New insights into the stipitate hydnoid fungi Sarcodon, Hydnellum, and the formerly informally defined Neosarcodon, with emphasis on the edible species marketed in Southwest China.

Sarcodon and Hydnellum are two ectomycorrhizal genera of important ecological and economic value in Southwest China, and they are common in the free markets in this region. It was estimated that more than 1,500 tonnes of them were sold as edible per year, but there was little information about the taxonomic placements of these edible mushrooms sold in the markets. Traditional concepts of the two genera have also been challenged recently, and circumscription of Sarcodon and the informally defined clade "Neosarcodon" remained unresolved. In the present study, specimens collected in the field and purchased from the markets in Southwest China were analyzed based on morphological characters and DNA sequences. Phylogeny of the traditional Sarcodon s. lat. and Hydnellum s. lat. was reconstructed from the combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nuclear large ribosomal subunit (nLSU) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) dataset based on expanded samples to reevaluate the taxonomic placements of the two genera. In the present molecular analyses, four distinct clades were recovered and strongly supported: Hydnellum, Neosarcodon, Phellodon and Sarcodon. Neosarcodon is formally introduced as a generic name to include nine species previously placed in Sarcodon, and the delimitation of Sarcodon is revised based on phylogenetic and morphological studies. Phylogenetic analyses also revealed an unexpected species diversity (17 phylogenetic species) of Sarcodon and Hydnellum in the markets; nine phylogenetic species of Sarcodon and eight of Hydnellum were uncovered from the samples collected in the markets. Eight species were resolved in the traditional S. imbricatus complex, with S. imbricatus s.str. being the most common edible stipitate hydnoid fungal species. Three of the edible Hydnellum species (H. edulium, H. subalpinum, and H. subscabrosellum), and five separated from the S. imbricatus complex (Sarcodon flavidus, S. giganteus, S. neosquamosus, S. nigrosquamosus, and S. pseudoimbricatus), are described as new. Three new Chinese records (H. illudens, H. martioflavum, and H. versipelle), and the notable S. imbricatus and S. leucopus are also reported.

Comparative analyses of Pleurotus pulmonarius mitochondrial genomes reveal two major lineages of mini oyster mushroom cultivars.

Pleurotus pulmonarius, commonly known as the mini oyster mushroom, is highly esteemed for its crisp texture and umami flavor. Limited genetic diversity among P. pulmonarius cultivars raises concerns regarding its sustainable industrial production. To delve into the maternal genetic diversity of the principal P. pulmonarius cultivars, 36 cultivars and five wild isolates were subjected to de novo sequencing and assembly to generate high-quality mitogenome sequences. The P. pulmonarius mitogenomes had lengths ranging from 69,096 to 72,905 base pairs. The mitogenome sizes of P. pulmonarius and those of other mushroom species in the Pleurotus genus showed a significant positive correlation with the counts of LAGLIDAG and GIY-YIG homing endonucleases encoded by intronic open reading frames. A comparison of gene arrangements revealed an inversion of a fragment containing atp9-nad3-nad2 between P. pulmonarius and P. ostreatus. The mitogenomes of P. pulmonarius were clustered into three distinct clades, two of which were crowded with commercial cultivars. Clade I, all of which possess an inserted dpo gene, shared a maternal origin linked to an ancestral cultivar from Taiwan. Primers were designed to target the dpo gene, potentially safeguarding intellectual property rights. The wild isolates in Clade III exhibited more divergent mitogenomes, rendering them valuable for breeding.

A novel sphingolipid metabolism-related long noncoding RNA signature predicts the prognosis, immune landscape and therapeutic response in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Sphingolipid metabolism affects prognosis and resistance to immunotherapy in patients with cancer and is an emerging target in cancer therapy with promising diagnostic and prognostic value. Long noncoding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) broadly regulate tumour-associated metabolic reprogramming. However, the potential of sphingolipid metabolism-related lncRNAs in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is poorly understood. In this study, coexpression algorithms were employed to identify sphingolipid metabolism-related lncRNAs. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to develop a sphingolipid metabolism-related lncRNA signature (SMLs). The prognostic predictive stability of the SMLs was validated using Kaplan-Meier. Univariate and multivariate Cox, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and clinical stratification analyses were used to comprehensively assess the SMLs. Gene set variation analysis (GSVE), gene ontology (GO) and tumor mutation burden (TMB) analysis explored the potential mechanisms. Additionally, single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), ESTIMATE, immune checkpoints and drug sensitivity analysis were used to investigate the potential predictive function of the SMLs. Finally, an SMLs-based consensus clustering algorithm was utilized to differentiate patients and determine the suitable population for immunotherapy. The results showed that the SMLs consists of seven sphingolipid metabolism-related lncRNAs, which can well determine the clinical outcome of individuals with PAAD, with high stability and general applicability. In addition, the SMLs-based consensus clustering algorithm divided the TCGA-PAAD cohort into two clusters, with Cluster 1 showing better survival than Cluster 2. Additionally, Cluster 1 had a higher level of immune cell infiltration than Cluster 2, which combined with the higher levels of immune checkpoints in Cluster 1 suggests that Cluster 1 is more consistent with an immune 'hot tumor' profile and may respond better to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This study offers new insights regarding the potential role of sphingolipid metabolism-related lncRNAs as biomarkers in PAAD. The constructed SMLs and the SMLs-based clustering are valuable tools for predicting clinical outcomes in PAAD and provide a basis for clinical selection of individualized treatments.

A novel PIEZO2 mutation in a fetus from a Chinese family with Gordon syndrome.

We describe a fetus from a Chinese family whose parents were both healthy but showed multiple malformations, including clubfoot, camptodactyly, micrognathia, and cleft palate. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of the proband's parents and skeletal muscle tissue from the aborted fetus to determine the diagnosis and underlying cause. Whole-exome sequencing revealed that the fetus was heterozygous for a novel variant of uncertain significance in exon 56 (c.8576G>A; p.Trp2859*) of the Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2 gene (PIEZO2) (NM_001378183.1). A diagnosis of Gordon syndrome (GS) was made from the presence of this variant and ultrasonic manifestation. Sanger sequencing of the proband's parents resulted in normal chromatograms, suggesting that this was either a de novo variant in the fetus or, less likely, the result of germline mosaicism in the proband's mother or father. This is the first description of GS caused by a PIEZO2 variant in which the fetus was the proband. A prenatal diagnosis of GS can be established by fetal ultrasound examination combined with genetic testing.

The conservative management for improving Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scoring in greater trochanteric pain syndrome: a Bayesian analysis.

BACKGROUND: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) possesses a harmful influence on quality of life. Numerous conservative management modalities with varying success have been proposed for patients with GTPS. However, it is not clear which treatment is more effective for reducing pain. The purpose of this Bayesian analysis was to assess the current evidence for the effectiveness of conservative treatments on improving Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scoring of GTPS and to determine the most effective treatment protocol. METHODS: A comprehensive study search was performed from inception until July 18, 2022, via the electronic databases PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for potential research. The risk of bias assessment for the included studies was independently performed based on the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. Bayesian analysis was conducted by using ADDIS software (v1.16.5). The DerSimonian-Laird random effects model was used to perform the traditional pairwise meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eight full-text articles with a total of 596 patients with GTPS were included in the analysis. In comparing ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma application (PRP-U) to ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection (CSI-U), patients who received PRP therapy experienced reduced pain as the VAS decreased significantly (MD, -5.21; 95% CI, -6.24 to -3.64). VAS score in group of extracorporeal shockwave treatment (ESWT) was significant improved than that in exercise (EX) group (MD, -3.17; 95% CI, -4.13 to -2.15). There were no statistically significantly different VAS scores between the CSI-U group and the CSI under landmark (CSI-B) group. The treatment efficacy rankings of the different treatments on improving VAS scores showed that the most likely efficacious treatment was PRP-U (99%) followed by ESWT (81%), CIS-U (58%), usual care (48%), CIS-B (54%), and EX (84%). CONCLUSION: Bayesian analysis revealed that PRP injection and ESWT are relatively safe and effective in the treatment of GTPS. More multicenter high-quality randomized clinical trials with large sample sizes are still needed in the future to provide further evidence.

Case report: Echocardiographic diagnosis of cardiac involvement caused by congenital generalized lipodystrophy in an infant.

We herein first report the use of conventional echocardiography combined with two-dimensional speckle-tracking to diagnose and monitor the changing process of cardiac involvement in an infant with congenital lipodystrophy. An 8-month-old girl was admitted to our hospital after first presenting at the age of 3 months with abnormal facial features that had been noticed within 4 weeks of birth. Echocardiography performed at the age of 3 months showed only slightly accelerated blood flow in the right ventricular outflow tract. At the age of 5 months, echocardiography showed myocardial hypertrophy; this finding combined with the physical characteristics and other examination results led to the consideration of congenital lipodystrophy. Genetic testing at the age of 9 months confirmed type 2 congenital lipodystrophy caused by BSCL2 gene mutation, and dietary modification was initiated. Conventional echocardiography performed at the ages of 5, 8, and 14 months showed no significant changes and a normal ejection fraction. However, two-dimensional speckle-tracking performed between the ages of 5 and 8 months showed cardiac systolic abnormalities that tended to improve after treatment. This case highlights the value of echocardiography in detecting structural and early functional cardiac changes in infants with congenital lipodystrophy.

Stat5 inhibits NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis to enhance chemoresistance of breast cancer cells via promoting miR-182 transcription.

The treatment of breast cancer (BC) calls for targeted methods to overcome chemoresistance (CR). This study is expected to figure out the mechanism of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) in NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-mediated pyroptosis and CR in BC cells. BC cell lines resistant to paclitaxel (PTX) and cis-diamminedichloro-platinum (DDP) were prepared. Expressions of Stat5, miR-182, and NLRP3 were detected. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC50 ), proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis rate, and levels of pyroptosis-related factors were appraised and determined. The binding relationships of Stat5 and miR-182, and miR-182 and NLRP3 were testified. Stat5 and miR-182 were highly expressed in drug-resistant BC cells. Silencing Stat5 reduced proliferation and colony formation of drug-resistant BC cells, coincided with elevated levels of pyroptosis-related factors. Stat5 bound to the promoter region of miR-182 to promote miR-182 expression. miR-182 inhibition reversed the role of silencing Stat5 in BC cells. miR-182 inhibited NLRP3. Overall, Stat5 bound to the promoter region of miR-182 to promote miR-182 expression and inhibit NLRP3 transcription, thereby suppressing pyroptosis and enhancing CR of BC cells.

Establishment of a prediction model for severe acute radiation enteritis associated with cervical cancer radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignant tumors. Radiation enteritis (RE) leads to radiotherapy intolerance or termination of radiotherapy, which negatively impacts the therapeutic effect and seriously affects the quality of life of patients. If the incidence of RE in patients can be predicted in advance, and targeted clinical preventive treatment can be carried out, the side effects of radiotherapy in cervical cancer patients can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, accurate prediction of RE is essential for the selection of individualized radiation dose and the optimization of the radiotherapy plan. AIM: To analyze the relationships between severe acute RE (SARE) of cervical cancer radiotherapy and clinical factors and dose-volume parameters retrospectively. METHODS: We included 50 cervical cancer patients who received volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) from September 2017 to June 2018 in the Department of Radiotherapy at The First Affiliated Hospital Soochow University. Clinical and dose-volume histogram factors of patients were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of each factor for SARE. A nomogram to predict SARE was developed (SARE scoring system ≥ 3 points) based on the multiple regression coefficients; validity was verified by an internal verification method. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal and hematological toxicity of cervical cancer VMAT gradually increased with radiotherapy and reached the peak at the end of radiotherapy. The main adverse reactions were diarrhea, abdominal pain, colitis, anal swelling, and blood in the stool. There was no significant difference in the incidence of gastrointestinal toxicity between the radical and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy groups (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the small intestine V20, V30, V40, and rectal V40 between adjuvant radiotherapy and radical radiotherapy after surgery (P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed anal bulge rating (OR: 14.779, 95%CI: 1.281-170.547, P = 0.031) and disease activity index (DAI) score (OR: 53.928, 95%CI: 3.822-760.948, P = 0.003) as independent predictors of SARE. CONCLUSION: Anal bulge rating (> 0.500 grade) and DAI score (> 2.165 points) can predict SARE. The nomogram shows potential value in clinical practice.

Ethnic Disparities in Risk Factors for Myopia among Han and Minority Schoolchildren in Shawan, Xinjiang, China.

SIGNIFICANCE: The ethnic differences in myopia rates, ocular dimensions, and risk factors between Han and non-Han schoolchildren observed in this study may help fill the knowledge gap about ethnic minorities and are important for China and other countries to address vision-related health inequalities among different ethnic groups. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of juvenile myopia and elucidate the disparities of risk factors among Han and non-Han school students in Xinjiang, China. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study of 876 schoolchildren from grades 1 to 9 was conducted in the Anjihai Middle School in Shawan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Visual acuity and ocular biometry were assessed, and personal information, including behavior, birth status, and familial factors, was collected using self-made standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: The myopia rate among students of Han ethnicity (50.5%) was the highest, followed by Hui (41.3%) and Uygur et al. (32.0%, P < .001). Similar patterns were observed for mean axial length. The mean axial lengths are 23.7, 23.4, and 23.3 mm, respectively ( P = .01). Overall, performing high-quality eye exercises, longer sleep duration, being born in summer, parental smoking, and consuming more food containing anthocyanins were all associated with a lower incidence of myopia. Meanwhile, Han ethnicity, intensive near task, bad eye habits, and myopic mothers were associated with higher odds of myopia. After adjusting for environmental influences pertaining to myopia, the variation in myopia prevalence between Han and Uygur et al. remained significant, whereas it changed to not significant between Han and Hui ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS: Significant disparities were found in the prevalence of myopia among various ethnic groups in Shawan, Xinjiang. Life habits, birth status, and familial factors may contribute to such variance and play different roles in the occurrence of juvenile myopia among various ethnicities.

Persistent right venous valve as a cause of fetal and neonatal pathology from prenatal to postnatal periods: a case report and review.

Background: Neonatal cyanosis is a clinical manifestation of hypoxemia and is usually pathological. Persistent right venous valve (PRVV) is a rare cause of cyanosis in newborns and can cause prenatal abnormalities, the clinical significance of which varies depending on the severity of the abnormality. There have been few reports on the intrauterine detection of these abnormalities and their follow-up during infancy. Here, we report a case of PRVV causing supravalvular tricuspid valve (TV) obstruction and secondary right ventricle (RV) hypoplasia. This case is unique in terms of its early prenatal detection, distinct cardiac anomalies, and successful surgery that reversed the symptoms, and the findings offer insights into the diagnosis and management of such rare cardiac conditions. Case Description: We report a case of a newborn diagnosed with PRVV at 31 weeks of gestation at our center. There was no underlying family history of congenital heart disease. Prenatal sonography identified an echogenic membrane in the right atrium, suggesting TV obstruction and subsequent RV hypoplasia. After birth, the neonate suffered hypoxia with decreased arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). Minimally invasive surgery successfully corrected the membrane. Postoperative SaO2 improved immediately. Three months later, follow-up echocardiography revealed normalized TV and RV dimensions. The patient demonstrated steady progress without any complications. We also reviewed previous cases of PRVV before and after birth and summarized the sonographic and clinically relevant features. Conclusions: Although PRVV is typically considered as a benign structure, it may lead to significant clinical complications, particularly in fetuses and neonates. The precise identification of its variant forms and related flow patterns is crucial to inform decisions regarding patient management.

Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Imaging under Optimized Nuclear Regression Reconstruction Algorithm in the Diagnosis Vaginal Delivery and Cesarean Section on the Anal Sphincter Complex of Primiparas.

This study was aimed at analyzing the injury of anal sphincter (AS) for primipara caused by the vaginal delivery and cesarean section under the guidance of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound images. A total of 160 patients who underwent postpartum reexamination were enrolled as the research subjects, including 80 cases of natural delivery (group A) and 80 cases of cesarean section pregnant women (group B), all of whom underwent three-dimensional ultrasound imaging scans. At the same time, an optimized kernel regression reconstruction (KRR) algorithm was proposed for the enhancement of ultrasound images. It was found that the running time after acceleration by the graphics processing unit (GPU) was obviously superior to that of a single-threaded CPU and a multithreaded CPU, showing statistical differences (P < 0.05). The thickness of the proximal and distal external AS in group A was much thinner in contrast to that in group B, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). Therefore, the 3D ultrasound image based on the optimized KRR algorithm can accurately assess the morphology of AS injury in primipara, and the adverse effect of natural delivery on the AS complex in primipara was greater than that of cesarean section.

Large-scale commercial cultivation of morels: current state and perspectives.

Since morels were first successfully cultivated commercially in Sichuan in 2012, morel cultivation has expanded to more than 20 provinces in China. The highest yield currently reaches 15,000 kg/ha. Morel cultivation is characterized by its environmental friendliness, short cycle length, and high profit. However, the yield obtained is unstable which makes morel cultivation a high-risk industry. Although 10 production cycles have passed, there is still a gap between morel cultivation practice and our basic knowledge of morel biology. This mini-review concentrates on the development needs of morel cultivation. We illustrate the key techniques used in the large-scale commercial cultivation of morels and their relevant studies, including nutritional requirements, mechanisms of nutrient bag, soil type, vegetative and reproductive growth conditions, and disease control. This review will be a useful practical reference for the commercial artificial cultivation of morels and promoting the vital technologies required. KEY POINTS: •Unstable yield still exists after commercial cultivation of morels realized. •There is a gap between cultivation practice and our knowledge of morel biology. •Key techniques are illustrated for morel cultivation practice.

[Effect of Notch1 on extracellular matrix deposition in the renal tubulointerstitium of diabetes].

The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of Notch1 and autophagy on extracellular matrix deposition in renal tubulointerstitium of diabetes and to explore the mechanism. The mice were randomly divided into normal control group (db/m mice) and diabetes group (db/db mice). After 12 weeks of feeding, the mice were sacrificed and the corresponding biochemical indexes were measured. Rat renal tubular epithelial cells NRK52E were cultured under normal glucose (NG) and high glucose (HG) respectively, and the expression of Notch1 and LC3 proteins were detected by Western blotting. Autophagosomes in NRK52E cells with overexpressed and knockdown Notch1 under NG and HG conditions were observed by confocal microscope, and the expression changes of Notch1, Collagen-I and III protein were detected by immunofluorescence. The results showed that the Notch1 and Collagen-III expressions were increased (P < 0.01) and the LC3 expression was decreased (P < 0.05) in db/db mice compared with db/m mice. In vitro, the Notch1 was increased (P < 0.01) and the LC3 expression was decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in NRK52E cells of HG group compared with NG group. There was no significant change of Notch1 and LC3 expression between the mannitol (MA) group and the NG group. Autophagy was decreased and extracellular matrix deposition was aggravated when Notch1 was overexpressed. In contrast, autophagy was increased and extracellular matrix deposition was relieved by knockdown of Notch1 under HG conditions. In conclusion, Notch1 protein expression was increased and autophagy was reduced in renal tissue of diabetes and renal tubular epithelial cells under HG. The extracellular matrix deposition in the renal tubulointerstitium was relieved by regulating autophagy after the knockdown of Notch1.

A Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Study on Phellodon (Bankeraceae, Thelephorales) from China.

In this study, phylogenetic analyses of Phellodon from China were carried out based on sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, the large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), the small subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nSSU), the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1), and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2), combined with morphological characters of the collected specimens in China. The fruiting bodies of the specimens were used to observe their characteristics, and three new species of Phellodon are discovered. Phellodon crassipileatus is characterized by its pale brown to dark brown pileal surface, tomentose pileal margin, white spines, and the presence of clamp connections in generative hyphae of pileal surface, context, and stipe. Phellodon griseofuscus is characterized by its dark brown to black pileal surface, white to pale brown pileal margin, the presence of both simple septa and clamp connections in generative hyphae of spines, and moderately long basidia. Phellodon perchocolatus is characterized by its woody and broad pileus, brown to greyish brown pileal surface when fresh, tomentose pileal margin when young, which becomes glabrous with age, and the presence of both simple septa and clamp connections in the generative hyphae of the spines. This is the first time both single and multi-genes analysis is used in such a phylogenetic and taxonomic study on Phellodon, which can provide the basis for the phylogenetic study of the genus.

Liverwort oil bodies: diversity, biochemistry, and molecular cell biology of the earliest secretory structure of land plants.

Liverworts are known for their large chemical diversity. Much of this diversity is synthesized and enclosed within oil bodies (OBs), a synapomorphy of the lineage. OBs contain the enzymes to biosynthesize and store large quantities of sesquiterpenoids and other compounds while limiting their cytotoxicity. Recent important biochemical and molecular discoveries related to OB formation, diversity, and biochemistry allow comparison with other secretory structures of land plants from an evo-devo perspective. This review addresses and discusses the most recent advances in OB origin, development, and function towards understanding the importance of these organelles in liverwort physiology and adaptation to changing environments. Our mapping of OB types and chemical compounds to the current liverwort phylogeny suggests that OBs were present in the most recent common ancestor of liverworts, supporting that OBs evolved as the first secretory structures in land plants. Yet, we require better sampling to define the macroevolutionary pattern governing the ancestral type of OB. We conclude that current efforts to find molecular mechanisms responsible for the morphological and chemical diversity of secretory structures will help understand the evolution of each major group of land plants, and open new avenues in biochemical research on bioactive compounds in bryophytes and vascular plants.

Flammulina velutipes Polysaccharides Modulate Gut Microbiota and Alleviate Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Injury in Mice.

A carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury mouse model is used to study the regulation of gut microbiota and hepatoprotective effect of polysaccharides from Flammulina velutipes (FVPs). The hepatoprotective effect of the FVPs leads to reduced levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), total bile acid (TBA) content, and change in liver histopathology. Their anti-oxidant activity is exhibited by decreased levels of hepatic malonaldehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) content and increased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) content. The anti-inflammatory ability of the FVPs is reflected in a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α). 16S rRNA sequencing shows that the FVPs change the composition of the gut microbiota. A subsequent metabolomics analysis of the gut bacteria (UHPLC-MS/MS-based) revealed that fatty acid biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 play important roles in the hepatoprotective effect. This study provides a potential way to modulate gut microbiota and manage liver diseases using natural products.

Evaluation of seedling age and nutrient sources on phenology, yield and agrometeorological indices for sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L.).

The field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2020 at Agronomy farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, SKUAST-K to study the influence of age of seedling and sources of nutrients on phenology, yield and agrometeorological indices for sweet corn. The experiment included two factors viz. age of seedlings (12, 22 and 32 days old seedling) and sources of nutrients (control, RDF, 50 percent RDF + FYM @ 12 t ha-1, 50 percent RDF + vermi-compost @ 4 t ha-1 and 50 percent RDF + poultry manure @ 2 t ha-1) tested in RCBD with three replications. Transplanting 12 days old seedlings required maximum number of days to attain different phenological stages, thereby accumulated maximum heat units followed by 22 days old seedlings. While as transplanting 22 days old seedling recorded significantly highest HUE, HTUE, PTUE and HyTUE and consequently resulted in the highest green cob and biological yield compared to other ages of seedlings. Among various sources of nutrients, application of 50 per cent RDF + poultry manure @ 2 t ha-1 took maximum number of days to attain various phenophases thereby accumulated maximum heat units and registered highest HUE, HTUE, PTUE and HyTUE followed by application of 100 per cent RDF.

Myopia prevalence and ocular biometry: a cross-sectional study among minority versus Han schoolchildren in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, China.

OBJECTIVES: To describe and compare the prevalence of refractive error and its associated ocular biometric parameters in a large multi-racial sample of schoolchildren from Xinjiang. METHODS: A total of 67,102 school children of five ethnicity groups aged 6-23 years from 46 schools in Xinjiang participated in this study. The children underwent a comprehensive eye examination for vision screening, including uncorrected visual acuity and standardized refraction. Refractive error was determined by autorefractors and subjective refraction. Refraction was recorded in spherical equivalent (SE). The age- and sex- adjusted prevalence of myopia (SE ≤ -0.5 D), low myopia (-6 D < SE ≤ -0.5 D), high myopia (SE ≤ -6.0 D), astigmatism (cylinder < -0.5 D), and anisometropia (difference in SE between two eyes of 1.0 D) in the five ethnic groups were calculated. Ocular biometric parameters including axial length (AL) and corneal radius of curvature (CR) were measured by AL-scan optical biometer. RESULTS: The age- and sex- adjusted prevalence of myopia in the Han, Hui, Uyghur, Kyrgyz and Kazakh were 65.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 65.4, 66.3); 59.1% (95% CI 57.8, 60.4); 30.1% (95% CI 29.2, 30.9); 30.2 (95% CI 28.9, 31.4); and 30.0% (95% CI 27.6, 32.3), respectively. The Han and Hui children also had longer ALs (Han, 23.8; Hui, 23.6, Uyghur, 23.1; Kyrgyz, 23.1; Kazakh, 23.3 mm) and larger AL/CR (Han, 3.04; Hui, 3.00; Uyghur, 2.95; Kyrgyz, 2.96; Kazakh, 2.97) values than the other three minorities (P < 0.01). Overall, girls had shorter ALs, steeper corneas, and smaller AL/CR values than boys (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Significant ethnic difference in the prevalence of myopia was observed in this study on school-aged children in Xinjiang (Han > Hui > Kyrgyz > Uyghur > Kazakh). This study among different ethnic groups in a multiethnic population is valuable for enriching the ethnical information resources for refractive errors and ocular biometry parameters, as well as facilitating further research on myopia-related diseases and risks.

The PKCγ neurons in anterior cingulate cortex contribute to the development of neuropathic allodynia and pain-related emotion.

BACKGROUND: While the PKCγ neurons in spinal dorsal horn play an indispensable part in neuropathic allodynia, the exact effect of PKCγ neurons of brain regions in neuropathic pain remains elusive. Mounting research studies have depicted that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is closely linked with pain perception and behavior, the present study was designed to investigate the contribution of PKCγ neurons in ACC to neuropathic allodynia and pain-related emotion in newly developed Prkcg-P2A-Tdtomato mice. METHODS: The c-fos expression in response to innocuous stimulation was used to monitor the activity of PKCγ in CCI (chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve) induced neuropathic pain condition. Activating or silencing ACC PKCγ neurons by chemogenetics was applied to observe the changes of pain behavior. The excitability of ACC PKCγ neurons in normal and CCI mice was compared by patch-clamp whole-cell recordings. RESULTS: The PKCγ-Tdtomato neurons were mainly distributed in layer III-Vof ACC. The Tdtomato was mainly expressed in ACC pyramidal neurons demonstrated by intracellular staining. The c-fos expression in ACC PKCγ neurons in response to innocuous stimulation was obviously elevated in CCI mice. The patch clamp recordings showed that ACC PKCγ-Tdtomato neurons were largely activated in CCI mice. Chemogenetic activation of ACC PKCγ neurons in Prkcg-icre mice induced mechanical allodynia and pain-related aversive behavior, conversely, silencing them in CCI condition significantly reversed the mechanical allodynia and pain-related place aversive behavior. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the PKCγ neurons in ACC are closely linked with neuropathic allodynia and pain-related emotional behaviors.

Morchella importuna Flavones Improve Intestinal Integrity in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Challenged Mice.

Morchella importuna, as an edible fungus, has various health benefits. However, the effects of M. importuna on intestinal health are rarely investigated. Hence, this study aims to ascertain the influences of flavones from the fruiting bodies of M. importuna (hereinafter abbreviated as MIF) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced damage to intestinal epithelial barrier in C57BL/6J mice. In this (14-day) study, 144 C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: (1) Control; (2) DSS treatment; (3) DSS treatment + 100 mg/kg MIF (LMIF); (4) DSS treatment + 200 mg/kg MIF (HMIF). On days 8-14, mice in the challenged groups were challenged with 3.5% DSS, while the control group received an equal volume of normal saline. Then, serum and intestinal samples were obtained from all mice. The results showed that MIF ingestion enhanced intestinal integrity in DSS-challenged mice, as evinced by the elevated (p < 0.05) abundances of occludin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1 proteins. Meanwhile, MIF ingestion reduced (p < 0.05) the colonic interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) concentrations and increased the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and Shannon and Simpson indices in DSS-challenged mice. Moreover, MIF ingestion reduced (p < 0.05) the abundance of phospho-nuclear factor (NF)-κB and increased the abundance of phospho-Nrf2 in DSS-challenged mice. Taken together, MIF protects against intestinal barrier injury in C57BL/6J mice via a mechanism that involves inhibiting NF-κB activation and promoting Nrf2 activation, as well as regulating intestinal microbiota.