Reduced Adenoma Miss Rate With 9-Minute vs 6-Minute Withdrawal Times for Screening Colonoscopy: A Multicenter Randomized Tandem Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Although the 9-minute mean withdrawal time (m-WT) is often reported to be associated with the optimal adenoma detection rate (ADR), no randomized trials of screening colonoscopy have confirmed the impact of a 9-minute m-WT on adenoma miss rate (AMR) and ADR. METHODS: A multicenter tandem trial was conducted in 11 centers. Seven hundred thirty-three asymptomatic participants were randomized to receive segmental tandem screening colonoscopy with a 9-minute withdrawal, followed by a 6-minute withdrawal (9-minute-first group, 9MF, n = 366) or vice versa (6-minute-first group, 6MF, n = 367). The primary outcome was the lesion-level AMR. RESULTS: The intention-to-treat analysis revealed that 9MF significantly reduced the lesion-level (14.5% vs 36.6%, P < 0.001) and participant-level AMR (10.9% vs 25.9%, P < 0.001), advanced adenoma miss rate (AAMR, 5.3% vs 46.9%, P = 0.002), multiple adenomas miss rate (20.7% vs 56.5%, P = 0.01), and high-risk adenomas miss rate (14.6% vs 39.5%, P = 0.01) of 6MF without compromising detection efficiency ( P = 0.79). In addition, a lower false-negative rate for adenomas ( P = 0.002) and high-risk adenomas ( P < 0.05), and a lower rate of shortening surveillance schedule ( P < 0.001) were also found in 9MF, accompanying with an improved ADR in the 9-minute vs 6-minute m-WT (42.3% vs 33.5%, P = 0.02). The independent inverse association between m-WT and AMR remained significant even after adjusting ADR, and meanwhile, 9-minute m-WT was identified as an independent protector for AMR and AAMR. DISCUSSION: In addition to increasing ADR, 9-minute m-WT also significantly reduces the AMR and AAMR of screening colonoscopy without compromising detection efficiency.

M2 tumor-associated macrophage mediates the maintenance of stemness to promote cisplatin resistance by secreting TGF-ß1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly gastrointestinal malignancy, and chemotherapy resistance is a key factor leading to its poor prognosis. M2 tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs) may be an important cause of chemoresistance in ESCC, but its exact mechanism is still unclear. METHODS: In order to study the role of M2-TAMs in ESCC chemoresistance, CCK-8, clone formation assay, flow cytometric apoptosis assay, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and serum-free sphere formation assays were used. In vivo animal experiments and human ESCC tissues were used to confirm the findings. RESULTS: In vitro and in vivo animal experiments, M2-TAMs reduced the sensitivity of ESCC cells to cisplatin. Mechanistically, M2-TAMs highly secreted TGF-ß1 which activated the TGFßR1-smad2/3 pathway to promote and maintain the stemness characteristic of ESCC cells, which could inhibit the sensitivity to cisplatin. Using TGFß signaling inhibitor SB431542 or knockdown of TGFßR1 could reverse the cisplatin resistance of ESCC cells. In 92 cases of human ESCC tissues, individuals with a high density of M2-TAMs had considerably higher levels of TGF-ß1. These patients also had worse prognoses and richer stemness markers. CONCLUSION: TGF-ß1 secreted from M2-TAMs promoted and maintained the stemness characteristic to induce cisplatin resistance in ESCC by activating the TGFß1-Smad2/3 pathway.

Identification of a stable major sucrose-related QTL and diagnostic marker for flavor improvement in peanut.

KEY MESSAGE: An InDel marker closely linked with a major and stable quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome A08, qSUCA08.2, controlling sucrose content will benefit peanut flavor improvement. Sucrose is the main soluble sugar in mature peanut kernel, and its content is a key determinant of flavor. However, the genetic basis of sucrose content in peanut remains poorly understood, which limits the progress of flavor improvement. In the present study, two genomic regions (qSUCA08a and qSUCB06a) for sucrose content on chromosomes A08 and B06 were identified by QTL-seq in a RIL population derived from a cross between Zhonghua 10 and ICG 12625. In the interval of qSUCB06a, QTL qSUCB06.2 was detected through QTL mapping in a single environment. The qSUCA08a was further dissected into 3 adjacent genomic regions using linkage analysis including a major QTL qSUCA08.2 explaining 5.43-17.84% phenotypic variation across five environments. A 61-bp insertion at position 35,099,320 in the higher sucrose parent ICG 12625 was found in qSUCA08.2. An InDel marker SUC.InDel.A08 based on the insertion/deletion polymorphism was developed and validated within a natural population containing 172 peanut cultivars in two environments. The mean sucrose content of 93 cultivars with ICG 12625 allele was significantly higher than that of 79 cultivars with Zhonghua 10 allele. The qSUCA08.2 corresponding to a 2.11 Mb interval harbored 110 genes. Among these genes, a total of 19 genes were considered as candidate genes including 5 non-synonymous mutation genes and 14 differentially expressed genes during seed development. These results provide new insights into the genetic basis of sucrose regulation in peanut and benefit the breeding program for developing new varieties with excellent flavor.

Microvesicles from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer progression by transferring thrombospondin-2.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study found that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) promote Helicobacter pylori (H pylori)-associated gastric cancer (GC) progression by secreting thrombospondin-2 (THBS2). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important carriers for intercellular communication, and EVs secreted by BMSCs have been shown to be closely related to tumor development. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BMSC-derived microvesicles (MVs, a main type of EV) play a role in H. pylori-associated GC by transferring THBS2. METHODS: BMSCs and THBS2-deficient BMSCs were treated with or without the supernatant of H. pylori for 12 h at a multiplicity of infection of 50, and their EVs were collected. Then, the effects of BMSC-derived MVs and THBS2-deficient BMSC-derived MVs on the GC cell line MGC-803 were assessed by in vitro proliferation, migration, and invasion assays. In addition, a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model, a nude mouse intraperitoneal metastasis model, and a tail vein injection metastasis model were constructed to evaluate the effects of BMSC-derived MVs and THBS2-deficient BMSC-derived MVs on GC development and metastasis in vivo. RESULTS: BMSC-derived MVs could be readily internalized by MGC-803 cells. BMSC-derived MVs after H. pylori treatment significantly promoted their proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro (all P < 0.05) and promoted tumor development and metastasis in a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model, a nude mouse intraperitoneal metastasis model, and a tail vein injection metastasis model in vivo (all P < 0.05). The protein expression of THBS2 was significantly upregulated after H. pylori treatment in BMSC-derived MVs (P < 0.05). Depletion of the THBS2 gene reduces the tumor-promoting ability of BMSC-MVs in an H. pylori infection microenvironment both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings indicate that MVs derived from BMSCs can promote H. pylori-associated GC development and metastasis by delivering the THBS2 protein. Video Abstract.

Risk factors analysis of surgical complications of hepatic hemangioma: a modified Clavien-Dindo classification-based study.

PURPOSE: There are few studies on the risk factors of postoperative complications after surgical treatment of hepatic hemangioma (HH). This study aims to provide a more scientific reference for clinical treatment. METHODS: The clinical characteristics and operation data of HH patients undergoing surgical treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2011 to December 2020 were retrospectively collected. All enrolled patients were divided into two groups based on the modified Clavien-Dindo classification: Major group (Grade II/III/IV/V) and Minor group (Grade I and no complications). Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors for massive intraoperative blood loss (IBL) and postoperative Grade II and above complications. RESULTS: A total of 596 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 46.0 years (range, 22-75 years). Patients with Grade II/III/IV/V complications were included in the Major group (n = 119, 20%), and patients with Grade I and no complications were included in the Minor group (n = 477, 80%). The results of multivariate analysis of Grade II/III/IV/V complications showed that operative duration, IBL, and tumor size increased the risk of Grade II/III/IV/V complications. Conversely, serum creatinine (sCRE) decreased the risk. The results of multivariate analysis of IBL showed that tumor size, surgical method, and operative duration increased the risk of IBL. CONCLUSIONS: Operative duration, IBL, tumor size, and surgical method are independent risk factors that should be paid attention to in HH surgery. In addition, as an independent protective factor for HH surgery, sCRE should attract more attention from scholars.

Catalytic DNA-Assisted Mass Production of Arbitrary Single-Stranded DNA.

Synthetic single-stranded (ss) DNA is a cornerstone for life and materials science, yet the purity, quantity, length, and customizability of synthetic DNA are still limiting in various applications. Here, we present PECAN, paired-end cutting assisted by DNAzymes (DNA enzymes or deoxyribozymes), which enables mass production of ssDNA of arbitrary sequence (up to 7000 nucleotides, or nt) with single-base precision. At the core of PECAN technique are two newly identified classes of DNAzymes, each robustly self-hydrolyzing with minimal sequence requirement up- or down-stream of its cleavage site. Flanking the target ssDNA with a pair of such DNAzymes generates a precursor ssDNA amplifiable by pseudogene-recombinant bacteriophage, which subsequently releases the target ssDNA in large quantities after efficient auto-processing. PECAN produces ssDNA of virtually any terminal bases and compositions with >98.5 % purity at the milligram-to-gram scale. We demonstrate the feasibility of using PECAN ssDNA for RNA in situ detection, homology-directed genome editing, and DNA-based data storage.

Impact of 9-Minute Withdrawal Time on the Adenoma Detection Rate: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although current quality indicators of colonoscopy recommend 6 minutes as the minimum standard for withdrawal time (WT), the impact of a WT longer than 6 minutes on neoplasia detection is unclear. METHODS: A multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 1027 patients was conducted from January 2018 to July 2019. Participants were randomly divided into a 9-minute (n = 514) and 6-minute (n = 513) WT group, and a timer was used to adjust the withdrawal speed. The primary outcome was the adenoma detection rate (ADR). RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analysis showed a significantly higher ADR in the 9-minute versus 6-minute WT group (36.6% vs. 27.1%, P = .001). Prolonging WT from 6 to 9 minutes significantly increased ADR of the proximal colon (21.4% vs. 11.9%, P < .001) as well as of the less experienced colonoscopists (36.8% vs. 23.5%, P = .001). Improvements were also observed in the polyp detection rate (58.0% vs. 47.8%, P < .001), and mean number of polyps and adenomas detected per colonoscopy (1.1 vs. 0.9, P = .002; 0.5 vs. 0.4, P = .008, respectively). The higher ADRs in 9-minute WT were also confirmed by the per-protocol (PP) analysis and subgroup analyses, with an increased rate of sessile serrated lesion detection in the 9-minute WT by PP analysis (4.0% vs. 1.3%, P = .04). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that the 9-minute WT was independently associated with increased ADR (P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonging WT from 6 to 9 minutes significantly improved ADR, especially in the proximal colon and for less experienced colonoscopists. A 9-minute WT benchmark should be considered as one of the quality indicators of colonoscopy. ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier, NCT03399045).

Comprehensive evaluation of Chinese peanut mini-mini core collection and QTL mapping for aflatoxin resistance.

BACKGROUND: Aflatoxin contamination caused by Aspergillus fungi has been a serious factor affecting food safety of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) because aflatoxins are highly harmful for human and animal health. As three mechanisms of resistance to aflatoxin in peanut including shell infection resistance, seed infection resistance and aflatoxin production resistance exist among naturally evolved germplasm stocks, it is highly crucial to pyramid these three resistances for promoting peanut industry development and protecting consumers' health. However, less research effort has been made yet to investigate the differentiation and genetic relationship among the three resistances in diversified peanut germplasm collections. RESULTS: In this study, the Chinese peanut mini-mini core collection selected from a large basic collection was systematically evaluated for the three resistances against A. flavus for the first time. The research revealed a wide variation among the diversified peanut accessions for all the three resistances. Totally, 14 resistant accessions were identified, including three with shell infection resistance, seven with seed infection resistance and five with aflatoxin production resistance. A special accession, Zh.h1312, was identified with both seed infection and aflatoxin production resistance. Among the five botanic types of A. hypogaea, the var. vulgaris (Spanish type) belonging to subspecies fastigiata is the only one which possessed all the three resistances. There was no close correlation between shell infection resistance and other two resistances, while there was a significant positive correlation between seed infection and toxin production resistance. All the three resistances had a significant negative correlation with pod or seed size. A total of 16 SNPs/InDels associated with the three resistances were identified through genome-wide association study (GWAS). Through comparative analysis, Zh.h1312 with seed infection resistance and aflatoxin production resistance was also revealed to possess all the resistance alleles of associated loci for seed infection index and aflatoxin content. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided the first comprehensive understanding of differentiation of aflatoxin resistance in diversified peanut germplasm collection, and would further contribute to the genetic enhancement for resistance to aflatoxin contamination.

Optimized dual therapy for treatment-naive patients of Helicobacter pylori infection: A large-scale prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of high-dose amoxicillin (AMX) and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) dual therapy raises much more attention in recent years. Comparative studies among the dual therapies are required to explore more suitable regimens. This study compared the efficacy, adverse events, and patient compliance of three different high-dose dual regimens in treatment-naive patients of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial, including H. pylori-infected treatment-naive patients at 12 tertiary hospitals in China. The eligible subjects received high-dose AMX and esomeprazole (ESO) dual therapy of different regimens. They were randomly assigned to group A (ESO 20 mg plus AMX 750 mg, Qid for 14 days), group B (ESO 40 mg Bid plus AMX 1 g Tid for 14 days), or group C (ESO 20 mg plus AMX 1 g, Tid for 14 days). The eradication rates, adverse events, and patient compliance of the three groups were compared. RESULTS: Between April 2021 and January 2022, a total of 1080 subjects were screened and 945 were randomized. The eradication rates in groups A, B, and C were 88.6% (95% CI 84.5%-91.9%), 84.4% (95% CI 80.0%-88.3%), and 86.7% (95% CI 82.4%-90.2%; p = .315), respectively, based on intention-to-treat analysis; 90.3% (95% CI 86.4%-93.3%), 85.5% (95% CI 81.1%-89.2%), and 87.8% (95% CI 83.6%-91.2%; p = .197), respectively, according to modified intention-to-treat analysis; and 90.4% (95% CI 86.5%-93.5%), 85.8% (95% CI 81.4%-89.5%), and 88.3% (95% CI 84.1%-91.7%; p = .202) in per-protocol analysis. History of antibiotics use in 2 years reduced eradication effect in group B (ESO 40 mg Bid, AMX 1 g Tid). The modified intention-to-treat eradication rates were 81.4% vs 90.0% among those with or without a history of antibiotics use in group B (p = .031). The adverse event rates were 13.7%, 12.7%, and 12.1% in groups A, B, and C, respectively (p = .834). Patient compliance of the three groups was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Two optimized AMX and PPI dual regimens (ESO 40 mg Bid or 20 mg Tid plus AMX 1 g Tid for 14 days) had similar efficacy, safety and compliance as compared with classical dual regimen (ESO 20 mg plus AMX 750 mg Qid for 14 days) in H. pylori-infected treatment-naive patients.

Cyclometalated Ru(II)-isoquinoline complexes overcome cisplatin resistance of A549/DDP cells by downregulation of Nrf2 via Akt/GSK-3ß/Fyn pathway.

Both ruthenium (Ru) and isoquinoline (IQ) compounds are regarded as potential anticancer drug candidates. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of three novel cyclometalated Ru(II)-isoquinoline complexes: RuIQ-3, RuIQ-4, and RuIQ-5, and evaluation of their in vitro cytotoxicities against a panel of cell lines including A549/DDP, a cisplatin-resistant human lung cancer cell line. A549/DDP 3D multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) were also used to detect the drug resistance reversal effect of Ru(II)-IQ complexes. Our results indicated that the cytotoxic activities against cancer cells of Ru(II)-IQ complexes, especially RuIQ-5, were superior compared with cisplatin. In addition, RuIQ-5 exhibited low toxicity towards both normal HBE cells in vitro and zebrafish embryos in vivo. Further investigation on cellular mechanism of action indicated that after absorption by A549/DDP cells, RuIQ-5 was mainly distributed in the nucleus, which is different from cisplatin. Besides, RuIQ-5 could induce apoptosis through mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, ROS-mediated DNA damage, and cycle arrest at both S and G2/M phases. Moreover, RuIQ-5 could inhibit the overexpression of Nrf2 through regulation of Akt/GSK-3ß/Fyn signaling pathway and hindering the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Based on these findings, we firmly believe that the studied Ru(II)-IQ complexes hold great promise as anticancer therapeutics with high effectiveness and low toxicity.

MiR-194-5p enhances the sensitivity of nonsmall-cell lung cancer to doxorubicin through targeted inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-1.

BACKGROUND: Despite chemotherapy being a common treatment, an increase in chemoresistance over time is unavoidable. We therefore investigated the role of miR-194-5p in regulating chordoma cell behavior and examined the downstream effectors of miR-194-5p. METHODS: In this study, NSCLC cell lines A549 and H460 were cultured under hypoxic conditions for 1 week to induce drug resistance to doxorubicin (DOX). The connection between miR-194-5p and HIF-1 was revealed by reverse transcription and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot, and dual-luciferase assays. We used TUNEL staining and the CCK-8 test to assess the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to DOX. RESULTS: We found that hypoxia-induced NSCLC cells enhanced resistance to DOX. MiR-194-5p was substantially reduced, and HIF-1 was increased in hypoxia-induced drug-resistant NSCLC cells. Moreover, miR-194-5p successfully induced NSCLC cell apoptosis by directly inhibiting HIF-1, thereby enhancing DOX sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-194-5p enhanced the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to DOX by directly inhibiting HIF-1. This work provides insights into underlying treatments for drug-resistant NSCLC.

Key Regulators of Sucrose Metabolism Identified through Comprehensive Comparative Transcriptome Analysis in Peanuts.

Sucrose content is a crucial indicator of quality and flavor in peanut seed, and there is a lack of clarity on the molecular basis of sucrose metabolism in peanut seed. In this context, we performed a comprehensive comparative transcriptome study on the samples collected at seven seed development stages between a high-sucrose content variety (ICG 12625) and a low-sucrose content variety (Zhonghua 10). The transcriptome analysis identified a total of 8334 genes exhibiting significantly different abundances between the high- and low-sucrose varieties. We identified 28 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in sucrose metabolism in peanut and 12 of these encoded sugars will eventually be exported transporters (SWEETs). The remaining 16 genes encoded enzymes, such as cell wall invertase (CWIN), vacuolar invertase (VIN), cytoplasmic invertase (CIN), cytosolic fructose-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA), cytosolic fructose-1,6-bisphosphate phosphatase (FBP), sucrose synthase (SUS), cytosolic phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI), hexokinase (HK), and sucrose-phosphate phosphatase (SPP). The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified seven genes encoding key enzymes (CIN, FBA, FBP, HK, and SPP), three SWEET genes, and 90 transcription factors (TFs) showing a high correlation with sucrose content. Furthermore, upon validation, six of these genes were successfully verified as exhibiting higher expression in high-sucrose recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Our study suggested the key roles of the high expression of SWEETs and enzymes in sucrose synthesis making the genotype ICG 12625 sucrose-rich. This study also provided insights into the molecular basis of sucrose metabolism during seed development and facilitated exploring key candidate genes and molecular breeding for sucrose content in peanuts.

Genome-wide expression quantitative trait locus analysis in a recombinant inbred line population for trait dissection in peanut.

The transcriptome connects genome to the gene function and ultimate phenome in biology. So far, transcriptomic approach was not used in peanut for performing trait mapping in bi-parental populations. In this research, we sequenced the whole transcriptome in immature seeds in a peanut recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and explored thoroughly the landscape of transcriptomic variations and its genetic basis. The comprehensive analysis identified total 49 691 genes in RIL population, of which 92 genes followed a paramutation-like expression pattern. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis identified 1207 local eQTLs and 15 837 distant eQTLs contributing to the whole-genome transcriptomic variation in peanut. There were 94 eQTL hot spot regions detected across the genome with the dominance of distant eQTL. By integrating transcriptomic profile and annotation analyses, we unveiled a putative candidate gene and developed a linked marker InDel02 underlying a major QTL responsible for purple testa colour in peanut. Our result provided a first understanding of genetic basis of whole-genome transcriptomic variation in peanut and illustrates the potential of the transcriptome-aid approach in dissecting important traits in non-model plants.

High-resolution mapping of a major and consensus quantitative trait locus for oil content to a ~ 0.8-Mb region on chromosome A08 in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

KEY MESSAGE: ddRAD-seq-based high-density genetic map comprising 2595 loci identified a major and consensus QTL with a linked marker in a 0.8-Mb physical interval for oil content in peanut. Enhancing oil content is an important breeding objective in peanut. High-resolution mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with linked markers could facilitate marker-assisted selection in breeding for target traits. In the present study, a recombined inbred line population (Xuhua 13 × Zhonghua 6) was used to construct a genetic map based on double-digest restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq). The resulting high-density genetic map contained 2595 loci, and spanned a length of 2465.62 cM, with an average distance of 0.95 cM/locus. Seven QTLs for oil content were identified on five linkage groups, including the major and stable QTL qOCA08.1 on chromosome A08 with 10.14-27.19% phenotypic variation explained. The physical interval of qOCA08.1 was further delimited to a ~ 0.8-Mb genomic region where two genes affecting oil synthesis had been annotated. The marker SNPOCA08 was developed targeting the SNP loci associated with oil content and validated in peanut cultivars with diverse oil contents. The major and stable QTL identified in the present study could be further dissected for gene discovery. Furthermore, the tightly linked marker for oil content would be useful in marker-assisted breeding in peanut.

Discovery of two novel and adjacent QTLs on chromosome B02 controlling resistance against bacterial wilt in peanut variety Zhonghua 6.

KEY MESSAGE: Two novel and adjacent genomics and candidate genes for bacterial wilt resistance were identified on chromosome B02 in peanut variety Zhonghua 6 using both traditional QTL mapping and QTL-seq methods. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is an important oilseed crop worldwide. Utilization of genetic resistance is the most economic and effective approach to control bacterial wilt, one of the most devastating plant diseases, in peanut production. To accelerate the genetic improvement of bacterial wilt resistance (BWR) in peanut breeding programs, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping has been conducted for two resistant varieties. In this context, we deployed linkage mapping as well as sequencing-based mapping approach, QTL-seq, to identify genomic regions and candidate genes for BWR in another highly resistant variety Zhonghua 6. The recombination inbred line population (268 progenies) from the cross Xuhua 13 × Zhonghua 6 was used in BWR evaluation across five environments. QTL mapping using both SSR- and SNP-based genetic maps identified a stable QTL (qBWRB02-1) on chromosome B02 with 37.79-78.86% phenotypic variation explained (PVE) across five environments. The QTL-seq facilitated further dissection of qBWRB02-1 into two adjacent genomic regions, qBWRB02-1-1 (2.81-4.24 Mb) and qBWRB02-1-2 (6.54-8.75 Mb). Mapping of newly developed Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers on the genetic map confirmed their stable expressions across five environments. The effects of qBWRB02-1-1 (49.43-68.86% PVE) were much higher than qBWRB02-1-2 (3.96-6.48% PVE) and other previously reported QTLs. Nineteen putative candidate genes affected by 49 non-synonymous SNPs were identified for qBWRB02-1-1, and ten of them were predicted to code for disease resistance proteins. The major and stable QTL qBWRB02-1-1 and validated KASP markers could be deployed in genomics-assisted breeding (GAB) to develop improved peanut varieties with enhanced BWR.

Dissection of the genetic basis of oil content in Chinese peanut cultivars through association mapping.

BACKGROUND: Peanut is one of the primary sources for vegetable oil worldwide, and enhancing oil content is the main objective in several peanut breeding programs of the world. Tightly linked markers are required for faster development of high oil content peanut varieties through genomics-assisted breeding (GAB), and association mapping is one of the promising approaches for discovery of such associated markers. RESULTS: An association mapping panel consisting of 292 peanut varieties extensively distributed in China was phenotyped for oil content and genotyped with 583 polymorphic SSR markers. These markers amplified 3663 alleles with an average of 6.28 alleles per locus. The structure, phylogenetic relationship, and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated two subgroups majorly differentiating based on geographic regions. Genome-wide association analysis identified 12 associated markers including one (AGGS1014_2) highly stable association controlling up to 9.94% phenotypic variance explained (PVE) across multiple environments. Interestingly, the frequency of the favorable alleles for 12 associated markers showed a geographic difference. Two associated markers (AGGS1014_2 and AHGS0798) with 6.90-9.94% PVE were verified to enhance oil content in an independent RIL population and also indicated selection during the breeding program. CONCLUSION: This study provided insights into the genetic basis of oil content in peanut and verified highly associated two SSR markers to facilitate marker-assisted selection for developing high-oil content breeding peanut varieties.

Application of a social media platform as a patient reminder in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of a social media platform for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 222 patients from October 2018 to June 2019, who required H pylori therapy. We used WeChat, a social media platform, as a patient reminder tool. They were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups (n = 111 per group) to compare and evaluate their disease awareness, medication adherence, incidence of adverse drug reactions, and H pylori eradication rate. RESULTS: Patients in the intervention group had significantly better disease-related knowledge, medication adherence, and H pylori eradication rates than those in the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Using a social media platform may improve treatment rates of H pylori infection.

Metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinomas could be classified into M1a and M1b category by the number of metastatic organs.

BACKGROUND: With the improvement of treatment and prognosis for patients with late malignant diseases, certain malignancies with distant metastasis (M1 category) have been further classified into M1a (single metastatic site) and M1b (multiple metastatic sites) category in the staging system. We aimed to assess the feasibility of sub-classifying metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPA) into M1a and M1b category depending on the number of metastatic organs. METHODS: Patient records were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2010-2015). Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed using the Cox regression model. Then survival analysis was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 11,885 patients were included in this analysis, including 9425 patients with single metastasis and 2460 patients with multiple metastases. Multivariable analysis showed that gender, age, marital status, grade, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were independent prognostic factors for patients with single metastasis; gender, age, marital status, grade, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were independent prognostic factors for patients with multiple metastases. Notably, surgery was an independent prognostic factor for patients with single metastasis (P < 0.001) but not for patients with multiple metastases (P = 0.134). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with single metastasis (M1a) had better survival outcomes than patients with multiple metastases (M1b) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PA patients with M1 diseases could be divided into M1a (single metastasis) category and M1b (multiple metastases) category by the number of metastatic organs. The subclassification would facilitate individualized treatment for late PA patients. Surgery was associated with lower mortality in M1a patients but not significantly in M1b patients.

Optimization of extraction of total trans-resveratrol from peanut seeds and its determination by HPLC.

Resveratrol, a stilbene phytoalexin in plants, is believed to benefit human health. In this study, an optimized enzyme-assisted method was developed to extract the total content of trans-resveratrol (free or combined with glucose) in peanut seeds, followed by detection using high-performance liquid chromatography. The extraction process was optimized by Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology. The optimized enzyme concentration, digestion time, pH, and temperature were 3.02 g/L, 57.06 min, 5.88, and 51.05°C, respectively. Validation tests indicated that the experimental yield of trans-resveratrol was 0.183 ± 0.007 µg/g with a relative standard deviation of 3.87% (n = 5) under the optimal condition, which was closely agreed with the predicted value (0.182 µg/g). The recoveries obtained from the spiked samples were varied from 89.4 to 103.9%. Therefore, this study will provide a useful method for quantification of total trans-resveratrol in peanut seeds.

Macrodiversity Reception with Distributed Hard-Decision Receivers for Maritime Wireless Sensor Networks.

Maritime wireless sensor networks are considered to be the primary means of monitoring methods in the marine environment. The transmission between sensor node and sink node in maritime wireless sensor networks is usually unreliable due to the harsh propagation environment. To extend the transmission range or to enhance the transmission reliability between sensor nodes and sink node, we propose a macrodiversity reception scheme in the sink node equipped with distributed multiple hard-decision receivers. Multiple receivers are divided into several clusters and placed at different locations to receive different signal copies suffering from different fadings. Furthermore, a cascaded combining strategy based on hard-decision information is used to reduce the overall complexity of receiving side. The experimental results in the ocean scenarios show that the macrodiversity reception scheme with two antenna clusters has a transmission gain of 3-4 dB compared with the single antenna reception when the package loss rate is 10 - 2 . The study casts a new method for reliable transmission in maritime wireless sensor networks using commercial transceivers which can only output hard-decision results.