First Report of Fruit Rot Disease on melon (Cucumis melo L.) Caused by Fusarium ipomoeae in China.

Fusarium rot on melon fruit has become an important postharvest disease for producers worldwide, typically involving multiple Fusarium pathogens (Khuna et al. 2022; Medeiros Araújo et al. 2021). In 2022, Fusarium fruit rot of muskmelon (Cucumis melo var. conomon) occurred sporadically in a field at Huainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (32.658193º N, 117.064922º E) with an incidence of about 10%. Among these diseased muskmelons, a fruit exhibiting a white to yellowish colony athe intersection of the diseased and healthy tissues was collected and labeled TGGF22-17. The streak plate method was employed to isolate fungal spores on Bengal Red PDA (potato dextrose agar), which were then incubated at 25℃ in darkness. Following isolation and purification, a single-spore strain, TGGF22-17, was obtained and analyzed using morphological characters on PDA, synthetic nutrient agar (SNA) and carnation leaf agar (CLA) (Leslie and Summerell 2006), along with molecular identification. Colours were rated according to the color charts of Kornerup and Wanscher (1978). Based on the colony morphology on PDA, the isolate displayed a rosy buff or buff color with a white to buff margin. The colony margin was undulate, with the reverse transitioning from amber-yellow to honey-yellow. Aerial macroconidia on SNA were thin-walled, hyaline, mostly 3-5 septate, falcate, and measured 18.5-46.4 (x̄=34.2) × 2.9-4.8 (x̄ =3.9) µm in size (n =50). Sporodochial macroconidia on CLA were mostly five-septate with long apical and basal cells, exhibiting dorsiventral curvature. They were hyaline, with the apical cell hooked to tapering and the basal cell foot-shaped, measuring 46.5-89.6 (x̄ =72.3) × 3.5-5.0 (x̄ =4.3) µm in size (n = 100). Portions of three loci (TEF-1α, RPB1 and RPB2) were amplified and sequenced as described by Wang et al. (2019). Sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession number PP196583 to PP196585. The three gene sequences (TEF-1α, RPB1 and RPB2) of strain TGGF2022-17 shared 99.5% (629/632bp), 97.9% (1508/1540 bp) and 99.9% (1608/1609 bp) identity to the ex-type strain F. ipomoeae LC12165 respectively by pairwise DNA alignments on the FUSARIOID-ID database (https://www.fusarium.org). Phylogenetic analysis of the partial TEF-1α and RPB2 sequences with PhyloSuite (Zhang et al. 2020) showed the isolated fungus clustered with F. ipomoeae. Based on the morphological and phylogenetic analyses, TGGF22-17 was identified as F. ipomoeae. Pathogenicity tests were performed on healthy melons, which were surface-sterilized with 75% alcohol and wounded using a sterilized inoculation needle. A 4-mm diameter plug from a 7-day-old SNA culture of TGGF22-17 was aseptically inserted in the middle of the wound, sealed with plastic bag after absorbent cotton was included to maintain moisture. Five melons were each inoculated at three points. Noncolonized PDA agar plugs served as the negative control. The inoculated and uninoculated plugs were removed approximately 48 hours after inoculation. The melon inoculated with TGGF22-17 exhibited water-soaked black lesions 48h post-inoculation, resulting in a 100% infection rate (15/15). After 7 days, mycelium was obseved on the inoculated melons. No disease symptoms were observed on the uninoculated melons. To fulfill Koch's postulates, fungi were isolated from the inoculated fruit and confirmed as F. ipomoeae by morphological observation. Fusarium ipomoeae has been reported to cause fruit rot on winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) in Japan (Kitabayashi et al. 2023). To our knowledge, this is the first report of fruit rot on muskmelon caused by F. ipomoeae in China and this report will be valuable for monitoring and management of fruit rot disease on muskmelons.

2D Zn-Porphyrin-Based Co(II)-MOF with 2-Methylimidazole Sitting Axially on the Paddle-Wheel Units: An Efficient Electrochemiluminescence Bioassay for SARS-CoV-2.

High electrocatalytic activity with tunable luminescence is crucial for the development of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) luminophores. In this study, a porphyrin-based heterobimetallic 2D metal organic framework (MOF), [(ZnTCPP)Co2(MeIm)] (1), is successfully self-assembled from the zinc(II) tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (ZnTCPP) linker and cobalt(II) ions in the presence of 2-methylimidazole (MeIm) by a facile one-pot reaction in methanol at room temperature. On the basis of the experimental results and the theoretical calculations, the MOF 1 contains paddle-wheel [Co2(-CO2)4] secondary building units (SBUs) axially coordinated by a MeIm ligand, which is very beneficial to the electron transfer between the Co(II) ions and oxygen. Combining the photosensitizers ZnTCPP and the electroactive [Co2(-CO2)4] SBUs, the 2D MOF 1 possesses an excellent ECL performance, and can be used as a novel ECL probe for rapid nonamplified detection of the RdRp gene of SARS-CoV-2 with an extremely low limit of detection (≈30 aM).

Epigallocatechin gallate regulates inflammatory responses and new bone formation through Wnt/ß-Catenin/COX-2 pathway in spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is mainly characterized by bone erosion, new bone formation, inflammation and potential disability. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been proved to be closely related with the regulation of inflammation and bone metabolism. However, whether EGCG could improve SpA remains unclear. METHODS: SpA animal model was established using proteoglycan. Cell proliferation were measured by CCK-8 assay. The mRNA expression levels of genes were detected using qRT-PCR, protein levels were assessed via western blotting and immunohistochemistry. ELISA assay was performed to examined the inflammatory cytokine release. Lesions in spine cartilage tissues were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Safranin O staining. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and Alizarin Red S staining was used to investigate osteoblast mineralization. RESULTS: We found that EGCG could inhibit inflammation and new bone formation in SpA mice. Besides, inflammatory factor expression and osteogenic differentiation in osteoblasts isolated from SpA mice were also decreased by EGCG. Further, EGCG treatment suppressed the activation of Wnt/ß-Catenin/COX-2 pathway and the activator of this pathway partially reversed the effects of EGCG on inflammation and osteoblast differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: EGCG repressed inflammatory responses and new bone formation, and further improved SpA through Wnt/ß-Catenin/COX-2 pathway. Our findings may provide a new thought for the prevention and treatment of SpA.

Defects and Strain Engineering of Structural, Elastic, and Electronic Properties of Boron-Phosphide Monolayer: A Hybrid Density Functional Theory Study.

Defects and in-plane strain have significant effects on the electronic properties of two-dimensional nanostructures. However, due to the influence of substrate and environmental conditions, defects and strain are inevitable during the growth or processing. In this study, hybrid density functional theory was employed to systematically investigate the electronic properties of boron-phosphide monolayers tuned by the in-plane biaxial strain and defects. Four types of defects were considered: B-vacancy (B_v), P-vacancy (P_v), double vacancy (D_v), and Stone-Wales (S-W). Charge density difference and Bader charge analysis were performed to characterize the structural properties of defective monolayers. All of these defects could result in the boron-phosphide monolayer being much softer with anisotropic in-plane Young's modulus, which is different from the isotropic modulus of the pure layer. The calculated electronic structures show that the P_v, D_v, and S-W defective monolayers are indirect band gap semiconductors, while the B_v defective system is metallic, which is different from the direct band gap of the pure boron-phosphide monolayer. In addition, the in-plane biaxial strain can monotonically tune the band gap of the boron-phosphide monolayer. The band gap increases with the increasing tension strain, while it decreases as the compression strain increases. Our results suggest that the defects and in-plane strain are effective for tuning the electronic properties of the boron-phosphide monolayer, which could motivate further studies to exploit the promising application in electronics and optoelectronics based on the boron-phosphide monolayer.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Beauveria lii (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae).

The mitochondrial genome of Beauveria lii, strain RCEF500, was sequenced on the NovaSeq 6000 and the Nanopore Sequencer, and annotated. The genome is 59,014 bp in length, encoding 15 conserved protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes and 23 tRNA genes. The nucleotide composition of Beauveria lii mitochondrial genome was 38.23% of A, 35.81% of T, 11.61% of C, 14.36% of G, 25.97% of G + C content. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed B. lii as a member of Beauveria (Cordycipitaceae). The mitochondrial genome of B. lii will contribute to the understanding of phylogeny and evolution of the genus and family.

Borophosphene as a promising Dirac anode with large capacity and high-rate capability for sodium-ion batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted tremendous attention as potential low-cost energy storage alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the intrinsic safety and great abundance of sodium. For developing competitive SIBs, highly efficient anode materials with large capacity and rapid ion diffusion are indispensable. In this study, a two-dimensional (2D) Dirac monolayer, that is, borophosphene, is proposed as a promising anode material for high performance SIBs on the basis of density functional theory calculations. The performances of Na adsorption and diffusion, maximum specific capacity, open circuit voltage, cyclical stability and electronic properties combined with Bader charge analysis are explored. It is found that borophosphene can spontaneously adsorb a Na atom with a binding energy of -0.838 eV. A low diffusion energy barrier of 0.221 eV suggests rapid ion conductivity. More intriguingly, a maximum specific capacity of 1282 mA h g-1 can be achieved in borophosphene, which is one of the largest values reported for 2D anode materials for SIBs. A low average voltage of 0.367 V is estimated, implying a suitable operating voltage of the anode material. The metallic properties, tiny surface expansion, and good kinetic stability of sodiated borophosphene give rise to high electrical conductivity and favorable cyclability. These abovementioned advantages suggest that borophosphene can be used as a Dirac anode material for SIBs with excellent performance including a large specific capacity, high-rate capability, and favorable cyclability.

Rapid Structure-Based Screening Informs Potential Agents for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus, has spread rapidly across China. Consequently, there is an urgent need to sort and develop novel agents for the prevention and treatment of viral infections. A rapid structure-based virtual screening is used for the evaluation of current commercial drugs, with structures of human angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2), and viral main protease, spike, envelope, membrane and nucleocapsid proteins. Our results reveal that the reported drugs Arbidol, Chloroquine and Remdesivir may hinder the entry and release of virions through the bindings with ACE2, spike and envelope proteins. Due to the similar binding patterns, NHC (ß-d-N4-hydroxycytidine) and Triazavirin are also in prospects for clinical use. Main protease (3CLpro) is likely to be a feasible target of drug design. The screening results to target 3CL-pro reveal that Mitoguazone, Metformin, Biguanide Hydrochloride, Gallic acid, Caffeic acid, Sulfaguanidine and Acetylcysteine seem be possible inhibitors and have potential application in the clinical therapy of COVID-19.

Borophosphene: A New Anisotropic Dirac Cone Monolayer with a High Fermi Velocity and a Unique Self-Doping Feature.

Two-dimensional (2D) Dirac cone materials exhibit linear energy dispersion at the Fermi level, where the effective masses of carriers are very close to zero and the Fermi velocity is ultrahigh, only 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than the light velocity. Such Dirac cone materials have great promise in high-performance electronic devices. Herein, we have employed the genetic algorithm methods combined with first-principles calculations to propose a new 2D anisotropic Dirac cone material, an orthorhombic boron phosphide (BP) monolayer named borophosphene. Molecular dynamics simulation and phonon dispersion have been used to evaluate the dynamic and thermal stability of borophosphene. Because of the unique arrangements of B-B and P-P dimers, the mechanical and electronic properties are highly anisotropic. Of great interest is the fact that the Dirac cone of the borophosphene is robust, independent of in-plane biaxial and uniaxial strains, and can also be observed in its one-dimensional zigzag nanoribbons and armchair nanotubes. The Fermi velocities are ∼105 m/s, on the same order of magnitude as that of graphene. By using a tight-binding model, the origin of the Dirac cone of borophosphene is analyzed. Moreover, a unique feature of self-doping can be induced by the in-plane biaxial and uniaxial strains of borophosphene and the curvature effect of nanotubes, which is greatly beneficial for realizing high-speed carriers (holes). Our results suggest that the borophosphene holds great promise for high-performance electronic devices, which could promote experimental and theoretical studies for further exploring the potential applications of other 2D Dirac cone sheets.

A novel mutation in the promoter region of RPL8 regulates milk fat traits in dairy cattle by binding transcription factor Pax6.

Ribosomal protein L8 (RPL8) was considered as a promising candidate gene for the milk fat percentage trait in dairy cattle in our previous genome-wide association studies, but the mechanism remains to be determined. Here we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of bovine RPL8 on milk fat percentage. We demonstrated that RPL8 silencing in bovine mammary epithelial cells affected the expression of genes encoding fat-related enzymes (ACACA, FASN, ACSS1, FABP3, SREBP-1, DGAT1, GPAM, PLIN2, PLIN5 and CIDEA). Furthermore, we showed here that a single nucleotide polymorphism, g.-931G > T (chr14:1508300, UMD3.1) in the putative RPL8 promoter region significantly reduced its promoter activity. Interestingly, this decrease in activity was paralleled by lower RPL8 expression in mammary gland tissues of dairy cattle with the homozygous TT genotype compared to that of cattle with the wild-type homozygous GG genotype. Importantly, we found g.-931G > T added a paired box 6 (Pax6)-binding site and this mutation located in the presumed Pax6-binding site. EMSA and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays confirmed the interaction between RPL8 and Pax6 and the T allele exhibited a higher affinity of DNA/protein interactions than G allele, suggesting that Pax6 is an important transcription factor for RPL8 expression. In addition, lactating cows with the GG and GT genotypes presented a significant decrease in milk fat percentage compared to cows with TT genotypes. Altogether, our study indicated that g.-931G > T at RPL8 promoter altered its expression by affecting the interplay between Pax6 and RPL8, which may account for the association with milk fat traits. Findings herein first elucidated the biological function of RPL8 gene in milk fat and the identified SNP g.-931G > T may be considered as genetic makers for breeding in dairy cattle.

Crosstalk between the Akt/mTORC1 and NF-κB signaling pathways promotes hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension by increasing DPP4 expression in PASMCs.

Abnormal wound healing by pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) promotes vascular remodeling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH). Increasing evidence shows that both the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) are involved in the development of HPH. In this study, we explored the crosstalk between mTORC1 and NF-κB in PASMCs cultured under hypoxic condition and in a rat model of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH). We showed that hypoxia promoted wound healing of PASMCs, which was dose-dependently blocked by the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin (5-20 nM). In PASMCs, hypoxia activated mTORC1, which in turn promoted the phosphorylation of NF-κB. Molecular docking revealed that mTOR interacted with IκB kinases (IKKs) and that was validated by immunoprecipitation. In vitro kinase assays and mass spectrometry demonstrated that mTOR phosphorylated IKKα and IKKß separately. Inhibition of mTORC1 decreased the level of phosphorylated IKKα/ß, thus reducing the phosphorylation and transcriptional activity of NF-κB. Bioinformatics study revealed that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) was a target gene of NF-κB; DPP4 inhibitor, sitagliptin (10-500 µM) effectively inhibited the abnormal wound healing of PASMCs under hypoxic condition. In the rat model of HPH, we showed that NF-κB activation (at 3 weeks) was preceded by mTOR signaling activation (after 1 or 2 weeks) in lungs, and administration of sitagliptin (1-5 mg/kg every day, ig) produced preventive effects against the development of HPH. In conclusion, hypoxia activates the crosstalk between mTORC1 and NF-κB, and increased DPP4 expression in PASMCs that leads to vascular remodeling. Sitagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor, exerts preventive effect against HPH.

Outcomes after Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Cementless S-ROM Modular Stem for Patients with High Hip Dislocation Secondary to Hip Pyogenic Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the midterm results of the cementless S-ROM modular femoral stem used with subtrochanteric transverse shortening osteotomy for the treatment of high hip dislocation secondary to hip pyogenic arthritis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 49 patients (49 hips) with an average infection quiescent period of 37.4 years who underwent cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) with simultaneous subtrochanteric transverse shortening osteotomy from July 2008 to June 2012. There were 23 men and 26 women with a mean age of 44.3 years at the time of surgery. The following clinical outcomes were evaluated: the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Harris hip score (HSS), modified Merle d'Aubigne-Postel hip (MAP) score, low back pain visual analog scale score, 12-item short-form health survey questionnaire score, limp, and Trendelenburg sign. Radiographic outcomes and complications were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 8.7 years (range, 5.5-10 years). No infection recurrence was observed after THA. The average HSS significantly improved from 45.0 to 84.8. The WOMAC score improved from 70.1 ± 3.5 (range, 65-76) to 43.1 ± 13.4 (range, 21-67). The modified MAP score improved from 5.9 ± 1.9 (range, 3-9) to 14.3 ± 2.4 (range, 11-18). The low back pain visual analog scale score, 12-item short-form health survey questionnaire score, limp, and Trendelenburg sign also improved significantly. The average limb length discrepancy decreased from 39.6 mm (range, 30-55 mm) to 7.2 mm (range, 0-22 mm). Two patients had temporary sciatic nerve paralysis but recovered within 6 months without any functional defects; one had an intraoperative fracture fixed by cerclage wires. One hip required revision surgery because of femoral stem aseptic loosening. CONCLUSIONS: The cementless S-ROM modular femoral stem used with subtrochanteric transverse shortening osteotomy is safe and effective for high hip dislocation secondary to pyogenic arthritis and provides satisfactory midterm results. Significant improvements in clinical function were observed, as were high rates of stable fixation of the cementless implant, restoration of more normal limb lengths, and a low incidence of complications.

Correction: Limited Clinical Utility of Remote Ischemic Conditioning in Renal Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170729.].

Strain-tunable electronic and optical properties of BC3 monolayer.

Two-dimensional layered nanostructures with unique electronic and optical properties may hold great potential in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics applications. In this work, structural stability, elastic, electronic, and optical properties of BC3 monolayers have been investigated using a first-principles study. The BC3 monolayer can be regarded as a series of hexagonal C rings with the connections of B atoms, which has been tested to be highly dynamically stable. The in-plane stiffness is 316.2 N cm-1, potentially rivalling graphene. A screened hybrid density functional HSE06 is used to calculate the electronic and optical properties. It is found that the BC3 monolayer is an indirect band gap semiconductor with a moderate gap energy of 1.839 eV. Spatial charge distribution to the valence band maximum and the conduction band minimum is analyzed to explore the origin of indirect band gap features. By calculating the complex dielectric function, optical properties considered as excitonic effects are discussed. Besides, the effects of various in-plane strains on electronic and optical properties are explored. Our results of good structural stability, moderate and tunable band gap, and strain-controllable optical properties suggest that the BC3 monolayer holds great promise in the applications of nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices.

Remote ischemic conditioning for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients undergoing intravascular contrast administration: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted this meta-analysis to examine the effect of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) on contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients undergoing intravascular contrast administrationon. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched to identify all eligible studies by 15th March, 2017. Risk ratio (RR) and weighted mean difference with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to examine the treatment effect. The heterogeneity and statistical significance were assessed with Q-test and Z-test, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 16 RCTs including 2175 patients were eventually analyzed. Compared with the control group, RIC could significantly decrease the incidence of CI-AKI (RR=0.58; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.74; P < 0.001), which was further confirmed by the trial sequential analysis. Subgroup analyses showed that remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPrC) and remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPoC) were both obviously effective, and perioperative hydration might enhance the efficiency of RIC. RIC also significantly reduced the major adverse cardiovascular events within six months. CONCLUSION: RIC, whether RIPrC or RIPoC, could effectively exert renoprotective role in intravascular contrast administration and reduce the incidence of relevant adverse events.

A Molecular Signature of Two Long Non-Coding RNAs in Peripheral Blood Predicts Acute Renal Allograft Rejection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute rejection (AR) is a major complication post renal transplantation, with no widely-accepted non-invasive biomarker. This study aimed to explore the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the peripheral blood (PB) of renal transplant recipients and their potential diagnostic values. METHODS: The genome-wide lncRNA expression profiles were analyzed in 150 PB samples from pediatric and adult renal transplant (PRTx and ARTx) cohorts. The diagnostic performance of differentially expressed lncRNA was determined using receiver operator characteristic curve, with area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidential interval (CI). Finally, a risk score was constructed with logistical regression model. RESULTS: A total of 162 lncRNAs were found differentially expressed in PRTx cohort, while 163 in ARTx cohort. Among these identified lncRNAs, 23 deregulated accordingly in both cohorts, and could distinguish AR recipients from those without AR. Finally, a risk score with two most significant lncRNAs (AF264622 and AB209021) was generated and exhibited excellent diagnostic performance in both PRTx (AUC:0.829, 95% CI:0.735-0.922) and ARTx cohorts (AUC: 0.889, 95% CI: 0.817-0.960). CONCLUSION: A molecular signature of two lncRNAs in PB could serve as a novel non-invasive biomarker for the diagnosis of AR in both pediatric and adult renal transplant recipients.

Robust indirect band gap and anisotropy of optical absorption in B-doped phosphorene.

A traditional doping technique plays an important role in the band structure engineering of two-dimensional nanostructures. Since electron interaction is changed by doping, the optical and electrochemical properties could also be significantly tuned. In this study, density functional theory calculations have been employed to explore the structural stability, and electronic and optical properties of B-doped phosphorene. The results show that all B-doped phosphorenes are stable with a relatively low binding energy. Of particular interest is that these B-doped systems exhibit an indirect band gap, which is distinct from the direct one of pure phosphorene. Despite the different concentrations and configurations of B dopants, such indirect band gaps are robust. The screened hybrid density functional HSE06 predicts that the band gap of B-doped phosphorene is slightly smaller than that of pure phosphorene. Spatial charge distributions at the valence band maximum (VBM) and the conduction band minimum (CBM) are analyzed to understand the features of an indirect band gap. By comparison with pure phosphorene, B-doped phosphorenes exhibit strong anisotropy and intensity of optical absorption. Moreover, B dopants could enhance the stability of Li adsorption on phosphorene with less sacrifice of the Li diffusion rate. Our results suggest that B-doping is an effective way of tuning the band gap, enhancing the intensity of optical absorption and improving the performances of Li adsorption, which could promote potential applications in novel optical devices and lithium-ion batteries.

Estimation of genomic inbreeding coefficients based on high-density SNP markers in Chinese Holstein cattle.

In livestock, inbreeding coefficient based on pedigree information is usually used to evaluate the level of inbreeding. Recently, with cost reduction of high-density SNP genotyping, it's possible to analyze real genomic inbreeding degree using genomic information. In this study, utilizing high-density SNP chip data, we analyzed the frequency and distribution of runs of homozygosity (ROH) in 2107 Chinese Holstein cattle in Beijing area, and calculated 2 genomic inbreeding coefficients, i.e., 1) the proportion of ROH length in the total length of autosomal genome (Froh), and 2) the percentage of homozygous SNPs (Fhom). Then we analyzed the correlation between 2 genomic inbreeding coefficients and the correlation between genomic and pedigree inbreeding coefficients. We totally detected 44 676 ROHs that mainly ranged from 1 to 10 Mb. Various lengths of ROHs existed in the genome. There were more short ROHs than long ROHs. ROHs aren't evenly distributed in chromosomes. The area with most ROHs is in the middle part of chromosome 10. Strong correlation (r > 0.90) existed between 2 kinds of genomic inbreeding coefficients, but the correlation between pedigree and genomic inbreeding coefficients were much lower (r < 0.50). Our finding suggests that pedigree completeness influences the correlation between genomic and pedigree inbreeding. Genomic inbreeding measures may reflect individuals' real inbreeding, which could be a useful tool to evaluate population inbreeding.

Structural, elastic, electronic, and optical properties of the tricycle-like phosphorene.

Phosphorene exhibits great potential applications in nanoelectronics due to its relatively large and direct band gap and good charge carrier mobility, and thus has attracted extensive attentions over the past few years. In this study, a novel hybrid phosphorene with a tricycle-like bulge is proposed using density functional theory calculations. Herein, structural stability, elastic, electronic, and optical properties have been addressed. It is found that all the hybrid phosphorenes are stable, and their cohesive energies are very close to that of black phosphorene monolayer. Due to the tricycle-like bulge, these hybrid layers are much softer than the black phosphorene. Their electronic band structures show that they are semiconductors with a robust indirect band gap, and their band gaps are strongly dependent on the sizes. Spatial charge distribution to the valence band maximum and the conduction band minimum is analyzed to explore the origin of the indirect band gap features. By calculating the complex dielectric function, optical properties have been discussed. Our results suggest that the hybrid phosphorenes with well structural stability, robust indirect band gaps, flexible property, and good optical absorption hold great promise for applications in the field of visible light harvesting and flexible nanoelectronic devices.

Limited Clinical Utility of Remote Ischemic Conditioning in Renal Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate whether remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) could improve graft functions in kidney transplantation. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched to identify all eligible studies by October 5, 2016. The treatment effects were examined with risk ratio (RR) and weighted mean difference with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). The statistical significance and heterogeneity were assessed with both Z-test and Q-test. RESULTS: A total of six RCTs including 651 recipients, were eventually identified. Compared to the controls, RIC could reduce the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) after kidney transplantation (random-effects model: RR = 0.89; fixed-effect model: RR = 0.84). However, the decrease did not reveal statistical significance. The subgroup analysis by RIC type demonstrated no significant difference among the three interventions in protecting renal allografts against DGF. Furthermore, no significant difference could be observed in the incidence of acute rejection, graft loss, 50% fall in serum creatinine, as well as the estimated glomerular filtration rate and hospital stay between the RIC and Control groups. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggested that RIC might exert renoprotective functions in human kidney transplantation, and further well-designed RCTs with large sample size are warranted to assess its clinical efficacy.

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The population genetic structure of Isaria cicadae, which caused enzootic of cicadas nymphs in three regions, was analyzed by ISSR marker. The results showed that all three enzootic populations showed high genetic diversity with the highest in the Jingtingshan population and the lowest in the Shitai population. The UPGMA clustering analysis revealed that different enzootic populations did not have a predominant lineage but were polyphyletic and heterogeneous. Genetic lineages had nothing to do with geographical origin. However, two subpopulations of Jingtingshan from different sampling periods were gathered into different clades, which exhibited remarkable temporal heterogeneity. The genetic differentiation (Gst) among populations (subpopulations) was 0.2153 and the gene flow was low at 0.9110 (Nm＜1), which indicated the low gene flow was one of the main reasons for the genetic variation in the population. Therefore, high heterogeneity and low dominance might be genetic structure characteristics of I. cicadae population causing enzootic of cicada nymphs.