Association of Sex With Cardiovascular Outcomes in Heart Failure Patients With Obstructive or Central Sleep Apnea.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the association of sex with cardiovascular outcomes in a prospective cohort of patients with heart failure (HF) with obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were screened for sleep apnea on admission using multichannel cardiopulmonary monitoring from May 2015 to July 2018. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death or unplanned hospitalization for worsening HF. Ultimately, 453 patients with HF with obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea were included; 71 (15.7%) and 382 (84.3%) were women and men, respectively. During a median follow-up of 2.33 years, 248 (54.7%) patients experienced the primary outcome. In the overall population, after adjusting for potential confounders, women had an increased risk of the primary outcome (66.2% versus 52.6%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.47 [95% CI, 1.05-2.04]; P=0.024) and HF rehospitalization (62.0% versus 46.6%; HR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.10-2.19]; P=0.013) compared with men but a comparable risk of cardiovascular death (21.1% versus 23.3%; HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.44-1.37]; P=0.383). Likewise, in patients with HF with obstructive sleep apnea, women had a higher risk of the primary outcome (81.8% versus 46.3%, HR, 2.37 [95% CI, 1.28-4.38]; P=0.006) and HF rehospitalization (81.8% versus 44.7%, HR, 2.46 [95% CI, 1.32-4.56], P=0.004). However, in patients with HF with central sleep apnea, there was no statistically significant difference between women and men. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized patients with HF, female sex was associated with an increased risk of the primary outcome and HF rehospitalization, especially in those with obstructive sleep apnea. Screening for sleep apnea should be emphasized to improve the prognosis. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02664818.

Association between red blood cell distribution width-to-albumin ratio and prognosis in non-ischaemic heart failure.

AIMS: Red blood cell distribution width-to-albumin ratio (RAR), an innovate biomarker of inflammation, can independently predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, the association between RAR and prognosis in patients with non-ischaemic heart failure (NIHF) remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 2077 NIHF patients admitted to the Heart Failure Care Unit, Fuwai Hospital, were consecutively enrolled from December 2006 to October 2017 in this retrospective study. The primary endpoint was a composite outcome of all-cause mortality and heart transplantation. The correlation between RAR and the composite outcome was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Cox regression analysis. Incremental predictive values and the clinical performance of RAR for all-cause mortality or heart transplantation were also assessed based on a 12-variable traditional risk model. The median follow-up time in this study was 1433 (1341, 1525) days. As the gender no longer satisfied the Cox proportional risk assumption after 1150 days, we set 1095 days as the follow-up time for analysis. A total of 500 patients reached the composite outcome. Multivariable Cox regression showed that per log2 increase of RAR was significantly associated with a 132.9% [hazard ratio 2.329, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.677-3.237, P < 0.001] increased risk of all-cause mortality or heart transplantation. Better model discrimination [concordance index: 0.766 (95% CI 0.754-0.778) vs. 0.758 (95% CI 0.746-0.770), P < 0.001], calibration (Akaike information criterion: 1487.3 vs. 1495.74; Bayesian information criterion: 1566.25 vs. 1569.43; Brier score: 1569.43 vs. 1569.43; likelihood ratio test P < 0.001), and reclassification (integrated discrimination improvement: 1.35%, 95% CI 0.63-2.07%, P < 0.001; net reclassification improvement: 13.73%, 95% CI 2.05-27.18%, P = 0.034) were improved after adding RAR to the traditional model (P < 0.001 for all). A higher overall net benefit was also obtained in the threshold risk probability of 20-55%. CONCLUSIONS: High level of RAR was an independent risk factor of poor outcome in NIHF.

The pseudoenzyme ADPRHL1 affects cardiac function by regulating the ROCK pathway.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoenzymes, catalytically deficient variants of active enzymes, have a wide range of regulatory functions. ADP-ribosylhydrolase-like 1 (ADPRHL1), a pseudoenzyme belonging to a small group of ADP-ribosylhydrolase enzymes that lacks the amino acid residues necessary for catalytic activity, may have a significant role in heart development based on accumulating evidence. However, the specific function of ADPRHL1 in this process has not been elucidated. To investigate the role of ADPRHL1 in the heart, we generated the first in vitro human embryonic stem cell model with an ADPRHL1 knockout. METHOD: Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we generated ADPRHL1 knockout in the human embryonic stem cell (hESC) H9 line. The cells were differentiated into cardiomyocytes using a chemically defined and xeno-free method. We employed confocal laser microscopy to detect calcium transients and microelectrode array (MEA) to assess the electrophysiological activity of ADPRHL1 deficiency cardiomyocytes. Additionally, we investigated the cellular mechanism of ADPRHL1 by Bulk RNA sequencing and western blot. RESULTS: The results indicate that the absence of ADPRHL1 in cardiomyocytes led to adhered abnormally, as well as perturbations in calcium transients and electrophysiological activity. We also revealed that disruption of focal adhesion formation in these cardiomyocytes was due to an excessive upregulation of the ROCK-myosin II pathway. Notably, inhibition of ROCK and myosin II effectively restores focal adhesions in ADPRHL1-deficient cardiomyocytes and improved electrical conduction and calcium activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that ADPRHL1 plays a critical role in maintaining the proper function of cardiomyocytes by regulating the ROCK-myosin II pathway, suggesting that it may serve as a potential drug target for the treatment of ADPRHL1-related diseases.

Association of hypoxic burden metrics with cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure and sleep-disordered breathing.

AIMS: Heart failure (HF) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) frequently coexist. We aimed to compare the prognostic value of different nocturnal hypoxic burden metrics in hospitalized HF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: HF patients underwent polygraphy screening for SDB in this prospective cohort. Hypoxic burden metrics assessed using pulse oximetry included time < 90% oxygen saturation (T90), proportion of total recording time < 90% oxygen saturation (TRT90), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and mean oxygen saturation (meanSO2 ). The prespecified endpoints were the composite of cardiovascular death or admission for worsening HF. This study included 764 hospitalized HF patients, 16.5% and 36.6% of whom had obstructive and central sleep apnoea, respectively. With a median follow-up time of 2.2 years, endpoint events occurred in 410 (53.7%) patients. In univariate and multivariate analyses, T90, TRT90, and meanSO2 were substantially associated with the composite outcome, whereas ODI was not. After multivariate Cox model adjustment, patients with 5.0 ≤ T90 ≤ 52.0 min [hazard ratio (HR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.71, P = 0.034] or T90 > 52.0 min (HR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.21-2.02, P = 0.001) had a greater risk of the composite outcome than those with T90 < 5.0 min. The TRT90 and T90 results were similar. Compared with meanSO2  > 95%, meanSO2  < 93% (HR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.16-1.88, P = 0.002) was correlated with adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The hypoxic burden metrics T90, TRT90, and meanSO2 , but not ODI, were independent predictors of cardiovascular death or readmission for worsening HF. Indicators of duration and severity, not just the frequency of nocturnal hypoxaemia, should be valued and considered for intervention to improve outcomes in HF patients.

Prognostic role and relationship of thyroid dysfunction and lipid profile in hospitalized heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid dysfunction might have a negative impact on the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF) and affect the lipid metabolism. The aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic role of thyroid dysfunction and its relationship with lipid profile in hospitalized HF patients. HYPOTHESIS: Thyroid dysfunction strongly correlates with prognosis of HF patients and combination with lipid profile improves the prognostic value. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study including hospitalized HF patients between March 2009 and June 2018. RESULTS: Among enrolled 3733 patients, low fT3 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.33; 95% CI: 1.15-1.54; p < .001), elevated TSH (HR 1.37; 95% CI 1.15-1.64; p < .001), LT3S (HR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.15-1.68; p < .001), overt hyperthyroidism (HR 1.73; 95%CI: 1.00-2.98; p = .048), subclinical hypothyroidism (HR 1.43; 95%CI: 1.13-1.82; p = .003) and overt hypothyroidism (HR 1.76; 95%CI: 1.33-2.34; p < .001) independently increased the risk of composite endpoint defined as the combination of all-cause mortality, heart transplantation, or left ventricular assist device requirement. Higher total cholesterol (HR 0.64; 95%CI: 0.49-0.83; p < .001) was still a protective factor in HF patients. When divided into four groups by fT3 and median lipid profiles, comparison of Kaplan-Meier survival curves for various groups showed good risk stratification (p < .001). CONCLUSION: LT3S, overt hyperthyroidism, subclinical and overt hypothyroidism were independently associated with poor outcomes in HF. The combination of fT3 and lipid profile improved the prognostic value.

Hyponatremia and lower normal serum sodium levels are associated with an increased risk of all-cause death in heart failure patients.

AIM: To explore the relationship between the serum sodium level on admission and all-cause mortality in HF patients. DESIGN: A single-center retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Patients hospitalized with HF at the Heart Failure Center, Fuwai Hospital, from November 2008 to November 2018 were enrolled. RESULTS: A total of 3649 patients were included, and the mean sodium level was 137.19 ± 4.36 mmol/L, with a range from 115.6 to 160.9 mmol/L. During a median follow-up of 1101 days, mortality occurred in 1413 (38.7%) hospital survivors. After adjustment for age, sex, and other potential confounders, patients with sodium levels <135 mmol/L (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-2.16) and 135-137 mmol/L (HR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.01-1.78) had an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with sodium levels of 139-141 mmol/L.

Prevalence, clinical characteristics, and predictors of sleep disordered breathing in hospitalized heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is often comorbid with sleep disordered breathing (SDB). This prospective study investigated the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and predictors of SDB in hospitalized HF patients. METHODS: Sleep studies were performed on hospitalized HF patients from January 2015 to February 2019. SDB was categorized as no/mild SDB, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and central sleep apnea (CSA). RESULTS: The study included 1069 hospitalized HF patients. The prevalence rates of OSA and CSA were 16.6% and 36.9%, respectively. Patients with OSA or CSA were more likely to be male and have a higher body mass index (BMI) and more comorbidities. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.803, 95% confidence interval  [CI] = 1.099-2.958), BMI (per 5 kg/m2 increase: OR = 2.270, 95% CI = 1.852-2.783), hypertension (OR = 2.719, 95% CI = 1.817-4.070), diabetes (OR = 1.477, 95% CI = 1.020-2.139), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (per 5% increase, OR = 1.126, 95% CI = 1.053-1.204) were independent predictors of OSA. Male sex (OR = 1.699, 95% CI = 1.085-1.271), age (per 10 years, OR = 1.235, 95% CI = 1.118-1.363), heart rate (per 10 bpm, OR = 1.174, 95% CI = 1.099-2.958), LVEF (per 5% increase, OR = 0.882, 95% CI = 0.835-0.932), NT-proBNP (lnNT-proBNP, OR = 1.234, 95% CI = 1.089-1.398) and hypocapnia (OR = 1.455, 95% CI = 1.105-1.915) were independent predictors of CSA. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.794 (95% CI = 0.758-0.830) and 0.673 (95% CI = 0.640-0.706), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of hospitalized HF patients had OSA or CSA, and CSA was the predominant type. OSA and CSA predictors differ. The clinical characteristics of HF patients can help make preliminary predictions for SDB patients.

Anxa1 in smooth muscle cells protects against acute aortic dissection.

AIMS: Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening disease with high morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have showed that vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype switching modulates vascular function and AAD progression. However, whether an endogenous signalling system that protects AAD progression exists remains unknown. Our aim is to investigate the role of Anxa1 in VSMC phenotype switching and the pathogenesis of AAD. METHODS AND RESULTS: We first assessed Anxa1 expression levels by immunohistochemical staining in control aorta and AAD tissue from mice. A strong increase of Anxa1 expression was seen in the mouse AAD tissues. In line with these findings, micro-CT scan results indicated that Anxa1 plays a role in the development of AAD in our murine model, with systemic deficiency of Anxa1 markedly progressing AAD. Conversely, administration of Anxa1 mimetic peptide, Ac2-26, rescued the AAD phenotype in Anxa1-/- mice. Transcriptomic studies revealed a novel role for Anxa1 in VSMC phenotype switching, with Anxa1 deficiency triggering the synthetic phenotype of VSMCs via down-regulation of the JunB/MYL9 pathway. The resultant VSMC synthetic phenotype rendered elevated inflammation and enhanced matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) production, leading to augmented elastin degradation. VSMC-restricted deficiency of Anxa1 in mice phenocopied VSMC phenotype switching and the consequent exacerbation of AAD. Finally, our studies in human AAD aortic specimens recapitulated key findings in murine AAD, specifically that the decrease of Anxa1 is associated with VSMC phenotype switch, heightened inflammation, and enhanced MMP production in human aortas. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that Anxa1 is a novel endogenous defender that prevents AAD by inhibiting VSMC phenotype switching, suggesting that Anxa1 signalling may be a potential target for AAD pharmacological therapy.

The rice terpene synthase gene OsTPS19 functions as an (S)-limonene synthase in planta, and its overexpression leads to enhanced resistance to the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae.

Rice blast disease, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is the most devastating disease of rice. In our ongoing characterization of the defence mechanisms of rice plants against M. oryzae, a terpene synthase gene OsTPS19 was identified as a candidate defence gene. Here, we report the functional characterization of OsTPS19, which is up-regulated by M. oryzae infection. Overexpression of OsTPS19 in rice plants enhanced resistance against M. oryzae, while OsTPS19 RNAi lines were more susceptible to the pathogen. Metabolic analysis revealed that the production of a monoterpene (S)-limonene was increased and decreased in OsTPS19 overexpression and RNAi lines, respectively, suggesting that OsTPS19 functions as a limonene synthase in planta. This notion was further supported by in vitro enzyme assays with recombinant OsTPS19, in which OsTPS19 had both sesquiterpene activity and monoterpene synthase activity, with limonene as a major product. Furthermore, in a subcellular localization experiment, OsTPS19 was localized in plastids. OsTPS19 has a highly homologous paralog, OsTPS20, which likely resulted from a recent gene duplication event. We found that the variation in OsTPS19 and OsTPS20 enzyme activities was determined by a single amino acid in the active site cavity. The expression of OsTPS20 was not affected by M. oryzae infection. This indicates functional divergence of OsTPS19 and OsTPS20. Lastly, (S)-limonene inhibited the germination of M. oryzae spores in vitro. OsTPS19 was determined to function as an (S)-limonene synthase in rice and plays a role in defence against M. oryzae, at least partly, by inhibiting spore germination.

Exploring the genetics of lesion and nodal resistance in pea (Pisum sativum L.) to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum using genome-wide association studies and RNA-Seq.

The disease white mold caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a significant threat to pea production, and improved resistance to this disease is needed. Nodal resistance in plants is a phenomenon where a fungal infection is prevented from passing through a node, and the infection is limited to an internode region. Nodal resistance has been observed in some pathosystems such as the pea (Pisum sativum L.)-S. sclerotiorum pathosystem. In addition to nodal resistance, different pea lines display different levels of stem lesion size restriction, referred to as lesion resistance. It is unclear whether the genetics of lesion resistance and nodal resistance are identical or different. This study applied genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and RNA-Seq to understand the genetic makeup of these two types of resistance. The time series RNA-Seq experiment consisted of two pea lines (the susceptible 'Lifter' and the partially resistant PI 240515), two treatments (mock inoculated samples and S. sclerotiorum-inoculated samples), and three time points (12, 24, and 48 hr post inoculation). Integrated results from GWAS and RNA-Seq analyses identified different redox-related transcripts for lesion and nodal resistances. A transcript encoding a glutathione S-transferase was the only shared resistance variant for both phenotypes. There were more leucine rich-repeat containing transcripts found for lesion resistance, while different candidate resistance transcripts such as a VQ motif-containing protein and a myo-inositol oxygenase were found for nodal resistance. This study demonstrated the robustness of combining GWAS and RNA-Seq for identifying white mold resistance in pea, and results suggest different genetics underlying lesion and nodal resistance.

Analysis of the first Taraxacum kok-saghyz transcriptome reveals potential rubber yield related SNPs.

Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TK) is a potential alternative crop for natural rubber (NR) production, due to its high molecular weight rubber, short breeding cycle, and diverse environmental adaptation. However, improvements in rubber yield and agronomically relevant traits are still required before it can become a commercially-viable crop. An RNA-Seq based transcriptome was developed from a pool of roots from genotypes with high and low rubber yield. A total of 55,532 transcripts with lengths over 200 bp were de novo assembled. As many as 472 transcripts were significantly homologous to 49 out of 50 known plant putative rubber biosynthesis related genes. 158 transcripts were significantly differentially expressed between high rubber and low rubber genotypes. 21,036 SNPs were different in high and low rubber TK genotypes. Among these, 50 SNPs were found within 39 transcripts highly homologous to 49 publically-searched rubber biosynthesis related genes. 117 SNPs were located within 36 of the differentially expressed gene sequences. This comprehensive TK transcriptomic reference, and large set of SNPs including putative exonic markers associated with rubber related gene homologues and differentially expressed genes, provides a solid foundation for further genetic dissection of rubber related traits, comparative genomics and marker-assisted selection for the breeding of TK.

Late onset radiation-induced constrictive pericarditis and cardiomyopathy after radiotherapy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a serious side effect of cancer treatment, including coronary artery disease, valvular cardiac dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, aortopathy, and chronic constrictive pericarditis. Herein, this case we present was diagnosed as radiation-induced constrictive pericarditis and cardiomyopathy by means of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and transthoracic echocardiogram, finally confirmed by pathology after performing heart transplant operation. CONCLUSIONS: This case supports a notion that RIHD often causes multiple heart impairment and CMR is helpful to diagnose cardiomyopathy after radiation.

Chloroplast genome resources and molecular markers differentiate rubber dandelion species from weedy relatives.

BACKGROUND: Rubber dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz, TK) is being developed as a domestic source of natural rubber to meet increasing global demand. However, the domestication of TK is complicated by its colocation with two weedy dandelion species, Taraxacum brevicorniculatum (TB) and the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale, TO). TB is often present as a seed contaminant within TK accessions, while TO is a pandemic weed, which may have the potential to hybridize with TK. To discriminate these species at the molecular level, and facilitate gene flow studies between the potential rubber crop, TK, and its weedy relatives, we generated genomic and marker resources for these three dandelion species. RESULTS: Complete chloroplast genome sequences of TK (151,338 bp), TO (151,299 bp), and TB (151,282 bp) were obtained using the Illumina GAII and MiSeq platforms. Chloroplast sequences were analyzed and annotated for all the three species. Phylogenetic analysis within Asteraceae showed that TK has a closer genetic distance to TB than to TO and Taraxacum species were most closely related to lettuce (Lactuca sativa). By sequencing multiple genotypes for each species and testing variants using gel-based methods, four chloroplast Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) variants were found to be fixed between TK and TO in large populations, and between TB and TO. Additionally, Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) resources developed for TO and TK permitted the identification of five nuclear species-specific SNP markers. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of chloroplast genomes of these three dandelion species, as well as chloroplast and nuclear molecular markers, will provide a powerful genetic resource for germplasm differentiation and purification, and the study of potential gene flow among Taraxacum species.

[Types and risk factors of arrhythmia on young patients with acute coronary syndrome in Henan province].

OBJECTIVE: The types and risk factors of arrhythmia were analyzed on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients under the age of 44 years who were hospitalized in Henan province between September 2009 to June 2012. METHODS: Medical records of eligible patients were obtained from the information system of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University teleconsultation information center. Middle aged and elderly ACS patients who were hospitalized at the same period served as controls. Data on arrhythmia types, blood pressure, thyroid disease, respiratory sleep apnea syndrome, smoking history, history of alcohol consumption, eating habits, family history of early-onset arrhythmia, laboratory tests were analyzed. RESULTS: (1) Arrhythmia was detected in 110 out of young ACS patients (55%), which was significantly lower than that in the elderly ACS patients (71.05%, P < 0.01). (2) The top three arrhythmias in young ACS patients were: sinus tachycardia (30.50%), the premature ventricular contractions (19.00%), atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation (16.50%). Incidence of sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation were significantly higher while incidence of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia were significantly lower in young ACS patients than in middle-aged ACS patients (all P < 0.05). The incidence of sinus tachycardia was higher while incidence of ventricular premature accelerated ventricular spontaneous cardiac rhythm, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, non-paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, nodal escape, atrioventricular block were significantly lower in young ACS patients than in elderly ACS patients (all P < 0.05). (3) Body mass index, incidence of smoking, coronary three-vessel disease, drinking, eating salty foods, thyroid dysfunction, sleep apnea were significantly higher in youth ACS patients with arrhythmia than in young ACS patients without arrhythmia (all P < 0. 05). (4) Logistic regression analysis found that number of diseased coronary vessels (OR = 24.293), smoking (OR = 1.112) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.039) were independent risk factor for developing arrhythmia in young ACS patients from Henan province. CONCLUSIONS: The main types of arrhythmia are sinus tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions, atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation and the major risk factors related to the arrhythmia are number of diseased coronary vessels, smoking and alcohol consumption in young ACS patients from Henan province.

Overexpression of a soybean salicylic acid methyltransferase gene confers resistance to soybean cyst nematode.

Salicylic acid plays a critical role in activating plant defence responses after pathogen attack. Salicylic acid methyltransferase (SAMT) modulates the level of salicylic acid by converting salicylic acid to methyl salicylate. Here, we report that a SAMT gene from soybean (GmSAMT1) plays a role in soybean defence against soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe, SCN). GmSAMT1 was identified as a candidate SCN defence-related gene in our previous analysis of soybean defence against SCN using GeneChip microarray experiments. The current study started with the isolation of the full-length cDNAs of GmSAMT1 from a SCN-resistant soybean line and from a SCN-susceptible soybean line. The two cDNAs encode proteins of identical sequences. The GmSAMT1 cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli. Using in vitro enzyme assays, E. coli-expressed GmSAMT1 was confirmed to function as salicylic acid methyltransferase. The apparent Km value of GmSAMT1 for salicylic acid was approximately 46 µM. To determine the role of GmSAMT1 in soybean defence against SCN, transgenic hairy roots overexpressing GmSAMT1 were produced and tested for SCN resistance. Overexpression of GmSAMT1 in SCN-susceptible backgrounds significantly reduced the development of SCN, indicating that overexpression of GmSAMT1 in the transgenic hairy root system could confer resistance to SCN. Overexpression of GmSAMT1 in transgenic hairy roots was also found to affect the expression of selected genes involved in salicylic acid biosynthesis and salicylic acid signal transduction.

[Population characteristics and impact on heart rate variability, heart rate and blood pressure of passive smoking].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the basic characteristics of passive smoking population, and the impact of passive smoking on heart rate variability, heart rate and blood pressure. METHODS: Eighty-six passive smokers [mean age: (52.4 ± 7.6) years] were recruited from patients and their relatives who visited cardiovascular outpatient department and excluded structural heart disease between June 2010 and June 2012, 80 normal subjects who were not exposed to smoking served as controls. Questionnaire survey, 24 hours ambulatory electrocardiogram examination and blood pressure measurement were performed in all recruited subjects. RESULTS: (1) Non-marriage rate [18.60% (16/86) vs. 3.75% (3/80), P < 0.01] was significantly higher while education level were significantly lower in passive smoking group than in control group. Passive smokers were more likely service industry workers [29.07% (25/86) vs. 15.00% (12/80), P < 0.05] and had longer daily working time [(7.56 ± 1.24) h vs. (6.02 ± 0.96) h, P < 0.01], and were less likely to be professional technology industry employers [20.93% (18/86) vs. 36.25% (29/80), P < 0.05] and managers [13.95% (12/86) vs. 38.75% (31/80), P < 0.01] compared to controls. The main place of passive smoking was workplace (67.44%, 58/86), entertainment venues (63.95%,55/86), restaurants (48.84%, 42/86). (2) Standard of the normal sinus RR intervals (SDNN), the normal consecutive sinus RR interval difference between the root-mean-square (rMSSD) and adjacent the difference between the RR interval>50 ms the number of share the percentage (PNN50) were significantly lower in passive smoking group than in the control group (all P < 0.05). Every 5 min average of the standard deviation of sinus RR cycle (SDNN index) and 24 h every 5 min sinus RR interval mean standard deviation (SDANN) were similar between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). Ultra-low-frequency power (VLF), low frequency power (LF), high frequency power (HF) and LF/HF were significantly lower in passive smoking group than in the control group (all P < 0.01). (3) Heart rate and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in passive smoking group than in control group (all P < 0.05) while systolic blood pressure was similar between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Marriage status, education level, profession and daily working time are independent determinants for passive smoking. Passive smoking mainly occurred in the workplace, entertainment venues and restaurants. Passive smoking is linked with reduced heart rate variability, increased 24 h average heart rate and diastolic blood pressure.

[Clinical characteristics of 22 cases of fungal infective endocarditis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics, treatment regimens and outcomes of the patients with fungal infective endocarditis. METHODS: An observational study was conducted at our hospital and recruited 22 consecutive patients with a definite diagnosis of fungal infective endocarditis. Their overall characteristics, treatments, complications and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 45 years with a slight male preponderance. Among them, 13 cases had healthcare-associated infective endocarditis and 1 patient was an intravenous drug user. Aortic valve (40.9%) was most commonly affected and it was followed by mitral valve (13.6%). The most common etiological agent was Candida (68.2%), followed by Aspergillus (22.7%). Risk factors include the prosthetic valve replacement surgery, impaired immune function, and so on. Major complications during the acute infective phase were also recorded, including heart failure, embolic events, uncontrolled infections and renal dysfunction. The overall hospital mortality rate was 40.9%. There were 15 patients with antifungal treatment, which including fluconazole, itraconazole, caspofungin acetate and voriconazole itraconazole. The remaining 7 patients (31.8%) underwent valve replacement surgery, including 3 cases of cardiac valve re-replacement. A better outcome was observed in patients on a combined regimen of medical and surgical therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal endocarditis is associated with more invasive interventions and immunocompromised patients. The incidence of embolic events and in-hospital mortality is still high in patients with fungal endocarditis, and the larger vegetation is more common. Heart failure, sepsis and repeated arterial embolization are the most common cause of death.

Comparison of characteristics and short-term outcome from fungal infective endocarditis in prosthetic valve endocarditis versus native valve endocarditis.

Fungal infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare, serious, and potentially lethal disease, yet its clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes remain poorly understood. A detailed comparative analysis of fungal prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) and native valve endocarditis (NVE) has not been performed. This study was designed to explore the general characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of patients with fungal IE in a Chinese hospital and compare these data between PVE and NVE. Four hundred ninety-three patients were admitted to Fuwai hospital from January 2002 to December 2010. Fungal IE accounted for 7% (32 cases) of cases. Of these patients, 19 (59%) patients had NVE, 12 (37%) PVE, and 1 (3%) cardiac device-related infective endocarditis (CDRIE). Candida albicans remained the predominant causative pathogen (47% of all IE). Patients with NVE, compared with PVE patients, were older (50 years vs 37 years, p = 0.034), had less frequent history of previous endocarditis (0 vs 25%, p = 0.049), and were more likely to have a history of diabetes (37% vs 0, p = 0.026) and be in an immunocompromised state (37% vs 0, p = 0.026). Nearly half of the patients died of refractory heart failure, followed by severe sepsis and stroke. In-hospital mortality rate was 38%, and the 3-month cumulative mortality rate was 47%. Recurrence of IE was more common in fungal PVE patients (42% vs 5%, p = 0.022) during the 90-day follow-up. In conclusion, fungal IE is associated with high mortality and recurrence rates. Surgery performed in selected cases may improve the outcomes, but the recurrence rate remains high.

Analysis of insect-induced volatiles from rice.

Plants emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from various organs. To understand the biological and ecological roles of plant VOCs as well as their biosynthesis, it is important to determine the quality and quantity of individual plant VOCs. Here we describe three techniques, including solid-phase microextraction, closed-loop stripping system, and an open dynamic system, for sampling volatiles emitted from insect-damaged rice plants. In addition, the protocol for using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to elucidate the chemical identities of rice volatiles is described.