The Characteristics of Coronary Artery Lesions in COVID-19 Infected Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: An Optical Coherence Tomography Study.

COVID-19 may predispose patients to cardiac injuries but whether COVID-19 infection affects the morphological features of coronary plaques to potentially influence the outcome of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unknown. By using optical coherence tomography (OCT), this study compared the characteristics of coronary plaque in patients with CAD with/without COVID-19 infection. The 206 patients were divided into 2 groups. The COVID-19 group had 113 patients between December 7, 2022, and March 31, 2023, who received OCT assessment after China decided to lift the restriction on COVID-19 and had a history of COVID-19 infection. The non-COVID-19 group had 93 patients without COVID-19 infection who underwent OCT before December 7, 2022. The COVID-19 group demonstrated a higher incidence of plaque ruptures (53.1% vs 38.7%, p = 0.039), erosions (28.3% vs 11.8%, p = 0.004), fibrous (96.5% vs 89.2%, p = 0.041) and diffuse lesions (73.5% vs 50.5%, p <0.001) compared with the non-COVID-19 group, whereas non-COVID-19 group exhibited a higher frequency of cholesterol crystals (83.9% vs 70.8%, p = 0.027), deep calcifications (65.6% vs 51.3%, p = 0.039) and solitary lesions (57.0% vs 34.5%, p = 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a significantly lower major adverse cardiac events-free probability in the COVID-19 group (91.6% vs 95.5%, p = 0.006) than in the non-COVID-19 group. In conclusion, OCT demonstrated that COVID-19 infection is associated with coronary pathological changes such as more plaque ruptures, erosions, fibrosis, and diffuse lesions. Further, COVID-19 infection is associated with a higher propensity for acute coronary events and a higher risk of major adverse cardiac events in patients with CAD.

Combined effects of border irrigation and super-absorbent polymers on enzyme activity and microbial diversity of poplar rhizosphere soil.

Fast-growing poplar plantations are considered a great benefit to timber production, but water availability is a key factor limiting their growth and development, especially in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Super-absorbent polymers facilitate more water retention in soil after rain or irrigation, and they are able to release water gradually during plant growth. This study aimed to examine the effects of reduced irrigation (60% and 30% of conventional border irrigation) co-applied with super-absorbent polymers (0, 40 kg/ha) on root exudates, enzyme activities, microbial functional diversity in rhizosphere soil, and volume increments in poplar (Populus euramericana cv. 'Neva'). The results showed that 60% border irrigation co-applied with super-absorbent polymers significantly increased the content of organic acids, amino acids and total sugars in the root exudates, and the activities of invertase, urease, dehydrogenase, and catalase in the rhizosphere soil in comparison to conventional border irrigation without super-absorbent polymers. Meanwhile, this treatment also enhanced the average well-color development, Shannon index, and McIntosh index, but decreased the Simpson index. Additionally, the average volume growth rate and relative water content of leaves reached their maximum using 60% irrigation with super-absorbent polymers, which was significantly higher than other treatments. However, using 30% irrigation with super-absorbent polymers, had a smaller effect on rhizosphere soil and volume growth than 60% irrigation with super-absorbent polymers. Therefore, using an appropriate water-saving irrigation measure (60% conventional border irrigation with super-absorbent polymers) can help to improve enzyme activities and microbial diversity in the rhizosphere soil while promoting the growth of poplar trees.

Risk comparison of osteonecrosis of the jaw in osteoporotic patients treated with bisphosphonates vs. denosumab: a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study in Taiwan.

In this multi-institutional retrospective cohort study, we compared the long-term risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw following the use of denosumab vs. bisphosphonates in osteoporotic patients. After 2-year use, the likelihood of osteonecrosis of the jaw is lower with denosumab compared to bisphosphonates, and the difference increases with time. PURPOSE: To compare the long-term risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) between osteoporotic patients treated with bisphosphonates (BPs) and denosumab. METHODS: This multi-institutional retrospective cohort study included patients aged > 40 years with osteoporosis between January 2010 and December 2018. Patients who met the eligibility criteria were divided into BPs and denosumab groups by propensity score matching (PSM). The risk of ONJ of denosumab vs. BPs was estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model and was described by the cumulative incidence rate using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 84,102 patients with osteoporosis were enrolled, among whom, 8962 were eligible for inclusion based on their first-line drug use (denosumab, n = 3,823; BPs, n = 5,139). Following PCM matching (1:1), the BPs and denosumab groups included 3665 patients each. The incidence density of ONJ in the denosumab and BPs matching groups was 1.47 vs. 2.49 events (per 1000 person-years), respectively. The hazard ratio of ONJ in the denosumab vs. BPs group was estimated as 0.581 (95% confidence interval: 0.33-1.04, p = 0.07). The cumulative incidence rates of ONJ in both groups were similar for the first and second years of drug use (p = 0.062), but significantly different from the third year onwards (p = 0.022). The severity of ONJ was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In osteoporotic patients, after 2 years of use, the likelihood of ONJ being induced by denosumab is lower than that of BPs, and the difference increases with time.

The new 'coN' staging system combining lymph node metastasis and tumour deposit provides a more accurate prognosis for TNM stage III colon cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Despite controversy over its origin and definition, the significance of tumour deposit (TD) has been underestimated in the tumour node metastasis (TNM) staging system for colon cancer, especially in stage III patients. We aimed to further confirm the prognostic value of TD in stage III colon cancer and to establish a more accurate 'coN' staging system combining TD and lymph node metastasis (LNM). METHODS: Information on stage III colon cancer patients with a definite TD status was retrospectively collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2017. The effect of TD on prognosis was estimated using Cox regression analysis. Maximally selected rank statistics were used to select the optimal cut-off value of TD counts. The predictive power of conventional N staging and the new coN staging was evaluated and compared by Akaike's information criterion (AIC), Harrell's concordance index (C-index) and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Clinicopathological data of stage III colon cancer patients in the Xiangya database from 2014 to 2018 were collected to validate the coN staging system. RESULTS: A total of 39,185 patients with stage III colon cancer were included in our study: 38,446 in the SEER cohort and 739 in the Xiangya cohort. The incidence of TD in stage III colon cancer was approximately 30% (26% in SEER and 30% in the Xiangya database). TD was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.31-1.44, p < 0.001 in SEER). The optimal cut-off value of TD counts was 4, and the patients were classified into the TD0 (count = 0), TD1 (count = 1-3) and TD2 (count ≥ 4) groups accordingly. The estimated 5-year OS was significantly different among the three groups (69.4%, 95% CI 68.8%-70.0% in TD0; 60.5%, 95% CI 58.9%-62.2% in TD1 and 42.6%, 95% CI 39.2%-46.4% in TD2, respectively, p < 0.001). The coN system integrating LNM and TD was established, and patients with stage III colon cancer were reclassified into five subgroups (coN1a, coN1b, coN2a, coN2b and coN2c). Compared with conventional N staging, the coN staging Cox model had a smaller AIC (197097.581 vs. 197358.006) and a larger C-index (0.611 vs. 0.601). The AUCs of coN staging at 3, 5 and 7 years were also greater than those of conventional N staging (0.6305, 0.6326, 0.6314 vs. 0.6186, 0.6197, 0.6160). Concomitant with the SEER cohort results, the coN staging Cox model of the Xiangya cohort also had a smaller AIC (2883.856 vs. 2906.741) and a larger C-index (0.669 vs. 0.633). Greater AUCs at 3, 5 and 7 years for coN staging were also observed in the Xiangya cohort (0.6983, 0.6774, 0.6502 vs. 0.6512, 0.6368, 0.6199). CONCLUSIONS: Not only the presence but also the number of TDs is associated with poor prognosis in stage III colon cancer. A combined N staging system integrating LNM and TD provides more accurate prognostic prediction than the latest AJCC N staging in stage III colon cancer.

Serendipita indica alleviates drought stress responses in walnut (Juglans regia L.) seedlings by stimulating osmotic adjustment and antioxidant defense system.

Juglans regia L. is a good host for Serendipita indica. Under drought condition, seedlings colonized with S. indica showed higher values in plant height, total fresh biomass, root/shoot ratio, relative growth rate, leaf relative water content and chlorophyll content, gas exchange parameters, maximal photochemical efficiency, photochemical quenching, and effective photosystem II quantum yield than the uncolonized seedlings. It suggested beneficial effects of S. indica on host plants' growth and physiological parameters in response to drought. In comparison with the uncolonized seedlings, S. indica-colonized seedlings showed lower levels in hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, malondialdehyde, and relative electrical conductivity under drought condition, suggesting the ability of S. indica to prevent or retard the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and to diminish the oxidative injure. Furthermore, walnut seedlings responded to drought by actively accumulating osmotic regulation substances including soluble protein, soluble sugar, and proline. Root colonization with S. indica was more conductive to the accumulation. Moreover, in response to drought stress, walnut seedlings, regardless of colonization, increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase, levels of ascorbate and glutathione, and ratios of reduced ascorbate/dehydroascorbic acid and reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione in leaves and roots. S. indica colonization induced much more increase in the abovementioned indicators as compared to the uncolonized seedlings. Overall, S. indica colonization alleviated the detrimental effects of drought stress by altering root system, enhancing osmotic adjustment, and repressing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species via stimulating antioxidant system including enzymatic and nonenzymatic components. KEY POINTS: • S. indica stimulated root growth of walnut seedlings under drought condition. • S. indica accelerated osmotic adjustment under drought condition. • S. indica activated antioxidant defense mechanism under drought condition.

Stress tolerance of Xerocomus badius and its promotion effect on seed germination and seedling growth of annual ryegrass under salt and drought stresses.

Comparative evaluations were conducted to assess the effects of different pH levels, NaCl-induced salt stress, and PEG-induced drought stress on the mycelial growth of Xerocomus badius. The results showed that X. badius mycelium grew well at a wide pH range of 5.00 ~ 9.00. Although the mycelium remained viable, mycelial growth of X. badius was significantly inhibited with increasing salt and drought stresses. Furthermore, a soilless experiment in Petri dishes was performed to investigate the potential of X. badius to induce beneficial effects on seed germination and seedling growth of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) under salt and drought stresses. Seed priming with X. badius enhanced the seedling growth of L. multiflorum Lam. under NaCl-induced salt stress and PEG-induced drought stress. However, X. badius did not significantly improve the seed germination under non-stress and mild stress conditions. It suggested that X. badius inoculation with seeds was not essential for seed germination under non-stress and mild stress conditions, but contributed highly to seedling growth under severe stress conditions. Therefore, seed priming with X. badius on ryegrass could be an effective approach to enhance plant tolerance against drought and salt stresses. X. badius could be a good candidate for the inoculation of ectomycorrhizal plants cultivation programs in mild saline and semiarid areas.

Physiological response of North China red elder container seedlings to inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria under drought stress.

The issue of how to alleviate the negative effects imposed by water stress is an interesting problem. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) colonize the rhizosphere of plants and are known to promote the growth of crops. However, there are few studies characterizing the physiological response of plants to drought stress after PGPR inoculation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of different PGPRs in arid environments and then investigated the effects of PGPR inoculation under drought stress on the physiological characteristics and growth of North China red elder (Sambucus williamsii) nursery container seedlings. The viable count of different PGPRs under drought stress varies widely, and the drought tolerance of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus X128 was significantly higher than that of other PGPRs. In comparison with non-inoculation, inoculation with X128 in an arid environment significantly increased stomatal conductance and mitigated the inhibition of net photosynthetic rate caused by drought stress; this mitigating effect of inoculation is enhanced as the level of drought stress increases. Relative to non-inoculated seedlings, cytokinin levels in the leaves increased by 91.17% under severe drought stress conditions in inoculated seedlings. However, X128 inoculation decreased this deficit to only 44.54%. Compared with non-inoculated seedlings, the relative water content of inoculated seedlings under severe drought stress increased by 15.06%, however the relative conductivity decreased by 12.48%. Consequently, X128 could increase dry matter accumulation of S. williamsii regardless of watering status, indicative of the greater benefits of PGPR on shoot growth than root. Therefore, inoculation of A. calcoaceticus X128 under drought conditions play a significant role for alleviating the negative effects imposed by water stress and promoting plant growth.

Effect of the inoculation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on the photosynthetic characteristics of Sambucus williamsii Hance container seedlings under drought stress.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria that survive within the range of plant rhizosphere and can promote plant growth. The effects of PGPR in promoting plant growth, activating soil nutrients, reducing fertilizer application, and improving the resistance of plant inducible system have been widely investigated. However, few studies have investigated PGPR as elicitors of tolerance to abiotic stresses, especially drought stress. In this study, the effects of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus X128 on the photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intracellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and total chlorophyll content [Chl(a+b)] of Sambucus williamsii Hance seedling leaves under moderate drought stress and drought-rewatering conditions were determined. Compared with those of uninoculated seedlings, the average Pn values during the entire drought stress of inoculated seedlings increased by 12.99%. As the drought duration was lengthened, Ci of uninoculated leaves continued to increase after rapidly declining, whereas Gs continuously decreased. Furthermore, their photosynthetic properties were simultaneously restricted by stomatal and non-stomatal factors. After X128 inoculation, Ci and Gs of S. williamsii Hance leaves continued to decrease, and their photosynthetic properties were mainly restricted by stomatal factors. At the end of the drought stress, water stress reduced [Chl(a + b)] of S. williamsii Hance leaves by 13.49%. However, X128 inoculation decreased this deficit to only 7.39%. After water supply was recovered, Pn, Gs, and [Chl(a+b)] in uninoculated leaves were reduced by 14.23%, 12.02%, and 5.86%, respectively, relative to those under well-watered conditions. However, Ci increased by 6.48%. Compared with those of uninoculated seedlings, Pn, Gs, and [Chl(a+b)] in X128-inoculated seedlings were increased by 9.83%, 9.30%, and 6.85%, respectively. Therefore, the inoculation of X128 under arid environments can mitigate the reduction of chlorophyll, delay the restriction caused by non-stomatal factors to Pn in plant leaves under water stress, and can be more conducive to the recovery of photosynthetic functions of leaves after water supply is recovered.

Growth improvement of Lolium multiflorum Lam. induced by seed inoculation with fungus suspension of Xerocomus badius and Serendipita indica.

In this study, a pot experiment was carried out in greenhouse to investigate the potentials of Xerocomus badius and Serendipita indica to penetrate and colonize roots of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and to induce beneficial effects on seed germination and seedling growth. The results showed that X. badius and S. indica successfully colonized in the root system of L. multiflorum seedlings and the root colonization rate was 72.65% and 88.42%, respectively. By microscopy, the hyphae, chlamydospores and spores produced by S. indica were observed in roots cortex of L. multiflorum seedlings. In comparison with the non-inoculated seedlings, seedlings inoculated with X. badius and S. indica showed significant increase in growth parameters with plant height, basal diameter, biomass accumulation, relative growth rate, leaf relative water content and chlorophyll content. Also, we found that seedlings inoculated with S. indica exhibited a greater growth-promotion as compared with X. badius-inoculated seedlings. No significant influence of the two fungus application has been observed with respect to seed germination. It suggested that well establishments of mutualistic symbiosis between L. multiflorum and X. badius or S. indica were not so essential to seed germination but contributed highly to the survival and growth of the seedlings.

Probable sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease mimicking focal epilepsy.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) presents with seizures as an early symptom in only approximately 3% of cases. These seizures often present as nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) or epilepsia partialis continua (EPC). Here, we describe a case of probable sporadic CJD (sCJD) in an 83-year-old man whose manifest an unusual presentation of left-hand tonic seizures without evolution to EPC, as well as brain MRI findings interpreted as peri-ictal changes, which led to an initial misdiagnosis of focal epilepsy.

Regulatory effects of root pruning on leaf nutrients, photosynthesis, and growth of trees in a closed-canopy poplar plantation.

A plantation of 5-year-old poplar Populus × euramericana cv. 'Neva' was used to study the regulatory effects of root pruning on nutrients, photosynthetic characteristics, and water-use efficiency (WUE) of leaves and growth rates of diameter at breast height (DBH; 1.3 m), tree height, and volume. Six root-pruning treatments were conducted with different combinations of intensity (at a distance of six, eight or ten times DBH from the trunk) and orientation (on two or four sides of the trees). Results showed that the N, P, K, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance of leaves were all significantly decreased by root pruning over the initial period following root pruning (30 days), but increased in the subsequent investigations. The values of the above indexes peaked in 8-2 treatment (i.e., eight times DBH distance on two sides). The leaf WUE in 8-2 treatment, and average growth rates of DBH, tree height and volume, were the highest among all treatments within 3 years of root pruning. The results indicated that the root pruning based on the appropriate selection of intensity and orientation had significant positive effects on leaf nutrients, photosynthesis, and growth of trees in a closed-canopy poplar plantation.

Effects of root pruning on the physicochemical properties and microbial activities of poplar rhizosphere soil.

This study aimed to determine the effects of root pruning on the physicochemical characteristics and microbial activities of poplar rhizosphere soil. The root systems of 5-year-old poplar (Populus×euramericana cv. 'Neva') trees were manually pruned at 6, 8, or 10 times diameter at breast height (DBH) from the trunk (severe, moderate, and light, respectively) along both inter-row sides. Moderate root pruning significantly increased the concentrations of amino acids, organic acids, and total sugars in the root exudates and decreased the pH of rhizosphere soil. This treatment also increased the contents of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and total organic carbon as well as high-, medium-, and low-activity organic carbon in rhizosphere soil. Moreover, moderate pruning increased the contents of microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, and enhanced basal respiration, in addition to decreasing the metabolic quotients in rhizosphere soil by 8.9%, 5.0%, and 11.4% compared with control, light, and severe root pruning treatments, respectively. Moderate pruning increased the growth rates of DBH, tree height, and volume to the highest levels. Furthermore, these indices were not significantly different between the light root pruning and control groups, but varied significantly between severe and moderate root-pruning treatments. Thus, root pruning, depending on the distance from the trunk, significantly influences the physicochemical properties and microbial activities in poplar rhizosphere soil.

Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus paralicheniformis MDJK30, a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium with Antifungal Activity.

Bacillus paralicheniformis MDJK30 was isolated from the rhizosphere of a peony. It could control the pathogen of peony root rot. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of B. paralicheniformis MDJK30. Eleven secondary metabolism gene clusters were predicted.

Complete Genome Sequence of Biocontroller Bacillus velezensis Strain JTYP2, Isolated from Leaves of Echeveria laui.

Bacillus velezensis JTYP2 was isolated from the leaves of Echeveria laui in Qingzhou, China, and may control some of the fungal pathogens of the plant. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of B. velezensis JTYP2. Several gene clusters related to its biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds were predicted.

Interference factors regarding the path of insertion of rotational-path removable partial dentures.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of the location of the rotational center and the morphology of teeth resulting in interference with the rotational path of insertion and to estimate when an interference test should be performed. METHODS: A total of 400 dental radiograms of maxillary and mandibular first and second molars (100 for each position) were selected. The radiograms were used to hand-sketch the outlines on tracing paper. Then, an interference test was simulated using calipers. Mesial long occlusal rest seats with three different lengths were designed. A curve-simulated rotational path was drawn on the tracing paper showing the outline of a molar. If the curve was intersected by the mesial outline, interference was occurred. A total of 1200 tests were performed. RESULTS: A significant number of interference cases (18.5%, N = 400) occurred when the rotational center was placed at the most distal margin of the occlusal surface. The interference was reduced (2.75%, N = 400) but still present at the distal fourth of the occlusal surface. At the distal one-third of the occlusal surface, interference did not occur (0%, N = 400). There was a significant difference between the results of the three rotational centers (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The interference test was not required for a rotational center at the distal third to half of the occlusal surface. However, if the length of the long occlusal rest extends beyond the distal third, an interference test is recommended before final impression.

The Abundance of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Surrounding Left Atrium Is Associated With the Occurrence of Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is positively associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but the role of EAT in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF)-related stroke and its association with the anatomical and functional remodeling of the left atrium (LA) have not been elucidated.This was a comparative cross-sectional study. Twenty-seven patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF and cardioembolic stroke were selected and compared with 68 age- and sex-matched AF patients without stroke. In addition, 20 controls without a history of AF or stroke were included. The periatrial EAT and the structural and functional properties of the LA and left ventricle were evaluated using contrast-enhanced 64-slice multidetector computed tomography during sinus rhythm. Total EAT around the LA was significantly increased across the groups (control vs AF vs AF-related stroke, P < 0.001). The volumes of the LA and the LA appendage (LAA) were also significantly increased across the 3 groups (P < 0.001 for each). The emptying fraction of the LA and LAA and the booster-pump function of the LA and LAA were all reduced across the 3 groups (P < 0.001 for all). In addition, the Hounsfield unit (HU) ratio of the LAA to the ascending aorta (LAA/AA) was also decreased in patients with stroke (P < 0.001). Furthermore, EAT had a negative correlation with the dynamic function of the LA, LAA, and the HU ratio. After a multivariate analysis, increased EAT (P < 0.001) was shown to be independently associated with the occurrence of AF-related stroke.Periatrial EAT was increased and was correlated with atrial dysfunction in patients with AF-related stroke. Hence, EAT assessment may potentially offer an incremental value for grading the risk of cardioembolic stroke in patients with AF.

All-on-4 concept implantation for mandibular rehabilitation of an edentulous patient with Parkinson disease: A clinical report.

Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurologic disorder. Compromised voluntary and involuntary muscle control of the orofacial-pharyngeal muscles of patients with PD may lead to difficulty in mastication, dysphagia, and tremor of the mouth and chin. All of these problems represent major challenges for the clinician with respect to the oral rehabilitation. This clinical report describes the use of the All-on-4 concept implantation for mandibular rehabilitation with a fixed detachable dental prosthesis in an edentulous patient with PD. The treatment steps, outcome, and limitations are discussed.

A Novel Application of Multiscale Entropy in Electroencephalography to Predict the Efficacy of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. According to one hypothesis, AD is caused by the reduced synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Therefore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are considered to be an effective therapy. For clinicians, however, AChE inhibitors are not a predictable treatment for individual patients. We aimed to disclose the difference by biosignal processing. In this study, we used multiscale entropy (MSE) analysis, which can disclose the embedded information in different time scales, in electroencephalography (EEG), in an attempt to predict the efficacy of AChE inhibitors. Seventeen newly diagnosed AD patients were enrolled, with an initial minimental state examination (MMSE) score of 18.8 ± 4.5. After 12 months of AChE inhibitor therapy, 7 patients were responsive and 10 patients were nonresponsive. The major difference between these two groups is Slope 2 (MSE6 to 20). The area below the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of Slope 2 is 0.871 (95% CI = 0.69-1). The sensitivity is 85.7% and the specificity is 60%, whereas the cut-off value of Slope 2 is -0.024. Therefore, MSE analysis of EEG signals, especially Slope 2, provides a potential tool for predicting the efficacy of AChE inhibitors prior to therapy.

[Effects of inoculating plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on the biological characteristics of walnut (Juglans regia) rhizosphere soil under drought condition].

Effects of four plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) , namely Pseudomonas sp. YT3, Bacillus subtilis DZ1, B. cereus L90 and B. fusiformis L13 on the biological characteristics of walnut (Juglans regia) rhizosphere soil under drought stress were investigated. Results showed that drought stress had little effect on available nutrients of walnut rhizosphere soil, but significantly decreased the activity of organic carbon by 18.4% and increased the pH from 7.34 to 7.79. Under drought stress condition, the inoculation of Bacillus cereus L90 significantly increased high-labile organic carbon in walnut rhizosphere by 14.5% relative to the un-inoculated control, and decreased the pH to 7.41. Compared with the irrigated control, the total microbial populations, root exudates, microbial biomass carbon, and microbial biomass nitrogen in walnut rhizosphere soil were significantly decreased by 36.0%, 20.7%, 33.5% and 30.7%, respectively, because of drought stress. However, L90 inoculation decreased these deficits to 14.1%, 10.3%, 12.1% and 12.7%, respectively. Some terminal restriction fragments (T-RFs) disappeared under the drought condition and PGPR inoculation had great influence on T-RFs according to Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism profiles. The Margalef index and the Shannon index of walnut rhizosphere soil significantly decreased, but the Simpson index increased relative to the irrigated control. Compared with the un-inoculated control, the Margalef index significantly increased from 0.42 to 0.99, as well as the Shannon index increased from 0.52 to 0.98. However, the Simpson index de- creased from 0.60 to 0.39. Inoculating YT3, DZ1 and L13 had weaker effects on the biological characteristics of walnut rhizosphere soil compared to inoculating L90, suggesting L90 inoculation could interfere with the suppression of drought stress to the biological characteristics of walnut rhizosphere soil.

Family-wide expression characterization of Arabidopsis beta-carbonic anhydrase genes using qRT-PCR and Promoter::GUS fusions.

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) are metalloenzymes found throughout the phylogenetic tree. The ß-class carbonic anhydrases (ß-CAs) are the predominating class of CAs in plants. Growing evidence underscores the importance of ß-CAs in plant immunity and environmental adaptation in addition to their roles in photosynthesis. However, many fundamental problems in Arabidopsis ßCAs expression remain unsolved. Here we examined the transcript abundance of AtßCAs in different tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana, and the accumulation of mRNA in response to CO2 and darkness. Histochemical analysis was performed to study the promoter activity of AtßCAs during post-germination seedling growth and in mature plants. All six members of the AtßCA subfamily showed a response to changed CO2 level and darkness, but each member showed a specific dynamic pattern. Although expression of each AtßCA was unique, in general most AtßCAs were synchronously expressed in green leaves since 5 days after germination until flowering. AtßCA1 and AtßCA2 were most highly expressed in leaves but AtßCA2 displayed weaker expression in roots. The level of AtßCA3 transcripts was highest in flowers, while AtßCA5 was most widely expressed and might be involved in more processes than other members. AtßCA6 was unique for increased expression in darkness and no expression in either the anther or pistil. The present study provides useful information for further functional investigation.