (2.8–2.9), respectively; ischemic stroke: 5.8 (5.6–5.9) and 5.4 (5.4–5.5), respectively; and myocardial infarction: 3.6 (3.5–3.7) and 3.4 (3.3–3.4), respectively. The absolute rates of cardiovascular outcomes were highest in the oldest group, whereas the relative rates were more pronounced in the youngest cancer group compared with matched controls (Figure 1).

Conclusions

Compared with the general population, five-year cancer survivors had higher associated rates of cardiovascular outcomes across the spectrum of age. The increased rates of cardiovascular outcomes were more pronounced in the youngest group. These data underline the importance of risk assessment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in five-year cancer survivors.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Transplantation of Astrocytic Mitochondria Modulates Neuronal Antioxidant Defense and Neuroplasticity and Promotes Functional Recovery after Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Astrocytes release functional mitochondria (Mt) that play regulatory and prosurvival functions on entering adjacent cells. We recently demonstrated that these released Mts could enter microglia to promote their reparative/prophagocytic phenotype that assists in hematoma cleanup and neurological recovery after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the relevance of astrocytic Mt transfer into neurons in protecting brain after ICH is unclear. Here, we found that ICH causes a robust increase in superoxide generation and elevated oxidative damage that coincides with loss of the mitochondrial enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD). The damaging effect of ICH was reversed by intravenous transplantation of astrocytic Mt, which on entering the brain (and neurons), restored Mn-SOD levels and reduced neurological deficits in male mice subjected to ICH. Using an in vitro ICH-like injury model in cultured neurons, we established that astrocytic Mt on entering neurons prevented reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress and neuronal death by restoring neuronal Mn-SOD levels while at the same time promoted neurite extension and upregulation of synaptogenesis-related gene expression. Furthermore, we found that Mt genome-encoded small peptide humanin, which is normally abundant in Mt, could simulate Mt-transfer effect on neuronal Mn-SOD expression, oxidative stress, and neuroplasticity under ICH-like injury. This study demonstrates that adoptive astrocytic Mt transfer enhances neuronal Mn-SOD-mediated antioxidative defense and neuroplasticity in the brain, which potentiate functional recovery following ICH.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Mitochondrial dysfunction and antioxidant defense play essential roles in brain damage after ICH. Astrocytes release functional Mt that enters adjacent cells to help brain homeostatic function. Here, we show that systemic transplantation of astrocytic Mt restores ICH-impaired neuronal antioxidative defense, enhances neurite outgrowth, and improves stroke recovery after ICH. Our study suggests that systemic transplantation of astrocytic Mt could be considered as a novel and potentially promising strategy for ICH treatment.

Electroacupuncture pretreatment protects septic rats from acute lung injury by relieving inflammation and regulating macrophage polarization

BACKGROUND

Macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype may attenuate inflammation and have a therapeutic effect in acute lung injury (ALI).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on the inflammatory response and macrophage polarization in a septic rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI.

METHODS

Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8 each): control (Ctrl), ALI (LPS) and pre-EA (LPS + EA pretreatment). ALI and pre-EA rats were injected with LPS via the caudal vein. Pulmonary edema was assessed by left upper pulmonary lobe wet-to-dry (W/D) ratios. Lung injury scores were obtained from paraffin-embedded and hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of the left lower pulmonary lobe. Inflammatory activation was quantified using serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and IL-10 levels measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Macrophage phenotype was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Mean lung W/D ratio was significantly lower and serum IL-1β levels were decreased in pre-EA rats compared to ALI rats (P < 0.05). TNF-α mRNA expression was decreased and mannose receptor (MR) and Arg1 mRNA expression was increased in the lung tissues of pre-EA rats compared to ALI rats (P < 0.01). Arg1 protein expression was similarly increased in the lung tissues of pre-EA rats compared to ALI rats (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EA pretreatment may play a protective role by promoting macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype in a septic rat model of LPS-induced ALI.

Bactericidal efficacy of low concentration of vaporized hydrogen peroxide with validation in a BSL-3 laboratory

BACKGROUND

Highly infective pathogens are cultured and studied in biosafety laboratories. It is critical to thoroughly disinfect these laboratories to prevent laboratory infection. A whole-room, non-contact, reduced corrosion disinfection strategy using hydrogen peroxide was proposed and evaluated.

AIM

To evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of 8% and 10% vaporized hydrogen peroxide( VHP) in a laboratory setting with spores and bacteria as bioindicators.

METHODS

Spores of B. atrophaeus and B. stearothermophilus, along with bacteria E. coli, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis were placed in pre-selected locations in a sealed laboratory and an OXY-PHARM NOCOSPRAY2 vaporized hydrogen peroxide generator was applied. Spore killing efficacy was qualitatively evaluated, and bactericidal efficacy was quantitatively analyzed, and the mean log10 reduction was determined. Finally, the optimized disinfection strategy was verified in a BSL-3 laboratory.

FINDINGS

Significant reductions in microbial load were obtained for each of the selected spores and bacteria when exposed to VHP in concentrations of 8% and 10% for 2～3 h. S. aureus was found to be more resistant than E. coli and S. epidermidis. Tests with 8% hydrogen peroxide and exposure for more than 3 h completely killed B. atrophaeus on surfaces and equipment in the BSL-3 laboratory.

CONCLUSION

The vaporized hydrogen peroxide generator is superior in terms of good diffusivity and low corrosiveness and is time-effective in removing the disinfectant residue. This study provides reference for the precise disinfection of air and object surfaces in biosafety laboratories under varying conditions.

The Efficacy of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Pain, Stiffness, and Physical Function in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Although there are many pharmacological interventions for adults with osteoarthritis (OA) who do not meet the indications for surgery, side effects and adverse effects cannot be ignored. Physical interventions are known for their effectiveness and safety, and pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have already been applied to skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis.

Objective

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the efficacy of PEMF on the major symptoms of patients with OA compared with efficacy of other interventions.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating OA patients treated with PEMF and with pain, stiffness, and physical function impairment since 2009 were included. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were used for assessment. All extracted data were analyzed using RevMan V.5.3.

Results

Eleven RCTs consisting of 614 patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis, of which 10 trials comprised knee OA and one comprised hand OA. Compared with the control groups, the PEMF treatment yielded a more favorable output. PEMF alleviated pain (standardized mean differences [SMD] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08-1.34, p = 0.03), improved stiffness (SMD = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.45-2.23,p=0.003), and restored physical function (SMD = 1.52, 95% CI: 0.49-2.55,p=0.004).

Conclusions

PEMF therapy ameliorates OA symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients compared to other conservative treatments. There is an urgent need to search for different types of OA in multiple locations.

Increased long-term risk of heart failure and other adverse cardiac outcomes in dermatomyositis and polymyositis: Insights from a nationwide cohort

BACKGROUND

Mounting evidence suggests that dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM) are associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic events and venous thromboembolism. However, data on the association between DM/PM and other cardiac outcomes, especially heart failure (HF), are scarce.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the long-term risk and prognosis associated with adverse cardiac outcomes in patients with DM/PM.

METHODS

Using Danish administrative registries, we included all patients ≥18 years with newly diagnosed DM/PM (1996-2018). Risks of incident outcomes were compared with non-DM/PM controls from the background population (matched 1:4 by age, sex, and comorbidity). In a secondary analysis, we compared mortality following HF diagnosis between DM/PM patients with HF and non-DM/PM patients with HF (matched 1:4 by age and sex).

RESULTS

The study population included 936 DM/PM patients (median age 58.5 years, 59.0% women) and 3744 matched non-DM/PM controls. The median follow-up was 6.9 years. Absolute 10-year risks of incident outcomes for DM/PM patients vs matched controls were as follows: HF, 6.98% (CI, 5.16-9.16%) vs 4.58% (3.79-5.47%) (P = 0.002); atrial fibrillation, 10.17% (7.94-12.71%) vs 7.07% (6.09-8.15%) (P = 0.005); the composite of ICD implantation/ventricular arrhythmias/cardiac arrest, 1.99% (1.12-3.27%) vs 0.64% (0.40-0.98%) (P = 0.02); and all-cause mortality, 35.42% (31.64-39.21%) vs 16.57% (15.10-18.10%) (P < 0.0001). DM/PM with subsequent HF was associated with higher mortality compared with HF without DM/PM (adjusted hazard ratio 1.58 [CI, 1.01-2.47]).

CONCLUSION

Patients with DM/PM had a higher associated risk of HF and other adverse cardiac outcomes compared with matched controls. Among patients developing HF, a history of DM/PM was associated with higher mortality.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of late embryogenesis abundant protein-encoding genes in rye (Secale cereale L.)

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are members of a large and highly diverse family that play critical roles in protecting cells from abiotic stresses and maintaining plant growth and development. However, the identification and biological function of genes of Secale cereale LEA (ScLEA) have been rarely reported. In this study, we identified 112 ScLEA genes, which can be divided into eight groups and are evenly distributed on all rye chromosomes. Structure analysis revealed that members of the same group tend to be highly conserved. We identified 12 pairs of tandem duplication genes and 19 pairs of segmental duplication genes, which may be an expansion way of LEA gene family. Expression profiling analysis revealed obvious temporal and spatial specificity of ScLEA gene expression, with the highest expression levels observed in grains. According to the qRT-PCR analysis, selected ScLEA genes were regulated by various abiotic stresses, especially PEG treatment, decreased temperature, and blue light. Taken together, our results provide a reference for further functional analysis and potential utilization of the ScLEA genes in improving stress tolerance of crops.

Abstract P433: Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells as a Highly Promising Therapy for Treatment of Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC) are an adherent adult stem cell being evaluated as a treatment for ischemic stroke in humans under the name MultiStem®. However, the efficacy of MAPC cells for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the most devastating form of stroke for which there is no effective treatment, is not clear

Method: The therapeutic efficacy of MAPC administration was evaluated in both autologous blood injection (ABI) and collagenase (COL) rat ICH models. We treated rats intravenously with 1.2x10 6 cells (sub-optimal dose based on MAPC efficacy in ischemic stroke) and 1.2x10 7 cells (optimal dose) at either 2 or 24h after ICH, and used 2 different doses of collagenase to better understand the dose responses. Outcome measurements included 4 sensorimotor tests (up to 28d), ventricular hypertrophy, spleen size, and body weight (N=128 rats tested across 4 separate experiments).

Results: MAPC offered a robust benefit in both ICH models in a dose-dependent fashion. (1) ABI model: at the sub-optimal dose MAPCs had no significant effect on behavioral performance, but effectively reduced ventricular hypertrophy. At an optimal dose, MAPCs at 2h or 24h after ICH, robustly reduced deficits in all 4 behavioral tests, and reduced ventricular hypertrophy by 59% and 35% in 2h and 24h post-treatment groups, respectively. No difference in body weight and spleen size was observed. (2) COL model: MAPC administered 2h after high collagenase dose, reduced hematoma volume (hemispheric hemoglobin level), as measured at 48h after collagenase injection. In addition, MAPC administration significantly reduced neurological deficit in the COL model.

Conclusions: MAPC provide a uniquely robust therapeutic effect on clinically relevant neurological and morphological outcomes in two different ICH models. MAPC also reduced bleeding in the COL model, suggesting the potential for MAPC as a safe acute therapeutic treatment after ICH. In addition to having beneficial effects on recovery processes, MAPC could be further evaluated as a candidate to limit the hematoma enlargement during the initial postictal period. We are currently investigating the mechanism of MAPC-induced post-ICH recovery as well as hemostasis using tissue microarray analysis.

Estrogen enhances the expression of a growth-associated long noncoding RNA in chicken liver via ERα

1. The long noncoding RNA lncGLM is significantly differentially expressed in the livers of peak-laying hens compared with that in the livers of pre-laying hens, but its potential biological role and expression regulation are unclear.2. To explore the potential biological function of lncGLM, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection and association analysis were carried out in the Gushi×Anka F₂ resource population.3. The tissues and spatiotemporal expression characteristics of lncGLM were analysed by real-time quantitative PCR. The effects of 17β-oestradiol on the expression of lncGLM expression were analysed through in vitro and in vivo experiments.4. The results showed that a g.19069338 T > C SNP was present in lncGLM. Association analysis revealed that lncGLM was significantly associated with body slanting length at 12 weeks, body weight at 12 weeks, shank length at four weeks, chest depth at eight weeks, pelvic width at 12 weeks, eviscerated weight, head weight, pancreas weight, pectoralis weight, leg muscle weight, muscular stomach weight rate, pancreas weight rate, carcase weight, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine and pectoral muscle water loss rate.5. The expression of lncGLM in the liver was higher than that in other sampled tissues. In addition, the expression of lncGLM in the liver was significantly higher in the peak-laying period than at the pre-laying period. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that lncGLM expression was regulated by 17β-oestradiol via oestrogen receptor alpha (ER-α). These results demonstrated that the chicken lncGLM gene is highly expressed in liver tissue and regulated by oestrogen through ER-α.

Survey on recent developments in automatic detection of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a disease facilitated by the rapid spread of diabetes worldwide. DR can blind diabetic individuals. Early detection of DR is essential to restoring vision and providing timely treatment. DR can be detected manually by an ophthalmologist, examining the retinal and fundus images to analyze the macula, morphological changes in blood vessels, hemorrhage, exudates, and/or microaneurysms. This is a time consuming, costly, and challenging task. An automated system can easily perform this function by using artificial intelligence, especially in screening for early DR. Recently, much state-of-the-art research relevant to the identification of DR has been reported. This article describes the current methods of detecting non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, exudates, hemorrhage, and microaneurysms. In addition, the authors point out future directions in overcoming current challenges in the field of DR research.

Contribution of TRPC Channels in Neuronal Excitotoxicity Associated With Neurodegenerative Disease and Ischemic Stroke

The seven canonical members of transient receptor potential (TRPC) proteins form cation channels that evoke membrane depolarization and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺] _i ) rise, which are not only important for regulating cell function but their deregulation can also lead to cell damage. Recent studies have implicated complex roles of TRPC channels in neurodegenerative diseases including ischemic stroke. Brain ischemia reduces oxygen and glucose supply to neurons, i.e., Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation (OGD), resulting in [Ca²⁺] _i elevation, ion dyshomeostasis, and excitotoxicity, which are also common in many forms of neurodegenerative diseases. Although ionotropic glutamate receptors, e.g., N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, are well established to play roles in excitotoxicity, the contribution of metabotropic glutamate receptors and their downstream effectors, i.e., TRPC channels, should not be neglected. Here, we summarize the current findings about contributions of TRPC channels in neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on OGD-induced neuronal death and rodent models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. TRPC channels play both detrimental and protective roles to neurodegeneration depending on the TRPC subtype and specific pathological conditions involved. When illustrated the mechanisms by which TRPC channels are involved in neuronal survival or death seem differ greatly, implicating diverse and complex regulation. We provide our own data showing that TRPC1/C4/C5, especially TRPC4, may be generally detrimental in OGD and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. We propose that although TRPC channels significantly contribute to ischemic neuronal death, detailed mechanisms and specific roles of TRPC subtypes in brain injury at different stages of ischemia/reperfusion and in different brain regions need to be carefully and systematically investigated.

Optimized lactoferrin as a highly promising treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage: Pre-clinical experience

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the deadliest form of stroke for which there is no effective treatment, despite an endless number of pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. The obvious therapeutic target is the neutralization of toxic products of red blood cell (RBC) lysis that lead to cytotoxicity, inflammation, and oxidative damage. We used rigorous approaches and translationally relevant experimental ICH models to show that lactoferrin-(LTF)-based monotherapy is uniquely robust in reducing brain damage after ICH. Specifically, we designed, produced, and pharmacokinetically/toxicologically characterized an optimized LTF, a fusion of human LTF and the Fc domain of human IgG (FcLTF) that has a 5.8-fold longer half-life in the circulation than native LTF. Following dose-optimization studies, we showed that FcLTF reduces neurological injury caused by ICH in aged male/female mice, and in young male Sprague Dawley (SD) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). FcLTF showed a remarkably long 24-h therapeutic window. In tissue culture systems, FcLTF protected neurons from the toxic effects of RBCs and promoted microglia toward phagocytosis of RBCs and dead neurons, documenting its pleotropic effect. Our findings indicate that FcLTF is safe and effective in reducing ICH-induced damage in animal models used in this study.

A high-quality genome assembly highlights rye genomic characteristics and agronomically important genes

Rye is a valuable food and forage crop, an important genetic resource for wheat and triticale improvement and an indispensable material for efficient comparative genomic studies in grasses. Here, we sequenced the genome of Weining rye, an elite Chinese rye variety. The assembled contigs (7.74 Gb) accounted for 98.47% of the estimated genome size (7.86 Gb), with 93.67% of the contigs (7.25 Gb) assigned to seven chromosomes. Repetitive elements constituted 90.31% of the assembled genome. Compared to previously sequenced Triticeae genomes, Daniela, Sumaya and Sumana retrotransposons showed strong expansion in rye. Further analyses of the Weining assembly shed new light on genome-wide gene duplications and their impact on starch biosynthesis genes, physical organization of complex prolamin loci, gene expression features underlying early heading trait and putative domestication-associated chromosomal regions and loci in rye. This genome sequence promises to accelerate genomic and breeding studies in rye and related cereal crops.

Effect of different body position on anorectal manometry for chronic constipation patients

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the different influence of body position on wireless high-resolution anorectal manometry parameters and in classification for chronic constipation patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients with chronic constipation and 20 healthy volunteers were included in this study, all of whom accepted the Rome IV constipation questionnaires, underwent rectal balloon expulsion test and wireless high-resolution anorectal manometry. The wireless high-resolution anorectal manometry was performed in the left lateral, seated, and squatting positions for every study subject. The Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) 21.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The anal sphincter resting pressure, anal sphincter squeezing pressure, and rectal internal pressure during the evacuation in the seated position and squatting position were significantly higher than those in the left lateral position in both the volunteer group and patient group, without a significant difference between the seated position and squatting position. The initial perception threshold was higher in the patient group than in the volunteer group. The wireless high-resolution anorectal manometry in different positions combined with the rectal balloon expulsion test mainly affects the diagnosis of the subtype of inadequate defecatory propulsion.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the left lateral position test, the wireless high-resolution anorectal manometry in the seated position and squatting positions is more consistent with the human physiological bowel condition, and the result of the test can be affected by the body position. The wireless high-resolution anorectal manometry can differentiate between subtypes during the diagnosis of inadequate defecatory propulsion.

Effects of targeted hydration on risk of major adverse renal and cardiac events: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Inconsistent results have been published that have evaluated the preventive effect of targeted hydration in major adverse renal and cardiac events among patients exposed to contrast agents.

Methods

Online databases were searched up to October, 2019, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcome was the incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), and the secondary outcomes were all-cause in-hospital mortality, all-cause long-term mortality, requirement for dialysis, acute pulmonary edema and stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Results

9 high quality trials were identified including 2424 patients. Overall, compared with general hydration, targeted hydration significantly reduced the incidence of CI-AKI by 58% (RR 0.42; 95% CI: 0.33–0.54, p&lt;0.01), the requirement for dialysis by 68% (RR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17–0.62, p&lt;0.01) and the all-cause long-term mortality by 55% (RR 0.45; 95% CI: 0.26–0.76, p&lt;0.01). The effect on all-cause in-hospital mortality was not statistically significant. The effect on acute pulmonary edema and stroke/TIA also showed no difference between two groups (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.28–1.03, p=0.18; RR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.14–2.61, p=0.49, respectively). Trial sequential analysis confirmed that an additional 3900 study participants would need to be recruited to demonstrate a statistically significant improvement for all-cause in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Targeted hydration likely reduces the incidence of CI-AKI, dialysis and all-cause long-term mortality in patients exposed to contrast agents. However, further independent high-quality RCTs should elucidate the effectiveness and safety of this prophylactic strategy in interventional cardiology.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None