RNA-Seq and Electrical Penetration Graph Revealed the Role of Grh1-Mediated Activation of Defense Mechanisms towards Green Rice Leafhopper (Nephotettix cincticeps Uhler) Resistance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

The green rice leafhopper (GRH, Nephotettix cincticeps Uhler) is one of the most important insect pests causing serious damage to rice production and yield loss in East Asia. Prior to performing RNA-Seq analysis, we conducted an electrical penetration graph (EPG) test to investigate the feeding behavior of GRH on Ilpum (recurrent parent, GRH-susceptible cultivar), a near-isogenic line (NIL carrying Grh1) compared to the Grh1 donor parent (Shingwang). Then, we conducted a transcriptome-wide analysis of GRH-responsive genes in Ilpum and NIL, which was followed by the validation of RNA-Seq data by qPCR. On the one hand, EPG results showed differential feeding behaviors of GRH between Ilpum and NIL. The phloem-like feeding pattern was detected in Ilpum, whereas the EPG test indicated a xylem-like feeding habit of GRH on NIL. In addition, we observed a high death rate of GRH on NIL (92%) compared to Ilpum (28%) 72 h post infestation, attributed to GRH failure to suck the phloem sap of NIL. On the other hand, RNA-Seq data revealed that Ilpum and NIL GRH-treated plants generated 1,766,347 and 3,676,765 counts per million mapped (CPM) reads, respectively. The alignment of reads indicated that more than 75% of reads were mapped to the reference genome, and 8859 genes and 15,815,400 transcripts were obtained. Of this number, 3424 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 1605 upregulated in Ilpum and downregulated in NIL; 1819 genes upregulated in NIL and downregulated in Ilpum) were identified. According to the quantile normalization of the fragments per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads (FPKM) values, followed by the Student's t-test (p < 0.05), we identified 3283 DEGs in Ilpum (1935 upregulated and 1348 downregulated) and 2599 DEGs in NIL (1621 upregulated and 978 downregulated) with at least a log2 (logarithm base 2) twofold change (Log2FC ≥2) in the expression level upon GRH infestation. Upregulated genes in NIL exceeded by 13.3% those recorded in Ilpum. The majority of genes associated with the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, nucleotides, the activity of coenzymes, the action of phytohormones, protein modification, homeostasis, the transport of solutes, and the uptake of nutrients, among others, were abundantly upregulated in NIL (carrying Grh1). However, a high number of upregulated genes involved in photosynthesis, cellular respiration, secondary metabolism, redox homeostasis, protein biosynthesis, protein translocation, and external stimuli response related genes were found in Ilpum. Therefore, all data suggest that Grh1-mediated resistance against GRH in rice would involve a transcriptome-wide reprogramming, resulting in the activation of bZIP, MYB, NAC, bHLH, WRKY, and GRAS transcription factors, coupled with the induction of the pathogen-pattern triggered immunity (PTI), systemic acquired resistance (SAR), symbiotic signaling pathway, and the activation of genes associated with the response mechanisms against viruses. This comprehensive transcriptome profile of GRH-responsive genes gives new insights into the molecular response mechanisms underlying GRH (insect pest)-rice (plant) interaction.

Selective Phase Control of Dopant-Free Potassium Sodium Niobate Perovskites in Solution.

As one of the perovskite families, potassium sodium niobates (K1-xNax)NbO3 (KNN) have been gaining tremendous attention due to their various functional properties which can be largely determined by their crystallographic phase and composition. However, a selective evolution of different phases for KNN with controlled composition can be difficult to achieve, especially in solution chemical synthesis because of its strong tendency to stabilize into orthorhombic phase at conventional synthetic temperature. We herein developed a facile solution approach to control the phase and composition of dopant-free KNN particles selectively through the modification of reaction parameters. A conventional hydrothermal synthesis method yielded orthorhombic KNN particles, while the monoclinic phase, which has never been observed in a bulk counterpart, was kinetically generated by the compositional modification of an intermediate phase under a high-intensity ultrasound irradiation. Cubic KNN particles were stabilized when ethylene glycol was used as a co-solvent together with deionized water through bonding between ethylene glycol molecules and the surface of the KNN. Composite-structured piezoelectric harvesters were fabricated using each phase of KNN particles and the ß-phase poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) polymer. Maximum output power was found for the harvester containing orthorhombic KNN particles. This facile synthetic methodology could pave a new pathway for fabricating numerous phase-controlled materials.

A Comparison Study of Fatigue Behavior of Hard and Soft Piezoelectric Single Crystal Macro-Fiber Composites for Vibration Energy Harvesting.

Designing a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) with high power density and high fatigue resistance is essential for the successful replacement of the currently using batteries in structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. Among the various designs, the PEH comprising of a cantilever structure as a passive layer and piezoelectric single crystal-based fiber composites (SFC) as an active layer showed excellent performance due to its high electromechanical properties and dynamic flexibilities that are suitable for low frequency vibrations. In the present study, an effort was made to investigate the reliable performance of hard and soft SFC based PEHs. The base acceleration of both PEHs is held at 7 m/s2 and the frequency of excitation is tuned to their resonant frequency (fr) and then the output power (Prms) is monitored for 107 fatigue cycles. The effect of fatigue cycles on the output voltage, vibration displacement, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of PEHs was analyzed. It was noticed that fatigue-induced performance degradation is more prominent in soft SFC-based PEH (SS-PEH) than in hard SFC-based PEH (HS-PEH). The HS-PEH showed a slight degradation in the output power due to a shift in fr, however, no degradation in the maximum power was noticed, in fact, dielectric and ferroelectric properties were improved even after 107 vibration cycles. In this context, the present study provides a pathway to consider the fatigue life of piezoelectric material for the designing of PEH to be used at resonant conditions for long-term operation.

Pyramiding of two rice bacterial blight resistance genes, Xa3 and Xa4, and a closely linked cold-tolerance QTL on chromosome 11.

KEY MESSAGE: We fine mapped the Xa4 locus and developed a pyramided rice line containing Xa3 and Xa4 R - alleles and a cold-tolerance QTL. This line will be valuable in rice breeding. Bacterial blight (BB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a destructive disease of cultivated rice. Pyramiding BB resistance genes is an essential approach for increasing the resistance level of rice varieties. We selected an advanced backcross recombinant inbred line 132 (ABL132) from the BC3F7 population derived from a cross between cultivars Junam and IR72 by K3a inoculation and constructed the mapping population (BC4F6) to locate the Xa4 locus. The Xa4 locus was found to be delimited within a 60-kb interval between InDel markers InDel1 and InDel2 and tightly linked with the Xa3 gene on chromosome 11. After cold (4 °C) treatment, ABL132 with introgressions of IR72 in chromosome 11 showed lower survival rate, chlorophyll content, and relative water content compared to Junam. Genetic analysis showed that the cold stress-related quantitative trait locus (QTL) qCT11 was located in a 1.3-Mb interval close to the Xa4 locus. One line, ABL132-36, containing the Xa3 resistance allele from Junam, the Xa4 resistance allele from IR72, and the cold-tolerance QTL from Junam (qCT11), was developed from a BC4F6 population of 250 plants. This is the first report on the pyramiding of Xa3 and Xa4 genes with a cold-tolerance QTL. This region could provide a potential tool for improving resistance against BB and low-temperature stress in rice-breeding programs.

Clinical efficacy of combination therapy with an alpha blocker and low-dose sildenafil on post-therapy lower urinary tract symptoms after low-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of tamsulosin monotherapy and tamsulosin with low-dose sildenafil combination therapy on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) following low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy in early prostate cancer patients. METHODS: From March 2008 to June 2014, of the 212 prostate cancer patients with a Gleason score ≤7 who received LDR brachytherapy, 80 patients with a prostate volume ≤35 g and progressed LUTS following implantation were selected. All 80 patients took tamsulosin 0.4-mg monotherapy until 1 month after implantation. Then, the patients were divided into two groups; 45 patients received tamsulosin 0.4-mg monotherapy, and 35 patients received tamsulosin 0.4-mg plus sildenafil 25-mg combination therapy due to erectile dysfunction. LUTS were compared between the two groups using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the mean maximum flow rate (Q max) and the pre-implantation post-voiding residual (PVR) volume at 1 and 3 months after implantation. RESULTS: The pre-implantation total IPSS, Q max and PVR for the monotherapy and combination therapy groups were 14.0 ± 6.7, 14.3 ± 3.2 ml/s and 36.3 ± 16.7 ml and 15.3 ± 5.6, 13.7 ± 4.5 ml/s and 39.0 ± 23.4 ml, respectively. At 1 month post-implantation, both groups showed increases in total IPSS and PVR, but no statistically significant differences were observed (P = 0.078, P = 0.23). At 3 months post-implantation, the combination therapy group showed a greater decrease in total IPSS compared with the monotherapy group (P = 0.035), but there were no statistically significant differences in the Q max and PVR between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Tamsulosin plus low-dose sildenafil combination therapy is a beneficial treatment for post-implantation progression of LUTS.

Three-dimensional reconstructive kidney volume analyses according to the endophytic degree of tumors during open partial or radical nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the renal function outcomes and contralateral kidney volume change measured by using a 3-dimensional reconstructive method after open partial nephrectomy (PN) or open radical nephrectomy (RN) according to the endophytic degree of tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 214 PN and 220 RN patients. According to the endophytic degree of the tumors, we divided patients into 3 groups. Patients were assessed for renal function and kidney volume change both preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months. Kidney volume was calculated by using personal computer-based software. Subgroup analyses was performed for tumor >4cm. RESULTS: Larger and complex tumors were more frequent in the RN group than PN group. Among patients with exophytic and mild endophytic tumors, the mean postoperative renal function was well preserved in PN group and the mean contralateral kidney volume significantly increased in the RN compared to the PN group (PN, 145.55 to 149.98mL; 3.0% versus RN, 143.93 to 169.64mL;17.9% p=0.006). However, in fully endophytic tumors, compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney was similar between PN and RN (PN, 138.16 to 159.64mL; 15.5% versus RN, 138.65 to 168.04mL; 21.2% p=0.416) and renal functional outcomes were similar between both groups. These results were also confirmed in tumors >4cm in size. CONCLUSIONS: In fully endophytic tumors, especially large tumors, the postoperative renal function and contralateral kidney volume were similar; therefore, we should consider RN preferentially as surgical option for these tumors.

PTEN loss-mediated Akt activation increases the properties of cancer stem-like cell populations in prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the PTEN/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway plays an important role in regulating the prostate cancer stem-like cell population by upregulating ABCG2. METHODS: Targeted PTEN knockdown in human prostate DU145 and 22Rv1 cells using a small interfering RNA were confirmed by immunoblot analysis using antibodies of PTEN, phospho-Akt, Akt, and α-tubulin. Knockdown PTEN DU145 and 22Rv1 cells were augmented, and the stem cell-like properties were examined by cell viability and tumor sphere formation and treated by Akt IV inhibitor to provide the signal transduction pathway. Luciferase activity assays were performed. RESULTS: The knockdown of PTEN in prostate cancer cell lines increased the stem-like properties of the cells, including their sphere-forming ability, stem cell population number, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related gene expression, and ABCG2 expression. Additionally, PTEN expression was highly associated with elevated expression of phospho-Akt. Treatment with an Akt inhibitor suppressed the PTEN-mediated effects on the properties of these stem-like cells as well as drug resistance, ABCG2 expression, and the NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSION: The loss of PTEN in prostate cancer cells resulted in an increased PI3K/Akt pathway. Due to the Akt activation, PTEN loss may play an important role in prostate cancer by promoting cancer stemness through a mechanism that involves enhanced NF-κB signaling.

Topography of the greater palatine artery and the palatal vault for various types of periodontal plastic surgery.

The purpose of the present study is to provide useful data that could be applied to various types of periodontal plastic surgery by detailing the topography of the greater palatine artery (GPA), looking in particular at its depth from the palatal masticatory mucosa (PMM) and conducting a morphometric analysis of the palatal vault. Forty-three hemisectioned hard palates from embalmed Korean adult cadavers were used in this study. The morphometry of the palatal vault was analyzed, and then the specimens were decalcified and sectioned. Six parameters were measured using an image-analysis system after performing a standard calibration. In one specimen, the PMM was separated from the hard palate and subjected to a partial Sihler's staining technique, allowing the branching pattern of the GPA to be observed in a new method. The distances between the GPA and the gingival margin, and between the GPA and the cementoenamel junction were greatest at the maxillary second premolar. The shortest vertical distance between the GPA and the PMM decreased gradually as it proceeded anteriorly. The GPA was located deeper in the high-vault group than in the low-vault group. The premolar region should be recommended as the optimal donor site for tissue grafting, and in particular the second premolar region. The maximum size and thickness of tissue that can be harvested from the region were 9.3 mm and 4.0 mm, respectively.

The epidemiology of male lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: Results of 20 years of Korean community care and surveys.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia in a Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Korean Prostate & Voiding Health Association provided free prostate-related community health care and conducted surveys in all regions of Korea from 2001 to 2022 with the cooperation of local government public health centers. A total of 72,068 males older than 50 were surveyed and analyzed. History taking, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), transrectal ultrasonography, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, uroflowmetry, and urine volume testing were performed. RESULTS: The mean prostate volumes in males in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s or above were 24.7 g, 27.7 g, 31 g, and 33.7 g, respectively. The proportion of males with high PSA greater than 3 ng/mL was 3.8% among males in their 50s, 7.7% among males in their 60s, 13.1% among males in their 70s, and 17.9% among males 80 years of age or older. The mean IPSS total scores in males in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s or above were 10.7, 12.7, 14.5, and 16, respectively. Severe symptoms were reported by 27.3% of males, whereas 51.7% reported moderate symptoms. The mean Qmax in males in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s or above were 20 mL/s, 17.4 mL/s, 15.4 mL/s, and 13.8 mL/s, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based study, mean prostate volume, IPSS, PSA, and Qmax were 30.6±15.1 g, 14.8±8.2, 1.9±4.7 ng/mL, and 15.6±6.5 mL/s, respectively. Aging was significantly associated with increased prostate volume, PSA levels, and IPSS scores, and with decreased Qmax and urine volume.

Radical prostatectomy versus high dose permanent prostate brachytherapy using iodine-125 seeds for patients with high risk prostate cancer: a matched cohort analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biochemical outcomes reported after radical prostatectomy (RP) versus high dose permanent prostate brachytherapy (HDPPB) using iodine-125 seeds in the treatment of matched high risk prostate cancer (HiPCa). METHODS: In this retrospective review, 55 HiPCa patients treated between March 2006 and August 2011, who underwent HDPPB using iodine-125 seeds combined with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), were compared with 55 HiPCa patients who underwent RP. Patients were matched for age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), clinical stage, and Gleason scores. The biochemical outcomes after HDPPB and RP were compared via Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Of the 110 patients analyzed, the mean ages, PSA, and Gleason biopsy scores were similar between the two cohorts. Among patients who underwent HDPPB, 20 patients (36.4%) had received adjuvant EBRT. Of this subsample, most patients (98.2%) had received adjuvant ADT for 3 months. Among patients with RP, 20 patients (36.4%) had received adjuvant EBRT, whereas 28 patients had received adjuvant ADT. The mean implanted seed numbers were 92.8, the mean D90 was 218.7 Gy, and the mean V100 was 96.1% after HDPPB. With regard to oncological outcomes, biochemical disease-free survival rates were similar between the two cohorts (82.6 vs. 81.1%, p = 0.982). Urethrorectal fistula developed in one patient with HDPPB. CONCLUSION: RP and HDPPB, using iodine-125 seeds with combined treatment modalities, exhibited similar biochemical recurrence-free survival rates among HiPCa patients. Further prospective studies with greater sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to validate these results.

Evaluation of stability changes in magnesium-incorporated titanium implants in the early healing period.

The aim of the present study was to determine the bone response to magnesium (Mg) ion-incorporated titanium (Ti) implants during the early healing period. A total of 114 patients (69 men and 45 women aged between 29 and 71 years) participated in the study. Overall, one hundred thirty-three 10-mm-long fixtures were installed, composed of 65 Mg ion-incorporated fixtures in the test group (55 participants; 30 males and 25 females) and 68 resorbable blast media (RBM) surface fixtures in the control group (59 participants; 39 males and 20 females). The bone responses were evaluated by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at the following time points after implant insertion (ie, the healing period): 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Each time an RFA measurement was taken, the stability changes relating to both bone quality and implant arch location (maxilla or mandible) were recorded for further analysis. The mean stabilities were lowest at week 4 of healing for both the test and control groups. Significant differences in RFA values between the 2 groups were found at week 12 of healing. The mean percentage change in implant stability quotient (ISQ) from the baseline revealed that the implant stability of the Mg ion-incorporated test group had increased (4.55%) more than the RBM surface group (2.23%) by week 12 of healing. With respect to bone quality, the mean ISQ of Mg-incorporated Ti implants only changed significantly during the 12-week period for type 4 bone. Furthermore, at weeks 4 and 12 of healing, significant differences were found between the 2 groups for type 2 and type 4 bone. A comparison of the stability patterns of mandibular and maxillary implants revealed that the overall stability was higher in the mandible; however, no significant difference was found for Mg-incorporated Ti implants. The Mg-incorporated Ti implants exhibited a slightly better bone response with respect to ISQ than did the RBM surface implants, and the percentage change in mean ISQ from the baseline was greater for the Mg-incorporated group than for the RBM surface group at the end point of this study.

The Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sociosexual Behaviors in the South Korean Military Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the epidemiological factors of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among South Korean troops including the prevalence, therapeutic methods, and sexual risk behaviors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of the STIs diagnosed troops at the Armed Forces Capital Hospital (AFCH) for 36 months (between January 2018 and December 2020) were retrospectively reviewed. The data collection for the study began after obtaining research approvals from the institutional ethics committee of AFCH. The patients were classified into two subgroups, pre-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19 groups. The clinical parameters of the patients including STI-related symptoms and underlying diseases were analyzed. The sociosexual conduct of the two study groups was evaluated and compared by using a survey questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 138 STI patients with mean age of 21.2 years were included (pre-COVID-19: 106 patients/COVID-19: 32 patients). 32.6% of the patients received college education before the military service. Regarding previous history of STIs, 24 patients (17.4%) had previous experience of STIs, which occurred before participation in the current study. Initial urine analysis results showed that 95 (68.8%) and 79 patients (57.2%) showed pyuria and bacteriuria, respectively. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (29.7%) was the most commonly identified pathogen. Each pathogen was treated with the therapies recommended by the current treatment guidelines, and no patient showed any recurrence of the disease during follow-up. Both pre-COVID-19 (91.5%) and COVID-19 (93.8%) groups showed high rates of binge drinking during off-duty. The pre-COVID-19 group had a greater number of patients (21.7%) having multiple sex partners (during the past 12 months) than the COVID-19 group (15.6%). The COVID-19 group had 18.8% of the troops involved in sexual activity even after the onset of STI-related clinical symptoms, whereas the rate was significantly higher than 2.8% of the pre-COVID-19 group (P = .001). The COVID-19 groups showed a significantly higher number of patients (four patients, 12.5%) experiencing suicidal ideation than the pre-COVID-19 group (two patients, 1.9%) (P = .010). Both groups showed <40% of condom use rates at the last sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION: The soldiers with STIs showed high rates of binge alcohol consumption, while the rates of engaging in safe sex by using condoms are markedly low. Although the COVID-19 group was under influence of social distancing and military base lockdown, the soldiers' sociosexual conduct was not significantly different in the pre-COVID-19 group. The importance of education on alcohol misuse and safe sexual relationships should be taken more seriously within the military.

Understanding Burkholderia glumae BGR1 Virulence through the Application of Toxoflavin-Degrading Enzyme, TxeA.

Rice (Oryzae sativa cv. dongjin) is a cornerstone of global food security; however, Burkholderia glumae BGR1, which is responsible for bacterial panicle blight (BPB), threatens its productive output, with dire consequences for rice and other crops. BPB is primarily caused by toxoflavin, a potent phytotoxin that disrupts plant growth at various developmental stages. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms through which toxoflavin and BPB affect rice plants is critical. Toxoflavin biosynthesis in B. glumae BGR1 relies on the toxABCDE operon, with ToxA playing a central role. In response to this threat, our study explores a metagenome-derived toxoflavin-degrading enzyme, TxeA, as a potential defense mechanism against toxoflavin's destructive impact. TxeA-induced degradation of toxoflavin represents a potential strategy to mitigate crop damage. We introduce a groundbreaking approach: engineering transgenic rice plants to produce toxoflavin-degrading enzymes. These genetically modified plants, armed with TxeA, hold significant potential for combating toxoflavin-related crop losses. However, removal of toxoflavin, a major virulence factor in B. glumae BGR1, does not completely inhibit virulence. This innovative perspective offers a new shift from pathogen eradication to leveraging transgenic plants' power, offering a beacon of hope for crop protection and disease management. Our study offers insights into the intricate interplay between toxoflavin, BPB, and TxeA, providing a promising avenue to safeguard rice crops, ensure food security, and potentially enhance the resilience of various agricultural crops to B. glumae BGR1-induced diseases.

A dual-center study of predictive factors for sperm retrieval through microdissection testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in men with non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the predictors of sperm retrieval (SR) in non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome (KS) patients undergoing microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). The cutoff values of the predictors of SR and overall pregnancy rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were analyzed for the positive SR (PSR) cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a dual-center retrospective study. Overall 118 patients with KS underwent mTESE between January 2011 and July 2021. Clinicopathological factors including comorbidities, endocrine profiles, and testicular volumes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients showed PSR (49.2%) and 60 patients (50.8%) had negative SR (NSR). The mean overall age of the patients was 32.5 years. The NSR patients had a significantly greater prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cerebrovascular disease. The PSR group had a significantly higher left testis mean volume (p=0.039). The differences between the two study groups regarding follicular-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone variations at 1 and 3 months after mTESE were insignificant. Preoperative mean neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly greater in the NSR group (p=0.011), but the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio showed no significant difference between the two study groups. A live child birth was achieved in 53.4% of the PSR patients. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that total testicular volume >3.93 mL, left testis volume >1.79 mL, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≤1.82 were significantly associated with PSR. CONCLUSIONS: mTESE-ICSI is a feasible method for KS patients to have a child, and total testicular volume, left testis volume, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio might be predictors of successful SR.

Quality Characteristics of Rice-Based Ice Creams with Different Amylose Contents.

Ice cream consumption has increased over the years. In this study, we investigated the potential of using rice varieties with varying amylose contents for ice cream production. We analyzed the physical and chemical properties and sensory quality characteristics (appearance, taste, texture, chewiness, aroma, and rice flavor) of rice-based ice cream made from five varieties with low and high amylose levels. To make the ice cream, we ground rice into a fine powder and combined it with skim milk powder, butter, sugar, glycerin esters of fatty acids, locust bean gum, and water to form a gelatinized mixture. This mixture was then aged, frozen, and hardened. The ice cream's key quality characteristics, such as viscosity (2170-25,030 cP), hardness (4.27-49.55 N cm-2), and overrun (17.95-46.99%), showed a wide range. Ice cream made from Saemimyeon (high amylose content rice variety) exhibited the highest hardness value (49.55 N cm-2) among the varieties tested, but had relatively low viscosity (4030 cP), overrun (17.95%), and drip-through (0.75 g/min) values. These findings suggest that rice varieties with different amylose contents are suitable for making ice cream and have the potential to expand the rice processing market and increase its value.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grain Size, Shape, and Weight-Related QTLs Identified Using GWAS with Multiple GAPIT Models and High-Density SNP Chip DNA Markers.

This study investigated novel quantitative traits loci (QTLs) associated with the control of grain shape and size as well as grain weight in rice. We employed a joint-strategy multiple GAPIT (Genome Association and Prediction Integrated Tool) models [(Bayesian-information and Linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK)), Fixed and random model Circulating Probability Uniform (FarmCPU), Settlement of MLM Under Progressive Exclusive Relationship (SUPER), and General Linear Model (GLM)]-High-Density SNP Chip DNA Markers (60,461) to conduct a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). GWAS was performed using genotype and grain-related phenotypes of 143 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Data show that parental lines (Ilpum and Tung Tin Wan Hein 1, TTWH1, Oryza sativa L., ssp. japonica and indica, respectively) exhibited divergent phenotypes for all analyzed grain traits), which was reflected in their derived population. GWAS results revealed the association between seven SNP Chip makers and QTLs for grain length, co-detected by all GAPIT models on chromosomes (Chr) 1-3, 5, 7, and 11, were qGL1-1BFSG (AX-95918134, Chr1: 3,820,526 bp) explains 65.2-72.5% of the phenotypic variance explained (PVE). In addition, qGW1-1BFSG (AX-273945773, Chr1: 5,623,288 bp) for grain width explains 15.5-18.9% of PVE. Furthermore, BLINK or FarmCPU identified three QTLs for grain thickness independently, and explain 74.9% (qGT1Blink, AX-279261704, Chr1: 18,023,142 bp) and 54.9% (qGT2-1Farm, AX-154787777, Chr2: 2,118,477 bp) of the observed PVE. For the grain length-to-width ratio (LWR), the qLWR2BFSG (AX-274833045, Chr2: 10,000,097 bp) explains nearly 15.2-32% of the observed PVE. Likewise, the major QTL for thousand-grain weight (TGW) was detected on Chr6 (qTGW6BFSG, AX-115737727, 28,484,619 bp) and explains 32.8-54% of PVE. The qTGW6BFSG QTL coincides with qGW6-1Blink for grain width and explained 32.8-54% of PVE. Putative candidate genes pooled from major QTLs for each grain trait have interesting annotated functions that require functional studies to elucidate their function in the control of grain size, shape, or weight in rice. Genome selection analysis proposed makers useful for downstream marker-assisted selection based on genetic merit of RILs.

Effectiveness and Safety of Recombinant Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (Follitrope™) in Inducing Controlled Ovarian Stimulation in Infertile Women in Real-World Practice: a Prospective Cohort Study.

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rhFSH [Follitrope™]) in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). To identify predictors of ovarian response that induce optimal clinical outcomes. This multicenter prospective study enrolled infertile women who were scheduled to undergo IVF after ovarian stimulation with rhFSH (Follitrope™) following the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist or GnRH antagonist protocol. Predictive factors for ovarian response were identified in the GnRH antagonist group based on the number of oocytes retrieved. A total of 516 infertile women were enrolled, among whom 136 (except one who withdrew before administration) received rhFSH using the GnRH agonist protocol and 379 using the antagonist protocol. The mean number of oocytes retrieved was 13.4 in the GnRH agonist group and 13.6 in the GnRH antagonist group. The clinical pregnancy rates were 32.3% (30/93) and 39.9% (115/288) in the GnRH agonist and antagonist groups, respectively. The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was 1.8% and 3.4% in the GnRH agonist and antagonist groups, respectively. No other significant safety risks associated with rhFSH administration were identified. Body mass index, basal serum FSH and anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and antral follicle count were identified as predictors of ovarian response by multiple regression with backward elimination, and the final regression model accounted for 26.5% of the response variability. In real-world practice, rhFSH (Follitrope™) is safe and effective in inducing ovarian stimulation in infertile women. Patient characteristics identified as predictors can be considered to be highly related to optimal clinical outcomes.

Relationship among total kidney volume, renal function and age.

PURPOSE: We measured kidney volume using software and investigated the relationship between kidney volume and renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Age, gender, height, body weight, body mass index, body surface area and serum creatinine were recorded for 539 normal individuals. A tissue segmentation tool program was used to measure kidney volume from computerized tomography images. The glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation and an abbreviated modification of diet in renal disease equation. We looked for correlations of renal parenchymal volume with age and anthropometric measurements. We also tested for a correlation between kidney volume and renal function using the glomerular filtration rate according to the Cockcroft-Gault and modification of diet in renal disease equations. RESULTS: Mean kidney volume in all participants was 261.3 ± 58.1 ml. Mean volume in men was approximately 14 ml greater than in women (266.1 vs 251.8 ml, p = 0.004). Kidney volume correlated significantly with height (r = 0.344, p <0.001), body weight (r = 0.343, p <0.001), body mass index (r = 0.177, p <0.001), body surface area (r = 0.371, p <0.001) and age (r = -0.418, p <0.001). Kidney volume also correlated with the glomerular filtration rate according to the Cockcroft-Gault and modification of diet in renal disease equations (p <0.001, r = 0.615 and p <0.001, r = 0.432, respectively). Kidney volume and the glomerular filtration rate decreased in parallel with increasing age. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney volume correlates well with renal function and anthropometric measurements. Knowledge of these relationships will be valuable in clinical urology and nephrology.

Fine mapping and identification of candidate rice genes associated with qSTV11(SG), a major QTL for rice stripe disease resistance.

Rice stripe disease, caused by rice stripe virus (RSV) is a serious constraint to rice production in subtropical regions of East Asia. We performed fine mapping of a RSV resistance QTL on chromosome 11, qSTV11 ( SG ), using near-isogenic lines (NILs, BC(6)F(4)) derived from a cross between the highly resistant variety, Shingwang, and the highly susceptible variety, Ilpum, using 11 insertion and deletion (InDel) markers. qSTV11 ( SG ) was localized to a 150-kb region between InDel 11 (17.86 Mbp) and InDel 5 (18.01 Mbp). Among the two markers in this region, InDel 7 is diagnostic of RSV resistance in 55 Korean japonica and indica rice varieties. InDel 7 could also distinguish the allele type of Nagdong, Shingwang, Mudgo, and Pe-bi-hun from Zenith harboring the Stv-b ( i ) allele. As a result, qSTV11 ( SG ) is likely to be the Stv-b ( i ) allele. There were 21 genes in the 150-kb region harboring the qSTV11 ( SG ) locus. Three of these genes, LOC_Os11g31430, LOC_Os11g31450, and LOC_Os11g31470, were exclusively expressed in the susceptible variety. These expression profiles were consistent with the quantitative nature along with incomplete dominance of RSV resistance. Sequencing of these genes showed that there were several amino acid substitutions between susceptible and resistant varieties. Putative functions of these candidate genes for qSTV11 (SG) are discussed.

Prognostic significance of preoperative kidney volume for predicting renal function in renal cell carcinoma patients receiving a radical or partial nephrectomy.

UNLABELLED: Study Type - Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? At present, many studies have been executed to identify predictors for chronic kidney disease or renal insufficiency after radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy. We examined whether preoperative kidney volume is a predictor for renal function after radical or partial nephrectomies in RCC patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the relationship between preoperative kidney volume and changes in renal function in RCC patients who underwent radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy performed by one surgeon. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether preoperative kidney volume is a prognostic factor for predicting the postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 133 patients who underwent radical (n= 83) or partial (n= 50) nephrectomy for RCC. Kidney parenchymal volume was measured using personal computer-based software and GFR was estimated before and after surgery at 6 and 12 months. We evaluated the change in kidney volume after radical and partial nephrectomy and used regression analysis to identify predictors of lower post-surgical GFR at 12 months. RESULTS: The mean volume of the normal side kidney for the radical nephrectomy group increased from 142.4 mL to 166.0 mL (17.2%) and 171.5 mL (21.2%) after surgery at 6 and 12 months, respectively. In the partial nephrectomy group, the volume of the normal side kidney increased from 127.2 mL to 138.8 mL (9.1%) and 140.6 mL (10.9%) after surgery at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The volume of the operated side kidney decreased from 128.5 mL to 102.3 mL (20.1%) and 101.8 (20.6%) after surgery at 6 and 12 months, respectively. In the radical nephrectomy group, older age (P < 0.001), preoperative volume of the normal kidney (P= 0.022) and preoperative GFR for the normal side kidney (P= 0.045) were significant predictors of lower post-surgical GFR at 12 months. In the partial nephrectomy group, older age (P= 0.001) and preoperative volume for both kidneys (P= 0.037) were significant predictors of lower post-surgical GFR at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Preoperative kidney volume is an independent predictor of GFR in RCC patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy.