Impact of income and financial subsidies on oral health care utilization among persons with disabilities in Singapore.

BACKGROUND/AIM(S): Globally, studies have shown that the dental disease burden among persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) is high and can be attributed to lower utilization levels of dental services. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of income and financial subsidies on the utilization of dental care services among persons with IDD in Singapore. METHODS: Between August 2020 and August 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted via centres offering Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children, special education schools and adult associations in Singapore serving persons with IDD. A sample of 591 caregivers of children and adults with IDD completed the survey. Data on sociodemographic information, oral health behaviours and dental utilization were collected. Financial subsidy status was assessed by the uptake of a government-funded, opt-in Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) for low-income families that provided a fixed subsidy amount for dental services in the primary care setting. Statistical analysis was carried out using univariable, multiple logistic regression and modified Poisson regression. Propensity score matching was carried out in R version 4.0.2 to assess the impact of financial subsidies on oral health care utilization among persons with IDD. RESULTS: Compared to those with lower gross monthly household incomes, the adjusted prevalence ratios of having at least one dental visit in the past year, having at least one preventive dental visit in the past year, and visiting the dentist at least once a year for persons with IDD with gross monthly household incomes of above SGD$4000 were 1.28 (95% CI 1.08-1.52), 1.48 (95% CI 1.14-1.92) and 1.36 (95% CI 1.09-1.70), respectively. Among those who were eligible for CHAS Blue subsidies (247 participants), 160 (62.0%) took up the CHAS Blue scheme and 96 (35.4%) visited the dentist at least yearly. There was no statistically significant difference in the utilization of dental services among individuals enrolled in the CHAS Blue subsidy scheme among those eligible for CHAS Blue subsidies. CONCLUSION: Higher household income was associated with a higher prevalence of dental visits in the past year, preventive dental visits in the past year, and at least yearly dental visits. CHAS Blue subsidies alone had limited impact on dental utilization among persons with IDD who were eligible for subsidies.

Transcriptome analysis on pulmonary inflammation between periodontitis and COPD.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between periodontal disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from the perspective of gene regulation, as well as the inflammatory pathways involved. Methods: Forty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, chronic periodontitis (CP) group, COPD group, and CP&COPD group. Lung tissue samples were selected for messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) sequencing analysis, and differential genes were screened out. Gene enrichment analysis was carried out, and then crosstalk gene enrichment analysis was conducted to explore the pathogenesis related to periodontal disease and COPD. Results: Results of enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the CP group were concentrated in response to bacterial origin molecules. The DEGs in the COPD group gene were enriched in positive regulation of B cell activation. The DEGs in the CP&COPD group were concentrated in neutrophil extravasation and neutrophil migration. The mice in the three experimental groups had 19 crosstalk genes, five of which were key genes. Conclusions: Lcn2, S100a8, S100a9, Irg1, Clec4d are potential crossover genes of periodontal disease and COPD. Lcn2, S100a8, S100a9 are correlated with neutrophils in both diseases. Irg1 and Clec4d may bind to receptors on the surface of lymphocytes to produce cytokines and activate inflammatory pathways, this requires further research.

Digital measurement of deciduous tooth dimensions in China: A cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: Crown dimensions data of deciduous teeth hold anthropological, forensic, and archaeological value. However, such information remains scarce for the Chinese population. This multi-center study aimed to collect a large sample of deciduous crown data from Chinese children using three-dimensional measurement methods and to analyze their dimensions. DESIGN: A total of 1592 children's deciduous dentition samples were included, and the sample size was distributed according to Northeast, North, East, Northwest, Southwest and South China. Digital dental models were reconstructed from plaster dental models. Independent sample t test, paired t test, principal component analysis (PCA), and factor analysis (FA) were used to analyze the tooth crown dimensions. RESULT: 18,318 deciduous teeth from 1592 children were included. Males exhibited slightly larger values than females. The range of sexual dimorphism percentages for each measurement was as follows: mesiodistal diameter (0.40-2.08), buccolingual diameter (0.13-2.24), and maxillogingival diameter (0.48-3.37). The FA results showed that the main trend of crown dimensions changes was the simultaneous increase or decrease in mesiodistal diameter, buccolingual diameter and maxillogingival diameter in three directions. CONCLUSION: This is the first large-scale survey of deciduous tooth crown dimensions in China, which supplements the data of deciduous tooth measurement and provides a reference for clinical application.

Dimeric eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids from the peeled stems of Syringa pinnatifolia.

A continued phytochemical investigation guided by 1H NMR and LC-MS data on the ethanol extract from the peeled stems of Syringa pinnatifolia Hemsl. led to the isolation of 16 undescribed dimeric eremophilane sesquiterpenoids, namely syringenes R-Z (1-9) and A1-G1 (10-16). These structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data, including HRESIMS, NMR, quantum-mechanics-based computational analysis of NMR chemical shifts, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, and a concise rule for determination of relative configuration of angular methyl was proposed. The results of the cardioprotective assay demonstrated that 3 exhibits a protective effect against hypoxia-induced injuries in H9c2 cells. This effect was observed at a concentration of 10 µM, with a protective rate of 28.43 ± 11.80%.

Analysis of factors related to thrombosis in patients with PICC placements.

This study aimed to investigate the conditions of patients with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placements, analyze the risk factors influencing thrombosis in PICC-placed patients, and formulate more accurate and effective PICC management strategies. A total of 147 patients undergoing PICC placements were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and the patients were divided into thrombosis and non-thrombosis groups. Detect levels of bilirubin, white blood cells, venous pressure, heparin concentration, blood flow, citric acid, and platelets. Pearson chi-square test, Spearman correlation analysis, as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed to analyze independent risk factors. Among the 147 patients with PICC placements, there were 84 males and 63 females. Thrombosis occurred in 116 cases, with an incidence rate of 78.91%. Pearson chi-square test showed a significant correlation between citric acid, blood flow, platelets and frailty (P < .001) with thrombosis formation. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between citric acid (ρ = -0.636, P < .001), blood flow (ρ = 0.584, P < .001), platelet count (ρ = 0.440, P < .001), frailty (ρ = -0.809, P < .001) and thrombosis in PICC placement patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated a significant correlation between thrombosis formation and citric acid (OR = 0.022, 95% CI = 0.006-0.08, P < .001), blood flow (OR = 33.973, 95% CI = 9.538-121.005, P < .001), platelet count (OR = 22.065, 95% CI = 5.021-96.970, P < .001), frailty (OR = 0.003, 95% CI = 0.001-0.025, P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also showed a significant correlation between thrombosis formation and citric acid (OR = 0.013, 95% CI = 0.002-0.086, P < .001), blood flow (OR = 35.064, 95% CI = 6.385-192.561, P < .001), platelet count (OR = 4.667, 95% CI = 0.902-24.143, P < .001), frailty (OR = 0.006, 95% CI = 0.001-0.051, P < .001). However, gender (OR = 0.544, 95% CI = 0.113-2.612, P = .447), age (OR = 4.178, 95% CI = 0.859-20.317, P = .076), bilirubin (OR = 2.594, 95% CI = 0.586-11.482, P = .209), white blood cells (OR = 0.573, 95% CI = 0.108-3.029, P = .512), venous pressure (OR = 0.559, 95% CI = 0.129-2.429, P = .438), and heparin concentration (OR = 2.660, 95% CI = 0.333-21.264, P = .356) showed no significant correlation with thrombosis formation. Patients with PICC placements have a higher risk of thrombosis, citric acid, blood flow, platelet count and frailty are the main risk factors.

9,9'-epoxylignans from Syringa pinnatifolia: A typical case of stereochemical assignment by a quantum chemical calculation with MAEΔΔδ parameter.

In the current study, twenty-two stereochemical 9,9'-epoxylignans including 19 undescribed ones were isolated from the ethanol extract of Syringa pinnatifolia in our continuing effort to understand the overall chemical spectrum of this species. These isolates were structurally elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis, X-ray diffraction, modified Mosher's method, and quantum chemical calculations. Meanwhile, the utilization of 13C NMR calculation and the MAEΔΔδ parameter facilitated the stereochemical assignment of groups of lignan stereoisomers. The 13C NMR data were corrected by the averaged errors at each corresponding carbon position in groups of lignan stereoisomers, which improved the theoretic 13C NMR calculation. The finding of the stereochemical structures of 9,9'-epoxylignans is significant. It is helpful to determine the absolute configurations of molecules with the similar core. In addition, these lignans exhibited potential cardioprotective activities on H9c2 cardiomyocytes in vitro and presented significant antioxidant effect.

Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia Among Neonates: A Prospective Cohort Study Among Pregnant People With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) is the most frequent complication in neonates born to pregnant people with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and an important cause of brain damage and death of neonates. We explored the risk factors for NH in neonates of pregnant people with GDM. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 322 pregnant people with GDM at the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre. Maternal sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical data, as well as general characteristics of neonates, were collected to analyze their associations with NH in neonates of pregnant people with GDM. RESULTS: The incidence of NH among neonates of pregnant people with GDM was 19.57% (63/322). After adjustment for confounders, the factors significantly associated with an increased risk of NH were cesarean delivery (relative risk [RR] = 3.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83-6.45), red blood cell (RBC) count (RR = 2.19; 95% CI, 1.22-3.96), and 1-hour postprandial glucose (RR = 2.35; 95% CI, 1.23-4.46) during pregnancy, whereas later gestational age (RR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.42-0.80) and multiparity (RR = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16-0.66) were associated with a reduced risk of NH. CONCLUSION: Cesarean delivery, maternal 1-hour glucose of the oral glucose tolerance test, and increased RBC count of pregnant people with GDM are independent risk factors for NH, while later gestational age and multiparity are protective factors.

Identification of Crosstalk Genes Between Lung Adenocarcinoma and Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) represents a significant global health issue. Smoking contributes to the development of periodontitis and LUAD. The connections between the two are still ambiguous. METHODS: Based on RNA expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Periodontitis and LUAD were collected. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were produced by mining genes intersecting with crossover DEGs. Genes in the subnetwork and the top 15 genes of the topology score were defined as the crosstalk gene. Feature selection and diagnostic model construction were conducted based on Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) and support vector machines (SVM). additionally, we analyzed the immune cells and signaling pathways influenced by the crosstalk gene. RESULTS: A total of 29 crossover DEGs between Periodontitis and LUAD were filtered, with 20 genes interacting with them in the PPI network. Five subnetworks with similar interaction patterns in the PPI network were detected. Based on the network topology analysis, genes ranking in the top 15 were used to take the intersection with those genes in the 5 subnetworks. Twelve intersecting genes were identified. Based on RFE and SVM algorithms, FKBP11 and MMP13 were considered as the Crosstalk genes for both Periodontitis and LUAD. The diagnostic model composed of FKBP11 and MMP13 showed excellent diagnostic potential. In addition, we found that FKBP11 and MMP13 influenced Macrophages, M1, T cells, CD8 activity, immune-related pathways, and cell cycle pathways. CONCLUSION: We identified the crosstalk genes (FKBP11 and MMP13) between periodontitis and LUAD. The two genes affected the comorbidity status between the two diseases through immune cell activity.

Breed-Related Differential microRNA Expression and Analysis of Colostrum and Mature Milk Exosomes in Bamei and Landrace Pigs.

Breast milk, an indispensable source of immunological and nutrient components, is essential for the growth and development of newborn mammals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are present in various tissues and body fluids and are selectively packaged inside exosomes, a type of membrane vesicle. Milk exosomes have potential regulatory effects on the growth, development, and immunity of newborn piglets. To explore the differences in milk exosomes related to the breed and milk type, we isolated exosomes from colostrum and mature milk from domestic Bamei pigs and foreign Landrace pigs by using density gradient centrifugation and then characterized them by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Furthermore, the profiles and functions of miRNAs in the two types of pig milk exosomes were investigated using miRNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis. We identified a total of 1081 known and 2311 novel miRNAs in pig milk exosomes from Bamei and Landrace pigs. These differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) are closely associated with processes such as cell signaling, cell physiology, and immune system development. Functional enrichment analysis showed that DE-miRNA target genes were significantly enriched in endocytosis, the T cell receptor signaling pathway, and the Th17 cell differentiation signaling pathway. The exosomal miRNAs in both the colostrum and mature milk of the two pig species showed significant differences. Based on related signaling pathways, we found that the colostrum of local pig breeds contained more immune-system-development-related miRNAs. This study provides new insights into the possible function of milk exosomal miRNAs in the development of the piglet immune system.

Nitrogen fertilizer affects the cooking quality and starch properties of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.).

Nitrogen has a critical influence on the yield and quality of proso millet. However, the exact impact of nitrogen on the cooking quality of proso millet is not clear. In this study, the cooking quality and starch properties of two proso millet varieties (waxy-Shaanxi millet [wSM] variety and non-waxy-Shaanxi millet [nSM] variety) were compared and analyzed under nitrogen fertilizer treatment (N150, 150 kg/hm2) and a control group without nitrogen application (N0, 0 kg/hm2). Compared with the N0 group, the N150 treatment significantly increased protein content, amylose levels, and total yield. Employing rapid visco analyser and differential scanning calorimetry analyses, we observed that under the N150 treatment, the peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity of proso millet powder were diminished, while the setback viscosity and enthalpy values (ΔH) increased. In addition, nitrogen treatment increased the solids content in the obtained rice soup and significantly hardened the texture of the rice. At the same time, we noticed that the absorption capacity of starch in water and oil was enhanced. These results showed that nitrogen fertilizer had significant effects on the cooking quality and starch properties of proso millet.

Acceptance of silver diamine fluoride use in community dwelling older adults, nursing home residents, and caregivers.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the level of acceptance of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatment between different functional groups of older adults aged 65-years-old and above. METHODS: Three groups were recruited representing functionally-independent ("Community dwelling"), frail ("Nursing home"), and functionally-dependent older adults ("Caregiver": proxy respondent involved in caring for an older adult of all functional levels). Participants viewed a video on SDF and an interviewer-led questionnaire collected demographics, dental experience and perception on SDF use. RESULTS: The study recruited 201 participants (100 "Community dwelling", 51 "Nursing home", 50 "Caregiver"). Overall, 73 % of participants were accepting of SDF treatment. Those in the "Community dwelling" group were most accepting (85 %), followed by the "Nursing home" group (61 %) and "Caregiver" group (60 %) (p<0.001). Participants were more accepting of SDF use on posterior (73 %) compared to anterior teeth (46 %). They were more accepting when SDF was presented as a treatment to avoid infection and pain (87 %), and general anesthesia (78 %). In a regression analysis, "Nursing home" and "Caregiver" participants were three times less likely to accept SDF (OR 0.27 [95 % CI: 0.13 to 0.60], and OR 0.27 [95 % CI: 0.12 to 0.58] respectively) compared to "Community dwelling" participants. After adjusting for other factors, only the "Caregiver" group remained significant (Adjusted OR 0.32 [95 % CI: 0.13 to 0.78]). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults were accepting of SDF and this treatment modality has the potential to be a routine treatment option in dental caries management in this population. However, this was less certain among frail and functionally dependent older adults. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: An SDF program to manage caries is likely to be well-received by functionally-independent older adults. However, the acceptance among frail and functionally-dependent older adults were lower even though SDF is mostly likely to benefit these populations. There is a need to investigate this relatively lower levels of acceptance.

Regulatory Effects of the Kiss1 Gene in the Testis on Puberty and Reproduction in Hezuo and Landrance Boars.

Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide encoded by the Kiss1 gene, combines with its receptor Kiss1R to regulate the onset of puberty and male fertility by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. However, little is known regarding the expression signatures and molecular functions of Kiss1 in the testis. H&E staining revealed that well-arranged spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round and elongated spermatids, and spermatozoa, were observed in 4-, 6-, and 8-month-old testes compared to 1- and 3-month-old testes of Hezuo pigs; however, these were not observed in Landrance until 6 months. The diameter, perimeter, and cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubules and the perimeter and area of the tubular lumen increased gradually with age in both pigs. Still, Hezuo pigs grew faster than Landrance. The cloning results suggested that the Hezuo pigs' Kiss1 CDS region is 417 bp in length, encodes 138 amino acids, and is highly conserved in the kisspeptin-10 region. qRT-PCR and Western blot indicated that the expression trends of Kiss1 mRNA and protein were essentially identical, with higher expression levels at post-pubertal stages. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the Kiss1 protein was mainly located in Leydig cells and post-pubertal spermatogenic cells, ranging from round spermatids to spermatozoa. These studies suggest that Kiss1 is an essential regulator in the onset of puberty and spermatogenesis of boars.

DPYSL4 is a Prognostic Indicator Linked to Immune Infiltration in Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Dihydropyrimidinase like 4 (DPYSL4), expressed little in normal tissues, was reported as one of the gene family members to predict prognosis in melanoma; however, there are no reports about the link between DPYSL4 expression in gastric cancer and the tumor immune microenvironment. METHODS: In our research, we first evaluated the differential expression level of DPYSL4 between gastric cancer tissues and paracancerous tissues, as well as the prognostic value of DPYSL4 expression in gastric cancer through the databases, such as Timer, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier plotter database, accompanied with the validation of clinical specimens by immunohistochemistry. Then, we also looked for the functional pathway of DPYSL4 by analyzing the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis based on DPYSL4 co-expression genes. Last but not least, the Timer database was also applied to analyze the correlation between DPYSL4 expression and immune cells, as well as signature molecules, in order to provide a theoretical basis for assessing the relationship between DPYSL4 expression and immune infiltration in gastric cancer. RESULTS: The results of databases and immunohistochemistry showed that the expression level of DPYSL4 in gastric cancer was higher than that in adjacent tissues, and DPYSL4 overexpression was associated with poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients. The analysis of Go and KEGG revealed that DPYSL4 expression was enriched in pathways involved in "immune responses". Furthermore, by the application of an immunoinfiltration database, DPYSL4 overexpression was strongly related to immune cell infiltration and their corresponding star molecules in gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Our study implied that DPYSL4 may be regarded as a prognostic indicator in gastric cancer and is associated with immune infiltration.

Exploring the anti-cancer potential of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) and their versatile role in enhancing drug delivery systems: a multifaceted approach to combat cancer.

There has been a growing global interest in the potential health benefits of edible natural bioactive products in recent years. Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal mushroom, has gained attention for its decadent array of therapeutic and pharmaceutical compounds. Notably, G. lucidum exhibits significant anti-cancer effects against various cancer types. Polysaccharides, a prominent component in G. lucidum, are pivotal in conferring its diverse biological and medicinal properties. The primary focus of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer activities of G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs), with particular attention to their potential to mitigate chemotherapy-associated toxicity and enhance targeted drug delivery. Our findings reveal that GLPs exhibit anti-cancer effects through diverse mechanisms, including cytotoxicity, antioxidative properties, apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and anti-proliferative effects. Furthermore, the potential of GLPs-based nanoparticles (NPs) as delivery vehicles for bioactive constituents was explored. These GLPs-based NPs are designed to target various cancer tissues, enhancing the biological activity of encapsulated compounds. As such, GLPs derived from G. lucidum represent a promising avenue for inhibiting cancer progression, minimizing chemotherapy-related side effects, and supporting their utilization in combination therapies as natural adjuncts.

Pregnancy in women with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome caused by novel compound heterozygous mutations of COL4A3 gene: Two cases reports.

RATIONALE: Autosomal recessive Alport syndrome (ARAS) is an hereditary heterogeneous disease that poses a serious risk to pregnant women. PATIENT CONCERNS: We reported 2 cases of pregnancy with progressive proteinuria. The case 1 was a 21-year-old woman with 24-h proteinuria increased from 2.03 to 11.72 g at 13 to 35 weeks of gestation, and the case 2 was a 28-year-old woman with 24-h proteinuria increased from 2.10 to 9.32 g at 8 to 36 weeks of gestation. In advanced stage of pregnancy, the fetal development was smaller than the gestational age. DIAGNOSES: Sanger sequencing showed that novel compound heterozygous mutations [c.1315 G>T (p.G439C) and c.4847 G>A (p.C1616Y)] of the collagen type IV alpha 3 chain (COL4A3) gene were found in the 2 cases. Renal puncture pathology confirmed the diagnosis of ARAS. INTERVENTIONS: The 2 cases were treated with albumin, compounded amino acids, calcium, vitamin D, and low molecular weight heparin in addition to conventional treatment during pregnancy. Pregnancy was terminated by cesarean section at 36 to 37 weeks of gestation. After delivery, the patients were treated with Losartan for anti-proteinuric therapy for 1 year. OUTCOMES: The neonatal weights and Apgar scores were normal. The patients recovered well and 24-h proteinuria decreased to pre-pregnancy level. LESSONS: When pregnant women present with a persistent increasing proteinuria, ARAS needs to be considered. Sanger sequencing is useful to assist in the diagnosis of ARAS. Multidisciplinary treatments from nephrologists and gynecologists are needed to ensure the safety of pregnancy and the fetus.

Reconstitution of Natural Killer cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is facilitated by Huiyang-Guben decoction through activating the Smad7/Stat3 signal pathway.

Natural Killer (NK) cell is the first batch of re-constructed cell populations after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), and its delayed reconstitution inevitably causes poor outcome. The traditional Chinese medicine Huiyang-Guben decoction (HYGB) has been clinically used in patients undergoing allo-HSCT, but its effect on NK cell reconstruction is still unclear. 40 patients with allo-HSCT therapy were randomly divided into the control group and the HYGB group, and were given oral administration of normal saline or HYGB for 4 weeks before allo-HSCT, respectively. NK cells were cultured and treated with transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) and HYGB in vitro, and cell viability, cell apoptosis, and the function of NK cells were evaluated. Functional verification experiments were performed by knocking down signal transduction molecule 7 (Smad7) in NK cells before TGF-ß and HYGB treatment. Clinical data suggested that HYGB intervention decreased the incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease after allo-HSCT, and increased the proportion of NK cell population. Meanwhile, HYGB improved cell viability, restrained apoptotic cell death, and enhanced cell killing activity of NK cells in patients with allo-HSCT. Notably, we found that HYGB significantly increased the expression level of Smad7 and the phosphorylation level of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) in NK cells from patients with allo-HSCT. Moreover, HYGB alleviated TGF-ß-induced NK cell impairment and re-activated the Smad7/Stat3 signaling in vitro, while silencing Smad7 reversed the protective effect of HYGB on TGF-ß-treated NK cells. HYGB promotes NK cell reconstruction and improves NK cell function after allo-HSCT through activating the Smad7/Stat3 signaling pathway.

Transcription factors NF-YB involved in embryogenesis and hormones responses in Dimocarpus Longan Lour.

Introduction: NF-YB transcription factor is an important regulatory factor in plant embryonic development. Results: In this study, 15 longan NF-YB (DlNF-YB) family genes were systematically identified in the whole genome of longan, and a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of DlNF-YB family was performed. Comparative transcriptome analysis of DlNF-YBs expression in different tissues, early somatic embryogenesis (SE), and under different light and temperature treatments revealed its specific expression profiles and potential biological functions in longan SE. The qRT-PCR results implied that the expression patterns of DlNF-YBs were different during SE and the zygotic embryo development of longan. Supplementary 2,4-D, NPA, and PP333 in longan EC notably inhibited the expression of DlNF-YBs; ABA, IAA, and GA3 suppressed the expressions of DlNF-YB6 and DlNF-YB9, but IAA and GA3 induced the other DlNF-YBs. Subcellular localization indicated that DlNF-YB6 and DlNF-YB9 were located in the nucleus. Furthermore, verification by the modified 5'RNA Ligase Mediated Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (5' RLM-RACE) method demonstrated that DlNF-YB6 was targeted by dlo-miR2118e, and dlo-miR2118e regulated longan somatic embryogenesis (SE) by targeting DlNF-YB6. Compared with CaMV35S- actuated GUS expression, DlNF-YB6 and DlNF-YB9 promoters significantly drove GUS expression. Meanwhile, promoter activities were induced to the highest by GA3 but suppressed by IAA. ABA induced the activities of the promoter of DlNF-YB9, whereas it inhibited the promoter of DlNF-YB6. Discussion: Hence, DlNF-YB might play a prominent role in longan somatic and zygotic embryo development, and it is involved in complex plant hormones signaling pathways.

Mapping of major QTL and candidate gene analysis for hull colour in foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.).

BACKGROUND: Hull colour is an important morphological marker for selection in seed production of foxtail millet. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying hull colour variation remain unknown. RESULTS: An F7 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population containing 215 lines derived from Hongjiugu × Yugu18 was used to analyze inheritance and detect the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for four hull colour traits using major gene plus polygene mixed inheritance analysis and composite interval mapping (CIM) in four environments. Genetic analysis revealed that the hull colour L* value (HCL*) was controlled by two major genes plus additive polygenes, the hull colour a* value (HCa*) was controlled by three major genes, the hull colour b* value (HCb*) was controlled by two major genes plus polygenes, and the hull colour C* value (HCC*) was controlled by four major genes. A high-density genetic linkage map covering 1227.383 cM of the foxtail millet genome, with an average interval of 0.879 cM between adjacent bin markers, was constructed using 1420 bin markers. Based on the genetic linkage map and the phenotypic data, a total of 39 QTL were detected for these four hull colour traits across four environments, each explaining 1.50%-49.20% of the phenotypic variation. Of these, six environmentally stable major QTL were co-localized to regions on chromosomes 1 and 9, playing a major role in hull colour. There were 556 annotated genes within the two QTL regions. Based on the functions of homologous genes in Arabidopsis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) gene annotations, five genes were predicted as candidate genes for further studies. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to use an inheritance model and QTL mapping to determine the genetic mechanisms of hull colour trait in foxtail millet. We identified six major environmentally stable QTL and predicted five potential candidate genes to be associated with hull colour. These results advance the current understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying hull colour traits in foxtail millet and provide additional resources for application in genomics-assisted breeding and potential isolation and functional characterization of the candidate genes.

Soil enzyme activities, physiological indicators, agronomic traits and yield of common buckwheat under herbicide combined with safeners.

In the pursuit of green agricultural development, alleviating the harmful effects of herbicides is critical. Herbicide safeners have been identified as an effective solution to safeguard crops without compromising the herbicidal efficacy. However, the impact of combined applications of herbicide and safeners on the physiological characteristics, growth, yield of common buckwheat, and soil enzyme activities remains unclear. Therefore, a two-year (2021 and 2022) field experiment was conducted in the Loess Plateau region of Northwest China under seven treatments: herbicide metolachlor application alone (H1); herbicide metolachlor combined with gibberellin (H1S1); herbicide metolachlor combined with brassinolide (H1S2); herbicide metolachlor combined with naian (H1S3); herbicide metolachlor combined with jiecaotong (H1S4); manual weeding (CK1) and spraying the same volume of water (CK2). The results indicated that H1S3 minimized herbicide toxicity while sustaining the herbicide control efficacy. H1S2 treatment significantly increased the chlorophyll content (SPAD value), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) activities, and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the leaves compared to H1 treatment. Additionally, the safeners helped restore the biochemical homeostasis of the soil by preventing the inhibition of invertase and urease activities and increasing soil catalase activity. Furthermore, H1S2 promotion of dry matter accumulation, alleviation of herbicide inhibition on plant height, stem diameter, grainnumber per plant and thousand-grain weight resulted in a significant increase in grain yield (14.36 % in 2021 and 27.78 % in 2022) compared to other safener treatments. Overall, this study demonstrates that brassinolide as a safener can effectively mitigate the negative effects of herbicide on the growth and development of common buckwheat while also improving grain yield. These findings provide valuable technical guidance for sustainable and intensive production of common buckwheat in the Loess Plateau of Northwest China.