Conductivity enhancement of Ag nanowire ink by decoratingin situformed Ag particles under low-temperature sintering.

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) have attractive applications in the fabrication of flexible electronics because of their adequate electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, and oxidation resistance. However, the film produced by AgNW ink needs to be sintered at temperatures above 200 °C to obtain high electrical conductivity, which is incompatible with commonly used flexible substrates such as paper or polymer materials. In this study, the AgNW network was decorated byin situreduced Ag particles (AgPs) to improve the structural integrity and conductivity of the film. After sintering at 80 °C, the pores and voids within the AgNW network were filled with Ag particles smaller than 200 nm, and the porosity of the film was markedly reduced. The lowest resistivity value was 3.9 × 10-5Ω cm after sintering at 100 °C, only 10.8% and 8.5% of the resistivity values of the films produced from AgNW and ion inks, respectively. During sintering, Ag nucleated on the surface of AgNWs, and its growth and agglomeration resulted in interconnections between the AgNWs and Ag particles. Thereafter, the bridging and filling effect of the Ag particles facilitated the formation of a compact and firm network, improving the film conductivity. The line film printed from the composite ink with 10 layers exhibited a low resistivity of 7.3 × 10-7Ω·m. Even after 5000 bending cycles, the resistivity of the line only increased by 4.47 × 10-6Ω·cm from the initial value. The composite ink reported in this study is a promising candidate for the low-cost printing of ultralow-power-consumption wearable electronic devices.

Comparison of the efficacy of parent-mediated NDBIs on developmental skills in children with ASD and fidelity in parents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recently, studies on behavioral interventions for autism have gained popularity. Naturalistic Developmental Behavior Interventions (NDBIs) are among the most effective, evidence-based, and widely used behavior interventions for autism. However, no research has been conducted on which of the several NDBI methods is most effective for parents and children with autism spectrum disorders. Therefore, we conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the specific effects of each type of parental-mediated NDBI on children's developmental skills and parent fidelity. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), CINAHL, and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to August 30, 2023. A total of 32 randomized controlled trial studies that examined the efficacy of different NDBIs were included. RESULTS: Parents of children with ASD who received Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) reported significant improvements in their children's social skills (SUCRA, 74.1%), language skills (SUCRA, 88.3%), and parenting fidelity (SUCRA, 99.5%). Moreover, parents who received Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) reported significant improvements in their children's language (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.79) and motor skills (SMD = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.79). In terms of the efficacy of improving parent fidelity, the results showed that the Improving Parents as Communication Teachers (ImPACT) intervention significantly improved parent fidelity when compared with the treatment-as-usual group (TAU) (SMD = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.39, 1.42) and the parental education intervention (PEI) (SMD = 1.10, 95% CI:0.28, 1.91).There was a difference in parent fidelity among parents who received PRT(SMD = 3.53, 95% CI: 2.26, 4.79) or ESDM(SMD = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.76, 2.09) training compared with PEI. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study revealed that parents can achieve high fidelity with the ImPACT intervention, and it can serve as an early first step for children newly diagnosed with ASD. It also showed that parent-mediated ESDM is effective in improving language and motor skills for children with ASD and can be used as part of the second stage of parent training. Parent-mediated PRT can also be used as a third stage of parent training with sufficient training intensity to further improve language, social, and motor skills.

Fabrication of Microgel-Modified Hydrogel Flexible Strain Sensors Using Electrohydrodynamic Direct Printing Method.

Hydrogel flexible strain sensors, renowned for their high stretchability, flexibility, and wearable comfort, have been employed in various applications in the field of human motion monitoring. However, the predominant method for fabricating hydrogels is the template method, which is particularly inefficient and costly for hydrogels with complex structural requirements, thereby limiting the development of flexible hydrogel electronic devices. Herein, we propose a novel method that involves using microgels to modify a hydrogel solution, printing the hydrogel ink using an electrohydrodynamic printing device, and subsequently forming the hydrogel under UV illumination. The resulting hydrogel exhibited a high tensile ratio (639.73%), high tensile strength (0.4243 MPa), and an ionic conductivity of 0.2256 S/m, along with excellent electrochemical properties. Moreover, its high linearity and sensitivity enabled the monitoring of a wide range of subtle changes in human movement. This novel approach offers a promising pathway for the development of high-performance, complexly structured hydrogel flexible sensors.

The relationship between screen time before bedtime and behaviors of preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder and the mediating effects of sleep.

BACKGROUND: There are overlapping effects of screen time and sleep on children's behavior. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of screen time with behavior problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the probable mediating effects of sleep, in order to provide evidence for the need for clinical identification and intervention. METHODS: A sample of 358 preschoolers with ASD were included. We investigated the children's basic characteristics of sex and age, ASD symptoms (ABC, CARS, and ADOS-2), neurodevelopment (GDS-C), sleep habits (CSHQ), and behavior (CBCL). Pearson correlation tests were used to determine the direct correlations among children's screen time, CBCL, and CSHQ. Linear regression analysis was used to explore whether screen time predicted total score of CBCL. Multi-step linear regression analysis was used to investigate the mediating effect of sleep on the relationship between screen time and total score of CBCL. RESULTS: Screen time before bedtime was correlated with CBCL and CSHQ, which indicated that screen time before bedtime was correlated with sleep and behavior in children with ASD. Screen time before bedtime was a predictor of CBCL total score (indicating children's behavior), and CSHQ total score (indicating children's sleep habits) played a partial mediating role between screen time before bedtime and children's behavior. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should support and educate parents of children with ASD, which should focus on managing screen time, especially screen time before bedtime.

Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles play an important role in platelet transfusion therapy.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain the characteristics of their cell of origin and mediate cell-to-cell communication. Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) not only have procoagulant activity but also contain platelet-derived inflammatory factors (CD40L and mtDNA) that mediate inflammatory responses. Studies have shown that platelets are activated during storage to produce large amounts of PEVs, which may have implications for platelet transfusion therapy. Compared to platelets, PEVs have a longer storage time and greater procoagulant activity, making them an ideal alternative to platelets. This review describes the reasons and mechanisms by which PEVs may have a role in blood transfusion therapy.

What is the context?Platelet transfusion is a treatment that can be effective in preventing bleeding and reducing the amount of bleeding. However, platelet transfusion may cause some unsatisfactory effects for patients, such as adverse transfusion reactions and poor prognosis in cancer patients. These benefits and harms caused by platelet transfusion may be related to PEVs. With the prolongation of storage time during the shelf life of platelets, PEVs were continuously released and the therapeutic effect of platelet components seems to get worse.What is new?This article not only reviews the evidence for PEVs plays a role in blood transfusion therapy but also introduces the mechanism of PEVs in platelet storage lesion and the common methods of isolation and characterization of PEVs.What is the impact?It is necessary to improve the method of isolation and purification of PEVs, to increase the purity of PEVs isolation, and to further demonstrate the potential of PEVs to replace platelets. Further research into the mechanisms by which platelets and PEVs affect the prognosis of cancer patients is required.

The association of vitamin A, zinc and copper levels with clinical symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders in Jilin Province, China.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated vitamin A (VA), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) levels in the population with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Jilin Province, China. Furthermore, we examined their links to core symptoms and neurodevelopment, as well as gastrointestinal (GI) comorbidities and sleep disorders. METHODS: This study included 181 children with autism and 205 typically developing (TD) children. The participants had not taken vitamin/mineral supplements in the prior three months. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure serum VA levels. By using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, Zn and Cu concentrations in plasma were determined. Importantly, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, the Social Responsiveness Scale, and the Autism Behavior Checklist were used to measure core ASD symptoms. However, the Griffith Mental Development Scales-Chinese were used to measure neurodevelopment. GI comorbidities and sleep abnormalities were assessed with the 6 Item-Gastrointestinal Severity Index and Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, respectively. Children with ASD with GI issues were grouped according to severity (low GI severity and high GI severity groups). RESULTS: (i) The difference in VA, Zn, Cu levels and the Zn/Cu ratio between ASD and TD children is small. But children with ASD had lower VA levels and Zn/Cu ratio, higher Cu levels than TD children. Cu levels in children with ASD were associated with the severity of core symptoms. (ii) Children with ASD were much more likely than their TD counterparts to suffer from GI comorbidities or sleep problems. Furthermore, it was observed that high GI severity was associated with lower levels of VA, whereas low GI severity was associated with higher levels of VA. (iii) The children with ASD who had both lower VA and lower Zn/Cu ratio had more severe scores on the Autism Behavior Checklist, but not on other measures. CONCLUSION: Children with ASD had lower VA and Zn/Cu ratio, and higher Cu levels. Cu levels in children with ASD were weakly correlated with one subscale on social or self-help. ASD children with lower VA levels may face more serious GI comorbidities. Children with ASD combined VA-Zn/Cu lower had more severe core symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration number: ChiCTR-OPC-17013502. Date of registration: 2017-11-23.

Molecular Mapping of Yr85 and Comparison with Other Genes for Resistance to Stripe Rust on Wheat Chromosome 1B.

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is one of the most serious plant diseases worldwide. Resistant cultivars are the most effective way to control the disease. YrTr1 is an important stripe rust resistance gene that has been used in wheat breeding programs and is represented in the host differential set to identify P. striiformis f. sp. tritici races in the United States. To map YrTr1, AvSYrTr1NIL was backcrossed to its recurrent parent Avocet S (AvS). Seedlings of BC7F2, BC7F3, and BC8F1 populations were tested with YrTr1-avirulent races under controlled conditions, and BC7F2 plants were genotyped using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. YrTr1 was mapped to the short arm of chromosome 1B using four SSR and seven SNP markers. The genetic distances of YrTr1 from the nearest flanking markers IWA2583 and IWA7480 were 1.8 and 1.3 centimorgans (cM), respectively. DNA amplification of a set of 21 Chinese Spring (CS) nulli-tetrasomic lines and seven CS 1B deletion lines with three SSR markers confirmed the chromosome arm location and further placed the gene in chromosomal bin region 1BS18 (0.5). The gene was determined to be about 7.4 cM proximal to Yr10. Based on multirace response array and chromosomal location, YrTr1 was determined to be different from other permanently named stripe rust resistance genes in chromosome arm 1BS and was named Yr85.

Non-parental caregivers, low maternal education, gastrointestinal problems and high blood lead level: predictors related to the severity of autism spectrum disorder in Northeast China.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased rapidly in recent years. Environmental factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ASD. These factors may include socioeconomic factors, nutritional factors, heavy metal exposure, air pollution, etc. Our aim is to analyze possible environmental factors associated with the severity of ASD. METHODS: All participating children were divided into two groups (mild and moderate/severe) according to the severity of their symptoms, as determined by their Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores. The socioeconomic, demographic factors and the nutritional factors that may affect the severity of ASD were included in the logistic regression to analyze whether they were predictors that affected the severity of ASD. RESULTS: Logistic regression showed that caregivers(P = 0.042), maternal education (P = 0.030), gastrointestinal problems (P = 0.041) and a high serum concentration of lead (P = 0.003) were statistically significantly associated with ASD severity. CONCLUSION: Many environmental factors affect the severity of ASD. We concluded that non-parental caregivers, low maternal education, gastrointestinal problems and high blood lead level maybe predictors that affected the severity of ASD in northeast China.

Genome-wide genetic diversity detection and population structure analysis in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) using RAD-seq.

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the most important food and grain-forage crops globally. It has been planted in >100 countries. Due to the complexity of the sweetpotato genome, its research is far behind other major food crops. At present, limited information about the sweetpotato genome is available. Thus, it is central to find an efficient approach for the investigation of sweetpotato genome. In this study, RAD-seq (Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing) was used to evaluate sweetpotato genetic structure diversity and to develop relevant SSR markers. The study yielded >128 Gb reliable sequence data from 81 sweetpotato accessions. By analyzing polymorphic tags from each accession, a total of 55,622 restriction-site associated DNA sequencing tags (RAD-seq) were found, containing 907,010 SNP. Genetic analysis divided 81 accessions into five major clusters based on their SNP genotype, which matches the results of genetic analysis and the genetic family tree. In addition, 18,320 SSRs loci were detected and 9336 SSR primer pairs were developed. Eighty-three primer pairs were amplified in different sweetpotato genotypes, 76 of which successfully amplified polymorphism bands. These results provide significant information about sweetpotato genome, which can be used to identify novel gene and to further develop the gene chip. And more significant, clustering results based on the SNP genotype provide an essential reference for breeders to match parent plants in breeding program. Additionally, SSR markers developed in this study will supply a wealth of markers for marker-assisted selection in sweetpotato breeding.

The wild sweetpotato (Ipomoea trifida) genome provides insights into storage root development.

BACKGROUND: Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is the seventh most important crop in the world and is mainly cultivated for its underground storage root (SR). The genetic studies of this species have been hindered by a lack of high-quality reference sequence due to its complex genome structure. Diploid Ipomoea trifida is the closest relative and putative progenitor of sweetpotato, which is considered a model species for sweetpotato, including genetic, cytological, and physiological analyses. RESULTS: Here, we generated the chromosome-scale genome sequence of SR-forming diploid I. trifida var. Y22 with high heterozygosity (2.20%). Although the chromosome-based synteny analysis revealed that the I. trifida shared conserved karyotype with Ipomoea nil after the separation, I. trifida had a much smaller genome than I. nil due to more efficient eliminations of LTR-retrotransposons and lack of species-specific amplification bursts of LTR-RTs. A comparison with four non-SR-forming species showed that the evolution of the beta-amylase gene family may be related to SR formation. We further investigated the relationship of the key gene BMY11 (with identity 47.12% to beta-amylase 1) with this important agronomic trait by both gene expression profiling and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. And combining SR morphology and structure, gene expression profiling and qPCR results, we deduced that the products of the activity of BMY11 in splitting starch granules and be recycled to synthesize larger granules, contributing to starch accumulation and SR swelling. Moreover, we found the expression pattern of BMY11, sporamin proteins and the key genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and stele lignification were similar to that of sweetpotato during the SR development. CONCLUSIONS: We constructed the high-quality genome reference of the highly heterozygous I. trifida through a combined approach and this genome enables a better resolution of the genomics feature and genome evolutions of this species. Sweetpotato SR development genes can be identified in I. trifida and these genes perform similar functions and patterns, showed that the diploid I. trifida var. Y22 with typical SR could be considered an ideal model for the studies of sweetpotato SR development.

Fluctuations in clinical symptoms with changes in serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels in autistic children: Three cases report.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder caused by complicated interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Clinical trials, including case reports, case-control studies, and a double-blinded randomized clinical study, have suggested that high-dose vitamin D3 regimens may ameliorate the core symptoms of ASD. Vitamin D3 supplementation was effective in about three-quarters of children with ASD. To further investigate the relationship between vitamin D and ASD symptoms in vitamin D-responsive autistic children, changes in symptoms were assessed in three children with ASD who were given vitamin D3 supplementation followed by a long interruption. The core symptoms of ASD were remarkably improved during the vitamin D3 supplementation period when serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)]D levels reached over 40.0 ng/mL. However, symptoms reappeared after the supplementation was stopped, when serum 25(OH)D levels fell below 30.0 ng/mL but were again improved with re-administration of vitamin D3 after the interruption, when serum 25(OH)D levels exceeded 40.0 ng/mL. Overall, these results showed that the core symptoms of ASD fluctuated in severity with changes in serum 25(OH)D levels in children, indicating that maintaining a responsive 25(OH)D level is important for treating ASD. Maintaining a serum 25(OH)D level between 40.0 and 100.0 ng/ml may be optimal for producing therapeutic effects in vitamin D-responsive individuals with ASD.

Whole-Genome Mapping of Stripe Rust Resistance Quantitative Trait Loci and Race Specificity Related to Resistance Reduction in Winter Wheat Cultivar Eltan.

Winter wheat cultivar Eltan has been one of the most widely grown cultivars in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. It has shown variable levels of resistance to stripe rust in different years since it was released in 1990. To map all currently effective and defeated resistance genes in Eltan and understand the factors causing the resistance changes, 112 F2:5 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were developed from a cross of Eltan with cultivar Avocet S. The RILs were evaluated in fields of Pullman, Washington in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 and Mount Vernon, Washington in 2016 and 2017 under natural infections; they were also evaluated in the greenhouse with races PSTv-4 and PSTv-40 of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici. The RILs were genotyped with the 90K Illumina iSelect wheat single-nucleotide polymorphism chip. A total of five quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified in Eltan. Two major QTLs on chromosome arms 2BS and 4AL were detected in the greenhouse tests, explaining up to 28.0 and 42.0% of phenotypic variation, respectively. The two race-specific QTLs were also detected in some field experiments but with reduced effects. A minor QTL on 5BS was detected in the greenhouse and field tests, explaining 10.0 to 14.8% of the phenotypic variation. The other two minor QTLs were mapped on 6AS and 7BL and detected only in field experiments, explaining up to 20.5 and 13.5% of phenotypic variation, respectively. All stripe rust samples collected in the experimental fields in 2015 and 2016 were identified as P. striiformis f. sp. tritici races virulent on seedlings of Eltan. The resistance reduction of Eltan was caused by changes of the P. striiformis f. sp. tritici population from avirulent to virulent, overcoming the race-specific all-stage resistance in Eltan.

Gross motor developmental dysfunctional outcomes in infantile and toddler pediatric intensive care unit survivors.

BACKGROUND: Increasing studies have focused on motor function/dysfunction in PICU survivors; however, most studies have focused on adults and older children. This study investigated gross motor developmental function outcomes in infantile and toddler pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) survivors and the factors associated with gross motor developmental functions. METHODS: This observational study was conducted in the PICU of the First Hospital of Jilin University between January 2019 and March 2019. Thirty-five eligible patients were divided into the dysfunctional (n = 24) or non-dysfunctional (n = 11) group according to the results of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2). Baseline gross motor function for all participants before PICU admission was measured via the Age and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3). The PDMS-2 was used to evaluate gross motor development function before PICU discharge. RESULTS: The gross motor developmental dysfunction incidence was 68.6%. Linear correlation analysis showed that the gross motor quotient (GMQ) was positively correlated with the pediatric critical illness score (PCIS, r = 0.621, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with length of PICU stay (r = - 0.556, P = 0.001), days sedated (r = - 0.602, P < 0.001), days on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV; r = - 0.686, P < 0.001), and days on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT; r = - 0.538, P = 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that IMV days (ß = - 0.736, P = 0.001), sepsis (ß = - 18.111, P = 0.003) and PCIS (ß = 0.550, P = 0.021) were independent risk factors for gross motor developmental dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Gross motor developmental dysfunction in infantile and toddler PICU survivors is more common and may be exacerbated by experiences associated with longer IMV days and increasing illness severity combined with sepsis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial 'Early rehabilitation intervention for critically ill children' has been registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=23132. Registration number: ChiCTR1800020196.

[Clinical effect of vitamin D3 combined with the Early Start Denver Model in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder in toddlers].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effect of vitamin D3 (VitD3) combined with the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers. METHODS: A total of 102 toddlers with ASD, aged 1 to 3 years, were enrolled. According to the wishes of their parents, they were divided into conventional rehabilitation, ESDM and ESDM+VitD3 groups. Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were used evaluate behavior problems before treatment and after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: The conventional rehabilitation group had significant reductions in the total score and the scores on somatic movement and self-care subscales of the ABC scale after 3 months of treatment (P<0.05). After 3 months of treatment, the ESDM group had significant reductions in the total score and the scores on somatic movement, self-care, social interaction and language subscales of the ABC scale (P<0.05), as well as a significant reduction in the total score of the CARS (P<0.05). After 3 months of treatment, the ESDM+VitD3 group had a significant increase in the level of 25(OH)D and significant reductions in the total score and the scores on self-care, sensation, social interaction and language subscales of the ABC scale (P<0.05), as well as a significant reduction in the total score of the CARS (P<0.05). The ESDM group had a significantly greater reduction in the score on social interaction subscale than the conventional rehabilitation group (P<0.05). The ESDM+VitD3 group had a significantly greater reduction in the score on social interaction subscale than the other two groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ESDM can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of toddlers with ASD, with a significantly better clinical effect in improving social interaction and somatic movement than conventional rehabilitation. ESDM combined with VitD3 has a significantly better clinical effect in improving social communication skills and may be one of the best strategies for improving the clinical symptoms of toddlers with ASD.

Starch content differences between two sweet potato accessions are associated with specific changes in gene expression.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is one of the most important root crops in the world. Initial formation and development of storage roots (SRs) are key factors affecting its yields. In order to study the molecular mechanism and regulatory networks of the SRs development process, we have analyzed root transcriptomes between the high and low starch content sweet potato accessions at three different developmental stages. In this study, we assembled 46,840 unigenes using Illumina paired-end sequencing reads and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two accessions. The numbers of DEGs were increased with the development of SRs, indicating that the difference between two accessions is enlarging with the maturation. DEGs were mainly enriched in starch biosynthesis, plant hormones regulatory, and genetic information processing pathways. Then, expression patterns of DEGs that are most significant and starch biosynthesis related were validated using qRT-PCR. Our results provide valuable resources to future study on molecular mechanisms of SRs development and candidate genes for starch content improvement in sweet potato.

Characterization of Novel Gene Yr79 and Four Additional Quantitative Trait Loci for All-Stage and High-Temperature Adult-Plant Resistance to Stripe Rust in Spring Wheat PI 182103.

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is an important disease of wheat worldwide. Exploring new resistance genes is essential for breeding resistant wheat cultivars. PI 182103, a spring wheat landrace originally from Pakistan, has shown a high level of resistance to stripe rust in fields for many years, but genes for resistance to stripe rust in the variety have not been studied. To map the resistance gene(s) in PI 182103, 185 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were developed from a cross with Avocet Susceptible (AvS). The RIL population was genotyped with simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism markers and tested with races PST-100 and PST-114 at the seedling stage under controlled greenhouse conditions and at the adult-plant stage in fields at Pullman and Mt. Vernon, Washington under natural infection by the stripe rust pathogen in 2011, 2012, and 2013. A total of five quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected. QyrPI182103.wgp-2AS and QyrPI182103.wgp-3AL were detected at the seedling stage, QyrPI182103.wgp-4DL was detected only in Mt. Vernon field tests, and QyrPI182103.wgp-5BS was detected in both seedling and field tests. QyrPI182103.wgp-7BL was identified as a high-temperature adult-plant resistance gene and detected in all field tests. Interactions among the QTL were mostly additive, but some negative interactions were detected. The 7BL QTL was mapped in chromosomal bin 7BL 0.40 to 0.45 and identified as a new gene, permanently designated as Yr79. SSR markers Xbarc72 and Xwmc335 flanking the Yr79 locus were highly polymorphic in various wheat genotypes, indicating that the molecular markers are useful for incorporating the new gene for potentially durable stripe rust resistance into new wheat cultivars.

Exploring the Molecular Mechanism of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm via Bioinformatics Analysis.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to identify some key genes related to the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and gain more insights to the molecular mechanism of TAA. MATERIAL AND METHODS The expression profile of GSE9106 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The data contained 58 TAA peripheral blood samples and 36 normal peripheral blood samples. The differently expressed genes (DEGs) between the TAA samples and the normal samples were identified via limma package of R. Functional enrichment analysis of the DEGs were performed via the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The differentially co-expressed genes in TAA samples compared to normal samples were identified via the DCGL package in R. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed through the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Proteins (STARING) database and visualized by Cytoscape software. RESULTS A total of 407 DEGs were obtained in TAA samples compared with normal samples. The DEGs were enriched in 29 Gene Ontology (GO) terms. There were 1,441 co-expression gene pairs that had significant changes in the co-expression status in TAA samples compared with normal samples and a differential co-expression network was constructed based on them. Moreover, a PPI network of the DEGs was constructed, containing 101 nodes. CONCLUSIONS Bioinformatics methods could identify significant biological processes and genes related to TAA. KRTDAP, BICD1, and genes in the OR family might play an important role in TAA.

Tubal restorative surgery for hydrosalpinges in women due to in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: The study was carried out to clarify the IVF outcome after laparoscopic neosalpingostomy for infertile patients affected by hydrosalpinx stage III. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to June 2015, 91 subjects of hydrosalpinx stage III were treated in out center by laparoscopic surgery before IVF cycle. 43 underwent neosalpingostomy (group 1) and the remaining 48 underwent salpingestomy (group 2). We compared these patients and their IVF outcomes after two different surgical techniques. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups, except a higher number of patients with bilaterial hydrosalpinges was noted in the neosalpingostomy group (79.1% vs. 56.3%, respectively). 25 patients with neosalpingostomy and 29 with salpingectomy achieved pregnancy by IVF. The ongoing pregnancy rate per cycle in group 1 and group 2 was 51.1 and 47.2%, respectively. Two cases of ampullary ectopic pregnancies were noted in group 1 and one case of right tube interstitial pregnancy in group 2. No significant difference was observed in live birth rate between the groups (48.9% vs. 45.3%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of IVF after neosalpingostomy were matchable with salpingectomy. For patients desire to preserve fallopian tubes, we recommend laparoscopic neosalpingostomy as an alternative choice to manage moderate hydrosalpinx before IVF.

Clinical improvement following vitamin D3 supplementation in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was previously reported in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but little is known about the efficacy of vitamin D3 treatment in ASD, although data from pilot studies seem promising. We hypothesized that serum vitamin D levels are reduced in ASD and correlate with the severity of disease. Also, we hypothesized that vitamin D3 treatment may be beneficial for a considerable portion of children with ASD. METHODS: In total, 215 children with ASD and 285 healthy control children were recruited in our study. Thirty seven of 215 ASD children received vitamin D3 treatment. The Autism Behaviour Checklist (ABC) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were used to assess autism symptoms. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to assess the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] level. Evaluations of ABC, CARS, and serum 25(OH) D levels were performed before and after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: Serum levels of 25(OH) D were significantly lower in ASD children than typically developing children. Levels of serum 25(OH) D were negatively correlated with ABC total scores and language subscale scores. After vitamin D3 supplementation, symptom scores were significantly reduced on the CARS and ABC. In addition, the data also suggest that treatment effects were more pronounced in younger children with ASD. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency might contribute to the aetiology of ASD. Supplementation of vitamin D3, which is a safe and cost-effective form of treatment, may significantly improve the outcome of some children with ASD, especially younger children (identifier ChiCTR-CCC-13004498). CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial 'Association of Polymorphisms of Vitamin D Metabolism-Related Genes With Autism and the Treatment of Autism with Vitamin D' has been registered at www.chictr.org/cn/proj/show.aspx? proj=6135 (identifier ChiCTR-CCC-13004498).

Serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Vitamin D may play an important role in the etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Vitamin D is regarded as a neuroactive steroid affecting brain development and function. It plays an essential role in myelination, which is important for connectivity in the brain. Studies have shown that decreased vitamin D levels in patients, decreased maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy, and decreased exposure to solar UVB might increase the risk for ASD. In addition, autism symptoms and global functioning may improve after vitamin D supplementation. Here, we sought to aggregate information from previous publications on vitamin D levels and ASD, in order to achieve a higher statistical power and thereby to determine the validity of vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for ASD. For this meta-analysis, 11 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, accounting for a total of 870 ASD patients and 782 healthy controls. Levels of serum 25(OH) D in participants with ASD were significantly lower than controls, suggesting that lower vitamin D level might be a risk factor for ASD.