Differences in circulating blood volume changes during emergence from general anesthesia in transcatheter aortic valve implantation and MitraClip implantation.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare changes in the circulating blood volume (CBV) during emergence from general anesthesia in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and MitraClip implantation. METHOD: We included 97 patients who underwent TAVI or MitraClip implantation. The primary outcome was the rate of change in the estimated CBV associated with emergence from general anesthesia. The secondary outcomes were hemoglobin and hematocrit values before and after emergence from anesthesia for each procedure. Additionally, the independent factors associated with changes in the estimated CBV were assessed using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: In the TAVI group, the hemoglobin concentration increased from 9.6 g/dL before emergence from anesthesia to 10.8 g/dL after emergence (P < 0.001; mean difference, 1.2 g/dL, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-1.3 g/dL). Conversely, no statistically significant change was observed in the hemoglobin concentration before and after emergence from anesthesia in the MitraClip group. The mean rate of change in the estimated CBV was - 15.4% (standard deviation [SD] 6.4%) in the TAVI group and - 2.4% (SD, 4.7%) in the MitraClip group, indicating a significant decrease in the estimated CBV in the former than in the latter (P < 0.001; mean difference, 13.0%; 95% CI 9.9-16.1%). CONCLUSION: Emergence from general anesthesia increased the hemoglobin concentration and decreased the estimated CBV in patients undergoing TAVI but did not elicit significant changes in patients undergoing MitraClip implantation. These results may provide a rationale for minimizing blood transfusions during general anesthesia in patients undergoing these procedures.

Identification of two 6'-deoxychalcone 4'-glucosyltransferase genes in dahlia (Dahlia variabilis).

MAIN CONCLUSION: Two glycosyltransferase genes belonging to UGT88 family were identified to have 6'-deoxychalcone 4'-glucosyltransferase activity in dahlia. 6'-Deoxychalcones (isoliquiritigenin and butein) are important pigments for yellow and orange to red flower color. 6'-Deoxychalcones are glucosylated at the 4'-position in vivo, but the genes encoding 6'-deoxychalcone 4'-glucosyltransferase have not yet been identified. In our previous study, it was indicated that snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) chalcone 4'-O-glucosyltransferase (Am4'CGT) has isoliquiritigenin 4'-glucosylation activity. Therefore, to identify genes encoding 6'-deoxychalcone 4'-glucosyltransferase in dahlia (Dahlia variabilis), genes expressed in ray florets that shared high homology with Am4'CGT were explored. As a result, c34671_g1_i1 and c35662_g1_i1 were selected as candidate genes for 6'-deoxychalcone 4'-glucosyltransferases in dahlia. We conducted transient co-overexpression of three genes (c34671_g1_i1 or c35662_g1_i1, dahlia aldo-keto reductase1 (DvAKR1) or soybean (Glycine max) chalcone reductase5 (GmCHR5), and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) MYB transcription factor (CaMYBA)) in Nicotiana benthamiana by agroinfiltration. Transient overexpression of c34671_g1_i1, DvAKR1, and CaMYBA resulted in increase in the accumulation of isoliquiritigenin 4'-glucosides, isoliquiritigenin 4'-O-glucoside, and isoliquiritigenin 4'-O-[6-O-(malonyl)-glucoside]. However, transient overexpression of c35662_g1_i1, DvAKR1, and CaMYBA did not increase accumulation of isoliquiritigenin 4'-glucosides. Using GmCHR5 instead of DvAKR1 showed similar results suggesting that c34671_g1_i1 has isoliquiritigenin 4'-glucosyltransferase activity. In addition, we conducted co-overexpression of four genes (c34671_g1_i1, c35662_g1_i1 or Am4'CGT, DvAKR1 or GmCHR5, CaMYBA, and chalcone 3-hydroxylase from dahlia). Accumulation of butein 4'-O-glucoside and butein 4'-O-[6-O-(malonyl)-glucoside] was detected for c35662_g1_i1, suggesting that c35662_g1_i1 has butein 4'-glucosyltransferase activity. Recombinant enzyme analysis also supported butein 4'-glucosyltransferases activity of c35662_g1_i1. Therefore, our results suggested that both c34671_g1_i1 and c35662_g1_i1 are 6'-deoxychalcone 4'-glucosyltransferases but with different substrate preference.

Effect of using hypotension prediction index versus conventional goal-directed haemodynamic management to reduce intraoperative hypotension in non-cardiac surgery: A randomised controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: It remains unclear whether it is the hypotension prediction index itself or goal-directed haemodynamic therapy that mitigates intraoperative hypotension. DESIGN: A single centre randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Sapporo Medical University Hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 64 adults patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery under general anaesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to either group receiving conventional goal-directed therapy (FloTrac group) or combination of the hypotension prediction index and conventional goal-directed therapy (HPI group). To investigate the independent utility of the index, the peak rates of arterial pressure and dynamic arterial elastance were not included in the treatment algorithm for the HPI group. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the time-weighted average of the areas under the threshold. Secondary outcomes were area under the threshold, the number of hypotension events, total duration of hypotension events, mean mean arterial pressure during the hypotension period, number of hypotension events with mean arterial pressure < 50 mmHg, amounts of fluids, blood products, blood loss, and urine output, frequency and amount of vasoactive agents, concentration of haemoglobin during the monitoring period, and 30-day mortality. MAIN RESULTS: The time-weighted average of the area below the threshold was lower in the HPI group than in the control group; 0.19 mmHg (interquartile range, 0.06-0.80 mmHg) vs. 0.66 mmHg (0.28-1.67 mmHg), with a median difference of -0.41 mmHg (95% confidence interval, -0.69 to -0.10 mmHg), p = 0.005. Norepinephrine was administered to 12 (40%) and 5 (17%) patients in the HPI and FloTrac groups, respectively (p = 0.045). No significant differences were observed in the volumes of fluid and blood products between the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: The current randomised controlled trial results suggest that using the hypotension prediction index independently lowered the cumulative amount of intraoperative hypotension during major non-cardiac surgery.

An evolutionary view of vanillylamine synthase pAMT, a key enzyme of capsaicinoid biosynthesis pathway in chili pepper.

Pungent capsaicinoid is synthesized only in chili pepper (Capsicum spp.). The production of vanillylamine from vanillin is a unique reaction in the capsaicinoid biosynthesis pathway. Although putative aminotransferase (pAMT) has been isolated as the vanillylamine synthase gene, it is unclear how Capsicum acquired pAMT. Here, we present a phylogenetic overview of pAMT and its homologs. The Capsicum genome contained 5 homologs, including pAMT, CaGABA-T1, CaGABA-T3, and two pseudogenes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that pAMT is a member of the Solanaceae cytoplasmic GABA-Ts. Comparative genome analysis found that multiple copies of GABA-T exist in a specific Solanaceae genomic region, and the cytoplasmic GABA-Ts other than pAMT are located in the region. The cytoplasmic GABA-T was phylogenetically close to pseudo-GABA-T harboring a plastid transit peptide (pseudo-GABA-T3). This suggested that Solanaceae cytoplasmic GABA-Ts occurred via duplication of a chloroplastic GABA-T ancestor and subsequent loss of the plastid transit signal. The cytoplasmic GABA-T may have been translocated from the specific Solanaceae genomic region during Capsicum divergence, resulting in the current pAMT locus. A recombinant protein assay demonstrated that pAMT had higher vanillylamine synthase activity than those of other plant GABA-Ts. pAMT was expressed exclusively in the placental septum of mature green fruit, whereas tomato orthologs SlGABA-T2/4 exhibit a ubiquitous expression pattern in plants. These findings suggested that both the increased catalytic efficiency and transcriptional changes in pAMT may have contributed to establish vanillylamine synthesis in the capsaicinoid biosynthesis pathway. This study provides insights into the establishment of pungency in the evolution of chili peppers.

Apnea management during WATCHMAN device deployment with apneic oxygenation: A case report of three cases.

WATCHMAN is a percutaneous left atrial appendage closure device that is implanted in patients who are unsuitable for anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation. During WATCHMAN implantation, inducing apnea in the patient is preferable to allow stable deployment. We present three cases in which apneic oxygenation was employed to maintain oxygenation during apnea, and oxygen reserve index (ORiTM) was measured to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Oxygen was administered continuously via the endotracheal tube during apnea. During all four apneic events in three patients (mean duration of 356 seconds), the ORi values maintained above 0.24, which is generally considered the threshold of partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) > 100 mmHg. Transcutaneous oxygen saturation and PaO2 remained above 99% and 300 mmHg, respectively. There were no respiratory or circulatory complications during or after the surgery.

BpCYP76AD15 is involved in betaxanthin biosynthesis in bougainvillea callus.

MAIN CONCLUSION: BpCYP76AD15 is involved in betaxanthin biosynthesis in callus, but not in bracts, in bougainvillea. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea peruviana) is a climbing tropical ornamental tree belonging to Nyctaginaceae. Pigments that are conferring colorful bracts in bougainvillea are betalains, and that conferring yellow color are betaxanthins. In general, for red-to-purple betacyanin biosynthesis, α clade CYP76AD that has tyrosine hydroxylase and DOPA oxygenase activity is required, while for betaxanthin biosynthesis, ß clade CYP76AD that has only tyrosine hydroxylase is required. To date, betaxanthin biosynthesis pathway genes have not been identified yet in bougainvillea. Since bougainvillea is phylogenetically close to four-O-clock (Mirabilis jalapa), and it was reported that ß clade CYP76AD, MjCYP76AD15, is involved in floral betaxanthin biosynthesis in four-O-clock. Thus, we hypothesized that orthologous gene of MjCYP76AD15 in bougainvillea might be involved in bract betaxanthin biosynthesis. To test the hypothesis, we attempted to identify ß clade CYP76AD gene from yellow bracts by RNA-seq; however, we could not. Instead, we found that callus accumulated betaxanthin and that ß clade CYP76AD gene, BpCYP76AD15, were expressed in callus. We validated BpCYP76AD15 function by transgenic approach (agro-infiltration and over-expression in transgenic tobacco), and it was suggested that BpCYP76AD15 is involved in betaxanthin biosynthesis in callus, but not in bracts in bougainvillea. Interestingly, our data also indicate the existence of two pathways for betaxanthin biosynthesis (ß clade CYP76AD-dependent and -independent), and the latter pathway is important for betaxanthin biosynthesis in bougainvillea bracts.

Validity and Utility of Early Parameters in TEG6s Platelet Mapping to Assess the Coagulation Status During Cardiovascular Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Background The aim of this retrospective observational study was to explore the early predictive parameters for maximum amplitudein the kaolin with heparinase (HKH) assay (MAHKH) of TEG6s Platelet Mapping in cardiovascular surgery including cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) period. The relationship between each parameter of the assay and laboratory data was also assessed. Methods We included the patients who underwent TEG6s Platelet Mapping during cardiovascular surgery under CPB between November 2021 and May 2022. The correlation between MAHKH and the early parameters was assessed. The association between each parameter of Platelet Mapping and a combination of fibrinogen concentration > 150 mg/dL and platelet count > 100,000µL was also evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results In 23 patients who underwent TEG6s Platelet Mapping during the study period, 62 HKH assay data including 59 pairs of data (HKH assay and laboratory data) were analyzed. K and angle, but not R, were significantly correlated with MAHKH (r [95% CI]: -0.90 [-0.94, -0.83], p < 0.0001 for K, and 0.87 [0.79, 0.92], p < 0.0001 for angle). Furthermore, ROC curves suggested that these parameters predicted a combination of fibrinogen concentration > 150 mg/dL and platelet count > 100,000/µL with high accuracy. Similar results were confirmed in the heparinized blood samples obtained during CPB. Conclusion These findings suggest that not only MAKHK but also K and angle, which are early parameters in the HKH assay, provide clinically significant information that will facilitate rapid decision-making regarding coagulation strategies during cardiovascular surgery including the CPB period.

The mutation of CaCKI1 causes seedless fruits in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum).

KEY MESSAGE: The seedless mutant tn-1 in chili pepper is caused by a mutation in CaCKI1 (CA12g21620), which encodes histidine kinase involving female gametophyte development. An amino acid insertion in the receiver domain of CaCKI1 may be the mutation responsible for tn-1. Seedlessness is a desirable trait in fruit crops because the removal of seeds is a troublesome step for consumers and processing industries. However, little knowledge is available to develop seedless chili peppers. In a previous study, a chili pepper mutant tn-1, which stably produces seedless fruits, was isolated. In this study, we report characterization of tn-1 and identification of the causative gene. Although pollen germination was normal, confocal laser microscopy observations revealed deficiency in embryo sac development in tn-1. By marker analysis, the tn-1 locus was narrowed down to a 313 kb region on chromosome 12. Further analysis combined with mapping-by-sequencing identified CA12g21620, which encodes histidine kinase as a candidate gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed CA12g21620 was the homolog of Arabidopsis CKI1 (Cytokinin Independent 1), which plays an important role in female gametophyte development, and CA12g21620 was designated as CaCKI1. Sequence analysis revealed that tn-1 has a 3-bp insertion in the 6th exon resulting in one lysine (K) residue insertion in receiver domain of CaCKI1, and the sequence nearby the insertion is widely conserved among CKI1 orthologs in various plants. This suggested that one K residue insertion may reduce the phosphorylation relay downstream of CaCKI1 and impair normal development of female gametophyte, resulting in seedless fruits production in tn-1. Furthermore, we demonstrated that virus-induced gene silencing of CaCKI1 reduced normally developed female gametophyte in chili pepper. This study describes the significant role of CaCKI1 in seed development in chili pepper and the possibility of developing seedless cultivars using its mutation.

A novel aldo-keto reductase gene is involved in 6'-deoxychalcone biosynthesis in dahlia (Dahlia variabilis).

MAIN CONCLUSION: A novel gene belonging to the aldo-keto reductase 13 family is involved in isoliquiritigenin biosynthesis in dahlia. The yellow pigments of dahlia flowers are derived from 6'-deoxychalcones, which are synthesized via a two-step process, involving the conversion of 3-malonyl-CoA and 4-coumaloyl-CoA into isoliquiritigenin in the first step, and the subsequent generation of butein from isoliquiritigenin. The first step reaction is catalyzed by chalcone synthase (CHS) and aldo-keto reductase (AKR). AKR has been implicated in the isoflavone biosynthesis in legumes, however, isolation of butein biosynthesis related AKR members are yet to be reported. A comparative RNA-seq analysis between two dahlia cultivars, 'Shukuhai' and its butein-deficient lateral mutant 'Rinka', was used in this study to identify a novel AKR gene involved in 6'-deoxychalcone biosynthesis. DvAKR1 encoded a AKR 13 sub-family protein with significant differential expression levels, and was phylogenetically distinct from the chalcone reductases, which belongs to the AKR 4A sub-family in legumes. DNA sequence variation and expression profiles of DvAKR1 gene were correlated with 6'-deoxychalcone accumulation in the tested dahlia cultivars. A single over-expression analysis of DvAKR1 was not sufficient to initiate the accumulation of isoliquiritigenin in tobacco, in contrast, its co-overexpression with a chalcone 4'-O-glucosyltransferase (Am4'CGT) from Antirrhinum majus and a MYB transcription factor, CaMYBA from Capsicum annuum successfully induced isoliquiritigenin accumulation. In addition, DvAKR1 homologous gene expression was detected in Coreopsideae species accumulating 6'-deoxychalcone, but not in Asteraceae species lacking 6'-deoxychalcone production. These results not only demonstrate the involvement of DvAKR1 in the biosynthesis of 6'-deoxychalcone in dahlia, but also show that 6'-deoxychalcone occurrence in Coreopsideae species developed evolutionarily independent from legume species.

Analysis of the radial and ulnar arteries using ultrasound and a vascular visualization device in children.

BACKGROUND: Radial artery is the preferred site for cannulation. Recently, the ulnar artery was chosen as an alternative in adults. AIMS: We aimed to measure the diameter and depth of the ulnar and radial arteries using ultrasound, and our secondary purpose was to evaluate their anatomical position using a near-infrared transcutaneous illumination device. METHODS: Forty-eight children (age range: 0-144 months) were assigned to the following groups: group Infant (aged <12 months), group Preschool (aged ≤12 to <72 months), and group School (aged ≥72 months). The diameter, depth, and position of the ulnar and radial arteries were compared between groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the diameters of the ulnar and radial arteries. In group Infant, group Preschool, and group School, mean diameters of the ulnar artery were 1.27 ± 0.15 mm, 1.62 ± 0.27 mm, and 2.03 ± 0.28 mm, respectively, and the radial artery were 1.29 ± 0.15 mm, 1.69 ± 0.27 mm, and 2.06 ± 0.29 mm, respectively. The corresponding differences between the diameters of ulnar and radial arteries were -0.02 mm, -0.07 mm, and -0.02 mm [95% CI -0.16 mm to 0.12 mm, -0.25 mm to 0.11 mm, and -0.25 mm to 0.21 mm; p = .776, p = .411, and p = .852]. In groups Preschool and School, the ulnar artery was at the recommended depth of 2-4 mm for arterial cannulation compared with the radial artery. In the Infant, Preschool, and School age groups, the ulnar and radial arteries were at the recommended depth of 2-4 mm for arterial cannulation in 70.0%, 100.0%, 93.8%, and 80.0%, 65.0%, and 50.0% of the cases, respectively. (difference: -10.0%, 35.0%, and 43.8%, 95%; CI -43.4% to 23.4%, 14.1% to 55.9%, and 19.4% to 68.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The ulnar artery can be considered a promising alternative to the radial artery for facilitating arterial cannulation in children.

Morphological and gene expression characterization of maf-1, a floral chili pepper mutant caused by a nonsense mutation in CaLFY.

Chili peppers are important as vegetables and ornamental crops, because of the variety of fruit shapes and colors. Understanding of flower and fruit development in Capsicum is limited compared with closely related Solanaceae crops such as tomato. This study reports a novel malformed fruit mutant named malformed fruit-1 (maf-1), which was isolated from an ethyl methanesulfonate-induced mutant population of chili pepper. maf-1 exhibited homeotic changes in the floral bud, which were characterized by conversion of petals and stamens into sepal-like and carpel-like organs, respectively. In addition, the indeterminate formation of carpel-like tissue was observed. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the causative gene in maf-1 is a nonsense mutation in CaLFY. This is the first characterization of an lfy mutant in Capsicum. Unlike tomatoes, the CaLFY mutation did not affect the architecture of sympodial unit or flowering time but mainly affected the formation of flower organs. Gene expression analysis suggested that a nonsense mutation in CaLFY led to decreased expression of multiple class B genes, resulting in homeotic changes in the flower and fruit. This maf-1 mutant may provide new insights at the molecular level in understanding flower organ formation and the genetic manipulation of fruit shape in chili peppers. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-022-01304-w.

Capsaicinoid biosynthesis in the pericarp of chili pepper fruits is associated with a placental septum-like transcriptome profile and tissue structure.

KEY MESSAGE: CAP biosynthesis in the pericarp of chili pepper fruits occurs with an ambiguous boundary in the placental septum and pericarp. Capsaicinoid (CAP) is a pungent ingredient of chili pepper fruits. Generally, CAP biosynthesis is limited to the placental septum of fruits, but it has been reported that its biosynthesis occurs even in the pericarp of some extremely pungent varieties, resulting in a substantial increase in total content. To examine the mechanism of CAP biosynthesis in the pericarp, comparative transcriptome analysis of a variety that produces CAP in the pericarp (MY) and a variety that does not (HB) was carried out. RNA-seq revealed that 2264 genes were differentially expressed in the MY pericarp compared with the HB pericarp. PCA analysis and GO enrichment analysis indicated that the MY pericarp has a gene expression profile more like placental septum than the HB pericarp. The gene expression of CAP biosynthesis-related genes in the MY pericarp changed coordinately with the placental septum during fruit development. In most Capsicum accessions including HB, the distribution of slender epidermal cells producing CAP was limited to the placental septum, and the morphological boundary between the placental septum and pericarp was clear. In some extremely pungent varieties such as MY, slender epidermal cells ranged from the placental septum to the pericarp region, and the pericarp was morphologically similar to the placental septum, such as the absence of large sub-epidermal cells and abundant spaces in the parenchymal tissue. Our data suggest that CAP biosynthesis in the pericarp occurred with an ambiguous boundary in the placental septum and pericarp. These findings contribute to further enhancement of CAP production in chili pepper fruits.

Post-transcriptional gene silencing of CYP76AD controls betalain biosynthesis in bracts of bougainvillea.

Betalain is one of four major plant pigments and shares some features with anthocyanin; however, no plant has been found to biosynthesize both pigments. Previous studies have reported that anthocyanin biosynthesis in some plants is regulated by post-transcriptional gene-silencing (PTGS), but the importance of PTGS in betalain biosynthesis remains unclear. In this study, we report the occurrence of PTGS in betalain biosynthesis in bougainvillea (Bougainvillea peruviana) 'Thimma', which produces bracts of three different color on the same plant, namely pink, white, and pink-white. This resembles the unstable anthocyanin pigmentation phenotype that is associated with PTGS, and hence we anticipated the presence of PTGS in the betalain biosynthetic pathway. To test this, we analysed pigments, gene expression, small RNAs, and transient overexpression. Our results demonstrated that PTGS of BpCYP76AD1, a gene encoding one of the betalain biosynthesis enzymes, is responsible for the loss of betalain biosynthesis in 'Thimma'. Neither the genetic background nor DNA methylation in the BpCYP76AD1 sequence could explain the induction of PTGS, implying that another locus controls the unstable pigmentation. Our results indicate that naturally occurring PTGS contributes to the diversification of color patterns not only in anthocyanin biosynthesis but also in betalain biosynthesis.

Remimazolam Anesthesia for MitraClip Implantation in a Patient with Advanced Heart Failure.

Remimazolam, a novel and ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine, has been available for general anesthesia in Japan. The administration of remimazolam does not induce injection pain, has been reported to have less cardiovascular depressant effects during general anesthesia, and flumazenil can antagonize the effects of remimazolam. However, in clinical trials, no patient who is complicated with severe heart failure or undergoes cardiac surgery was included. We present anesthetic management with remimazolam for MitraClip® implantation in a patient with severe mitral regurgitation and advanced heart failure. Remimazolam was administered both in anesthetic induction and maintenance with less cardiovascular depressant effects. After surgical procedures were completed, the patient smoothly recovered from anesthesia and the tracheal was extubated just after administration of flumazenil. Remimazolam may be able to achieve appropriate anesthetic management in patients complicated with severe cardiovascular diseases.

Acute Hypobaric and Hypoxic Preconditioning Reduces Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Chronic and/or intermittent exposure to hypobaric hypoxia reportedly exerts cardioprotective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, few studies have focused on the cardioprotective effects of acute and/or short-term hypobaric and hypoxic exposures. This study investigated the effects of acute hypobaric hypoxia on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were assigned to groups receiving normobaric normoxia (NN group), hypobaric hypoxia (HH group), or normobaric hypoxia (NH group). HH group rats were exposed to 60.8 kPa and 12.6% fraction of inspired oxygen in a hypobaric chamber for 6 h. NH group rats were exposed to hypoxic conditions under normal pressure. After each exposure, 30 min of myocardial ischemia was followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Cardiac function and infarct size were determined after reperfusion. Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) was also measured. RESULTS: Cardiac function was better preserved in the HH and NH groups than in the NN group (p < 0.01 each). Median infarct size/area at risk was significantly lower in the HH group (50%, interquartile range [IQR] 48-54%; p < 0.01 vs. NN group) and NH group (45%, IQR 36-50%; p < 0.01 vs. NN group) than in the NN group (72%, IQR 69-75%). HIF1α expression was significantly higher in the HH group (p < 0.05 vs. NN group) and NH group (p < 0.01 vs. NN group) than in the NN group. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to acute and/or short-term hypobaric and hypoxic conditions might exert cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via HIF1α modulation.

Remimazolam anesthesia for cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Remimazolam has less cardiovascular depressant effects than propofol in non-cardiac surgical patients. However, the efficacy and safety of remimazolam in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) have not been reported. We present a case of successful anesthetic management using remimazolam in cardiac surgery with CPB. CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old female was scheduled for mitral valve repair, tricuspid annuloplasty, maze procedure, and left atrial appendage closure. We used remimazolam in induction (6.0 mg/kg/h) and maintenance (0.6-1.0 mg/kg/h) of general anesthesia, and the bispectral index value was maintained in the range of 36 to 48 including the period of CPB. Hemodynamics, mixed venous oxygen saturation, and bilateral regional cerebral oxygen saturation were maintained within acceptable ranges. There was no intraoperative awareness/recall or serious complications associated with remimazolam throughout the perioperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Remimazolam can be used the same as other existing anesthetics in cardiac surgery with CPB.

A new role for histone demethylases in the maintenance of plant genome integrity.

Histone modifications deposited by the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) play a critical role in the control of growth, development, and adaptation to environmental fluctuations of most multicellular eukaryotes. The catalytic activity of PRC2 is counteracted by Jumonji-type (JMJ) histone demethylases, which shapes the genomic distribution of H3K27me3. Here, we show that two JMJ histone demethylases in Arabidopsis, EARLY FLOWERING 6 (ELF6) and RELATIVE OF EARLY FLOWERING 6 (REF6), play distinct roles in H3K27me3 and H3K27me1 homeostasis. We show that failure to reset these chromatin marks during sexual reproduction results in the transgenerational inheritance of histone marks, which cause a loss of DNA methylation at heterochromatic loci and transposon activation. Thus, Jumonji-type histone demethylases play a dual role in plants by helping to maintain transcriptional states through development and safeguard genome integrity during sexual reproduction.

Post-transcriptional silencing of chalcone synthase is involved in phenotypic lability in petals and leaves of bicolor dahlia (Dahlia variabilis) 'Yuino'.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of a chalcone synthase ( DvCHS2 ) occurred in the white part of bicolor petals and flavonoid-poor leaves; however, it did not in red petals and flavonoid-rich leaves. Petal color lability is a prominent feature of bicolor dahlia cultivars, and causes plants to produce not only original bicolor petals with colored bases and pure white tips, but also frequently single-colored petals without white tips. In this study, we analysed the molecular mechanisms that are associated with petal color lability using the red-white bicolor cultivar 'Yuino'. Red single-colored petals lose their white tips as a result of recover of flavonoid biosynthesis. Among flavonoid biosynthetic genes including four chalcone synthase (CHS)-like genes (DvCHS1, DvCHS2, DvCHS3, and DvCHS4), DvCHS1 and DvCHS2 had significantly lower expression levels in the white part of bicolor petals than in red petals, while DvCHS3, DvCHS4, and other flavonoid biosynthetic genes had almost the same expression levels. Small RNAs from the white part of a bicolor petal were mapped onto DvCHS1 and DvCHS2, while small RNAs from a red single-colored petal were not mapped onto any of the four CHS genes. A relationship between petal color and leaf flavonoid accumulation has previously been demonstrated, whereby red petal-producing plants accumulate flavonoids in their leaves, while bicolor petal-producing plants tend not to. The expression level of DvCHS2 was down-regulated in flavonoid-poor leaves and small RNAs from flavonoid-poor leaves were mapped onto DvCHS2, suggesting that the down-regulation of DvCHS2 in flavonoid-poor leaves occurs post-transcriptionally. Genomic analysis also suggested that DvCHS2 is the key gene involved in bicolor formation. Together, these results suggest that post-transcriptional gene silencing of DvCHS2 plays a key role in phenotypic lability in this bicolor dahlia.

Histogen Layers Contributing to Adventitious Bud Formation Are Determined by their Cell Division Activities.

Saintpaulia ionantha is propagated by adventitious buds in horticulture, and periclinal chimeral cultivars are usually difficult to propagate. However, some periclinal chimeral cultivars can be propagated with adventitious buds, and the mechanism of which has been unknown. Striped flower cultivars "Kaname," "Concord," and "Monique" were used to investigate what causes flower color separation in adventitious shoot-derived plants by tissue culture. These cultivars were revealed to have mutated flavonoid 3', 5' hydroxylase (SiF3'5'H), WDR1 (SiWDR1), or flavonoid 3 hydroxylase (SiF3H), respectively, in their L1 layer. From our previous study using "Kaname," all flowers from adventitious shoots were colored pink, which was the epidermal color of mother plants' flowers. We used "Concrd" and "Monique" from which we obtained not only monochromatic-colored plants the same as the epidermal color of mother plants, but also plants with a monochromatic colored plants, same as the subepidermal color, and a striped flower color the same as mother plants. Histological observations revealed that epidermal cells divided actively at 14 d after culture and they were involved in the formation of adventitious shoots in the cultured leaf segments of "Kaname." On the other hand, in "Concord" and "Monique," the number of divided cells in the subepidermis was rather higher than that of epidermal cells, and subepidermal cells were sometimes involved in shoot formation. In addition, the plant and leaf size of L1-derived plants from "Concord" and "Monique" were non-vigorous and smaller than those derived from the subepidermal layer. In conclusion, periclinal chimeral cultivars of Saintpaulia can be divided into two types. One type has a high cell division activity in the L1 layer, from which only single flower-colored plants derived from L1 can be obtained as adventitious shoots. Another type has a low cell division activity in the L1 layer, from which striped flower-colored plants the same as mother plants derived from several layers including L1 can be obtained as adventitious shoots. In the periclinal chimeral cultivar capable of propagation with adventitious shoots, the possibility was shown that cells in the L2 layer could form shoots by involving cells of the L1 layer with a low division activity.