Elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound to assess the effect of varicocelectomy: A case-controlled study.

To evaluate the changes in testicular stiffness and microcirculation caused by spermatic vein ligation in patients with varicocele, we conducted a case-controlled study. A total of 27 grade III left varicocele cases were enrolled. Testicular stiffness and perfusion were evaluated by shear wave elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound during subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy. The external and the internal parenchyma of bilateral testes were selected to compare the shear wave velocity of bilateral testes during the spermatic vein ligation. We mapped and compared the intensity-time curves following bolus contrast injection three times in the same region of interest. Initially, the shear wave velocity of the left internal parenchyma was higher than the right side (1.10 ± 0.06 m/s vs. 1.00 ± 0.03 m/s). It decreased (1.09 ± 0.06 m/s) (p < 0.05) after ligation. Meanwhile, the left epididymis had the higher agent peak intensity (0.90 × 10E-5 AU), the largest area under the curve (80.20 × 10E-5 AU s), and the longest washout area (54.35 × 10E-5 AU s). In addition, the left internal parenchyma presented a sharper slope (0.18 × 10E-5 AU/s) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the spermatic vein ligation improved the perfusion of the internal testicular parenchyma, but it could temporally deteriorate the stasis of the epididymis. These changes caused softer testicular parenchyma.

Allelopathic Effects of Castanea henryi Aqueous Extracts on the Growth and Physiology of Brassica pekinensis and Zea mays.

The present study investigated the allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts of Castanea henryi litter on the growth and physiological responses of Brassica pekinensis and Zea mays. Treatment with high concentrations of leaf extract (0.05 g/ml for B. pekinensis and 0.10 g/ml for Z. mays) significantly increased malonaldehyde content and reduced seed germination, seedling growth, chlorophyll content, and the activity levels of antioxidant enzymes. These effects generally increased with increasing extract concentration. However, in Z. mays, low extract concentrations actually promoted seed germination, shoot growth, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activity. The allelopathic effects of the various C. henryi extracts decreased as follows: leaf extract > twig extract > shell extract. Eleven potential allelochemicals including rutin, quercetin, luteolin, procyanidin A2, kaempferol, allantoin, propionic acid, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, methylmalonic acid, and gentisic acid were identified in the leaves of C. henryi which were linked to the strongest allelopathic effects. These findings suggest that the allelopathic effects of C. henryi differ depending on receptor plant species, and that leaves are the most allelopathic litter in C. henryi.

[Application value of elastic ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in evaluating testicular blood supply after blockage of the vas deferens artery].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of elastic ultrasound (EUS) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in detecting the changes of testicular blood supply after blockage of the vas deferens artery. METHODS: This study included 11 cases of microscopic varicocele ligation. We obtained the EUS and CEUS values of the patients before and after blocking the vas deferens artery and analyzed the data by paired comparison. RESULTS: After the blockage of the vas deferens artery, the testicular hardness was reduced across the tunica albuginea and within the testis, with Ave decreased from 11.44 ± 2.52 before to 6.21 ± 1.16 after the blockage of the vas deferens artery across the tunica albuginea (P < 0.01) and from 3.99 ± 1.03 before to 3.27 ± 0.70 after the blockage within the testis (P = 0.012). The AUC in the epididymis was reduced from 80.98 ± 60.74 before to 42.82 ± 16.01 after the blockage (P = 0.021), and the AWi in the central testis from 17.19 ± 11.09 before to 11.03 ± 8.58 after the blockage (P = 0.034). No statistically significant differences, however, were observed in the values obtained close to the tunica albuginea or in the Awi and Awo in the testis after the blockage (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elastic ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography play important roles in evaluating the changes of testicular blood supply in different states.

Simultaneous treatment of parapelvic renal cysts and stones by flexible ureterorenoscopy with a novel four-step cyst localization strategy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of simultaneous treatment of parapelvic renal cysts and stones by flexible ureterorenoscopy with a novel four-step cyst localization strategy in selected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 11 consecutive cases of parapelvic renal cysts with concomitant calculi treated by flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy (FURSL). Marsupialization was performed subsequently with holmium: YAG laser in our institution. Fragmentation was used to manage renal stones and a novel four-step cyst localization strategy was applied in each case for marsupialization. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative complications. Two cases of cystitis were reported postoperatively. The mean operative times of FURSL and marsupialization were 23.6 ± 3.9 minutes and 29.1 ± 9.7 minutes, respectively. During marsupialization, seven patients underwent the first two steps of the new strategy, two patients underwent three steps and two patients underwent all four steps. The mean reduction in hemoglobin level was 4.7 ± 1.7 g / L (range 3-8 g / L). The mean length of hospital stay was 1.2 ± 0.4 days. During a mean follow-up duration of 18 months, all cases remained stonefree and there was no stone recurrence. Parapelvic cysts became undetectable in eight cases and decreased in size by at least half in three cases. CONCLUSION: With appropriate patient selection, FURSL and marsupialization with a four-step cyst localization strategy is feasible, safe, and effective in treating parapelvic renal cysts with concomitant calculi.

In vivo phosphoproteome characterization reveals key starch granule-binding phosphoproteins involved in wheat water-deficit response.

BACKGROUND: Drought stress during grain development causes significant yield loss in cereal production. The phosphorylated modification of starch granule-binding proteins (SGBPs) is an important mechanism regulating wheat starch biosynthesis. In this study, we performed the first proteomics and phosphoproteomics analyses of SGBPs in elite Chinese bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Jingdong 17 under well-watered and water-stress conditions. RESULTS: Water stress treatment caused significant reductions in spike grain numbers and weight, total starch and amylopectin content, and grain yield. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that the quantity of SGBPs was reduced significantly by water-deficit treatment. Phosphoproteome characterization of SGBPs under water-deficit treatment demonstrated a reduced level of phosphorylation of main starch synthesis enzymes, particularly for granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS I), starch synthase II-a (SS II-a), and starch synthase III (SS III). Specifically, the Ser34 site of the GBSSI protein, the Tyr358 site of SS II-a, and the Ser837 site of SS III-a exhibited significant less phosphorylation under water-deficit treatment than well-watered treatment. Furthermore, the expression levels of several key genes related with starch biosynthesis detected by qRT-PCR were decreased significantly at 15 days post-anthesis under water-deficit treatment. Immunolocalization showed a clear movement of GBSS I from the periphery to the interior of starch granules during grain development, under both water-deficit and well-watered conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that the reduction in gene expression or transcription level, protein expression and phosphorylation levels of starch biosynthesis related enzymes under water-deficit conditions is responsible for the significant decrease in total starch content and grain yield.

[Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure does not affect vas deferens orientation or testicular volume and perfusion].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of single-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) on the orientation of the vas deferens and the volume and perfusion of the testis in pediatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: A total of 92 consecutively enrolled boys diagnosed with unilateral inguinal hernia underwent single-port LPEC between June 2013 and June 2014. The orientation of the vas deferens and the testicular volume and perfusion of the patients were ultrasonographically assessed preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: All the surgical procedures were performed successfully without conversion or serious perioperative complications. Ultrasonography showed no angulation or distortion of the vas deferens on the surgical side during a six-month follow-up period. Similarly, no obvious changes were observed in the testicular volume or perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Single-port LPEC is safe and effective in the treatment of pediatric inguinal hernia and does not affect the orientation of the vas deferens or testicular volume and perfusion.

The China Mental Health Survey (CMHS): I. background, aims and measures.

The China Mental Health Survey (CMHS) is the first nationally representative community survey on mental disorders and mental health services in China. One-step diagnoses for mood disorders, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders were obtained using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-3.0 (CIDI-3.0), according to the criteria and definition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). A two-step procedure was applied for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, using psychosis screening section in CIDI-3.0 as a screening instrument and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders (SCID) as a diagnostic tool. Dementia was diagnosed by the 10/66 dementia diagnosis package in a two-step design. The main aims of the CMHS were: (1) to investigate the prevalence of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, and dementia; (2) to obtain data of service use of individuals with mental disorders in China; and (3) to analyse the social and psychological risk factors or correlates of mental disorders and mental health services. This paper presents a brief review of the background of the CMHS, its aims and measures.

Novel Diterpenoids from the Twigs of Podocarpus nagi.

Phytochemical investigation of the twigs of Podocarpus nagi (Podocarpaceae) led to the isolation of two new abietane-type diterpenoids, named 1ß,16-dihydroxylambertic acid (1) and 3ß,16-dihydroxylambertic acid (2), along with two new ent-pimarane-type diterpenoids, named ent-2ß,15,16,18-tetrahydroxypimar-8(14)-ene (3) and ent-15-oxo-2ß,16,18-trihydroxypimar-8(14)-ene (4). Their respective structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, IR, CD, and HR-ESI-MS. This is the first time ent-pimarane-type diterpenoids from the genus Podocarpus has been reported. All four new compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity. The MTT assay results showed that compounds 3 and 4 significantly inhibited the proliferation of human cervical cancer Hela cells, human lung cancer A549 cells, and human breast cancer MCF-7 cells at a concentration of 10 µM. Furthermore, using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, compounds 2 and 4 were found to significantly inhibit nitrogen oxide (NO) production with IC50 values of 26.5 ± 6.1 and 17.1 ± 1.5 µM, respectively.

[Diagnosis and management of sleep-related painful erections:A report of 9 cases].

Objective: To investigate the pathogenesis and management of sleep-related painful erections(SRPE). Methods: This study included 9 SRPE patients aged 39- 59( mean 47. 8) years and with a mean disease course of 13. 5 ± 1. 2 months. We conducted blood urine routine examinations, collected four blood coagulation indexes, obtained IIEF-5 scores and sexual hormone levels, and recorded the nocturnal penile tumescence( NPT) and results of polysomnographic sleep monitoring of the patients. After 1,4,8,12,and 24 weeks of individualized treatment for each patient, we performed telephone follow-up for therapeutic effects and adverse drug reactions. Results: All the 9 patients were diagnosed with primary SRPE after excluding other diseases,6 of them treated with chlorimipramine or chlorimipramine combined with other medicine and the other 3 by antiandrogen therapy. Complete pain remission was achieved by 77. 78% at 4 weeks and 66. 67% at 24 weeks. The 3 patients treated by antiandrogen therapy experienced recurrence at 24 weeks but relieved after 1 week of adjusted treatment. Conclusion: Chlorimipramine, combination of chlorimipramine with medicine, and antiandrogen therapy are all evidently effective for the treatment of primary SRPE.

N-linked glycoproteome profiling of seedling leaf in Brachypodium distachyon L.

Brachypodium distachyon L., a model plant for cereal crops, has become important as an alternative and potential biofuel grass. In plants, N-glycosylation is one of the most common and important protein modifications, playing important roles in signal recognition, increase in protein activity, stability of protein structure, and formation of tissues and organs. In this study, we performed the first glycoproteome analysis in the seedling leaves of B. distachyon. Using lectin affinity chromatography enrichment and mass-spectrometry-based analysis, we identified 47 glycosylation sites representing 46 N-linked glycoproteins. Motif-X analysis showed that two conserved motifs, N-X-T/S (X is any amino acid, except Pro), were significantly enriched. Further functional analysis suggested that some of these identified glycoproteins are involved in signal transduction, protein trafficking, and quality control and the modification and remodeling of cell-wall components such as receptor-like kinases, protein disulfide isomerase, and polygalacturonase. Moreover, transmembrane helices and signal peptide prediction showed that most of these glycoproteins could participate in typical protein secretory pathways in eukaryotes. The results provide a general overview of protein N-glycosylation modifications during the early growth of seedling leaves in B. distachyon and supplement the glycoproteome databases of plants.

Comparison of treatment outcomes between nonsurgical and surgical treatment of distal radius fracture in elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The best treatment of distal radius fractures (DRFs) in the elderly is uncertain. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of surgical and nonsurgical management of DRFs in persons 65 years of age or older. METHODS: Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched until April 27, 2015 using the following search terms: distal radius fracture, conservative treatment, nonoperative treatment, nonsurgical treatment, surgical treatment, operative, elderly, and older. The primary outcome measure was DASH score, and secondary outcomes were functional and radiological assessments. The standard difference in post-treatment means was calculated for the outcomes to compare the two groups. RESULTS: Of 59 articles identified, eight studies with a total of 440 patients in the surgical groups and 449 in the control groups were included in the analysis. No significant differences in DASH score, VAS pain score, grip strength, wrist extension, pronation, or supination, and ulnar deviation were noted between the groups. The nonsurgical group had significantly greater wrist flexion, radial deviation, and ulnar variance and less radial inclination than the surgical group. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical and nonsurgical methods produce similar results in the treatment of DRFS in the elderly, and minor objective functional differences did not result an impact on subjective function outcome and quality of life.

Efficacy of Mid-Urethral Sling and Urethral Dilation for Stress Urinary Incontinence Combined with Urethral Stricture in Women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential clinical benefits of mid-urethral sling (MUS) and urethral dilatation (UD) operations for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) combined with urethral stricture. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, from January 2017 to 2022. METHODOLOGY: Patients with Qmax <15ml/s or PVR >50ml, and video urodynamic study (VUDS) capable of confirming the presence and position of urethral stricture were included. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) questionnaire, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual (PVR) urine. ICIQ-SF, Qmax, and PVR were measured presurgery, on postoperative 2-week, and 1-month postsurgery. RESULTS: There were total 19 patients with an average age of 61.37 ± 11.28 years (range 39-84) with SUI and urethral stricture. ICIQ-SF scores were decreased significantly at one month postoperatively compared with the preoperative [5.0 (0.0, 7.0) vs. 14.0 (13.0, 15.0), p <0.001]. Qmax was increased dramatically compared with the preoperative [21.3 (14.0, 28.4) vs. 13.0 (8.7,18.0), p <0.001], and PVR was decreased remarkably than the preoperative [0.0 (0.0,0.0) vs. 0.0 (0.0,60.0), p = 0.018]. Of 19 patients primarily managed with MUS and UD, two patients experienced recurrence requiring repetitive dilation till sling excision surgery was conducted, and improvement was evident in one patient after repeating UD. CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of SUI combined with urethral stricture in women is low. With a success rate of 89.5%, MUS and UD were effective therapies for the co-existence of SUI with urethral stricture, and repeated UD can be performed safely if necessary in long-term follow-up. KEY WORDS: Stress urinary incontinence, Urethral stricture, Mid-urethral sling, Urethral dilatation.

Trapping of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in seagrass beds: Ubiquity across a vertical and horizontal sampling gradient.

Seagrass beds can trap large amounts of marine debris leading to areas of accumulation, known as 'sinks', of anthropogenic particles. While the presence of vegetation can enhance accumulation, less is known about how the trapping effect changes from vegetated to less vegetated patches. To test this, vegetation and sediment were sampled along a vegetation percent cover gradient from the centre of seagrass beds to nearby less vegetated patches. To determine whether trapped particles can lead to increased accumulation in associated fauna, gastropods were also collected from the transects laid across this gradient. Extracted anthropogenic particles were counted and characterised. Particles were detected in all sample types and reached quantifiable limits in at least 50% of sediment and gastropod samples. There was no significant difference in the distribution of particles found in seagrass beds compared to less vegetated patches, suggesting other factors contribute to the trapping efficiency of biogenic habitats besides simply the presence or absence of vegetation.

[Retracted] Sulforaphane regulates apoptosis­ and proliferation­related signaling pathways and synergizes with cisplatin to suppress human ovarian cancer.

Following the publication of this paper, the authors realized that they had made an error in assembling the data shown in Fig. 6B on p. 2455, and requested the publication of a corrigendum to rectify this error. However, following an independent investigation of the data published in this paper made by the Editorial Office, it was noted that one set of the immunofluorescence assay images shown in Fig. 4A appeared to be strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in a paper published previously in the journal BMC Medicine by different authors at different research institutes [Jing Y­Y, Han Z­P, Sun K, Zhang S­S, Hou J, Liu Y, Li R, Gao L, Zhao X, Zhao Q­D et al: Tanshinone IIA reduces SW837 colorectal cancer cell viability via the promotion of mitochondrial fission by activating JNK­Mff signaling pathways. BMC Medicine 10: 98, 2012]. Owing to the fact that the abovementioned data in Fig. 4A had already been published prior to its submission to International Journal of Molecular Medicine, the Editor has chosen to decline the authors' request to publish a corrigendum, and decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal instead. After having been in contact with the authors, they accepted the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [International Journal of Molecular Medicine 42: 2447­2458, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3860].

Peri-coronary fat attenuation index combined with high-risk plaque characteristics quantified from coronary computed tomography angiography for risk stratification in new-onset chest pain individuals without acute myocardial infarction.

This study aims to evaluate the role of the peri-coronary Fat Attenuation Index (FAI) and High-Risk Plaque Characteristics (HRPC) in the assessment of coronary heart disease risk. By conducting coronary CT angiography and coronary angiography on 217 patients with newly developed chest pain (excluding acute myocardial infarction), their degree of vascular stenosis, FAI, and the presence and quantity of HRPC were assessed. The study results demonstrate a correlation between FAI and HRPC, and the combined use of FAI and HRPC can more accurately predict the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Additionally, the study found that patients with high FAI were more prone to exhibit high-risk plaque characteristics, severe stenosis, and multiple vessel disease. After adjustment, the combination of FAI and HRPC improved the ability to identify and reclassify MACE. Furthermore, the study identified high FAI as an independent predictor of MACE in patients undergoing revascularization, while HRPC served as an independent predictor of MACE in patients not undergoing revascularization. These findings suggest the potential clinical value of FAI and HRPC in the assessment of coronary heart disease risk, particularly in patients with newly developed chest pain excluding acute myocardial infarction.

miR-141-3p attenuates RSL3-induced ferroptosis and intestinal epithelial-mesenchymal transition via directly inhabits ZEB1 in intestinal Behçet's syndrome.

The aims of this study were to investigate whether the ferroptosis is involved in intestinal Behçet's syndrome (IBS), and to identify if miR-141-3p could attenuate RAS-selective lethal 3 (RSL3)-induced ferroptosis and intestinal epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) via directly inhabits zinc fnger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1). The expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins in the intestinal tissues of patients with IBS were investigated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of the intestinal tissues and cells were detected. Serum from IBS patients and RSL3 were co-cultured with intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. In order to investigate whether RSL3-induced ferroptosis can be ameliorated by miR-141-3p, the intestinal epithelial cells were firstly stimulated with RSL3 and then incubated with miR-141-3p mimics. Western blot was used to measure the expression of EMT and ferroptosis-related proteins. Expression of GPX4 (22.51% ± 2.05%, 51.75% ± 3.47%, t = - 7.77, p = 0.000) and xCT (17.49% ± 1.57%, 28.73% ± 1.75%, t = - 4.38, p = 0.003) were significantly lower in intestinal mucosal tissues of patients with IBS compared with HC group. Compared with the HC samples, the IBS specimens had significantly higher MDA (t = 4.32, p = 0.01). Moreover, the relative mRNA levels of ferritin light chain (FTL) (t = 4.07, p = 0.02) and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) (t = 8.82, p = 0.001) in the intestinal tissues were significant higher in IBS patients than in HC group. Serum from IBS patients could induce intestinal epithelial cell ferroptosis in vitro. Moreover, miR-141-3p could attenuate intestinal epithelial cell ferroptosis-induced by RSL3 and intestinal EMT via targeting ZEB1 in vitro. Ferroptosis were induced in patients with IBS. Moreover, the serum from IBS patients could induce ferroptosis in vitro. miR-141-3p could attenuate intestinal epithelial cell ferroptosis and intestinal EMT via targeting ZEB1. Therefore, miR-141-3p may open new avenues for the treatment of IBS in the future. Key Points • Ferroptosis in IBS is first reported in this study. • In this study, we explored that the serum from IBS patients could induce ferroptosis in vitro and miR-141-3p could attenuate intestinal epithelial cell ferroptosis and intestinal EMT via targeting ZEB1.

[Significance of miR-155, miR-34a and miR-30a expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expressions of miR-155, miR-34a and miR-30a in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and to explore their potential correlation with clinicopathological characteristics. METHODS: The expression level of miR-155, miR-34a and miR-30a in 46 DLBCL samples were determined with TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) was performed to detect MYC and p53 genes' status, and immunohistochemistry (Envision method) was used to evaluate the expression of CD3, CD10, CD20, BCL-6 and MUM-1 in DLBCL. The DLBCLs were classified into germinal center B cell-like (GCB) and non germinal center B cell-like (non-GCB) subtypes according to Hans' criteria. RESULTS: Compared with normal controls, miR-155 expression level was significantly higher in DLBCL. The expression level of miR-155 in non-GCB type was higher than that in GCB type. It was shown that the patients with MYC rearrangement had lower expression level of miR-155 than the negative controls. Compared with p53 normal group, the expression level of miR-34a was significantly lower in p53 deletion group. It was also shown that the patients with BCL-6 protein expression had lower expression of miR-30a compared with the negative group. CONCLUSION: miR-155 expression level is different in normal controls, DLBCL and patients with subtype DLBCL. It therefore has a diagnosis value for DLBCL. miR-34a is of great prognostic significance. miR-155, miR-34a and miR-30a may be potential therapy targets for DLBCL.

Babesia gibsoni Whole-Genome Sequencing, Assembling, Annotation, and Comparative Analysis.

The intracellular protozoan parasite Babesia gibsoni infects canine erythrocytes and causes babesiosis. The hazards to animal health have increased due to the rise of B. gibsoni infections and medication resistance. However, the lack of high-quality full-genome sequencing sets has expanded the obstacles to the development of pathogeneses, drugs, and vaccines. In this study, the whole genome of B. gibsoni was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. The genomic size of B. gibsoni was 7.94 Mbp in total. Four chromosomes with the size of 0.69 Mb, 2.10 Mb, 2.77 Mb, and 2.38 Mb, respectively, 1 apicoplast (28.4 Kb), and 1 mitochondrion (5.9 Kb) were confirmed. KEGG analysis revealed 2,641 putative proteins enriched on 316 pathways, and GO analysis showed 7,571 annotations of the nuclear genome in total. Synteny analysis showed a high correlation between B. gibsoni and B. bovis. A new divergent point of B. gibsoni occurred around 297.7 million years ago, which was earlier than that of B. bovis, B. ovata, and B. bigemina. Orthology analysis revealed 22 and 32 unique genes compared to several Babesia spp. and apicomplexan species. The metabolic pathways of B.gibsoni were characterized, pointing to a minimal size of the genome. A species-specific secretory protein SA1 and 19 homologous genes were identified. Selected specific proteins, including apetala 2 (AP2) factor, invasion-related proteins BgAMA-1 and BgRON2, and rhoptry function proteins BgWH_04g00700 were predicted, visualized, and modeled. Overall, whole-genome sequencing provided molecular-level support for the diagnosis, prevention, clinical treatment, and further research of B. gibsoni. IMPORTANCE The whole genome of B. gibsoni was first sequenced, annotated, and disclosed. The key part of genome composition, four chromosomes, was comparatively analyzed for the first time. A full-scale phylogeny evolution analysis based on the whole-genome-wide data of B. gibsoni was performed, and a new divergent point on the evolutionary path was revealed. In previous reports, molecular studies were often limited by incomplete genomic data, especially in key areas like life cycle regulation, metabolism, and host-pathogen interaction. With the whole-genome sequencing of B. gibsoni, we provide useful genetic data to encourage the exploration of new terrain and make it feasible to resolve the theoretical and practical problems of babesiosis.

High myopia control is comparable between multifocal rigid gas-permeable lenses and spectacles.

Purpose: Ocular pathology may be reduced by slowing myopia progression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of a novel custom-designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens to control high myopia by comparing the efficacy of multifocal RGP lenses and single-vision spectacles for high myopia control. Methods: The medical records of children fitted with spectacles or multifocal rigid gas-permeable lenses between January 2018 and May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Children (5-17 years) with non-cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction of ≤ -6.00 D or spherical equivalent refraction > - 6.00 D with baseline axial length ≥ 26.5 mm, and astigmatism of ≥ -2.00 D were included. Axial length and refraction were measured at baseline, before fitting the participants with multifocal rigid gas-permeable lenses or spectacles, and at 1- and 2-year follow-up visits. Changes in axial length were compared between the groups. Results: Among the 77 children with 1-year follow-up data, the mean axial elongation was 0.20 ± 0.17 mm and 0.21 ± 0.14 mm in the multifocal rigid gas-permeable and control groups, respectively, without significant differences between groups (F = 0.004, p = 0.835). Among the 41 patients who completed 2 years of follow-up, the mean axial elongation values in the multifocal rigid gas-permeable and control groups were 0.21 ± 0.15 mm and 0.24 ± 0.13 mm, respectively, at the 1-year follow-up, and 0.37 ± 0.27 mm and 0.43 ± 0.23 mm, respectively, at the 2-year follow-up, without significant between-group differences at either time point (p = 0.224). Conclusion: Axial length increased at a similar rate in both the control (spectacles) and multifocal rigid gas-permeable lens groups, suggesting that multifocal rigid gas-permeable lenses have no significant impact on controlling high myopia progression compared with spectacles.

A radio pulsar phase from SGR J1935+2154 provides clues to the magnetar FRB mechanism.

The megajansky radio burst, FRB 20200428, and other bright radio bursts detected from the Galactic source SGR J1935+2154 suggest that magnetars can make fast radio bursts (FRBs), but the emission site and mechanism of FRB-like bursts are still unidentified. Here, we report the emergence of a radio pulsar phase of the magnetar 5 months after FRB 20200428. Pulses were detected in 16.5 hours over 13 days using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope, with luminosities of about eight decades fainter than FRB 20200428. The pulses were emitted in a narrow phase window anti-aligned with the x-ray pulsation profile observed using the x-ray telescopes. The bursts, conversely, appear in random phases. This dichotomy suggests that radio pulses originate from a fixed region within the magnetosphere, but bursts occur in random locations and are possibly associated with explosive events in a dynamically evolving magnetosphere. This picture reconciles the lack of periodicity in cosmological repeating FRBs within the magnetar engine model.