Comparative Transcriptome and Widely Targeted Metabolome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of Powdery Mildew Resistance in Tomato.

Powdery mildew is a serious problem in tomato production; therefore, the PM-resistant tomato inbred line, '63187', and the susceptible tomato variety, 'Moneymaker (MM)', were used as experimental materials for the combined analysis of transcriptome and widely targeted metabolome on tomato leaves at 0 h post inoculation (hpi), 12 hpi, and 48 hpi. The results indicated that 276 genes were expressed in all treatments, and the K-means cluster analysis showed that these genes were divided into eight classes in '63187' and ten classes in 'MM'. KEGG enrichment showed that amino acid metabolism, signal transduction, energy metabolism, and other secondary metabolites biosynthesis pathways were significantly enriched. Interestingly, the analysis of WRKY family transcription factors (TFs) showed that the expression of four TFs in '63187' increased with no obvious change in 'MM'; and the expression of one TF in 'MM' increased with no obvious change in '63187'. The combined analysis revealed that both phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were enriched in '63187' and 'MM'. In '63187', six metabolites involved in this pathway were downregulated, and four genes were highly expressed, while in 'MM', three metabolites were upregulated, four metabolites were downregulated, and ten genes were highly expressed. These metabolites and genes might be candidates for PM resistance or susceptibility in subsequent studies. These results provide favorable molecular information for the study of the different resistances of tomatoes to PM, and they provide a basis for the breeding of tomato varieties resistant to PM.

Nematicidal activity of volatile organic compounds produced by Bacillus altitudinis AMCC 1040 against Meloidogyne incognita.

The application of nematicidal microorganisms and their virulence factors provides more opportunities to control root-knot nematodes. Bacillus altitudinis AMCC 1040, previously isolated from suppressive soils, showed significant nematicidal activity, and in this study, nematicidal substances produced by Bacillus altitudinis AMCC 1040 were investigated. The results of the basic properties of active substances showed that these compounds have good thermal stability and passage, are resistant to acidic environment and sensitive to alkaline conditions. Further analysis showed that it is a volatile component. Using HS-SPME-GC/MS, the volatile compounds produced by Bacillus altitudinis AMCC 1040 were identified and grouped into four major categories: ethers, alcohols, ketone, and organic acids, comprising a total of eight molecules. Six of them possess nematicidal activities, including 2,3-butanedione, acetic acid, 2-isopropoxy ethylamine, 3-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid and octanoic acid. Our results further our understanding of the effects of Bacillus altitudinis and its nematicidal metabolites on the management of Meloidogyne incognita and may help in finding less toxic nematicides to control root knot nematodes.

Combining multiple Bacillus spp. with fish protein hydrolysates mitigates root rot (Fusarium solani) and improves cucumber seedlings growth and substrate nutrients.

AIMS: The effect of Bacillus strains combined with fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs) on cucumber root rot disease, seedlings growth and substrate nutrients was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: We isolated three strains capable of mitigating cucumber root rot disease, XY-1 and XY-13 strains were identified as B. amyloliquefaciens, and XY-53 strain as B. subtilis. In the absence of bacteria, The 200×dilution (5 ml L-1 ) of FPHs was the optimum concentration for improving cucumber seedlings growth. In vivo antibiosis tests showed that combined bacteria alongside FPHs inhibited the pathogen growth by 85%~90%, higher than individual bacteria. The FPHs combined either with XY-1 and XY-53 strains or with XY-13 and XY-53 strains promoted seedlings growth under infection, whereas FPHs combined with a mixture of XY-1, XY-13 and XY-53 strains showed the highest total phosphorus and organic matter content in substrate. Moreover, FPHs combined with XY-53 strain increased urease activity, while combined either with XY-13 and XY-53 strains or with XY-1, XY-13 and XY-53 strains increased sucrase activity under infection. CONCLUSIONS: FPHs combined with B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis had great potential to suppress growth of root rot and promote cucumber seedlings and increase substrate nutrient content. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Co-inoculation of B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis with addition of FPHs is a good strategy for maintaining healthy crops.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis with elevated serum IgG4 concentrations is not equivalent to IgG4 Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

BACKGROUND: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) with serum IgG4 concentrations greater than 135 mg/dL can be diagnosed as elevated serum IgG4 HT. HT can also be classified into IgG4 HT and non-IgG4 HT based on an immunohistochemistry analysis of IgG4. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between elevated serum IgG4 HT and IgG4 HT. METHOD: Both thyroid tissues and serum samples stored before pathological examination from 93 patients with HT were collected. The serum levels of IgG, IgG4, TgAb IgG, TgAb IgG4, TPOAb IgG and TPOAb IgG4 were measured by ELISAs. The expression levels of IgG4, IgG and TGF-ß1 in thyroid tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Patients with HT were divided into two groups: elevated serum IgG4 HT (n = 12) and nonelevated serum IgG4 HT (n = 81). Hypothyroidism was found in 5 of 12 cases (41.7%) in the elevated serum IgG4 HT group and 10 of 81 cases (12.3%) in the nonelevated serum IgG4 HT group (P = .023). Serologically, there were no significant differences in the levels of TgAb IgG, TPOAb IgG, TgAb IgG4 and TPOAb IgG4 between the two groups, and the expression of TGF-ß1 in thyroid tissues was not significantly different between the groups. Most importantly, the frequency of patients who satisfied the criteria for IgG4 HT diagnosis was comparable (25% vs 20.9%, P = .756). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of serum IgG4 allows the identification of patients with HT closely associated with hypothyroidism. However, our study demonstrated that elevated serum IgG4 HT is not equivalent to IgG4 HT.

[Establishment of reference ranges for thyroid-related indicators in normal pregnant women].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the gestational age-specific reference ranges for thyroid-related indicators of pregnant women in our hospital, especially for serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the first trimester. METHODS: A total of 548 pregnant women in the first trimester were collected in Peking University First Hospital from June 2013 to April 2014. Among them, 254 pregnant women with single fetus who conformed to the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry criteria, without adverse pregnancy outcomes and obstetric complications, were enrolled in the current study. To establish their own self-sequential longitudinal reference intervals, serum TSH, total thyroxine (TT4) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were measured using Siemens detection kits during three different trimesters. Urine iodine (UI) was measured using digestion instrument in some of the pregnant women. RESULTS: The gestational age-specific reference ranges for thyroid-related indicators of pregnant women in our hospital were as follows: in the first trimester: TSH 0.23-4.08 mU/L, TT4 92.59-186.25 nmol/L, FT4 13.36-20.81 pmol/L; in the second trimester: TSH 0.78-4.25 mU/L, TT4 103.20-180.95 nmol/L, FT4 11.57-16.62 pmol/L; in the third trimester: TSH 0.65-4.52 mU/L, TT4 78.20-174.70 nmol/L, FT4 10.01-20.57 pmol/L. The median level of TSH during 7 to 12 weeks of gestational age was lower than that of 4 to 6 weeks, but with no significant statistical difference (P=0.063). The medians of UI during three trimesters of pregnancy were 211.60 µg/L, 195.55 µg/L and 198.65 µg/L, respectively, which were all classified as adequate iodine status. CONCLUSIONS: The gestational age-specific reference ranges for thyroid-related indicators are different from the kits' reference ranges, which are also different among the three trimesters. It may be more reasonable to establish different reference ranges for thyroid-related indicators at 4 to 6 weeks and 7 to 12 weeks in the first trimester separately.

The expression of Fcγ receptors in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

The pathophysiological mechanism underlying Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is still unclear. Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) are diagnostic hallmarks of HT. These IgG antibodies regulate the balance of immunologic tolerance and autoimmunity via Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). The aim of our study was to investigate the role of FcγRs in the pathogenesis of HT. The percentage of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HT patients bearing FcγRII was significantly lower than that seen in healthy donors, and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) value of FcγRII on PBMCs from HT patients was significantly higher. The percentage of PBMCs positive for FcγRIII also was significantly higher in HT patients, and the percentage of B cells bearing FcγRIIB in HT patients was significantly lower than that seen in healthy donors. Our study therefore provides evidence for FcγRs, especially FcγRIIB, being involved in the pathogenesis of HT.

[A clinical analysis of 21 cases of adrenal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To elaborate the clinical characteristics of adrenal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and to expand the clinical thinking of adrenal tumors. METHODS: Subjects with adrenal tumors and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas between January. 1994 and December.2012 in Peking University First Hospital retrospectively were included and these with adrenal lymphoma patients were analyzed in the present study. RESULTS: Among 1100 adrenal tumors and 1 002 non-hodgkin's lymphomas, 21 patients (aged 35 to 80 years, mean 56 years) were diagnosed as having adrenal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with 14 males and 7 females. Among the 21 patients, 15 were with pain on the waist and the back, 3 with fever, 1 had weight loss. Two patients were diagnosed by regular health examination. Only 2 subjects accompanied by superficial lymph node enlargement, while 10 by abdominal cavity lymph node enlargement.Eleven subjects were with extranodal involvement. Bilateral adrenal were involved in 8 patients with 9 on the left and 4 the right. The average diameter of the masses was 7.2 cm. There were no specific features in conventional imaging such as CT and MRI scan. All of the 21 cases were found normal adrenal function by endocrinological examinations. Pathology reviewed that 18 of 21 were diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 2 were T cell lymphoma, 1 were anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Only 7 of 21 cases were diagnosed with adrenal lymphoma pre-operation. Seventeen patients were followed up by telephone in September 2014, in which 14 died and the average survival time was 5.5 months, 2 were tumor-free survival for 4 and 10 months respectively, 1 were currently undergoing chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Adrenal lymphoma is rare with less superficial lymph node, more bilateral adrenal involved with high malignant degree. It progressed quickly with poor prognosis. Clinical and imaging features were not specific, so misdiagnosis was very common. Pathology is the diagnostic gold standard. The most common type was diffuse large B cell type.

[Distribution of IgG subclasses of TgAb and TPOAb in sera from patients with Graves' disease, Graves' disease plus Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Hashimoto's thyrotoxicosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the distribution of IgG subclasses of TgAb and TPOAb in sera from patients with Graves' disease (GD), Graves' disease plus Hashimoto's thyroiditis (GH) and Hashimoto's thyrotoxicosis. METHODS: Patients with GD (n = 33), GH (n = 31) or Hashimoto's thyrotoxicosis (n = 18) diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology at Department of Endocrinology of Peking University First Hospital, Beijing Haidian Hospital, China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Civil Aviation General Hospital during the period from January 2010 to May 2013 were enrolled. All of them had TgAb and TPOAb. The total serum IgG and IgG subclasses of TgAb and TPOAb were detected by antigen-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The prevalence and relative amount of IgG subclasses were calculated and compared among three groups. RESULTS: The levels of TRAb in GD group (21.80(7.53, 40) U/L) were significantly higher than those in GH (7.30(3.10, 25.40) U/L) (P = 0.000) and Hashimoto's thyrotoxicosis groups (4.90(1.69, 16.43) U/L) (P = 0.003). And no significant differences were found in the levels of TgAb and TPOAb. The prevalence of TgAb IgG3 subclass in Hashimoto's thyrotoxicosis group (66.7%) was higher than GD group (35.5%) and GH group (36.4%) and the difference was close to significance (P = 0.066). There were significant differences of relative amount of TgAb IgG2 and TgAb IgG4 among three groups (P = 0.039 and 0.013), and GD patients had higher relative amounts of TgAb IgG2 (0.59(0.34, 0.94)) and TgAb IgG4 (0.57(0.28, 0.97)) than GH patients (TgAb IgG2, 0.31(0.23, 0.34); TgAb IgG4, 0.26(0.09, 0.48)) or patients with Hashimoto's thyrotoxicosis (TgAb IgG2, 0.32(0.24, 0.83); TgAb IgG4, 0.33(0.10, 0.65)) (for TgAb IgG2, P = 0.009 and 0.167; for TgAb IgG4, P = 0.005 and 0.041 respectively). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of each TPOAb IgG subclass. The difference of relative amount of TPOAb IgG2 among three groups was close to significance (P = 0.069). And the relative amount was higher in sera from GD patients (0.39 ± 0.04) than that in GH patients (0.29 ± 0.13) or patients with Hashimoto's thyrotoxicosis (0.26 ± 0.02) (P = 0.104 and 0.002 respectively). CONCLUSION: The patients with high levels of TgAb IgG2, TgAb IgG4 and TPOAb IgG2 subclasses have a greater risk of GD. The IgG subclass distribution of TgAb and TPOAb might help to differentiate the causes of thyrotoxicosis in autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Study on CAT activity of tomato leaf cells under salt stress based on microhyperspectral imaging and transfer learning algorithm.

Salt stress easily leads to oxidative stress and promotes the catalase (CAT) response in tomato leaves. For the changes in catalase activity in leaf subcells, there is a need for a visual in situ detection method and mechanism analysis. This paper, taking catalase in leaf subcells under salt stress as the starting point, describes the use of microscopic hyperspectral imaging technology to dynamically detect and study catalase activity from a microscopic perspective, and lay the theoretical foundation for exploring the detection limit of catalase activity under salt stress. In this study, a total of 298 microscopic images were obtained under different concentrations of salt stress (0 g/L, 1 g/L, 2 g/L, 3 g/L) in the spectral range of 400-1000 nm. With the increase in salt solution concentration and the advancement of the growth period, the CAT activity value increased. Regions of interest were extracted according to the reflectance of the samples, and the model was established by combining CAT activity. The characteristic wavelength was extracted by five methods (SPA, IVISSA, IRFJ, GAPLSR and CARS), and four models (PLSR, PCR, CNN and LSSVM) were established according to the characteristic wavelengths. The results show that the random sampling (RS) method was better for the selection samples of the correction set and prediction set. Raw wavelengths are optimized as the pretreatment method. The partial least-squares regression model based on the IRFJ method is the best, and the coefficient of correlation (Rp) and root mean square error of the prediction set (RMSEP) are 0.81 and 58.03 U/g, respectively. According to the ratio of microarea area to the area of the macroscopic tomato leaf slice, the Rp and RMSEP of the prediction model for the detection of microarea cells are 0.71 and 23.00 U/g, respectively. Finally, the optimal model was used for quantitative visualization analysis of CAT activity in tomato leaves, and the distribution of CAT activity was consistent with its color trend. The results show that it is feasible to detect the CAT activity in tomato leaves by microhyperspectral imaging combined with stoichiometry.

Comparative analysis of chloroplast genomes of 29 tomato germplasms: genome structures, phylogenetic relationships, and adaptive evolution.

In order to compare and analyze the chloroplast (cp) genomes of tomato germplasms and understand their phylogenetic relationships, the cp genomes of 29 tomato germplasms were sequenced and analyzed in this study. The results showed highly conserved characteristics in structure, number of gene and intron, inverted repeat regions, and repeat sequences among the 29 cp genomes. Moreover, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci with high polymorphism located at 17 fragments were selected as candidate SNP markers for future studies. In the phylogenetic tree, the cp genomes of tomatoes were clustered into two major clades, and the genetic relationship between S. pimpinellifolium and S. lycopersicum was very close. In addition, only rps15 showed the highest average K A/K S ratio in the analysis of adaptive evolution, which was strongly positively selected. It may be very important for the study of adaptive evolution and breeding of tomato. In general, this study provides valuable information for further study of phylogenetic relationships, evolution, germplasm identification, and molecular marker-assisted selection breeding of tomato.

Compost Addition Attenuates the Negative Impacts of High Soil Mineral Nitrogen Levels on Rhizosphere Microbial Characteristics and Enhances Cucumber Growth in Monoculture Systems.

Due to the increase in the human population, it is necessary to seek efficient methods of increasing crop productivity and, simultaneously, sustaining the soil. One way is to grow high demand crops continuously without rotating with other crops. This practice is often accompanied by increased rates of fertilizer application that can affect efficient nitrogen (N) cycling in the plant rhizosphere soil which, in turn, affects both plant growth and environmental pollution. In the present study, twelve various cucumber soils were selected from monoculture systems presenting different cropping years and divided into two groups including soils with relatively high mineral N (HMN) content (N > 100 mg kg−1 soil) and those with a lower mineral N (LMN) content (N < 100 mg kg−1 soil). All soils were amended with the addition of compost alone or in combination with bacterial inoculation to evaluate their effects on plant growth, microbial numbers, N mineralization, and N cycling genes. In general, the HMN soils increased (p < 0.05) net N mineralization (NNM) but did not statistically (p > 0.05) affect plant biomass compared to the LMN soils; however, compost addition increased both NNM and plant biomass in the HMN soils. In addition, the HMN soils had higher fungal pathogen numbers (FPNs) but lower total microbial biomass (TMB) and bacterial numbers (BNs) compared to the LMN soils; however, compost addition decreased FPNs but increased TMB and BNs in the HMN soils (all p < 0.05). Plant biomass was positively related to TMB, BN and NNM but was negatively related to FPN (all p < 0.05). In summary, compost addition reduced the high mineral N levels' adverse effects on the rhizosphere soil and plant growth.

Biodegradable Films Prepared from Pulp Lignocellulose Adhesives of Urea Formaldehyde Resin Modified by Biosulfonate.

Traditional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film causes environmental pollution; there is a pressing need to make new bio-based polymers for alternative products, to meet agricultural production needs and for sustainable ecological development. In this study, urea-formaldehyde resin (UF) was modified with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and 1-2.5% bio-based sulfonate (BBS). The influence of BBS inducing on the functional groups, microstructure, and thermal behavior was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A biodegradable film was prepared with modified UF resin as adhesive and pulp lignocellulose as raw material. The biodegradable mulch film samples were tested for biodegradability, water retention, and cooling soil temperature characters using LDPE and no mulching (NM) as a control. The results showed that with the increase of BBS content, the viscosity and reactivity of modified PUF resin increased, and the free formaldehyde content decreased. A 2%BBS modified PUF resin (2.0BBS/PUF) accelerated the curing process of the PUF resin, formed a flexible macromolecular network structure, and enhanced the toughness of the resin. The biodegradable mulch prepared with PUF, BBS, and 2.0BBS/PUF as adhesives had good water retention. BBS modification increased the degradation rate of mulch by 17.53% compared to the PUF. Three biodegradable films compared with LDPE and NM significantly reduced the soil temperature under summer cucumber cultivation, and the 2.0BBS/PUF coating had the lowest diurnal temperature difference, which provided a suitable soil environment for crop growth.

Tomato salt tolerance mechanisms and their potential applications for fighting salinity: A review.

One of the most significant environmental factors affecting plant growth, development and productivity is salt stress. The damage caused by salt to plants mainly includes ionic, osmotic and secondary stresses, while the plants adapt to salt stress through multiple biochemical and molecular pathways. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most widely cultivated vegetable crops and a model dicot plant. It is moderately sensitive to salinity throughout the period of growth and development. Biotechnological efforts to improve tomato salt tolerance hinge on a synthesized understanding of the mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance. This review provides a comprehensive review of major advances on the mechanisms controlling salt tolerance of tomato in terms of sensing and signaling, adaptive responses, and epigenetic regulation. Additionally, we discussed the potential application of these mechanisms in improving salt tolerance of tomato, including genetic engineering, marker-assisted selection, and eco-sustainable approaches.

Multiple Subchondral Bone Cysts Cause Deterioration of Articular Cartilage in Medial OA of Knee: A 3D Simulation Study.

AIMS: To investigate the impact of subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) in stress-induced osseous and articular variations in cystic and non-cystic knee models using finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3D knee joint models were reconstructed from computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Duplicate 3D models were also created with a 3D sphere mimicking SBCs in medial tibia. Models were divided into three groups. In group A, a non-cystic knee model was used, whereas in groups B and C, SBCs of 4 and 12 mm size were simulated, respectively. Cyst groups were further divided into three sub-groups. Each of sub-group 1 was composed of a solitary SBC in the anterior half of tibia adjacent to joint line. In sub-group 2, a solitary cyst was modeled at a lower-joint location, and in sub-group 3, two SBCs were used. All models were vertically loaded with weights representing double- and single-leg stances. RESULTS: During single-leg stance, increase in subchondral bone stress in sub-groups B-1 and B-3 were significant (p = 0.044, p = 0.026). However, in sub-group B-2, a slight increase was observed than non-cystic knee model (9.93 ± 1.94 vs. 9.35 ± 1.85; p = 0.254). All the sub-groups in group C showed significantly increased articular stress (p < 0.001). Conversely, a prominent increase in peri-cystic cancellous bone stress was produced by SBCs in groups B and C (p < 0.001). Mean cartilage shear stress in sub-groups B-1 and B-2 (0.66 ± 0.56, 0.58 ± 0.54) was non-significant (p = 0.374, p = 0.590) as compared to non-cystic model (0.47 ± 0.67). But paired cysts of the same size (B-3) produced a mean stress of 0.98 ± 0.49 in affected cartilage (p = 0.011). Models containing 12 mm SBCs experienced a significant increase in cartilage stress (p = 0.001, p = 0.006, p < 0.001) in sub-groups C-1, C-2, and C-3 (1.25 ± 0.69, 1.01 ± 0.54, and 1.26 ± 0.59), respectively. CONCLUSION: The presence of large-sized SBCs produced an increased focal stress effect in articular cartilage. Multiple cysts further deteriorate the condition by increased osseous stress effect and high tendency of peripheral cyst expansion in simulated cystic knee models than non-cystic knee models.

Comprehensive biomechanical analysis of three clinically used fixation constructs for posterior malleolar fractures using cadaveric and finite element analysis.

Different fixation modalities are available for fixation of posterior malleolar fractures (PMFs), but the best method is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to carry out a comparative biomechanical analysis of three commonly used fixation constructs for PMFs using experimental and finite element analysis (FEA). 15 human cadaveric ankle specimens were randomly divided into three groups. Specimens in group-A were fixed with two anteroposterior (AP) lag screws, group-B with two posteroanterior (PA) lag screws, and for group-C, a posterior plate was used. Each model was subjected to axial load. Outcomes included loads for 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm vertical displacements of posterior fragments were noted. 3D FE models were reconstructed from computed tomography (CT) images and subjected to vertical loads. The model's stress, fracture step-off, and resultant strains in implants were also studied in 3D FE models. Significantly higher amounts of mean compressive loads were observed to cause the same amount of vertical displacements in plate group (265 ± 60.21 N, 796 ± 57.27 N, 901.18 ± 8.88 N, 977.26 ± 13.04 N) than AP (102.7 ± 16.78 N, 169.5 ± 19.91 N, 225.32 ± 15.92 N, 269.32 ± 17.29 N) and PA (199.88 ± 31.43 N, 362.80 ± 28.46 N, 431.3 ± 28.12 N, 541.86 ± 36.05 N) lag screws respectively (P < 0.05). Simulated micro-motion analysis demonstrated that fracture step-off values in plate group (0.03 ± 0.001 mm, 0.06 ± 0.003 mm and 0.13 ± 0.010 mm) were the lowest among the three groups (P < 0.001). The cancellous bone showed the highest amount of stress in AP and PA lag groups respectively, whereas the lowest stress was noted in the plate-group. This biomechanical study concluded that posterior plating is biomechanically the most stable fixation construct for PMFs fixation. AP and PA lag screws with higher bone stress and fracture step-off values have a high tendency of bone cut-through and loss of fixation respectively.

[Clinical features of hypokalemic periodic paralysis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical features of hypokalemic periodic paralysis, and compare clinical features of primary group with those of thyrotoxicosis secondary group. METHODS: Clinical data of 44 patients with hypokalemic periodic paralysis in Peking University First Hospital from 1996 December to 2008 December were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: There were 22 patients in primary group, and 22 in thyrotoxicosis group. Identical clinical features of both the groups: (1)It had a predilection in young men. (2)Main symptoms were limb movement disorder and fatigue, and paralysis recurrent attacked in most patients. (3) 40.9% to 68.2% patients had obvious incentives, and the common ones were a heavy meal, sweet drinks, or strenuous exercise. (4) Serum potassium levels of the two groups were obviously lower than the normal range. (5)In 20% patients of primary group and 25% patients of thyrotoxicosis secondary group, CK levels were higher than normal, while LDH and HBDH levels were normal. (6)The doses of potassium replishment were not correlated to serum potassium levels at the onset. Different clinical features of the two groups: (1) Patients of thyrotoxicosis group had hypermetabolism symptoms and thyroid dysfunction. Patients of primary group had no hypermetabolism symptoms, and all of them were euthyroid. (2)Serum potassium levels of thyrotoxicosis secondary group were lower than those of primary group significantly [(2.25 +/- 0.67) vs (2.78 +/- 0.49) mmol/L, P=0.007]. (3) Hyperkalemia is easier than primary group to rebound in thyrotoxicosis secondary group, after replenishment of potassium. CONCLUSION: Hypokalemic periodic paralysis has its clinical features, and patients with early diagnosis and replenishment of potassium in time have good prognosis. The doses of potassium replenishment are not determined by serum potassium levels at the onset. Hyperkalemia is easier to rebound in thyrotoxicosis secondary group after replenishment of potassium, serum potassium levels should be monitored closely, and hyperthyrosis radically cured.

[Spontaneous pregnancy in a patient with lymphocytic hypophysitis].

Lymphocytic hypophysitis(LH) is a rare but increasingly recognized autoimmune endocrine condition that causes partial or total hypopituitarism and is often associated with peripartum young women. We here report a 28-year-old patient who had a spontaneous and uneventful pregnancy following LH that had been treated with transspenoidal surgery and followed by anti-inflammatory agent. The woman failed to lactate and developed frontal headaches 3 months after normal delivery of her first child 3 years ago. Lab test showed the reduced concentrations of thyroxine, estradial and cortisol, suggesting hypopituitarism. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with contrast was performed and showed a uniformly enhancing pituitary mass with elevated optic chiasm. She underwent transsphenoidal surgery and histological examination of the resected specimen was consistent with lymphocytic hypophysitis. Anti-inflamation was started with prednisolone 40 mg per day because of a recurrence of headache that had completely recovered after surgery and regularly withdrawn to a long term maintenance dose of 10 mg per day. Physiological thyroxine replacement therapy was maintained. Her menstruation was restored without sex hormone replacement after 3 months. Three years after surgery, she got pregnant spontaneously and had normal breastfeeding after delivery. LH did not recur during this peripartum.

A population-based study on prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a stratified random sampling method was used for collecting samples in the Tibet Autonomous Region. A total of 10,000 individuals were selected from October 2016 to June 2017. A previously-published, validated questionnaire including six items related to the symptoms of GERD was used for evaluating GERD. In addition, basic demographic data, lifestyle, dietary habits, medical history and family history of GERD were investigated to identify risk factors of GERD. RESULTS: A total of 5,680 completed questionnaires were collected and analyzed. The prevalence of GERD in this area was 10.8%. Age (30-40 years vs. under 18 years, odds ratio (OR): 3.025; 40-50 years vs. under 18 years, OR: 4.484), education level (high school vs. primary, OR: 0.698; university vs. primary, OR: 2.804), ethnic group (Han vs. Tibetan, OR: 0.230; others vs. Tibetan, OR: 0.304), altitude of residence (4.0-4.5 km vs. 2.5-3.0 km, OR: 2.469), length of residence (<5 years vs. ≥5 years, OR: 2.218), Tibetan sweet tea (yes vs. no, OR: 2.158), Tibetan barley wine (yes vs. no, OR: 1.271), Tibetan dried meat (yes vs. no, OR: 1.278) and staying up late (yes vs. no, OR: 1.223) were significantly (all P < 0.05) and independently associated with GERD. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of GERD is high in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Geographic conditions, ethnic group and lifestyle are risk factors for GERD.

Transcriptional changes during tomato ripening and influence of brackish water irrigation on fruit transcriptome and sugar content.

Efficient management and utilization of brackish water irrigation help to minimize yield losses and promote fruit quality and sugar content in tomato fruit. However, the functional genes involved in sugar metabolic pathways and potential molecular pathways responsive to brackish water irrigation remain unknown. To this end, physiological responses and comparative transcriptional profiling was used to analyze the tomato fruit during the white-ripe period (CK1) and mature period (CK2) in plants grown under four water management strategies (rotating irrigation with brackish and fresh water during fruit development, T1; fresh water irrigation, T2; mixed brackish and fresh water irrigation, T3; mixed water and fresh water irrigation in sequence, T4). Comparative analysis revealed that during fruit development (CK2 cv CK1) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in photosynthetic pathways and sucrose-starch metabolism were downregulated. However, two DEGs encoding putative beta-fructofuranosidases were significantly upregulated at the mature stage, which promoted the accumulation of glucose and fructose in CK2. Comparing four types of management strategies, rotating irrigation with brackish water and fresh water (T1) led to reprograming of global gene expression. Moreover, the upregulated DEGs in T1 were significantly enriched for signaling, hormone metabolism, and stress tolerance, suggesting the coordination of both stresses signaling as well as the plant hormone. These results provide a valuable reference for rational use of brackish water in the production of high-quality tomato in arid and semi-arid regions.

Two column classification of tibial plateau fractures; description, clinical application and reliability.

PURPOSE: In this era of life highly comminuted and multi planar tibial plateau fractures involving the posterior corners are more commonly seen and addressed in the literature than before. Among these several types have not been described in the currently used classification systems. In fact simple classification systems ignore several fracture types and leniently grouped the fractures with different mechanism, morphology, treatment modalities and prognosis in same category. On the other hand, more extensive nature classifications with detailed subdivisions are difficult to remember for clinicians. The clinical reliability of these classifications is another problem. All these issues demand the potential need of a new classification. The aim of this study was to describe a quadrant specific two column classification of tibial plateau fractures and to analyse its inter-observer and intra-observer reliability, clinical assessment and application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2015, 44 patients with tibial plateau fractures were studied retrospectively. The antero-posterior (AP), lateral X-rays and computed tomography (CT) with axial transverse, sagittal, coronal and three dimensional (3D) reconstruction images were performed for all the patients. All of the fractures were categorized according to quadrant specific two column classification and the traditional Schatzker's classification. The comparative analysis for inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of the new classification and the Schatzker's classification was conducted by four observers. RESULTS: Three cases didn't match any type in the Schatzker's classification. While on the other hand, all cases were classified by two column classification. The mean kappa values for inter-observer reliability by using the Schatzker's classification was 0.723 (range, 0.674-0.823), representing substantial agreement, whereas the mean kappa value was 0.939 (range: 0.897-0.974), representing almost perfect agreement according to two column classification. The mean kappa values for intra-observer reliability using the Schatzker's classification and two column classification were 0.789 (range: 0.590-0.864) and 0.955 (range:0.923-0.948) showing substantial agreement and almost perfect agreement. CONCLUSION: The quadrant specific two column classification is anatomically oriented, CT based and clinically valid. The different fracture types according to anatomic location are represented alphanumerically so that treatment matched to specific fracture type (quadrant specific anatomic fixation) for optimal outcomes. Furthermore, it demonstrates higher inter-observer and intra-observer reliability. This classification can be adopted to strengthen the traditional Schatzker's classification, particularly in the multi planar and posteriorly extended plateau fractures. It can be used as a reliable research tool. The database can be used to distinguish different fracture types, individual type incidences, specific treatment and also prognosis. Authors suggest a large multi-centre study.