Transcription factor LBD16 targets cell wall modification/ion transport genes in peach lateral root formation.

LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN/ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2-LIKEs (LBDs/ASLs) are plant-specific transcription factors that function downstream of auxin-regulated lateral root (LR) formation. Our previous research found that PpLBD16 positively regulates peach (Prunus persica) LR formation. However, the downstream regulatory network and target genes of PpLBD16 are still largely unknown. Here, we constructed a PpLBD16 homologous overexpression line and a PpLBD16 silenced line. We found that overexpressing PpLBD16 promoted peach root initiation, while silencing PpLBD16 inhibited peach root formation. Through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of roots from PpLBD16 overexpression and silenced lines, we discovered that genes positively regulated by PpLBD16 were closely related to cell wall synthesis and degradation, ion/substance transport, and ion binding and homeostasis. To further detect the binding motifs and potential target genes of PpLBD16, we performed DNA-affinity purification sequencing (DAP-seq) analysis in vitro. PpLBD16 preferentially bound to CCNGAAANNNNGG (MEME-1), [C/T]TTCT[C/T][T/C] (MEME-2), and GCGGCGG (ABR1) motifs. By combined analysis of RNA-seq and DAP-seq data, we screened candidate target genes for PpLBD16. We demonstrated that PpLBD16 bound and activated the cell wall modification-related genes EXPANSIN-B2 (PpEXPB2) and SUBTILISIN-LIKE PROTEASE 1.7 (PpSBT1.7), the ion transport-related gene CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE-GATED ION CHANNEL 1 (PpCNGC1) and the polyphenol oxidase (PPO)-encoding gene PpPPO, thereby controlling peach root organogenesis and promoting LR formation. Moreover, our results displayed that PpLBD16 and its target genes are involved in peach LR primordia development. Overall, this work reveals the downstream regulatory network and target genes of PpLBD16, providing insights into the molecular network of LBD16-mediated LR development.

Inhibiting Mg Diffusion and Evaporation by Forming Mg-Rich Reservoir at Grain Boundaries Improves the Thermal Stability of N-Type Mg3 Sb2 Thermoelectrics.

N-type Mg3 Sb2 -based thermoelectric materials show great promise in power generation due to their mechanical robustness, low cost of Mg, and high figure of merit (ZT) over a wide range of temperatures. However, their poor thermal stability hinders their practical applications. Here, MgB2 is introduced to improve the thermal stability of n-type Mg3 Sb2 . Enabled by MgB2 decomposition, extra Mg can be released into the matrix for Mg compensation thermodynamically, and secondary phases of Mg─B compounds can kinetically prevent Mg diffusion along grain boundaries. These synergetic effects inhibit the formation of Mg vacancies at elevated temperatures, thereby enhancing the thermal stability of n-type Mg3 Sb2 . Consequently, the Mg3.05 (Sb0.75 Bi0.25 )1.99 Te0.01 (MgB2 )0.03 sample exhibits negligible variation in thermoelectric performance during the 120-hour continuous measurement at 673 K. Moreover, the ZT of n-type Mg3 Sb2 can be maintained by adding MgB2 , reaching a high average ZT of ≈1.1 within 300-723 K. An eight-pair Mg3 Sb2 -GeTe-based thermoelectric device is also fabricated, achieving an energy conversion efficiency of ≈5.7% at a temperature difference of 438 K with good thermal stability. This work paves a new way to enhance the long-term thermal stability of n-type Mg3 Sb2 -based alloys and other thermoelectrics for practical applications.

Effects of evidence-based nursing on surgical site wound infection in patients undergoing acute appendicitis surgery: A meta-analysis.

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effects of evidence-based nursing (EBN) intervention on wound infection and postoperative complications in patients after appendectomy for acute appendicitis (AA), with the expectation of providing a theoretical basis for postoperative care in AA. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the postoperative application of EBN in patients with AA were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from the inception of databases to October 2023. Two authors screened and evaluated the literature based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted from the final included literature. Stata software (version 17.0) was employed for data analysis. In total, 29 RCTs involving 2848 patients with AA were included, with 1424 in the EBN group and 1424 in the conventional care group. The analyses revealed that patients with AA who experienced EBN were significantly less likely to develop postoperative wound infections (odds ratio [OR] = 0.23, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.14-0.38, p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.15-0.26, p < 0.001) as opposed to conventional care. Available evidence suggests that EBN can effectively reduce the risk of wound infection and postoperative complications in patients undergoing appendectomy for AA, thereby improving patient prognosis. This finding is worth promoting in the clinical practice.

Genome-wide identification, bioinformatics and expression analysis of HD-Zip gene family in peach.

BACKGROUND: HD-Zips (Homeodomain-Leucine Zippers) are a class of plant-specific transcription factors that play multiple roles in plant growth and development. Although some functions of HD-Zip transcription factor have been reported in several plants, it has not been comprehensively studied in peach, especially during adventitious root formation of peach cuttings. RESULTS: In this study, 23 HD-Zip genes distributed on 6 chromosomes were identified from the peach (Prunus persica) genome, and named PpHDZ01-23 according to their positions on the chromosomes. These 23 PpHDZ transcription factors all contained a homeomorphism box domain and a leucine zipper domain, were divided into 4 subfamilies(I-IV) according to the evolutionary analysis, and their promoters contained many different cis-acting elements. Spatio-temporal expression pattern showed that these genes were expressed in many tissues with different levels, and they had distinct expression pattern during adventitious root formation and development. CONCLUSION: Our results showed the roles of PpHDZs on root formation, which is helpful to better understand the classification and function of peach HD-Zip genes.

Genome-wide identification of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NLR) genes and their association with green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) resistance in peach.

Resistance genes (R genes) are a class of genes that are immune to a wide range of diseases and pests. In planta, NLR genes are essential components of the innate immune system. Currently, genes belonging to NLR family have been found in a number of plant species, but little is known in peach. Here, 286 NLR genes were identified on peach genome by using their homologous genes in Arabidopsis thaliana as queries. These 286 NLR genes contained at least one NBS domain and LRR domain. Phylogenetic and N-terminal domain analysis showed that these NLRs could be separated into four subfamilies (I-IV) and their promoters contained many cis-elements in response to defense and phytohormones. In addition, transcriptome analysis showed that 22 NLR genes were up-regulated after infected by Green Peach Aphid (GPA), and showed different expression patterns. This study clarified the NLR gene family and their potential functions in aphid resistance process. The candidate NLR genes might be useful in illustrating the mechanism of aphid resistance in peach.

Mg Compensating Design in the Melting-Sintering Method For High-Performance Mg3 (Bi, Sb)2 Thermoelectric Devices.

N-type Mg3 (Bi, Sb)2 -based thermoelectric (TE) alloys show great promise for solid-state power generation and refrigeration, owing to their excellent figure-of-merit (ZT) and using cheap Mg. However, their rigorous preparation conditions and poor thermal stability limit their large-scale applications. Here, this work develops an Mg compensating strategy to realize n-type Mg3 (Bi, Sb)2 by a facile melting-sintering approach. "2D roadmaps" of TE parameters versus sintering temperature and time are plotted to understand the Mg-vacancy-formation and Mg-diffusion mechanisms. Under this guidance, high weight mobility of 347 cm2  V-1  s-1 and power factor of 34 µW cm-1  K-2 can be obtained for Mg3.05 Bi1.99 Te0.01 , and a peak ZT≈1.55 at 723 K and average ZT≈1.25 within 323-723 K can be obtained for Mg3.05 (Sb0.75 Bi0.25 )1.99 Te0.01 . Moreover, this Mg compensating strategy can also improve the interfacial connecting and thermal stability of corresponding Mg3 (Bi, Sb)2 /Fe TE legs. As a consequence, this work fabricates an 8-pair Mg3 Sb2 -GeTe-based power-generation device reaching an energy conversion efficiency of ≈5.0% at a temperature difference of 439 K, and a one-pair Mg3 Sb2 -Bi2 Te3 -based cooling device reaching -10.7 °C at the cold side. This work paves a facile way to obtain Mg3 Sb2 -based TE devices at low cost and also provides a guide to optimize the off-stoichiometric defects in other TE materials.

Optimization of Constitutive Promoters Using a Promoter-Trapping Vector in Burkholderia pyrrocinia JK-SH007.

Selecting suitable promoters to drive gene overexpression can provide significant insight into the development of engineered bacteria. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome data of Burkholderia pyrrocinia JK-SH007 and identified 54 highly expressed genes. The promoter sequences were located using genome-wide data and scored using the prokaryotic promoter prediction software BPROM to further screen out 18 promoter sequences. We also developed a promoter trap system based on two reporter proteins adapted for promoter optimization in B. pyrrocinia JK-SH007: firefly luciferase encoded by the luciferase gene set (Luc) and trimethoprim (TP)-resistant dihydrofolate reductase (TPr). Ultimately, eight constitutive promoters were successfully inserted into the probe vector and transformed into B. pyrrocinia JK-SH007. The transformants were successfully grown on Tp antibiotic plates, and firefly luciferase expression was determined by measuring the relative light unit (RLU). Five of the promoters (P4, P9, P10, P14, and P19) showed 1.01-2.51-fold higher activity than the control promoter λ phage transcriptional promoter (PRPL). The promoter activity was further validated via qPCR analysis, indicating that promoters P14 and P19 showed stable high transcription levels at all time points. Then, GFP and RFP proteins were overexpressed in JK-SH007. In addition, promoters P14 and P19 were successfully used to drive gene expression in Burkholderia multivorans WS-FJ9 and Escherichia coli S17-1. The two constitutive promoters can be used not only in B. pyrrocinia JK-SH007 itself to gene overexpression but also to expand the scope of application.

Effect of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Training on Patients With Functional Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: Decreased muscle strength and balance in patients with functional ankle instability (FAI) can be effectively improved by ankle strength training. Low-load blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) training increases muscle size and strength, but there is limited evidence from studies on muscle strength and balance in FAI patients. OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of LL-BFR training versus high-load training (HLT) on muscle strength and balance in FAI patients. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six young adults with a history of FAI. INTERVENTIONS: Participants in the LL-BFR and HLT groups performed 4 sets (30 × 15 × 15 × 15) of ankle training at 20% to 40% of the one-repetition maximum and 70% to 85% one-repetition maximum, respectively, twice a week for 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion muscle strength, and the Y-balance test scores were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 weeks; the thickness of the tibialis anterior, triceps surae, and peroneus longus muscles were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks. RESULTS: Inversion, eversion, dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion muscle strength; tibialis anterior, triceps surae, and peroneus longus thickness; and Y-balance test scores were significantly increased in the LL-BFR group after 3 and 6 weeks compared with baseline (P < .05), with no significant difference between the LL-BFR and HLT groups after 6 weeks (P > .05). However, at the end of 3 weeks, eversion muscle strength and Y-balance test scores were significantly higher in the LL-BFR group than in the HLT group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Over 6 weeks, LL-BFR training was as effective as HLT in improving ankle muscle strength, muscle thickness, and balance in FAI patients, but LL-BFR training improved the ankle eversion muscle strength and dynamic balance more than HLT did in the early stages of the intervention. This finding will provide a new intervention strategy for the clinical rehabilitation of FAI patients.

An investigation of the Sustainability of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) amidst Covid-19 and its impact on household income levels: lessons from Malawi, Sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND: Food security, malnutrition, and poverty are some of the challenges that most of the sub-Saharan African countries have been historically facing. With the coming of Covid-19 pandemic, the sustainability of the Village Savings and Loans Association which are formed to counter fight these challenges is questioned. AIM: This study aimed to assess factors associated with the Sustainability of VSLAs amidst Covid-19 and its impacts on households' income levels. METHODS: An online cross-sectional design was conducted from November to January 2021, targeting VSLAs members in Mzuzu. A snowball and respondent-driven sampling technique were used to recruit the needful participants using a referral approach. IBM SPSS version 23 was used to perform descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, and binary logistic regression with unstandardized Beta (ß), Odds Ratios (OR), and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) being taken into account with P-value set at 0.1, 0.05 and 0.01 significance levels. RESULTS: Our study finds that household income declined by 54% for those earnings belonged to ˂ MK5,000, as compared to 38% and 15% for medium (MK5,000 ≥ MK10,000) and higher (> MK10,000) income bands respectively. Our study shows that gender (ß = 0.437, p = 0.094), age-group (ß = 1.317, p = 0.000), education (ß = 2.181, p = 0.047), share contributions (ß = 1.035, p = 0.008), meetings (ß = 0.572, p = 0.021), occupation (ß = -0.453, p = 0.106), and frequency of meeting (ß = -0.507, p = 0.049) were positively and negatively statistically significant predictors. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study, households with lower income earners, which is one of the indicators of poverty, are more affected by the pandemic than their counterparts. We urge that the Malawi governments should maintain and, if they haven't already, implement programs that support low-income households, such as transfer payments, which have been shown to uplift people out of income poverty in many developing countries.

Hypoxia-inducible factor expression is related to apoptosis and cartilage degradation in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear etiology of cartilaginous tissues in osteoarthritis (OA) lesions. In this study, we hypothesized the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and activated apoptosis relate to condylar cartilage degeneration in vivo. METHODS: Malocclusion stress was applied for 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks to induce an OA-like lesion animal model in rats. Histological analysis was performed by H&E staining and Safranin O/fast green staining. The expression levels of protein in condylar cartilage were examined by immunostaining to evaluate cartilage degeneration. RESULTS: We found apparent histological phenotypes associated with degeneration in the occlusion disorder (OD) stress group. The OD group at 4 weeks and 8 weeks had obviously reduced expression of Aggrecan (Acan) and type II collagen (Col II) in cartilage. In contrast, the OD groups had higher levels of ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 5 (ADAMTS5) and matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13) in the condylar cartilage than the control group. Moreover, the OD group cartilage had prominent degenerative changes with reduced levels of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) and increased levels of hypoxia inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF2α) and the apoptosis factor Caspase3 in condylar cartilage at 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Thus, abnormal hypoxic conditions inducing Occlusion disorder stress results in cartilage degeneration. opposite expression patterns of HIF1α and HIF2α could be involved in the pathogenesis of condylar cartilage degeneration and chondrocyte apoptosis. HIF2α may provide a potential negative feedback mechanism for HIF1α during cartilage damage.

Stacking Fault Driven Phase Transformation in CrCoNi Medium Entropy Alloy.

Phase transformation is an effective means to increase the ductility of a material. However, even for a commonly observed face-centered-cubic to hexagonal-close-packed (fcc-to-hcp) phase transformation, the underlying mechanisms are far from being settled. In fact, different transformation pathways have been proposed, especially with regard to nucleation of the hcp phase at the nanoscale. In CrCoNi, a so-called medium-entropy alloy, an fcc-to-hcp phase transformation has long been anticipated. Here, we report an in situ loading study with neutron diffraction, which revealed a bulk fcc-to-hcp phase transformation in CrCoNi at 15 K under tensile loading. By correlating deformation characteristics of the fcc phase with the development of the hcp phase, it is shown that the nucleation of the hcp phase was triggered by intrinsic stacking faults. The confirmation of a bulk phase transformation adds to the myriads of deformation mechanisms available in CrCoNi, which together underpin the unusually large ductility at low temperatures.

Monitoring of hemostatic parameters for early prediction of first-trimester miscarriage.

BACKGROUND: Hypercoagulation starts as early as the first-trimester pregnancy and is a risk factor for thromboembolic events which are associated with miscarriage. Our study aimed to investigate coagulation, platelets, and fibrinolysis parameters alteration amongst trimester-specific normal pregnancy and first-trimester miscarriage patients. We also test the accuracy of haemostatic parameters determination for prediction of first-trimester miscarriage. METHODS: Retrospective investigation of 50 women whose most recent pregnancy had ended in the first trimester and 54 age-matched consecutive normal pregnancy between 2016 and 2019. Furthermore, 51 non-pregnant, age-matched women were included in parallel to healthy controls. Twelve screening tests for coagulation and platelet parameters were assessed. RESULTS: We found plasma levels of aPTT, FBG, and TT were significantly prolonged or decreased in miscarriage subjects than the corresponding first phase in normal pregnancies. PT, INR, aPTT, and d-dimer all shift back to normal in miscarriage patients compared with non-pregnant women. Shortened aPTT combined with TT and FBG can predicted the occurrence of first-trimester miscarriage with an AUC of 0.831. CONCLUSIONS: Routine assessment of aPTT combined with TT and FBG is a low-cost, widely available marker for prediction of first-trimester miscarriage.

PpSnRK1α overexpression alters the response to light and affects photosynthesis and carbon metabolism in tomato.

Sucrose nonfermentation 1 (SNF1) related kinase 1 (SnRK1) is a central energy sensor kinase in plants and a key switch regulating carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Fruit quality depends on leaf photosynthetic efficiency and carbohydrate accumulation, but the role of peach (Prunus persica) SnRK1 α subunit (PpSnRK1α) in regulating leaf carbon metabolism and the light signal response remains unclear. We studied the carbon metabolism of tomato leaves overexpressing PpSnRK1α and the responses of PpSnRK1α-overexpressing tomato leaves to light signals. Transcriptome, metabolome, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that uridine 5'-diphosphoglucose, glutamate, and glucose-6-phosphate accumulated in tomato leaves overexpressing PpSnRK1α. The expression of genes (e.g., GDH2, SuSy) encoding enzymes related to carbon metabolism (e.g., glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH2; EC: 1.4.1.3), sucrose synthase (SS; EC: 2.4.1.13)) and chlorophyllase (CLH) encoding chlorophyllase (EC: 3.1.1.14), which regulates photosynthetic pigments and photosynthesis, was significantly increased in PpSnRK1α-overexpressing plants. PpSnRK1α overexpression inhibited the growth of hypocotyls and primary roots in response to light. The chlorophyll content of the leaves was increased, the activity of SS and ADPG pyrophosphatase (AGPase; EC: 2.7.7.27) was increased, and photosynthesis was promoted in PpSnRK1α-overexpressing plants relative to wild-type plants. Under light stress, the net photosynthetic rate of plants was significantly higher in plants overexpressing PpSnRK1α than in wild-type plants. This indicates that PpSnRK1α promotes the accumulation of carbohydrates by regulating genes related to carbon metabolism, regulating genes related to chlorophyll synthesis, and then responding to light signals to increase the net photosynthetic rate of leaves.

How to convert a square knot or surgeon's knot into a sliding knot and an assessment of their sliding and re-locking properties?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It is generally believed that a tight square knot or a surgeon's knot cannot be easily loosened. The objectives of this study were to explore a magic-trick-based rapid unlocking technique for tying a surgical knot, which allows restoration of the bi-directional movement of an unmovable locked knot. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The suture knots used included 2- and 3-throw square knots and surgeon's knots with different suture materials. The loops of four knots of various materials were tightened using the unlocking technique under simulated bone friction coefficient conditions, and the loops were observed for complete fastening of the humeral specimens. The drag forces of knot sliding (DFKS) used for different materials and different knot configurations were measured using a digital force gauge. Statistical analysis of the differences in DFKS between different knot configurations with different suture materials was performed. MAIN FINDINGS: Excellent loop tightening effects could be achieved for the arbitrary combination of nine sutures and four knots using this technique. The DFKS of the various knot configurations, with the same material, were as follows: 2 = 1 = 1 > 1 = 1 = 1 > 2 = 1 > 1 = 1, the DFKS of different sizes followed the order 0 silk > 2-0 silk > 3-0 silk; 0 Vicryl Plus > 2-0 Vicryl Plus > 3-0 Vicryl Plus. The DFKS for all sutures was less than 0.5 kgf. CONCLUSION: The rapid knot unlocking (RKU) technique can unlock any one of the double-stranded types of traceless knot. The suture loop tension can be adjusted at will. Bi-directional movement of the fast knot and the re-locking of sliding knot are solved.

Prognostic Nutritional Index Predicts Outcomes of Patients after Gastrectomy for Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nonrandomized Studies.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the survival predication value of preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in patients with gastric cancer. The second aim was to explore the relationship between preoperative PNI and clinicopathological features. METHODS: A systematic search of the electronic databases identified studies that investigated the association of preoperative PNI with short or long-term outcomes among patients after gastrectomy for cancer. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of results was conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies with a total of 14,403 patients with gastric cancer met inclusion criteria for this review. Pooled analysis demonstrated that low preoperative PNI was associated with significantly reduced overall survival (HR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.56-2.09; P = 0.000), cancer-specific survival (HR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.24-2.10; P = 0.000), and recurrence-free survival (HR 1.82, 95% CI: 1.20-2.77; P = 0.005). In addition, risk of postoperative complications (POCs) and mortality was significantly higher in patients with lower preoperative PNI (RR 1.77, 95% CI: 1.44-2.17; P = 0.000 and RR 5.14, 95% CI: 2.23-11.79; P = 0.000, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients with low preoperative PNI may have a high incidence of POCs and poor prognosis following gastrectomy for cancer.

Patterns and levels of platelet glycosylation in patients with coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) have high reactivity of platelets and an increased risk of thrombosis. Platelet glycosylation is closely related to platelet function and survival. However, the alteration of platelet glycosylation in CHD and T2DM still remains unknown. Platelet samples were obtained from 55 healthy controls and 102 patients, including 33 CHD, 30 T2DM and 39 CHD complicated with T2DM (CHD + T2DM). Platelet glycosylation was detected using eight-lectin based assay by flow cytometry. Platelet activation markers, such as CD62P (P-Selectin) and activated integrin GPIIb/IIIa (PAC-1), were measured on resting and stimulated conditions by flow cytometry. Platelet aggregation was measured by light transmission aggregometry. In CHD group, platelet surface weakly expressed ß-Gal and 2,6-sialic acid and strongly expressed ß-GlcNAc. In T2DM group, lectins binding to platelet of ß-Gal, 2,6-sialic acid and α-mannose were decreased, while α1,6-fucose and GlcNAc were increased. There was positive correlation between ConA (specific for α-mannose) and PAC-1 in T2DM patients, while negative correlation in healthy controls. Patterns and levels of platelet glycosylation in CHD + T2DM group are a combination of CHD group and T2DM group, in addition to the level of ECL highly elevated (specific for ß-Gal). The level of ConA was significantly correlated with glucose in T2DM group, also correlated with HbA1c in CHD + T2DM. Our findings suggested that platelets decreased in sialylation, galactosylation and mannosylation, and increased in fucosylation and GlcNAcylation in CHD and T2DM patients. The changes of platelet glycosylation may be associated with high platelet reactivity and the increased risk of thrombosis in CHD and T2DM.

Inheritance and Molecular Mapping of an All-Stage Stripe Rust Resistance Gene Derived from the Chinese Common Wheat Landrace "Yilongtuomai".

Yellow or stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a devastating foliar disease that affects common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) around the world. In China, common wheat landraces are potential sources of disease and abiotic stress resistance genes for wheat improvement. Yilongtuomai (YL), a wheat landrace from Yilong County, Sichuan Province, shows high levels of resistance against most Chinese Pst races. In this study, the resistance of YL to stripe rust disease was examined in detail. Parent strains, YL and Taichung 29, a variety susceptible to Pst race CYR32, and their F1, F2, and F2:3 offspring, were inoculated with CYR32 during the seedling stage in the field or adult-plant stage in the greenhouse. Results indicated that resistance to CYR32 in YL is conferred by a single dominant gene, designated YrYL The segregating F2 population (352 plants), was analyzed in terms of its resistance locus using simple sequence repeats (SSRs), resistance gene analog polymorphisms (RGAPs), and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP). A linkage group of 6 SSRs, 2 RGAPs, and 1 SRAP was constructed for the YrYL gene. Using the identified SSRs associated with physical mapping of RGAP using Chinese Spring nullisomic-tetrasomic stocks, the YrYL gene was localized to the short arm of chromosome 7D. The gene was flanked by 1 SSR marker, Xbarc92, and 1 RGAP marker, CLRRfor/Ptokin4, at genetic distances of 5.35 and 9.86 cM, respectively. The YrYL gene was compared to other stripe rust resistance genes reported on chromosome 7D by evaluating its reaction patterns to CYR32 and its pedigree relationship. Our results suggest that the YrYL gene is a new stripe rust resistance gene.

[Hyperspectral Analysis and Electrolyte Leakage Inversion of Creeping Bentgrass under Salt Stress].

Leaf electrolyte leakage is an important index of the plant cell permeability which plays an important role in the study of turfgrass salt stress. Traditional methods of measuring leaf electrolyte leakage have many disadvantages such as time-consuming, destroying the plants and being unable to monitor salt stress in large area. The aim of this study is to build a hyperspectral inversion model for leaf electrolyte leakage of creeping bentgrass under different salt concentration stresses thus to promote the application of the hyperspectral techniques in turfgrass salt stress monitoring. Creeping bentgrass was used in this study, and it was grown in water for two weeks before salt treatments. Leaves were collected at 7, 14 and 21 d under 0(CK), 100 and 200 mmol·L-1 NaCl respectively. The spectral values were gathered using Unispec-SC Spectral Analysis System (PP SYSTEMS，USA)before collecting grass leaves. Leaf electrolyte leakage was measured with electrical conductivity method. The relation and differences between salt treatments and spectral reflectance values were analyzed with EXCEL. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and difference vegetation index (DVI) were calculated using the spectral reflectance values. The first-order differential was calculated with difference method. The trilateral parameters of the blue, green and red rays were calculated at the meantime. The correlation analysis of the Leaf electrolyte leakage, spectral reflectance value, DVI and trilateral parameters was achieved by using EXCEL and Matlab software. Electrolyte leakage inversion model of the calibration set consisted of 48 high correlational samples, was built using unary linear regression, multivariate linear regression and partial least-squares regression methods. The prediction set inspection inversion model was established using the other 24 samples. The results showed that there is a positive correlation between salt stresses and 450～700 nm wave band. The leaf electrolyte leakage was positively associated with 450～732 nm band region at 0.01. The green edge amplitude and area of green edge were correlated with the foliar electrolyte leakage positively. Models based on partial least squares regression could inversion the foliar electrolyte leakage optimally. The calibration R2 reached to 0.681, and the validation R2 reached to 0.758. The calibration RMSE was 7.124, and the validation RMSE reached to 7.079. The inversion model made it possible to detect creeping bentgrass leaf electrolyte leakage under salt stress rapidly. This study also provided theoretical reference for monitoring the damage of other creeping bentgrass related plant species resulted by salt stress.

Predictive model of the efficiency of hematopoietic stem cell collection in patients with multiple myeloma and lymphoma based on multiple peripheral blood markers.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has gained extensive application in the treatment of lymphoma and multiple myeloma (MM). Plenty of studies demonstrate that peripheral blood indicators could be considered potential predictive biomarkers for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) collection efficiency, including white blood cell count (WBC), monocyte count (Mono), platelet count (PLT), hematocrit, and hemoglobin levels. Currently, clinically practical predictive models based on these peripheral detection indicators to quickly, conveniently, and accurately predict collection efficiency are lacking. METHODS: In total, 139 patients with MM and lymphoma undergoing mobilization and collection of ASCT were retrospectively studied. The study endpoint was successful collection of autologous HSCs. We analyzed the effects of clinical characteristics and peripheral blood markers on collection success, and screened variables to establish a prediction model. We determined the optimal cutoff value of peripheral blood markers for predicting successful stem cell collection and the clinical value of a multi-marker prediction approach. We also established a prediction model for collection efficacy. RESULTS: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the mobilization regimen, Mono, PLT, mononuclear cell count (MNC), and peripheral blood CD34+ cell count (PB CD34+ counts) were significant predictors of successful collection of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC). Two predictive models were constructed based on the results of multivariate logistic analyses. Model 1 included the mobilization regimen, Mono, PLT, and MNC, whereas Model 2 included the mobilization regimen, Mono, PLT, MNC, and PB CD34+ counts. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the PB CD34+ counts, Model 1, and Model 2 could predict successful HSCs collection, with cutoff values of 26.92 × 106/L, 0.548, and 0.355, respectively. Model 1 could predict successful HSCs collection with a sensitivity of 84.62%, specificity of 75.73%, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.863. Model 2 could predict successful HSCs collection with a sensitivity of 83.52%, specificity of 94.17%, and AUC of 0.946; thus, it was superior to the PB CD34+ counts alone. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the combination of the mobilization regimen, Mono, PLT, MNC, and PB CD34+ counts before collection has predictive value for the efficacy of autologous HSCs collection in patients with MM and lymphoma. Using models based on these predictive markers may help to avoid over-collection and improve patient outcomes.

Simultaneous Morphology and Band Structure Manipulation of BiOBr by Te Doping for Enhanced Photocatalytic Oxygen Evolution.

The photocatalytic oxygen evolution of bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) is greatly hindered by its low visible-light response and high electron-hole recombination. Nonmetal doping can effectively alleviate these issues, leading to improvement in photocatalytic performance. Herein, Bi2Te3 was introduced as both the Te doping source and the morphology-control template to improve the photocatalytic performance of BiOBr. Appropriate amounts of Te are critical to maintain the ultrathin plate-like structure of BiOBr, whereas excessive Te results in the formation of a flower-like architecture. Oxygen evolution activity disclosed that a plate-like structure is essential for realizing higher performance owing to sufficient light utilization and efficient charge separation. An optimal oxygen evolution rate of 368.0 µmol h-1 g-1 was achieved for the Te-doped sample, which is 2.3-fold as that of the undoped BiOBr (158.9 µmol h-1 g-1). Theoretical calculations demonstrated that Te doping can induce impurity levels above the valence band of BiOBr, which slightly narrowed the band gap and strengthened the light absorption in the range of 400-800 nm. More importantly, Te dopants could act as shallow traps for confining the excited electrons, thus prolonging the carrier lifetime. This work provides a novel strategy to prepare highly efficient photocatalysts by simultaneously realizing morphology manipulation and nonmetal doping.