Association between Whole Grain Intake and Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between whole grain intake and chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between whole grain intake and risk of CKD in Chinese adults. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study used data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey conducted in 2009. Whole grain intake was measured using 3 consecutive 24-h dietary recalls and a household food inventory. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk of CKD. In addition, a restricted cubic spline was used to investigate the dose‒response relationship between whole grain and risk of CKD. RESULTS: A total of 6747 participants were included, 728 of whom had CKD. Compared with those in the lowest whole grain intake group, those in the higher grain intake group had an inverse association with risk of CKD (Q2: adjusted OR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.89; Q3: adjusted OR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.69; and Q4: adjusted OR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.41). The association between whole grain intake and CKD seems to be stronger for individuals who were male (P for interaction = 0.008) or smokers (P for interaction = 0.013). In addition, the restricted cubic spline suggested an obvious L-shaped correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Increased whole grain intake was associated with a decreased risk of CKD in Chinese adults.

An exploration of the value of NLR, PLR, LMR, and WBC × CRP for the diagnosis and treatment of influenza B in adults.

The aim of the study was to study the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), LWR (lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio), PLR (platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio), and WBC × CRP (WBC: white cell count, CRP: C-reactive protein) in patients with influenza B. This retrospective study included 122 adult patients with influenza B, 176 adult patients with bacterial infection, and 119 adult healthy physical examinees for routine blood examination and CRP testing, calculation of NLR, LMR, PLR, and WBC × CRP for relevant statistical analysis, monitoring of NLR, LMR, PLR and WBC × CRP in patients with influenza B during relevant treatment. All indicators, except for WBC and NLR, had no statistical differences between the influenza B group, the normal control group, and the influenza B group and bacterial infection group, respectively, and showed no statistical significance for the differences between the groups. The diagnostic effect of LMR and WBC × CRP was deemed good or excellent in patients with influenza B, healthy people, and patients with a bacterial infection. Conversely, NLR and PLR could only distinguish patients with influenza B from healthy people but remained unable to identify different pathogens. Moreover, many false negatives were noted for WBC and CRP during the diagnosis of influenza B. Also, NLR, LMR, PLR, and WBC × CRP exerted a good effect in evaluating curative effect and conditions for influenza B. LMR and WBC × CRP have a relatively high value in the early diagnosis of adults suffering from influenza B. Also, NLR and PLR excelled at differentiating adult patients with influenza B from healthy people. Therefore, NLR, PLR, LMR, and WBC × CRP can all be used for disease course monitoring and efficacy evaluation.

Survival analysis of germination data in response to temperature for Ornithopus species and other temperate pasture legumes.

Cool temperatures can limit productivity of temperate grazing systems as poor pasture growth rates in winter create feed shortages for livestock. Ornithopus spp. (serradella) are broadly adapted annual pasture legumes that produce high-quality forage in soil types considered marginal for other temperate legume species. However, serradella establishment is perceived to be difficult in cool-season environments. We used survival analysis to compare germination rate and seedling emergence for two serradella species (yellow serradella and French serradella) against three reference species (Medicago sativa, M. polymorpha and Trifolium subterraneum ) in four temperature treatments (10/5, 15/10, 20/15 and 25/20°C; max/min). We also compared shoot relative growth rate and photosynthetic rate at 15/10°C (cool) and 23/18°C (warm). Cool temperatures (10/5, 15/10°C) did not slow germination rates for serradella relative to the reference species, but warm temperatures (20/15, 25/20°C) delayed emergence and reduced post-emergent shoot growth rates. Once established, Ornithopus spp. had similar mean photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance at cool temperatures to the reference species. We conclude that, contrary to common perception, cool temperatures did not adversely influence germination, emergence, or early growth of Ornithopus spp. relative to the reference species.

Sequencing trait-associated mutations to clone wheat rust-resistance gene YrNAM.

Stripe (yellow) rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), can significantly affect wheat production. Cloning resistance genes is critical for efficient and effective breeding of stripe rust resistant wheat cultivars. One resistance gene (Yr10CG) underlying the Pst resistance locus Yr10 has been cloned. However, following haplotype and linkage analyses indicate the presence of additional Pst resistance gene(s) underlying/near Yr10 locus. Here, we report the cloning of the Pst resistance gene YrNAM in this region using the method of sequencing trait-associated mutations (STAM). YrNAM encodes a non-canonical resistance protein with a NAM domain and a ZnF-BED domain. We show that both domains are required for resistance. Transgenic wheat harboring YrNAM gene driven by its endogenous promoter confers resistance to stripe rust races CYR32 and CYR33. YrNAM is an ancient gene and present in wild wheat species Aegilops longissima and Ae. sharonensis; however, it is absent in most wheat cultivars, which indicates its breeding value.

Study on Dynamic and Static Mechanical Properties of Copper-Plated Steel-Fiber-Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete.

The mechanical properties and impact resistance of conventional self-compacting concrete (SCC) need to be further improved. In order to explore the dynamic and static mechanical properties of copper-plated steel-fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete (CPSFRSCC), the static mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical properties of CPSFRSCC with a different volume fraction of copper-plated steel fiber (CPSF) are tested, and a numerical experiment is carried out to analyze the experimental results. The results show that the mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) can be effectively improved by adding CPSF, especially for the tensile mechanical properties. The static tensile strength of CPSFRSCC shows a trend that increases with the increase in the volume fraction of CPSF and then reaches the maximum when the volume fraction of CPSF is 3%. The dynamic tensile strength of CPSFRSCC shows a trend that increases first and then decrease with the increase in the volume fraction of CPSF, and then reaches the maximum when the volume fraction of CPSF is 2%. The results of the numerical simulation show that the failure morphology of CPSFRSCC is closely related to the content of CPSF; with the increase in the volume fraction of CPSF, the fracture morphology of the specimen gradually evolves from complete fracture to incomplete fracture.

Autoimmune hepatitis following COVID-19 vaccination: Clinical characteristics of 35 reported cases.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been shown to be effective in protecting people from severe disease progression, hospitalisation and death. However, a wide range of side effects have been reported worldwide. New onset or flare-up of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an extremely rare adverse event following COVID-19 vaccination, with the majority of cases presenting with mild symptoms. Unfortunately, there have been cases of fatal complications. In this mini-review, we have summarised the clinical characteristics of a total of 35 currently reported cases of AIH after COVID-19 vaccination and suggest that patients with autoimmune diseases may be at higher risk of developing AIH after vaccination.

H3K79 methylation promotes rapid growth of Alexandrium pacificum under high light intensity via increased photosynthesis.

Alexandrium pacificum is one of the main species responsible for harmful algal blooms, posing serious threats to coastal ecosystems, economies, and public health. Light intensity is an important abiotic factor affecting the occurrence of red tides. In a certain range, increasing light intensity can promote the rapid growth of A. pacificum. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of H3K79 methylation (H3K79me) in response to high light intensity during the rapid growth of A. pacificum and the formation of toxic red tides. The research found that the abundance of H3K79me increased 2.1-fold under high light (HL, 60 µmol photon m-2 s-l) compared to control light conditions (CT, 30 µmol photon m-2 s-l), which was consistent with the trend of rapid growth under HL, and both can be inhibited by EPZ5676. Then effector genes of H3K79me under HL were identified using ChIP-seq and a virtual genome constructed based on transcriptome data of A. pacificum for the first time. The results showed that the differential modification-associated genes were primarily enriched in the pathways of "energy metabolism", "carbon metabolism", and "amino acid metabolism". These findings were confirmed through ChIP-qPCR. Subsequently, H3K79me-associated genes CP43 and GOGAT were identified by combined analysis of ChIP-seq and differentially expressed genes. Finally, pharmacological experiments using the H3K79me inhibitor EPZ5676 showed that the expression of the photosynthesis-related gene CP43 was significantly reduced by 2.5-fold and the maximum photochemical quantum efficiency of A. pacificum was reduced by 1.2 to 1.8-fold in HL compared with CT, leading to inhibited growth of A. pacificum. These results suggest that H3K79me plays a role in regulating the rapid growth of A. pacificum and photosynthesis is likely an important regulatory pathway, which is the first to provide epigenetic evidence underlying the formation of toxic red tides from the perspective of H3K79me.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Limestone Powder Content on the Dynamic and Static Mechanical Properties of Seawater Coral Aggregate Concrete (SCAC).

The development of island construction concrete can serve as a basis for the development and utilization of island resources. Complying with the principle of using local materials to configure seawater coral aggregate concrete (SCAC) that is able to meet the requirements of island and reef engineering construction could effectively shorten the construction period and cost of island and reef engineering construction. In this paper, quasi-static mechanical experiments and dynamic mechanical experiments were carried out on SCAC with different limestone powder contents. High-speed photography technology and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) were used to monitor the dynamic failure process and strain field of SCAC, and the influence of limestone powder content on the dynamic and static mechanical properties of SCAC was investigated. The results showed that, when the limestone powder content was 20% and 16%, the quasi-static compressive strength and quasi-static tensile strength exhibited the best improvement. Additionally, with increasing limestone powder content, the dynamic tensile strength of SCAC first showed and increasing trend and then a decreasing trend, reaching its maximum value when the limestone powder content was 16%. Moreover, the maximum strain value of SCAC with the same limestone powder content increased with increasing strain rate grade, showing an obvious effect on strain rate.

The H3K79 methylase DOT1, unreported in photosynthetic plants, exists in Alexandrium pacificum and participates in its growth regulation.

Alexandrium pacificum is one of the typical toxic dinoflagellate species leading to harmful algal blooms (HABs). Histone modifications play key roles in many cellular events, but little is known about the mechanism of regulating A. pacificum growth. In this study, a total of 30 proteins containing the DOT1 domain were identified and analyzed. Some ApDOT1 gene expression levels were significantly influenced by light intensity and nitrogen by expression analysis and RT-qPCR validation. The enrichment of H3K79 methylation also showed a similar trend. In addition, ApDOT1.9 protein was proved to have the function of catalyzing the methylation of H3K79 by homology analysis and in vitro methylation. The results suggested that ApDOT1 proteins and H3K79 methylation were involved in responding to harmful algal blooms-inducing conditions (high light intensity, and high nitrogen), which provided basic information for further exploration of the regulatory mechanism of histone methylation in A. pacificum rapid growth.

Effects of plant age on antioxidant activity and endogenous hormones in Alpine Elymus sibiricus of the Tibetan Plateau.

Elymus sibiricus L. is a perennial forage species that has potential to serve as a forage source in livestock grazing systems. However, E. sibiricus has been shown to have a rapid and substantial reduction of aboveground biomass and seed yield after 3 or 4 years and an accelerated aging process. To determine possible aging mechanisms, we planted E. sibiricus seeds in triplicate blocks in 2012, 2015, and 2016, respectively, and harvested samples of leaves and roots at the jointing and heading stages in 2018 and 2019 to determine oxidative indices and endogenous hormones. The fresh aboveground biomass of 4- and 5-year old plants declined by 34.2% and 52.4% respectively compared with 3-year old plants, and the seed yield declined by 12.7% and 34.1%, respectively. The water content in leaves was 51.7%, 43.3%, and 35.6%, and net photosynthesis was 7.73, 6.35, and 2.08 µmol/m2·s in 3-, 4-, and 5-year old plants, respectively. The superoxide anion radical generation rate in leaves and roots did not show any aging pattern. There was a non-significant increase in malondialdehyde concentration with plant age, particularly in leaves and roots at the heading stage in 2019. The superoxide dismutase activity showed a declining trend with age of plant roots at the jointing stage in both 2018 and 2019. The peroxidase activity declined with plant age in both leaves and roots, for example, and the catalase activity in roots 4- and 7-year old plants declined by 13.8% and 0.85%, respectively, compared to 3-year old plants at the heading stage in 2018. Therefore, the reduced capacity of the antioxidant system may lead to oxidative stress during plant aging process. Overall, the concentrations of plant hormones, auxin (IAA), gibberellin (GA), zeatin (ZT), and abscisic acid (ABA) were significantly lower in roots than in leaves. The IAA concentration in leaves and roots exhibited different patterns with plant age. The ZT concentrations in leaves of 3-year old plants was 2.39- and 2.62-fold of those in 4- and 7-year old plants, respectively at the jointing stage, and in roots, the concentration declined with plant age. The changes in the GA concentration with plant age varied between the physiological stages and between years. The ABA concentrations appeared to increase with plant age, particularly in leaves. In conclusion, the aging process of E. sibiricus was apparently associated with an increase in oxidative stress, a decrease of ZT and an increase of ABA, particularly in roots. These findings highlight the effects of plant age on the antioxidant and endogenous hormone activity of E. sibiricus. However, these plant age-related trends showed variations between plant physiological stages and between harvest years that needs to be researched in the future to develop strategies to manage this forage species.

[Establishment and Evaluation of a Nomogram Prediction Model for the Risks of Nontraumatic Fracture in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus].

Objective: To analyze the risk factors for nontraumatic fractures in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, to establish a nomogram prediction model, and to evaluate the model. Methods: The clinical data of 278 older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus were collected as the modeling group, and the clinical data of 109 older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus were collected as the validation group. In both groups, patients were divided into a fracture subgroup and a non-fracture subgroup according to whether there were nontraumatic fractures after patients developed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Multivariate logistic regression was done to identify factors influencing the risks of non-traumatic fracture in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. R software was used to construct a nomogram prediction model, and then the accuracy and clinical validity of the nomogram (area under the ROC curve, H-L fit curve, and calibration curve) were evaluated. Results: In the modeling group, the incidence of nontraumatic fractures in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus was 24.46% (68/278). The two subgroups showed significant differences in age, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, smoking history, drinking history, serum triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and hypertension history ( P<0.05). Age, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, HbA1c and history of hypertension were independent risk factors for nontraumatic fractures in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( P<0.05). A nomogram prediction model was constructed accordingly and the internal verification results of the prediction model were as follows: the area under the ROC curve was 0.774 (0.680-0.869), the slope of the calibration curve was close to 1, and the H-L fit curve was χ 2=12.643, P=0.125. External validation was conducted with the patients in the validation group. The results showed that the area under the ROC curve was 0.780 (0.670-0.890). The prediction probability of the calibration curve was close to the actual probability, suggesting that the model had good discrimination and accuracy. Conclusion: Age, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, HbA1c, and hypertension history are independent risk factors for nontraumatic fractures in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the prediction model established consequently has high accuracy and discrimination. Medical workers can take preventive measures based on individual patient factors to reduce the possibility of nontraumatic fractures in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Recombination and Mutation in a New HP-PRRSV Strain (SD2020) from China.

A new HP-PRRSV strain (SD2020) was isolated from pigs with suspected highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome disease in a pig farm in Shandong Province, China, and its genome was sequenced. This pig farm has been using the VR-2332 vaccine strain to immunize pigs for a long time. The phylogenic and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis of the viruses isolated from dead pigs showed that SD2020 was a natural recombinant virus of the VR-2332 vaccine strain and the JXA1 similar strain, and that two splicing fragments highly homologous to JXA1 in the virus genome were probably derived from the JXA1 wild strain and JXA1-R vaccine strain, respectively. Therefore, the possible recombination events of SD2020 and its mutation site might be related to high pathogenicity.

DPADM: a novel algorithm for detecting drug-pathway associations based on high-throughput transcriptional response to compounds.

Pathway genes functionally participate in the same biological process. They typically act cooperatively, and none is considered dispensable. The dominant paradigm in drug discovery is the one-to-one strategy, which aims to find the most sensitive drug to act on an individual target. However, many complex diseases, such as cancer, are caused by dysfunction among multiple-gene pathways, not just one. Therefore, identifying pathway genes that are responsive to synthetic compounds in a global physiological environment may be more effective in drug discovery. The high redundancy of crosstalk between biological pathways, though, hints that the covariance matrix, which only connects genes with strong marginal correlations, may miss higher-level interactions, such as group interactions. We herein report the development of DPADM-a Drug-Pathway association Detection Model that infers pathways responsive to specific drugs. This model elucidates higher-level gene-gene interactions by evaluating the conditional dependencies between genes under different drug treatments. The advantage of the proposed method is demonstrated using simulation studies by comparing with another two methods. We applied this model to the Connectivity Map data set (CMap), and demonstrated that DPADM is able to identify many drug-pathway associations, such as mitoxantrone (MTX)- PI3K/AKT association, which targets the topological conditions of DNA transcription. Surprisingly, apart from identifying pathways corresponding to specific drugs, our methodology also revealed new drug-related pathways with functions similarly to those of seed genes.

Identification of epigenetic histone modifications and analysis of histone lysine methyltransferases in Alexandrium pacificum.

Alexandrium pacificum is a toxic dinoflagellate that can cause harmful algal blooms (HABs). The molecular mechanisms of HABs are still poorly understood, especially at the epigenetics level. Organism growth and metabolic processes are affected by histone modifications, an important mode of epigenetic regulation. In this study, various types of modifications, including methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and phosphorylation in A. pacificum cells were identified by using pan-antibodies, mass spectrometry, and an H3 modification multiplex assay kit. The modification abundance of H3K4me2 and H3K27me3 of A. pacificum varied under different growth conditions detected by Western blots. A class of SET domain genes (SDGs) encoding histone lysine methyltransferase was analyzed. A total of 179 SDG members were identified in A. pacificum, of which 53 sequences encoding complete proteins were classified into three categories by phylogenetic analysis, conserved domains and motifs analysis. Expression analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction validation showed that the expressions of some SDGs were significantly influenced by light, nitrogen, phosphorus and manganese supplements. The results revealed that histone lysine methylation played an important role in responding to HABs inducing conditions. This study provided useful information for the further exploration of the role and regulatory mechanism of SDGs in the rapid growth of A. pacificum.

Accurate Prediction of Epigenetic Multi-Targets with Graph Neural Network-Based Feature Extraction.

Epigenetics, referring to genetic modifications that change gene expression, but which are not encoded in DNA, has been shown to be related to oncology, with the potential to influence associated treatments. As such, epigenetic drugs comprise an important new field in cancer therapy; however, drug development is a high-cost and time-consuming procedure. Different epigenetic modifications, such as mutations in DNA methyltransferase and somatic mutations in core histone genes that lead to a global loss of the histone modifications, have innumerable relationships. In this article, we propose a graph neural network-based model for the extraction of molecular features, thus reducing the computational requirements. Through integration with a popular and efficient supervised learner, our model achieves higher prediction accuracy in both single- and multi-target tasks and can determine the pleiotropy associated with drugs, providing theoretical support for drug combination and discovery research.

Effects of different fertilizers on nutrient quality and mineral elements in different economic forage groups in Qilian Mountain alpine meadows.

The objective of this study was to examine the responses of nutrient quality and mineral elements of forages in different economic groups forages in the Qilian Mountains alpine meadows to different fertilization treatments. Eight fertilization treatments, potassium (K), nitrogen (N), zinc (Z), boric (B), copper (Cu), phosphorus (P), molybdenum (Mo), and selenium (Se), were sprayed onto forage roots, and no fertilizer was applied as a blank control (CK), with four replicates in each group. The forage trace element contents and nutritional quality of each economic group in to different treatments were determined in mid-August, and the trace element surplus and deficiency were analyzed. Compared with that in the control, the forage crude protein (CP) content in different economic groups under different fertilization treatments increased and fluctuated within the range of 7.7%-23.94%. The dry matter digestibility (DMD) ranged from 38.78% to 77.34% and showed no significant differences in DMD among treatments (P > 0.05). The DMD of legume forages was significantly higher than those of Gramineae grasses and sedges; there were no significant differences in forage acid detergent fiber (ADF) between any treatments and the control (P > 0.05), but ADF showed a decreasing trend in the treatments compared with that in the control. The P content increased by 81.81% in legumes (P < 0.05); however, it decreased by 38.46% and 61.29% in wilted grass and forbs (P < 0.05) and increased in Gramineae grasses and legumes under N treatment by 92.86% and 50% (P < 0.05), respectively. The Cu content under Cu, N, Zn, B and Se treatments increased significantly by 33.81%∼346.49% compared with that in the control. There were no significant differences in Zn content among the economic groups under different treatments (P > 0.05), but legumes showed better absorption of Zn. Consequently, the forages in this study were evaluated as having medium Cu (8.1-20 mg/kg), medium Se (0.11-1.0 mg/kg), and medium (30.1-60 mg/kg) to high (60.1-100 mg/kg) Zn contents. Comprehensive analysis showed that the application of different fertilizers could increase the CP and DMD of various forages, reduce ADF, and effectively improve the nutritional quality of pastures. The contents of N, Cu, Zn, and Se in forages increased under all treatments, and the contents of all forage elements were at appropriate levels. Applying K, N, P, Cu and Mo is beneficial to dominant species in Qilian Mountains alpine meadows.

Treatment and surveillance for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a clinical practice guideline (2021 edition).

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a major type of bladder cancer with a high incidence worldwide, resulting in a great disease burden. Treatment and surveillance are the most important part of NIMBC management. In 2018, we issued "Treatment and surveillance for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer in China: an evidence-based clinical practice guideline". Since then, various studies on the treatment and surveillance of NMIBC have been published. There is a need to incorporate these materials and also to take into account the relatively limited medical resources in primary medical institutions in China. Developing a version of guideline which takes these two issues into account to promote the management of NMIBC is therefore indicated. We formed a working group of clinical experts and methodologists. Through questionnaire investigation of clinicians including primary medical institutions, 24 clinically concerned issues, involving transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), intravesical chemotherapy and intravesical immunotherapy of NMIBC, and follow-up and surveillance of the NMIBC patients, were determined for this guideline. Researches and recommendations on the management of NMIBC in databases, guideline development professional societies and monographs were referred to, and the European Association of Urology was used to assess the certainty of generated recommendations. Finally, we issued 29 statements, among which 22 were strong recommendations, and 7 were weak recommendations. These recommendations cover the topics of TURBT, postoperative chemotherapy after TURBT, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy after TURBT, combination treatment of BCG and chemotherapy after TURBT, treatment of carcinoma in situ, radical cystectomy, treatment of NMIBC recurrence, and follow-up and surveillance. We hope these recommendations can help promote the treatment and surveillance of NMIBC in China, especially for the primary medical institutions.

Autotoxicity effect of water extracts from rhizosphere soil of Elymus sibiricus in different planting years on seed germination, physiological characteristics and phytohormones of seedlings.

Elymus sibiricus is a highly valuable perennial forage that is widely planted in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) region. However, E. sibiricus artificial grasslands have a short utilization lifespan, and reach the highest yield in the 2nd and 3rd year of plantation, then rapidly drop its productivity. We hypothesized that autotoxicity is one of the mechanisms for the reduction of the productivity. To test this hypothesis, we prepared the water extract from rhizosphere soils of E. sibiricus planted for 3, 4, 5, and 8 years and examined the effects of the extract concentrations at 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 g/mL on seed germination, seedling growth, physiological characteristics and phytohormones in the aboveground and roots of E. sibiricus. The results showed that the soil extract concentration, planting years, and their interaction had significant influences on the most of these indices. The soil extract inhibited the seed germination and growth of seedlings, and the inhibitory effects appeared to be stronger at the 0.5 g/mL rhizosphere soil extract for 5 and 8 years. The superoxide dismultase and peroxide activities, the free proline concentration, soluble sugar concentration were altered. The malondialdehyde concentration was, in general, increased, especially in 8 years soil extract. The indole acetic acid and gibberellic acids concentrations were lowered, while the abscisic acid concentration varied. These changes were depending on the extract concentration and the years of planting, without clear patterns in some of them in response to the extract concentration and planting years. In summary, autotoxicity can be a contributor to the retardation of the growth and development of artificial E. sibiricus grasslands. The inhibitory effects could be attribute to impaired antioxidant capacity and disturbance of osmortic-regulatory substances and plant hormones, and are more profound on the root than on the aboveground part of the seedlings.

Psychometric Properties of the Fertility Intention Scale among Patients with Breast Cancer of Childbearing Age in Mainland China.

Objective: There are no valid assessment instruments assessing fertility intention among breast cancer survivors in mainland China. Therefore, this study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Taiwanese version of the Fertility Intention Scale (FIS) among female patients with breast cancer of childbearing age in mainland China. Methods: Two hundred and sixty-four female patients with breast cancer of childbearing age were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Tianjin and Baoding, of which 32 patients completed the survey twice. Confirmatory factor analysis was adopted to assess construct validity. Correlations between the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer scale and FIS scores were calculated using Spearman correlation for convergent validity. The known-group validity of the FIS was verified using Mann-Whitney U test to compare the FIS scores between patients with or without the intention to conceive. Moreover, reliabilities were examined using Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation coefficient. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit to previous factor structures (χ2/df = 3.19, root mean square error of approximation = 0.091, comparative fitting index = 0.980, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.975), and no FIS item was dropped. The FIS scores were weak negatively correlated with the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer scale scores (r = -0.172, P < 0.01). The convergent validity of FIS was not satisfactory. Differences were noted between patients with or without the intention to conceive (50.62 ± 6.35 vs. 45.98 ± 7.19, P < 0.01). The FIS showed acceptable known-group validity. The internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.824) and the test-retest reliability (r = 0.863, P < 0.01) of the FIS were also acceptable. Conclusions: Overall, the FIS provides a comprehensive evaluation of the fertility intention among patients with breast cancer of childbearing age in mainland China. However, the convergent validity was not satisfactory; thus, further revision and validation may be required in the future.

Pm SN15218 : A Potential New Powdery Mildew Resistance Gene on Wheat Chromosome 2AL.

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is a devastating fungal disease that seriously damages the yield and quality of wheat in many regions of the world. Identifying new resistance genes and breeding new resistant varieties are effective methods to control this disease. The breeding line SN15218 shows good resistance against powdery mildew. We, therefore, developed an F2 population and 287 F2:3 families crossed between SN15218 and the powdery mildew susceptible cultivar Huixianhong (HXH). Genetic analysis indicated that a single dominant gene, designated herein Pm SN15218 , conferred resistance to the Bgt isolate E09 in SN15218. Bulked segregant RNA-Seq (BSR-Seq) analysis revealed that Pm SN15218 is located in a ∼25-Mb interval on chromosome 2AL. Using the polymorphism information between SN15218 and HXH, we developed 13 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers and mapped this gene to a 0.5-cM genetic interval between the two flanking markers PmM12 and PmM14, corresponding to a 6.01-Mb physical region in the Chinese Spring reference genome. The results of molecular marker analysis, allelic tests of resistance spectrum, and DNA resequencing indicated that Pm SN15218 is distinct from the known resistance gene Pm4b on 2AL.