Metal ion stimulation-related gene signatures correlate with clinical and immunologic characteristics of glioma.

Background: Environmental factors serve as one of the important pathogenic factors for gliomas. Yet people focus only on the effect of electromagnetic radiation on its pathogenicity, while metals in the environment are neglected. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between metal ion stimulation and the clinical characteristics and immune status of GM patients. Methods: Firstly, mRNA expression profiles of GM patients and normal subjects were obtained from Chinese GM Genome Atlas (CGGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to identify differentially expressed metal ion stimulation-related genes(DEMISGs). Secondly, two molecular subtypes were identified and validated based on these DEMISGs using consensus clustering. Diagnostic and prognostic models for GM were constructed after screening these features based on machine learning. Finally, supervised classification and unsupervised clustering were combined to classify and predict the grade of GM based on SHAP values. Results: GM patients are divided into two different response states to metal ion stimulation, M1 and M2, which are related to the grade and IDH status of the GM. Six genes with diagnostic value were obtained: SLC30A3, CRHBP, SYT13, DLG2, CDK1, and WNT5A. The AUC in the external validation set was higher than 0.90. The SHAP value improves the performance of classification prediction. Conclusion: The gene features associated with metal ion stimulation are related to the clinical and immune characteristics of transgenic patients. XGboost/LightGBM Kmeans has a higher classification prediction accuracy in predicting glioma grades compared to using purely supervised classification techniques.

Identification of two novel QTL for Fusarium head blight resistance in German wheat cultivar Centrum.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease that occurs in warm and humid environments. The German wheat Centrum has displayed moderate to high levels of FHB resistance in the field for many years. In this study, an F6:8 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from cross Centrum × Xinong 979 was evaluated for FHB response following point inoculation in five environments. The population and parents were genotyped using the GenoBaits Wheat 16 K Panel. Stable quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with FHB resistance in Centrum were mapped on chromosome arms 2DS and 5BS. The most effective QTL, located in 2DS, was identified as a new chromosome region represented by a 1.4 Mb interval containing 17 candidate genes. Another novel QTL was mapped in chromosome arm 5BS of a 5BS-7BS translocation chromosome. In addition, two environmentally-sensitive QTL were mapped on chromosome arms 2BL from Centrum and 5AS from Xinong 979. Polymorphisms of flanking allele-specifc quantitative PCR (AQP) markers AQP-6 for QFhb.nwafu-2DS and 16K-13073 for QFhb.nwafu-5BS were validated in a panel of 217 cultivars and breeding lines. These markers could be useful for marker-assisted selection of FHB resistance and also provide a starting point for fine mapping and marker-based cloning of the resistance genes.

Exploring the relationship between immune heterogeneity characteristic genes of rheumatoid arthritis and acute myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND: People with autoimmune diseases are prone to cancer, and there is a close relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The bone marrow (BM) is affected throughout the course of RA, with a variety of hematologic involvement. Hopes are pinned on rheumatoid arthritis research to obtain BM biomarkers for AML. METHODS: Synovial transcriptome sequencing data for RA and osteoarthritis (OA), and single-cell sequencing data for RA and controls were obtained from the GEO database.Bone marrow sequencing data for AML patients and normal subjects were obtained from the UCSC Xena database. The final immune heterogeneity characteristics of RA were determined through ssGSEA analysis, gene differential expression analysis, fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm, and XGboost algorithm. Random Ferns classifiers (RFs) are used to identify new bone marrow markers for AML. RESULTS: SELL, PTPRC, IL7R, CCR7, and KLRB1 were able to distinguish leukemia cells from normal cells well, with AUC values higher than 0.970. CONCLUSION: Genes characterizing the immune heterogeneity of RA are associated with AML, and KLRBA may be a potential target for AML treatment.

[Formononetin enhances the antitumor effect of H22 hepatoma transplanted mice].

Objective To explore the effect of formononetin on immunity of mice with transplanted H22 hepatocarcinoma. Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously inoculated with H22 cells (4×105) to establish a tumor-bearing mouse model. The mice were treated with formononetin [10 mg/(kg.d)] or [50 mg/(kg.d)] for 28 days, and then the tumor inhibition rate was calculated. Carrilizumab was used as a positive control drug. The expressions of CD8, granzyme B and forkbox transcription factor 3 (FOXP3) in HCC tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA and protein expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) in HCC tissues were detected by real-time PCR or Western blot analysis, respectively. The serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) were detected by ELISA. Results Formononetin increased the tumor inhibition rate and the positive rate of CD8 and granzyme B staining in tumor-bearing mice. There was no significant difference in the positive rate of FOXP3 staining in tumor tissues of mice in each group. Formononetin decreased the levels of IL-10 and TGF-ß in serum of tumor-bearing mice, and decreased the relative expression of mRNA and protein of PD-1 and PD-L1 in tumor tissue of tumor-bearing mice. Conclusion Formononetin can activate CD8+ T cells and reduce the release of immunosuppressive factors in regulatory T cells by blocking PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and play an antitumor role.

Development of a Set of Wheat-Rye Derivative Lines from Hexaploid Triticale with Complex Chromosomal Rearrangements to Improve Disease Resistance, Agronomic and Quality Traits of Wheat.

An elite hexaploid triticale Yukuri from Australia was used as a bridge for transferring valuable genes from Secale cereale L. into common wheat for enriching the genetic variability of cultivated wheat. Non-denaturing-fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) identified that Yukuri was a secondary triticale with a complete set of rye chromosomes and a 6D(6A) substitution. Seed protein electrophoresis showed that Yukuri had a unique composition of glutenin subunits. A set of Yukuri-derived wheat-rye introgression lines were created from a Yukuri x wheat population, and all lines were identified by ND-FISH with multiple probes and validated by diagnostic molecular marker analysis. A total of 59 wheat-rye introgression lines including modified chromosome structural variations of wheat, and new complex recombinant chromosomes of rye were detected through ND-FISH and Oligo-FISH painting based on oligonucleotide pools derived from wheat-barley genome collinear regions. Wheat lines carrying the 1R chromosome from Yukuri displayed resistance to both stripe rust and powdery mildew, while the lines carrying the 3RL and 7RL chromosome arms showed stripe rust resistance. The chromosome 1R-derived lines were found to exhibit a significant effect on most of the dough-related parameters, and chromosome 5R was clearly associated with increased grain weight. The development of the wheat-rye cytogenetic stocks carrying disease resistances and superior agronomic traits, as well as the molecular markers and FISH probes will promote the introgression of abundant variation from rye into wheat improvement programs.

Chromosome Rearrangement in Elymus dahuricus Revealed by ND-FISH and Oligo-FISH Painting.

As a perennial herb in Triticeae, Elymus dahuricus is widely distributed in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and Central Asia. It has been used as high-quality fodders for improving degraded grassland. The genomic constitution of E. dahuricus (2n = 6x = 42) has been revealed as StStHHYY by cytological approaches. However, the universal karyotyping nomenclature system of E. dahuricus is not fully established by traditional fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). In this study, the non-denaturing fluorescent in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) using 14 tandem-repeat oligos could effectively distinguish the entire E. dahuricus chromosomes pairs, while Oligo-FISH painting by bulked oligo pools based on wheat-barley collinear regions combined with GISH analysis, is able to precisely determine the linkage group and sub-genomes of the individual E. dahuricus chromosomes. We subsequently established the 42-chromosome karyotype of E. dahuricus with distinctive chromosomal FISH signals, and characterized a new type of intergenomic rearrangement between 2H and 5Y. Furthermore, the comparative chromosomal localization of the centromeric tandem repeats and immunostaining by anti-CENH3 between cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and E. dahuricus suggests that centromere-associated sequences in H subgenomes were continuously changing during the process of polyploidization. The precise karyotyping system based on ND-FISH and Oligo-FISH painting methods will be efficient for describing chromosomal rearrangements and evolutionary networks for polyploid Elymus and their related species.

Role of optical coherence tomography in depression detection: a protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive approach for detecting changes in the retinal layers, which may also reflect changes in brain structure and function. As one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, depression has been associated with alteration of brain neuroplasticity. However, the role of OCT measurements in detecting depression remains unknown. This study aims to employ a systematic review and meta-analysis approach to explore ocular biomarkers measured by OCT for detecting depression. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search studies describing the relationship between OCT and depression across seven electronic databases, and retrieve articles published from database inception to date. We will also manually search grey literature and reference lists included in the retrieved studies. Two independent reviewers will screen studies, extract data and assess risk of bias. Target outcomes will include peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, macular ganglion cell complex thickness and macular volume, as well as other related indicators. Next, we will conduct subgroup analysis and meta-regression to explore study heterogeneity, then perform sensitivity analysis to investigate the robustness of the synthesised results. Meta-analysis will be performed using Review Manager (V.5.4.1) and STATA (V.12.0), and the certainty of evidence will be graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not necessary because the data used in this systematic review and meta-analysis will be extracted from published studies. Study results will be disseminated by publishing our findings in a peer-reviewed journal.

Prognostic Value of ctDNA Detection in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is increasingly used as a biomarker for metastatic rectal cancer and has recently shown promising results in the early detection of recurrence risk. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the prognostic value of ctDNA detection in LARC patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). We systematically searched electronic databases for observational or interventional studies that included LARC patients undergoing nCRT. Study selection according to the PRISMA guidelines and quality assessment of the REMARK tool for biomarker studies. The primary endpoint was the impact of ctDNA detection at different time points (baseline, post-nCRT, post-surgery) on relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoint was to study the association between ctDNA detection and pathological complete response(pCR) at different time points. RESULTS: After further review and analysis of the 625 articles initially retrieved, we finally included 10 eligible studies. We found no significant correlation between ctDNA detection at baseline and long-term survival outcomes or the probability of achieving a pCR. However, the presence of ctDNA at post-nCRT was associated with worse RFS (HR = 9.16, 95% CI, 5.48-15.32), worse OS (HR = 8.49, 95% CI, 2.20-32.72), and worse pCR results (OR = 0.40, 95%CI, 0.18-0.89). The correlation between the presence of ctDNA at post-surgery and worse RFS was more obvious (HR = 14.94; 95% CI, 7.48-9.83). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that ctDNA detection is a promising biomarker for the evaluation of response and prognosis in LARC patients undergoing nCRT, which merits further evaluation in the following prospective trials.

Influencing Factors of Bidens pilosa L. Hyperaccumulating Cadmium Explored by the Real-Time Uptake of Cd2+ Influx around Root Apexes under Different Exogenous Nutrient Ion Levels.

Though Bidens pilosa L. has been confirmed to be a potential Cd hyperaccumulator, the accumulation mechanism is not yet clear. The dynamic and real-time uptake of Cd2+ influx by B. pilosa root apexes was determined using non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT), which partly explored the influencing factors of the Cd hyperaccumulation mechanism under the conditions of different exogenous nutrient ions. The results indicated that Cd2+ influxes at 300 µm around the root tips decreased under Cd treatments with 16 mM Ca2+, 8 mM Mg2+, 0.5 mM Fe2+, 8 mM SO42- or 18 mM K+ compared to single Cd treatments. The Cd treatments with a high concentration of nutrient ions showed an antagonistic effect on Cd2+ uptake. However, Cd treatments with 1 mM Ca2+, 0.5 mM Mg2+, 0.5 mM SO42- or 2 mM K+ had no effect on the Cd2+ influxes as compared with single Cd treatments. It is worth noting that the Cd treatment with 0.05 mM Fe2+ markedly increased Cd2+ influxes. The addition of 0.05 mM Fe2+ exhibited a synergistic effect on Cd uptake, which could be low concentration Fe2+ rarely involved in blocking Cd2+ influx and often forming an oxide membrane on the root surface to help the Cd uptake by B. pilosa. The results also showed that Cd treatments with high concentration of nutrient ions significantly increased the concentrations of chlorophyll and carotenoid in leaves and the root vigor of B. pilosa relative to single Cd treatments. Our research provides novel perspectives with respect to Cd uptake dynamic characteristics by B. pilosa roots under different exogenous nutrient ion levels, and shows that the addition of 0.05 mM Fe2+ could promote the phytoremediation efficiency for B. pilosa.

A survey of caregiver burden for stroke survivors in non-teaching hospitals in Western China.

The social factors that moderate stroke caregiver burden have been found to be culture- and gender-specific. We examined the factors that influence the social support and self-efficacy of caregivers of stroke survivors and the burden of caregiving in China. To determine the caregiver burden of stroke survivors, their social support, and their self-efficacy. A total of 328 stroke survivors and their caregivers were recruited from 4 tertiary medical centers to participate in this cross-sectional study. The sociodemographic and stroke-related characteristics of the participants were obtained. Perceived social support and self-efficacy were assessed using the Social Support Rating Scale and General Self-efficacy Scale, respectively. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview Scale. Relationships between the variables were assessed using Pearson's correlation, the chi-square test, and a paired t test. A total of 27.4% of the caregivers reported receiving adequate social support, while 20.7% reported high levels of self-efficacy. A total of 67.1% of the caregivers experienced varying degrees of care burden, while the remaining 32.9% felt no burden. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics (age, daily care time, self-rated health, and financial situation) were significantly related to caregiver burden, social support, and self-efficacy (P < .001). The findings indicate an inverse relationship between caregiver burden, social support and self-efficacy. Adequate social support and self-efficacy can reduce stroke caregivers' burden. Hospital departments should provide assistance to stroke caregivers through educational programs and group training to increase their social support and self-efficacy, thereby alleviating their burden.

Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for post-stroke spasticity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for post-stroke spasticity. Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched from their inception to 6 June 2022, to identify randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for post-stroke spasticity. Two reviewers independently screened the studies, extracted the data, assessed the risk of bias. The reporting quality of interventions in controlled trials of acupuncture was evaluated using Revised Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA). The RevMan 5.4 and R 4.2.0 software were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 88 eligible studies were included, involving 6,431 individuals. The pooled data demonstrated that acupuncture combined with conventional rehabilitation (CR) was superior to CR in reducing the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.73; 95% CI = -0.83 to -0.63; I 2 = 65%; low certainty of evidence). The favorable results were also observed in comparisons of acupuncture vs. CR (SMD = -0.22, 95% CI = -0.36 to -0.07; I 2 = 49%; moderate certainty of evidence). Subgroup analysis showed that acupuncture treatment with a frequency of once or twice a day was more effective than CR. In addition, the antispasmodic effect of acupuncture treatment increased with more sessions. Four studies explicitly reported slight acupuncture-related adverse events. Conclusion: Acupuncture could be recommended as adjuvant therapy for spasticity after stroke. However, due to the high risk of bias and heterogeneity of the included studies, the effectiveness of acupuncture for post-stroke spasticity remains to be confirmed.

The effect and safety of Tai Chi on bone health in postmenopausal women: A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

Background: Tai Chi may be a promising exercise to prevent and control bone loss in postmenopausal women. This meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis aimed to evaluate the effect and safety of Tai Chi on bone health in postmenopausal women. Method: Seven databases were searched from their inceptions to 11 May 2022 to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect and safety of Tai Chi on bone health in postmenopausal women. Two independent reviewers identified the eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. The primary outcome was the bone mineral density (BMD), and secondary outcomes included bone turnover markers and calcaneus quantitative ultrasound. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the duration of Tai Chi. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessment were performed. RevMan software (version 5.4.1) and R software (version 3.6.1) were used for data synthesis. The certainty of evidence was rated with the Grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) system. We also performed the trial sequential analysis to evaluate the reliability of the evidence. Results: A total of 25 reports involving 24 studies were included. Four studies were considered as high overall risk of bias, and the rest were some concerns. Among included studies, there were three comparisons including Tai Chi vs. non-intervention, Tai Chi vs. other exercises, and Tai Chi plus nutraceutical vs. nutraceutical. Compared with non-intervention, Tai Chi was more effective to improve BMD of lumbar spine (MD = 0.04, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.07, I 2 = 0%, low certainty), femoral neck (MD = 0.04, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.06, I 2 = 0%, low certainty), and trochanter (MD = 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.03, I 2 = 0%, very low certainty), but there was no significant difference in increasing the BMD of Ward's triangle (MD = 0.02, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.04, I 2 = 0%, very low certainty). Trial sequential analysis showed that the effect of Tai Chi vs. non-intervention on the BMD of lumbar spine and femoral neck was reliable, but the effect on the BMD of trochanter and Ward's triangle needed further verification. The subgroup analyses suggested that Tai Chi training for over 6 months had greater improvement in BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and trochanter than non-intervention. No significant differences were observed in the above outcomes of Tai Chi vs. other exercises, and Tai Chi plus nutraceutical vs. nutraceutical. There was insufficient evidence to support the effect of Tai Chi on bone turnover markers and calcaneus quantitative ultrasound. Few Tai Chi relevant adverse events occurred. Conclusion: Tai Chi may be an optional and safe exercise for improving BMD loss in postmenopausal women, and practicing Tai Chi for more than 6 months may yield greater benefits. However, more rigorously designed RCTs are required to verify the benefits and to explore the optimal protocol of Tai Chi exercise for bone health. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=309148, identifier: CRD42022309148.

Association Between Maternal Exposure to SO2 and Congenital Ear Malformations in Offspring: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Liaoning Province, China.

Objectives: To examine associations between maternal sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposure and congenital ear malformations risk in offspring. Methods: We surveyed 1676 cases with congenital ear malformations and 7950 controls from the Maternal and Child Health Certificate Registry of Liaoning Province between 2010 and 2015. SO2 concentrations were obtained from the Municipal Environment Protection Bureau of Liaoning Province. Multivariable logistic regression models and Restricted cubic splines (RCS) model were used to assess the aforementioned association. Results: There were significant associations between maternal SO2 exposure and congenital ear malformations risk during the 3 months before conception (OR Q4 vs. Q1 = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.43-2.59) and the 3 months after conception (OR Q4 vs. Q1 = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.22-2.18). Similar results were obtained in the analysis of single-month exposure windows, except for the third month before conception and the third month after conception. Moreover, these findings were broadly consistent across subgroups and robust in sensitivity analyses. There were non-linear dose-response associations between SO2 exposure and congenital ear malformations based on restricted cubic spline model analysis. Conclusion: Maternal SO2 exposure is associated with increased congenital ear malformations risk in offspring.

Maternal Exposure to Sulfur Dioxide and Risk of Omphalocele in Liaoning Province, China: A Population-Based Case-Control Study.

Evidence of the association between maternal sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposure and the risk of omphalocele is limited and equivocal. We aimed to assess the aforementioned topic during the first trimester of pregnancy. A population-based case-control study was carried out in infants consisting of 292 cases of omphalocele and 7,950 healthy infant controls. Exposure to SO2, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 10 µm, and nitrogen dioxide was assessed by averaging the concentration from all stations in the mother's residential city. SO2 exposure was categorized into three groups, with the lowest tertile defined as the reference category. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models. Higher SO2 exposure during the first trimester was significantly associated with omphalocele risk [per standard deviation (42 ug/m3) increment: OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.22-1.65]. When focusing on shorter exposure windows, similar positive associations were observed for SO2 exposure in the first and third months of pregnancy. In addition, compared with the lowest tertile, high SO2 exposure in the second month of pregnancy increased the risk of omphalocele (OR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.61-4.97). Maternal exposure to SO2 during the first trimester may increase the risk of omphalocele in offspring.

An Adaptive Information Security System for 5G-Enabled Smart Grid Based on Artificial Neural Network and Case-Based Learning Algorithms.

With the deployment of 5G Internet of Things (IoT) in the power system, the efficiency of smart grid is improved by increasing two-way interactions in different layers in smart grid. However, it introduces more attack interfaces that the traditional information security system in smart grid cannot response in time. The neuroscience-inspired models have shown their effectiveness in solving security and optimization problems in smart grid. How to improve the security mechanism in smart grid while taking into account the optimization of data transmission efficiency using neuroscience-inspired algorithms is the problem to be solved in this study. Therefore, an information security system based on artificial neural network (ANN) and improved multiple protection model is proposed. Based on the ANN algorithm, the link state sample space is used to train the model to obtain the optimal transmission path in 5G power communication network. Integrating the intelligent link state module, the zero-trust security protection platform using case-based learning algorithm is designed and taken as the first protection, the network security logical isolation facility is taken as the second protection, and the forward and backward isolation facilities are set as the third protection to achieve the strengthened security of 5G IoT in smart grid. The experimental results show the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. In addition, the experimental results also show that the proposed system can resist malicious terminal access, terminal hijacking, data tampering and eavesdropping, protocol fuzzy, and denial-of-service attacks, so as to reduce the security risks of 5G IoT in smart grid. Since the proposed system can be easily integrated into the existing smart grid structure in China, the proposed system can provide a reference for the design and implementation of 5G IoT in smart grid.

Systematic analysis of the Serine/Arginine-Rich Protein Splicing Factors (SRs) and focus on salt tolerance of PtSC27 in Populus trichocarpa.

Serine/Arginine-Rich Protein Splicing Factors (SRs) are indispensable splicing factors, which play significant roles in spliceosome assembly, splicing regulation and regulation of plant stress. However, a comprehensive analysis and function research of SRs in the woody plant is still lacking. In this report, we conducted the identification and comprehensive analysis of the 71 SRs in poplar and three other dicots, including basic characterization, phylogenetic, conserved motifs, gene duplication, promoter and splice isoform of these genes. Based on the publicly available transcriptome data, expression pattern of SRs in poplar under low temperature, high temperature, drought and salt stress were further analyzed. Subsequently, a key candidate gene PtSC27 that responded to salt stress was screened. More importantly, overexpression of PtSC27 increased plant survival rate under salt stress, and enhanced salt tolerance by regulating malondialdehyde (MDA) content, peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities in transgenic plants. Meanwhile, overexpression of PtSC27 made transgenic plants insensitive to exogenous ABA and improved the expression of some ABA signal-related genes under salt stress. Overall, our studies lay a foundation for understanding the structure and function of SRs in the poplar and provide useful gene resources for breeding through genetic engineering.

FDG PET/CT of Primary Ewing Sarcoma of the Peritoneum.

ABSTRACT: Ewing sarcoma (ES), which is described as diffuse endothelioma of the bone, is divided into osseous and extraosseous ES mostly affecting children and adolescents. In addition, ES of the peritoneum is rare. We present a case of a 46-year-old man with ES of the peritoneum in whom FDG PET/CT showed high radiotracer activity in the primary tumor.

Association between maternal exposure to PM10 and risk of anorectal atresia/stenosis in offspring: a population-based case-control study in Liaoning Province, China.

The potential association between maternal exposure to PM10 ranging from 3 months prior to conception to the end of the early trimester and the risk of anorectal atresia/stenosis in offspring has not been established. Thus, we determined the association between maternal exposure to PM10 and risk of anorectal atresia/stenosis in offspring in this study. We recruited 713 patients including 480 male and 233 female with anorectal atresia/stenosis and 7950 randomly selected healthy offspring from the Maternal and Child Health Certificate Registry of Liaoning Province and delivered between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015. Monthly PM10 concentrations were retrieved from the Environment Protection Bureau of each city in Liaoning Province. We established a multivariable logistic regression model to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Maternal exposure to PM10 was associated with an increased risk for anorectal atresia/stenosis in offspring during the 3 months prior to conception (per 10 µg/m3 increment: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.03-1.20; per SD [27 µg/m3] increment: OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.09-1.63) and the first trimester (per 10 µg/m3 increment: OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.00-1.17; per SD [28 µg/m3] increment: OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.01-1.57). Evaluation of the association with a shorter exposure window (1 month) revealed a positive association between anorectal atresia/stenosis and PM10 from the 3rd month prior to pregnancy to each month of the 1st trimester. Maternal exposure to PM10 3 months prior to conception and during the 1st trimester was associated with an increased risk of anorectal atresia/stenosis in the offspring. Future perspective cohort studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Maternal PM10 Exposure Increases Risk for Spina Bifida: A Population-Based Case-Control Study.

Limited studies have focused on the impact of ambient air pollution on spina bifida. A population-based case-control study was conducted in Liaoning Province, China to assess the associations between maternal PM10 exposures in various exposure windows and spina bifida risk. Data on spina bifida cases born between 2010 and 2015 were available from the Maternal and Child Health Certificate Registry of Liaoning Province. Controls were a random sample of healthy livebirths without any birth defects delivered in the selected five cities during 2010-2015. Ambient air monitoring data for PM10 were obtained from 75 monitoring stations in Liaoning Province. The multivariable logistic regression models were established to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We further performed sensitivity analyses by using three propensity score methods. A total of 749 spina bifida cases and 7,950 controls were included. After adjusting for potential confounders, spina bifida was associated with a 10 µg/m3 increment in PM10 during the first trimester of pregnancy (adjusted OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.00-1.12) and the 3 months before pregnancy (adjusted OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06-1.19). The adjusted ORs in the final model for the highest vs. the lowest quartile were 1.51 (95% CI: 1.04-2.19) for PM10 during the first trimester of pregnancy and 2.01 (95% CI: 1.43-2.81) for PM10 during the 3 months before pregnancy. Positive associations were found between PM10 exposures during the single month exposure windows and spina bifida. Sensitivity analyses based on two propensity score methods largely reported similar positive associations. Our findings support the evidence that maternal PM10 exposure increases the risk of spina bifida in offspring. Further, validation with a prospective design and a more accurate exposure assessment is warranted.