Rice DWARF AND LOW-TILLERING and the homeodomain protein OSH15 interact to regulate internode elongation via orchestrating brassinosteroid signaling and metabolism.

Brassinosteroid (BR) phytohormones play crucial roles in regulating internode elongation in rice (Oryza sativa). However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. The dwarf and low-tillering (dlt) mutant is a mild BR-signaling-defective mutant. Here, we identify two dlt enhancers that show more severe shortening of the lower internodes compared to the uppermost internode (IN1). Both mutants carry alleles of ORYZA SATIVA HOMEOBOX 15 (OSH15), the founding gene for dwarf6-type mutants, which have shortened lower internodes but not IN1. Consistent with the mutant phenotype, OSH15 expression is much stronger in lower internodes, particularly in IN2, than IN1. The osh15 single mutants have impaired BR sensitivity accompanied by enhanced BR synthesis in seedlings. DLT physically interacts with OSH15 to co-regulate many genes in seedlings and internodes. OSH15 targets and promotes the expression of the BR receptor gene BR INSENSITIVE1 (OsBRI1), and DLT facilitates this regulation in a dosage-dependent manner. In osh15, dlt, and osh15 dlt, BR levels are higher in seedlings and panicles, but unexpectedly lower in internodes compared with the wild-type. Taken together, our results suggest that DLT interacts with OSH15, which functions in the lower internodes, to modulate rice internode elongation via orchestrating BR signaling and metabolism.

Development and validation of models for predicting preterm birth and gestational latency following emergency cervical cerclage: A multicenter cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency cervical cerclage is a recognized method for preventing mid-trimester pregnancy loss and premature birth; however, its benefits remain controversial. This study aimed to establish preoperative models predicting preterm birth and gestational latency following emergency cervical cerclage in singleton pregnant patients with a high risk of preterm birth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from patients who received emergency cerclage between 2015 and 2023 in three institutions. Patients were grouped into a derivation cohort (n = 141) and an independent validation cohort (n = 61). Univariate and multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent predictive variables and establish the models. Harrell's C-index, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves and areas under the curves, calibration curve, and decision curve analyses were performed to assess the models. RESULTS: The models incorporated gestational weeks at cerclage placement, history of prior second-trimester loss and/or preterm birth, cervical dilation, and preoperative C-reactive protein level. The C-index of the model for predicting preterm birth before 28 weeks was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82-0.93) in the derivation cohort and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71-0.92) in the independent validation cohort; The C-index of the model for predicting gestational latency was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.66-0.75) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.71-0.84), respectively. In the derivation set, the areas under the curves were 0.84, 0.81, and 0.84 for predicting 1-, 3- and 5-week pregnancy prolongation, respectively. The corresponding values for the external validation were 0.78, 0.78, and 0.79, respectively. Calibration curves showed a good homogeneity between the observed and predicted ongoing pregnant probabilities. Decision curve analyses revealed satisfactory clinical usefulness. CONCLUSIONS: These novel models provide reliable and valuable prognostic predictions for patients undergoing emergency cerclage. The models can assist clinicians and patients in making personalized clinical decisions before opting for the cervical cerclage.

ARGONAUTE2 Enhances Grain Length and Salt Tolerance by Activating BIG GRAIN3 to Modulate Cytokinin Distribution in Rice.

Maintaining stable, high yields under fluctuating environmental conditions is a long-standing goal of crop improvement but is challenging due to internal trade-off mechanisms, which are poorly understood. Here, we identify ARGONAUTE2 (AGO2) as a candidate target for achieving this goal in rice (Oryza sativa). Overexpressing AGO2 led to a simultaneous increase in salt tolerance and grain length. These benefits were achieved via the activation of BIG GRAIN3 (BG3), encoding a purine permease potentially involved in cytokinin transport. AGO2 can become enriched on the BG3 locus and alter its histone methylation level, thus promoting BG3 expression. Cytokinin levels decreased in shoots but increased in roots of AGO2-overexpressing plants. While bg3 knockout mutants were hypersensitive to salt stress, plants overexpressing BG3 showed strong salt tolerance and large grains. The knockout of BG3 significantly reduced grain length and salt tolerance in AGO2-overexpressing plants. Both genes were transcriptionally suppressed by salt treatment. Salt treatment markedly increased cytokinin levels in roots but decreased them in shoots, resulting in a hormone distribution pattern similar to that in AGO2-overexpressing plants. These findings highlight the critical roles of the spatial distribution of cytokinins in both stress responses and grain development. Therefore, optimizing cytokinin distribution represents a promising strategy for improving both grain yield and stress tolerance in rice.

Fibrin Glue Sac Filling for Preventing Type II Endoleak, Short-Term Outcomes of a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Type II endoleak (T2EL) worsens the long-term results of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). How to prevent T2ELs remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fibrin glue sac filling (FGSF) to prevent T2ELs after EVAR. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients were randomly divided into group A (standard EVAR + FGSF) and group B (standard EVAR). The follow-up plans included outpatient or telephone consultation at 1 and 3 months and computed tomography (CT) angiography at 6 months, 1 year, and once a year after EVAR. RESULTS: A total of 64 abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients were randomized to the 2 groups. All patients were followed up for more than 6 months. The 2 groups showed similar baseline characteristics. The rate of T2ELs on immediate angiography in group A (9.6%) was significantly lower than that in group B (33.3%, p=0.033). Moreover, the sac area change was significantly reduced in group A at 6 months after EVAR (p=0.021). However, T2EL incidence was similar at the 6-month (p=0.055) and 1-year (p=0.057) follow-ups, and AAA diameter change was also similar at 1 year. There were similar operation times, radiation doses, severe adverse events (SAEs), and reinterventions between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Fibrin glue sac filling could prevent short-term type II endoleaks and promote AAA shrinkage after 6 months. The FGSF procedure is swift and straightforward; however, patients are at risk of bowel ischemia, especially after previous bowel resections or concomitant superior mesenteric artery (SMA) disease. CLINICAL IMPACT: Standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) couldn't prevent type II endoleak (T2EL). In this study, we found fibrin glue sac filling (FGSF) could prevent T2EL and promote AAA shrinkage in a short term. And the FGSF procedure is easy, it will be a useful supplement to standard EVAR for clinicians. And FGSF might have potential usefulness on ruptured aneurysms, although without direct evidence.Fibrin glue is often used to hemostasis and tissue adhesion in surgical patients and burn patients, we firstly carry out a randomized controlled study and prove that fibrin glue sac filling could prevent T2EL and promote sac remodeling.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Short-term and Mid-term Outcomes After Use of t-Branch Off-the-shelf Multibranched Endograft for Elective and Urgent Treatment of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of t-Branch off-the-shelf multibranched endograft for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. REVIEW METHODS: Online databases were searched from June 2012 to March 2023. The data were pooled together using a random-effects model of proportions. The outcomes overall included technical success, spinal cord ischemia, target vessel occlusion, type I or III endoleak, reintervention, early mortality (30-day), and mid-term outcomes. Subgroup meta-analyses and meta-regression were performed to explore variation among studies. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies containing 1238 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The overall study quality assessment was found to be moderate to good. The pooled technical success was 97.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]=95.5-98.6, I2=53.01%, 1185/1238 cases, 15 studies). Overall, early mortality was 7.3% (95% CI=4.4-10.1, I2=74.48%, 124/1238 cases, 15 studies). Early spinal cord ischemia was 13.4% (95% CI=9.6-17.2, I2=67.24%, 160/1238 cases, 15 studies), and early type I or III endoleak was 6.0% (95% CI=3.4-8.5, I2=53.71%, 68/1032 cases, 9 studies). Mid-term outcomes showed target vessel occlusion was 4% (95% CI=1.4-6.5, I2=65.18%, 28/528 cases, 10 studies, 5-21.2 months), type I or III endoleak was 4.7% (95% CI=2-7.5, I2=49.74%, 38/512 cases, 10 studies, 5-21.2 months), reintervention was 11.2% (95% CI=8.1-14.3, I2=31.06%, 85/650 cases, 10 studies, 5-21.2 months), and pooled mortality was 13.9% (95% CI=7.2-20.7, I2=76.32%, 84/550 cases, 11 studies, 5-21.2 months). Meta-regression found a significant linear association between higher technical success and earlier publication year (p=0.014) and studies with anatomic inclusion criteria (p=0.037). Urgent patients (p=0.021) and later publication year (p=0.048) were significantly associated with higher early mortality. CONCLUSION: The use of the off-the-shelf t-Branch multibranched endograft for elective or urgent endovascular TAAA repair is associated with high technical success rates and proved to be safe and effective at early and mid-term follow-up. However, the heterogeneity between the included studies is high, and prospective, randomized studies along with future larger studies with long-term follow-up are needed. CLINICAL IMPACT: The Zenith t-Branch (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) was approved as a commercially available device in Europe in June 2012. Although a decade has past, the outcomes of t-Branch have rarely been synthesized at the global level. This meta-analysis included 15 studies containing 1238 patients. The meta-analyses included technical success, major adverse events, reintervention, early mortality, and mid-term outcomes. The outcome was very meaningful and representative for the use of t-Branch. It is helpful for endovascular surgeons to make decisions on the treatment of TAAA patients.

Effects of Fe2+ addition to sugarcane molasses on poly-γ-glutamic acid production in Bacillus licheniformis CGMCC NO. 23967.

BACKGROUND: Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is biodegradable, water-soluble, environment-friendly, and edible. Consequently, it has a variety of industrial applications. It is crucial to control production cost and increase output for industrial production γ-PGA. RESULTS: Here γ-PGA production from sugarcane molasses by Bacillus licheniformis CGMCC NO. 23967 was studied in shake-flasks and bioreactors, the results indicate that the yield of γ-PGA could reach 40.668 g/L in a 5L stirred tank fermenter. Further study found that γ-PGA production reached 70.436 g/L, γ-PGA production and cell growth increased by 73.20% and 55.44%, respectively, after FeSO4·7H2O was added. Therefore, we investigated the metabolomic and transcriptomic changes following FeSO4·7H2O addition. This addition resulted in increased abundance of intracellular metabolites, including amino acids, organic acids, and key TCA cycle intermediates, as well as upregulation of the glycolysis pathway and TCA cycle. CONCLUSIONS: These results compare favorably with those obtained from glucose and other forms of biomass feedstock, confirming that sugarcane molasses can be used as an economical substrate without any pretreatment. The addition of FeSO4·7H2O to sugarcane molasses may increase the efficiency of γ-PGA production in intracellular.

Design of High-Sensitivity Flexible Low-Profile Spiral Antenna Sensor for GIS Built-in PD Detection.

Spiral antenna sensors are commonly used in partial discharge (PD) ultra-high frequency (UHF) detection in gas-insulated switchgears (GISs). However, most of the existing UHF spiral antenna sensors are based on a rigid base and balun, such as FR-4. The safe built-in installation of antenna sensors requires the complex structural transformation of GISs. To solve this problem, a low-profile spiral antenna sensor is designed based on a polyimide (PI) flexible base, and its performance is optimized by improving the clearance ratio. The simulation and measurement results show that the profile height and diameter of the designed antenna sensor is 0.3 mm and 137 mm, which is 99.7% and 25.4% smaller than the traditional spiral antenna. Under a different bending radius, the antenna sensor can maintain VSWR ≤ 5 in 650 MHz~3 GHz, and its maximum gre is up to 6.1 dB. Finally, the PD detection performance of the antenna sensor is carried out on a real 220 kV GIS. The results show that, after being built in, the PD with a weak discharge magnitude of 4.5 pC can be effectively detected by the antenna sensor, and the antenna sensor has the ability to quantify the severity of PD. In addition, through the simulation, the antenna sensor has potential for the detection of micro water in GISs.

Partial Discharge Wideband Full-Band High-Gain Resonant Cavity UHF Sensor Research.

To meet the real demand for broadband full-band high-gain antenna sensors in the process of partial discharge (PD) Ultra-High frequency (UHF) detection test and online monitoring of power equipment, this paper builds a resonant cavity monopole UHF antenna sensor based on Fabry-Perot resonant cavity antenna technology, conducts the sensor Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) optimization study using curved flow technology, conducts the sensor gain optimization study using slot dual resonant structure, and, finally, tests the sensor performance using the built PD detection test platform. The resonant cavity monopole antenna exhibits outstanding VSWR performance in the frequency range of 0.37 GHz-3 GHz, according to simulation and test data: the average gain in the frequency range of 0.3 GHz-3 GHz is 4.92 dBi, and the highest gain at the primary resonant frequency of 1.0 GHz is 7.16 dBi, with good radiation performance over the whole frequency spectrum. The electromagnetic pulse signal sensed by the UHF sensor developed in this paper can demonstrate the energy spectrum distribution characteristics of PD radiation electromagnetic wave signal more comprehensively, laying a firm technical foundation for thoroughly understanding the electromagnetic wave radiation characteristics of various types of PD insulation defects of various power equipment and the selection of a specific direction for its supporting optimization.

Triage Value of Cervical Exfoliated Cell DNA Ploidy Analysis in Cervical High-Risk Human Papillomavirus-Positive Women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the triage value obtained in DNA ploidy analysis of cervical exfoliated cells in women with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV)-positive status in the primary screening of cervical cancer. METHODS: The authors selected 3,000 HR-HPV-positive women for cervical exfoliated cell sampling and conducted DNA ploidy analysis, liquid-based cytology (LBC), colposcopy, and cervical biopsy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL)-positive detection between DNA ploidy analysis and LBC were compared according to histopathology diagnosis as the golden criteria, and the efficacy of predicting HSIL-positive immediate risk was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 2,892 HR-HPV-positive women were enrolled in the investigation. For HSIL+ women, the DNA ploidy group showed a significantly higher sensitivity (CIN2+: 79.21% vs 65.35%, p = .022; CIN3+: 81.48% vs 70.37%, p = .013), lower specificity (CIN2+: 85.00% vs 96.59%, p < .001; CIN3+: 84.14% vs 93.41%, p < .001), and lower PPV (CIN2+: 16.23% vs 29.33%, p = .001; CIN3+: 8.92% vs 16.89%, p = .002) compared with the LBC group, whereas the NPV showed no significant difference. Compared with LBC alone in diagnosing HSIL, DNA ploidy combined with LBC showed higher specificity (CIN2+: 99.21% vs 96.59%, p = .003; CIN3+: 96.48% vs 93.41%, p < .001) and higher PPV (CIN2+: 41.35% vs 29.33%, p = .022; CIN3+: 24.81% vs 16.89%, p = .028), whereas no significant difference was observed in the sensitivity (CIN2+: 54.46% vs 65.35%, p = .063; CIN3+: 61.11% vs 70.37%, p = .221) and NPV ( p > .05). Among the HR-HPV-positive women positive for DNA ploidy, the imminent risk of CIN2+ and CIN3+ were 15.62% and 8.92%, respectively, above the threshold for the colposcopy positive rate. Among the positive cases both for DNA ploidy and the LBC result of negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, the immediate risk of CIN3+ was 3.31%, below the threshold for colposcopy positive rate. Besides, for women with LBC result of ASC-US and above, the immediate risk of CIN3+ was greater than 4%. CONCLUSIONS: The DNA ploidy analysis can be used as an effective triage method for HR-HPV-positive women during the primary screening of cervical cancer, although it can provide higher specificity when combined with LBC and reduce the referral rate for colposcopy.

Diversification of plant agronomic traits by genome editing of brassinosteroid signaling family genes in rice.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) regulate various agronomic traits such as plant height, leaf angle, and grain size in rice (Oryza sativa L.); thus, BR signaling components are promising targets for molecular rational design. However, genetic materials for BR-signaling genes or family members remain limited in rice. Here, by genome editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRSPR)/Cas9 tools, we generated a panel of single, double, triple, or quadruple mutants within three BR signaling gene families, including GSK3/SHAGGY-LIKE KINASE1 (GSK1)-GSK4, BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT1 (OsBZR1)-OsBZR4, and protein phosphatases with kelch-like (PPKL)1-PPKL3, under the same background (Zhonghua11, japonica). The high-order mutants were produced by either simultaneously targeting multiple sites on different genes of one family (GSKs and PPKLs) or targeting the overlapping sequences of family members (OsBZRs). The mutants exhibited a diversity of plant height, leaf angle, and grain morphology. Comparison analysis of the phenotypes together with BR sensitivity tests suggested the existence of functional redundancy, differentiation, or dominancy among the members within each family. In addition, we generated a set of transgenic plants overexpressing GSK2, OsBZR1/2, and PPKL2, respectively, in wild-type or activated forms with fusion of different tags, and also verified the protein response to BR application. Collectively, these plants greatly enriched the diversity of important agronomic traits in rice. We propose that editing of BR-related family genes could be a feasible approach for screening of desired plants to meet different requirements. Release of these materials as well as the related information also provides valuable resources for further BR research and utilization.

The postoperative prognosis of older intertrochanteric fracture patients as evaluated by the Chang reduction quality criteria.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the Chang reduction quality criteria (CRQC) and the outcome of intertrochanteric fractures in older adults according to follow-up time. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 389 older adult patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated surgically from January 2019 to June 2021, including 130 males and 259 females aged 84.6 (77.5-89.7) years. Patient survival was determined by telephone as the time between admission to hospital for fracture and death or until the study deadline (June 1, 2022). According to the CRQC, the patients were divided into the Poor, Acceptable, and Excellent groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between CRQC and all-cause mortality in older adult intertrochanteric fractures at 1 year and the total follow-up time. Further subgroup analysis was performed according to different clinical and biological characteristics to improve the accuracy of the results. RESULTS: The mortality rates were 24.7% and 15.4% at 1 year and the total follow-up time, respectively. Both at one year and the total follow-up time, the mortality of the CRQC-Excellent group was significantly lower than that of the CRQC-Acceptable group (p.adj < 0.05) and the CRQC-Poor group (p.adj < 0.05). After multifactor adjustment, CRQC grades of Acceptable and Poor were independent risk factors affecting the overall and 1-year mortality. In addition, advanced age, ≥ 1 comorbidities, ASA 3 + 4, and prolonged preoperative waiting time were independent risk factors for survival at the total follow-up time. At 1 year, only ASA 3 + 4 and prolonged preoperative waiting time were independent risk factors for survival. Subgroup analysis according to different characteristics at the total follow-up time and at one year showed that in most subgroups, a decrease in the CRQC grade was significantly associated with an increase in all-cause mortality (p for trend < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that CRQC grades of Acceptable and Poor are associated with increased all-cause mortality in older adult intertrochanteric fractures. We should attempt to achieve good reduction of these fractures.

Comparative clinical study of short-term outcomes between table fenestrated and chimney endovascular aneurysm repair for hostile neck aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: Hostile neck abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is challenging for standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). We sought to compare fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (fEVAR) and chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (chEVAR) for hostile neck AAA. METHODS: Patients were identified retrospectively. Hostile neck anatomy was defined as a proximal neck length of <15 mm or angulation >60°. The choice of fEVAR or chEVAR was based on neck anatomy and physician preference. Type I endoleak (T1EL) was the primary outcome. Other outcomes included type III endoleak (T3EL), visceral stent occlusion, renal insufficiency, reintervention, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were included from April 2012 to December 2021. fEVAR and chEVAR patients were 48 and 36 cases, respectively. Both groups showed similar rate of T1EL, T3EL, visceral stent occlusion, renal insufficiency, reintervention, and mortality. However, chEVAR patients had a more tortuous neck (61.1% vs. 16.7%, p < 0.001), while fEVAR patients had a greater neck size (29.5 ± 6.3 mm vs. 24.5 ± 4.8 mm, p < 0.001) and more reconstructing target arteries (2.2 ± 1.1 vs 1.3 ± 0.6, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: fEVAR and chEVAR show similar safe and effective outcomes in well-selected hostile neck. fEVAR might be able to reconstruct multiple visceral arteries, and chEVAR seems justified in patients with poor anatomical suitability for fEVAR.

Flexible Planar Monopole Built-in GIS PD Sensor Based on Meandering Technology.

To address the problem of low space utilization of existing rigid Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) sensors for partial discharge (PD) in Gas-Insulated Switchgears (GIS) and the problem of disrupting the electric field distribution inside the GIS. This paper draws on the idea of flexible wearable antennas and introduces planar monopole antennas commonly used in the communication field as GIS PD detection sensors and carried out research on flexible planar monopole sensing technology built into GIS PD. The VSWR of monopole antenna in the UHF low band is optimized by the meandering technique. The size of the designed flexible antenna is 142 mm × 195 mm × 0.28 mm. The simulation and physical test results show that the improved monopole antenna with meandering technology has a VSWR of ≤2 in the frequency bands 570 MHz-830 MHz, 1.38 GHz-1.8 GHz, and 2.2 GHz-2.76 GHz when the bending radius is 0 mm, 200 mm, and 400 mm, respectively. The VSWR in the frequency band 450 MHz-3 GHz is ≤5. A 220 kV GIS PD detection platform was built to test the performance of the designed antenna, and the results showed that the antenna could detect the PD signal after bending deformation with a high Signal Noise Ratio (SNR).

PD Flexible Built-In High-Sensitivity Elliptical Monopole Antenna Sensor.

In view of the insufficient signal detection sensitivity of Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS), partial discharge (PD), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and failure to conform with GIS surface structure when the existing rigid stereo structure UHF sensor is built in, this paper, using rectangular patch antenna equivalent technique, trapezoidal ground plane technique, and coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed line index asymptotic linearization technique, conducts research on a flexible built-in high-sensitivity elliptic monopole antenna. The flexible antenna, with a thickness of only 0.28 mm, can be kept at a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of less than three in the 300 MHz to 3 GHz band under the curvature radius of 0, 100, 300, and 500 mm, and at less than two in the 650 MHz to 3 GHz band. Through the true 220 kV-GIS partial discharge experimental platform built to analyze the high frequency electromagnetic wave detection performance of the built-in flexible antenna, it is shown that the flexible built-in high-sensitivity elliptical monopole antenna designed in this paper can effectively detect the characteristic signals of high-frequency electromagnetic waves emitted by partial discharges with an average discharge amount below 10 pC.

The divergence of brassinosteroid sensitivity between rice subspecies involves natural variation conferring altered internal auto-binding of OsBSK2.

Japonica/geng and indica/xian are two major rice (Oryza sativa) subspecies with multiple divergent traits, but how these traits are related and interact within each subspecies remains elusive. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of steroid phytohormones that modulate many important agronomic traits in rice. Here, using different physiological assays, we revealed that japonica rice exhibits an overall lower BR sensitivity than indica. Extensive screening of BR signaling genes led to the identification of a set of genes distributed throughout the primary BR signaling pathway with divergent polymorphisms. Among these, we demonstrate that the C38/T variant in BR Signaling Kinase2 (OsBSK2), causing the amino acid change P13L, plays a central role in mediating differential BR signaling in japonica and indica rice. OsBSK2L13 in indica plays a greater role in BR signaling than OsBSK2P13 in japonica by affecting the auto-binding and protein accumulation of OsBSK2. Finally, we determined that OsBSK2 is involved in a number of divergent traits in japonica relative to indica rice, including grain shape, tiller number, cold adaptation, and nitrogen-use efficiency. Our study suggests that the natural variation in OsBSK2 plays a key role in the divergence of BR signaling, which underlies multiple divergent traits between japonica and indica.

Characteristics and Related Factors of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is a risk for women worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection and its related factors in pregnant women and provide a scientific basis for the targeted prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 1774 pregnant women were included, and 1774 non-pregnant women were selected as controls. Cervical exfoliated cells were collected from all women for HR-HPV (AptimaE6, E7mRNA) and ThinPrep cytologic testing, and the vaginal discharge of all pregnant women was tested for pH level and routine pathogenic microorganisms. RESULTS The HPV-16-positive and HPV-16/18/45-positive rates in pregnant women were higher than those of non-pregnant women (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in HR-HPV-positive rate, HPV-16-positive rate, and non-HPV-16/18/45-positive rate among pregnant women of different ages (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in HR-HPV-positive rate and non-HPV-16/18/45-positive rate in the first, second, and third trimester (P<0.05). The HR-HPV-positive rate, HPV-16-positive rate, HPV-18/45-positive rate, and non-HPV-16/18/45-positive rate of pregnant women with concurrent infection were higher than those in women without concurrent infection (P<0.05). The HR-HPV-positive and HPV-16/18/45-positive rates in pregnant women were associated with cytologic examination results (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The overall infection rates of HR-HPV-16 and HR-HPV-18/45 in pregnant women were higher than those in non-pregnant women. The gestation period was found to be a susceptible period for infection with HR-HPV, and we recommend the implementation of cervical cancer screening based on HR-HPV testing in pregnant women.

A Bio-Inspired Compliance Planning and Implementation Method for Hydraulically Actuated Quadruped Robots with Consideration of Ground Stiffness.

There has been a rising interest in compliant legged locomotion to improve the adaptability and energy efficiency of robots. However, few approaches can be generalized to soft ground due to the lack of consideration of the ground surface. When a robot locomotes on soft ground, the elastic robot legs and compressible ground surface are connected in series. The combined compliance of the leg and surface determines the natural dynamics of the whole system and affects the stability and efficiency of the robot. This paper proposes a bio-inspired leg compliance planning and implementation method with consideration of the ground surface. The ground stiffness is estimated based on analysis of ground reaction forces in the frequency domain, and the leg compliance is actively regulated during locomotion, adapting them to achieve harmonic oscillation. The leg compliance is planned on the condition of resonant movement which agrees with natural dynamics and facilitates rhythmicity and efficiency. The proposed method has been implemented on a hydraulic quadruped robot. The simulations and experimental results verified the effectiveness of our method.

Acute toxicity and health effect of perfluoroisobutyronitrile on mice: a promising substitute gas-insulating medium to SF6.

Perfluoroisobutyronitrile (C4F7N) is a new eco-friendly gas insulation medium that has potential to replace the most greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) used in power industry. In order to ensure the engineering application safety, an in-depth assessment of the acute inhalation toxicity of C4F7N gas mixture is required. This article revealed gender differences in male and female mice after exposure to C4F7N and the physiological recovery characteristics of surviving mice by means of 4 h acute inhalation toxicity tests, hematological determinations and histopathological examination. Comparative analysis on the toxicity of C4F7N on mice and rats is also evaluated. We find that the LC50 of C4F7N for male and female mice is 1175 ppm (4 h), 1380 ppm (4 h) and female ones are more tolerant to C4F7N. Mice that exposed to 1000 ppm C4F7N for 4 h could survive and return to their normal state after the 14-day observation period without irreversible damage. The toxic effect duration of C4F7N on rats is longer than that of mice. Relevant results revealed the acute inhalation toxicity of C4F7N systematically and provided fundamental reference for inhalation safety protection and engineering application.

Awake and behaving mouse fMRI during Go/No-Go task.

Functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) has been widely used to examine the functional neural networks in both the evoked and resting states. However, most fMRI studies in rodents are performed under anesthesia, which greatly limits the scope of their application, and behavioral relevance. Efforts have been made to image rodents in the awake condition, either in the resting state or in response to sensory or optogenetic stimulation. However, fMRI in awake behaving rodents has not yet been achieved. In the current study, a novel fMRI paradigm for awake and behaving mice was developed, allowing functional imaging of the mouse brain in an olfaction-based go/no-go task. High resolution functional imaging with limited motion and image distortion were achieved at 9.4T with a cryogenic coil in awake and behaving mice. Distributed whole-brain spatiotemporal patterns were revealed, with drastically different activity profiles for go versus no-go trials. Therefore, we have demonstrated the feasibility of functional imaging of an olfactory behavior in awake mice. This fMRI paradigm in awake behaving mice could lead to novel insights into neural mechanisms underlying behaviors at a whole-brain level.

Clinical significance of genotyping for human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 18/45 combined with cytology in cervical exfoliated cells in HPV oncogenic mRNA-positive women.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess human papilloma virus (HPV) 16 18/45 typing test results combined with cytology for cervical exfoliated cells from women who screened positive in an HPV E6/E7 mRNA assay (Aptima HPV, AHPV). METHODS: In total, 3257 AHPV-positive women aged 25-65 years were underwent AHPV 16 18/45 Genotype assay (AHPV-GT) testing with cytology. Women were referred for colposcopy and further biopsy if indicated. Different triaging strategies were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 624 women (19.2%) tested AHPV-GT positive. When identifying CIN2+, compared with cytology, AHPV-GT achieved a similar AUC (0.72 vs. 0.69, P = 0.158) but a higher specificity (85.1% vs. 79.3%, P < 0.001) and positive predictive value (PPV) (29.6% vs. 23.2%, P < 0.001). When identifying CIN2+, compared with cytology, the cotesting strategy (cytology combined with AHPV-GT) increased the AUC from 0.69 to 0.76 (P < 0.001), with a higher sensitivity (84.6% vs. 59.5%, P < 0.001), higher NPV (97.6% vs. 94.9%, P < 0.001) and similar PPV (21.6% vs. 23.2%, P = 0.054). When identifying CIN2+, the results of combination strategy (AHPV-GT genotyping plus reflex cytology in women positive for the 11 other hrHPV genotypes) were consistent with those of the cotesting strategy. Similar results were achieved when identifying CIN3 + . CONCLUSIONS: The AHPV-GT test may be a promising triage approach with high specificity in women receiving AHPV-positive primary screening tests. Although a combination strategy and cotesting strategy detected the same CIN2+ and CIN3+ cases, the former required significantly fewer screening tests.