Cold-stress induced metabolomic and transcriptomic changes in leaves of three mango varieties with different cold tolerance.

BACKGROUND: Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is grown in Hainan, Guangdong, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Fujian provinces and Guanxi autonomous region of China. However, trees growing in these areas suffer severe cold stress during winter, which affects the yield. To this regard, data on global metabolome and transcriptome profiles of leaves are limited. Here, we used combined metabolome and transcriptome analyses of leaves of three mango cultivars with different cold stress tolerance, i.e. Jinhuang (J)-tolerant, Tainung (T) and Guiremang No. 82 (G)-susceptible, after 24 (LF), 48 (MF) and 72 (HF) hours of cold. RESULTS: A total of 1,323 metabolites belonging to 12 compound classes were detected. Of these, amino acids and derivatives, nucleotides and derivatives, and lipids accumulated in higher quantities after cold stress exposure in the three cultivars. Notably, Jinhuang leaves showed increasing accumulation trends of flavonoids, terpenoids, lignans and coumarins, and alkaloids with exposure time. Among the phytohormones, jasmonic acid and abscisic acid levels decreased, while N6-isopentenyladenine increased with cold stress time. Transcriptome analysis led to the identification of 22,526 differentially expressed genes. Many genes enriched in photosynthesis, antenna proteins, flavonoid, terpenoid (di- and sesquiterpenoids) and alkaloid biosynthesis pathways were upregulated in Jihuang leaves. Moreover, expression changes related to phytohormones, MAPK (including calcium and H2O2), and the ICE-CBF-COR signalling cascade indicate involvement of these pathways in cold stress responses. CONCLUSION: Cold stress tolerance in mango leaves is associated with regulation of primary and secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways. Jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and cytokinins are potential regulators of cold stress responses in mango leaves.

Effect of Low Temperature on Content of Primary Metabolites in Two Wheat Genotypes Differing in Cold Tolerance.

The study of cold-tolerance mechanisms of wheat as a leading cereal crop is very relevant to science. Primary metabolites play an important role in the formation of increased cold tolerance. The aim of this research is to define changes in the content of primary metabolites (soluble proteins and sugars), growth, and photosynthetic apparatus of freezing-tolerant and cold-sustainable wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under optimal conditions and after prolonged (7 days) exposure to low temperature (4 °C). In order to gain a deeper comprehension of the mechanisms behind wheat genotypes' adaptation to cold, we determined the expression levels of photosynthetic genes (RbcS, RbcL) and genes encoding cold-regulated proteins (Wcor726, CBF14). The results indicated different cold-adaptation strategies of freezing-tolerant and cold-sustainable wheat genotypes, with soluble proteins and sugars playing a significant role in this process. In plants of freezing-tolerant genotypes, the strategy of adaptation to low temperature was aimed at increasing the content of soluble proteins and modification of carbohydrate metabolism. The accumulation of sugars was not observed in wheat of cold-sustainable genotypes during chilling, but a high content of soluble proteins was maintained both under optimal conditions and after cold exposure. The adaptation strategies of wheat genotypes differing in cold tolerance were related to the expression of photosynthetic genes and genes encoding cold-regulated proteins. The data improve our knowledge of physiological and biochemical mechanisms of wheat cold adaptation.

Allergenicity and structural properties of new Cor a 1 isoallergens from hazel identified in different plant tissues.

The hazel allergen Cor a 1 is a PR-10 protein, closely related to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. Hazel allergies are caused by cross-reactive IgE antibodies originally directed against Bet v 1. Despite the importance of PR-10 proteins in allergy development, their function and localization in the plant remain largely elusive. Therefore, the presence of Cor a 1 mRNA and proteins was investigated in different tissues, i.e., the female flower, immature and mature nuts, catkins, and pollen. Four yet unknown Cor a 1 isoallergens, i.e., Cor a 1.0501-1.0801, and one new Cor a 1.03 variant were discovered and characterized. Depending on the isoallergen, the occurrence and level of mRNA expression varied in different tissues, suggesting different functions. Interestingly, Cor a 1.04 previously thought to be only present in nuts, was also detected in catkins and pollen. The corresponding Cor a 1 genes were expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified proteins were analysed by CD and NMR spectroscopy. Immunoblots and ELISAs to determine their allergenic potential showed that the new proteins reacted positively with sera from patients allergic to birch, hazel and elder pollen and were recognized as novel isoallergens/variants by the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee.

Severe Acute Cor Pulmonale With Impending Shock: An Insidious Incidental.

The S1Q3T3 sign associated with cor pulmonale was first described by Sylvester McGinn and Paul White in 1935. It has since become an overlooked and relatively nonspecific finding associated with pulmonary embolism. We present this case to elucidate the importance for clinicians to promptly identify this electrocardiographic triad.

Unraveling disparities: Probing gender, race, and geographic inequities in pulmonary heart disease mortality in the United States: An extensive longitudinal examination (1999-2020) leveraging CDC WONDER data.

This comprehensive study delves into the epidemiological landscape of Pulmonary Heart Disease (PHD) mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2020, leveraging the extensive CDC WONDER database. PHD encompasses conditions affecting the right side of the heart due to lung disorders or elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries, including pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Analyzing data from death certificates, demographic characteristics, and geographical segmentation, significant trends emerge. The age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for PHD-related deaths show a fluctuating pattern, initially decreasing from 1999 to 2006, followed by a steady increase until 2020. Male patients consistently exhibit higher AAMRs than females, with notable disparities observed among racial/ethnic groups and geographic regions. Non-hispanic (NH) Black or African American individuals, residents of specific states like Colorado and the District of Columbia, and those in the Midwest region demonstrate elevated AAMRs. Furthermore, nonmetropolitan areas consistently manifest higher AAMRs than metropolitan areas. These findings underscore the urgent need for intensified prevention and treatment strategies to address the rising mortality associated with PHD, particularly among vulnerable populations. Insights from this study offer valuable guidance for public health initiatives aimed at reducing PHD-related mortality and improving outcomes nationwide.

Efficacy of automated fasteners versus hand-tied knots in cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Valve surgery is common in cardiac procedures, with fasteners like COR-KNOT® and hand-tied knots used for knot securing. This study compares their efficacy in valve surgery patients. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central until August 2023. Outcomes assessed included aortic cross-clamp time (AXT), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, valvular regurgitation, mortality, prolonged ventilatory support, atrial fibrillation, postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and renal failure. Subgroup analysis was performed for minimally invasive and open cardiac surgery. We used a random effects model for analysis. We included eight observational studies and two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1.411 participants. COR-KNOT significantly reduced AXT [MD -15.14, 95 % CI (-18.57, -11.70), P<0.00001] and CPB time [MD -12.38, 95 % CI (-14.99, -9.77), P<0.00001]. Valvular regurgitation [RR 0.40, 95 % CI (0.26, 0.61), P<0.0001] and need for prolonged ventilatory support [RR 0.29, 95 % CI (0.13, 0.65), P=0.003] were significantly lower with COR-KNOT. There were no significant differences in mortality [RR 0.39, 95 % CI (0.09, 1.69), P=0.44], atrial fibrillation [RR 1.03, 95 % CI (0.83, 1.27), P=0.81], LVEF changes [MD 0.05, 95 % CI (-1.37, 1.47), P = 0.95], or renal failure [RR 0.87, 95 % CI (0.16, 4.80), P = 0.87]. COR-KNOT devices reduce operative time and valvular regurgitation without increasing mortality or adverse outcomes. This supports their use in enhancing surgical efficiency and patient outcomes. However, ongoing discussions about suturing techniques, especially in minimally invasive procedures, highlight the need for further research and consensus among practitioners. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).

Cor Triatriatum Dexter With a Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defect in a 50-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report.

The diagnosis of atrial septal defect (ASD) may be delayed until adulthood or even later in life as it is a well-tolerated congenital heart disease. If patients are not examined and investigated well in childhood, the diagnosis may be delayed until later in adulthood when patients present with palpitations and sometimes dyspnea due to the right chambers dilatation from right ventricular volume overload. In this report, we present a case of a 50-year-old female patient with symptoms of heart failure and atrial fibrillation who was found to have dilated right cardiac chambers, dilated pulmonary artery, severe tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonary hypertension, and a pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs) of more than 1.5 by transthoracic echocardiography and Doppler, indicating left to right shunt at the atrial level. However, transthoracic echocardiography could not visualize the defect, and two-dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography was done in this patient and documented the presence of a sinus venosus ASD with an incomplete cor triatriatum dexter membrane; all four pulmonary veins were identified going to the left atrium. Since the presence of an incomplete cor triatriatum dexter membrane (despite causing no symptoms) makes the percutaneous closure of the sinus venosus ASD and the percutaneous repair of tricuspid regurgitation very difficult, we decided to advise surgical ASD closure and tricuspid valve repair for the patient.

Cardiac MR imaging of cor triatriatum sinister in an elderly man: A rare case report.

Cor triatriatum sinister an interesting and relatively rare congenital condition in which the left atrium is bisected by a fibromuscular membrane into 2 distinct chambers. Classically, patients are diagnosed at an early age, although in some cases they remain asymptomatic until adulthood and this is mainly due to differences in the degree of obstruction to pulmonary venous return and the presence of associated lesions. However, some patients may remain asymptomatic into adolescence or late adulthood due to incomplete membranes or other favorable circumstances. Although there are only a few cases where cardiac MRI has been used to diagnose cor triatriatum sinister, it is very suitable for making the diagnosis. important to carefully evaluate cases of cor triatriatum sinister, as it resembles the physiology of mitral stenosis. Such cases in elderly individuals accompanied by mitral and tricuspid regurgitation are very rare. We want to present a case of a diagnosed cor triatriatum with mitral and tricuspid regurgitation in a 73-year-old male, who was hospitalized due to signs of heart failure. The diagnosis was made using MRI.

ERF54 regulates cold tolerance in Rosa multiflora through DREB/COR signalling pathways.

Ethylene-responsive factors (ERFs) participate in a wide range of physiological and biological processes. However, many of the functions of ERFs in cold stress responses remain unclear. We, therefore, characterised the cold responses of RmERF54 in Rosa multiflora, a rose-related cold-tolerant species. Overexpression of RmERF54, which is a nuclear transcription factor, increases the cold resistance of transgenic tobacco and rose somatic embryos. In contrast, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of RmERF54 increased cold susceptibility of R. multiflora. The overexpression of RmERF54 resulted in extensive transcriptional reprogramming of stress response and antioxidant enzyme systems. Of these, the levels of transcripts encoding the PODP7 peroxidase and the cold-related COR47 protein showed the largest increases in the somatic embryos with ectopic expression of RmERF54. RmERF54 binds to the promoters of the RmPODP7 and RmCOR47 genes and activates expression. RmERF54-overexpressing lines had higher antioxidant enzyme activities and considerably lower levels of reactive oxygen species. Opposite effects on these parameters were observed in the VIGS plants. RmERF54 was identified as a target of Dehydration-Responsive-Element-Binding factor (RmDREB1E). Taken together, provide new information concerning the molecular mechanisms by which RmERF54 regulates cold tolerance.

An extreme case of cor triatriatum mimicking hypoplastic left heart syndrome and combined pulmonary vein stenosis.

A 65-day-old girl presented to the emergency room with lethargy, requiring emergency venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory cardiogenic shock. Initially, hypoplastic left heart syndrome was suspected. However, cor triatriatum with a pinpoint opening on the membrane was diagnosed based on a detailed echocardiographic examination. After membrane resection, the left heart size was restored. However, follow-up echocardiography performed 4 months later showed occlusion of both upper pulmonary veins and stenosis in both lower pulmonary veins. Hybrid balloon angioplasty was performed in all pulmonary veins, and stents were inserted into the right upper and lower pulmonary veins. Despite repeated balloon angioplasty, all pulmonary vein stenosis progressed over 6 months and the patient expired while waiting for a heart-lung transplant. Even after successful repair of cor triatriatum, short-term close follow-up is required for detecting the development of pulmonary vein stenosis.

COR-KNOT-Induced Leaflet Perforation: How It Happens and How to Prevent It: A Case Report.

The COR-KNOT suture fastening device has dramatically improved the efficiency of valve suture fixation. Despite its relative ease of use, there are important considerations in deployment to limit the risk of prosthetic valve injury. Herein, we report a case of iatrogenic aortic bioprosthetic insufficiency caused by poorly positioned COR-KNOTs and outline technical strategies to ensure success.

Obstructed Supramitral Inflow: Cor Triatriatum Sinister Presentation in Adulthood.

Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect that occurs when a fibromuscular membrane divides the atrium into two chambers, which may impair blood flow to the ventricle. When it does, the symptoms usually manifest during infancy or early childhood. In this E-challenge, though, the case of a 40-year-old man is reviewed whose symptoms of shortness of breath progressed over the years and were attributed to the diminished mitral valve inflow due to the restricted cor triatriatum sinister associated with pulmonary hypertension, tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome, and atrial fibrillation. Despite routine preoperative evaluation, intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was used to more accurately evaluate cor triatriatum sinister's morphology, hemodynamic significance, and associated anomalies.

Diagnosis and treatment of right ventricular failure secondary to acutely increased right ventricular afterload (acute cor pulmonale): a clinical consensus statement of the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care of the European Society of Cardiology.

Acute right ventricular failure secondary to acutely increased right ventricular afterload (acute cor pulmonale) is a life-threatening condition that may arise in different clinical settings. Patients at risk of developing or with manifest acute cor pulmonale usually present with an acute pulmonary disease (e.g. pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome) and are managed initially in emergency departments and later in intensive care units. According to the clinical setting, other specialties are involved (cardiology, pneumology, internal medicine). As such, coordinated delivery of care is particularly challenging but, as shown during the COVID-19 pandemic, has a major impact on prognosis. A common framework for the management of acute cor pulmonale with inclusion of the perspectives of all involved disciplines is urgently needed.

Decoding VaCOLD1 Function in Grapevines: A Membrane Protein Enhancing Cold Stress Tolerance.

In globally cultivated grapevines, low-temperature stress poses a persistent challenge. Although COLD1 is recognized as a cold receptor in rice, its function in grapevine cold signaling is unclear. Here, we identified VaCOLD1, a transmembrane protein from the cold-tolerant Vitis amurensis Rupr, which is primarily located on plasma and endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Broadly expressed across multiple tissues, VaCOLD1 responds to various environmental stresses, particularly to cold. Its promoter contains distinct hormone- and stress-responsive elements, with GUS assays confirming widespread expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. Validation of interaction between VaCOLD1 and VaGPA1, together with their combined expression in yeast and grape calli, notably improved cold endurance. Overexpression of VaCOLD1 enhances cold tolerance in Arabidopsis by strengthening the CBF-COR signaling pathway. This is achieved through shielding against osmotic disturbances and modifying the expression of ABA-mediated genes. These findings emphasize the critical role of the VaCOLD1-VaGPA1 complex in mediating the response to cold stress via the CBF-COR pathway.

Prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months: a cross-sectional analysis from South-East Ethiopia.

To meet the 2030 goal to end all types of malnutrition, thoroughly investigating and addressing context-specific factors of undernutrition is crucial. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in South-East Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 580 randomly sampled mother-child pairs in February 2022. Socio-demographic, dietary intake, household food security (HFS), maternal knowledge and practices of child feeding, and the child's weight and height data were collected. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was done. The prevalence of stunted, wasted, and underweight children was 32⋅1, 7, and 9 %, respectively. Being male (AOR = 1⋅75), not using the growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) service (AOR = 1⋅50), household food insecurity (HFI) (AOR = 1⋅67), lack of improved water (AOR = 2⋅26), and bottle-feeding (AOR = 1⋅54) were significantly associated with stunting. Being male (AOR = 3⋅02), having low maternal knowledge on child-feeding practices (AOR = 3⋅89), not listening to the radio/television (AOR = 3⋅69), having a history of fever (AOR = 3⋅39), bottle-feeding (AOR = 3⋅58), and HFI (AOR = 3⋅77) were significantly predicted wasting. Being male (AOR = 3⋅44), not using GMP service (AOR = 2⋅00), having a history of fever (AOR = 4⋅24), lack of knowledge on optimal breastfeeding duration (AOR = 3⋅58), low maternal knowledge on child feeding (AOR = 2⋅21), HFI (AOR = 2⋅04), and lack of improved water (AOR = 3⋅00) showed significant association with underweight. In conclusion, stunting is alarmingly common while wasting and underweight are sub-optimal. Prevention of infectious disease, providing basic education for fathers, ensuring HFS; enhancing media access, maternal knowledge about IYCFP and improving water access; and GMP service utilisation are crucial to improve child nutrition.

Pulmonary hypertension in adults completing tuberculosis treatment.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) after tuberculosis (TB) is typically not included among the chronic lung diseases causing PH (group 3 PH), with few data available to support the inclusion. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of PH in an adult population completing TB treatment. Methods: This single-centre, cross-sectional study only included patients with their first documented episode of TB, and who were in the second half of treatment or had recently completed treatment. PH was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography. Questionnaires were completed, and spirometry and a 6-minute walk test were performed. Results: One hundred patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 37.1 years, of whom 58% were male and 46% HIV positive. The median time since initiation of TB treatment was 22 weeks. The mean (standard deviation) measured right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was 23.6 (6.24) mmHg. One participant had PH (defined as RVSP ≥40 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.0 - 3.0) and a further 3 had possible PH (RVSP ≥35 and <40 mmHg), with a combined PH prevalence of 4% (95% CI 0.2 - 7.8). Airflow obstruction on spirometry was found in 13.3% of 98 patients, while 25.5% had a reduced forced vital capacity. There was no association between RVSP or PH/possible PH and sex, age, HIV status, systemic hypertension, spirometry measurements or 6-minute walking distance. Smoking status was associated with RVSP, but not with the presence of PH/possible PH. Conclusion: There was a significant prevalence of PH in this preliminary study of predominantly young patients completing treatment for a first episode of TB. Larger and more detailed studies are warranted. Study synopsis: What the study adds. Of 100 adult patients with their first episode of tuberculosis (TB) who underwent echocardiograms near the end of treatment completion to determine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH), 1 (1%) had PH and a further 3 (3%) had possible PH. There was no association between sex, age, HIV status, lung function or 6-minute walking distance and the presence of PH. The study adds to the growing awareness of the association of TB with pulmonary vascular disease. It shows that even in a young population with a first episode of TB treated in an ambulatory setting, there is a significant prevalence of PH on treatment completion.Implications of the findings. Given that 10.6 million people acquire TB annually, the absolute global burden of cases with PH is likely to be high, but is underappreciated to date. Further work is urgently needed in this field.

Cervico-Ocular and Vestibulo-Ocular Reflexes in Subclinical Neck Pain and Healthy Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Alterations in neck sensory input from recurrent neck pain (known as subclinical neck pain (SCNP)) result in disordered sensorimotor integration (SMI). The cervico-ocular (COR) and vestibulo-ocular (VOR) reflexes involve various neural substrates but are coordinated by the cerebellum and reliant upon proprioceptive feedback. Given that proprioception and cerebellar processing are impaired in SCNP, we sought to determine if COR or VOR gain is also altered. COR and VOR were assessed using an eye-tracking device in 20 SCNP (9 M and 11 F; 21.8 (SD = 2.35) years) and 17 control (7 M and 10 F; 22.40 (SD = 3.66) years) participants. COR gain (10 trials): A motorized chair rotated the trunk at a frequency of 0.04 Hz and an amplitude of 5° while participants gazed at a circular target that disappeared after three seconds. VOR gain (30 trials): Rapid bilateral head movements away from a disappearing circular target while eyes fixated on the last observed target. Independent t-tests on COR and VOR gain were performed. SCNP had a significantly larger COR gain (p = 0.006) and smaller VOR gain (p = 0.487) compared to healthy controls. The COR group differences suggest an association between proprioceptive feedback and SMI, indicating COR may be a sensitive marker of altered cerebellar processing.

Aborto e raça no Brasil, Pesquisa Nacional de Aborto 2016 a 2021 / Abortion and race in Brazil, National Abortion Surveys 2016 to 2021

Resumo Examinamos a realização do aborto segundo cor ou raça das mulheres no Brasil usando dados de três edições da PNA, 2016, 2019 e 2021. Comparamos diferenciais raciais aplicando testes de diferenças de médias a dados de levantamentos separados, levantamentos combinados sem reponderação, e levantamentos combinados e reponderados. Na comparação usamos ainda modelos logísticos para a chance de realização de aborto. Os resultados indicam que há diferencial racial consistente nas três edições da PNA, com os percentuais de aborto entre as mulheres negras sendo mais elevados do que entre as mulheres brancas. Nos levantamentos combinados e reponderados, entre as mulheres negras de todas as idades a probabilidade de ter feito um aborto é de 11,03% enquanto entre as mulheres brancas é de 7,55%. Isso significa uma diferença de 3,5 pontos percentuais, que se traduz em uma probabilidade 46% maior para as negras, valores estatisticamente significantes para um intervalo de 5%. Regressões logísticas produzem resultados similares, com probabilidade média predita das mulheres negras de 12,61% e das mulheres brancas de 8,90%, também significantes. As diferenças raciais persistem estatisticamente significantes para várias combinações de edições da PNA. Porém, nos levantamentos isolados os testes de diferenças de média são estatisticamente significantes apenas em 2016.

Abstract We examine racial differentials in abortion among women in Brazil using data from three editions of the Brazilian National Abortion Survey (PNA), 2016, 2019 and 2021. We test the difference in means in data from separate surveys, combined surveys without reweighting, and combined and reweighted surveys. We also use logistic models for the chance of having an abortion. The results indicate that there is a consistent racial differential in the three editions of PNA, with the percentage of abortions among Black women being higher than among white women. In the combined and reweighted surveys, among Black women of all ages the probability of having had an abortion is 11.03% while among white women it is 7.55%. This means a difference of 3.5 percentage points, which translates into a 46% higher probability for Black women, statistically significant values for a 5% interval. Logistic regressions produce similar results, with an average predicted probability of 12.61% for Black women and 8.90% for white women, also significant. Racial differences remain statistically significant for various combinations of PNA editions. However, in the separate surveys, the difference in means tests are only statistically significant in 2016. Black refers to the group formed by Black and Brown women (pretas and pardas). Due to the small sample size, it is not possible to say much about the differences with Asian and Indigenous women.