Regulator of Awn Elongation 3, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is responsible for loss of awns during African rice domestication.

Two species of rice have been independently domesticated from different ancestral wild species in Asia and Africa. Comparison of mutations that underlie phenotypic and physiological alterations associated with domestication traits in these species gives insights into the domestication history of rice in both regions. Asian cultivated rice, Oryza sativa, and African cultivated rice, Oryza glaberrima, have been modified and improved for common traits beneficial for humans, including erect plant architecture, nonshattering seeds, nonpigmented pericarp, and lack of awns. Independent mutations in orthologous genes associated with these traits have been documented in the two cultivated species. Contrary to this prevailing model, selection for awnlessness targeted different genes in O. sativa and O. glaberrima. We identify Regulator of Awn Elongation 3 (RAE3) a gene that encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase and is responsible for the awnless phenotype only in O. glaberrima. A 48-bp deletion may disrupt the substrate recognition domain in RAE3 and diminish awn elongation. Sequencing analysis demonstrated low nucleotide diversity in a ~600-kb region around the derived rae3 allele on chromosome 6 in O. glaberrima compared with its wild progenitor. Identification of RAE3 sheds light on the molecular mechanism underlying awn development and provides an example of how selection on different genes can confer the same domestication phenotype in Asian and African rice.

Effective use of legacy data in a genome-wide association studies improves the credibility of quantitative trait loci detection in rice.

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) are used to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) using genomic and phenotypic data as inputs. While genomic data are obtained with high throughput and low cost, obtaining phenotypic data requires a large amount of effort and time. In past breeding programs, researchers and breeders have conducted a large number of phenotypic surveys and accumulated results as legacy data. In this study, we conducted a GWAS using phenotypic data of temperate japonica rice (Oryza sativa) varieties from a public database. The GWAS using the legacy data detected several known agriculturally important genes, indicating reliability of the legacy data for GWAS. By comparing the GWAS using legacy data (L-GWAS) and a GWAS using phenotypic data that we measured (M-GWAS), we detected reliable QTL for agronomically important traits. These results suggest that an L-GWAS is a strong alternative to replicate tests to confirm the reproducibility of QTL detected by an M-GWAS. In addition, because legacy data have often been accumulated for many traits, it is possible to evaluate the pleiotropic effect of the QTL identified for the specific trait that we focused on with respect to various other traits. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using legacy data for GWASs and proposes the use of legacy data to accelerate genomic breeding.

Impaired Left Atrial Function in Patients with Atrial Septal Defect and History of Atrial Fibrillation.

In patients with atrial septal defect (ASD), atrial left-to-right shunting causes left atrial (LA) remodeling and dysfunction, leading to atrial fibrillation (AF). In adults with ASD and concomitant AF, LA function should be evaluated after ASD closure plus AF radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).This multicenter retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent transcatheter ASD closure at one of the four leading hospitals. Patients with a history of AF also underwent preceding RFCA. The association between AF history and LA ejection fraction (EF) (indicating LA global function) at 6-12 months following ASD closure was evaluated. To account for differences in baseline characteristics between patients with and without a history of AF, we conducted the following statistical methods: (1) multivariate regression analysis in the prepropensity score (PS)-matched cohort and (2) univariate comparisons in the PS-matched cohort.Overall, this study included 231 patients (30 with AF history, 201 without). Multiple regression analysis showed that AF history was independently associated with impaired LAEF (ß = -10.425, P < 0.001, model created prior to propensity matching). A one-to-one PS matching (25 pairs) showed that the LAEF at 6-12 months following ASD closure was significantly impaired in patients with ASD and AF history compared to that in patients without history of AF (median LAEF, 37.5% (interquartile range [IQR] 29.4%-48.5%) versus 52.3 [IQR 50.0%-56.6%]; P < 0.001).LA function was impaired in patients with ASD and a history of AF at 6-12 months after successful transcatheter ASD closure and on maintenance of sinus rhythm by RFCA.

Interstitial lung disease associated with adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a rare adverse event in patients receiving adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer. Few studies have reported the frequency of ILD in detail, and only small numbers of cases have been described in the literature. Given these previous findings concerning ILD, we retrospectively examined the clinicopathological characteristics of five cases of ILD who had received epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (EC) and compared their findings with non-ILD cases. METHODS: The present single-center retrospective study included breast cancer patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy or NAC at our hospital between January 2014 and January 2021. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients who had received EC for operable breast cancer were enrolled in this study. ILD developed 5 out of 39 patients (12.8%). The incidence of ILD in patients with non-dose-dense (dd) or dd chemotherapy was statistically significantly different (p = 0.0149). ILD occurred in three patients during dd EC treatment and two during weekly paclitaxel (wPTX) after dd EC. ILD was detected in one patient with high Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) levels, in two patients with continuous pyrexia, and in two patients from computed tomography imaging, which was taken to estimate the efficacy of chemotherapy, in two patients. Three of the 5 ILD patients underwent bronchoalveolar lavage, and 2 of these patients were diagnosed with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP). There were no cases of serious ILD that required steroid pulse therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Dd chemotherapy may be associated with an increased ILD frequency, which may reflect developing PCP. Careful monitoring and a timely diagnosis are useful for detecting early-stage ILD.

Predictors of New-Onset Atrial Tachyarrhythmias After Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure in Adults.

BACKGROUND: New-onset atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) often develops after atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. Its development raises some potential concerns such as stroke and bleeding complications caused by anticoagulant therapy and limited access to the left atrium for catheter ablation. Although it is essential to identify the risk factors of new-onset ATA, few studies have examined these factors. This study investigated unknown risk factors for the development of new-onset ATA after transcatheter ASD closure in patients without a history of ATA. METHODS: A total of 238 patients without a history of ATA, aged ≥18 years and who underwent transcatheter ASD closure at the current hospital were reviewed. Patient characteristics were compared between the groups with and without new-onset ATA. The factors associated with new-onset ATA were examined using univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Thirteen (13) (5.5%) patients experienced ATA during follow-up (mean, 21±14 months). Compared with patients without new-onset ATA, patients with new-onset ATA were older (48±18 vs 66±11 years; p<0.001) and had high brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (36±36 vs 177±306 pg/mL; p<0.001). On multivariable analysis, BNP ≥40 pg/mL before ASD closure was associated with new-onset ATA after adjusting for age (OR, 4.91; 95% CI, 1.22-19.8; p=0.025). CONCLUSION: Patients with BNP levels >40 pg/mL before transcatheter ASD closure may have a higher risk of developing new-onset ATA.

Treatment strategies and subsequent changes in the patient-reported quality-of-life among elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Rhythm-control strategy, including catheter ablation (CA) application, constitutes an integral part of atrial fibrillation (AF) management. However, elderly patients are underrepresented in clinical trials, and reports on patient-reported outcome of various rhythm-control treatments remain limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the application of a rhythm-control strategy for elderly patients with AF. METHODS: Using a prospective, multicenter Japanese registry, we analyzed 733 patients with AF aged ≥70 years who completed the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) questionnaire at baseline and 1-year visit. Improvement in patient-reported quality-of-life (QOL) was assessed according to their initial treatment strategy. RESULTS: A total of 321 patients (43.8%) were managed with rhythm-control strategy, of which 125 (17.1%) received treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) alone and 196 (26.7%) underwent CA. Compared with the rate-control group, the rhythm-control group was younger and less likely to have comorbid conditions but had lower baseline AFEQT-overall summary (OS) scores (71.8 [standard deviation 20.3] vs. 80.0 [standard deviation 16.1]; P < .001). After the first year, AFEQT-OS scores improved regardless of treatment strategies (ie, rate- or rhythm-control). After adjusting for confounders, CA implementation and a lower baseline AFEQT score were associated with meaningful improvement in QOL (changes in AFEQT-OS score ≥5). QOL improvement among subgroups of rhythm-control patients with AADs alone was not clinically meaningful. CONCLUSIONS: In contemporary Japanese clinical practice, rhythm-control strategy is widely implemented in elderly patients with AF, and CA use is associated with improvement in QOL in carefully selected patients.

gw2 mutation increases grain width and culm thickness in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Grain size is one of the most important agricultural traits in rice. To increase grain yield, we screened a large grain mutant from mutants with the 'Koshihikari' background. As a result, we obtained a mutant, KEMS39, that has a large grain size and increased yield. Cultivation tests revealed that this mutant had improved lodging resistance with thicker internodes. Next-generation sequencing analysis revealed the presence of a 67 bp deletion in the GW2 mRNA, owing to a mutation in the 3' splice site of the sixth intron of the GW2 gene. To determine whether this mutation was responsible for the larger grain and thicker internodes, we performed gene editing and obtained a mutant with a 7 bp deletion, including this 3' splice site. As this gw2 mutant had large grains and thicker internodes, the causal gene of KEMS39 was determined as GW2. Thicker internodes are attributed to the pleiotropic effect of gw2 mutation. On the basis of these results, we conclude that gw2 mutation has the potential to be an important genetic resource with the ability to achieve a well-balanced and high-yielding effect that simultaneously improves grain productivity and lodging resistance.

Proteomics Analysis of Plasma Membrane Fractions of the Root, Leaf, and Flower of Rice.

The plasma membrane regulates biological processes such as ion transport, signal transduction, endocytosis, and cell differentiation/proliferation. To understand the functional characteristics and organ specificity of plasma membranes, plasma membrane protein fractions from rice root, etiolated leaf, green leaf, developing leaf sheath, and flower were analyzed by proteomics. Among the proteins identified, 511 were commonly accumulated in the five organs, whereas 270, 132, 359, 146, and 149 proteins were specifically accumulated in the root, etiolated leaf, green leaf, developing leaf sheath, and developing flower, respectively. The principle component analysis revealed that the functions of the plasma membrane in the root was different from those of green and etiolated leaves and that the plasma membrane protein composition of the leaf sheath was similar to that of the flower, but not that of the green leaf. Functional classification revealed that the root plasma membrane has more transport-related proteins than the leaf plasma membrane. Furthermore, the leaf sheath and flower plasma membranes were found to be richer in proteins involved in signaling and cell function than the green leaf plasma membrane. To validate the proteomics data, immunoblot analysis was carried out, focusing on four heterotrimeric G protein subunits, Gα, Gß, Gγ1, and Gγ2. All subunits could be detected by both methods and, in particular, Gγ1 and Gγ2 required concentration by immunoprecipitation for mass spectrometry detection.

[A Case of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Successfully Treated with Liver Resection after Administration of Sorafenib].

CASE: A 76-year-old man was referred to our hospital for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)with chronic hepatitis type B. Although he underwent right anterior sectionectomy and S3 segmentectomy, multiple recurrences were found in the hepatic remnant after 2 months. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)and transcatheter arterial infusion (TAI)were performed separately. One and a half month after the last TAI, AFP and PIVKA-Ⅱ levels markedly elevated, and multiple early enhancing nodules with portal vein tumor thrombosis were detected on CT. A half dose of sorafenib(400mg/ day)was administered to the patient who was refractory to TACE. Sorafenib was discontinued after 4 weeks because the patient developed general fatigue and anorexia(Grade 3). Furthermore, these adverse events became worse, and ascites appeared. He was hospitalized in the palliative care unit for best supportive care for 3 weeks and also received outpatient treatment for more than 14 months. Fifteen months after discontinuing sorafenib administration, his condition improved dramatically, and CT revealed that the multiple HCC had reduced in size. Moreover, the portal vein tumor thrombosis disappeared. As his performance status and liver function were well preserved, he underwent partial hepatectomy for residual HCC. The patient remains alive without recurrence at 18 months, despite no administration of sorafenib. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that sorafenib administration combined with surgical treatment could possibly cure advanced HCC refractory to TACE.

Associations between plasma nesfatin-1 levels and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease.

Nesfatin-1 is a recently identified anorexigenic peptide mainly secreted from the brain and adipose tissue. Although nesfatin-1 may have pro-inflammatory and apoptotic properties, the association between plasma nesfatin-1 levels and coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been clarified yet. We investigated plasma nesfatin-1 levels in 302 patients undergoing elective coronary angiography. Of the 302 study patients, CAD was present in 172 (57%), of whom 67 had 1-vessel, 49 had 2-vessel, and 56 had 3-vessel disease. Compared with 130 patients without CAD, 172 with CAD had higher plasma nesfatin-1 levels (median 0.21 vs. 0.17 ng/mL, P < 0.01). A stepwise increase in nesfatin-1 levels was found depending on the number of > 50% stenotic coronary vessels: 0.17 in CAD(-), 0.20 in 1-vessel, 0.21 in 2-vessel, and 0.22 ng/mL in 3-vessel disease (P < 0.05). A high nesfatin-1 level (> 0.19 ng/mL) was found in 43% of patients with CAD(-), 55% of those with 1-vessel, 55% of those with 2-vessel, and 68% of those with 3-vessel disease (P < 0.05). Nesfatin-1 levels significantly correlated with the number of > 50% stenotic coronary segments (r = 0.14, P < 0.02). In multivariate analysis, plasma nesfatin-1 levels were a significant factor for CAD independent of atherosclerotic risk factors. The odds ratio for CAD was 1.71 (95% CI 1.01-2.91) for high nesfatin-1 level of > 0.19 ng/mL (P < 0.05). Thus, plasma nesfatin-1 levels were found to be high in patients with CAD and were associated with CAD independent of atherosclerotic risk factors, suggesting that high nesfatin-1 levels in patients with CAD may play a role in the development of coronary atherosclerosis.

Loss of function at RAE2, a previously unidentified EPFL, is required for awnlessness in cultivated Asian rice.

Domestication of crops based on artificial selection has contributed numerous beneficial traits for agriculture. Wild characteristics such as red pericarp and seed shattering were lost in both Asian (Oryza sativa) and African (Oryza glaberrima) cultivated rice species as a result of human selection on common genes. Awnedness, in contrast, is a trait that has been lost in both cultivated species due to selection on different sets of genes. In a previous report, we revealed that at least three loci regulate awn development in rice; however, the molecular mechanism underlying awnlessness remains unknown. Here we isolate and characterize a previously unidentified EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR-LIKE (EPFL) family member named REGULATOR OF AWN ELONGATION 2 (RAE2) and identify one of its requisite processing enzymes, SUBTILISIN-LIKE PROTEASE 1 (SLP1). The RAE2 precursor is specifically cleaved by SLP1 in the rice spikelet, where the mature RAE2 peptide subsequently induces awn elongation. Analysis of RAE2 sequence diversity identified a highly variable GC-rich region harboring multiple independent mutations underlying protein-length variation that disrupt the function of the RAE2 protein and condition the awnless phenotype in Asian rice. Cultivated African rice, on the other hand, retained the functional RAE2 allele despite its awnless phenotype. Our findings illuminate the molecular function of RAE2 in awn development and shed light on the independent domestication histories of Asian and African cultivated rice.

Plasma Soluble Endoglin Levels Are Inversely Associated With the Severity of Coronary Atherosclerosis-Brief Report.

OBJECTIVE: Transforming growth factor-ß inhibits migration and proliferation of endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Endoglin is a transmembrane receptor for transforming growth factor-ß1 and transforming growth factor-ß3. Endoglin is released into blood as a soluble form (soluble endoglin [sEng]), but plasma sEng levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have not been elucidated. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We measured plasma sEng levels in 244 patients undergoing coronary angiography. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was evaluated as the numbers of >50% stenotic vessels and segments. CAD was found in 147 patients, of whom 55 had 1-vessel, 42 had 2-vessel, and 50 had 3-vessel disease. Compared with 97 patients without CAD, 147 with CAD had lower sEng levels (median 4.04 versus 4.37 ng/mL; P<0.005). A stepwise decrease in sEng levels was found based on the number of stenotic vessels: 4.37 in CAD(-), 4.23 in 1-vessel, 4.13 in 2-vessel, and 3.74 ng/mL in 3-vessel disease (P<0.005). sEng levels inversely correlated with the number of stenotic segments (r=-0.25; P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, sEng was an independent factor for 3-vessel disease and CAD. Odds ratios for CAD and 3-vessel disease were 0.97 (95% confidence interval, 0.95-0.99; P<0.02) and 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.99; P<0.01) for a 0.1 ng/mL increase in sEng levels, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma sEng levels were low in patients with CAD, especially 3-vessel disease, and were inversely associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Rare allele of a previously unidentified histone H4 acetyltransferase enhances grain weight, yield, and plant biomass in rice.

Grain weight is an important crop yield component; however, its underlying regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we identify a grain-weight quantitative trait locus (QTL) encoding a new-type GNAT-like protein that harbors intrinsic histone acetyltransferase activity (OsglHAT1). Our genetic and molecular evidences pinpointed the QTL-OsglHAT1's allelic variations to a 1.2-kb region upstream of the gene body, which is consistent with its function as a positive regulator of the traits. Elevated OsglHAT1 expression enhances grain weight and yield by enlarging spikelet hulls via increasing cell number and accelerating grain filling, and increases global acetylation levels of histone H4. OsglHAT1 localizes to the nucleus, where it likely functions through the regulation of transcription. Despite its positive agronomical effects on grain weight, yield, and plant biomass, the rare allele elevating OsglHAT1 expression has so far escaped human selection. Our findings reveal the first example, to our knowledge, of a QTL for a yield component trait being due to a chromatin modifier that has the potential to improve crop high-yield breeding.

Thermo-responsive allele of sucrose synthase 3 (Sus3) provides high-temperature tolerance during the ripening stage in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

High-temperature stress during the ripening stage leads to quality deterioration due to an increase in chalky grains in brown rice (Oryza sativa L.). In a previous study, we identified a QTL for Appearance quality of brown rice 1 (Apq1) using chromosome segment substitution lines of the indica cultivar 'Habataki' in the japonica cultivar 'Koshihikari' background and narrowed down the locus to a 48-kb region on chromosome 7. To verify the function and mechanisms of this QTL in grain appearance, in this study, we fine-mapped the gene and conducted high-temperature tolerance tests. As a result of the genetic mapping, we narrowed down the candidate region of Apq1 to a 19.4-kb region including three predicted genes. Among these, the temporal expression pattern of sucrose synthase 3 (Sus3) corresponded well with the high temperature-sensitive period during ripening, and expression of the 'Habataki' allele of Sus3 was increased under high-temperature condition. In addition, we transformed the 'Habataki' Sus3 gene into 'Nipponbare', and the transformants obtained high-temperature tolerance. Therefore, we conclude that the causal gene underlying the QTL Apq1 is the thermo-responsive Sus3 allele, and the increase in Sus3 expression under high-temperature condition during ripening leads to high-temperature tolerance in rice.

Identification of Heterotrimeric G Protein γ3 Subunit in Rice Plasma Membrane.

Heterotrimeric G proteins are important molecules for regulating plant architecture and transmitting external signals to intracellular target proteins in higher plants and mammals. The rice genome contains one canonical α subunit gene (RGA1), four extra-large GTP-binding protein genes (XLGs), one canonical ß subunit gene (RGB1), and five γ subunit genes (tentatively named RGG1, RGG2, RGG3/GS3/Mi/OsGGC1, RGG4/DEP1/DN1/OsGGC3, and RGG5/OsGGC2). RGG1 encodes the canonical γ subunit; RGG2 encodes the plant-specific type of γ subunit with additional amino acid residues at the N-terminus; and the remaining three γ subunit genes encode the atypical γ subunits with cysteine abundance at the C-terminus. We aimed to identify the RGG3/GS3/Mi/OsGGC1 gene product, Gγ3, in rice tissues using the anti-Gγ3 domain antibody. We also analyzed the truncated protein, Gγ3∆Cys, in the RGG3/GS3/Mi/OsGGC1 mutant, Mi, using the anti-Gγ3 domain antibody. Based on nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, the immunoprecipitated Gγ3 candidates were confirmed to be Gγ3. Similar to α (Gα) and ß subunits (Gß), Gγ3 was enriched in the plasma membrane fraction, and accumulated in the flower tissues. As RGG3/GS3/Mi/OsGGC1 mutants show the characteristic phenotype in flowers and consequently in seeds, the tissues that accumulated Gγ3 corresponded to the abnormal tissues observed in RGG3/GS3/Mi/OsGGC1 mutants.

Characterization of Heterotrimeric G Protein γ4 Subunit in Rice.

Heterotrimeric G proteins are the molecule switch that transmits information from external signals to intracellular target proteins in mammals and yeast cells. In higher plants, heterotrimeric G proteins regulate plant architecture. Rice harbors one canonical α subunit gene (RGA1), four extra-large GTP-binding protein genes (XLGs), one canonical ß-subunit gene (RGB1), and five γ-subunit genes (tentatively designated RGG1, RGG2, RGG3/GS3/Mi/OsGGC1, RGG4/DEP1/DN1/qPE9-1/OsGGC3, and RGG5/OsGGC2) as components of the heterotrimeric G protein complex. Among the five γ-subunit genes, RGG1 encodes the canonical γ-subunit, RGG2 encodes a plant-specific type of γ-subunit with additional amino acid residues at the N-terminus, and the remaining three γ-subunit genes encode atypical γ-subunits with cysteine-rich C-termini. We characterized the RGG4/DEP1/DN1/qPE9-1/OsGGC3 gene product Gγ4 in the wild type (WT) and truncated protein Gγ4∆Cys in the RGG4/DEP1/DN1/qPE9-1/OsGGC3 mutant, Dn1-1, as littele information regarding the native Gγ4 and Gγ4∆Cys proteins is currently available. Based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, immunoprecipitated Gγ4 candidates were confirmed as actual Gγ4. Similar to α-(Gα) and ß-subunits (Gß), Gγ4 was enriched in the plasma membrane fraction and accumulated in the developing leaf sheath. As RGG4/DEP1/DN1/qPE9-1/OsGGC3 mutants exhibited dwarfism, tissues that accumulated Gγ4 corresponded to the abnormal tissues observed in RGG4/DEP1/DN1/qPE9-1/OsGGC3 mutants.

[A Resected Case of Adenosquamous Carcinoma of Pancreas That Relapsed in Remnant Pancreas].

A 70's man underwent subtotal stomach preserving pancreatoduodenectomy(SSPPD)for pancreatic head cancer. The pathological diagnosis was adenosquamous carcinoma(ASC)of the pancreas. Two months after surgery, a recurrent tumor in the remnant pancreas was confirmed with a CT scan and suspected to be ASC by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA). As the recurrent lesion was limited in the pancreas, total remnant pancreatectomy(TP)was performed 4 months after SSPPD. The final pathological diagnosis was ASC. Two months after TP, liver and para-aortic lymph node metastases were revealed. The patient has been alive for 14 months after SSPPD with chemotherapy. Because of its rarity, it is difficult to implement treatment plans for recurrent ASC in the remnant pancreas.

Overexpression of SRS5 improves grain size of brassinosteroid-related dwarf mutants in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Grain size is a trait that is important for rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield potential. Many genes regulating grain size have been identified, deepening our understanding of molecular mechanisms of grain size determination in rice. Previously, we cloned SMALL AND ROUND SEED 5 (SRS5) gene (encoding alpha-tubulin) from a small and round seed mutant and revealed that this gene regulates grain length independently of the brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway, although BR-related mutants set small grain. In this study, we showed that overexpression of SRS5 can promote grain length and demonstrated that the overexpression of SRS5 in BR-related mutants rescued the shortened grain length, which is an unfavorable phenotype in the yield potential of BR-related mutants, while preserving the useful semi-dwarf and erect leaf phenotypes.

[A Case of Liver Metastasis from Esophageal Cancer Successfully Treated by Surgical Resection after Chemotherapy with Weekly-Paclitaxel].

A 58-year-old man complaining of dysphagia was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with esophageal cancer.He underwent thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy with 3-field lymph node dissection and reconstruction with a gastric tube created by hand-assisted laparoscopy.The pathological diagnosis was classified as AeLtG, pT3N2M0, pStage III .He was subsequently treated with systemic chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin.After 2 courses, a single liver metastatic tumor appeared at segment 5.As chemotherapy against the recurrence, weekly-paclitaxel was administered.After 2 courses, the metastatic liver tumor reduced in size.Subsequently, laparoscopic partial liver resection was performed 11 months after first surgery.The pathological finding was negative for malignancy(pathological complete response).

Plant Morphology of Heterotrimeric G Protein Mutants.

The heterotrimeric G protein complex, comprising Gα, Gγ and Gγ subunits, is an evolutionarily conserved signaling molecular machine that transmits signals from transmembrane receptors to downstream target proteins. Plants conserved the core G protein elements, while developing their own regulatory systems differently from animals. Genetic evidence supports the conclusion that the heterotrimeric G proteins regulate shoot, root and epidermis development, as well as sugar sensing, hormone responsiveness and abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. This review is a compendium of the known morphological changes conferred by loss- and gain-of-function mutations of the G protein subunit genes across three higher land plant models, namely Arabidopsis, rice and maize.