An ortholog of the MADS-box gene SEPALLATA3 regulates stamen development in the woody plant Jatropha curcas.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Overexpression of JcSEP3 causes defective stamen development in Jatropha curcas, in which brassinosteroid and gibberellin signaling pathways may be involved. SEPALLATAs (SEPs), the class E genes of the ABCE model, are required for floral organ determination. In this study, we investigated the role of the JcSEP3 gene in floral organ development in the woody plant Jatropha curcas. Transgenic Jatropha plants overexpressing JcSEP3 displayed abnormal phenotypes such as deficient anthers and pollen, as well as free stamen filaments, whereas JcSEP3-RNA interference (RNAi) transgenic plants had no obvious phenotypic changes, suggesting that JcSEP3 is redundant with other JcSEP genes in Jatropha. Moreover, we compared the transcriptomes of wild-type plants, JcSEP3-overexpressing, and JcSEP3-RNAi transgenic plants. In the JcSEP3-overexpressing transgenic plants, we discovered 25 upregulated genes involved in anther and pollen development, as well as 12 induced genes in brassinosteroid (BR) and gibberellin (GA) signaling pathways. These results suggest that JcSEP3 directly or indirectly regulates stamen development, concomitant with the regulation of BR and GA signaling pathways. Our findings help to understand the roles of SEP genes in stamen development in perennial woody plants.

Characterization of the bark storage protein gene (JcBSP) family in the perennial woody plant Jatropha curcas and the function of JcBSP1 in Arabidopsis thaliana.

BACKGROUND: Bark storage protein (BSP) plays an important role in seasonal nitrogen cycling in perennial deciduous trees. However, there is no report on the function of BSP in the perennial woody oil plant Jatropha curcas. METHODS: In this study, we identified six members of JcBSP gene family in J. curcas genome. The patterns, seasonal changes, and responses to nitrogen treatment in gene expression of JcBSPs were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Overexpression of JcBSP1 in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana was driven by a constitutive cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S RNA promoter. RESULTS: JcBSP members were found to be expressed in various tissues, except seeds. The seasonal changes in the total protein concentration and JcBSP1 expression in the stems of J. curcas were positively correlated, as both increased in autumn and winter and decreased in spring and summer. In addition, the JcBSP1 expression in J. curcas seedlings treated with different concentrations of an NH4NO3 solution was positively correlated with the NH4NO3 concentration and application duration. Furthermore, JcBSP1 overexpression in Arabidopsis resulted in a phenotype of enlarged rosette leaves, flowers, and seeds, and significantly increased the seed weight and yield in transgenic plants.

Silencing of the Ortholog of DEFECTIVE IN ANTHER DEHISCENCE 1 Gene in the Woody Perennial Jatropha curcas Alters Flower and Fruit Development.

DEFECTIVE IN ANTHER DEHISCENCE 1 (DAD1), a phospholipase A1, utilizes galactolipids (18:3) to generate α-linolenic acid (ALA) in the initial step of jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, we isolated the JcDAD1 gene, an ortholog of Arabidopsis DAD1 in Jatropha curcas, and found that it is mainly expressed in the stems, roots, and male flowers of Jatropha. JcDAD1-RNAi transgenic plants with low endogenous jasmonate levels in inflorescences exhibited more and larger flowers, as well as a few abortive female flowers, although anther and pollen development were normal. In addition, fruit number was increased and the seed size, weight, and oil contents were reduced in the transgenic Jatropha plants. These results indicate that JcDAD1 regulates the development of flowers and fruits through the JA biosynthesis pathway, but does not alter androecium development in Jatropha. These findings strengthen our understanding of the roles of JA and DAD1 in the regulation of floral development in woody perennial plants.

Gitelman syndrome caused by a rare homozygous mutation in the SLC12A3 gene: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Gitelman syndrome (GS) is an unusual, autosomal recessive salt-losing tubulopathy characterized by hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria. It is caused by mutations in the solute carrier family 12 member 3 (SLC12A3) gene resulting in disordered function of the thiazide-sensitive NaCl co-transporter. To date, many types of mutations in the SLC12A3 gene have been discovered that trigger different clinical manifestations. Therefore, gene sequencing should be considered before determining the course of treatment for GS patients. CASE SUMMARY: A 55-year-old man was admitted to our department due to hand numbness and fatigue. Laboratory tests after admission showed hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis and renal failure, all of which suggested a diagnosis of GS. Genome sequencing of DNA extracted from the patient's peripheral blood showed a rare homozygous mutation in the SLC12A3 gene (NM_000339.2: chr16:56903671, Exon4, c.536T>A, p.Val179Asp). This study reports a rare homozygous mutation in SLC12A3 gene of a Chinese patient with GS. CONCLUSION: Genetic studies may improve the diagnostic accuracy of Gitelman syndrome and improve genetic counseling for individuals and their families with these types of genetic disorders.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of gynoecious and monoecious inflorescences reveals regulators involved in male flower development in the woody perennial plant Jatropha curcas.

KEY MESSAGE: ABCE model genes along with genes related to GA biosynthesis and auxin signalling may play significant roles in male flower development in Jatropha curcas. Flowering plants exhibit extreme reproductive diversity. Jatropha curcas, a woody plant that is promising for biofuel production, is monoecious. Here, two gynoecious Jatropha mutants (bearing only female flowers) were used to identify key genes involved in male flower development. Using comparative transcriptome analysis, we identified 17 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in floral organ development between monoecious plants and the two gynoecious mutants. Among these DEGs, five floral organ identity genes, Jatropha AGAMOUS, PISTILLATA, SEPALLATA 2-1 (JcSEP2-1), JcSEP2-2, and JcSEP3, were downregulated in ch mutant inflorescences; two gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis genes, Jatropha GA REQUIRING 1 and GIBBERELLIN 3-OXIDASE 1, were downregulated in both the ch and g mutants; and two genes involved in the auxin signalling pathway, Jatropha NGATHA1 and STYLISH1, were downregulated in the ch mutant. Furthermore, four hub genes involved in male flower development, namely Jatropha SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE 1, CRYPTOCHROME 2, SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CO 1 and JAGGED, were identified using weighted gene correlation network analysis. These results suggest that floral organ identity genes and genes involved in GA biosynthesis and auxin signalling may participate in male flower development in Jatropha. This study will contribute to understanding sex differentiation in woody perennial plants.

Chromatin Architectures Are Associated with Response to Dark Treatment in the Oil Crop Sesamum indicum, Based on a High-Quality Genome Assembly.

Eukaryotic chromatin is tightly packed into hierarchical structures, allowing appropriate gene transcription in response to environmental and developmental cues. Here, we provide a chromosome-scale de novo genome assembly of sesame with a total length of 292.3 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 20.5 Mb, containing estimated 28,406 coding genes using Pacific Biosciences long reads combined with a genome-wide chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) approach. Based on this high-quality reference genome, we detected changes in chromatin architectures between normal growth and dark-treated sesame seedlings. Gene expression level was significantly higher in 'A' compartment and topologically associated domain (TAD) boundary regions than in 'B' compartment and TAD interior regions, which is coincident with the enrichment of H4K3me3 modification in these regions. Moreover, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by dark treated were enriched in the changed TAD-related regions and genomic differential contact regions. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that genes related to 'response to stress' and 'photosynthesis' functional categories were enriched, which corresponds to dark treatment. These results suggested that chromatin organization is associated with gene transcription in response to dark treatment in sesame. Our results will facilitate the understanding of regulatory mechanisms in response to environmental cues in plants.

Calibration, Compensation and Accuracy Analysis of Circular Grating Used in Single Gimbal Control Moment Gyroscope.

The accuracy of the circular grating is the key point for control precision of the single gimbal control moment gyroscope servo system used in civilian micro-agile satellites. Instead of using the multi reading heads to eliminate eccentricity errors, an algorithm compensation method based on a calibration experiment using a single reading head was proposed to realize a low-cost and high accuracy angular position measurement. Moreover, the traditional hardware compensation method using double reading heads was also developed for comparison. Firstly, the single gimbal control moment gyroscope system of satellites was introduced. Then, the errors caused by the installation of the reading head were studied and the mathematic models of these errors were developed. In order to construct the compensation function, a calibration experiment using the autocollimator and 24-sided prism was performed. Comparison of angle error compensation using the algorithm and hardware method was presented, and results showed that the algorithm compensation method proposed by this paper achieved the same accuracy level as the hardware method. Finally, the proposed method was further verified through a control system simulation.

De novo genome assembly and Hi-C analysis reveal an association between chromatin architecture alterations and sex differentiation in the woody plant Jatropha curcas.

BACKGROUND: Chromatin architecture is an essential factor regulating gene transcription in different cell types and developmental phases. However, studies on chromatin architecture in perennial woody plants and on the function of chromatin organization in sex determination have not been reported. RESULTS: Here, we produced a chromosome-scale de novo genome assembly of the woody plant Jatropha curcas with a total length of 379.5 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 30.7 Mb using Pacific Biosciences long reads combined with genome-wide chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technology. Based on this high-quality reference genome, we detected chromatin architecture differences between monoecious and gynoecious inflorescence buds of Jatropha. Differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the changed A/B compartments and topologically associated domain regions and occurred preferentially in differential contact regions between monoecious and gynoecious inflorescence buds. Twelve differentially expressed genes related to flower development or hormone synthesis displayed significantly different genomic interaction patterns in monoecious and gynoecious inflorescence buds. These results demonstrate that chromatin organization participates in the regulation of gene transcription during the process of sex differentiation in Jatropha. CONCLUSIONS: We have revealed the features of chromatin architecture in perennial woody plants and investigated the possible function of chromatin organization in Jatropha sex differentiation. These findings will facilitate understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of sex determination in higher plants.

Flower-Specific Overproduction of Cytokinins Altered Flower Development and Sex Expression in the Perennial Woody Plant Jatropha curcas L.

Jatropha curcas L. is monoecious with a low female-to-male ratio, which is one of the factors restricting its seed yield. Because the phytohormone cytokinins play an essential role in flower development, particularly pistil development, in this study, we elevated the cytokinin levels in J. curcas flowers through transgenic expression of a cytokinin biosynthetic gene (AtIPT4) from Arabidopsis under the control of a J. curcas orthologue of TOMATO MADS BOX GENE 6 (JcTM6) promoter that is predominantly active in flowers. As expected, the levels of six cytokinin species in the inflorescences were elevated, and flower development was modified without any alterations in vegetative growth. In the transgenic J. curcas plants, the flower number per inflorescence was significantly increased, and most flowers were pistil-predominantly bisexual, i.e., the flowers had a huge pistil surrounded with small stamens. Unfortunately, both the male and the bisexual flowers of transgenic J. curcas were infertile, which might have resulted from the continuously high expression of the transgene during flower development. However, the number and position of floral organs in the transgenic flowers were well defined, which suggested that the determinacy of the floral meristem was not affected. These results suggest that fine-tuning the endogenous cytokinins can increase the flower number and the female-to-male ratio in J. curcas.

Transcriptome analysis of two inflorescence branching mutants reveals cytokinin is an important regulator in controlling inflorescence architecture in the woody plant Jatropha curcas.

BACKGROUND: In higher plants, inflorescence architecture is an important agronomic trait directly determining seed yield. However, little information is available on the regulatory mechanism of inflorescence development in perennial woody plants. Based on two inflorescence branching mutants, we investigated the transcriptome differences in inflorescence buds between two mutants and wild-type (WT) plants by RNA-Seq to identify the genes and regulatory networks controlling inflorescence architecture in Jatropha curcas L., a perennial woody plant belonging to Euphorbiaceae. RESULTS: Two inflorescence branching mutants were identified in germplasm collection of Jatropha. The duo xiao hua (dxh) mutant has a seven-order branch inflorescence, and the gynoecy (g) mutant has a three-order branch inflorescence, while WT Jatropha has predominantly four-order branch inflorescence, occasionally the three- or five-order branch inflorescences in fields. Using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA), we identified several hub genes involved in the cytokinin metabolic pathway from modules highly associated with inflorescence phenotypes. Among them, Jatropha ADENOSINE KINASE 2 (JcADK2), ADENINE PHOSPHORIBOSYL TRANSFERASE 1 (JcAPT1), CYTOKININ OXIDASE 3 (JcCKX3), ISOPENTENYLTRANSFERASE 5 (JcIPT5), LONELY GUY 3 (JcLOG3) and JcLOG5 may participate in cytokinin metabolic pathway in Jatropha. Consistently, exogenous application of cytokinin (6-benzyladenine, 6-BA) on inflorescence buds induced high-branch inflorescence phenotype in both low-branch inflorescence mutant (g) and WT plants. These results suggested that cytokinin is an important regulator in controlling inflorescence branching in Jatropha. In addition, comparative transcriptome analysis showed that Arabidopsis homologous genes Jatropha AGAMOUS-LIKE 6 (JcAGL6), JcAGL24, FRUITFUL (JcFUL), LEAFY (JcLFY), SEPALLATAs (JcSEPs), TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (JcTFL1), and WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 3 (JcWOX3), were differentially expressed in inflorescence buds between dxh and g mutants and WT plants, indicating that they may participate in inflorescence development in Jatropha. The expression of JcTFL1 was downregulated, while the expression of JcLFY and JcAP1 were upregulated in inflorescences in low-branch g mutant. CONCLUSIONS: Cytokinin is an important regulator in controlling inflorescence branching in Jatropha. The regulation of inflorescence architecture by the genes involved in floral development, including TFL1, LFY and AP1, may be conservative in Jatropha and Arabidopsis. Our results provide helpful information for elucidating the regulatory mechanism of inflorescence architecture in Jatropha.

Ectopic Expression of Jatropha curcas TREHALOSE-6-PHOSPHATE PHOSPHATASE J Causes Late-Flowering and Heterostylous Phenotypes in Arabidopsis but not in Jatropha.

Trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) phosphatase (TPP), a dephosphorylating enzyme, catalyzes the dephosphorylation of T6P, generating trehalose. In Jatropha, we found six members of the TPP family. Five of them JcTPPA, JcTPPC, JcTPPD, JcTPPG, and JcTPPJ are highly expressed in female flowers or male flowers, or both, suggesting that members of the JcTPP family may participate in flower development in Jatropha. The wide expression of JcTPPJ gene in various organs implied its versatile roles and thus was chosen for unraveling its biological functions during developmental process. We constructed an overexpression vector of JcTPPJ cDNA driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter for genetic transformation. Compared with control Arabidopsis plants, 35S:JcTPPJ transgenic Arabidopsis plants presented greater sucrose contents in their inflorescences and displayed late-flowering and heterostylous phenotypes. Exogenous application of sucrose to the inflorescence buds of wild-type Arabidopsis repressed the development of the perianth and filaments, with a phenocopy of the 35S:JcTPPJ transgenic Arabidopsis. These results suggested that the significantly increased sucrose level in the inflorescence caused (or induced) by JcTTPJ overexpression, was responsible for the formation of heterostylous flower phenotype. However, 35S:JcTPPJ transgenic Jatropha displayed no obvious phenotypic changes, implying that JcTPPJ alone may not be sufficient for regulating flower development in Jatropha. Our results are helpful for understanding the function of TPPs, which may regulate flower organ development by manipulating the sucrose status in plants.

miR172 Regulates both Vegetative and Reproductive Development in the Perennial Woody Plant Jatropha curcas.

Jatropha curcas is a promising feedstock for biofuel production because its oil is highly suitable for processing bio-jet fuels and biodiesel. However, Jatropha exhibits a long juvenile stage in subtropical areas. miR172, a conserved small non-protein-coding RNA molecule with 21 nucleotides, regulates a wide range of developmental processes. To date, however, no studies have examined the function of miR172 in Jatropha. There are five miR172 precursors encoding two mature miR172s in Jatropha, which are expressed in all tissues, with the highest expression level in leaves, and the levels are up-regulated with age. Overexpression of JcmiR172a resulted in early flowering, abnormal flowers, and altered leaf morphology in transgenic Arabidopsis and Jatropha. The expression levels of miR172 target genes were down-regulated, and the flower identity genes were up-regulated in the JcmiR172a-overexpressing transgenic plants. Interestingly, we showed that JcmiR172 might be involved in regulation of stem vascular development through manipulating the expression of cellulose and lignin biosynthesis genes. Overexpression of JcmiR172a enhanced xylem development and reduced phloem and pith development. This study helped elucidate the functions of miR172 in perennial plants, a known age-related miRNA involved in the regulation of perennial plant phase change and organ development.

De novo transcriptome assembly of the eight major organs of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) and the identification of genes involved in α-linolenic acid metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.), which belongs to the Euphorbiaceae, has been considered a new potential oil crop because of its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in its seed oil. The seed oil especially contains high amounts of α-linolenic acid (ALA), which is useful for the prevention of various diseases. However, little is known about the genetic information and genome sequence of Sacha Inchi, which has largely hindered functional genomics and molecular breeding studies. RESULTS: In this study, a de novo transcriptome assembly based on transcripts sequenced in eight major organs, including roots, stems, shoot apexes, mature leaves, male flowers, female flowers, fruits, and seeds of Sacha Inchi was performed, resulting in a set of 124,750 non-redundant putative transcripts having an average length of 851 bp and an N50 value of 1909 bp. Organ-specific unigenes analysis revealed that the most organ-specific transcripts are found in female flowers (2244 unigenes), whereas a relatively small amount of unigenes are detected to be expressed specifically in other organs with the least in stems (24 unigenes). A total of 42,987 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected, which will contribute to the marker assisted selection breeding of Sacha Inchi. We analyzed expression of genes related to the α-linolenic acid metabolism based on the de novo assembly and annotation transcriptome in Sacha Inchi. It appears that Sacha Inchi accumulates high level of ALA in seeds by strong expression of biosynthesis-related genes and weak expression of degradation-related genes. In particular, the up-regulation of FAD3 and FAD7 is consistent with high level of ALA in seeds of Sacha Inchi compared with in other organs. Meanwhile, several transcription factors (ABI3, LEC1 and FUS3) may regulate key genes involved in oil accumulation in seeds of Sacha Inchi. CONCLUSIONS: The transcriptome of major organs of Sacha Inchi has been sequenced and de novo assembled, which will expand the genetic information for functional genomic studies of Sacha Inchi. In addition, the identification of candidate genes involved in ALA metabolism will provide useful resources for the genetic improvement of Sacha Inchi and the metabolic engineering of ALA biosynthesis in other plants.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the biofuel plant Sacha Inchi, Plukenetia volubilis.

Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) is a potential woody oil seed plant for producing healthy vegetable oil due to high content of α-linolenic acid in its seeds. In this study, we report the structure of the complete chloroplast genome of P. volubilis using high-throughput next-generation sequencing technology. The circular chloroplast genome is 161,733 bp in size, containing a pair of inverted repeat regions (IR) of 27,382 bp each, which were separated by a large single copy region (LSC) of 88,843 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 18,126 bp. The chloroplast genome harbors 135 genes, including 92 protein-coding genes, 35 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. Based on the phylogenetic relationships between the chloroplast genome of P. volubilis and those of the other species, P. volubilis is most closely related to castor bean (Ricinus communis).

De novo transcriptome assembly and comparative analysis between male and benzyladenine-induced female inflorescence buds of Plukenetia volubilis.

Plukenetia volubilis is a promising oilseed crop due to its seeds being rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid. P. volubilis is monoecious, with separate male and female flowers on the same inflorescence. We previously reported that male flowers were converted to female flowers by exogenous cytokinin (6-benzyladenine, 6-BA) treatment in P. volubilis. To identify candidate genes associated with floral sex differentiation of P. volubilis, we performed de novo transcriptome assembly and comparative analysis on control male inflorescence buds (MIB) and female inflorescence buds (FIB) induced by 6-BA using Illumina sequencing technology. A total of 57,664 unigenes with an average length of 979 bp were assembled from 104.1 million clean reads, and 45,235 (78.45%) unigenes were successfully annotated in the public databases. Notably, Gene Ontology analyses revealed that 4193 and 3880 unigenes were enriched in the categories of reproduction and reproductive processes, respectively. Differential expression analysis identified 1385 differentially expressed unigenes between MIB and FIB, of which six unigenes related to cytokinin and auxin signaling pathways and 16 important transcription factor (TF) genes including MADS-box family members were identified. In particular, several unigenes encoding important TFs, such as homologs of CRABS CLAW, RADIALIS-like 1, RADIALIS-like 2, HECATE 2, WUSCHEL-related homeobox 9, and SUPERMAN, were expressed at higher levels in FIB than in MIB. The expression patterns of the 36 selected unigenes revealed by transcriptome analysis were successfully validated by quantitative real-time PCR. This study not only provides comprehensive gene expression profiles of P. volubilis inflorescence buds, but also lays the foundation for research on the molecular mechanism of floral sex determination in P. volubilis and other monoecious plants.

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and obesity hypoventilation syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome are two similar diseases. Obstructive Sleep Apnea has been receiving more and more attention while the diagnostic rate of Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome is not high. Few studies directly evaluated the relationship between them. We systematically analyzed the relevance of the two diseases. MEDLINE®, EMBASE® and the Cochrane Library were carried out to find studies until May 2017. Pooled mean difference and 95% confidence interval were calculated to evaluate the value of clinical and physiologic variables in the prediction of Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome. 9 Studies (n = 2085) fulfilled the predefined selection criteria. Totally 575 patients (28%) with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome were diagnosed from 2085 Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients. Among clearly diagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients, higher Body Mass Index levels(mean difference:4.72 kg/m2; 95% confidence interval: 4.26 to 5.17; p < 0.00001), higher Apnea-Hypopnea Index (mean difference: 8.36; 95% confidence interval: -3.88 to -2.84; p < 0.00001), greater neck circumference (mean difference:1.01; 95% confidence interval: 0.10 to 1.92; p = 0.03) and lower percent predicted FEV1 (mean difference:-10.28; 95% confidence interval:-11.33 to -9.22; p < 0.00001)were associated with the occurrence with obesity hypoventilation syndrome. We should be highly skeptical of obesity hypoventilation syndrome in Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients with these factors as early identification and appropriate treatment can improve prognosis.

Left ventricular ejection fraction and left atrium diameter related to new-onset atrial fibrillation following acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) occurs frequently in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and is associated with increased subsequent cardiovascular mortality. However, only a few studies directly evaluated the relationship of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or left atrium diameter (LAD) and NOAF following AMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE®, EMBASE® and the Cochrane Library were carried out to find studies until January 2017. Pooled mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to evaluate the value of LVEF and LAD in the prediction of NOAF after AMI. We performed sensitivity analyses to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity. Statistical analyses were carried out using the Revman 5.3. RESULT: We included 10 qualifying studies comprising a total of 708 patients with NOAF and 6785 controls. Overall, decreased LVEF and increased LAD levels had a significant positive association with NOAF in patients with AMI. The MD in the LVEF levels between the patients with and those without NOAF was -4.91 units (95% Cl: -5.70 to -4.12), test for overall effect z-score = 12.18 (p < 0.00001, I2 = 35%). Moreover, in a subgroup analysis, the MD for LAD and NOAF was 2.55 units (95% Cl: 1.91 to 3.19), test for overall effect z-score = 7.80 (p < 0.00001, I2 = 57%). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that both decreased LVEF and increased LAD levels were associated with greater risk of NOAF following AMI.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of axillary buds in response to the shoot branching regulators gibberellin A3 and 6-benzyladenine in Jatropha curcas.

Cytokinin (CK) is the primary hormone that positively regulates axillary bud outgrowth. However, in many woody plants, such as Jatropha curcas, gibberellin (GA) also promotes shoot branching. The molecular mechanisms underlying GA and CK interaction in the regulation of bud outgrowth in Jatropha remain unclear. To determine how young axillary buds respond to GA3 and 6-benzyladenine (BA), we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of the young axillary buds of Jatropha seedlings treated with GA3 or BA. Two hundred and fifty genes were identified to be co-regulated in response to GA3 or BA. Seven NAC family members were down-regulated after treatment with both GA3 and BA, whereas these genes were up-regulated after treatment with the shoot branching inhibitor strigolactone. The expressions of the cell cycle genes CDC6, CDC45 and GRF5 were up-regulated after treatment with both GA3 and BA, suggesting they may promote bud outgrowth via regulation of the cell cycle machinery. In the axillary buds, BA significantly increased the expression of GA biosynthesis genes JcGA20oxs and JcGA3ox1, and down-regulated the expression of GA degradation genes JcGA2oxs. Overall, the comprehensive transcriptome data set provides novel insight into the responses of young axillary buds to GA and CK.

Enhancement of Nucleoside Production in Hirsutella sinensis Based on Biosynthetic Pathway Analysis.

To enhance nucleoside production in Hirsutella sinensis, the biosynthetic pathways of purine and pyrimidine nucleosides were constructed and verified. The differential expression analysis showed that purine nucleoside phosphorylase, inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, and guanosine monophosphate synthase genes involved in purine nucleotide biosynthesis were significantly upregulated 16.56-fold, 8-fold, and 5.43-fold, respectively. Moreover, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, uridine nucleosidase, uridine/cytidine monophosphate kinase, and inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase genes participating in pyrimidine nucleoside biosynthesis were upregulated 4.53-fold, 10.63-fold, 4.26-fold, and 5.98-fold, respectively. To enhance the nucleoside production, precursors for synthesis of nucleosides were added based on the analysis of biosynthetic pathways. Uridine and cytidine contents, respectively, reached 5.04 mg/g and 3.54 mg/g when adding 2 mg/mL of ribose, resulting in an increase of 28.6% and 296% compared with the control, respectively. Meanwhile, uridine and cytidine contents, respectively, reached 10.83 mg/g 2.12 mg/g when adding 0.3 mg/mL of uracil, leading to an increase of 176.3% and 137.1%, respectively. This report indicated that fermentation regulation was an effective way to enhance the nucleoside production in H. sinensis based on biosynthetic pathway analysis.