ZmSMR10 Increases the Level of Endoreplication of Plants through Its Interactions with ZmPCNA2 and ZmCSN5B.

As a plant-specific endoreplication regulator, the SIAMESE-RELATED (SMR) family (a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor) plays an important role in plant growth and development and resistance to stress. Although the genes of the maize (Zea mays) SMR family have been studied extensively, the ZmSMR10 (Zm00001eb231280) gene has not been reported. In this study, the function of this gene was characterized by overexpression and silencing. Compared with the control, the transgenic plants exhibited the phenotypes of early maturation, dwarfing, and drought resistance. Expression of the protein in prokaryotes demonstrates that ZmSMR10 is a small protein, and the results of subcellular localization suggest that it travels functionally in the nucleus. Unlike ZmSMR4, yeast two-hybrid experiments demonstrated that ZmSMR10 does not interact strongly with with some cell cycle protein-dependent protein kinase (CDK) family members ZmCDKA;1/ZmCDKA;3/ZmCDKB1;1. Instead, it interacts strongly with ZmPCNA2 and ZmCSN5B. Based on these results, we concluded that ZmSMR10 is involved in the regulation of endoreplication through the interaction of ZmPCNA2 and ZmCSN5B. These findings provide a theoretical basis to understand the mechanism of the regulation of endoreplication and improve the yield of maize through the use of molecular techniques.

The Relationship of Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide (PaCO2) with Disease Severity Indicators Such as BODE and GOLD in Hospitalized COPD Patients.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship of partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) with BODE and GOLD in stable COPD subjects and to explore the predictive value of PaCO2 for severe COPD (BODE index score ≥5 or GOLD index score ≥3). Patients and Methods. In total, 80 participants with COPD and free from other conditions affecting PaCO2 were recruited. Arterial blood gases, BODE, GOLD, SGRQ, lung function, and other data were collected. The BODE index was calculated, and patients were divided into two groups according to the BODE index and PaCO2 median, respectively. We used Pearson's correlation test and the receiver operating characteristic curves to evaluate the utility of PaCO2. Besides, the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to verify whether PaCO2 was an independent factor associated with BODE grades. Results: COPD subjects with BODE ≥5 and GOLD ≥3 had significantly higher levels of PaCO2 (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, respectively). In the high PaCO2 group, patients underwent poorer outcomes than the low PaCO2 group. PaCO2 was negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second in percent of the predicted value (FEV1%) (r = -0.612, p < 0.001). The performance of PaCO2 levels in predicting BODE ≥5 and GOLD ≥3 was 0.748 and 0.755, respectively. The logistic regression analyses proved that PaCO2 was associated with BODE ≥5 in COPD patients (odds ratio = 1.160, 95% CI: 1.025-1.313, p = 0.019). Conclusions: A higher level of PaCO2 was associated with a higher index for BODE or GOLD in COPD and had the predictive value for severe COPD.

Unique changes in the retinal microvasculature reveal subclinical retinal impairment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PURPOSE: To determine the changes of the microvasculature and microstructure in the inner intra-retinal layers in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without lupus retinopathy (LR). METHODS: Thirty-two SLE patients (58 eyes) without LR (NLR), 14 patients (22 eyes) with LR and 50 healthy subjects (50 eyes) were enrolled. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography equipped with Angiovue was used to obtain three-dimensional retinal thickness maps and microvascular images of the superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses (SRCP/DRCP) around the macula. Quantitative analyses were performed using a custom automated algorithm. Disease activity of patients was assessed using the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). RESULTS: Retinal capillary skeleton density of the SRCP in SLE patients without LR was significantly lower than the controls in almost all regions, which further decreased in the LR group (P < .05). No significant changes were evident in DRCP of the NLR group (P > .05). The inner retina in the LR group was significantly thinner than the controls in most regions, though there were only a few regions that were different between the NLR and the control groups (P < .05). There were significant differences of the SLEDAI scores between the two SLE groups. CONCLUSION: Significantly lower density in SRCP and regional thinning in inner retina were observed in the SLE patients without clinical fundus changes. OCT equipped with Angiovue might be useful in evaluating the microvascular and microstructural disorders of the inner retinal layers in SLE patients, which may contribute a quantitative approach to the early diagnosis and progression of LR.

Use of chalazion clamp for excision of the eyelid margin lesion.

PURPOSE: Reconstruction after eyelid lesion excision is very important. It calls for preserving normal eyelid function for the protection of the eye and restoring good cosmesis. It is important to precisely align the tarsal plate. However, the unique anatomy of eyelids often makes haemostasis difficult and surgical field obscured. We report an effective method to solve this problem. METHOD: This retrospective study included 25 patients who underwent eyelid margin lesion excision using the chalazion clamp between March 2020 and October 2021. The chalazion clamp is placed on the desired location and tightened, providing a bloodless field for eyelid lesion removal. Without bleeding, visibility of the cut edges is improved considerably. It facilitates anatomical anastomosis of the tarsal plate. RESULTS: All 25 patients maintained normal eyelid function and good cosmesis, with no recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The use of the chalazion clamp during excision of the eyelid margin lesion could stabilize the eyelid, protect the eyeball from accidental injury and, and provide a clear bloodless operative field. It can ensure the neatness of the cut edges and offer better incision alignment for suture. It also avoids wasting too much time on haemostasis, without additional expensive equipment.

Reduced Retinal Microvascular Density Related to Activity Status and Serum Antibodies in Patients with Graves' Ophthalmopathy.

Objective: To investigate changes in retinal capillary density (RCD) that occur in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and explore their association with the clinical manifestations for GO.Material and Methods: A total of 125 participants (93 GO patients and 32 normal subjects) were enrolled. All participants underwent ophthalmology and endocrinology examinations. Retinal microvasculature was imaged by spectral domain optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCT-A). The RCDs in the superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses (SRCP and DRCP) were quantified by the custom software from the OCT-A images, which were divided into total annular zones (TAZ) and four quadrants. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the associations between RCD and the relevant factors.Results: Significant reduction was seen in the TAZ zone in SRCP and DRCP of GO group (P < .05) when compared to the healthy subjects; significant differences remained after adjustment of vascular relevant factors. According to the univariate analysis, the relevant factors of higher IOP, larger proptosis, higher clinical activity scoring (CAS), thyroid stimulating hormone-receptor autoantibodies (TRAb), and 131I therapy were significantly associated with decreased RCDs in GO patients (P < .05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that CAS and TRAb were the most important relevant factors for decreased RCDs.Conclusions: The RCD of GO patients was significantly decreased compared to the healthy controls. The activity status and serum antibodies associated with GO were the relevant factors for reduced RCD.

Reduced macular inner retinal thickness and microvascular density in the early stage of patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: The goal was to investigate changes of the inner intra-retinal layer thicknesses and retinal capillary density (RCD) around the macula in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients with or without dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). METHODS: Forty-four TAO patients including 23 non-DON and 21 DON patients, and 38 healthy participants were enrolled. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography equipped with Angiovue was used to obtain three-dimensional retinal thickness maps and microvascular images of the superficial and deep retinal capillary layers (SRCL and DRCL, respectively) around the macula. Quantitative analyses were performed using a custom automated algorithm. RESULTS: The thicknesses of the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer, and ganglion cell complex (GCC) as well as the RCDs in the SRCL and DRCL in both TAO groups were significantly decreased compared to the controls. In addition, the RCDs in DRCL of the DON group were further decreased compared to the non-DON group. GCC thickness in both TAO groups was positively correlated with the RCDs of the SRCL in the total annular zone and in the temporal, inferior, and nasal sectors. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the GCC thickness combined with the RCD were generally larger than those of each single indicator. CONCLUSIONS: Thinned inner intra-retinal layers and decreased RCDs in the TAO patients without DON revealed that morphological changes might precede visual dysfunction. The composite index of the retinal structure and the microvascular density might be valuable in the diagnosing, monitoring, and intervention for early DON.