Genetic diversity and population structure of an insect-pollinated and bird-dispersed dioecious tree Magnolia kwangsiensis in a fragmented karst forest landscape.

This study combined population genetics and parentage analysis to obtain foundational data for the conservation of Magnolia kwangsiensis. M. kwangsiensis is a Class I tree species that occurs in two disjunct regions in a biodiversity hotspot in southwest China. We assessed the genetic diversity and structure of this species across its distribution range to support its conservation management. Genetic diversity and population structure of 529 individuals sampled from 14 populations were investigated using seven nuclear simple sequence repeat (nSSR) markers and three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments. Parentage analysis was used to evaluate the pollen and seed dispersal distances. The nSSR marker analysis revealed a high genetic diversity in M. kwangsiensis, with an average observed (Ho) and expected heterozygosities (He) of 0.726 and 0.687, respectively. The mean and maximum pollen and seed dispersal distances were 66.4 and 95.7 m and 535.4 and 553.8 m, respectively. Our data revealed two distinct genetic groups, consistent with the disjunct geographical distribution of the M. kwangsiensis populations. Both pollen and seed dispersal movements help maintain genetic connectivity among M. kwangsiensis populations, contributing to high levels of genetic diversity. Both genetically differentiated groups corresponding to the two disjunct regions should be recognized as separate conservation units.

Successful treatment for an adult with bilateral posterior teeth crossbite by miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Successful treatment by miniscrew-assisted rapid expansion and clinical aligner therapy for an adult diagnosed with maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD) by clinical examinations and Yonsei transverse analysis. Abstract: Adult orthodontic diagnosis and treatment with maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD) is challenging. Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) is a fast and low-risk method to expand the width of maxillary basal bone. This case report describes a 23-year-old female with mandible deviation and bilateral posterior teeth crossbite. She was diagnosed as MTD by the clinical examinations and Yonsei transverse analysis, and treated by the MARPE and clinical aligner therapy. After 26 months' treatment, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images showed that the width of maxillary basal bone increased by 3.8 mm, that of zygomatic arch and nasal bone increased by 1.0 and 1.9 mm, respectively, and the bilateral posterior teeth crossbite was corrected. Furthermore, the dental midline of lower arch was consistent with that of upper arch and face, the molars arrived Angle Class II and canines was Class I relationships, the profile was maintained, the facial asymmetry was improved. The results of seventeen-month follow-up showed that the effect of orthodontic treatment is very stable. This case report demonstrates that MARPE is the effective approach for patients with MTD and facial asymmetry, which provide the alternative for the treatment of similar cases.

The application of hydrogels for enamel remineralization.

Enamel is composed of numerous uniformly wide, well-oriented hydroxyapatite crystals. It possesses an acellular structure that cannot be repaired after undergoing damage. Therefore, remineralization after enamel defects has become a focal point of research. Hydrogels, which are materials with three-dimensional structures derived from cross-linking polymers, have garnered significant attention in recent studies. Their exceptional properties make them valuable in the application of enamel remineralization. In this review, we summarize the structure and formation of enamel, present the design considerations of hydrogels for enamel remineralization, explore diverse hydrogels types in this context, and finally, shed light on the potential future applications in this field.

How adult children experience and cope with their parents' diagnosis of multiple myeloma: A qualitative exploration.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to understand and explore the caregiving experience of adult children of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) during diagnosis and initial treatment based in Chinese filial piety culture. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenology study was conducted to investigate semi-structured interview responses from the adult children (N = 22) of MM patients within three months after diagnosis. Colaizzi's descriptive analysis framework was employed to analyze data. This study was reported following the COREQ checklist. RESULTS: Four themes and twelve subthemes were identified from the interviews. (1) Commitment to filial piety. Participants subconsciously fulfilled their commitment to filial piety by supporting their parents, obeying their wishes, providing emotional comfort, and protecting them from harm. (2) Experiencing multiple dilemmas. They faced challenges such as difficult treatment decisions, insufficient caregiving preparation, emotional distress, and role conflict. (3) Benefiting from setbacks. The caregiving experience allowed participants to cherish the present more and to establish a new view of life. (4) Adaptive coping. Family supports and self-adaptation are effective coping strategies to achieve their good psychosocial adaptation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a culturally sensitive perspective on the caregiving experience of adult children of patients with MM. This study found that Chinese culture, especially filial piety culture, influenced the experiences and coping strategies of MM caregivers. Healthcare providers should focus on the challenges faced by adult children and develop various strategies to help them cushion the burden and adjust to caregiving roles, such as supportive care programs, meaning-centered psychotherapy, and family-centered medical communication interventions.

Efficacy of different endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are no direct comparisons across different endoscopic therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to evaluate the relative effects of different endoscopic therapies in GERD. METHODS: Five databases were searched until August 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL), Stretta, endoscopic fundoplication (transoral incisionless fundoplication [TIF], endoscopic full-thickness plication [EFTP], and EndoCinch plication procedure [EndoCinch, CR BARD, Billerica, Mass., USA]), or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)/sham procedure for GERD. Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 19 trials comprising 1181 patients were included. EBL (mean difference [MD], -7.75; 95% credible interval [CrI], -13.90 to -1.44), Stretta (MD, -9.86; 95% CrI, -19.05 to -0.58), and TIF (MD, -12.58; 95% CrI, -20.23 to -4.91) all significantly improved patients' health-related quality of life score with equivalent efficacy compared with PPIs. TIF and EBL achieved equivalent efficacy in reducing PPIs utility (risk ratio [RR], 0.66; 95% CrI, 0.40-1.05) and both were significantly superior to other endoscopic interventions (Stretta, EFTP, and EndoCinch). Besides, EBL and TIF also could significantly decrease the esophagitis incidence compared with PPIs (EBL [RR, 0.34; 95% CrI, 0.22-0.48] and TIF [RR, 0.38; 95% CrI, 0.15-0.88]). In terms of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, only TIF could significantly increase the LES pressure (MD, 6.53; 95% CrI, 3.65-9.40) to PPIs. In contrast, TIF was inferior to PPIs in decreasing esophageal acid exposure (MD, 2.57; 95% CrI, 0.77-4.36). CONCLUSION: Combining the evidence, EBL and TIF may have comparable efficacy and both might be superior to Stretta, EFTP, or EndoCinch in GERD treatment.

A super-selective coil impregnation therapy for pancreatic duct haemorrhage caused by pseudoaneurysm rupture.

BACKGROUND: Haemorrhage of pancreas is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and currently there is no clinical satisfactory treatment for this disorder. OBIECTIVE: The present study envisaged to treat the haemorrhage of pancreas caused by pseudoaneurysm rupture using interventional super-selective coil impregnation therapy, so as to achieve a better treatment efficacy. METHODS: Six cases presenting haemorrhage of pancreas were employed for the study, including 5 cases caused by splenic artery pseudoaneurysm and 1 case caused by superior pancreatic artery pseudoaneurysm. In all 6 patients the femoral artery was punctured using Seldinger femoral artery puncture and intubation technique. Subsequently, a catheter was inserted into the abdominal trunk and the contrast medium was injected, and the pseudoaneurysm was developed. A coil was then inserted into the distal end and proximal end of the pseudoaneurysm, respectively, leading to the elimination of the pseudoaneurysm. RESULTS: All 6 patients with pancreatic haemorrhage were implanted with coil at the distal and proximal end of the aneurysm, until the aneurysm disappeared during intraoperative angiography. Further, clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, melena and hematemesis disappeared after the operation. No recurrence of the symptoms was observed in the studied population. CONCLUSION: A 100% treatment outcome can be achieved in patients with pseudoaneurysm-induced haemorrhage of pancreas using interventional super-selective coil embolization.

Polyurethane foam dressings ameliorating local adverse effects of azacitidine: a randomized controlled trial.

This study investigated the use of polyurethane foam dressings to prevent local adverse reactions of subcutaneous azacitidine injection. Patients receiving a subcutaneous azacitidine injection were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. A total of 55 patients were included in each group. A polyurethane foam dressing was used to cover the injection site of patients in the experimental group. Conventional treatment was used in the control group. Injection site pain and local skin reactions were assessed after the intervention in both groups. The score and duration of pain, the incidence and duration of local skin adverse reactions, and the incidence of severe reactions in the experimental group were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). Polyurethane foam dressing can effectively reduce local adverse reactions of subcutaneous injection of azacitidine, relieve pain, shorten the duration of local pain and adverse reactions, and improve the quality of nursing.

Preliminary Efficacy and Safety of Camrelizumab in Combination With XELOX Plus Bevacizumab or Regorafenib in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: For a majority of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with MS stable (MSS) or mismatch repair proficient (pMMR), the role of immunotherapy is undetermined. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab when added to XELOX chemotherapy plus bevacizumab or regorafenib as first-line therapy for mCRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of mCRC patients who received camrelizumab and XELOX plus bevacizumab or regorafenib at the First Hospital of Quanzhou Affiliated to Fujian Medical University between June 1, 2019, and April 30, 2021, were retrospectively collected. The objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and side effects of the drug were recorded and reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-five eligible patients received combination therapy, including bevacizumab in 19 patients and regorafenib in 6. Twenty-one patients had pMMR/MSS and one MSI-H. Of the 25 patients who could be evaluated for efficacy, 18 (72%) achieved PR, 6 (24%) achieved SD, and 1 (4%) achieved PD. The ORR and DCR were 72% (18/25) and 96% (24/25), respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.2 months (95% CI 8.9-13.9), and OS had not yet been reached. The combination regimen of regorafenib in six (24%) patients was unassociated with treatment outcomes. Most AEs were either grade 1 or 2, and treatment-related grade 3 toxicities were observed in 8/25 (32%) patients. CONCLUSION: Camrelizumab combined with XELOX plus bevacizumab or regorafenib was feasible, producing high rates of responses as first-line therapy in unselected Chinese patients with MSS mCRC. The toxicities were generally tolerable and manageable. Prospective randomized trials with large sample sizes are needed to evaluate these findings.

LPCGF and EDTA conditioning of the root surface promotes the adhesion, growth, migration and differentiation of periodontal ligament cells.

BACKGROUND: Liquid-phase concentrated growth factor (LPCGF), a new-generation platelet concentrate, may potently stimulate human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. This study assessed the effectiveness of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and/or LPCGF on periodontally diseased root surfaces through their effects on PDL cells. METHODS: Dentin blocks prepared from periodontal teeth were divided into four groups and treated as follows: group I, scaling and root planning (SRP); group II, SRP + EDTA; group III, SRP + LPCGF; and group IV, SRP+EDTA + LPCGF. PDL cells were cultured on dentin blocks, and LPCGF-induced biological effects were evaluated by migration and cell adhesion/proliferation assays. Furthermore, PDL cell differentiation was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Significantly more adherent cells were observed in the EDTA, LPCGF and combination treatment groups than in the control group. Root conditioning with EDTA and/or LPCGF enhanced cell proliferation and migration more than SRP did. Compared with the control group, the combined treatment group exhibited significant upregulation of cell differentiation-related genes. Electron microscopy of the tooth surface revealed removal of the smear layer and exposed dentin holes in the EDTA-treated group but not in the control group. CONCLUSION: EDTA and LPCGF application to periodontitis-affected root surfaces forms a surface suitable for cell attachment, growth, migration and differentiation. Thus, LPCGF is promising in clinical periodontics applications. Further studies to support these results are necessary.

Isorhamnetin alleviates esophageal mucosal injury in a chronic model of reflux esophagitis.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease is one of the most common disorders in gastroenterology. The aim of this work was to investigate the protection of isorhamnetin against esophageal mucosal injury in rats with chronic reflux esophagitis (RE). Chronic RE model was established through fundus ligation and partial obstruction of the pylorus in rats. Then, the rats were treated with isorhamnetin (5 mg/kg) daily for a period of 14 days. Through histological and gross assessment, it was found that administration of isorhamnetin alleviated esophageal mucosal injury in RE rats. Treatment of RE rats with isorhamnetin improved esophageal barrier function, through upregulating proteins expression of occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and downregulating proteins expression of matrix matalloproteinases-3 (MMP3) and -9. Administration of isorhamnetin decreased CD68-positive cells and mRNA levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß in the esophagus of RE rats. Administration of isorhamnetin downregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression and decreased production of nitric oxide (NO) and 3-nitrotyrosin in the esophagus of RE rats. Administration of isorhamnetin enhanced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activities and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in esophagus of RE rats. Additionally, treatment with isorhamnetin inhibited p38 MAPK and NFκB activation in RE esophagus. In conclusion, isorhamnetin attenuated esophageal mucosal injury in rats with chronic RE, possibly by suppressing formation of cytokines and infiltration of inflammatory cells, inhibiting p38 and NFκB pathways, and enhancing HO-1 activity.

Fault-tolerant distribution of GHZ states and controlled DSQC based on parity analyses.

Based on the circuit including linear optical elements, a fault-tolerant distribution of GHZ states against collective noise among three parties is proposed. Additionally, two controlled DSQC protocols using the shared GHZ states as quantum channels are also presented under the charge of the controller. The first controlled DSQC protocol applies single parity analysis based on weak cross-Kerr nonlinearities. The receiver Bob performs single-photon measurement to obtain the secret information after the outcome publication of the single parity analysis executed by the sender Alice. The second protocol applies dense coding to double information transmission capacity, and the double parity analyses based on weak cross-Kerr nonlinearities are performed to obtain the secret information.

Microsatellite evidence of dispersal mechanism of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in the Pearl River basin and implications for its management.

Discerning the dispersal patterns of invasive species is critically important for the design of effective management strategies and the development of appropriate theoretical models predicting the spatial expansion of introduced populations. Post-introduction dispersal may occur naturally or via human transport, but for many organisms, assessing the relative contribution of each of these factors is difficult using traditional methods. Here, we explored the genetic patterns associated with the spread of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) among 21 populations in the Pearl River basin and 2 peripheral populations in the Yangtze River basin. We found the genetic diversity of P. clarkii in the Pearl River basin was somewhat lower than in the Yangtze River basin. We also found (1) there was significant genetic differentiation between populations, (2) genetic differentiation was not related to geographic distance (i.e., isolation by distance), and (3) a Bayesian assignment analysis revealed three distinct genetic clusters and genetic admixture. Our results therefore provide evidence that human-mediated multiple introductions occurred in the Pearl River basin. Anthropogenic activities such as commercial transportation were likely responsible for the long-distance dispersal of P. clarkii. This study provides useful information for developing management strategies.

[Pathogenetic mechanism for a female patient with hemophilia A].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathogenetic mechanism for a female patient affected with hemophilia A (HA). METHODS: Potential genetic defect was detected with inverse shifting-polymerase chain reaction (IS-PCR). The pattern of X chromosome inactivation was determined with a human androgen receptor assay (HUMARA assay). G-banded karyotyping was carried out to exclude potential chromosome aberrations. RESULTS: IS-PCR showed that the defect of FVIII gene was the distal type of intron 22 inversion. The HUMARA assay showed that the X chromosome inactivation was non-random, and that the mother's X chromosome activity was lower than that of the father's X chromosome which has carried the inverted FVIII gene. No abnormalities were found with G-banded chromosomes. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of female HA patient may be caused by non-random inactivation of X chromosomes.

Analysis of prescription database extracted from standard textbooks of traditional Dai medicine.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Dai Medicine (TDM) is one of the four major ethnomedicine of China. In 2007 a group of experts produced a set of seven Dai medical textbooks on this subject. The first two were selected as the main data source to analyse well recognized prescriptions. OBJECTIVE: To quantify patterns of prescriptions, common ingredients, indications and usages of TDM. METHODS: A relational database linking the prescriptions, ingredients, herb names, indications, and usages was set up. Frequency of pattern of combination and common ingredients were tabulated. RESULTS: A total of 200 prescriptions and 402 herbs were compiled. Prescriptions based on "wind" disorders, a detoxification theory that most commonly deals with symptoms of digestive system diseases, accounted for over one third of all prescriptions. The major methods of preparations mostly used roots and whole herbs. CONCLUSION: The information extracted from the relational database may be useful for understanding symptomatic treatments. Antidote and detoxification theory deserves further research.

Development of microsatellite markers for the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite primers were developed for Parthenium hysterophorus to investigate its genetic structure and genetic diversity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the combined biotin capture method, 15 microsatellite primer sets were isolated and characterized. All markers showed polymorphism, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to nine across 60 individuals from two populations. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.117 to 0.750 and from 0.182 to 0.835, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These markers will be useful for investigating the invasion history of this weed globally and to help characterize its invasiveness.

Microsatellite primers in luohanguo (Siraitia grosvenorii, Cucurbitaceae), an economically important plant species.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers were developed in an economically important plant, Siraitia grosvenorii, to evaluate its genetic diversity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the combined biotin capture method, 15 microsatellite primer sets were isolated and characterized. All of these markers showed polymorphism, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 12 across 98 individuals from cultivars and a wild population. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.905 and from 0.000 to 0.845, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These markers will facilitate the breeding and further study of the genetic diversity of S. grosvenorii.

Development of microsatellite markers in Kmeria septentrionalis (Magnoliaceae), an endangered Chinese tree.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers were developed in an endangered plant, Kmeria septentrionalis, to investigate its population genetic structure, gene flow, and mating systems. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the combined biotin capture method, 14 microsatellite primer sets were isolated and characterized. All of these markers showed polymorphism, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 15 across 60 individuals from two populations. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.2692 to 0.9667 and from 0.3271 to 0.8881, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These markers will facilitate further studies on the genetic diversity and mating systems of K. septentrionalis.

N-(3,4-Dichloro-phen-yl)thio-urea.

In the title compound, C(7)H(6)Cl(2)N(2)S, the benzene ring and the mean plane of the thio-urea fragment [-N-C(=S)-N] make a dihedral angle of 66.77 (3)°. Inter-molecular N-H⋯S and N-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into a three-dimensional network.