[Genetic background of lily germplasm resources based on SSR markers]

To study the genetic background of lily (Lilium spp.) germplasm resources, and accurately evaluate and select excellent germplasm for genetic improvement of lily, we analyzed the genetic background of 62 lily germplasm accessions from 11 provinces of China by using simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers. The results showed that 15 out of 83 pairs of lily SSR primers were polymorphic. A total of 157 allelic loci were amplified, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from 5 to 19 and the average number of effective alleles per locus being 4.162 8. The average observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were 0.228 2 and 0.694 1, respectively. The average polymorphic information content was 0.678 8. The average Nei's diversity index and Shannon's information index were 0.694 1 and 1.594 9, respectively, indicating that the tested lily germplasm had high genetic diversity. The 62 germplasm accessions were classified into 5 groups by the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and into 3 groups by the principal component analysis. The two analyses revealed a geographic correlation among different groups. The majority of lily germplasm accessions from the same source tended to cluster together. The population structure analysis classified the lily accessions into 4 populations and 1 mixed population. The above results provide a theoretical basis and genetic resources for the precise identification and breeding of lily germplasm resources.

Evidence for Chiral Wobbler in Nuclei

Three ΔI=1 bands with the πg_{9/2}⊗νg_{9/2} configuration have been identified in _{35}^{74}Br_{39}. Angular distribution, linear polarization, and lifetime measurements were performed to determine the multipolarity, type, mixing ratio, and absolute transition probability of the transitions. By comparing these experimental observations with the corresponding fingerprints and the quantum particle rotor model calculations, the second and third lowest bands are, respectively, suggested as the chiral partner and one-phonon wobbling excitation built on the yrast band. The evidence indicates the first chiral wobbler in nuclei.

Genome resequencing reveals the evolutionary history of garlic reproduction traits

The propagation of cultivated garlic relies on vegetative cloves, thus flowers become non-essential for reproduction in this species, driving the evolution of reproductive feature-derived traits. To obtain insights into the evolutionary alteration of reproductive traits in the clonally propagated garlic, the evolutionary histories of two main reproduction-related traits, bolting and flower differentiation, were explored by genome analyses using 134 accessions displaying wide diversity in these two traits. Resequencing identified 272.8 million variations in the garlic genome, 198.0 million of which represent novel variants. Population analysis identified five garlic groups that have evolved into two clades. Gene expression, single-cell transcriptome sequencing, and genome-wide trait association analyses have identified numerous candidates that correlate with reproductive transition and flower development, some of which display distinct selection signatures. Selective forces acting on the B-box zinc finger protein-encoding Asa2G00291.1, the global transcription factor group E protein-encoding Asa5G01527.1, and VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE 3-like Asa3G03399.1 appear to be representative of the evolution of garlic bolting. Plenty of novel genomic variations and trait-related candidates represent valuable resources for biological studies of garlic. Numerous selective signatures from genes associated with the two chosen reproductive traits provide important insights into the evolutionary history of reproduction in this clonally propagated crop.

Prognostic Significance of Serum Lipids in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Radiotherapy: A Multicenter Prospective Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Although lipids have been assessed for their possible roles in cancer survival prediction, studies on the association between serum lipids levels and the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are limited. This study aimed to evaluate whether serum lipids are associated with outcomes in patients with NSCLC treated with radiotherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We conducted a multicenter prospective study on patients diagnosed with NSCLC between January 2018 and February 2021. Participants received thoracic radiotherapy of 60ཞ80 Gy to the primary lung tumor and positive lymph node metastases. We measured patients' serum lipids levels (serum triglyceride, TGs; total cholesterol, TC, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C; low density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C) before radiotherapy. The association between serum lipids levels and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using hazard ratios. We sought to determine a threshold point using optimal stratification. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

Of the 300 participants diagnosed with NSCLC treated with radiotherapy, 165 (55.0%) were men. Median follow-up time was 24.4 months (range 1.0- 101.9 months). Using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, among those serum lipids, only serum TG was shown to be independent prognostic factors for OS (hazard ratio: 1.203, 95% confidence interval: 1.038 - 1.393, p = 0.014). The cut-off for TG associated with OS was 2.04 mmol/L. Based on the TG cut-off value, 55 NSCLC patients were categorized into the high TG group (>2.04 mmol/L) and 245 in the low TG group (<2.04 mmol/L). The NSCLC patients in the low TG group exhibited higher OS than the high group (median OS, not reach vs 41.4 months, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

TG levels were found to be a significant negative prognostic biomarker for OS in NSCLC patients treated with radiotherapy.

Large-scale population structure and genetic architecture of agronomic traits of garlic

Garlic, an asexually propagated crop, is the second important bulb crop after the onion and is used as a vegetable and medicinal plant. Abundant and diverse garlic resources have been formed over thousands of years of cultivation. However, genome variation, population structure and genetic architecture of garlic agronomic traits were still not well elucidated. Here, 1 100 258 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified using genotyping-by-sequencing in 606 garlic accessions collected from 43 countries. Population structure, principal component and phylogenetic analysis showed that these accessions were divided into five subpopulations. Twenty agronomic traits, including above-ground growth traits, bulb-related and bolt-related traits in two consecutive years were implemented in a genome-wide association study. In total, 542 SNPs were associated with these agronomic traits, among which 188 SNPs were repeatedly associated with more than two traits. One SNP (chr6: 1896135972) was repeatedly associated with ten traits. These associated SNPs were located within or near 858 genes, 56 of which were transcription factors. Interestingly, one non-synonymous SNP (Chr4: 166524085) in ribosomal protein S5 was repeatedly associated with above-ground growth and bulb-related traits. Additionally, gene ontology enrichment analysis of candidate genes for genomic selection regions between complete-bolting and non-bolting accessions showed that these genes were significantly enriched in 'vegetative to reproductive phase transition of meristem', 'shoot system development', 'reproductive process', etc. These results provide valuable information for the reliable and efficient selection of candidate genes to achieve garlic genetic improvement and superior varieties.

MGF360-12L of ASFV-SY18 is an immune-evasion protein that inhibits host type I IFN, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT pathways

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes feverous and hemorrhagic disease of domestic pigs and European wild boars with high mortality, yet no commercial vaccine is currently available. Several ASFV strains with natural deletion or gene-targeted knockout of multiple MGF360 and MGF505 genes are attenuated in vitro and in vivo, and can offer full protection against homologous challenge. However, the mechanisms underlying the protection are not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of MGF360-12L of ASFV-SY18 on the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and explore the potential mechanisms. We identified that ASFV-SY18 MGF360-12L could inhibit cGAS-STING, TBK1, or IRF3-5D-stimulated IFN-β expression and ISRE activation. Specifically, MGF360-12L inhibits both the activation of PRD(III-I) in a dose-dependent manner, and suppresses the exogenous expression of TBK1 and IRF3-5D. MGF360-12L could block NF-κB activation induced by overexpression of cGAS-STING, TBK1, IKKβ. Downstream of the IFN-β signaling, MGF360-12L blocks the ISRE promoter activation by reducing total protein level of IRF9. Moreover, MGF360-12L protein can inhibit IFN-β-mediated antiviral effects. In conclusion, our findings suggest that MGF360-12L is a multifunctional immune-evasion protein that inhibits both the expression and effect of IFN-β, which could partially explain the attenuation of relevant gene-deleted ASFV strains, and shed light on the development of efficient ASFV live attenuated vaccines in the future.

[Genome-wide identification and characterization of the WOX gene family in Brassica juncea]

The WUSCHEL related-homeobox (WOX) family is one of the plant-specific transcription factor families, playing important roles in plant growth and development. In this study, 51 WOX gene family members were identified from the genome data of Brassica juncea by searching and screening with HUMMER, Smart and other software. Their protein molecular weight, amino acids numbers, and isoelectric point were analyzed by using Expasy online software. Furthermore, bioinformatics software was used to systematically analyze the evolutionary relationship, conservative region, and gene structure of the WOX gene family. The mustard WOX gene family was divided into three subfamilies: ancient clade, intermediate clade, and WUS clade/modern clade. Structural analysis showed that the type, organization form and gene structure of the conservative domain of WOX transcription factor family members in the same subfamily were highly consistent, while there was a certain diversity among different subfamilies. 51 WOX genes are distributed unevenly on 18 chromosomes of mustard. Most of the promoters of these genes contain cis acting elements related to light, hormone and abiotic stress. Using transcriptome data and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, it was found that the expression of mustard WOX gene was spatio-temporal specific, among which BjuWOX25, BjuWOX33, and BjuWOX49 might play an important role in the development of silique, and BjuWOX10, BjuWOX32, and BjuWOX11, BjuWOX23 respectively might play an important role in the response to drought and high temperature stresses. The above results may facilitate the functional study of mustard WOX gene family.

Combined widely targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis reveals differentially accumulated metabolites and the underlying molecular bases in fleshy taproots of distinct radish genotypes

Radish is an important taproot crop with medicinal and edible uses that is cultivated worldwide. However, the differences in metabolites and the underlying molecular bases among different radish types remain largely unknown. In the present study, a combined analysis of liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and RNA-Seq data was conducted to uncover important differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) among radish accessions with green, white and red taproot flesh colours. A total of 657 metabolites were identified and 138 DAMs were commonly present in red vs. green and red vs. white accessions. Red accessions were rich in phenolic compounds, while green and white accessions had more amino acids. Additionally, 41 metabolites and 98 genes encoding 37 enzymes were enriched in the shikimate and phenolic biosynthesis pathways. CHS is the rate-limiting enzyme determining flavonoid differences among accessions. A total of 119 candidate genes might contribute to red accession-specific accumulated metabolites. Specifically, one gene cluster consisting of 16 genes, including one RsMYB1, RsMYBL2, RsTT8, RsDFR, RsANS, Rs4CL3, RsSCPL10, Rs3AT1 and RsSAP2 gene, two RsTT19 and RsWRKY44 genes and three RsUGT genes, might be involved in anthocyanin accumulation in red radish fleshy taproots. More importantly, an InDel marker was developed based on an RsMYB1 promoter mutation, and the accuracy reached 95.9% when it was used to select red-fleshed radishes. This study provides comprehensive insights into the metabolite differences and underlying molecular mechanisms in fleshy taproots among different radish genotypes and will be beneficial for the genetic improvement of radish nutritional quality.

Effects of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate Supplementation on Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

OBJECTIVES

Sarcopenia is recognized as a major public health concern because of its association with several adverse health events. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation reportedly delays the loss of muscle mass and function; however, the effect of HMB on sarcopenia remains inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate the impact of HMB intervention on muscle strength, physical performance, body compositions, and inflammatory factors in older adults with sarcopenia.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This study included subjects aged ≥60 years with sarcopenia which were assigned to the HMB group (HMBG, n=18) and the placebo group (PG, n=16).

INTERVENTION

The HMBG and PG were supplied with HMB and placebo products twice daily for 12 weeks, and both received resistance exercise training twice a week in 12 weeks.

MEASUREMENTS

Hand grip strength was selected as the primary outcome; gait speed, five-time chair stand test, body composition and inflammatory indicators were selected as the secondary outcomes. The differences in changes from baseline between the two groups were analyzed using the analysis of covariance(ANCOVA).

RESULTS

After the 12-week intervention, the HMBG demonstrated significantly greater improvements in handgrip strength (4.61(95%CI:2.93,6.28) kg, P<0.001), gait speed (0.11(95%CI:0.02,0.20)m/s, P=0.014), five-time chair stand test (-3.65 (95%CI:-5.72, -1.58)s, P=0.001), muscle quality (2.47(95%CI:1.15,3.80),kg.kg-1 P=0.001) and tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (-15.23(95%CI:-29.80,-0.66)pmol/mL, P=0.041) compared with the PG; no significant differences in skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle index, and other body composition parameters were found between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In older adults with sarcopenia, HMB significantly enhance the effect of resistance exercise training on muscle strength, physical performance, muscle quality, and reduced inflammatory factors. Therefore, HMB supplementation could be an effective treatment for sarcorpenia. The trial protocol was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=47571 as ChiCTR2000028778.

Characterization and acceleration of genome shuffling and ploidy reduction in synthetic allopolyploids by genome sequencing and editing

Polyploidy and the subsequent ploidy reduction and genome shuffling are the major driving forces of genome evolution. Here, we revealed short-term allopolyploid genome evolution by sequencing a synthetic intergeneric hybrid (Raphanobrassica, RRCC). In this allotetraploid, the genome deletion was quick, while rearrangement was slow. The core and high-frequency genes tended to be retained while the specific and low-frequency genes tended to be deleted in the hybrid. The large-fragment deletions were enriched in the heterochromatin region and probably derived from chromosome breaks. The intergeneric translocations were primarily of short fragments dependent on homoeology, indicating a gene conversion origin. To accelerate genome shuffling, we developed an efficient genome editing platform for Raphanobrassica. By editing Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group M (FANCM) genes, homoeologous recombination, chromosome deletion and secondary meiosis with additional ploidy reduction were accelerated. FANCM was shown to be a checkpoint of meiosis and controller of ploidy stability. By simultaneously editing FLIP genes, gene conversion was precisely introduced, and mosaic genes were produced around the target site. This intergeneric hybrid and genome editing platform not only provides models that facilitate experimental evolution research by speeding up genome shuffling and conversion but also accelerates plant breeding by enhancing intergeneric genetic exchange and creating new genes.

Molecular and Functional Characterization of a Novel Kunitz-Type Toxin-like Peptide in the Giant Triton Snail Charonia tritonis

It has been reported that the giant triton snail (Charonia tritonis) inserts its large proboscis and then injects venom or acid saliva from its salivary gland into its prey, the crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci (COTS), paralyzing it. A full-length cDNA sequence of the C. tritonis Ct-kunitzin gene was obtained by RACE PCR based on a transcriptomic database constructed by our laboratory (data not published), which contains an open reading frame (ORF) sequence with a length of 384 bp including a 1–32aa Kunitz domain. The Ct-kunitzin peptide was synthesized by solid-phase polypeptide methods according to its conserved amino acid sequence, with a molecular weight of 3746.0 as well as two disulfide bonds. Renatured Ct-kunitzin was injected into mice ventricles to evaluate its potential function. Compared with the normal control group (physiological saline), the spontaneous locomotor activity of the Ct-kunitzin group decreased significantly. There was a significant effect on Ct-kunitzin on mice grip strength in the grip strength test. In addition, Ct-kunitzin exhibited remarkable biological activity in suppressing pain in the pain thresholds test. There were no significant differences between the Ct-kunitzin group and the normal control group in terms of various hematological indexes and histopathological observations. When tested in COTS, the most significant histological change was the destruction, disorganization, and significant reduction in the amount of COTS tube feet tissues. Altogether, the potential paralyzing effect on mice suggests that Ct-kunitzin is a possible agent for novel drug development.

Effects of scale worm parasitism on interactions between the symbiotic gill microbiome and gene regulation in deep sea mussel hosts

Diverse adaptations to the challenging deep sea environment are expected to be found across all deep sea organisms. Scale worms Branchipolynoe pettiboneae are believed to adapt to the deep sea environment by parasitizing deep sea mussels; this biotic interaction is one of most known in the deep sea chemosynthetic ecosystem. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of scale worm parasitism on hosts are unclear. Previous studies have revealed that the microbiota plays an important role in host adaptability. Here, we compared gill-microbiota, gene expression and host-microorganism interactions in a group of deep sea mussels (Gigantidas haimaensis) parasitized by scale worm (PA group) and a no parasitic control group (NPA group). The symbiotic microorganism diversity of the PA group significantly decreased than NPA group, while the relative abundance of chemoautotrophic symbiotic bacteria that provide the host with organic carbon compounds significantly increased in PA. Interestingly, RNA-seq revealed that G. haimaensis hosts responded to B. pettiboneaei parasitism through significant upregulation of protein and lipid anabolism related genes, and that this parasitism may enhance host mussel nutrient anabolism but inhibit the host’s ability to absorb nutrients, thus potentially helping the parasite obtain nutrients from the host. In an integrated analysis of the interactions between changes in the microbiota and host gene dysregulation, we found an agreement between the microbiota and transcriptomic responses to B. pettiboneaei parasitism. Together, our findings provide new insights into the effects of parasite scale worms on changes in symbiotic bacteria and gene expression in deep sea mussel hosts. We explored the potential role of host-microorganism interactions between scale worms and deep sea mussels, and revealed the mechanisms through which scale worm parasitism affects hosts in deep sea chemosynthetic ecosystem.

[Differential diagnosis and management of hemangioma at geniculate ganglion]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis, treatments and prognosis of facial nerve hemangioma and schwannoma at genicular ganglion, so as to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatments of facial nerve tumor at genicular ganglion. Methods: Clinical data of 13 patients with facial nerve tumors at genicular ganglion confirmed by postoperative pathology in the Ninth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from March 2018 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including seven cases of hemangioma and six cases of schwannoma. There were eight males and five females. Their ages ranged from 20 to 65, with an average age of 40. The course of disease ranged from 3 to 118 months, with an average of 52 months. All the patients underwent preoperative HRCT of the temporal bone and facial nerve dynamic contrast-enhanced(DCE) MRI examinations. All the patients had detailed surgical procedures and at least one-year postoperative follow-up. Results: On HRCT of the temporal bone, (4/7) hemangioma at geniculate ganglion showed characteristic honeycomb appearance, while 6/6 schwannoma and 3/7 hemangiomas showed expansive bone changes. On DCE-MRI, geniculate ganglion hemangioma (7/7) showed characteristic "point-to-surface" enhancement, and schwannoma (6/6) showed characteristic "face-to-surface" enhancement. For five hemangioma-patients with HB-Ⅱ-Ⅳ before surgery, the facial nerve anatomy was completely preserved through transcanal endoscopic approach(TEA), and the facial nerve function improved one year after surgery (two cases of HB-I, two cases of HB-Ⅱ, and one case of HB-Ⅲ). For two patients, with preoperative facial nerve function HB-Ⅴ-Ⅵ, since their tumors was inseparable from the nerves, they were performed with facial nerve anastomosis during the surgery, and the facial nerve function was improved to HB-Ⅳ level one year after surgery. For six patients with meningioma whose facial nerve function was greater than or equal to HB-Ⅲ, based on the preoperative hearing level, the involved segments, and duration of facial paralysis, three of them were conducted surgeries through middle cranial fossa approach, one by translabyrinthine approach, and one via mastoid approach. Two patients among them with complete facial paralysis over three years preoperatively were not performed facial nerve anastomosis after total resections of the tumors, and there was no improvement in facial nerve function one year after surgery. Three patients underwent facial nerve anastomosis after total tumor resections, and their facial nerve function was HB-Ⅲ in one patient, HB-Ⅳ in two patients one year after surgery. One patient (preoperative HB-Ⅲ) had a normal hearing level preoperatively, and the tumor involved the labyrinth segment. To protect the hearing, partial tumor was resected through the middle cranial fossa approach, and facial nerve function improved to HB-Ⅱ one year after surgery. Conclusions: Temporal bone HRCT combined with DCE-MRI are useful for the differential diagnosis of hemangioma and schwannoma at geniculate ganglion and provide references for preoperative clinical decision makings. It is extremely necessary to select the appropriate surgical approach based on the patient's hearing and involved segments. For geniculate ganglion hemangioma, early surgery can improve the possibilities of anatomical integrity of facial nerve, thereby improving facial nerve function postoperatively.TEA is a kind of surgical method worth consideration, with the characteristics of minimally invasive, favorable postoperative features, and so on. For schwannoma, one-stage functional reconstruction of the facial nerve is recommended during the resection of the tumors because of the inevitable damage to the anatomical integrity of the facial nerve.

Hydrogen sulphide regulates the growth of tomato root cells by affecting cell wall biosynthesis under CuO NPs stress

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) show strong nano-toxic effects on organisms. Hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) plays a pivotal role in plant response to abiotic stress. In this study, we examine the crucial role of the cell wall as regulated by H₂ S in response to CuO NPs stress. The digestion method was employed to determine Cu content using atomic absorption spectrometry. The TraKine pro-tubulin staining kit was used to investigate the microtubule cytoskeleton using confocal laser-scanning microscopy. Cell wall component analysis utilized the ICS-3000 HPLC system. Application of H₂ S reduced growth inhibition caused by CuO NPs. Furthermore, most of the CuO NPs accumulates in roots, indicating a low transfer rate, and H₂ S significantly decreased CuO NPs content in roots, leaves and stems. Subcellular distribution analysis implied most Cu accumulated in root cell walls, and that H₂ S reduced the content of Cu in root cell walls. Cortical microtubules in the plasma membrane, guide cell wall biosynthesis. H₂ S obviously alleviated microtubule cytoskeleton disorders caused by CuO NPs. In addition, the content of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and other monosaccharides in root cell walls was reduced by CuO NPs treatment. H₂ S enhanced the monosaccharide and polysaccharide contents compared with that after CuO NPs treatment. In conclusion, H₂ S regulates cell wall development in response to CuO NPs stress by stabilizing microtubules. H₂ S affected Cu distribution and alleviated growth inhibition of tomato seedlings. The research results provide a theoretical basis for further study of nano-toxicity regulation in plants.

Proteome and Transcriptome Analysis of Gonads Reveals Intersex in Gigantidas haimaensis

Sex has proven to be one of the most intriguing areas of research across evolution, development, and ecology. Intersex or sex change occurs frequently in molluscs. The deep-sea mussel Gigantidas haimaensis often dominates within Haima cold seep ecosystems, but details of their reproduction remain unknown. Herein, we conducted a combined proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of G. haimaensis gonads to provide a systematic understanding of sexual development in deep-sea bivalves. A total of 2,452 out of 42,238 genes (5.81%) and 288 out of 7,089 proteins (4.06%) were significantly differentially expressed between ovaries and testes with a false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05. Candidate genes involved in sexual development were identified; among 12 differentially expressed genes between sexes, four ovary-biased genes (β-catenin, fem-1, forkhead box L2 and membrane progestin receptor α) were expressed significantly higher in males than females. Combining histological characteristics, we speculate that the males maybe intersex undergoing sex change, and implied that these genes may be involved in the process of male testis converting into female gonads in G. haimaensis. The results suggest that this adaptation may be based on local environmental factors, sedentary lifestyles, and patchy distribution, and sex change may facilitate adaptation to a changing environment and expansion of the population. The findings provide a valuable genetic resource to better understand the mechanisms of sex change and survival strategies in deep-sea bivalves.

[Identification and analysis of the TALE transcription factor family in radish]

Three-amino acid loop extension (TALE) transcription factors play important roles in plant growth and cell differentiation. There are plenty of studies on TALE transcription factors in several model plants, but not in radish (Raphanus sativas). A genome-wide bioinformatics analysis identified 33 TALE family genes in the Xiang-Ya-Bai (XYB) radish, These genes, are distributed on nine chromosomes and all contain 4-6 exons. The 33 TALE genes in radish showed a co-linearity relationship with the 17 homologous genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, a large number of stress response cis-elements were found in the promoter regions of these genes. Expression analysis showed that four genes in the BELL subfamily were highly expressed in roots, and two genes in the KNOX subfamily were highly expressed in shoots of bolting plants and callus. All radish TALE genes contain sequences encoding the conserved HOX domain, except for the gene RSA10037940, which is homologous to Arabidopsis KNATM. The deduced 3D structures of the TALE proteins irrespective of subtypes are highly similar. All the encoded proteins were weakly acidic and hydrophilic. The radish TALE gene family is relatively evolutionarily conserved, which was consistent with results from Arabidopsis, but quite different from that of rice. This study provides important clues for studying the biological functions of TALE transcription factors in radish.

Comparison of the Diagnostic Value of SARC-F and Its Three Modified Versions for Screening Sarcopenia in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

Sarcopenia refers to age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass. SARC-F is a screening tool for sarcopenia with high specificity and relatively good overall diagnostic accuracy but with low sensitivity. This study evaluated the diagnostic utility of SARC-F and its three modified versions (SARC-CalF, SARC-F+AC, and SARC-CalF+AC) for screening sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.

DESIGN

Diagnostic accuracy study.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

We screened sarcopenia of older adults (age ≥ 60 years) in three communities in 2020. The participants' information and anthropometric measurements were collected, respectively.

METHODS

The updated consensuses of AWGS2019 and the EWGSOP2 were applied as the reference standards. we performed sensitivity/specificity analyses and estimated the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of the four scales.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 26.4% and 12.5% based on the AWGS2019 and EWGSOP2 criteria, respectively. The sensitivities/specificities of SARC-F, SARC-CalF, SARC-F+AC, and SARC-CalF+AC were 12.26%/95.59%, 47.17%/91.53%, 82.08%/68.47%, and 75.47%/83.73%, respectively, using the AWGS2019 criteria. Further, the corresponding AUCs of SARC-F, SARC-CalF, SARC-F+AC, and SARC-CalF+AC were 0.650 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.601-0.697), 0.811 (95% CI: 0.769-0.848), 0.801 (95% CI: 0.759-0.839), and 0.848 (95% CI: 0.809-0.881), respectively. Using the EWGSOP2 criteria, the sensitivities/specificities of SARC-F, SARC-CalF, SARC-F+AC, and SARC-CalF+AC were 20.00%/95.44%, 56.00%/86.61%, 70.00%/81.20%, and 80.00%/74.93%, respectively. The AUCs of SARC-F, SARC-CalF, SARC-F+AC, and SARC-CalF+AC were 0.706 (95% CI: 0.659-0.750), 0.799 (95% CI: 0.756-0.837), 0.815 (95% CI: 0.774-0.852), and 0.834 (95% CI: 0.794-0.869), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified versions of SARC-F+AC and SARC-CalF+AC, which have superior sensitivity, can be used to screen sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. SARC-CalF+AC had the highest overall diagnostic accuracy for screening sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults.

Impact of nodular calcification on the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

Background

Calcified plaque is thought to adversely impact clinical outcomes but the impact of nodular calcification after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unclear.

Purpose

This study sought to explore the impact of nodular calcification on the outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndromes.

Methods

Five-hundred culprit plaque with calcification were analysed from 495 ACS patients in whom PCI was performed. Plaques were divided into nodular calcification group (n=238) and non-nodular calcification group (n=262). Calcification is defined as an area with low back-scattering signal and a sharp border. Nodular calcification was defined as a protruding mass with an irregular surface, high backscattering, and signal attenuation on optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results

Patients with nodular calcification were older (p&lt;0.001) and had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.006) compared to patients with non-nodular calcification. Lesion length (31 (25.2, 38.5) vs. 29 (22.8, 34.1), p&lt;0.001) was longer in plaques with nodular calcification. A higher prevalence of superficial calcium (p&lt;0.001) was observed in plaques with nodular calcification compared with non-nodular calcification group. Minimum stent area (MSA) (5.0 (3.9, 6.3) vs. 5.4 (4.2, 6.7), p=0.011) and stent expansion (70 (62.7, 81.8) vs. 75 (65.2, 86.6), p=0.004) were significantly smaller in the nodular calcification group than in the non-nodular calcification group. Independent predictors of nodular calcification were age (p&lt;0.001) lesion length (p=0.002) and calcium depth (p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the presence of nodular calcification is associated with unfavourable outcomes with smaller minimum stent area and higher incidence of stent under expansion in patients with ACS treated with primary PCI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Frequency and predictors of thin-cap fibroatheroma progression: a comprehensive and dynamic in-vivo OCT study

Purpose

To assess the evolution of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) and to explore predictors for its progression by using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

We enrolled ACS patients with non-culprit TCFA at baseline and corresponding OCT images at follow-up of 9 to 15 months. Clinical, angiographic and OCT data were collected and analyzed according to established methods. TCFA was defined as a lipid plaque with maximum lipid arc &gt;90° and fibrous cap thickness &lt;65μm. Considering the resolution of OCT, the regression of TCFA was defined as an increase of fibrous cap thickness &gt;10μm. Inversely, TCFA progression was defined as a decrease, constant or ≤10μm increase of fibrous cap thickness.

Results

41 patients with 55 non-culprit TCFAs were taken into final analysis. 17 patients (41.5%) had patient-level progression and 22 TCFAs (40.0%) progressed at plaque-level with a median follow-up duration of 371 days. 11 (20.0%) of the 55 TCFAs happened subclinical rupture at follow-up, including 10 with the formation a new layer and 1 without the detection of the new layer. Besides, another patient suffered re-myocardial infarction because of the rupture of TCFA induced acute thrombosis and lumen occlusion during follow-up. The baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were similar between the two cohorts. The progression group had a significantly higher prevalence of macrophage infiltration and vasa vasorum at baseline than the non-progression group (Figure 1). Multivariate analysis identified macrophage infiltration (odds ratio [OR]: 5.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 27.91; p=0.049]) as the independent predictor of TCFA progression. When it came to the evolution of lesion morphology and lipid components, the progression cohort had a higher percent change of lumen stenosis and lipid length (Figure 2).

Conclusions

About 40% of non-culprit TCFAs in ACS patients progressed in fibrous cap thickness at a median interval of 1 year. Macrophage infiltration was the independent predictor of non-culprit TCFA progression. The progression of fibrous cap thickness was usually accompanied with an aggressive evolution of other lesion characteristics.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): the National Key R&D Program of China Baseline OCT characteristicsPercent change of lesion morphology

Prevalence, predictors, and clinical prognosis of macrophage infiltrates in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction caused by plaque erosion as assessed by OCT

Background

Autopsy series showed that one of most common plaque phenotypes underlying coronary thrombi was plaque erosion. Identification of erosion may permit a less invasive management. Chronic inflammation is a common process in atherosclerosis. The severity of plaque inflammation can be assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) defined macrophages density. The impact of macrophage infiltrates (MØI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients caused by plaque erosion was still unknown.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate plaque morphology and clinical prognosis associated with MØI as assessed by optical coherence tomography in STEMI patients caused by plaque erosion.

Methods

From October 2014 to December 2017, 1561 STEMI with OCT imaging before percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled in this study. Finally, 312 STEMI patients caused by plaque erosion were split into two group according to the presence of MØI in culprit eroded plaques.

Results

163 (52.2%) STEMI patients presented plaque erosion with MØI, whereas 149 (47.8%) patients had no evidence of MØI. MØI were more frequency appeared in older patients (p=0.015). The severity and vulnerability of culprit lesions were higher in patients with MØI characterized by more aggressive and vulnerable features. Patients with MØI had worse long-term prognosis, compared with patient without MØI, mainly driven by a higher rate of target lesion revascularization (p=0.046), especially in STEMI patients presented plaque erosion with intensive antiplatelet therapy (p=0.035).

Conclusions

In the present study, we demonstrated that macrophage infiltrates at the site of erode plaques were associated with severity and vulnerability of culprit lesions. The long-term prognosis in patients with MØI were poorer especially in patients without stent implantation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Study flow chartPredictors of plaque erosion with MØI

Gender-specific difference of clinical and plaque characteristics in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive artery (MINOCA): insights from optical coherence tomography

Background

To date, sparse data are available with regard to gender differences in coronary plaque morphology and composition as underlying mechanism of MINOCA.

Purpose

To assess the differences in coronary plaque morphology in culprit lesion between women and men with MINOCA using intravascular optical coherence tomography.

Methods

Totally, 7404 consecutives acute myocardial infarction patients who underwent emergency coronary angiography between 2016 and 2019 were screened. MINOCA were identified in 292 patients (mean age: 72.6% male, 54.1% with ST-segment elevation). Optical coherence tomography was performed in 190 patients (men, n=142).

Results

Women with MINOCA were older (62.5±10.6 vs. 54.0±11.5, P&lt;0.001) and more over 55 years (75.3% vs. 43.6%, P&lt;0.001). Although women with MINOCA more frequently presented with NSTEMI (56.8% vs. 41.7%, P=0.025) and prior coronary artery disease (CAD) (33.3% vs. 6.3%, P&lt;0.001), they were less likely smoker (27.2% vs. 58.8%, P&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference in incidence of plaque rupture, erosion and calcified nodule between men and women. However, women were more likely to have thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) (39.6% vs. 22.5%, P=0.025).

Conclusion

Women with MINOCA were older, more frequently presented with NSTEMI and less smoking compared to men. Besides, more TCFA were observed in women.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Clinical and OCT plaque profilesProportion of clinical and OCT profiles

[Effect of electrode array type and insertion technique on the insertion force: in vitro cochlear model study]

Objective: To investigate the effect of insertion technique and electrode array type on the insertion force of electrode array, and to provide a basis for further optimizing electrode design and facilitating mini-invasive electrode insertion. Methods: Three types of electrode array from Nurotron (Standard Electrode, Slim-medium Electrode, Slim-long Electrode) were studied. from July 2019 to December 2019. These electrode arrays were inserted into the phantom models of the cochlea, manually or robot-assisted(medium speed and low speed). The real-time force during electrode array insertion was recorded by ATI Nano 17 Ti sensors and was analyzed by accessory software. Origin 2020b software was used for statistical processing. Results: The insertion force of all electrode arrays progressively increased with the insertion depth. With the manual technique, the peak force of slim-medium electrode insertion was significantly smaller than that of the standard electrode insertion((71.0±16.6) mN vs (140.9±52.7) mN, Z=3.683, P<0.01), and the peak force of the slim-long electrode insertion was between the peak force of standard electrode and slim-medium electrode(P>0.05). No difference was found in the force variation of insertion among the three electrodes(P>0.05). With medium-speed and low-speed robotic assistance, the peak force characteristics of three electrodes were similar to those with the manual technique, but the force variation of standard electrode insertion ((83.9±9.7) mN/s) at medium speed was significantly larger than that of the slim-long electrode insertion ((69.2±4.0)mN/s), and the force variation of the standard electrode insertion at low speed was significantly greater than the other two electrodes. For the same electrode, robot-assisted insertion presented significantly lower peak force and force variation than manual insertion for each type of electrode array. But there was no difference in the peak force and force variation between two-speed levels of robot assistance (P>0.05). Conclusions: The insertion force of the electrode array will be lower when a slim electrode array or robot technique is applied. Long electrode array might make manual insertion difficult or less precise. Robot assistance has advantage on force control during electrode array insertion.

Identification of the pivotal differentially expressed genes and pathways involved in Staphylococcus aureus-induced infective endocarditis by using bioinformatics analysis

OBJECTIVE

Infective endocarditis (IE), particularly by Staphylococcus aureus, is an uncommon bacteremia-associated infection of the endocardium and cardiac valves. Herein, we evaluated predictive noninvasive biomarkers for IE caused by S. aureus through bioinformatics analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Staphylococcus aureus-associated and IE-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by bioinformatics analysis of the GSE6269 and GSE29161 Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. The DEGs were analyzed with the LIMMA package, and the coregulated genes were chosen as the intersection of DEGs between the two datasets, called common differentially expressed genes (CDEGs). The enrichment study of CDEGs was subsequently performed with the DAVID and KOBAS web resources. Finally, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, microRNA (miRNA)-transcription factor (TF)-mRNA (messenger RNA) regulatory network, and the network of drug-genes were identified.

RESULTS

From GSE6269 and GSE29161, respectively, a total of 201 and 741 DEGs were obtained. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that CDEGs were primarily involved in innate immune response, extracellular exosome, as well as calcium ion binding, while the pathway analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed that CDEGs were significantly enriched in the B-cell receptor, IL-17, and NF-kappa B signaling pathways. The hub genes in the PPI network included HP, S100A12, SPI1, CD14, CCR1, S100A9 and so on. In the miRNA-TF-mRNA regulatory network, SPI1 could target miR-361-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-339-5p in the progression of IE.

CONCLUSIONS

Several pivotal genes and pathways were identified in the progression of S. aureus-induced IE, which may have the potential for early detection.

Excitation functions of proton induced reactions on titanium and copper

Excitation functions of the Tnati(p,x)S43,47c, V48 and Cnatu(p,x)⁶⁴Cu, Z62,65n reactions were measured in the energy range of 8.8-18.4 MeV by using the stacked-foil activation technique and off-line gamma spectroscopy. The irradiation was carried out at the superconducting linac of the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Besides, the reliability and effectiveness of theoretical data from the TALYS code, recommended data of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and evaluated nuclear data of the ENDF/B-VIII.0, JENDL-4.0/HE and PADF-2007 libraries were evaluated and verified by comparing with experimental data. Our experimental results agree with most of the available literature data. TALYS-1.95 code could not reproduce, in most cases, the experimental data. Evaluated nuclear data from the ENDF/B-VIII.0, JENDL-4.0/HE and PADF-2007 libraries are able to reproduce, in most cases, the experimental data trend. Recommended data of the IAEA are in good consistent with our work and most of the available literature data.

Comparative Transcriptomic and Expression Profiles Between the Foot Muscle and Mantle Tissues in the Giant Triton Snail Charonia tritonis

The giant triton snail (Charonia tritonis), an endangered gastropod species of ecological and economic importance, is widely distributed in coral reef ecosystems of the Indo-West Pacific region and the tropical waters of the South China Sea. Limited research on molecular mechanisms can be conducted because the complete genomic information on this species is unavailable. Hence, we performed transcriptome sequencing of the C. tritonis foot muscle and mantle using the Illumina HiSeq sequencing platform. In 109,722 unigenes, we detected 7,994 (3,196 up-regulated and 4,798 down-regulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the C. tritonis foot muscle and mantle transcriptomes. These DEGs will provide valuable resources to improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in biomineralization of C. tritonis. In the Gene Ontology (GO) database, DEGs were clustered into three main categories (biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components) and were involved in 50 functional subcategories. The top 20 GO terms in the molecular function category included sulfotransferase activity, transferring sulfur-containing groups, and calcium ion binding, which are terms considered to be related to biomineralization. In KEGG classifications, transcriptomic DEGs were mainly enriched in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate, and sulfur metabolism pathway, which may be related to biomineralization. The results of qPCR showed that three of the eight genes examined were significantly up-regulated in the mantle. The phylogenetic tree of BMP1 suggested a significant divergence between homologous genes in C. tritonis. Our results improve the understanding of biomineralization in C. tritonis and provide fundamental transcriptome information to study other molecular mechanisms such as reproduction.

[Auditory brainstem implantation: current status and prospects]

Auditory brainstem implantation is a hearing restoration technique on the central auditory pathway, which directly stimulates neural tissues of cochlear nucleus by electrode array to produce hearing, so it will not be restricted by abnormalities of the cochlea and cochlear nerve. In the past 30 years since the birth of multi-channel ABI, its indications have expanded from patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) to congenital deafness patients with severe inner ear and/or cochlear nerve malformations, and the age of recipients decreases from adults to young children. This article summarizes the principle, indications, surgical techniques, complications and auditory outcomes of ABI.

Impact of macrophage infiltration in patients with st-segment elevation myocardial infarction caused by plaque erosion: an in vivo optical coherence tomography study

Background

Chronic inflammatory infiltration is a common process for atherosclerosis development. However, autopsy studies reveal that incidence rate of inflammatory infiltrates are less abundant in plaque erosion compared with plaque rupture.

Purpose

Studies performed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) have allowed to establish the severity of plaque inflammation by assessing macrophage infiltration (MØI). In this study, we aimed at assessing the impaction of MØI in plaque erosion among patients with STEMI by using OCT.

Methods

A total of 1561 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI) who underwent OCT imaging were enrolled in this study. According to the exclusion criteria, 312 patients with STEMI exhibiting plaque erosion were classified as MØI or no MØI.

Results

163 (52.2%) patients had MØI at the site of plaque erosion, whereas 149 (47.8%) patients had no evidence of MØI and patients of MØI group were significantly older (P=0.015). The result of angiography showed the prevalence of multi-vessel disease appeared more frequency (P=0.021) and diameter stenosis% were higher (P=0.031) in MØI group. OCT results showed the minimum fibrous-cap thickness was thinner (P&lt;0.001) and the maximum lipid arc was larger (P=0.005) in MØI group. Some patients underwent imaging follow-up at 1 year. There was no significant difference in the culprit plaque morphology progress among two groups (Figure 1A-1D).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that plaque inflammation can increase culprit lesion severity and plaque vulnerability in patients with STEMI caused by plaque erosion.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

The probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota attenuates symptoms of vestibular migraine: a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial

Vestibular migraine (VM) has emerged as one of the major vestibular syndromes. Although probiotics have exhibited beneficial effects on migraine headache, its effect on VM is not clear. This trial aimed to investigate the treatment efficacy of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) on symptoms of VM. 247 VM patients were enrolled, of which 204 eligible patients receiving either LcS or placebo on a daily basis completed the 4 month study. They were re-visited at 2 and 4 months after study initiation to assess treatment outcomes. The primary endpoints were vestibular symptoms, evaluated by the number of vertiginous attacks during the past week, the Vertigo Severity Score (VSS), and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores. The secondary endpoints were anxiety and depressive symptoms, evaluated using Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores. Efficacy of LcS over placebo was not obvious at 2 month follow-up. At 4 month follow-up, while both LcS and placebo groups of VM patients displayed alleviated symptoms, the extents of the improvements were significantly better in LcS group than those of placebo group, with regard to vestibular symptoms using DHI and VSS, as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms using BAI and BDI. Although placebo effect cannot be ignored in intervention for VM patients, the probiotic LcS still exhibits considerable efficacy against VM symptoms over a 4 month study period, supporting further clinical study of a larger and more diverse cohort.

Genome resequencing reveals demographic history and genetic architecture of seed salinity tolerance in Populus euphratica

Populus euphratica is a dominant tree species in desert riparian forests and possesses extraordinary adaptation to salinity stress. Exploration of its genomic variation and molecular underpinning of salinity tolerance is important for elucidating population evolution and identifying stress-related genes. Here, we identify approximately 3.15 million single nucleotide polymorphisms using whole-genome resequencing. The natural populations of P. euphratica in northwest China are divided into four distinct clades that exhibit strong geographical distribution patterns. Pleistocene climatic fluctuations and tectonic deformation jointly shaped the extant genetic patterns. A seed germination rate-based salinity tolerance index was used to evaluate seed salinity tolerance of P. euphratica and a genome-wide association study was implemented. A total of 38 single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with seed salinity tolerance and were located within or near 82 genes. Expression profiles showed that most of these genes were regulated under salt stress, revealing the genetic complexity of seed salinity tolerance. Furthermore, DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA helicase 57 and one undescribed gene (CCG029559) were demonstrated to improve the seed salinity tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis. These results provide new insights into the demographic history and genetic architecture of seed salinity tolerance in desert poplar.

Comparative metabolomics analysis reveals different metabolic responses to drought in tolerant and susceptible poplar species

Drought is one of the critical factors limiting tree growth and survival. Clarifying the adaptation to drought will facilitate the cultivation of drought-tolerant varieties. Metabolites, as direct signatures of biochemical functions, can uncover the biochemical pathways involved in drought responses. Here, we investigated the physiological and metabolic responses of drought-tolerant Populus simonii and drought-susceptible Populus deltoides cv. 'Danhong' to drought. Under drought conditions, P. simonii grew better and had a higher photosynthetic rate than P. deltoides cv. 'Danhong'. Global untargeted metabolite profiling was analyzed using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry system. A total of 69 and 53 differentially accumulated metabolites were identified in drought-stressed P. simonii and P. deltoides cv. 'Danhong', respectively. The metabolisms of carbohydrate, amino acid, lipid and energy were involved in the drought responses common to both poplar species. The citric acid cycle was significantly inhibited to conserve energy, whereas multiple carbohydrates acting as osmolytes and osmoprotectants were induced to alleviate the adverse effects of drought stress. Unlike P. deltoides cv. 'Danhong', P. simonii underwent a specific metabolic reprogramming that enhanced non-enzymatic antioxidants, coordinated the cellular carbon/nitrogen balance and regulated wax biosynthesis. These results provide a reference for characterizing the mechanisms involved in poplar response to drought and for enhancing the drought tolerance of forest trees.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of naftopidil-based arylpiperazine derivatives containing the bromophenol moiety

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in men and in the absence of any effective treatments available.

METHODS

For the development of potential anticancer agents, 24 kinds of naftopidil-based arylpiperazine derivatives containing the bromophenol moiety were synthesized and characterized by using spectroscopic methods. Their pharmacological activities were evaluated against human PCa cell lines (PC-3 and LNCaP) and a₁-adrenergic receptors (a₁-ARs; α_1a, α_1b, and α_1d-ARs). The structure-activity relationship of these designed arylpiperazine derivatives was rationally explored and discussed.

RESULTS

Among these derivatives, 3c, 3d, 3h, 3k, 3o, and 3s exhibited the most potent activity against the tested cancer cells, and some derivatives with potent anticancer activities exhibited better a₁-AR subtype selectivity than others did (selectivity ratio > 10).

CONCLUSION

This work provided a potential lead compound for the further development of anticancer agents for PCa therapy.

Isolation and sequence analysis of the complete VP2 gene of canine parvovirus from Chinese domestic pets and determination of the pathogenesis of these circulating strains in beagles

Canine parvovirus (CPV) causes acute gastroenteritis in domestic dogs, cats, and several wild carnivore species. In this study, the full-length VP2 gene of 36 CPV isolates from dogs and cats infected between 2016 and 2017 in Beijing was sequenced and analyzed. The results showed that, in dogs, the new CPV-2a strain was the predominant variant (n = 18; 50%), followed by the new CPV-2b (n = 6; 16.7%) and CPV-2c (n = 3; 8.3%) strains, whereas, among cats, the predominant strain was still CPV-2 (n = 9; 25%). One new CPV-2a strain, 20170320-BJ-11, and two CPV-2c strains, 20160810-BJ-81 and 20170322-BJ-26, were isolated and used to perform experimental infections. Multiple organs of beagles that died tested PCR positive for CPV, and characteristic histopathological lesions were observed in organs, including the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, small intestines, and lymph nodes. Experimental infections showed that the isolates from the epidemic caused high morbidity in beagles, indicating their virulence in animals and suggesting the need to further monitor evolution of CPV in China.

pUC18-CpG stimulates RAW 264.7 via TBK1-mediated pathway and presents adjuvanticity in mice

Phosphorothioate CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) are reported to be recognized by the membrane-bound TLR9 and trigger the MyD88-dependent up-regulation of Type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Whether plasmids containing multiple CpG motifs stimulate the same signaling pathway is yet to be determined. The present results show that the CpG motifs enrich plasmid pUC18-CpG stimulates RAW 264.7 in vitro, mainly through the TBK1-mediated signaling pathway, causing the up-regulation of IFN-β, and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. When pUC18-CpG is co-administered with the recombinant Echinococcus granulosus antigen, the antigen-specific antibody titers are markedly increased compared to the Quil-A adju- vanted group. Antigen specific cytokine quantification shows that cytokine profiles from the pUC18-CpG adjuvanted-group are switched to a Th1-biased immune response.

Deciphering Genetic Architecture of Adventitious Root and Related Shoot Traits in Populus Using QTL Mapping and RNA-Seq Data

Understanding the genetic architecture of adventitious root and related shoot traits will facilitate the cultivation of superior genotypes. In this study, we measured 12 adventitious root and related shoot traits of 434 F₁ genotypes originating from Populus deltoides ‘Danhong’ × Populus simonii ‘Tongliao1’ and conducted an integrative analysis of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and RNA-Seq data to dissect their genetic architecture and regulatory genes. Extensive segregation, high repeatability, and significant correlation relationship were detected for the investigated traits. A total of 150 QTLs were associated with adventitious root traits, explaining 3.1–6.1% of phenotypic variation (PVE); while 83 QTLs were associated with shoot traits, explaining 3.1–19.8% of PVE. Twenty-five QTL clusters and 40 QTL hotspots were identified for the investigated traits. Ten QTL clusters were overlapped in both adventitious root traits and related shoot traits. Transcriptome analysis identified 10,172 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among two parents, three fine rooting and three poor-rooting genotypes, 143 of which were physically located within the QTL intervals. K-means cluster and weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed that PtAAAP19 (Potri.004G111400) encoding amino acid transport protein was tightly associated with adventitious roots and highly expressed in fine-rooting genotypes. Compare with ‘Danhong’, 153 bp deletion in the coding sequence of PtAAAP19 in ‘Tongliao1’ gave rise to lack one transmembrane domain, which might cause the variation of adventitious roots. Taken together, this study deciphered the genetic basis of adventitious root and related shoot traits and provided potential function genes for genetic improvement of poplar breeding.

Surgery of the lateral skull base: a 50-year endeavour

Disregarding the widely used division of skull base into anterior and lateral, since the skull base should be conceived as a single anatomic structure, it was to our convenience to group all those approaches that run from the antero-lateral, pure lateral and postero-lateral side of the skull base as “Surgery of the lateral skull base”. “50 years of endeavour” points to the great effort which has been made over the last decades, when more and more difficult surgeries were performed by reducing morbidity. The principle of lateral skull base surgery, “remove skull base bone to approach the base itself and the adjacent sites of the endo-esocranium”, was then combined with function preservation and with tailoring surgery to the pathology. The concept that histology dictates the extent of resection, balancing the intrinsic morbidity of each approach was the object of the first section of the present report. The main surgical approaches were described in the second section and were conceived not as a step-by-step description of technique, but as the highlighthening of the surgical principles. The third section was centered on open issues related to the tumor and its treatment. The topic of vestibular schwannoma was investigated with the current debate on observation, hearing preservation surgery, hearing rehabilitation, radiotherapy and the recent efforts to detect biological markers able to predict tumor growth. Jugular foramen paragangliomas were treated in the frame of radical or partial surgery, radiotherapy, partial “tailored” surgery and observation. Surgery on meningioma was debated from the point of view of the neurosurgeon and of the otologist. Endolymphatic sac tumors and malignant tumors of the external auditory canal were also treated, as well as chordomas, chondrosarcomas and petrous bone cholesteatomas. Finally, the fourth section focused on free-choice topics which were assigned to aknowledged experts. The aim of this work was attempting to report the state of the art of the lateral skull base surgery after 50 years of hard work and, above all, to raise questions on those issues which still need an answer, as to allow progress in knowledge through sharing of various experiences. At the end of the reading, if more doubts remain rather than certainties, the aim of this work will probably be achieved.

A Stress-Associated Protein, PtSAP13, From Populus trichocarpa Provides Tolerance to Salt Stress

The growth and production of poplars are usually affected by unfavorable environmental conditions such as soil salinization. Thus, enhancing salt tolerance of poplars will promote their better adaptation to environmental stresses and improve their biomass production. Stress-associated proteins (SAPs) are a novel class of A20/AN1 zinc finger proteins that have been shown to confer plants' tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. However, the precise functions of SAP genes in poplars are still largely unknown. Here, the expression profiles of Populus trichocarpa SAPs in response to salt stress revealed that PtSAP13 with two AN1 domains was up-regulated dramatically during salt treatment. The β-glucuronidase (GUS) staining showed that PtSAP13 was accumulated dominantly in leaf and root, and the GUS signal was increased under salt condition. The Arabidopsis transgenic plants overexpressing PtSAP13 exhibited higher seed germination and better growth than wild-type (WT) plants under salt stress, demonstrating that overexpression of PtSAP13 increased salt tolerance. Higher activities of antioxidant enzymes were found in PtSAP13-overexpressing plants than in WT plants under salt stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed that some stress-related genes, including Glutathione peroxidase 8, NADP-malic enzyme 2, Response to ABA and Salt 1, WRKYs, Glutathione S-Transferase, and MYBs, were induced by salt in transgenic plants. Moreover, the pathways of flavonoid biosynthesis and metabolic processes, regulation of response to stress, response to ethylene, dioxygenase activity, glucosyltransferase activity, monooxygenase activity, and oxidoreductase activity were specially enriched in transgenic plants under salt condition. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PtSAP13 enhances salt tolerance through up-regulating the expression of stress-related genes and mediating multiple biological pathways.

The Salix psammophila SpRLCK1 involved in drought and salt tolerance

Receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) play critical roles in biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants. However, the functions of RLCKs from the desert shrub willow Salix psammophila have not been characterized. Here, we focused on the biological function of SpRLCK1, which was previously identified as a potential drought-related gene. Phylogenetic analysis and subcellular localization revealed that SpRLCK1 was a cytoplasmic-localized protein with a protein kinase domain and belonged to the RLCK VIIa subclass. Gene expression profile revealed that SpRLCK1 was predominantly expressed in the root, being consistent with the GUS staining of pSpRLCK1:GUS transgenic plants. Additionally, the expression of SpRLCK1 was significantly induced by drought and salt stresses. To verify the function of SpRLCK1, we generated its overexpressing transgenic lines in Arabidopsis thaliana. The SpRLCK1-overexpressing plants exhibited higher tolerance to drought and salt stresses, as evidenced by the higher survival rate, relative water content and antioxidant enzyme activity than those of wild-type plants. The SpRLCK1-overexpressing plants enhanced drought and salt tolerance by improving ROS-scavenging activities. A co-expression network for SpRLCK1 was constructed, and the expression analysis indicated that SpRLCK1 regulated the expression of a series of stress-related genes. Taken together, our results demonstrate that SpRLCK1 confers plant drought and salt tolerance through enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and cooperating with stress-related genes.

Genotyping and pathogenic characterization of canine distemper virus based on mutations in the hemagglutinin gene in Chinese domestic dogs

Canine distemper virus (CDV) infects wild and domestic Canidae worldwide. The hemag- glutinin (H) gene has the highest genetic variation in the genome of this virus. Thus, the H gene is commonly used for lineage identification and genetic analyses. In order to study the genetic characteristics and pathogenicity of CDV strains prevalent in China, 132 samples were collected from domestic dogs with suspected CDV infection, 58 samples were confirmed to be positive, and the H gene was successfully amplified from 15 samples. The epidemic strain was identified as type Asia-1 and the novel mutations, A51T, V58I, R179K and D262N, were detected in this strain. Isolated strains, BJ16B53, BJ16B14, and BJ17B8, were used for an animal infection experiment in raccoon dogs. BJ16B53 and BJ16B14 were found to cause clinical symptoms, death, and exten- sive lesions in various organs. These results are expected to facilitate the development of effective strategies to monitor and control CDV infection in China.

P3390Relationship of thrombus healing to underlying plaque characteristics in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: an optical coherence tomography study

Background

Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is typically characterized by an occlusive coronary thrombus propagation on a disrupted or eroded atherosclerotic plaque. A variable period of plaque instability and thrombus formation occur days or weeks old in approximately 50% of patients with STEMI. Presence of late stage (older) thrombi in aspirated coronary material is an independent predictor of 1-year and long-term mortality in STEMI patients. However, the relationship between coronary thrombus healing to underlying plaque morphology and characteristics in vivo still remains largely unknown.

Purpose

Our objective was to assess differences in thrombus healing between ruptured and eroded plaques in vivo and evaluate the impact of underlying plaque characteristics on thrombus healing using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Analyzable coronary material was obtained during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 135 patients with STEMI within 12h of symptom onset. Thrombi were morphologically classified as either early or late stage (lytic changes or organization). Of the 135 patients, 110 were eligible for culprit lesion evaluation using OCT. Quantitative and qualitative underlying plaque characteristics were assessed by OCT.

Results

Late-stage thrombi were found in 49 of 110 (44.5%) culprit plaques. Patients with eroded plaques more frequently had late-stage thrombi compared with ruptured plaques (59.0% vs. 36.6%, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis was performed between plaque rupture, identified in 71 patients (64.5%) and plaque erosion in 39 patients (35.5%). In plaque ruptures, patients with late-stage thrombi had larger lipid core length (12.4±3.3 vs. 14.5±3.8, p=0.020), larger rupture cavity length [1.5 (1.0, 2.0) vs. 1.9 (1.5, 2.8), p=0.034] and increased residual thrombus length [7.8 (6.3, 11.2) vs. 10.3 (7.8, 13.8), p=0.021] assessed by OCT compared with early thrombus group. However, in plaque erosions, late stage thrombi were associated with decreased residual thrombus burden compared with patients with early thrombus group [16.8 (12.8, 20.4) vs. 13.4 (10.7, 14.8), p=0.012]. No significant difference was found between thrombus healing with peak creatine kinase concentration or maximum NT-pro BNP in subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

Coronary thrombi in STEMI patients exhibited diverse phases of healing, depending on the etiology of the underlying culprit plaque in vivo. These observations indicate entirely distinct mechanisms of thrombus propagation, maturation and healing between plaque rupture and erosion, illustrating an opportunity for more tailored treatment in patients with different plaque type.