Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the Eriobotrya japonica TIFY gene family reveals its functional diversity under abiotic stress conditions.

BACKGROUND: Plant-specific TIFY proteins are widely found in terrestrial plants and play important roles in plant adversity responses. Although the genome of loquat at the chromosome level has been published, studies on the TIFY family in loquat are lacking. Therefore, the EjTIFY gene family was bioinformatically analyzed by constructing a phylogenetic tree, chromosomal localization, gene structure, and adversity expression profiling in this study. RESULTS: Twenty-six EjTIFY genes were identified and categorized into four subfamilies (ZML, JAZ, PPD, and TIFY) based on their structural domains. Twenty-four EjTIFY genes were irregularly distributed on 11 of the 17 chromosomes, and the remaining two genes were distributed in fragments. We identified 15 covariate TIFY gene pairs in the loquat genome, 13 of which were involved in large-scale interchromosomal segmental duplication events, and two of which were involved in tandem duplication events. Many abiotic stress cis-elements were widely present in the promoter region. Analysis of the Ka/Ks ratio showed that the paralogous homologs of the EjTIFY family were mainly subjected to purifying selection. Analysis of the RNA-seq data revealed that a total of five differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were expressed in the shoots under gibberellin treatment, whereas only one gene was significantly differentially expressed in the leaves; under both low-temperature and high-temperature stresses, there were significantly differentially expressed genes, and the EjJAZ15 gene was significantly upregulated under both low- and high-temperature stress. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR expression analysis under salt stress conditions revealed that EjJAZ2, EjJAZ4, and EjJAZ9 responded to salt stress in loquat plants, which promoted resistance to salt stress through the JA pathway. The response model of the TIFY genes in the jasmonic acid pathway under salt stress in loquat was systematically summarized. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide a theoretical basis for exploring the characteristics and functions of additional EjTIFY genes in the future. This study also provides a theoretical basis for further research on breeding for salt stress resistance in loquat. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of one of the three EjTIFY genes increased and the expression of two decreased under salt stress conditions, suggesting that EjTIFY exhibited different expression patterns under salt stress conditions.

Are children with IgA nephropathy different from adult patients?

BACKGROUND: Previously, several studies have indicated that pediatric IgA nephropathy (IgAN) might be different from adult IgAN, and treatment strategies might be also different between pediatric IgAN and adult IgAN. METHODS: We analyzed two prospective cohorts established by pediatric and adult nephrologists, respectively. A comprehensive analysis was performed investigating the difference in clinical and pathological characteristics, treatment, and prognosis between children and adults with IgAN. RESULTS: A total of 1015 children and 1911 adults with IgAN were eligible for analysis. More frequent gross hematuria (88% vs. 20%, p < 0.0001) and higher proteinuria (1.8 vs. 1.3 g/d, p < 0.0001) were seen in children compared to adults. In comparison, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was lower in adults (80.4 vs. 163 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.0001). Hypertension was more prevalent in adult patients. Pathologically, a higher proportion of M1 was revealed (62% vs. 39%, p < 0.0001) in children than in adults. S1 (62% vs. 28%, p < 0.0001) and T1-2 (34% vs. 8%, p < 0.0001) were more frequent in adults. Adjusted by proteinuria, eGFR, and hypertension, children were more likely to be treated with glucocorticoids than adults (87% vs. 45%, p < 0.0001). After propensity score matching, in IgAN with proteinuria > 1 g/d, children treated with steroids were 1.87 (95% CI 1.16-3.02, p = 0.01) times more likely to reach complete remission of proteinuria compared with adults treated with steroids. CONCLUSIONS: Children present significantly differently from adults with IgAN in clinical and pathological manifestations and disease progression. Steroid response might be better in children.

Efficacy and safety of belimumab combined with the standard regimen in treating children with lupus nephritis.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of belimumab combined with the standard regimen in treating children with active lupus nephritis. This single-center, retrospective cohort study used clinical data of children with newly active lupus nephritis hospitalized in the Department of Nephrology between December 2004 and February 2023. Patients were divided into a belimumab or traditional treatment group according to whether or not they received belimumab. Renal remission and recurrence rates and glucocorticoid dose were compared between groups. Forty-seven children (median age 11 years) were enrolled, including 30 and 17 children in the traditional treatment and belimumab groups, respectively. The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2000) score of children in the belimumab group (23.59 ± 7.78) was higher than that in the traditional treatment group (19.13 ± 6.10) (P = 0.035). The two groups showed no significant difference in the frequency of pyuria, gross hematuria, and the levels of 24-h proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate. The complement C3/C4 in the belimumab group recovered faster than that in the traditional treatment group (P < 0.05). There were no between-group differences in the complete renal remission rate at 6 or 12 months (P = 0.442, P = 0.759). There were no between-group differences in 1-year recurrence rate (P = 0.303). Furthermore, 6 and 12 months after treatment, glucocorticoid doses were lower in the belimumab than the traditional treatment group (17.87 ± 6.96 mg/d vs. 27.33 ± 8.40 mg/d, P = 0.000; 10.00 (5.3) mg/d vs. 13.75 (10.0) mg/d, P = 0.007), respectively. CONCLUSION: With an equivalent renal remission rate, belimumab combined with the standard traditional regimen might promote the tapering of glucocorticoids, and the incidence of adverse events is low. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Belimumab is documented as an adjunctive treatment with systemic lupus erythematosus (c-SLE) LN with efficacy. • Due to the paucity of studies, its effects and side effects in children with LN remain unclear. WHAT IS NEW: • This single-center, retrospective cohort study evaluated the efficacy and safety of belimumab combined with the standard regimen in treating children with proliferative LN. • Belimumab combined with the standard traditional treatment might promote the tapering of glucocorticoids, while exhibiting a low occurrence of adverse events.

Suppression of Strawberry Anthracnose by Paenibacillus polymyxa TP3 In Situ and from a Distance.

Strawberry is a popular fruit with valuable nutrition and an attractive fragrance, but its production and propagation are limited by various diseases, including anthracnose and gray mold. For disease management, biological control measures are environmentally friendly and good alternatives to fungicides to avoid crop losses, reduce carbon emissions, and improve food safety. In this study, Paenibacillus polymyxa TP3, which originated from the strawberry phyllosphere, was shown to antagonize the anthracnose fungal pathogen Colletotrichum siamense and reduce leaf symptoms on strawberry plants. Several mass spectra corresponding to fusaricidin were detected in the confrontation assay of P. polymyxa TP3 and C. siamense by image mass spectrometry. The transcription of fusA and fusG in the fusaricidin biosynthesis gene cluster increased while P. polymyxa TP3 was cultured in the medium containing the culture filtrate of C. siamense, as detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, indicating the involvement of fusaricidins in P. polymyxa TP3 antagonism against the anthracnose pathogen. Further disease control assays demonstrated the time frame and spatial mode of P. polymyxa TP3-induced systemic resistance of strawberry against C. siamense. The transcript level of the marker gene FaPDF1.2 of the jasmonic acid pathway increased in strawberry leaves after drenching treatment with P. polymyxa TP3, and the callose deposition was enhanced by further flg22 treatment. In addition, P. polymyxa TP3 treatments of the strawberry mother plants reduced C. siamense infection in the daughter plants, which would be a potent feature for the application of P. polymyxa TP3 in strawberry nurseries and fields to reduce the impact of diseases, especially anthracnose.

Growth hormone treatment in pre-pubertal short Chinese children with chronic kidney disease prior to transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The effect of recombinant human GH (rhGH) in Chinese children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unclear. METHODS: This was a 52-week, multicenter, randomized, open-label, negative-controlled phase 3 study. Prepubertal subjects were randomized 1:1 to either daily subcutaneous injections of rhGH 0.05 mg/kg/day or no treatment for 52 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 68 subjects with a mean age of 7.8 ± 3.27 years were enrolled. At week 52, the height standard deviation score (HT-SDS) in the treated group increased by 0.75 ± 0.58, which was significantly higher compared with 0.17 ± 0.47 in the untreated group (least squares mean 0.58, 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.84; P < 0.001). At week 52, significant improvements were observed in other growth parameters (height velocity [P < 0.001]), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) SDS [P < 0.001], IFG-1/insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 molar ratio [P < 0.001], and height [P < 0.001]) compared with the untreated control. Seven patients reported treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and most TRAEs were mild in severity. Most subjects recovered without further intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Daily rhGH for 52 weeks in children with CKD-induced growth retardation significantly improved HT-SDS and other growth parameters without compromising safety. IMPACT: The efficacy and safety of growth hormone (GH) therapy in Chinese children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unclear. This study found that giving short stature Chinese children with CKD daily recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) for 52 weeks improved growth parameters without compromising safety. This study's information can give physicians the confidence to treat these patients in their clinical practice.

Obesity as a clinical predictor for severe manifestation of dengue: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Severe dengue often leads to poor clinical outcomes and high mortality; as a result, it is of vital importance to find prognostic factors associated with the severe form of dengue. Obesity is known to deteriorate many infectious diseases due to impaired immune responses. Several studies have suggested that obese patients with dengue infection tend to have more severe manifestations with poorer prognosis. However, a firm conclusion could not be drawn due to the varied results of these studies. Here, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between obesity and dengue severity. METHODS: A literature search for relevant studies was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Ovid Medline and Cochrane from inception to September 9, 2022. The two main keywords were "dengue" and "obesity". Mantel-Haenszel method and random effects model was used to analyze the pooled odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 15 article involving a total of 6,508 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Included patients in most studies were hospitalized pediatric patients. Only one study included adulthood data. Three cohort studies, four case-control studies, and one cross-sectional studies found a significant association between obesity and dengue severity. In contrast, three cohort studies, three case-control studies, and one cross-sectional study reported no significant relationship between obesity and dengue severity. Our analysis results showed that patient with obesity is 50% (OR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.15-1.97) more likely to develop severe manifestation of dengue. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis revealed that overweight could be a clinical predictor for severe disease for pediatric patients with dengue infection.

[Therapeutic effect of mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis of different age groups]. / ä¸åŒå¹´é¾„æ®µè¿‡æ•æ€§ç´«ç™œæ€§è‚¾ç‚Žæ‚£å„¿æŽ¥å—éœ‰é šé ¸é ¯æˆ–çŽ¯ç£·é °èƒºæ²»ç–—çš„ç–—æ•ˆå·®å¼‚åˆ†æž.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the difference in the therapeutic effect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or cyclophosphamide (CTX) in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) of different age groups. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 135 children with HSPN who were treated with MMF or CTX in the Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, from October 2018 to October 2020. According to the immunosuppressant used, they were divided into two groups: MMF group and CTX group, and according to the age, each group was further divided into two subgroups: ≤12 years and >12 years, producing four groups, i.e, the ≤12 years MMF subgroup (n=30), the >12 years MMF subgroup (n=15), the ≤12 years CTX subgroup (n=71), and the >12 years CTX subgroup (n=19). All children were followed up for at least 12 months, and the above groups were compared in terms of clinical outcomes and the incidence rate of adverse reactions. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the complete response rate between the MMF group and the CTX group after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment (P>0.05). There were no significant difference in the complete response rate and the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the >12 years MMF subgroup and the ≤12 years MMF subgroup at 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment (P>0.05). The >12 years CTX subgroup had a significantly lower complete response rate than the ≤12 years CTX subgroup at 6 and 12 months of treatment (P<0.05). The >12 years CTX subgroup had a significantly higher incidence rate of adverse reactions than the >12 years MMF subgroup (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and adverse reactions of MMF are not associated with age, but the efficacy of CTX is affected by age, with a higher incidence rate of adverse reactions. CTX should be selected with caution for children with HSPN aged >12 years.

Two cases of fetal hyperechogenic kidneys who had HNF1-ß gene variation.

We report two cases of HNF1-ß gene variation diagnosed in infancy, in whom fetal ultrasonography revealed enhanced echogenicity and multiple cysts in the renal parenchyma of both patients. They were initially diagnosed as autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. Gene testing showed a variation of HNF1-ß gene, one showed chromosome 17q12 deletion including HNF1-ß, the other was a de novo nonsense mutation in the HNF1-ß gene. The two children showed different renal function states. Extrarenal phenotypes also vary widely according to HNF1-ß gene variation including early-onset diabetes, autism spectrum, cognitive disorders, liver function abnormalities, and genital malformations, etc. We emphasize the importance of performing gene detection in order to make an accurate diagnosis, especially in those with fetal hyperechogenic kidneys, and so as to carry out reasonable multidisciplinary management. Early intervention for diabetes and neurodevelopmental disorders are especially important.

The Potential Biocontrol Agent Paenibacillus polymyxa TP3 Produces Fusaricidin-Type Compounds Involved in the Antagonism Against Gray Mold Pathogen Botrytis cinerea.

Paenibacillus polymyxa is a beneficial bacterium for plant health. P. polymyxa TP3 exhibits antagonistic activity toward Botrytis cinerea and alleviates gray mold symptoms on the leaves of strawberry plants. Moreover, suppression of gray mold on the flowers and fruits of strawberry plants in field trials, including vegetative cells and endospores, was demonstrated, indicating the potential of strain TP3 as a biological control agent. To examine the anti-B. cinerea compounds produced by P. polymyxa TP3, we performed matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and fusaricidin-corresponding mass spectra were detected. Moreover, fusaricidin-related signals appeared in imaging mass spectrometry of TP3 when confronted with B. cinerea. By using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based molecular networking approach, we identified several fusaricidins including a new variant of mass/charge ratio 917.5455 with serine in the first position of the hexapeptide. Via advanced mass spectrometry and network analysis, fusaricidin-type compounds produced by P. polymyxa TP3 were efficiently disclosed and were presumed to play roles in the antagonism against gray mold pathogen B. cinerea.

Psychometric evaluation of fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) among Chinese primary and middle schoolteachers, and their students.

Utilizing a large-scale cross-sectional survey, the present study tested the advanced psychometric properties of Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in specific populations (i.e., primary and middle schoolteachers, and their students). The present study also examined the association between perceived fear of COVID-19 and psychological distress among home-room teachers (i.e., teachers who teach all their students in one classroom all day) and their students. The results among participants (11,134 teachers and 4,335 students) indicated good internal reliability of FCV-19S and excellent factorial validity with a two-factor structure utilizing these specific populations. Furthermore, the multilevel analysis showed that home-room teachers' psychological distress, but not fear of COVID-19, was positively associated with their students. In sum, the FCV-19S is a useful tool to assess the fear of COVID-19 on potentially vulnerable populations (i.e., primary/middle schoolteachers and their students). Future studies are encouraged to use the present study's findings to investigate possible underlying mechanisms for developing effective coping strategies and interventions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-021-02471-3.

[Clinical assessment of moderate-dose glucocorticoid in the treatment of recurrence of primary nephrotic syndrome in children: a prospective randomized controlled trial]. / ä¸­ç­‰å‰‚é‡ç³–çš®è´¨æ¿€ç´ æ²»ç–—æ¿€ç´ æ•æ„Ÿè‚¾ç— ç»¼åˆå¾å¤å‘æ‚£å„¿çš„å‰çž»æ€§éšæœºå¯¹ç §ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical effect and adverse drug reactions of different doses of glucocorticoid (GC) in the treatment of children with recurrence of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). METHODS: A total of 67 children who were hospitalized and diagnosed with SSNS recurrence in the Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, from November 2017 to December 2019 were enrolled. They were randomly divided into a moderate-dose GC group (32 children) and a full-dose GC group (35 children). The two groups were compared in terms of urinary protein clearance, recurrence rate within 6 months, and incidence rate of GC-associated adverse reactions. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the urinary protein clearance rate between the moderate-dose GC and full-dose GC groups (91% vs 94%, P>0.05). There was also no significant difference in the recurrence rate within 6 months between the two groups (41% vs 36%, P>0.05). At 6 months of follow-up, compared with the full-dose GC group, the moderate-dose GC group had a significantly lower cumulative dose of prednisone [(87±18) mg/kg vs (98±16) mg/kg, P=0.039] and a significantly lower proportion of children with an abnormal increase in body weight (6% vs 33%, P=0.045). The logistic regression analysis showed that prednisone dose ≥10 mg/alternate day at enrollment was a risk factor for recurrence within 6 months in children with SSNS (P=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: For children with SSNS recurrence, moderate-dose GC has similar effects to full-dose GC in the remission induction rate and the recurrence rate within 6 months, with a lower cumulative dose and fewer GC-associated adverse reactions within 6 months than full-dose GC.

Clinical effect of different prednisone regimens in the treatment of children with primary nephrotic syndrome and risk factors for recurrence. / ä¸åŒæ–¹æ¡ˆæ³¼å°¼æ¾æ²»ç–—å„¿ç«¥åŽŸå‘æ€§è‚¾ç— ç»¼åˆå¾çš„ç–—æ•ˆåŠå¤å‘å±é™©å› ç´ åˆ†æž.

OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical effect of full-dose prednisone for 4 or 6 weeks in the treatment of children with primary nephrotic syndrome and its effect on recurrence. METHODS: A prospective non-randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 89 children who were hospitalized and diagnosed with incipient primary nephrotic syndrome from December 2017 to May 2019. The children were given prednisone of 2 mg/(kg·day) (maximum 60 mg) for 4 weeks (4-week group) or 6 weeks (6-week group), followed by 2 mg/(kg·day) (maximum 60 mg) every other day for 4 weeks and then a gradual reduction in dose until drug withdrawal. The children were regularly followed up for 1 year. The two groups were compared in terms of the indices including remission maintenance time and recurrence rate. A Cox regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: Within 3 months after prednisone treatment, the 4-week group had a significantly higher recurrence rate than the 6-week group (P<0.05). After 1-year of follow-up, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the recurrence rate, remission maintenance time, and recurrence frequency (P>0.05). The risk of recurrence increased in children with an onset age of ≥6 years or increased 24-hour urinary protein (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of incipient primary nephrotic syndrome, full-dose prednisone regimen extended from 4 weeks to 6 weeks can reduce recurrence within 3 months. The children with an onset age of ≥6 years or a high level of urinary protein should be taken seriously in clinical practice, and full-dose prednisone treatment for 6 weeks is recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Psychological distress and internet-related behaviors between schoolchildren with and without overweight during the COVID-19 outbreak.

OBJECTIVE: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and its resulting social policy changes may result in psychological distress among schoolchildren with overweight. This study thus aimed to (1) compare psychological distress (including fear of COVID-19 infection, stress, anxiety, and depression), perceived weight stigma, and problematic internet-related behaviors between schoolchildren with and without overweight; (2) assess whether perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors explained psychological distress. METHODS: Schoolchildren (n = 1357; mean age = 10.7 years) with overweight (n = 236) and without overweight (n = 1121) completed an online survey assessing their fear of COVID-19 infection, stress, anxiety, depression, perceived weight stigma, problematic smartphone application use, problematic social media use, and problematic gaming. RESULTS: Schoolchildren with overweight had significantly higher levels of COVID-19 infection fear, stress, depression, perceived weight stigma, and problematic social media use than those without overweight. Regression models showed that perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors were significant predictors of psychological distress among schoolchildren with overweight. CONCLUSION: Strategies to manage perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors may have a positive influence on mental health among schoolchildren with overweight under health-threatening circumstances, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.

An energy metabolism-based eight-gene signature correlates with the clinical outcome of esophagus carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The essence of energy metabolism has spread to the field of esophageal cancer (ESC) cells. Herein, we tried to develop a prognostic prediction model for patients with ESC based on the expression profiles of energy metabolism associated genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The overall survival (OS) predictive gene signature was developed, internally and externally validated based on ESC datasets including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), GSE54993 and GSE19417 datasets. Hub genes were identified in each energy metabolism related molecular subtypes by weighted gene correlation network analysis, and then enrolled for determination of prognostic genes. Univariate, LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analysis were applied to assess prognostic genes and build the prognostic gene signature. Kaplan-Meier curve, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, nomogram, decision curve analysis (DCA), and restricted mean survival time (EMST) were used to assess the performance of the gene signature. RESULTS: A novel energy metabolism based eight-gene signature (including UBE2Z, AMTN, AK1, CDCA4, TLE1, FXN, ZBTB6 and APLN) was established, which could dichotomize patients with significantly different OS in ESC. The eight-gene signature demonstrated independent prognostication potential in patient with ESC. The prognostic nomogram constructed based on the gene signature showed excellent predictive performance, whose robustness and clinical usability were higher than three previous reported prognostic gene signatures. CONCLUSIONS: Our study established a novel energy metabolism based eight-gene signature and nomogram to predict the OS of ESC, which may help in precise clinical management.

Impacts of Stroke on Muscle Perceptions and Relationships with the Motor and Functional Performance of the Lower Extremities.

Stroke results in paretic limb disabilities, but few studies have investigated the impacts of stroke on muscle perception deficits in multiaxis movements and related functional changes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate stroke-related changes in muscle perceptions using a multiaxis ankle haptic interface and analyze their relationships with various functions. Sixteen stroke patients and 22 healthy participants performed active reproduction tests in multiaxis movements involving the tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), peroneus longus, and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) of the ankle joint. The direction error (DE), absolute error (AE), and variable error (VE) were calculated. The lower extremity of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-LE), Barthel Index (BI), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients, Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), and 10-m walk test (10MWT) were evaluated. VE of EDL for the paretic ankle was significantly lower than that for the nonparetic ankle (p = 0.009). AE of TA, EDL, and FDL and VE of EDL and FDL of muscle perceptions were significantly lower in healthy participants than in stroke patients (p < 0.05 for both). DE of TA for the paretic ankle was moderately correlated with FMA-LE (r = -0.509) and POMA (r = -0.619) scores. AE and VE of EDL for the paretic ankle were moderately correlated with the 10MWT score (r = 0.515 vs. 0.557). AE of FDL for the paretic ankle was also moderately correlated with BI (r = -0.562). This study indicated poorer accuracy and consistency in muscle perception for paretic ankles, which correlated with lower limb functions of stroke patients.

[Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclophosphamide in the treatment of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis with nephrotic-range proteinuria in children: a prospective randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus cyclophosphamide (CTX) in the treatment of children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) and nephrotic-range proteinuria. METHODS: A prospective clinical trial was conducted in 68 pediatric patients who were admitted to the Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics and who were diagnosed with HSPN and nephrotic-range proteinuria from August 2016 to November 2019. The patients were randomly divided into two groups:MMF treatment (n=33) and CTX treatment (n=35). The two groups were compared in terms of complete remission rate, response rate (complete remission + partial remission), urinary protein clearance time, and adverse events. RESULTS: At months 3, 6, and 12 of treatment, there was no significant difference in the complete remission rate and the response rate between the MMF treament and CTX treatment groups (P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference between the two groups in the urinary protein clearance time and the incidence rate of adverse events (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MMF and CTX have similar efficacy and safety in the treatment of HSPN children with nephrotic-range proteinuria.

The ptsG Gene Encoding the Major Glucose Transporter of Bacillus cereus C1L Participates in Root Colonization and Beneficial Metabolite Production to Induce Plant Systemic Disease Resistance.

Rhizosphere interactions between microorganisms and plants have great influence on plant health. Bacillus cereus C1L, an induced systemic resistance (ISR)-eliciting rhizobacterium from Lilium formosanum, can protect monocot and dicot plants from disease challenges. To identify the ISR-involved bacterial genes, the systemic protection effect of transposon-tagged mutants of B. cereus C1L against southern corn leaf blight (SCLB) was surveyed, and a mutant of the ptsG gene encoding glucose-specific permease of the phosphotransferase system was severely impaired in the abilities of disease suppression and root colonization. The ptsG mutant lost the preferential utilization of glucose and showed reduction of glucose-assisted growth in minimal medium. A promoter-based reporter assay revealed that ptsG expression could be activated by certain sugar constituents of maize root exudates, among which B. cereus C1L exhibited the highest chemotactic response toward glucose, whereas neither of them could attract the ptsG mutant. Additionally, ptsG deficiency almost completely abolished glucose uptake of B. cereus C1L. Metabolite analysis indicated that the lack of ptsG undermined glucose-induced accumulation of acetoin and 2,3-butanediol in B. cereus C1L, both eliciting maize ISR against SCLB. Pretreatments with B. cereus C1L, ptsG mutant, acetoin, and 2,3-butanediol enhanced defense-related reactive oxygen species accumulation and callose deposition at different levels that were positively correlated to their ISR-eliciting activities. Thus, glucose uptake-mediating ptsG participates in ISR elicitation by endowing B. cereus C1L with the full capacities for root colonization and beneficial glucose metabolite production, providing a clue regarding how ISR-mediating rhizobacteria create a mutually beneficial relationship with various plant species.

IPDN-China promotes the development of pediatric dialysis in China.

BACKGROUND: In mainland China, dialysis for children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was not introduced until the 1980s. To describe the development of pediatric dialysis in different regions of China, a national pediatric dialysis network, namely, International Pediatric Dialysis Network-China (IPDN-China) ( www.pedpd.org.cn ), was launched in 2012. METHODS: Original and updated information from the renal centers registered with the IPDN-China was collected between 2012 and 2016 from two sources, namely, the registry and the survey, and demographic features were analyzed. RESULTS: Due to promotion by the IPDN-China, the number of registered renal centers increased from 12 to 39 between 2012 and 2016, with a significant increase in the coverage of the Chinese administrative divisions (from 26.5 to 67.6%) (p < 0.01); and the coverage of the pediatric (0~14 years old) population increased to nearly 90% in 2016. The distribution of renal centers indicated that East China had the highest average number of registered centers per million population (pmp) 0~14-year-old age group. Seventeen relatively large dialysis centers were distributed across 14 divisions. Various modalities of renal replacement therapy (RRT) were available in most centers. The IPDN-China has promoted collaborations between dieticians, psychologists, and social workers on dialysis teams to provide better service to children with ESRD and their families. The proportion of centers with all three types of paramedic support (i.e., dieticians, psychologists, and social workers) as well as the proportion of centers with a partial paramedic team significantly increased between 2012 (25.0%) and 2016 (69.2%) (p < 0.05). In terms of the point prevalent cases of patients (aged < 18 years), data from the survey of 39 registered centers revealed that the number of children with ESRD who were on RRT was 578 (49% received a kidney transplant) at the end of 2016, which was more than that reported in previous surveys. Data from the registry showed that 349 dialysis patients had been enrolled as of the end of 2016. The median age at RRT start was 9.5 years, and the leading cause of ESRD was congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). CONCLUSIONS: The IPDN-China has helped to promote the development of pediatric dialysis for ESRD in China by improving the organization of care for dialysis patients and increasing the availability and the quality of RRT for patients who need it. To improve knowledge about the epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric RRT around the country, a sustained effort needs to be made by the IPDN-China to increase the enrollment of dialysis patients and increase the number of registered centers in the future.

An innovative strategy for control of fungus gnats using entomopathogenic nematodes alone or in combination with waterlogging.

Chive gnat (Bradysia odoriphaga) is a soil-borne pest of Chinese chives, which causes millions of dollars in yield losses per year. Traditional methods, such as chemical pesticides leave detrimental chemical residues on plants, which potentially threaten human health. To find a sustainable method of reducing the chive gnat, the authors evaluated the effects of waterlogging and the addition of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) on reducing chive gnat in Chinese chives via three pot experiments and one field demonstration. Results indicated that increasing the duration of waterlogging markedly increases chive gnat mortality. The presence of EPN also caused chive gnat mortality to increase with exposure time. Most importantly, the combination of waterlogging and EPN had synergistic effects on chive gnat mortality; the combination led to higher mortality than using waterlogging and EPN alone. The study demonstrated that a combination of two environmental friendly methods of fungus gnat control could lead to synergistic effects, which may provide novel approaches to economic and environmentally sustainable pest management measures.Chive gnat (Bradysia odoriphaga) is a soil-borne pest of Chinese chives, which causes millions of dollars in yield losses per year. Traditional methods, such as chemical pesticides leave detrimental chemical residues on plants, which potentially threaten human health. To find a sustainable method of reducing the chive gnat, the authors evaluated the effects of waterlogging and the addition of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) on reducing chive gnat in Chinese chives via three pot experiments and one field demonstration. Results indicated that increasing the duration of waterlogging markedly increases chive gnat mortality. The presence of EPN also caused chive gnat mortality to increase with exposure time. Most importantly, the combination of waterlogging and EPN had synergistic effects on chive gnat mortality; the combination led to higher mortality than using waterlogging and EPN alone. The study demonstrated that a combination of two environmental friendly methods of fungus gnat control could lead to synergistic effects, which may provide novel approaches to economic and environmentally sustainable pest management measures.

Correction to: Prokaryotic expression and action mechanism of antimicrobial LsGRP1C recombinant protein containing a fusion partner of small ubiquitin-like modifier.

The published online version contains editing mistake in Table 2. See below for the corrected Table.