[Strolling through the glorious years of Alveolar Surgery, bravely stepping onto the path of practice and innovation]

This article summarizes and organizes relevant publications in journals, along with a review of medical history, systematically summarizing the development process of dental alveolar surgery in China. The initial establishment phase (1935-1952) marked the starting point of Chinese Alveolar Surgery. Despite the impact of wars, it laid the foundation for subsequent research and practice. During the early development phase (1953-1966), the "Chinese Journal of Stomatology" was founded, which promoted the development of Alveolar Surgery. Research focused on tooth extraction methods and complications. Tooth Transplantation and Preprosthetic Surgery gradually began to take off. The stagnant phase (1967-1977) occurred due to the interruption of international exchanges, leading to an almost complete halt in the development of Alveolar Surgery. Entering the rapid catch-up phase (1978-1985), Alveolar Surgery scholars in China began striving to overcome the stagnation of the previous decade. While some progress was made, no significant innovative achievements emerged. In the scientific development phase (1986-2010), clinical research, basic experiments, and paper writing in modern Chinese Alveolar Surgery began to adhere to scientific standards with the rise of experimental medicine. The exploration and innovation stage (2011-2023) is the current development phase, during which Chinese Aveolar Surgery has reached its peak, making substantial progress in technology, clinical practices, and basic research, gradually reaching or even surpassing international advanced levels. Looking back at the development history in China, we can find the wisdom and hard work of the older generation of Alveolar Surgery scholars. However, contemporary challenges and issues, such as standardizing technology, promoting clinical practices, and talent cultivation, need to be addressed by present-day Alveolar Surgery professionals as they forge ahead.

The chromosome-level genome of the submerged plant Cryptocoryne crispatula provides insights into the terrestrial-freshwater transition in Araceae

Plant terrestrialization (i.e. the transition to a terrestrial environment) is a significant evolutionary event that has been intensively studied. While certain plant lineages, particularly in angiosperms, have re-adapted to freshwater habitats after colonizing terrene, however, the molecular mechanism of the terrestrial-freshwater (T-F) transition remains limited. Here, the basal monocot Araceae was selected as the study object to explore the T-F transition adaptation mechanism by comparative genomic analysis. Our findings revealed that the substitution rates significantly increased in the lineage of freshwater Araceae, which may promote their adaptation to the freshwater habitat. Additionally, 20 gene sets across all four freshwater species displayed signs of positive selection contributing to tissue development and defense responses in freshwater plants. Comparative synteny analysis showed that genes specific to submerged plants were enriched in cellular respiration and photosynthesis. In contrast, floating plants were involved in regulating gene expression, suggesting that gene and genome duplications may provide the original material for plants to adapt to the freshwater environment. Our study provides valuable insights into the genomic aspects of the transition from terrestrial to aquatic environments in Araceae, laying the groundwork for future research in the angiosperm.

[Precise minimally invasive treatment of mandibular fracture in children assisted by digital surgery technology]

Objective: To explore the role of digital three-dimensional printing technology and multifunctional board in the treatment of mandibular fracture in children. Methods: From January 2006 to January 2022, 42 children with mandibular fracture were treated by Department of Stomatology, in The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, including 25 males and 17 females. The patients, aged from 4 to 12 years, with the median age was 10 years old, were divided into observation group (22 cases) and routine group (20 cases) according to the treatment methods. In the observation group, the multifunctional board was made before operation, and the CT data of the children were imported into Mimics software in".dicom"format, and the displaced mandible was virtually reset. The jaw reduction model was made by three-dimensional printing, and the surgical operation was simulated on the reduction model to determine the model and position of the internal fixation device and shape it. During the operation, the fracture was reduced and fixed according to the preoperative design; The conventional group was treated with open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular fracture by traditional methods, and the clinical application value was compared and analyzed through the intraoperative situation, occlusal relationship, and follow-up of the two groups. Results: The total intraoperative bleeding volume [(30.25±4.02) ml] and surgical time [(64.3±9.2) min] in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the conventional group [(35.13±5.69) ml and (84.6±13.9) min, respectively] (F=6.18, P=0.003; F=1.32, P=0.001). The excellent and good rate of occlusal relationship in the observation group [96% (21/22)] was significantly higher than that in the conventional group [85% (17/20)] (F=4.27, P=0.039). The incidence of complications, the observation group, 1 case of poor occlusion, 1 case of postoperative infection; In the routine group, there were 3 cases with poor occlusion, 1 case with nerve injury, 1 case with root injury and 1 case with tooth germ injury. Conclusions: The application of digitization three-dimensional printing technology combined with multifunctional occlusal plate in children's mandibular fracture is minimally invasive, safe, efficient and accurate, and the clinical effect is good.

Toward a Unified Description of Isoscalar Giant Monopole Resonances in a Self-Consistent Quasiparticle-Vibration Coupling Approach

The nuclear incompressibility is a key parameter of the nuclear equation of state that can be extracted from the measurements of the so-called "breathing mode" of finite nuclei. The most serious discrepancy so far is between values extracted from Pb and Sn, that has provoked the longstanding question "Why is tin so soft?". To solve this puzzle, a fully self-consistent quasiparticle random-phase approximation plus quasiparticle-vibration coupling approach based on Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov is developed. We show that the many-body correlations introduced by quasiparticle-vibration coupling, which shift the isoscalar giant monopole resonance energy in Sn isotopes by about 0.4 MeV more than the energy in ^{208}Pb, play a crucial role in providing a unified description of the isoscalar giant monopole resonance in Sn and Pb isotopes. The best description of the experimental strength functions is given by SV-K226 and KDE0, which are characterized by incompressibility values K_{∞}=226  MeV and 229 MeV, respectively, at mean field level.

Reference genome of California walnut, Juglans californica, and resemblance with other genomes in the order Fagales

Juglans californica, California walnut, is a vulnerable small tree that is locally abundant but restricted to woodland and chaparral habitats of Southern California threatened by urbanization and land use change. This species is the dominant species in a unique woodland ecosystem in California. It is one of 2 endemic California walnut species (family Juglandaceae). The other species, Northern California black walnut (J. hindsii), has been suggested controversially to be a variety of J. californica. Here, we report a new, chromosome-level assembly of J. californica as part of the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP). Consistent with the CCGP common methodology across ~150 genomes, we used Pacific Biosciences HiFi long reads and Omni-C chromatin-proximity sequencing technology to produce a de novo assembled genome. The assembly comprises 137 scaffolds spanning 551,065,703 bp, has a contig N50 of 30 Mb, a scaffold N50 of 37 Mb, and BUSCO complete score of 98.9%. Additionally, the mitochondrial genome has 701,569 bp. In addition, we compare this genome with other existing high-quality Juglans and Quercus genomes, which are in the same order (Fagales) and show relatively high synteny within the Juglans genomes. Future work will utilize the J. californica genome to determine its relationship with the Northern California walnut and assess the extent to which these 2 endemic trees might be at risk from fragmentation and/or climate warming.

[Core techniques and values of full-endoscopic spine surgery via transforaminal approach]

Full-endoscopic spinal surgery via transforaminal approach (TF-FESS) originated from the minimally invasive techniques of percutaneous interventional treatment of intervertebral disc diseases through posterolateral approach.Thanks to the continuous development and improvement of full-endoscopic equipment alongside surgical instruments and techniques, a developed technical system has been established in discectomy, spinal canal decompression, interbody fusion, etc. The combination of these basic techniques can treat relatively complex degenerative spinal diseases. The core techniques of TF-FESS include percutaneous puncture, foraminoplasty, spinal canal decompression, discectomy, annulus fibrosus suture, interbody fusion. This paper elaborates on the key points of the core techniques, indications, advantages, disadvantages, and prospects of the TF-FESS.

Supramolecular assemblies with spatio-temporal sequential drug delivery capability treat spinal cord injury via neuroprotection and immunoregulation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in irreversible motor and sensory deficits. However, up to data, clinical first-line drugs have ambiguous benefits and debilitating side effects, mainly due to the insufficient accumulation, poor physiological barrier penetration, and lack of spatio-temporal controlled release at lesion tissue. Herein, we proposed a supramolecular assemblies composed of hyperbranched polymer-formed core/shell structure through host-guest interactions. Such HPAA-BM@CD-HPG-C assemblies co-loaded with p38 inhibitor (SB203580) and insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) are able to achieve time- and space-programmed sequential delivery benefiting from their cascaded responsiveness. The core-shell disassembly of HPAA-BM@CD-HPG-C occurs in acidic micro-environment around lesion, achieving preferentially the burst release of IGF-1 to protect survival neurons. Subsequently, the HPAA-BM cores containing SB203580 are endocytosed by the recruited macrophages and degraded by intracellular GSH, accelerating the release of SB203580 to promote the conversion from M1 to M2 macrophage. Hence, the successive synergy of neuroprotection and immunoregulation effects contribute to subsequent nerve repair and locomotor recovery as demonstrated in vitro and in vivo studies. Thus, our fabrication provides a strategy that multiple drugs co-delivery in a spatio-temporal selective manner adapting to the disease progression through self-cascaded disintegration, are expected to realize multidimensional precise treatment of SCI.

Prevalence, correlates, and network analysis of depression and its association with quality of life in survivors with myocardial infarction during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Depression is common among myocardial infarction (MI) survivors and is strongly associated with poor quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence, correlates and the network structure of depression, and its association with QOL in MI survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluated depression and QOL in MI survivors with the Chinese version of the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) respectively. Univariable analyses, multivariable analyses, and network analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 total score ≥ 5) among 565 MI survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic was 38.1 % (95 % CI: 34.1-42.1 %), which was significantly associated with poor QOL. Patients with depression were less likely to consult a doctor regularly after discharge, and more likely to experience more severe anxiety symptoms and fatigue. Item PHQ4 "Fatigue" was the most central symptom in the network, followed by PHQ6 "Guilt" and PHQ2 "Sad mood". The flow network showed that PHQ4 "Fatigue" had the highest negative association with QOL.

CONCLUSION

Depression was prevalent among MI survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic and was significantly associated with poor QOL. Those who failed to consult a doctor regularly after discharge or reported severe anxiety symptoms and fatigue should be screened for depression. Effective interventions for MI survivors targeting central symptoms, especially fatigue, are needed to reduce the negative impact of depression and improve QOL.

[Expert consensus on late stage of critical care management]

We wished to establish an expert consensus on late stage of critical care (CC) management. The panel comprised 13 experts in CC medicine. Each statement was assessed based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) principle. Then, the Delphi method was adopted by 17 experts to reassess the following 28 statements. (1) ESCAPE has evolved from a strategy of delirium management to a strategy of late stage of CC management. (2) The new version of ESCAPE is a strategy for optimizing treatment and comprehensive care of critically ill patients (CIPs) after the rescue period, including early mobilization, early rehabilitation, nutritional support, sleep management, mental assessment, cognitive-function training, emotional support, and optimizing sedation and analgesia. (3) Disease assessment to determine the starting point of early mobilization, early rehabilitation, and early enteral nutrition. (4) Early mobilization has synergistic effects upon the recovery of organ function. (5) Early functional exercise and rehabilitation are important means to promote CIP recovery, and gives them a sense of future prospects. (6) Timely start of enteral nutrition is conducive to early mobilization and early rehabilitation. (7) The spontaneous breathing test should be started as soon as possible, and a weaning plan should be selected step-by-step. (8) The waking process of CIPs should be realized in a planned and purposeful way. (9) Establishment of a sleep-wake rhythm is the key to sleep management in post-CC management. (10) The spontaneous awakening trial, spontaneous breathing trial, and sleep management should be carried out together. (11) The depth of sedation should be adjusted dynamically in the late stage of CC period. (12) Standardized sedation assessment is the premise of rational sedation. (13) Appropriate sedative drugs should be selected according to the objectives of sedation and drug characteristics. (14) A goal-directed minimization strategy for sedation should be implemented. (15) The principle of analgesia must be mastered first. (16) Subjective assessment is preferred for analgesia assessment. (17) Opioid-based analgesic strategies should be selected step-by-step according to the characteristics of different drugs. (18) There must be rational use of non-opioid analgesics and non-drug-based analgesic measures. (19) Pay attention to evaluation of the psychological status of CIPs. (20) Cognitive function in CIPs cannot be ignored. (21) Delirium management should be based on non-drug-based measures and rational use of drugs. (22) Reset treatment can be considered for severe delirium. (23) Psychological assessment should be conducted as early as possible to screen-out high-risk groups with post-traumatic stress disorder. (24) Emotional support, flexible visiting, and environment management are important components of humanistic management in the intensive care unit (ICU). (25) Emotional support from medical teams and families should be promoted through"ICU diaries"and other forms. (26) Environmental management should be carried out by enriching environmental content, limiting environmental interference, and optimizing the environmental atmosphere. (27) Reasonable promotion of flexible visitation should be done on the basis of prevention of nosocomial infection. (28) ESCAPE is an excellent project for late stage of CC management.

[Study on construction of c-Met specific CAR-T cells and its killing effect on non-small cell lung carcinoma]

Objective: To produce chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) targeting human hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met (HGF/c-Met) protein and detect its cytotoxicity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells H1975 in vitro. Methods: The whole gene sequence of c-Met CAR containing c-Met single-chain fragment variable was synthesized and linked to lentiviral vector plasmid, plasmid electrophoresis was used to detect the correctness of target gene. HEK293 cells were transfected with plasmid and the concentrated solution of the virus particles was collected. c-Met CAR lentivirus was transfected into T cells to obtain second-generation c-Met CAR-T and the expression of CAR sequences was verified by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot, and the positive rate and cell subtypes of c-Met CAR-T cells were detected by flow cytometry. The positive expression of c-Met protein in NSCLC cell line H1975 was verified by flow cytometry, and the negative expression of c-Met protein in ovarian cancer cell line A2780 was selected as the control. The cytotoxicity of c-Met CAR-T to H1975 was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay at 1∶1, 5∶1, 10∶1 and 20∶1 of effector: target cell ratio (E∶T). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the release of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN-γ from c-Met CAR-T co-cultured with H1975. Results: The size of band was consistent with that of designed c-Met CAR, suggesting that the c-Met CAR plasmid was successfully constructed. The results of gene sequencing were consistent with the original design sequence and lentivirus was successfully constructed. CAR molecules expression in T cells infected with lentivirus was detected by western blot and RT-qPCR, which showed c-Met CAR-T were successfully constructed. Flow cytometry results showed that the infection efficiency of c-Met CAR in T cells was over 38.4%, and the proportion of CD8(+) T cells was increased after lentivirus infection. The NSCLC cell line H1975 highly expressed c-Met while ovarian cancer cell line A2780 negatively expressed c-Met. LDH cytotoxicity assay indicated that the killing efficiency was positively correlated with the E∶T, and higher than that of control group, and the killing rate reached 51.12% when the E∶T was 20∶1. ELISA results showed that c-Met CAR-T cells released more IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ in target cell stimulation, but there was no statistical difference between c-Met CAR-T and T cells in the non-target group. Conclusions: Human NSCLC cell H1975 expresses high level of c-Met which can be used as a target for immunotherapy. CAR-T cells targeting c-Met have been successfully produced and have high killing effect on c-Met positive NSCLC cells in vitro.

The dynamic history of plastome structure across aquatic subclass Alismatidae

BACKGROUND

The rapidly increasing availability of complete plastomes has revealed more structural complexity in this genome under different taxonomic levels than expected, and this complexity provides important evidence for understanding the evolutionary history of angiosperms. To explore the dynamic history of plastome structure across the subclass Alismatidae, we sampled and compared 38 complete plastomes, including 17 newly assembled, representing all 12 recognized families of Alismatidae.

RESULT

We found that plastomes size, structure, repeat elements, and gene content were highly variable across the studied species. Phylogenomic relationships among families were reconstructed and six main patterns of variation in plastome structure were revealed. Among these, the inversion from rbcL to trnV-UAC (Type I) characterized a monophyletic lineage of six families, but independently occurred also in Caldesia grandis. Three independent ndh gene loss events were uncovered across the Alismatidae. In addition, we detected a positive correlation between the number of repeat elements and the size of plastomes and IR in Alismatidae.

CONCLUSION

In our study, ndh complex loss and repeat elements likely contributed to the size of plastomes in Alismatidae. Also, the ndh loss was more likely related to IR boundary changes than the adaptation of aquatic habits. Based on existing divergence time estimation, the Type I inversion may have occurred during the Cretaceous-Paleogene in response to the extreme paleoclimate changes. Overall, our findings will not only allow exploring the evolutionary history of Alismatidae plastome, but also provide an opportunity to test if similar environmental adaptations result in convergent restructuring in plastomes.

Mapping the habitat suitability of Ottelia species in Africa

Understanding the influence of environmental covariates on plant distribution is critical, especially for aquatic plant species. Climate change is likely to alter the distribution of aquatic species. However, knowledge of this change on the burden of aquatic macroorganisms is often fraught with difficulty. Ottelia, a model genus for studying the evolution of the aquatic family Hydrocharitaceae, is mainly distributed in slow-flowing creeks, rivers, or lakes throughout pantropical regions in the world. Due to recent rapid climate changes, natural Ottelia populations have declined significantly. By modeling the effects of climate change on the distribution of Ottelia species and assessing the degree of niche similarity, we sought to identify high suitability regions and help formulate conservation strategies. The models use known background points to determine how environmental covariates vary spatially and produce continental maps of the distribution of the Ottelia species in Africa. Additionally, we estimated the possible influences of the optimistic and extreme pessimistic representative concentration pathways scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 for the 2050s. Our results show that the distinct distribution patterns of studied Ottelia species were influenced by topography (elevation) and climate (e.g., mean temperature of driest quarter, annual precipitation, and precipitation of the driest month). While there is a lack of accord in defining the limiting factors for the distribution of Ottelia species, it is clear that water-temperature conditions have promising effects when kept within optimal ranges. We also note that climate change will impact Ottelia by accelerating fragmentation and habitat loss. The assessment of niche overlap revealed that Ottelia cylindrica and O . verdickii had slightly more similar niches than the other Ottelia species. The present findings identify the need to enhance conservation efforts to safeguard natural Ottelia populations and provide a theoretical basis for the distribution of various Ottelia species in Africa.

Ecological Niche Modeling of Water Lily (Nymphaea L.) Species in Australia under Climate Change to Ascertain Habitat Suitability for Conservation Measures

The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects a global temperature rise of 4.3 ± 0.7 °C by 2100 and an extinction of 8.5% in one out of every six species. Australia's aquatic ecosystem is no exception; habitat loss, fragmentation, and loss of biodiversity are being experienced. As the center for Nymphaea species distribution, it presents the culturally, ecologically, and scientifically important genus as the best candidate for habitat suitability assessment in climate change, whose habitat suitability is presumed to decline. The models were run according to the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) method, using one general circulation model (GCM). Projections were made for the current, past, and future in medium (4.5) and high (8.5) representative concentration pathways. Significantly, bio2 and bio15 were highly preferred among the species. Less distribution was noted in West Australia compared to the north, east, and south of the continent, while north of the continent in Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland indicate more habitat contractions compared to the east and southeast of Queensland and New South Wales, although it receives high precipitation. Generally, the species respond variably to both temperature and precipitation variables which is a key species response factor for planners and decision makers in species habitat and biodiversity conservation.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the aquatic plant Nymphoides indica reveals transposable element bursts and NBS-LRR gene family expansion shedding light on its invasiveness

Nymphoides indica, an aquatic plant, is an invasive species that causes both ecological and economic damage in North America and elsewhere. However, the lack of genomic data of N. indica limits the in-depth analysis of this invasive species. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly of nine pseudochromosomes of N. indica with a total size of ∼ 520 Mb. More than half of the N. indica genome consists of transposable elements (TEs), and a higher density of TEs around genes may play a significant role in response to an ever-changing environment by regulating the nearby gene. Additionally, our analysis revealed that N. indica only experienced a gamma (γ) whole-genome triplication event. Functional enrichment of the N. indica-specific and expanded gene families highlighted genes involved in the responses to hypoxia and plant–pathogen interactions, which may strengthen the ability to adapt to external challenges and improve ecological fitness. Furthermore, we identified 160 members of the nucleotide-binding site and leucine-rich repeat gene family, which may be linked to the defence response. Collectively, the high-quality N. indica genome reported here opens a novel avenue to understand the evolution and rapid invasion of Nymphoides spp.

[Advances on the toxicology and molecular mechanisms of different components of ambient fine particulate matter]

Ambient fine particulate matters (PM_2.5) refer to particulate matters with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm. PM_2.5 enter the body through the target organ-lung, and can induce a variety of adverse health effects (such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and adverse birth outcomes). PM_2.5 are known to have complex compositions (including water-soluble/-insoluble components and biological components), diverse sources and capacity of secondary transformation. Numerous epidemiological and toxicological studies indicated that different components of PM_2.5 may induce adverse health effects through different biological mechanisms. In adddition, co-exposure of different components and their interaction should also be considered. Thus here we have systematically reviewed studies in recent years about the toxicological effects and underlying mechanisms of different components of ambient fine particulate matters, including inflammatory response, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and so on. The information may give some insights into the prevention and treatment of adverse health effects caused by exposure to different components of PM_2.5.

[Clinical efficacy of 585 nm Q-switched laser treatment on inflammatory lesion and postinflammatory erythema of acne vulgaris]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 585 nm Q-switched laser in the treatment of acne inflammatory lesions and postinflammatory erythema.

METHODS

A total of 25 patients with moderate facial acne, symmetrical distribution of inflammatory lesions and postinflammatory erythema on both sides of the face, were enrolled. Among the 25 patients, 22 patients completed all the treatment and evaluation, and 3 patients were lost to follow-up. 585 nm Q-switched laser was used on a randomly selected side of the face for three times of treatment at a 2 week interval. The evaluations were made before each treatment, 2 and 4 weeks after the last treatment, therefore the evaluation time points were before the treatment, weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, respectively, for a total of 5 times. Acne severity was assessed using the investigator' s global assessment (IGA) score, and erythema severity was assessed using the investigator' s subjective erythema score and narrow-spectrum reflectance spectrophotometer at each follow-up.

RESULTS

After 3 times of treatment, there was statistically significant difference between the IGA score in week 8 and before treatment on both sides(Z=2.64, P < 0.01; Z=2.67, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in IGA score between the treatment side and the control side before treatment and in week 8 (P=0.59, P=0.26). There was statistically significant difference between the investiga-tor' s subjective erythema score in week 8 and before treatment on the treatment side(Z=4.24, P < 0.01), while no significant difference was showed on the control side(Z=1.73, P=0.08). In week 8, the investigator's subjective erythema score of the treatment side was lower than that of the control side (Z=3.61, P < 0.01). The erythema index of the treatment side was significantly decreased at 5 time points (P < 0.01), and the index decreased significantly in week 8 compared with the index before treatment (P < 0.01), while the erythema index of the control side was not significantly different at 5 time points. The treatment related adverse events included erythema and edema after treatment and pain during treatment, the severity was mild to moderate, which resolved spontaneously within 1 to 3 days. Nine patients were very satisfied with the treatment, 7 patients were satisfied, and 6 patients considered average.

CONCLUSION

585 nm Q-switched laser has some effect in the treatment of postinflammatory erythema, and it ensures good tolerance and safety. There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment side and the control side on the improvement of acne inflammatory lesions.

Plastome phylogenomics and historical biogeography of aquatic plant genus Hydrocharis (Hydrocharitaceae)

BACKGROUND

Hydrocharis L. and Limnobium Rich. are small aquatic genera, including three and two species, respectively. The taxonomic status, phylogenetic relationships and biogeographical history of these genera have remained unclear, owing to the lack of Central African endemic H. chevalieri from all previous studies. We sequenced and assembled plastomes of all three Hydrocharis species and Limnobium laevigatum to explore the phylogenetic and biogeographical history of these aquatic plants.

RESULTS

All four newly generated plastomes were conserved in genome structure, gene content, and gene order. However, they differed in size, the number of repeat sequences, and inverted repeat borders. Our phylogenomic analyses recovered non-monophyletic Hydrocharis. The African species H. chevalieri was fully supported as sister to the rest of the species, and L. laevigatum was nested in Hydrocharis as a sister to H. dubia. Hydrocharis-Limnobium initially diverged from the remaining genera at ca. 53.3 Ma, then began to diversify at ca. 30.9 Ma. The biogeographic analysis suggested that Hydrocharis probably originated in Europe and Central Africa.

CONCLUSION

Based on the phylogenetic results, morphological similarity and small size of the genera, the most reasonable taxonomic solution to the non-monophyly of Hydrocharis is to treat Limnobium as its synonym. The African endemic H. chevalieri is fully supported as a sister to the remaining species. Hydrocharis mainly diversified in the Miocene, during which rapid climate change may have contributed to the speciation and extinctions. The American species of former Limnobium probably dispersed to America through the Bering Land Bridge during the Miocene.

Development and utilization of microsatellite markers to assess genetic variation coupled with modelling range shifts of Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq. in isolated Taita Hills and Mount Kenya forests

BACKGROUND

Understanding genetic variation is critical for the protection and maintenance of fragmented and highly disturbed habitats. The Taita Hills of Kenya are the northernmost part of the Eastern Arc Mountains and have been identified as one of the world's top ten biodiversity hotspots. Over the past century the current forests in the Taita Hills have become highly fragmented. In order to appraise the influence of anthropological disturbance and fragmentation on plant species in these mountains, we studied the genetic variation and population structure of Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq. (Sapindaceae), using newly developed microsatellite (SSR) markers, combined with ecological niche modelling analyses (ENMs).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We utilized the Illumina paired-end technology to sequence D. viscosa's genome and developed its microsatellite markers. In total, 646,428 sequences were analyzed, and 49,836 SSRs were identified from 42,638 sequences. A total of 18 out of 25 randomly selected primer pairs were designed to test polymorphism among 92 individuals across eight populations. The average observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.119 to 0.982 and from 0.227 to 0.691, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed 78% variance within populations and only 20% among the eight populations. According to ENM results, D. viscosa's suitable habitats have been gradually reducing since the last glacial maximum (LGM), and the situation will worsen under the extreme pessimist scenario of (representative concentration pathway) RCP 8.5. Moreover, genetic diversity was significantly greater in larger fragments.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, we successfully developed and tested SSR markers for D. viscosa. Study results indicate that fragmentation would constitute a severe threat to plant forest species. Therefore, urgent conservation management of smaller fragmented patches is necessary to protect this disturbed region and maintain the genetic resources.

Complete genus-level plastid phylogenomics of Alismataceae with revisited historical biogeography

Alismataceae, an ancient lineage of monocots, has attracted attention due to its complex evolutionary history, ornamental value, and ecological role. However, the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of the family have not been conclusively resolved. Here, we constructed the first complete genus-level plastid phylogeny of Alismataceae by using 78 genes and updated the historical biogeography based on the phylogenomic tree. Our results divide the Alismataceae into three major clades with robust support values; one clade comprises the former Limnocharitaceae, and the second clade includes the mainly temperate genera Alisma, Baldellia, Damasonium and Luronium, and the monotypic African genus Burnatia as a sister of the temperate genera. The remaining genera are either tropical or have some temperate species in addition to tropical ones, and they constitute the third major clade. Molecular dating and biogeographic analyses suggest that Alismataceae arose in Neotropical, West Palearctic, and Afrotropical regions during the Cretaceous, followed by the split into three main clades due to a combination of vicariance and dispersal events. Unlike earlier studies, we inferred that the mainly temperate clade likely originated from Afrotropical and West Palearctic regions during the Eocene. The most recent common ancestor of the other two clades lived in the Neotropical area during the Late Cretaceous. Long-distance dispersal and vicariance together seem to contribute to the transoceanic distribution of this family.

Echocardiographic changes in elderly patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction after sacubitril-valsartan treatment

BACKGROUND

To observe the changes of cardiac structure and function in elderly patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) after taking Sacubitril-Valsartan for 6 months.

METHODS

Elderly patients with HFrEF hospitalized in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from May 2019 to May 2020 were enrolled continuously in the single-center, retrospective, cohort study. Patients' Echocardiographs were examined for the evaluation of their cardiac condition. The primary outcomes were changes in cardiac function and structure at the sixth month after discharge, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left atrial diameter (LAD), interventricular septum thickness (IVST), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI).

RESULTS

A total of 336 elderly patients with HFrEF were enrolled in this study, with an average age of 69.8 years, including 268 males (79.8%). Compared to the admission levels, the LVEF after taking Sacubitril-Valsartan for 6 months was markedly improved (48.49% vs. 39.07%, P<0.01), while the LVEDD (54.70 vs. 59.97 mm, P<0.01), LVESD (40.59 vs. 47.59 mm, P<0.01), LAD (48.59 vs. 52.45 mm, P<0.01) and LVMI (105.16 vs. 125.20 g/m2, P<0.01) decreased. Similar results were obtained in the subgroups of patients who were diagnosed with HFrEF on admission. In men, NHYA II and NHYA III subgroups, cardiac function improved significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Sacubitril-Valsartan can improve the cardiac function and structure of elderly patients with HFrEF.

The integration of pore size and porosity distribution on Ti-6A1-4V scaffolds by 3D printing in the modulation of osteo-differentation

PURPOSE

In this study, pore size and porosity distribution of porous Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds (pTi) were controlled by 3D printing. The effects of pore size distribution at a constant porosity, or porosity distribution at a constant pore size pertaining to functions of adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of the mouse embryonic osteoblast precursor (MC3T3-E1) cells were researched separately.

METHODS

3D printing was used to design five groups of pTi, designated as PS₃₀₀/HP, PS₃₀₀/LP, PS₅₀₀/HP, PS₅₀₀/LP, and PS₈₀₀/HP based on pore size and porosity distribution. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on pTi, and non-porous Ti-6Al-4V samples (npTi) were prepared as control. The pTi was characterized with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MC3T3-E1 cells were stained via AlamarBlue assay and viability and proliferation analyzed. The mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), collagentype-1 (Col-1), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in MC3T3-E1 cells were analyzed by real-time PCR analysis.

RESULTS

The average pore size and porosity of pTi were recorded as (301 ± 9 μm, 58.8 ± 1.8%), (300 ± 9 μm, 43.4 ± 1.3%), (501 ± 11 μm, 58.3 ± 1.2%), (499 ± 12 μm, 42.7 ± 1.1%), and (804 ± 10 μm, 58.9 ± 1.3%), respectively. SEM images confirmed active attachment of cells and oriented with the direction of metal rod after pTi/MC3T3-E1 co-culture for 3 and 7 days. In addition, MC3T3-E1 cells grown on the PS₈₀₀/HP displayed significantly higher proliferation compared with each group after 3 days incubation (p < 0.05). Moreover, cells showed some degree of proliferation in all groups, with the highest value recorded for PS₈₀₀/HP after culture for 7 days (p < 0.05). The gene expression pattern of ALP, OCN, Col-1, and Runx2 confirmed that these were down-regulated when pore size increased or porosity decreased of pTi (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The pTi facilitated the adhesion and differentiation of osteoblast when pore size decreased or porosity increased. The scaffold model resembles physical modification with porous structures, which has potential application in the surface modifications of Ti implant.

[Clinical characteristics of congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus]

The purpose of this study was to improve the ability to visualize and diagnose congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (CNDI). The clinical manifestations, laboratory examination findings, imaging features and treatment outcomes of 22 patients with CNDI admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2013 to May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 22 patients with CNDI, 86.4% (19 cases) were male. The age of the 22 patients ranged from 2 months to 47 years old, in which 20 cases were younger than 30 years old and 2 cases were older than 30 years old. The clinical manifestations were polydipsia and polyuria, accompanied with various degrees of fever, defects in growth and development, and increased serum creatinine in some patients. Fifteen patients (68.2%) had different degrees of bilateral kidney and ureteral hydronephrosis, and increased residual urine volume in the bladder. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhanced scan showed that the high signal intensity in the posterior pituitary lobe was not detectable in 5 cases (22.7%), and blurred in 6 cases (27.3%). Seven tested patients were all found AVPR2 gene mutation. For patients with suspected CNDI, water-inhibiting vasopressin test and genetic testing should be performed in time so as to confirm diagnosis and treat as early as possible.

Recruitment of γδ T cells to the lesion via the CCL2/CCR2 signaling after spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND

Immune cell infiltration and neuroinflammation are heavily associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCL2/CCR2) axis has been identified as a critical role player during the invasion of immune cells to lesions in many diseases. γδ T cells, a subgroup of T cells, manage the course of inflammation response in various diseases; however, it remains unknown whether γδ T cells are recruited to injury site through CCL2/CCR2 signaling and exert the regulation effect on neuroinflammation after SCI.

METHODS

Basso Mouse Scale (BMS), regularity index, cadence, max contact area, and motor-evoked potential testing (MEP) were measured to determine the neurological function recovery after spinal cord injury. Nissl staining was performed to identify the number of surviving motor neurons at lesion epicenter. Immunofluorescence, Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) also were employed to evaluate the expression of associated proteins and genes.

RESULTS

In this study, we demonstrated that TCRδ^-/- mice present improved neurological recovery after SCI. γδ T cell recruitment to the SCI site was significantly reduced and motor functional improvement enhanced in CCL2^-/- and CCR2^-/- mouse strains. Furthermore, reconstitution of TCRδ^-/- mice with γδ T cells extracted from CCR2^-/- mice also showed similar results to CCL2 and CCR2 deficient mice.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, γδ T cell recruitment to SCI site promotes inflammatory response and exacerbates neurological impairment. CCL2/CCR2 signaling is a vital recruitment mechanism of γδ T cells to the SCI site, and it may be taken as a novel therapeutic target for future SCI.

Identification of Serum Exosomal MicroRNA Expression Profiling in Menopausal Females with Osteoporosis by High-throughput Sequencing

Estrogen deficiency, which mainly occurs in postmenopausal women, is a primary reason for osteoporosis in clinical diagnosis. However, the molecular regulation of osteoporosis in menopausal females is still not adequately explained in the literature, with the diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis being limited. Herein, exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) were used to evaluate their diagnosis and prediction effects in menopausal females with osteoporosis. In this study, 6 menopausal females without osteoporosis and 12 menopausal females with osteoporosis were enrolled. The serum exosomes were isolated, and the miRNA expression was detected by miRNA high-throughput sequencing. Exosomal miRNA effects were analyzed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. The miRNA-targeted genes were evaluated by Targetscan 7.2 and the protein-protein interactions (PPI) by STRING. Hub genes were analyzed by the CytoHubba app of Cytoscape. The results showed that 191 aberrant miRNAs were found in the group of menopausal females with osteoporosis, including 72 upregulated miRNAs and 121 downregulated miRNAs. Aberrant miRNAs were involved in many signaling pathways, such as the Wnt, MAPK, and Hippo pathways. Based on PPI network analysis, FBXL3, FBXL13, COPS2, UBE2D3, DCUN1D1, DCUN1D4, CUL3, FBXO22, ASB6, and COMMD2 were the 10 most notable genes in the PPI network. In conclusion, aberrant serum exosomal miRNAs were associated with an altered risk of osteoporosis in menopausal females and may act as potential biomarkers for the prediction of risk of osteoporosis in menopausal females.

Research Progress on MicroRNA in Forensic Medicine as Molecular Markers

Abstract

MicroRNA （miRNA） belongs to a class of endogenous non-coding small RNA molecules with a length of 18-24 nucleotides. The expression of miRNA is highly conservative, has time sequence and is highly tissue-specific. MiRNA could not be easily degraded by ribonuclease, and is resistant to changes in environmental factors such as temperature and pH value. Moreover, miRNA can even be detected in corrupt tissue. As a result, miRNA has broad application prospects in many fields of forensic medicine such as source identification of body fluid and estimation of cause of death. This article briefly summarizes the application of miRNA in forensic practice, such as body fluid identification, determination of postmortem interval and cause of death analysis.

The complete plastome sequences of five Aponogeton species (Aponogetonaceae): Insights into the structural organization and mutational hotspots

Members of the aquatic plant genus Aponogeton are widely used commercially in aquariums because of their variable leaf shape and unique inflorescences. However, due to extensive similarity between species in this genus, morphological characters are generally inadequate for taxonomic classification. Currently, molecular makers available for taxonomic and phylogenetic studies of Aponogeton are limited. One approach to clarifying relationships between species in these complex groups is to use divergence hotspot regions within the genome. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the plastomes of five Aponogeton species collected from China, Zambia, and Kenya, and subsequently screened these plastomes for divergent DNA hotspots. The five plastomes are circular structures with sizes ranging from 154,167 bp to 154,860 bp. The Large and the Small Single Copies are separated by two Inverted Repeats. One hundred and thirteen unique genes were identified including 79 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and four rRNA genes. We found that the most abundant repeats in all but one species were mononucleotide repeats (A/T) and that there were 23 potential RNA ending sites. Interestingly, a ~3 kb inversion, which includes the accD gene, was detected within the Asian species of Aponogeton. The inversion may be related to more frequent exchanges between this region and the nuclear genome. Furthermore, we detected mutational hotspot sites among the five Aponogeton species. Three of these hotspots are intergenic spacer regions (accD-psaI, rbcL-accD and trnH-GUG-psbA) that might be suitable for use as barcodes to resolve intra-generic relationships. We also identified four highly variable protein-coding genes (ccsA, rpl22, rps16 and ycf1) may be used as barcodes to resolve the higher-level phylogenies. Our study will provide valuable molecular resources for the taxonomic and phylogenomic study of the complex genus Aponogeton.

Compensatory Mechanism of Maintaining the Sagittal Balance in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis Patients with Different Pelvic Incidence

Objective

To investigate the compensatory mechanism of maintaining the sagittal balance in degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients with different pelvic incidence (PI).

Methods

This was a retrospective imaging observation study. Patients in our department with degenerative lumbar scoliosis between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed. A total of 36 patients were eligible and included in the present study. The average age of those patients was 64.22 years, including 8 men and 28 women. The coronal and sagittal parameters were measured on full‐length spine X‐ray film, including globe kyphosis (GK), lumber lordosis (LL), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), thoracic kyphosis (TK), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), sagittal shift angle, Cobb angle, coronal shift angle, and vertebra. The anterior pelvic plane angle (APPA) and pelvic parameters were also measured, including the pelvic tilt (PT), the PI, and the sacral slope (SS). PI‐LL, LL‐SS, and GK‐SS were calculated. Traditional pelvic tilt was also calculated using the following formula: cPT = PI × 0.37–7. These patients were divided into two groups according to their PI values. The patients’ PI value in Group 1 was smaller than 50°. The patients’ PI value in Group 2 was equal to or larger than 50°.

Results

These patients’ SS, PT, PI, LL, TLK, TK, and GK were 28.70° ± 11.36°, 23.28° ± 6.55°, 52.00° ± 11.03°, 31.66° ± 14.12°, 12.12° ± 14.9°, 17.81° ± 13.53°, and −13.17° ± 16.27°. The sagittal shift angle, the APPA, the Cobb angle, the coronal shift angle, vertebra, PI‐LL, cPT, APPA‐4, LL‐SS, and GK‐SS were 4.38° ± 5.75°, −12.55° ± 8.83°, 30.03° ± 12.59°, 2.40° ± 2.13°, 4.08 ± 0.93, 19.86° ± 10.97°, 12.35° ± 4.55°, −8.30° ± 9.07°, 3.30° ± 8.82°, and 15.53° ± 9.83°, respectively. There was no significant difference between PT and cPT + APPA‐4 or between cPT and PT‐APPA+4. There was significant difference between PT and cPT + APPA or between cPT and PT‐APPA. This demonstrated that the APPA‐4 is reliable as degree of the pelvic sagittal retroversion. There were significant differences in SS, PI, LL, TLK, GK, APPA, PT‐APPA, PT‐APPA+4, cPT, and APPA‐4 between Group 1 and Group 2. There were no significant differences in PT, TK, sagittal shift angle, SVA, Cobb angle, coronal shift angle, vertebra number, PI‐LL, cPT + APPA, cPT + APPA‐4, LL‐SS, and GK‐SS between Group 1 and Group 2. The Pearson tests showed that PI‐LL had significant correlations with TK, LL, sagittal shift angle, SVA, and LL‐SS. There was no significant correlation between PI‐LL and Cobb angle, GK, TLK, APPA, vertebra, Coronal Shift Angle, or GK‐SS.

Conclusion

The APPA‐4 is reliable as degree of the pelvic sagittal retroversion. In degenerative lumbar scoliosis, patients with smaller PI tended to rely more on the pelvic retroversion to maintain the sagittal balance than patients with larger PI, or patients with smaller PI were likely to start up the pelvic retroversion compensatory mechanism earlier than the patients with larger PI.

Phylogenomics of the aquatic plant genus Ottelia (Hydrocharitaceae): Implications for historical biogeography

Ottelia Pers. is the second largest genus of the family Hydrocharitaceae, including approximately 23 extant species. The genus exhibits a diversity of both bisexual and unisexual flowers, and complex reproductive system comprising cross-pollinated to cleistogamous flowers. Ottelia has been regarded as a pivotal group to study the evolution of Hydrocharitaceae, but the phylogenic relationships and evolutionary history of the genus remain unresolved. Here, we reconstructed a robust phylogenetic framework for Ottelia using 40 newly assembled complete plastomes. Our results resolved Ottelia as a monophyletic genus consisting of two major clades, which correspond to the main two centers of diversity in Asia and Africa. According to the divergence time estimation analysis, the crown group Ottelia began to diversify around 13.09 Ma during the middle Miocene. The biogeographical analysis indicated the existence of the most recent common ancestor somewhere in Africa/Australasia/Asia. Basing on further insights from the morphological evolution of Ottelia, we hypothesized that the ancestral center of origin was in Africa, from where the range expanded by transoceanic dispersal to South America and Australasia, and further from Australasia to Asia. We suggested that the climatic change and global cooling since the mid-Miocene, such as the development of East Asian monsoon climate and tectonic movement of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (YGP), might have played a crucial role in the evolution of Ottelia in China.

Revascularization versus drug therapy for coronary artery disease in patients aged over 80 years: a real-world study

Background

Revascularization for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) is advancing rapidly and is used increasingly in old patients. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of revascularization with drug therapy in CAD patients aged over 80 years at a real-world clinical setting.

Methods

A total of 501 CAD patients aged over 80 years were consecutively enrolled from January 2011 to January 2016 in Anzhen Hospital (Beijing, China), Capital Medical University. The patients were treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (n=283), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n=106), or drug therapy (n=112). All-cause mortality, cardiovascular-related mortality, readmission rate, and Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) score were compared between the three treatment methods.

Results

A total of 411 patients (82.04%) were followed with a median duration of 25 months. All-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related mortality in the drug therapy group were significantly higher than the PCI and CABG groups (both P<0.05). Readmission rate for cardiovascular events in the CABG group was significantly lower than the PCI and drug therapy groups (both P<0.05). Scores of physical limitation, angina frequency, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception of the SAQ in the PCI and CABG groups were significantly higher than the drug therapy group (both P<0.05). Scores of angina stability did not differ significant between the three groups (P=0.127).

Conclusions

Revascularization is superior to drug therapy in efficacy and safety in the treatment of oldest-old patients with CAD.

Comparative analyses of 32 complete plastomes of Tef (Eragrostis tef ) accessions from Ethiopia: phylogenetic relationships and mutational hotspots

Eragrostis tef is an important cereal crop in Ethiopia with excellent storage properties, high–quality food, and the unique ability to thrive in extreme environmental conditions. However, the application of advanced molecular tools for breeding and conservation of these species is extremely limited. Therefore, developing chloroplast genome resources and high-resolution molecular markers are valuable to E. tef population and biogeographic studies. In the current study, we assembled and compared the complete plastomes of 32 E. tef accessions. The size of the plastomes ranged from 134,349 to 134,437 bp with similar GC content (∼38.3%). Genomes annotations revealed 112 individual genes, including 77 protein-coding, 31 tRNA, and 4 rRNA genes. Comparison of E. tef plastomes revealed a low degree of intraspecific sequence variations and no structural differentiations. Furthermore, we found 34 polymorphic sites (13 cpSSRs, 12 InDels, and 9 SNPs) that can be used as valuable DNA barcodes. Among them, the majority (88%) of the polymorphic sites were identified in the noncoding genomic regions. Nonsynonymous (ka) and synonymous (ks) substitution analysis showed that all PCGs were under purifying selection (ka/ks <1). The phylogenetic analyses of the whole plastomes and polymorphic region sequences were able to distinguish the accession from the southern population, indicating its potential to be used as a super-barcode. In conclusion, the newly generated plastomes and polymorphic markers developed here could be a useful genomic resource in molecular breeding, population genetics and the biogeographical study of E. tef.

Posterior decompression and fusion versus laminoplasty for cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Both posterior decompression and fusion (PDF) and laminoplasty (LAMP) have been used to treat cervical myelopathy due to multilevel ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). However, considerable controversy exists over the choice of the two surgical strategies. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare clinical outcomes of PDF and LAMP for treatment of cervical myelopathy due to multilevel OPLL. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database to identify relevant clinical studies compared with clinical outcomes of PDF and LAMP for cervical OPLL. The primary outcomes including Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and recovery rate of JOA were evaluated, and the secondary outcomes involving visual analogue scale (VAS), cervical curvature, OPLL progression rate, complication rate, reoperation rate and surgical trauma were also evaluated using Stata software. A total of nine studies were included in the current study, involving 324 patients. The current study suggests that compared with LAMP, PDF achieves a lower OPLL progression rate, better postoperative cervical curvature and similar neurological improvement in the treatment of multilevel cervical OPLL. However, PDF has a higher complication rate, more surgical trauma and higher postoperative VAS than LAMP.

The level of genetic diversity and differentiation of tropical lotus, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nelumbonaceae) from Australia, India, and Thailand

BACKGROUND

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., a perennial aquatic macrophyte species, has been cultivated in several Asian countries for its economic importance, and medicinal uses. Two distinct ecotypes of the species are recognized based on the geographical location where the genotypes are adapted, i.e., tropical lotus and temperate lotus. The genetic diversity levels and differentiation of the tropical lotus from poorly studied geographic regions still remain unclear. Here, the population genetic diversity and structure of 15 tropical lotus populations sampled from the previous understudied natural distribution ranges, including India, Thailand, and Australia, were assessed using nine polymorphic SSR markers.

RESULTS

The SSR markers used to genotype the 216 individuals yielded 65 alleles. The highest and lowest genetic diversity estimates were found in Thailand and Indian populations, respectively. STRUCTURE analysis revealed three distinct genetic clusters, with relatively low admixtures, supported by PCoA cluster analysis. Low levels of gene flow (mean N⁠m = 0.346) among the three genetic clusters signified the Mantel test for isolation by distance, revealing the existence of a positive correlation between the genetic and geographic distances (r = 0.448, P = 0.004). Besides, AMOVA analysis revealed a higher variation among populations (59.98%) of the three groups. Overall, the populations used in this study exposed a high level of genetic differentiation (FST = 0.596).

CONCLUSIONS

The nine polymorphic microsatellite markers used in our study sufficiently differentiated the fifteen tropical N. nucifera populations based on geography. These populations presented different genetic variability, thereby confirming that populations found in each country are unique. The low genetic diversity (HE = 0.245) could be explained by limited gene flow and clonal propagation. Conserving the available diversity using various conservation approaches is essential to enable the continued utilization of this economically important crop species. We, therefore, propose that complementary conservation approaches ought to be introduced to conserve tropical lotus, depending on the genetic variations and threat levels in populations.

Regulation of HBV replication and gene expression by miR-501-3p via targeting ZEB2 in hepatocellular carcinoma

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

Cryptic diversity within the African aquatic plant Ottelia ulvifolia (Hydrocharitaceae) revealed by population genetic and phylogenetic analyses

Revealing cryptic diversity is of great importance for effective conservation and understanding macroevolution and ecology of plants. Ottelia, a typical example of aquatic plants, possesses extremely variable morphology and the presence of cryptic diversity makes its classification problematic. Previous studies have revealed cryptic Ottelia species in Asia, but very little is known about the molecular systematics of this genus in Africa, a center of species diversity of Ottelia. In this study, we sampled Ottelia ulvifolia, an endemic species of tropical Africa, from Zambia and Cameroon. We used six chloroplast DNA regions, nrITS and six polymorphic microsatellite markers to estimate the molecular diversity and population genetic structure in O. ulvifolia. The phylogenetic inference, STACEY and STRUCTURE analyses supported at least three clusters within O. ulvifolia, each representing unique flower types (i.e., bisexual yellow flower, unisexual yellow flower and bisexual white flower types). Although abundant genetic variation (> 50%) was observed within the populations, excessive anthropogenic activities may result in genetic drift and bottlenecks. Here, three cryptic species of O. ulvifolia complex are defined, and insights are provided into the taxonomy of Ottelia using the phylogenetic species concept.

WITHDRAWN: LncRNA-LINC00261 suppresses the progression of NSCLC cells through upregulating miR-19a-mediated Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2)

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher.

The First Glimpse of Streptocarpus ionanthus (Gesneriaceae) Phylogenomics: Analysis of Five Subspecies' Chloroplast Genomes

Streptocarpus ionanthus (Gesneriaceae) comprise nine herbaceous subspecies, endemic to Kenya and Tanzania. The evolution of Str. ionanthus is perceived as complex due to morphological heterogeneity and unresolved phylogenetic relationships. Our study seeks to understand the molecular variation within Str. ionanthus using a phylogenomic approach. We sequence the chloroplast genomes of five subspecies of Str. ionanthus, compare their structural features and identify divergent regions. The five genomes are identical, with a conserved structure, a narrow size range (170 base pairs (bp)) and 115 unique genes (80 protein-coding, 31 tRNAs and 4 rRNAs). Genome alignment exhibits high synteny while the number of Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) are observed to be low (varying from 37 to 41), indicating high similarity. We identify ten divergent regions, including five variable regions (psbM, rps3, atpF-atpH, psbC-psbZ and psaA-ycf3) and five genes with a high number of polymorphic sites (rps16, rpoC2, rpoB, ycf1 and ndhA) which could be investigated further for phylogenetic utility in Str. ionanthus. Phylogenomic analyses here exhibit low polymorphism within Str. ionanthus and poor phylogenetic separation, which might be attributed to recent divergence. The complete chloroplast genome sequence data concerning the five subspecies provides genomic resources which can be expanded for future elucidation of Str. ionanthus phylogenetic relationships.

[Technical notes and clinical efficacy analysis of full-endoscopic thoracic discectomy via transforaminal approach]

Objective: To study the technical notes and clinical efficacy of full-endoscopic thoracic intervertebral discectomy via transforaminal approach. Methods: We included 16 patients with thoracic disc herniation treated by full-endoscopic thoracic discectomy via transforaminal approach between January 2017 and September 2018 in ours department of orthopedics. The average age is 53.7 years. The compressionare classified by nature: 5 cases of soft thoracic disc herniation, 7 cases of calcified or ossified thoracic disc herniation, and 4 cases of osteophyte protrusion of the posterior edge of the adjacent vertebral body of the diseased disc. All patients had symptoms of thoracic myelopathy before operation, and 7 of them had radiculopathy. Via transforaminal approach under local anesthesia, enlarged foraminoplasty and full-endoscopic thoracic discectomy were used for treatment. Observe the changes of postoperative imaging, pain symptoms and recovery of spinal cord function at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after operation. Back pain and radicular pain were scored with VAS, neurological function was assessed with Nurick score and mJOA score, and thoracic spine function was assessed with Oswestry disability index (ODI). Results: All operations were successfully completed, and no intraoperative conversion of surgical methods occurred. Postoperative thoracic MRI and CT examinations of all patients showed that the spinal cord was fully decompressed without any residual compression. Back pain and radicular pain were all relieved obviously in all patients, and spinal cord function was obviously restored. Transient intercostal neuralgia occurred in 2 cases after operation, and no other surgical complications occurred. Conclusions: Full-endoscopic or fluoroscopic foraminoplasty and full-endoscopic thoracic discectomyvia transforaminal approach under local anesthesia is a safe and effective treatment for soft and hard thoracic disc herniation located on the ventral side of the spinal cord.

Intra-individual heteroplasmy in the Gentiana tongolensis plastid genome (Gentianaceae)

Chloroplasts are typically inherited from the female parent and are haploid in most angiosperms, but rare intra-individual heteroplasmy in plastid genomes has been reported in plants. Here, we report an example of plastome heteroplasmy and its characteristics in Gentiana tongolensis (Gentianaceae). The plastid genome of G. tongolensis is 145,757 bp in size and is missing parts of petD gene when compared with other Gentiana species. A total of 112 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 31 indels with frequencies of more than 2% were detected in the plastid genome, and most were located in protein coding regions. Most sites with SNP frequencies of more than 10% were located in six genes in the LSC region. After verification via cloning and Sanger sequencing at three loci, heteroplasmy was identified in different individuals. The cause of heteroplasmy at the nucleotide level in plastome of G. tongolensis is unclear from the present data, although biparental plastid inheritance and transfer of plastid DNA seem to be most likely. This study implies that botanists should reconsider the heredity and evolution of chloroplasts and be cautious with using chloroplasts as genetic markers, especially in Gentiana.

[Establishment of a dual-fluorescence-traced lung cancer subcutaneous transplantation model in nude mice]

Objective: To establish a nude mouse model of subcutaneous lung cancer using dual fluorescence reporting genes of luciferase (Luc) and near-infrared fluorescent protein (iRFP). Methods: The Luc and iRFP expressed lentiviral vector was constructed by Gateway method. After verified by sequencing, the lentivirus particle was prepared and infected into lung cancer A549 cells. Successfully infected A549 (mA549) cells were selected by puromycin and amplified. The expression of Luc and iRFP were observed under fluorescence microscope, and the expression of c-Met protein on the cell surface was detected by immunofluorescence. Twelve female nude mice were randomly divided into 2 groups, 6 in each group. A549 and mA549 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the right forelimb of nude mice. The growth and fluorescence expression of the tumor were observed by in vivo imaging. The tumor formation was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry. Results: The Luc and iRFP stably expressed mA549 cell line was successfully constructed. The expressions of iRFP and Luc in mA549 cells were observed under fluorescence microscope. The results of immunofluorescence showed that c-Met protein expressed in both A549 cells and mA549 cells. The growth period of mA549 xenograft in nude mice was moderate and the tumorigenesis rate was 100%. The growth trend of mA549 cells in vivo was not significantly different from that of A549 cells (P>0.05). HE staining and immunohistochemistry results showed that the tumor issues displayed typical histopathological features of tumor. Immunohistochemistry results showed that both A549 and mA549 tumors expressed c-Met protein. Conclusion: A stable, real-time monitoring model of iRFP-Luc-A549 lung cancer cell xenograft in nude mice was successfully constructed.

[Effects of rhodiola rosea on oxidative stress and negative emotional states in patients with obstructive sleep apnea]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of rhodiola rosea on oxidative stress, anxiety and depression in patients with OSA. Method:Ninety patients with moderate and severe OSA patients with negative emotions diagnosed by PSG, self-rating depression scale （SDS） and self-rating anxiety scale （SAS） were selected from the respiratory department of our hospital from February 2015 to February 2018. According to the random number table method, the patients were randomly divided into non-invasive ventilator group, rhodiola rosea+non-invasive ventilator group and rhodiola rosea group, with 30 cases in each group. Patients in the non-invasive ventilator group were treated with continuous positive airway pressure （CPAP） for 3 months, and those in the rhodiola rosea+non-invasive ventilator group were treated with oral rhodiola capsules for 3 months on the basis of CPAP, and those in the rhodiola rosea treatment group were treated with pure oral rhodiola capsules for 3 months. The changes of SDS and SAS before and after the three groups were compared, and the changes of serum SOD and MDA were detected by immunoenzyme-linked adsorption for comparative analysis. Result:There were no significant differences in SDS and SAS scores between the three groups （P>0.05）. SDS and SAS scores of patients in the rhodiola rosea+non-invasive ventilator group decreased after treatment （P<0.05） compared with those in the non-invasive ventilator group. SDS and SAS scores of patients in the rhodiola treatment group increased after treatment （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the rhodiola treatment group, SDS and SAS scores of patients in the rhodiola+non-invasive breathing group decreased after treatment （P<0.05）. Three group patients were no significant difference in serum SOD and malondialdehyde （MDA） before treatment （P>0.05）. Compared with before treatment, serum SOD level were all increased and MDA level were all decreased in the three groups after treatment （P<0.05）. Compared with noninvasive breathing unit after treatment, rhodiola+noninvasive breathing unit after treatment in patients with elevated levels of serum SOD, MDA level decreased （P<0.05）, and for the treatment group after treatment in patients with serum SOD levels drop, the MDA levels （P<0.05）, and the after rhodiola rosea treatment group compared, rhodiola+noninvasive breathing unit after treatment in patients with elevated levels of serum SOD, MDA level decreased （P<0.05）. Conclusion:Rhodiola may improve the negative emotions such as anxiety and depression by inhibiting oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation in patients with OSA.

Ottelia fengshanensis, a new bisexual species of Ottelia (Hydrocharitaceae) from southwestern China

Ottelia fengshanensis, a new species (Hydrocharitaceae) from southwest China is here described and illustrated. Comparing its morphological features to putative close relatives O. guanyangensis, it has 3-4 flowers (vs. 2-5) each spathe, hexagonal-cylindric fruit, white styles (vs. yellow), green leaves (vs. dark green) and fruit tiny winged (vs. winged obviously). Molecular phylogenetic investigation of four DNA sequences (ITS, rbcL, trnK5' intron and trnS-trnG) and the Poisson Tree Processes model for species delimitation (PTP) analysis, further resolves O. fengshanensis as a new species that is close to O. guanyangensis with distinct support.

The complete chloroplast genomes of two species in threatened monocot genus Caldesia in China

Caldesia is a genus in the family Alismataceae mainly found in the tropical and temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere. In China, two species, Caldesia parnassifolia, and Caldesia grandis are recorded as critically endangered in sporadic regions. Available protection of the genetic resource of these threatened species has been impeded due to limited genomic information. Here, we sequence the whole chloroplast (cp) genome of the two Caldesia species using high throughput sequencing technology. The whole cp genomes of C. parnassifolia and C. grandis were 167,647 bp and 168,500 bp, respectively with a typical quadripartite structure. There were 115 unique genes with 81 protein-coding genes, 31 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Both species showed a GC content of 37.1%. A duplication of two tRNA genes and a ~ 6 kb inversion region in the LSC was noted in both species. Mononucleotide simple sequence repeats (SSRs) A/T were most abundant for both Caldesia species. High nucleotide variability was recorded in ycf1 gene and trnK-UUU/rps16 intergenic spacer region. All RNA editing conversions were C-U in 23 and 24 protein-coding genes for C. parnassifolia and C. grandis, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis placed both Caldesia species as sister to Sagittaria lichuanensis. This study will be useful for further evolutionary, systematic researches and conservation of the genus Caldesia.

[Application prospect of artificial intelligence technology in vestibular disorders]

Summary Vestibular disorders are a group of disorders that may result from damage to peripheral or central vestibular system, which seriously affect the patients' lives and work and even life-threatened. The causes of most vestibular disorders are still unclear, the auxiliary examination is not effective enough and the treatment is not individualized. It needs to improve the diagnosis and treatment efficiency of patients with vestibular disorders. Recent advance in artificial intelligence technology could provide novel promising strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of patients and assist clinical trials. Here we summarized the application of artificial intelligence technique in the field of vertigo, and look to the possible application in the future.

Evaluation and comparison of the diagnostic performance of routine blood tests in predicting liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B infection

Background & aims: Biopsy is the gold standard for staging liver fibrosis, but it may be accompanied by complications. As an alternative, non-invasive markers such as transient elastography (for liver fibrosis) and certain combinations of routine blood markers (liver function tests, full blood count) have been developed although their clinical significance remains controversial. Here, we compare the diagnostic values of non-invasive markers for liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Methods: Transient elastography and routine laboratory tests were performed in 196 patients. Diagnostic performances were compared and were assessed based on the area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: Elevated GGT to platelet ratio (GPR), the fibrosis index FIB-4 [based on age, AST, platelets and ALT], platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and total bilirubin were independent predictors of liver stiffness defined by transient elastography (all P < 0.001). The AUCs of GPR in predicting both advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were significantly larger than that of FIB-4 (P = 0.037 and P = 0.008, respectively) and AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) (P = 0.008 and P = 0.005). FIB-4, APRI and red cell volume distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR) had similar diagnostic values in discriminating different levels of liver fibrosis. Conclusions: GPR showed the best diagnostic value and RPR and PLR are easily available and inexpensive markers in evaluating fibrosis and cirrhosis. The diagnostic values of these laboratory markers are useful in diagnosing advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, and in confirming the different levels of liver fibrosis.

[Vertigo in children：composition and clinical characteristics]

Objective: To explore composition and characteristics of vertigo in children. Method:The diagnosis, medical history and examinations of 46 patients (≤17 years old) with vertigo were studied retrospectively. Result:Of the 46 children patients with vertigo enrolled in this study, 19 patients were with BPVC(41.3%), 11 patients with VM(23.9%),4 patients with BPPV(8.7%), 3 patients with unclassifiable vestibular syndrome(6.5%), 2 patients with Meniere's disease (4.3%), 1 patient with sudden deafness with vertigo, 1 patient with labyrinthitis, 1 patient with vestibular paroxysmal, 1 patient with vestibular neuritis, 1 patient with head trauma, 1 patient with light cupula, 1 patient with benign paroxysmal torticollis (2.2%, respectively). The statistical analysis was conducted among 4 kinds of the most common causes of vertigo in children. There was no significant differences in sex composition among different groups(P>0.05). The mean age and mean age of onset in patients with BPVC were the youngest(P<0.05). Headache was complained more often in patients with VM(P<0.05) and there was no difference in other accompanying symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting and tinnitus) among each groups(P>0.05).Most patients with VM had family history of vertigo or migraine, but not in patients with VM and patients with BPVC(P>0.05). Conclusion:The most common vertigo in children were BPVC, VM and BPPV. The medical history, physical examinations and vestibular function tests can help doctors to diagnose more correctly.

Population Genetics of Calotropis gigantea, a Medicinal and Fiber Resource Plant, as Inferred from Microsatellite Marker Variation in two Native Countries

Calotropis gigantea is well known for its aesthetic, medicinal, pharmacological, fodder, fuel, and fiber production potential. Unfortunately, this plant species is still undomesticated, and the genetic information available for crop improvement is limited. For this study, we sampled 21 natural populations of C. gigantea from two key areas of its natural distribution range (Bangladesh and China) and genotyped 379 individuals using nine nuclear microsatellite markers. Population genetic diversity was higher in Bangladesh than that observed in Chinese populations. Overall, a moderate level of genetic diversity was found (N_a = 3.73, H_E = 0.466), with most of the genetic variation detected within populations (65.49%) and substantial genetic differentiation (F_ST = 0.345) between the study regions. We observed a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances (r  =  0.287, P  =  0.001). The Bayesian clustering, UPGMA tree, and PCoA analyses yielded three distinct genetic pools, but the number of migrants per generation was high (N_M = 0.52-2.78) among them. Our analyses also revealed that some populations may have experienced recent demographic bottlenecks. Our study provides a baseline for exploitation of the genetic resources of C. gigantea in domestication and breeding programs as well as some insights into the germplasm conservation of this valuable plant.

Unfractionated Heparin with Sequential Enoxaparin in Patients with Complex Coronary Artery Lesions during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background:

Unfractionated heparin (UFH), despite its limitations, has been used as the primary anticoagulant alternative during the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Some studies indicated that intravenous enoxaparin could be an effective and safe option. Our team used enoxaparin alone at one time according to the guidelines (Class IIA) and found a little catheter thrombosis during PCI. We recommend a new anticoagulation strategy using enoxaparin in combination with UFH. Enoxaparin has a more predictable anticoagulant response with no need of repeatedly monitoring anticoagulation during PCI. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using enoxaparin in combination with UFH in PCI patients with complex coronary artery disease.

Methods:

Between January 2015 and April 2017, 600 PCI patients who received intravenous UFH at an initial dose of 3000 U plus intravenous enoxaparin at a dose of 0.75 mg/kg (observation group) and 600 PCI patients who received UFH at a dose of 100 U/kg (control group) were consecutively included in this retrospective study. The endpoints were postoperative 48-h thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) bleeding and transfusion and 30-day and 1-year major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Results:

Baseline clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics were similar between groups, except there was less stent implantation per patient in the observation group (2.13 vs. 2.25 in the control group, P = 0.002). TIMI bleeding (3.3% vs. 4.7%) showed no significant difference between the observation group and control group. During the 30-day follow-up, the rate of MACCE was 0.9% in the observation group and 1.5% in the control group. There was no significant difference in the rates of MACCE, death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, cerebrovascular event, and angina within 30 days and 1 year after PCI between groups as well as in the subgroup analysis of transfemoral approach.

Conclusions:

UFH with sequential enoxaparin has similar anticoagulant effect and safety as UFH in PCI of complex coronary artery disease.