Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Treating Chronic Pain A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Chronic pain is a significant public health problem with emotional and disabling factors, which may not completely respond to current medical treatments such as opioids. The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effectiveness and safety of MBCT for patients with chronic pain. Database searches of PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL up to 15 October 2019. Included studies assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Eight RCTs involved 433 patients, including chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, migraine, rheumatoid arthritis and mix etiology. MBCT intervention demonstrated a short-term improvement on depression mood [standardized mean difference -0.72; 95% confidence interval = -1.22 to -0.22, p = 0.005] compared with usual care and was associated with short-term improvement in mindfulness compared with non-MBCT [SMD 0.51; 95% CI = 0.01 to 1.01, p = 0.04]. Between-group differences in pain intensity, pain inference and pain acceptance were not significant at short- or long-term follow-up. Compared to active treatments, MBCT intervention not found significant differences in either short- or long-term outcomes. MBCT showed short-term efficacious on depressed mood and mindfulness of chronic pain patients. Longer follow-ups, large sample and rigorous RCTs that can be best understand remaining uncertainties needed.

Cryptochrome 2 from Lilium × formolongi Regulates Photoperiodic Flowering in Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.

The photoperiodic flowering pathway is essential for plant reproduction. As blue and ultraviolet-A light receptors, cryptochromes play an important role in the photoperiodic regulation of flowering. Lilium × formolongi is an important cut flower that flowers within a year after seed propagation. Floral induction is highly sensitive to photoperiod. In this study, we isolated the CRYPTOCHROME2 gene (LfCRY2) from L. × formolongi. The predicted LfCRY2 protein was highly homologous to other CRY2 proteins. The transcription of LfCRY2 was induced by blue light. LfCRY2 exhibits its highest diurnal expression during the floral induction stage under both long-day and short-day photoperiods. Overexpression of LfCRY2 in Arabidopsis thaliana promoted flowering under long days but not short days, and inhibited hypocotyl elongation under blue light. Furthermore, LfCRY2 was located in the nucleus and could interact with L. × formolongi CONSTANS-like 9 (LfCOL9) and A. thaliana CRY-interacting basic-helix-loop-helix 1 (AtCIB1) in both yeast and onion cells, which supports the hypothesis that LfCRY2 hastens the floral transition via the CIB1-CO pathway in a manner similar to AtCRY2. These results provide evidence that LfCRY2 plays a vital role in promoting flowering under long days in L. × formolongi.

Development of a nomogram for predicting nasogastric tube-associated pressure injuries in intensive care unit patients.

Here, we aimed to build a nomogram model to estimate the probability of nasogastric tube-associated pressure injuries (NTAPIs) in intensive care unit(ICU)patients. This prospective cohort study included 219ICU patients with nasogastric tube between September 2019 and January 2020.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to develop the nomogram model. The resulting nomogram was tested for calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness. Of the included patients, 58 developed NTAPIs, representing an incidence rate of 26.5%. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the prediction nomogram included C-reactive protein, vasopressor use, albumin level, nasogastric tube duration, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. The value of these predictors was again confirmed using theLasso regression analysis. Internal validation presented a good discrimination of the nomogram, with an area under the curve value of 0.850, and good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P = 0.177). The decision curve analysis also demonstrated preferable net benefit along with the threshold probability in the prediction nomogram. The nomogram model can accurately predict the risk factors for NTAPIs, to formulate intervention strategies as early as possible to reduce NTAPI incidence.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses in intensive care unit on preventing medical device-related pressure injury: A cross-sectional study in western China.

The knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses in intensive care units (ICUs) are determinants for the efficacy of preventing the medical device-related pressure injury (MDRPI). The aim of this study was to determine the level and factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses' ICUs on preventing medical MDRPI in western China. An annual cross-sectional study was conducted in hospitals of western China from May 2020 to September 2020. Nurses' knowledge and attitudes were assessed using Clinical Nurses Prevention MDRPI of Critically Ill Patients for the Knowledge, Attitude, Practice Assessment Scale. SPSS software version 25.0 and independent t-test, Chi-square, Fisher exact, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression tests were used for data analysis. A total of 1002 nurses in ICUs from 37 hospitals in Gansu Province, China, participated in this study. The scores of overall KAP, knowledge, attitudes, and practice were 149.17 ± 24.62, 53.83 ± 12.23, 37.24 ± 6.35 and 58.10 ± 9.83, respectively. There was a positive and significant relationship between three variables. Findings revealed that nurses' knowledge score in the Tertiary hospital was higher than scores of other hospitals as 3.840 units. Moreover, the knowledge score and practice score of nurses with bachelor's degree or above were higher than other nurses and are 0.978 and 1.106 units, respectively. Based on the findings, practice of nurses increased by 0.992 units, with a 1-year increase in work experience of nurses in the ICU. The levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurse in ICUs on preventing MDRPI were acceptable. The findings of the study highlight that a comprehensive approach should be conducted for raising the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses' ICUs on preventing medical MDRPI, as well as improving the quality of care for critically ill patients.

[Structure of SARS-CoV-2 and treatment of COVID-19].

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new type of coronavirus pneumonia, which is caused by infection of a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The virus infects lung cells by binding angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) of cell surface, which leads to leukocyte infiltration, increased permeability of blood vessels and alveolar walls, and decreased surfactant in the lung, causing respiratory symptoms. The aggravation of local inflammation causes cytokine storm, resulting in systemic inflammatory response syndrome. In December 2019, a number of new pneumonia cases were reported by Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, after then a novel coronavirus was isolated and identified as SARS-CoV-2. To the date of Sep. 13th, 2020, COVID-19 is affecting 216 countries or regions, causing 28 637 952 cases, 917 417 deaths, and the mortality rate is 3.20%. This review will summarize the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and the pharmaceutical treatment of COVID-19, and their potential relationships.

[Ferroptosis in respiratory diseases].

Ferroptosis is a novel form of regulated cell death which is dependent on iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and associated with the accumulation of lipid peroxides. It is obviously different from other cell death types in terms of morphology, biochemistry, genetics, etc. Also, it is related to the production of iron catalyzed lipid peroxides which is triggered by non-enzymatic or enzymatic reactions. Ferroptosis has been proved to be involved in hematological diseases, cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases. This paper will review the definition, mechanism, inducers of ferroptosis, as well as the function of ferroptosis in respiratory system. We expect to present a new concept for respiratory research and suggest potential targets for clinical prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.

Polyphenols Derived from Lychee Seed Suppress Aß (1-42)-Induced Neuroinflammation.

Amyloid-ß (Aß) is commonly recognized as the most important factor that results in neuronal cell death and accelerates the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increasing evidence suggests that microglia activated by Aß release an amount of neurotoxic inflammatory cytokines that contribute to neuron death and aggravate AD pathology. In our previous studies, we found that lychee seed fraction (LSF), an active fraction derived from the lychee seed, could significantly improve the cognitive function of AD rats and inhibit Aß-induced neuroinflammation in vitro, and decrease neuronal injuries in vivo and in vitro. In the current study, we aimed to isolate and identify the specific components in LSF that were responsible for the anti-neuroinflammation effect using preparative high performance liquid chromatography (pre-HPLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods. To this end, we confirmed two polyphenols including catechin and procyanidin A2 that could improve the morphological status of BV-2 cells and suppress the release, mRNA levels, and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) through downregulating the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway using ELISA, RT-PCR, and Western blotting methods. Furthermore, catechin and procyanidin A2 could inhibit Aß-induced apoptosis in BV-2 cells by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax protein expression. Therefore, the current study illustrated the active substances in lychee seed, and first reported that catechin and procyanidin A2 could suppress neuroinflammation in Aß-induced BV-2 cells, which provides detailed insights into the molecular mechanism of catechin and procyanidin A2 in the neuroprotective effect, and their further validations of anti-neuroinflammation in vivo is also essential in future research.

[CatSper in sperm hyperactivation and male infertility: Advances in studies].

The CatSper channel is known as one of the most important Ca²âº channels on the cell membrane of mammalian sperm and plays a key role in the motility, hyperactivation and fertilization function of sperm. The CatSper protein, expressed exclusively in the principal piece of the sperm tail, is composed of CatSper1-4 and 5 auxiliary unitsß,γ,δ and ε, and has an essential part in the functional and structural domains of Ca²âºas well as in the spatiotemporal regulation of the P-Tyr protein, sperm hyperactivation, efficient sperm migration in the oviduct, egg penetration, and normal fertility. Recent studies show that functional deficiency of CatSper seriously affects sperm function,and the loss of any one of its 9 subunits may lead to male reproductive dysfunction. This paper outlines recent advances in the studies of the CatSperprotein, focusing on its expression, location, structure, and regulation,as well as itsinfluence on sperm hyperactivation and male reproduction.

[Effect of Bupleurum polysaccharides on splenocytes from lupus like mouse re-challenged with Campylobacter jejuni-S(131) in vitro].

Mice were immunized with Campylobacter jejuni-S(131) (CJ-S(131)) to establish the lupus-like model. Splenocytes from lupus like mice were challenged with CJ-S(131) to induce inflammatory response in vitro. Bupleurum smithii var. parvifolium polysaccharides (BPs) was added in the inflammatory model to observe its underlying mechanisms of action on lupus. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups including normal control group, adjuvant control group and lupus-like model. Mice were immunized on Day 0 and 14 with CJ-S(131) to establish lupus-like syndrome, and sacrificed on Day 19. Splenocytes from each group were collected and divided into blank control group, BPs added group (BPs 5, 10, 20, 40 µg·m L(-1)), CJ-S(131) stimulated group, and CJ-S(131) plus BPs group. The levels of total IgG, anti-ds DNA antibody, interferon-γ, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-17 were quantified by ELISA. The proliferation of splenocytes was determined in the MTT assay. BPs significantly suppressed the high levels of total IgG, anti-ds DNA antibody, IFN-γ and IL-10 stimulated by CJ-S131 and had no significant effects on increased IL-17 secretion and splenocytes proliferation. The results suggest that re-stimulation of splenocytes with CJ-S(131) could establish an inflammatory model in vitro. The effect of BPs on lupus might is related to its inhibition of the production of autoantibodies and associated cytokines.

[Effect of Homeobox A13 transfection on epithelial-mesenchymal transition and bone morphogenetic protein-7 expression in kidney tubular epithelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the transfection of Homeobox A13 (HOXA13) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) induced by albumin-overload in human kidney tubular epithelial cells (HKCs). METHODS: The cultured HKCs were treated with 20 mg/mL human serum albumin (HSA) for 48 hours. Protein expression of cytokeratin (CK), vimentin and HOXA13 in the HKCs was assessed by Western blot. Protein expression of CK, vimentin, and BMP-7 was also detected in HKCs transfected with lipofectamine contained HOXA13 DNA. RESULTS: HSA induced EMT in HKCs, presented by decreased CK expression (P<0.01) and increased vimentin expression (P<0.01). The up-regulated expression of HOXA13 transfected by lipofectamine inhibited the level of EMT induced by HSA in HKCs (P<0.05). The decreased rate of BMP-7 protein expression induced by HSA was inhibited by over-expressed HOXA13 in HKCs (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Transfection of HOXA13 in HKCs could inhibit the degree of EMT induced by albumin-overload, possibly by increasing BMP-7 expression.

[Plasma concentration and pharmacokinetics of ursolic acid carried in self-microemulsifying drug delivery system in rats studied by UPLC-MS/MS].

This study is to report the establishment of an UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of plasma concentration of UA carried in self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) and its pharmacokinetics in rats. It was used for determination and analysis when serum with internal standard was extracted from C18 solid-phase column. Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (100 mm x 2.1 mm, 1.7 microm) was used for separation. The mobile phase was acetonitrile -0.1% ammonia with gradient elution at the flow rate of 0.2 mL x min(-1). The column temperature was 40 degrees C and the detection wave length was 210 nm. It was detected by negative ion using electrospray ionization source (ESI) and scanned by multiple reaction ion monitoring (MRM) mode. The liner relationship of UA was very good in the range of 1.19-3 815.00 ng x mL(-1) (r = 0.999 0). Recovery rate of different concentrations were 87.42%-89.95%. The precision of inter-day and intra-day were less than 11%. The method developed in our study was proved to be sensitive, rapid and simple. It is suitable for the pharmacokinetic study of UA-SMEDDS in rats.

Pause-melting misalignment: a novel model for the birth and motif indel of tandem repeats in the mitochondrial genome.

BACKGROUND: Tandem repeats (TRs) in the mitochondrial (mt) genome control region have been documented in a wide variety of vertebrate species. The mechanism by which repeated tracts originate and undergo duplication and deletion, however, remains unclear. RESULTS: We analyzed DNA sequences of mt genome TRs (mtTRs) in the ridged-eye flounder (Pleuronichthys cornutus), and characterized DNA sequences of mtTRs from other vertebrates using the data available in GenBank. Tandem repeats are concentrated in the control regions; however, we found approximately 16.6% of the TRs elsewhere in the mt genome. The flounder mtTRs possess three motif types with hypervariable characteristics at the 3' end of the control region (CR). CONCLUSION: Based on our analysis of this larger dataset of mtTR sequences, we propose a novel model of Pause Melting Misalignment (PMM) to describe the birth and motif indel of tandem repeats. PMM is activated during a pause event in mitochondrial replication in which a dynamic competition between the nascent (N) heavy strand and the displaced (D) heavy strand may lead to the melting of the N-strand from the template (T) light strand. When mispairing occurs during rebinding of the N-strand, one or several motifs can be inserted or deleted in both strands during the next round of mt-replication or repair. This model can explain the characteristics of TRs in available vertebrate mt genomes.

Taxonomic identity of a tetrodotoxin-accumulating ribbon-worm Cephalothrix simula (Nemertea: Palaeonemertea): a species artificially introduced from the Pacific to Europe.

We compared the anatomy of the holotype of the palaeonemertean Cephalothrix simula ( Iwata, 1952 ) with that of the holotypes of Cephalothrix hongkongiensis Sundberg, Gibson and Olsson, 2003 and Cephalothrix fasciculus ( Iwata, 1952 ), as well as additional specimens from Fukue (type locality of C. simula) and Hiroshima, Japan. While there was no major morphological discordance between these specimens, we found discrepancies between the actual morphology and some statements in the original description of C. simula with respect to supposedly species-specific characters. Our observation indicates that these three species cannot be discriminated by the anatomical characters so far used to distinguish congeners. For objectivity of scientific names, topogenetypes of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences are designated for C. simula, C. hongkongiensis, and C. fasciculus. Analysis of COI sequence showed that the Hiroshima population can be identified as C. simula, which has been found in previous studies from Trieste, Italy, and also from both the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of the Iberian Peninsula, indicating an artificial introduction via (1) ballast water, (2) ship-fouling communities, or (3) the commercially cultured oyster Crassostrea gigas ( Thunberg, 1793 ) brought from Japan to France in 1970s. Cephalothrix simula is known to be toxic, as it contains large amounts of tetrodotoxin (TTX). We report here that the grass puffer Takifugu niphobles ( Jordan and Snyder, 1901 )-also known to contain TTX- consumes C. simula. We suggest that the puffer may be able to accumulate TTX by eating C. simula.

[Expression of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and its clinical significance in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentration in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) and its clinical significance. METHODS: Thirty-four children newly diagnosed with INS received oral prednisone for 4 weeks. Patients whose urinary protein did not become negative were classified as steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) group, while those whose urinary protein did become negative were classified as steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) group. Morning midstream urine specimens were collected from all patients before use of prednisone and after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of treatment with prednisone. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the urinary NGAL concentration. Meanwhile, urinary creatinine (Cr) concentration was measured, and urinary NGAL concentration in a single urine collection was adjusted according to the urinary Cr excretion. The two groups were compared in terms of urinary NGAL/Cr ratio. RESULTS: Compared with the SRNS group, the SSNS group had significantly decreased urinary NGAL/Cr ratios after 3 and 4 weeks of prednisone treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with the SRNS group, the SSNS group had a significantly decreased urinary ß2-MG/Cr ratio after 4 weeks of prednisone treatment (P < 0.05). In both groups, urinary NGAL/Cr ratio was positively correlated with urinary protein/Cr ratio (r = 0.510, P < 0.01). The results of ROC curve analysis showed when diagnostic cut-off point of urinary NGAL/Cr was 0.043 by 3 weeks after treatment, sensitivity and specificity achieved 100% and 79.2% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary NGAL/Cr ratio remains high in children with SRNS, while this ratio decreases gradually during prednisone treatment in children with SSNS, and it falls ahead of urinary ß2-MG/Cr ratio. These results suggest that dynamic monitoring of urinary NGAL/Cr ratio is useful for early judgment of response to prednisone in patients with INS.

A comparative study of nemertean complete mitochondrial genomes, including two new ones for Nectonemertes cf. mirabilis and Zygeupolia rubens, may elucidate the fundamental pattern for the phylum Nemertea.

BACKGROUND: The mitochondrial genome is important for studying genome evolution as well as reconstructing the phylogeny of organisms. Complete mitochondrial genome sequences have been reported for more than 2200 metazoans, mainly vertebrates and arthropods. To date, from a total of about 1275 described nemertean species, only three complete and two partial mitochondrial DNA sequences from nemerteans have been published. Here, we report the entire mitochondrial genomes for two more nemertean species: Nectonemertes cf. mirabilis and Zygeupolia rubens. RESULTS: The sizes of the entire mitochondrial genomes are 15365 bp for N. cf. mirabilis and 15513 bp for Z. rubens. Each circular genome contains 37 genes and an AT-rich non-coding region, and overall nucleotide composition is AT-rich. In both species, there is significant strand asymmetry in the distribution of nucleotides, with the coding strand being richer in T than A and in G than C. The AT-rich non-coding regions of the two genomes have some repeat sequences and stem-loop structures, both of which may be associated with the initiation of replication or transcription. The 22 tRNAs show variable substitution patterns in nemerteans, with higher sequence conservation in genes located on the H strand. Gene arrangement of N. cf. mirabilis is identical to that of Paranemertes cf. peregrina, both of which are Hoplonemertea, while that of Z. rubens is the same as in Lineus viridis, both of which are Heteronemertea. Comparison of the gene arrangements and phylogenomic analysis based on concatenated nucleotide sequences of the 12 mitochondrial protein-coding genes revealed that species with closer relationships share more identical gene blocks. CONCLUSION: The two new mitochondrial genomes share many features, including gene contents, with other known nemertean mitochondrial genomes. The tRNA families display a composite substitution pathway. Gene order comparison to the proposed ground pattern of Bilateria and some lophotrochozoans suggests that the nemertean ancestral mitochondrial gene order most closely resembles the heteronemertean type. Phylogenetic analysis proposes a sister-group relationship between Hetero- and Hoplonemertea, which supports one of two recent alternative hypotheses of nemertean phylogeny.

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor-like neoplasm of the septum pellucidum: review of 2 cases with chromosome 1p/19q and IDH1 analysis.

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT)-like neoplasms of the septum pellucidum are extremely rare. We reviewed 2 cases of DNT-like neoplasm of the septum pellucidum and specifically studied the immunohistochemical features and chromosomes 1p and 19q deletions. One case was a 26-year-old woman who complained of aggravated headache for 2 weeks. The other case was a 31-year-old female presenting with double vision for a month. Histological examinations showed that the lesions were composed of uniform oligodendrocytelike cells (OLCs) with obvious floating neurons in a mucin-rich background. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that both tumors were diffusely positive for Synaptophysin and Olig2. Sporadic neurons were clearly positive for NeuN. Loss of chromosome 1p/19q and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1(IDH1) mutations were not identified in both cases. It might indicate that these OLCs of DNT-like neoplasms were genetically different from glial tumors, although they showed close morphological similarities.

Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor of the septum pellucidum with extension to the supratentorial ventricles: rare case with genetic analysis.

In the original description, rosette-forming glioneuronal tumors (RGNTs) were restricted to the fourth ventricle and/or posterior fossa. Here, we first report an unusual case of RGNT centered in the septum pellucidum and associated with multiple masses occupying the wall of the bilateral lateral ventricles and the third ventricle. No mass was found in the fourth ventricle. Histological and immunohistochemical examination revealed that the tumor presented biphasic differentiation characterized by predominantly neurocytic rosettes and pilocytic astrocytoma-like components with obvious microvascular proliferation. Chromosome 1p/19q deletions and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/2) mutations were not identified. Because this case exhibited a worrisome growth pattern, further studies and long-term follow-up are needed to determine the true nature of these tumors.

[Common research strategy and outlook for the development of acupuncture translational medicine].

To explore the common questions of acupuncture translational medicine study and the development strategy of its translational application. It is believed that the research on the individual and common mechanisms of acupuncture effects, and the common molecule of acupoint and parameter research for the effect onset of acupuncture may promote clinical translation and instrument research and development. The study of meridian theory should be fully applied to clinical practice to build a meridian diagnostic system with clinical significance. Using evidence-based medicine, the clinical research of acupuncture can be transformed into clinical guidelines to provide the effective regimens for clinical practice. The communication and cooperation should be enhanced between the basic research and clinical application in the field of acupuncture. It is suggested that the promotion of acupuncture translational medicine research is contribute to the overall development of acupuncture discipline, and to better service for the human health engineering.

Molecular cloning of cryptochrome 1 from Lilium×formolongi and the characterization of its photoperiodic flowering function in Arabidopsis.

Lilium × formolongi is an important cut flower species that is able to flower within a year following seed propagation, with flower induction that is very sensitive to the photoperiod. Cryptochromes are blue/UV-A light receptors that regulate many important plant growth and development processes, including photoperiodic flowering. In this study, we isolated the cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) gene from L. × formolongi and analyzed its function in transgenic Arabidopsis. The predicted LfCRY1 protein was strongly homologous to other CRY1 proteins. The transcription of LfCRY1 was induced by blue light, with LfCRY1 exhibiting its highest expression and diurnal expression patterns during the flowering-induction stage under both long-day (LD) and short-day (SD) photoperiods. Overexpression of LfCRY1 in Arabidopsis promoted flowering under LDs but not SDs and inhibited hypocotyl elongation under blue light. The LfCRY1 protein was located in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. LfCRY1 interacted with the important flowering activator LfCOL9 in both yeast and onion cells. These results provide functional evidence for the role of LfCRY1 in controlling photoperiodic flowering under LDs and indicate that LfCRY1 may be a counterpart of AtCRY1. Understanding the role of LfCRY1 in photoperiodic flowering is beneficial for the molecular breeding of lilies with shorter vegetative stages.

A Spontaneous H2-Aa Point Mutation Impairs MHC II Synthesis and CD4+ T-Cell Development in Mice.

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) is an essential immune regulatory molecule that plays an important role in antigen presentation and T-cell development. Abnormal MHC II expression can lead to immunodeficiency, clinically termed as type II bare lymphocyte syndrome (BLS), which usually results from mutations in the MHC II transactivator (CIITA) and other coactivators. Here, we present a new paradigm for MHC II deficiency in mice that involves a spontaneous point mutation on H2-Aa. A significantly reduced population of CD4+ T cells was observed in mice obtained from the long-term homozygous breeding of autophagy-related gene microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 ß (Map1lc3b, Lc3b) knockout mice; this phenotype was not attributed to the original knocked-out gene. MHC II expression was generally reduced, together with a marked deficiency of H2-Aa in the immune cells of these mice. Using cDNA and DNA sequencing, a spontaneous H2-Aa point mutation that led to false pre-mRNA splicing, deletion of eight bases in the mRNA, and protein frameshift was identified in these mice. These findings led to the discovery of a new type of spontaneous MHC II deficiency and provided a new paradigm to explain type II BLS in mice.