Genome balance and dosage effect drive allopolyploid formation in Brassica.

Polyploidy is a major evolutionary force that has shaped plant diversity. However, the various pathways toward polyploid formation and interploidy gene flow remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that the immediate progeny of allotriploid AAC Brassica (obtained by crossing allotetraploid Brassica napus and diploid Brassica rapa) was predominantly aneuploids with ploidal levels ranging from near-triploidy to near-hexaploidy, and their chromosome numbers deviated from the theoretical distribution toward increasing chromosome numbers, suggesting that they underwent selection. Karyotype and phenotype analyses showed that aneuploid individuals containing fewer imbalanced chromosomes had higher viability and fertility. Within three generations of self-fertilization, allotriploids mainly developed into near or complete allotetraploids similar to B. napus via gradually increasing chromosome numbers and fertility, suggesting that allotriploids could act as a bridge in polyploid formation, with aneuploids as intermediates. Self-fertilized interploidy hybrids ultimately generated new allopolyploids carrying different chromosome combinations, which may create a reproductive barrier preventing allotetraploidy back to diploidy and promote gene flow from diploids to allotetraploids. These results suggest that the maintenance of a proper genome balance and dosage drove the recurrent conversion of allotriploids to allotetraploids, which may contribute to the formation and evolution of polyploids.

Fusiform nanoparticle boosts efficient genetic transformation in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

BACKGROUND: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a highly destructive phytopathogenic fungus that poses a significant threat to a wide array of crops. The current constraints in genetic manipulation techniques impede a thorough comprehension of its pathogenic mechanisms and the development of effective control strategies. RESULTS: Herein, we present a highly efficient genetic transformation system for S. sclerotiorum, leveraging the use of fusiform nanoparticles, which are synthesized with FeCl3 and 2,6-diaminopyrimidine (DAP). These nanoparticles, with an average longitude length of 59.00 nm and a positively charged surface, facilitate the direct delivery of exogenous DNA into the mycelial cells of S. sclerotiorum, as well as successful integration with stable expression. Notably, this system circumvents fungal protoplast preparation and tedious recovery processes, streamlining the transformation process considerably. Furthermore, we successfully employed this system to generate S. sclerotiorum strains with silenced oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase-encoding gene Ss-oah1. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of using nanoparticle-mediated delivery as a rapid and reliable tool for genetic modification in S. sclerotiorum. Given its simplicity and high efficiency, it has the potential to significantly propel genetic research in filamentous fungi, offering new avenues for elucidating the intricacies of pathogenicity and developing innovative disease management strategies.

Determinants for a low dose of alteplase and its relationship to a lower intracerebral bleeding risk in acute ischemic stroke.

Background: Factors for the utilization of intravenous thrombolysis with a low-dose of alteplase (0.6mg/kg) and whether the low-dose of alteplase could reduce the risk of intracerebral bleeding in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains uncertain. Aims: We aimed to investigate determinants for the utilization of intravenous thrombolysis with a low-dose of alteplase. We further assessed the association between the low-dose of alteplase and the intracerebral bleeding risk in AIS patients. Method: We included AIS patients who received intravenous thrombolysis using alteplase in this multicenter retrospective observational study. We investigated the association between baseline characteristics and the utilization of a low-dose of alteplase to identify determinants. We assessed the association of the low-dose of alteplase with the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) using a multivariable logistic regression model. We further compared the rate of sICH and any ICH in patients in the low-dose group to those in the standard-dose group, using propensity score-matching data. Results: A total of 506 AIS patients were included in this study. The mean age was 67 (interquartile range [IQR] 59-75), and 178 (35.2%) were women. A total of 96 patients were treated with the low-dose. Age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00 -1.04, p = 0.042), having a previous ischemic stroke (adjusted OR 2.01, 95%CI 1.11 - 3.64 p = 0.021) and increasing baseline systolic blood pressure (adjusted OR 1.12, 95%CI 1.00 - 1.26, p = 0.049) were determinants for the utilization of the low-dose. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the low-dose was significantly associated with a reduced risk of sICH (adjusted OR 0.13, 95%CI 0.03 - 0.62, p = 0.01). Propensity score analysis showed that the rate of sICH was significantly lower in the low-dose group compared to standard-dose group (2 [2.3%] vs 10 [11.4%], p = 0.032). There was no significant difference in the rate of any ICH between two groups (14 [15.9%] vs 18 [20.5%], p = 0.434). Conclusions: Patients with increasing age, a higher baseline systolic blood pressure, and previous ischemic stroke were at a higher odd of receiving a low-dose of alteplase. The low-dose was associated with a lower risk of developing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Airborne infection risk of inter-unit dispersion through semi-shaded openings: A case study of a multi-storey building with external louvers.

Building design for natural ventilation and indoor air quality have become increasingly important during the past decades. Investigating airflow routes of airborne transmission and evaluating the potential infection risk in the multi-storey building is helpful to the reduction of airborne transmission. Therefore, this study applies computational fluid dynamics simulations to investigate the inter-unit dispersion pattern of gaseous pollutant between different units through semi-shaded openings. The airflow exchange and pollutant dispersion in a multi-storey building is driven by wind-induced natural ventilation. External shading louvers, which are widely used in building facades to reduce heat gain from solar radiation, are chosen to establish the semi-shaded environment. Experimental validation is performed to make sure the accuracy of numerical settings in airflow investigation of semi-shaded openings. The airflow characteristics around semi-shaded openings is analyzed in the numerical simulations. The re-entry ratio of tracer gas and the airborne infection risk of COVID-19 is investigated in the cases with different louvers' locations and source units. The results show that the airflow is commonly slower in the semi-shaded space between louvers and openings. But the ventilation rate is not always consistent with the airflow speed because of the diversion effect from louver slats. The inter-unit infectious risk in the worst unit rises from 7.82% to 26.17% for windward shading, while it rises from 7.89% to 22.52% for leeward shading. These results are helpful to the further understanding of inter-unit transmission of infectious respiratory aerosols through external openings with complex structures.

Investigation on the relationship between hemoglobin concentration and stroke risk: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Background: The relationship between hemoglobin concentration and stroke has garnered significant interest in the research community. However, findings from published observational epidemiological studies on this relationship have been inconclusive. By using publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) aggregated statistics, a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis is conducted to explore the causal relationship between hemoglobin concentration and stroke. Methods: Summary statistics data from UK Biobank for hemoglobin concentration and from the FinnGen R9 and MEGASTROKE consortium for stroke are used. A series of quality control steps are taken to select eligible instrumental SNPs closely related to exposure. In order to make the conclusion more robust and reliable, several robust analysis methods are employed including inverse variance weighted, weighted median, MR-Egger regression, which are based on different assumptions of two-sample MR Analysis. Meanwhile, sensitivity analyses such as pleiotropy test and MR-Egg regression, are performed to mitigate horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Results: The two-sample Mendelian randomized study indicates a negative association between hemoglobin concentration and stroke, suggesting that hemoglobin concentration acts as a protective factor against stroke. From the FinnGen database, there is a negative association between hemoglobin concentration and stroke, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.82 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.73-0.92, p = 0.0006. Similarly, the MEGASTROKE database findings reinforce this observation. The negative association between hemoglobin concentration and stroke (OR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.83-1.00, p = 0.040), ischemic stroke (OR: 0.87, 95%CI: 0.79-0.96, p = 0.004), and cardiogenic stroke (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69-0.99, p = 0.039) further suggests that higher hemoglobin levels might confer a protective effect against these conditions. Conclusion: Hemoglobin concentration serves as a protective factor against stroke, and managing abnormal hemoglobin levels can effectively reduce the incidence of stroke.

Causal relationship between plasma metabolites and carpal tunnel syndrome risk: evidence from a mendelian randomization study.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common symptom of nerve compression and a leading cause of pain and hand dysfunction. However, the underlying biological mechanisms are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to reveal the causal effect of circulating metabolites on susceptibility to CTS. Methods: We employed various Mendelian randomization (MR) methods, including Inverse Variance Weighted, MR-Egger, Weighted Median, Simple Mode, and Weighted Model, to examine the association between 1,400 metabolites and the risk of developing CTS. We obtained Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with 1,400 metabolites from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) cohort. CTS data was derived from the FinnGen consortium, which included 11,208 cases and 1,95,047 controls of European ancestry. Results: The results of the two-sample MR study indicated an association between 77 metabolites (metabolite ratios) and CTS. After false discovery rate (FDR) correction, a strong causal association between glucuronate levels (odd ratio (OR) [95% CI]: 0.98 [0.97-0.99], p FDR = 0.002), adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) to phosphate ratio (OR [95% CI]:0.58 [0.45-0.74], p FDR = 0.009), cysteinylglycine disulfide levels (OR [95% CI]: 0.85 [0.78-0.92], p FDR = 0.047) and CTS was finally identified. Conclusion: In summary, the results of this study suggest that the identified glucuronate, the ratio of AMP to phosphate, and cysteinylglycine disulfide levels can be considered as metabolic biomarkers for CTS screening and prevention in future clinical practice, as well as candidate molecules for future mechanism exploration and drug target selection.

Optic nerve sheath diameter and optic nerve sheath diameter/eyeball transverse diameter ratio in prediction of malignant progression in ischemic stroke.

Background: The optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD)/eyeball transverse diameter (ETD) ratio has been suggested in the evaluation of intracranial pressure (ICP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of ONSD and ONSD/ETD in relation to risk for secondary malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMI). Methods: A total of 91 patients with MCA occlusion were included in this study. Data were divided into two groups based on development of MMI or not. ONSD and ETD were measured by unenhanced computed tomography (CT). The differences in ONSD and the ONSD/ETD ratios between the MMI and non-MMI groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to test the diagnostic value of ONSD and ONSD/ETD independently, to predict MMI. Results: The ONSD in the MMI group and non-MMI group were 5.744 ± 0.140 mm and 5.443 ± 0.315 mm, respectively (P = 0.001). In addition, the ONSD/ETD ratios in the MMI group and non-MMI group were 0.258 ± 0.008 and 0.245 ± 0.006, respectively (P = 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) for ONSD of 0.812 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.718-0.906, P = 0.001], with a sensitivity of 97.4% and a specificity of 66.0% at the cut-off value of 5.520 mm. The AUC for ONSD/ETD ratio in predicting occurrence of MMI was 0.895 (95% CI: 0.823-0.968, P = 0.001), with a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 92.5% at a cut-off value of 0.250. Conclusion: In acute stroke patients with massive cerebral infarction, an increased ONSD or ONSD/ETD ratio increases the odds of malignant progression and may be used as an indicator for emergent therapeutic interventions. In addition, the ONSD/ETD ratio may be more valuable than ONSD in predicting the malignant progression of acute stroke patients.

MMP9 SNP and MMP SNP-SNP interactions increase the risk for ischemic stroke in the Han Hakka population.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of eight variants of four matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes with ischemic stroke (IS) and whether interactions among these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) increases the risk of IS. METHODS: Among 547 patients with ischemic stroke and 350 controls, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry was used to examine eight variants arising from four different genes, including MMP-1 (rs1799750), MMP-2 (rs243865, rs2285053, rs2241145), MMP-9 (rs17576), and MMP-12 (rs660599, rs2276109, and rs652438). Gene-gene interactions were employed using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) methods. RESULTS: The frequency of rs17576 was significantly higher in IS patients than in controls (p = .033). Logistic regression analysis revealed the AG and GG genotypes of rs17576 to be associated with a higher risk for IS, with the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval being 2.490 (1.251-4.959) and 2.494 (1.274-4.886), respectively. GMDR analysis showed a significant SNP-SNP interaction between rs17576 and rs660599 (the testing balanced accuracy was 53.70% and cross-validation consistency was 8/10, p = .0107). Logistic regression analysis showed the interaction between rs17576 and rs660599 to be an independent risk factor for IS with an odds ratio of 1.568 and a 95% confidence interval of 1.152-2.135. CONCLUSION: An MMP-9 rs17576 polymorphism is associated with increased IS risk in the Han Hakka population and interaction between MMP-9 rs17576 and MMP-12 rs660599 is associated with increased IS risk as well.

SsCox17, a copper chaperone, is required for pathogenic process and oxidative stress tolerance of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Stem rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum has emerged as one of the major fungal pathogens of oilseed Brassica across the world. The pathogenic development is exquisitely dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation. Cox17 is a crucial factor that shuttles copper ions from the cytosol to the mitochondria for the cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) assembly. Currently, no data is available regarding the impact of Cox17 in fungal pathogenesis. The present research was carried out to functionally characterize the role of Cox17 in S. sclerotiorum pathogenesis. SsCox17 transcripts showed high expression levels during inoculation on rapeseed. Intramitochondrial copper content and CCO activity were decreased in SsCox17 gene-silenced strains. The SsCox17 gene expression was up-regulated in the hyphae under oxidative stress and a deficiency response to oxidative stress was detected in SsCox17 gene-silenced strains. Compared to the S. sclerotiorum wild-type strain, there was a concomitant reduction in the virulence of SsCox17 gene-silenced strains. The SsCox17 overexpression strain was further found to increase copper content, CCO activity, tolerance to oxidative stress and virulence. We also observed a certain correlation of appressoria formation and SsCox17. These results provide evidence that SsCox17 is positively associated with fungal virulence and oxidative detoxification.

Total Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Score and Cerebral Bleeding Risk in Patients With Acute Stroke Treated With Intravenous Thrombolysis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of total cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) score with the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) using recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from two stroke registries of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with IVT. We assessed the baseline magnetic resonance (MR) visible cSVD markers and total cSVD score (ranging from 0 to 4) between patients with and without ICH after IVT. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of total cSVD score with the risk of ICH after IVT, adjusted for cofounders selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). We additionally performed an E-value analysis to fully explain away a specific exposure-outcome association. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to quantify the predictive potential of the total cSVD score for any ICH after IVT. Results: Among 271 eligible patients, 55 (20.3%) patients experienced any ICH, 16 (5.9%) patients experienced a symptomatic ICH (sICH), and 5 (1.85%) patients had remote intracranial parenchymal hemorrhage (rPH). Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of any ICH increased with increasing cSVD score [per unit increase, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.03, 95% CI 1.22-3.41, P = 0.007]. Sensitivity analyses using E-value revealed that it would need moderately robust unobserved confounding to render the exposure-outcome (cSVD-any ICH) association null. ROC analysis showed that compared with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score alone, a combination of cSVD and NIHSS score had a larger area under the curve for any ICH (0.811, 95% CI 0.756-0.866 vs. 0.784, 95% CI 0.723-0.846, P = 0.0004). Conclusion: The total cSVD score is associated with an increased risk of any ICH after IVT and improves prediction for any ICH compared with NIHSS alone.

Effects of alteplase on neurological deficits and expression of GFAP and GAP-43 in brain tissue of rats with acute cerebral infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of alteplase on neurological deficits, as well as on the expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) in brain tissues of rats with acute cerebral infarction (ACI). METHODS: Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (n = 50) were enrolled in a trial to establish a ACI rat model; of these, 48 rats were succeeefully modeled and were randomized into either the model or alteplase group, whereas another 24 SD rats were included in the sham-operated group. FINDINGS: No significant difference in scores was observed between the model and alteplase groups at T1 (P > 0.05); however, rats in the alteplase group demonstrated lower scores than those in the model group at T2, T3, and T4 (P < 0.05). Rats in the model group showed a larger cerebral infarction volume than those in the alteplase group (P < 0.05), and the infarction volume on day 1, 3, 6, and 9 was higher in rats in the alteplase group than those in the sham-operated group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with alteplase can be effective in reducing cerebral infarction volume and moderating neurological deficits in ACI modeled rats within a 6-h time window, which may be correlated with the regulation of GFAP and GAP-43 expressions by alteplase.

Association Between Carotid Artery Perivascular Fat Density and Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source.

AIM: This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the association between pericarotid inflammation and the presence of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). METHODS: In total, 126 patients with ESUS and 118 patients with ischemic stroke from large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) were enrolled. All the patients underwent brain MRI and a neck CT angiography (CTA) examination. Reviewers were blinded to infarct location and stroke cause. Paired t-tests assessed within-subjects differences in mean Hounsfield units (HUs) in carotid perivascular fat between the cerebral infarction side and contralateral side for ESUS and LAA ischemic stroke cases. The unpaired Student's t-test was used to assess between-subjects differences in mean HUs between ESUS and LAA ischemic stroke cases. RESULTS: In both the ESUS cases and LAA ischemic stroke cases, the pericarotid fat density around the carotid artery ipsilateral to the stroke significantly increased compared with contralateral stroke position in both the groups (ESUS cases -56.31 ± 18.70 vs. -67.31 ± 20.01, p = 0.000; LAA ischemic stroke cases -51.62 ± 19.95 vs. -64.58 ± 22.68, p = 0.000). However, there was no significant difference in ipsilateral and contralateral positions to infarct between ESUS cases and LAA ischemic stroke cases (ipsilateral to infarct -56.31 ± 18.70 vs. -51.62 ± 19.95, p = 0.059; contralateral to infarct -67.31 ± 20.01 vs. -64.58 ± 22.68, p = 0.320). CONCLUSION: We found increased density in the fat surrounding carotid artery ipsilateral to stroke compared with contralateral in ESUS, suggesting the presence of an inflammatory reaction that extends beyond the vessel lumen in patients with ESUS with a risk factor profile similar to LAA strokes.

Host-Induced Gene Silencing of a Multifunction Gene Sscnd1 Enhances Plant Resistance Against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating necrotrophic fungal pathogen and has a substantial economic impact on crop production worldwide. Magnaporthe appressoria-specific (MAS) proteins have been suggested to be involved in the appressorium formation in Magnaporthe oryzae. Sscnd1, an MAS homolog gene, is highly induced at the early infection stage of S. sclerotiorum. Knock-down the expression of Sscnd1 gene severely reduced the virulence of S. sclerotiorum on intact rapeseed leaves, and their virulence was partially restored on wounded leaves. The Sscnd1 gene-silenced strains exhibited a defect in compound appressorium formation and cell integrity. The instantaneous silencing of Sscnd1 by tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-mediated host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) resulted in a significant reduction in disease development in tobacco. Three transgenic HIGS Arabidopsis lines displayed high levels of resistance to S. sclerotiorum and decreased Sscnd1 expression. Production of specific Sscnd1 siRNA in transgenic HIGS Arabidopsis lines was confirmed by stem-loop qRT-PCR. This study revealed that the compound appressorium-related gene Sscnd1 is required for cell integrity and full virulence in S. sclerotiorum and that Sclerotinia stem rot can be controlled by expressing the silencing constructs of Sscnd1 in host plants.

[Clinical effect of Liyan Tongqiao acupuncture in treatment of post-stroke dysphagia: an analysis based on diffusion tensor imaging].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical change of post-stroke dysphagia after the intervention of Liyan Tongqiao （relieving sore-throat and dredging orifices）acupuncture using cranial diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were enrolled and randomly divided into Liyan Tongqiao acupuncture group and neurology treatment group, with 30 patients in each group. The patients in the neurology treatment group were given routine neurology treatment and swallowing rehabilitation training, and those in the Liyan Tongqiao acupuncture group received acupuncture at Sishencong (EX-HN1), Baihui (GV20), bilateral Tai-yang (EX-HN5), and bilateral Fengchi (GB20) and tongue triple acupuncture, with an electroacupuncture apparatus for EX-HN1, bilateral GB20, and tongue triple acupuncture, for a needle retaining time of 30 minutes each time, once a day and 5 times a week, in addition to the treatment in the neurology treatment group. Each course of treatment was 3 weeks, and both groups were treated for 2 courses. Swallowing function assessment and cranial DTI were performed after treatment. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of treatment, both groups had a marked improvement in swallowing function, a significantly greater change in video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) score and a higher mean FA value (P<0.05). Compared with the neurology treatment group, the Liyan Tongqiao acupuncture group had a marked improvement in swallowing function, a significantly greater change in VFSS score in the pharyngeal phase and a higher mean FA value (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Liyan Tongqiao acupuncture can improve dysphagia and swallowing function in the pharyngeal phase in VFSS, possibly by promoting the remodeling of cerebral cortex and increasing the FA value of infarct zone through the stimulation of related acupoint signals.

Mutation screening in Chinese patients with familial Alzheimer's disease by whole-exome sequencing.

Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is characterized by a positive family history of dementia and typically occurs at an early age with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin1 (PSEN1), and presenilin2 (PSEN2) are the major causative genes of FAD. The spectrum of mutations in patients with FAD has been investigated extensively in the Caucasian population but rarely in the Chinese population. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing in a total of 15 unrelated Chinese patients with FAD. Among them, 12 were found to carry missense variants in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2. Two novel variants (APP: p.D244G, p.K687Q), 3 variants not previously associated with FAD (APP: p.T297M, p.D332G; PSEN1: p.R157S), and 7 previously reported pathogenic variants (APP: p.V717I; PSEN1: p.M139I, p.T147I, p.L173W, p.F177S, p.R269H; PSEN2: p.V139M) were identified. The novel variant APP p.K687Q was classified as likely pathogenic, and the other 4 variants (APP: p.D244G, p.T297M, p.D332G; PSEN1: p.R157S) were classified as uncertain significance. Therefore, APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 mutations account for 2 (25.0%), 5 (62.5%), and 1 (12.5%) of the genotyped cases positive for mutations, respectively. Furthermore, the genotype-phenotype correlations were described. Our findings broaden the genetic spectrum of FAD with APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 variants.

Microspore culture reveals high fitness of B. napus-like gametes in an interspecific hybrid between Brassica napus and B. oleracea.

The strategies of crossing B. napus with parental species play important role in broadening and improving the genetic basis of B. napus by the introgression of genetic resources from parental species. With these strategies, it is easy to select new types of B. napus, but difficult to select new types of B. rapa or B. oleracea by self-pollination. This characteristic may be a consequence of high competition with B. napus gametes. To verify the role of gamete viability in producing new B. napus individuals, the meiotic chromosome behavior of the interspecific hybrid between B. napus (Zhongshuang 9) and B. oleracea (6m08) was studied, and microspore-derived (MD) individuals were analyzed. The highest fitness of the 9:19 (1.10%) pattern was observed with a 5.49-fold higher than theoretical expectation among the six chromosome segregation patterns in the hybrid. A total of 43 MD lines with more than 14 chromosomes were developed from the hybrid, and 8 (18.6%) of them were B. napus-like (n = 19) type gametes, having the potential to broaden the genetic basis of natural B. napus (GD = 0.43 ± 0.04). It is easy to produce B. napus-like gametes with 19 chromosomes, and these gametes showed high fitness and competition in the microspore-derived lines, suggesting it might be easy to select new types of B. napus from the interspecific hybrid between B. napus and B. oleracea.

Reduction and pH dual-sensitive nanovesicles co-delivering doxorubicin and gefitinib for effective tumor therapy.

Owing to the complexity of tumorgenesis, combination therapy has proven to be a viable strategy for cancer treatment in recent years. However, the delivery and site-specific release of different therapeutic agents remain a major challenge in combination therapy. In this study, a polymeric nanovesicle based on a copolymer of polyethylene glycol and a polypeptide derivative was introduced as a vector to simultaneously deliver hydrophobic gefitinib and hydrophilic doxorubicin hydrochloride for multi-target combination therapy. The vesicle incorporating the two drugs exhibited prominent pH/reduction sensitivities to trigger the release of gefitinib and doxorubicin inside cancer cells. The two drugs co-delivered by the polymeric nanovesicle exhibited a joint anticancer effect both in vitro and in vivo. In particular, a remarkable therapeutic effect was demonstrated in animal studies using a mouse N2a neuroblastoma model. This study reveals the potential of reduction and pH dual-responsive nanovesicles bearing gefitinib and doxorubicin as an effective nano-medicine for cancer treatment.

Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Both Overlapping and Independent Genetic Loci to Control Seed Weight and Silique Length in Brassica napus.

Seed weight (SW) is one of three determinants of seed yield, which positively correlates with silique length (SL) in Brassica napus (rapeseed). However, the genetic mechanism underlying the relationship between seed weight (SW) and silique length (SL) is largely unknown at present. A natural population comprising 157 inbred lines in rapeseed was genotyped by whole-genome re-sequencing and investigated for SW and SL over four years. The genome-wide association study identified 20 SNPs in significant association with SW on A01, A04, A09, C02, and C06 chromosomes and the phenotypic variation explained by a single locus ranged from 11.85% to 34.58% with an average of 25.43%. Meanwhile, 742 SNPs significantly associated with SL on A02, A03, A04, A07, A08, A09, C01, C03, C04, C06, C07, and C08 chromosomes were also detected and the phenotypic variation explained by a single locus ranged from 4.01 to 48.02% with an average of 33.33%, out of which, more than half of the loci had not been reported in the previous studies. There were 320 overlapping or linked SNPs for both SW and SL on A04, A09, and C06 chromosomes. It indicated that both overlapping and independent genetic loci controlled both SW and SL in B. napus. On the haplotype block on A09 chromosome, the allele variants of a known gene BnaA.ARF18.a controlling both SW and SL were identified in the natural population by developing derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (dCAPS) markers. These findings are valuable for understanding the genetic mechanism of SW and SL and also for rapeseed molecular breeding programs.