New strategy for intraoperative phonosurgical management of recurrent laryngeal nerve infiltrated by thyroid carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Treating an infiltration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) by thyroid carcinoma remains a subject of ongoing debate. Therefore, this study aims to provide a novel strategy for intraoperative phenosurgical management of RLN infiltrated by thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: Forty-two patients with thyroid carcinoma infiltrating the RLN were recruited for this study and divided into three groups. Group A comprised six individuals with medullary thyroid cancer who underwent RLN resection and arytenoid adduction. Group B consisted of 29 differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)patients who underwent RLN resection and ansa cervicalis (ACN)-to-RLN anastomosis. Group C included seven patients whose RLN was preserved. RESULTS: The videostroboscopic analysis and voice assessment collectively indicated substantial improvements in voice quality for patients in Groups A and B one year post-surgery. Additionally, the shaving technique maintained a normal or near-normal voice in Group C one year post-surgery. CONCLUSION: The new intraoperative phonosurgical strategy is as follows: Resection of the affected RLN and arytenoid adduction is required in cases of medullary or anaplastic carcinoma, regardless of preoperative RLN function. Suppose RLN is found infiltrated by well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC) during surgery, and the RLN is preoperatively paralyzed, we recommend performing resection the involved RLN and ACN-to-RLN anastomosis immediately during surgery. If vocal folds exhibit normal mobility preoperatively, the MACIS scoring system is used to assess patient risk stratification. When the MACIS score > 6.99, resection of the involved RLN and immediate ACN-to-RLN anastomosis were performed. RLN preservation was limited to patients with MACIS scores ≤ 6.99.

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis with tremor as the main manifestation: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is an autosomal recessive lipid metabolism disorder. It is caused by a defect in the sterol-27-hydroxylase gene, leading to the deposition of cholesteryl and bile alcohol in large amounts, causing a variety of clinical manifestations; however, tremor as the main manifestation of CTX has not been reported. PATIENTS CONCERNS AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: Herein, we report a 27-year-old woman, who developed head and body tremors at the age of 12 years. Many hospitals misdiagnosed her condition as idiopathic tremor and Parkinson disease, with a poor curative effect. PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTION: We diagnosed her with CTX and treated with chenodeoxycholic acid and clonazepam. CONCLUSION: The patient's condition considerably improved. This case could help avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment in clinical practice.

Mapping of Candidate Genes for Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization in Japonica Rice at Seedling Stage.

Nitrogen (N) is one of the essential nutrients for the growth and development of crops. The adequate application of N not only increases the yield of crops but also improves the quality of agricultural products, but the excessive application of N can cause many adverse effects on ecology and the environment. In this study, genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was performed under low- and high-N conditions based on 788,396 SNPs and phenotypic traits relevant to N uptake and utilization (N content and N accumulation). A total of 75 QTLs were obtained using GWAS, which contained 811 genes. Of 811 genes, 281 genes showed different haplotypes, and 40 genes had significant phenotypic differences among different haplotypes. Of these 40 genes, 5 differentially expressed genes (Os01g0159250, Os02g0618200, Os02g0618400, Os02g0630300, and Os06g0619000) were finally identified as the more valuable candidate genes based on the transcriptome data sequenced from Longjing31 (low-N-tolerant variety) and Songjing 10 (low-N-sensitive variety) under low- and high-N treatments. These new findings enrich the genetic resources for N uptake and utilization in rice, as well as lay a theoretical foundation for improving the efficiency of N uptake and utilization in rice.

SCUBE3 Exerts a Tumor-Promoting Effect in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Promoting CEBPA Binding to the CCL2 Promoter.

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the main pathologic subtype of oral cancer, and the current therapeutic effect is far from satisfactory. The signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 3 (SCUBE3) has been shown to be a tumor-promoting factor in several malignancies. However, little is known about the role of SCUBE3 in TSCC. In this study, we identified that SCUBE3 was highly expressed in TSCC. Clinically, high expression of SCUBE3 was positively associated with tumor stage and T stage of TSCC. Functionally, SCUBE3 silence remarkably restrained cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, induced apoptosis as well as cell cycle arrest in G2-phase, and weakened the tumorigenicity of TSCC cells in vivo. Mechanistically, SCUBE3 promoted the direct binding of CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (CEBPA) to C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) promoter in TSCC cells. Interestingly, CCL2 overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effect of SCUBE3 deficiency on TSCC cell viability and migration. Moreover, STAT3 signaling contributed to CCL2-mediated phenotypes in TSCC cells. IMPLICATIONS: Our data revealed a tumor-promoting role for SCUBE3 in TSCC via the CEBPA/CCL2/STAT3 axis, which provided new insight into novel potential therapeutic target for TSCC.

Whole-Transcriptome Profiling and Functional Prediction of Long Non-Coding RNAs Associated with Cold Tolerance in Japonica Rice Varieties.

Low-temperature chilling is a major abiotic stress leading to reduced rice yield and is a significant environmental threat to food security. Low-temperature chilling studies have focused on physiological changes or coding genes. However, the competitive endogenous RNA mechanism in rice at low temperatures has not been reported. Therefore, in this study, antioxidant physiological indices were combined with whole-transcriptome data through weighted correlation network analysis, which found that the gene modules had the highest correlation with the key antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. The hub genes of the superoxide dismutase-related module included the UDP-glucosyltransferase family protein, sesquiterpene synthase and indole-3-glycerophosphatase gene. The hub genes of the peroxidase-related module included the WRKY transcription factor, abscisic acid signal transduction pathway-related gene plasma membrane hydrogen-ATPase and receptor-like kinase. Therefore, we selected the modular hub genes and significantly enriched the metabolic pathway genes to construct the key competitive endogenous RNA networks, resulting in three competitive endogenous RNA networks of seven long non-coding RNAs regulating three co-expressed messenger RNAs via four microRNAs. Finally, the negative regulatory function of the WRKY transcription factor OsWRKY61 was determined via subcellular localization and validation of the physiological indices in the mutant.

Inhalation of Carboxymethyl Chitosan Alleviates Posttraumatic Tracheal Fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was performed to determine whether the inhalation of carboxymethyl (CM)-chitosan can alleviate tracheal fibrosis in a rabbit model. METHODS: We designed a rabbit model of tracheal stenosis involving electrocoagulation with a spherical electrode. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into experimental and control groups (10 animals each). Tracheal damage was successfully established by electrocoagulation in all animals. The experimental group was given CM-chitosan (inhalation for 28 days), while the control group inhaled saline. The effects of CM-chitosan inhalation on tracheal fibrosis were analyzed. Laryngoscopy was performed to evaluate and grade tracheal granulation, while tracheal fibrosis was evaluated by histological examination. The effects of CM-chitosan inhalation on the tracheal mucosa were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and hydroxyproline content in tracheal scar tissue was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Laryngoscopy showed that the tracheal cross-sectional area was smaller in the experimental than control group. The amounts of loose connective tissue and damaged cartilage, as well as the severity of collagen and fibrosis, decreased following inhalation of CM-chitosan. According to the ELISA, the experimental group had low levels of hydroxyproline in the tracheal scar tissue. CONCLUSION: The findings presented here showed that inhalation of CM-chitosan mitigated posttraumatic tracheal fibrosis in a rabbit model, thus suggesting a potential new treatment for tracheal stenosis.

Joint QTL Mapping and Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis Reveal Candidate Genes for Salinity Tolerance in Oryza sativa L. ssp. Japonica Seedlings.

Salinity stress is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting crop growth and production. Rice is an important food crop in the world, but also a salt-sensitive crop, and the rice seedling stage is the most sensitive to salt stress, which directly affects the final yield formation. In this study, two RIL populations derived from the crosses of CD (salt-sensitive)/WD (salt-tolerant) and KY131 (salt-sensitive)/XBJZ (salt-tolerant) were used as experimental materials, and the score of salinity toxicity (SST), the relative shoot length (RSL), the relative shoot fresh weight (RSFW), and the relative shoot dry weight (RSDW) were used for evaluating the degree of tolerance under salt stress in different lines. The genetic linkage map containing 978 and 527 bin markers were constructed in two RIL populations. A total of 14 QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Among them, qSST12-1, qSST12-2, and qRSL12 were co-localized in a 140-kb overlap interval on chromosome 12, which containing 16 candidate genes. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR were analyzed in CD and WD under normal and 120 mM NaCl stress. LOC_Os12g29330, LOC_Os12g29350, LOC_Os12g29390, and LOC_Os12g29400 were significantly induced by salt stress in both CD and WD. Sequence analysis showed that LOC_Os12g29400 in the salt-sensitive parents CD and KY131 was consistent with the reference sequence (Nipponbare), whereas the salt-tolerant parents WD and XBJZ differed significantly from the reference sequence both in the promoter and exon regions. The salt-tolerant phenotype was identified by using two T3 homozygous mutant plants of LOC_Os12g29400; the results showed that the score of salinity toxicity (SST) of the mutant plants (CR-3 and CR-5) was significantly lower than that of the wild type, and the seedling survival rate (SSR) was significantly higher than that of the wild type, which indicated that LOC_Os12g29400 could negatively regulate the salinity tolerance of rice at the seedling stage. The results lay a foundation for the analysis of the molecular mechanism of rice salinity tolerance and the cultivation of new rice varieties.

Identification and validation of novel prognostic signatures based on m5C methylation patterns and tumor EMT profiles in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The role of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) in tumor initiation and progression has been increasingly recognized. However, the precise association between the regulation of m5C and the progression, metastasis, and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has not yet been fully explored. Data from 545 HNSCC patients obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed. Unsupervised cluster analysis was conducted using the expression levels of m5C regulatory genes. Additionally, gene set variation analysis (GSVA), single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), and Cox regression analysis were utilized. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), colony formation assay, transwell experiments and western blots were performed in the HNSCC cell line UM-SCC-17B to assess the expression and functional role of one of the novel signatures, CNFN. Significant expression differences were found in m5C regulatory genes between tumor and normal tissues in HNSCC. Two distinct m5C modification patterns, characterized by substantial prognostic differences, were identified. Cluster-2, which exhibited a strong association with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), was found to be associated with a poorer prognosis. Based on the m5C clusters and EMT status, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Using DEGs, an 8-gene signature (CAMK2N1, WNT7A, F2RL1, AREG, DEFB1, CNFN, TGFBI, and CAV1) was established to develop a prognostic model. The performance of this signature was validated in both the training and external validation datasets, demonstrating its promising efficacy. Furthermore, additional investigations using RT-qPCR on clinical specimens and experimental assays in cell lines provided compelling evidence suggesting that CNFN, one of the genes in the signature, could play a role in HNSCC progression and metastasis through the EMT pathway. This study highlighted the role of m5C in HNSCC progression and metastasis. The relationship between m5C and EMT has been elucidated for the first time. A robust prognostic model was developed for accurately predicting HNSCC patients' survival outcomes. Potential molecular mechanisms underlying these associations have been illuminated through this research.

BSA-Seq for the Identification of Major Genes for EPN in Rice.

Improving rice yield is one of the most important food issues internationally. It is an undeniable goal of rice breeding, and the effective panicle number (EPN) is a key factor determining rice yield. Increasing the EPN in rice is a major way to increase rice yield. Currently, the main quantitative trait locus (QTL) for EPN in rice is limited, and there is also limited research on the gene for EPN in rice. Therefore, the excavation and analysis of major genes related to EPN in rice is of great significance for molecular breeding and yield improvement. This study used japonica rice varieties Dongfu 114 and Longyang 11 to construct an F5 population consisting of 309 individual plants. Two extreme phenotypic pools were constructed by identifying the EPN of the population, and QTL-seq analysis was performed to obtain three main effective QTL intervals for EPN. This analysis also helped to screen out 34 candidate genes. Then, EPN time expression pattern analysis was performed on these 34 genes to screen out six candidate genes with higher expression levels. Using a 3K database to perform haplotype analysis on these six genes, we selected haplotypes with significant differences in EPN. Finally, five candidate genes related to EPN were obtained.

A Comparative Study on Microstructure, Segregation, and Mechanical Properties of Al-Si-Mg Alloy Parts Processed by GISS-HPDC and SEED-HPDC.

There are multiple routes to prepare semi-solid slurries with a globular microstructure for semi-solid forming. The variations in the microstructure of semi-solid slurries prepared using different routes may lead to significant differences in the flow behavior and mechanical properties of rheo-diecasting parts. Therefore, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the microstructure evolution associated with different slurry preparation routes and their resulting effects. In this study, the gas-induced semi-solid process (GISS) and the swirl enthalpy equilibrium device (SEED) routes were employed to prepare semi-solid Al-Si-Mg slurries for their simplicity and productivity in potential industrial applications. The prepared slurries were then injected into the shoot sleeves of a high-pressure die casting (HPDC) machine to produce tensile test bars. Subsequently, the bars underwent T6 treatment to enhance their mechanical properties. The microstructure, segregation, and mechanical properties of the samples were investigated and compared with those of conventional HPDC. The results indicated that the GISS and SEED can produce semi-solid slurries containing a spherical α-Al primary phase, as opposed to the dendritic structure commonly found in conventional castings. The liquid fraction had a significant effect on the flow behavior, resulting in variations in liquid segregation and mechanical properties. It was observed that a higher solid fraction (>75%) had a suppressing effect on surface liquid segregation. In addition, the tendency for liquid segregation gradually increased along the filling direction due to the special flow behavior of the semi-solid slurry with a low solid fraction. Furthermore, under the same die-casting process parameters, the conventional HPDC samples exhibit higher yield stress (139 ± 3 MPa) compared to SEED-HPDC and GISS-HPDC samples, which may be attributed to the small grain size and the distribution of eutectic phases. After undergoing the T6 treatment, both SEED-HPDC and GISS-HPDC samples showed a significant improvement in yield and tensile strength. These improvements are a result of solution and precipitation strengthening effects as well as the spheroidization of the eutectic Si phase. Moreover, the heat-treated SEED-HPDC samples demonstrate higher ultimate strength (336 ± 5 MPa) and elongation (13.7 ± 0.3%) in comparison to the GISS-HPDC samples (307 ± 4 MPa, 8.8 ± 0.2%) after heat treatment, mainly due to their low porosity density. These findings suggest that both GISS-HPDC and SEED-HPDC processes can be utilized to produce parts with favorable mechanical properties by implementing appropriate heat treatments. However, further investigation is required to control the porosities of GISS-HPDC samples during heat treatment.

Evaluation of modified coblation endoscopic lingual lightening in multilevel surgery for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome: an open intervention study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified coblation endoscopic lingual lightening to address retrolingual obstruction in multilevel surgery for obstructive sleep apneae (OSA). METHODS: Patients with OSA due to retropalatal and retrolingual obstructions were enrolled. Group 1 consisted of patients who underwent modified coblation endoscopic lingual lightening combined with H-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, while group 2 comprised patients treated by H-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty alone. Objective parameters and subjective evaluations were recorded preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) declined from 51.5 (18.9) to 14.3 (7.2) in group 1, and from 51.7 (15.8) to 28.5 (16.9) in group 2. The mean (standard deviation) percentage change in AHI was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (73.2 [10.9] vs. 48.9 [22.4], P < 0.01). The surgical response rate differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 (88.5 [23/26] vs. 46.7 [14/30], P < 0.01). Other outcomes, including the lowest oxygen saturation, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, snoring visual analog scale score, and subjective improvement rate, were also significantly better in group 1 than in group 2. CONCLUSION: Without increasing complications, modified coblation endoscopic lingual lightening significantly improved surgical outcomes as part of multilevel surgery in patients with OSA due to multilevel obstruction.

Fine Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of Rice Grain Length QTL qGL9.1.

Grain length (GL) is one of the crucial determinants of rice yield and quality. However, there is still a shortage of knowledge on the major genes controlling the inheritance of GL in japonica rice, which severely limits the improvement of japonica rice yields. Here, we systemically measured the GL of 667 F2 and 1570 BC3F3 individuals derived from two cultivated rice cultivars, Pin20 and Songjing15, in order to identify the major genomic regions associated with GL. A novel major QTL, qGL9.1, was mapped on chromosome 9, which is associated with the GL, using whole-genome re-sequencing with bulked segregant analysis. Local QTL linkage analysis with F2 and fine mapping with the recombinant plant revealed a 93-kb core region on qGL9.1 encoding 15 protein-coding genes. Only the expression level of LOC_Os09g26970 was significantly different between the two parents at different stages of grain development. Moreover, haplotype analysis revealed that the alleles of Pin20 contribute to the optimal GL (9.36 mm) and GL/W (3.31), suggesting that Pin20 is a cultivated species carrying the optimal GL variation of LOC_Os09g26970. Furthermore, a functional-type mutation (16398989-bp, G>A) located on an exon of LOC_Os09g26970 could be used as a molecular marker to distinguish between long and short grains. Our experiments identified LOC_Os09g26970 as a novel gene associated with GL in japonica rice. This result is expected to further the exploration of the genetic mechanism of rice GL and improve GL in rice japonica varieties by marker-assisted selection.

Global Phosphoproteomic Analysis Reveals the Defense and Response Mechanisms of Japonica Rice under Low Nitrogen Stress.

Nitrogen-based nutrients are the main factors affecting rice growth and development. As the nitrogen (N) application rate increased, the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of rice decreased. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanism of rice plant morphological, physiological, and yield formation under low N conditions to improve NUE. In this study, changes in the rice morphological, physiological, and yield-related traits under low N (13.33 ppm) and control N (40.00 ppm) conditions were performed. These results show that, compared with control N conditions, photosynthesis and growth were inhibited and the carbon (C)/N and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) were enhanced under low N conditions. To understand the post-translational modification mechanism underlying the rice response to low N conditions, comparative phosphoproteomic analysis was performed, and differentially modified proteins (DMPs) were further characterized. Compared with control N conditions, a total of 258 DMPs were identified under low N conditions. The modification of proteins involved in chloroplast development, chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, phytohormones, and morphology-related proteins were differentially altered, which was an important reason for changes in rice morphological, physiological, and yield-related traits. Additionally, inconsistent changes in level of transcription and protein modification, indicates that the study of phosphoproteomics under low N conditions is also important for us to better understand the adaptation mechanism of rice to low N stress. These results provide insights into global changes in the response of rice to low N stress and may facilitate the development of rice cultivars with high NUE by regulating the phosphorylation level of carbon metabolism and rice morphology-related proteins.

Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Clarithromycin-Loaded Poly(l-Lactide) Membrane in Rabbit Postoperation Model of Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: Macrolide antibiotics are often used to prevent infection and inflammation after functional endoscopic sinus surgery for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of the clarithromycin-loaded poly(-lactide) (CLA-PLLA) membrane and its mechanism. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Animal Experiment Center. METHODS: We compared the difference between poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and CLA-PLLA membranes by observing the morphology of fibrous scaffolds, measuring water contact angle, tensile strength, and drug release capacity, and evaluating the antimicrobial activity of CLA-PLLA. Twenty-four rabbits were divided into a PLLA group and a CLA-PLLA group after establishing CRS models. Another 5 normal rabbits comprised the control group. After 3 months, we placed the PLLA membrane in the nasal cavity of the PLLA group and the CLA-PLLA membrane in the CLA-PLLA group. Then, 14 days later, we evaluated the histological and ultrastructural changes in the sinus mucosa, protein, and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-ß1, α-smooth muscle actin, and type I collagen. RESULTS: The CLA-PLLA membrane showed no significant difference in physical performance to the PLLA membrane, which continuously released 95% of the clarithromycin (CLA) for 2 months. The CLA-PLLA membrane had significant bacteriostatic properties that can improve the morphology of mucosal tissues, and inhibit protein and mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, CLA-PLLA also inhibited the expression of fibrosis-associated marker molecules. CONCLUSION: The CLA-PLLA membrane released CLA slowly and continuously, providing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects in a rabbit model of postoperative CRS.

Adaptation to high latitudes through a novel allele of Hd3a strongly promoting heading date in rice.

KEY MESSAGE: A novel Hd3a allele strongly promoting rice heading date was identified, and it functions through florigen activation complex (FAC) and was selected during the spread of rice cultivation to high-latitude areas. Heading date is a critical agronomic trait for rice that determines the utilization of light and temperature conditions and thereby affects grain yield. Rice is a short day (SD) plant, and its photoperiodic information is processed by complex pathways and integrated by florigens to control flowering. In this study, we identified a novel allele for the florigen gene Heading date 3a (Hd3a), characterized by a C435G substitution in its coding region, by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach in a panel of 199 high-latitude japonica rice varieties. The C435G substitution induces plants to flower 10 days earlier in high-latitude area (long day condition). Then, we mutated C435 to G in Hd3a by prime editing and found the point mutation plants flowered 12 days earlier. Further molecular experiments showed the novel Hd3a protein can interact with GF14b protein and increase the expression of OsMADS14, the output gene of florigen activation complex (FAC). Molecular signatures of selection indicated that the novel Hd3a allele was selected during the process of rice cultivation expansion into high-latitude areas. Collectively, these results provide new insights into heading date regulation in high-latitude areas and advance improvements to rice adaptability to enhance crop yield.

Identification of candidate genes for salinity tolerance in Japonica rice at the seedling stage based on genome-wide association study and linkage mapping.

Background: Salinity tolerance plays a vital role in rice cultivation because the strength of salinity tolerance at the seedling stage directly affects seedling survival and final crop yield in saline soils. Here, we combined a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and linkage mapping to analyze the candidate intervals for salinity tolerance in Japonica rice at the seedling stage. Results: We used the Na+ concentration in shoots (SNC), K+ concentration in shoots (SKC), Na+/K+ ratio in shoots (SNK), and seedling survival rate (SSR) as indices to assess the salinity tolerance at the seedling stage in rice. The GWAS identified the lead SNP (Chr12_20864157), associated with an SNK, which the linkage mapping detected as being in qSK12. A 195-kb region on chromosome 12 was selected based on the overlapping regions in the GWAS and the linkage mapping. Based on haplotype analysis, qRT-PCR, and sequence analysis, we obtained LOC_Os12g34450 as a candidate gene. Conclusion: Based on these results, LOC_Os12g34450 was identified as a candidate gene contributing to salinity tolerance in Japonica rice. This study provides valuable guidance for plant breeders to improve the response of Japonica rice to salt stress.

qCTB7 positively regulates cold tolerance at booting stage in rice.

KEY MESSAGE: LOC_Os07g07690 on qCTB7 is associated with cold tolerance at the booting stage in rice, and analysis of transgenic plants demonstrated that qCTB7 influenced cold tolerance by altering the morphology and cytoarchitecture of anthers and pollen. Cold tolerance at the booting stage (CTB) in rice can significantly affect yield in high-latitude regions. Although several CTB genes have been isolated, their ability to induce cold tolerance is insufficient to ensure adequate rice yields in cold regions at high latitudes. Here, we identified the PHD-finger domain-containing protein gene qCTB7 using QTL-seq and linkage analysis through systematic measurement of CTB differences and the spike fertility of the Longjing31 and Longdao3 cultivars, resulting in the derivation of 1570 F2 progeny under cold stress. We then characterized the function of qCTB7 in rice. It was found that overexpression of qCTB7 promoted CTB and the same yield as Longdao3 under normal growing conditions while the phenotype of qctb7 knockout showed anther and pollen failure under cold stress. When subjected to cold stress, the germination of qctb7 pollen on the stigma was reduced, resulting in lower spike fertility. These findings indicate that qCTB7 regulates the appearance, morphology, and cytoarchitecture of the anthers and pollen. Three SNPs in the promoter region and coding region of qCTB7 were identified as recognition signals for CTB in rice and could assist breeding efforts to improve cold tolerance for rice production in high latitudes.

Transcriptome and Co-Expression Network Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of Rice Root Systems in Response to Low-Nitrogen Conditions.

Nitrogen is an important nutrient for plant growth and essential metabolic processes. Roots integrally obtain nutrients from soil and are closely related to the growth and development of plants. In this study, the morphological analysis of rice root tissues collected at different time points under low-nitrogen and normal nitrogen conditions demonstrated that, compared with normal nitrogen treatment, the root growth and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of rice under low-nitrogen treatment were significantly improved. To better understand the molecular mechanisms of the rice root system's response to low-nitrogen conditions, a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of rice seedling roots under low-nitrogen and control conditions was conducted in this study. As a result, 3171 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Rice seedling roots enhance NUE and promote root development by regulating the genes related to nitrogen absorption and utilization, carbon metabolism, root growth and development, and phytohormones, thereby adapting to low-nitrogen conditions. A total of 25,377 genes were divided into 14 modules using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Two modules were significantly associated with nitrogen absorption and utilization. A total of 8 core genes and 43 co-expression candidates related to nitrogen absorption and utilization were obtained in these two modules. Further studies on these genes will contribute to the understanding of low-nitrogen adaptation and nitrogen utilization mechanisms in rice.

A New Theoretical Method for Studying Effects of Microstructure on Effective Thermal Conductivity of Vermicular Graphite Cast Iron.

To provide the basis for thermal conductivity regulation of vermicular graphite cast iron (VGI), a new theoretical method consisting of shape interpolation, unit cell model and numerical calculation was proposed. Considering the influence of the graphite anisotropy and interfacial contact thermal conductivity (ICTC), the effective thermal conductivity of a series of unit cell models was calculated by numerical calculation based on finite difference. The effects of microstructure on effective thermal conductivity of VGI were studied by shape interpolation. The experimental results were in good agreement with the calculated ones. The effective thermal conductivity of VGI increases in power function with the decrease in graphite shape parameter, and increases linearly with the increase in graphite volume fraction and thermal conductivity of matrix. When the graphite volume fraction increases by 1%, the thermal conductivity of nodular cast iron increases by about 0.18 W/(m·K), while that of gray cast iron increases by about 3 W/(m·K). The thermal conductivity of cast iron has the same sensitivity to the thermal conductivity of matrix regardless of the graphite shape parameter. The thermal conductivity of matrix increased by 15 W/(m·K) and the thermal conductivity of cast iron increased by about 12 W/(m·K). Moreover, the more the graphite shape deviates from the sphere, the greater the enhancement effect of graphite anisotropy on thermal conductivity than the hindrance effect of interface between graphite and matrix. This work can provide guidance for the development of high thermal conductivity VGI and the study of thermal conductivity of composites containing anisotropic dispersed phase particles with complex shapes.

[Retracted] MicroRNA­152 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion by directly targeting MAFB in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that certain of the cell migration and invasion assay data shown in Fig. 3A and B were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors at different research institutes, some of which have been retracted; moreover, there appeared to be some overlapping data examining the western blots featured in Figs. 5B and 6A. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published, or were already under consideration for publication, prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, they agreed with the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 15: 948­956, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.6059].