Unveiling synergistic QTLs associated with slow wilting in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.).

KEY MESSAGE: A stable QTL qSW_Gm10 works with a novel locus, qSW_Gm01, in a synergistic manner for controlling slow-wilting traits at the early vegetative stage under drought stress in soybean. Drought is one of the major environmental factors which limits soybean yield. Slow wilting is a promising trait that can enhance drought resilience in soybean without additional production costs. Recently, a Korean soybean cultivar SS2-2 was reported to exhibit slow wilting at the early vegetative stages. To find genetic loci responsible for slow wilting, in this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was conducted using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from crossing between Taekwangkong (fast-wilting) and SS2-2 (slow-wilting). Wilting score and leaf moisture content were evaluated at the early vegetative stages for three years. Using the ICIM-MET module, a novel QTL on Chr01, qSW_Gm01 was identified, together with a previously known QTL, qSW_Gm10. These two QTLs were found to work synergistically for slow wilting of the RILs under the water-restricted condition. Furthermore, the SNP markers from the SoySNP50K dataset, located within these QTLs, were associated with the wilting phenotype in 30 diverse soybean accessions. Two genes encoding protein kinase 1b and multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 were proposed as candidate genes for qSW_Gm01 and qSW_Gm10, respectively, based on a comprehensive examination of sequence variation and gene expression differences in the parental lines under drought conditions. These genes may play a role in slow wilting by optimally regulating stomatal aperture. Our findings provide promising genetic resources for improving drought resilience in soybean and give valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms governing slow wilting.

RNA-seq profiling in leaf tissues of two soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) cultivars that show contrasting responses to drought stress during early developmental stages.

Drought stress is the major environment constraint on soybean yield, and a variety of pathways underlie drought tolerance mechanisms. Transcriptomic profiling of two soybean cultivars, drought-tolerant SS2-2 and drought-sensitive Taekwang, was performed under normal and drought conditions to identify genes involved in drought tolerance. This revealed large differences in water loss during drought treatment. Genes involved in signaling, lipid metabolism, phosphorylation, and gene regulation were overrepresented among genes that were differentially expressed between cultivars and between treatments in each cultivar. The analysis revealed transcription factors from six families, including WRKYs and NACs, showed significant SS2-2-specific upregulation. Genes involved in stress defense pathways, including MAPK signaling, Ca2+ signaling, ROS scavenging, and NBS-LRR, were also identified. Expression of non-specific phospholipases, phospholipase D, and PHOSPHATIDYL INOSITOL MONOPHOSPHATE 5 KINASE (PIP5K), which act in the lipid-signaling pathway, was greatly increased in SS2-2. The roles of PIP5K in drought stress tolerance were confirmed in Arabidopsis thaliana. Arabidopsis pip5k mutants had significantly lower survival rates under drought stress than wild-type plants. This study identified additional elements in the mechanisms used by plants to protect themselves from drought stress and provides valuable information for the development of drought-tolerant soybean cultivars. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-023-01385-1.

Stercoral Ulcer Presenting in a Patient with Cauda Equina Syndrome Secondary to Postoperative Epidural Hematoma.

Chronic constipation can lead to fecal impaction in the large bowel, which can cause pressure necrosis followed by perforation, known as a stercoral ulcer. In extensive posterior thoracolumbar surgery, a long operation time, large blood loss, and perioperative narcotic use may aggravate constipation. Moreover, sacral root palsy due to cauda equina syndrome (CES) can lead to the deterioration of fecal impaction. This report describes the case of a 77-year-old woman with CES who presented with saddle anesthesia, neurogenic bladder, bowel incontinence, and paraplegia. Five days prior, she had undergone extended posterior lumbar interbody fusion from L1 to L5. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an extended epidural hematoma. After urgent neural decompression, she gradually recovered from the saddle anesthesia, leg pain, and paraplegia over 3 weeks. Thereafter, the patient suddenly developed massive hematochezia and hemorrhagic shock. Urgent colonoscopy was performed, and a stercoral ulcer in the sigmoid colon was diagnosed. After 4 weeks of intensive care for hemorrhagic shock, pneumonia, and systemic sepsis, the patient was transferred to a general ward for intensive rehabilitation. One year after the operation, she was able to walk with assistance, and her urinary and bowel incontinence completely recovered. Chronic constipation, a common clinical problem, can sometimes cause relatively obscure but potentially life-threatening complications such as stercoral ulceration. Possible factors including advanced age, extensive spinal surgeries, prolonged operation time, significant blood loss, perioperative narcotic use, and the presence of spinal cord injury might contribute to the development of this condition. It highlights the importance of recognizing the potential development of stercoral ulcers in patients with CES and emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and management to avert catastrophic complications.

Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses of the accumulation of sucrose in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) leaves after pod removal.

KEY MESSAGE: Synchronous pod maturity is critical for increasing grain yield. The candidate genes involved in synchronous pod maturity were identified through RNA-seq and HPLC. Mungbean (Vigna radiata [L.] Wilczek), an important source of carbohydrate and protein in Asia, is characterized by nonsynchronous pod maturity; consequently, harvesting is labor intensive. Because pod maturity is associated with synthesis and remobilization of sucrose, we examined changes in sucrose levels and transcriptome in leaf (source) tissues after pod (sink) removal using two genotypes, VC1973A and V2984; VC1973A had higher synchronicity in pod maturity than V2984. After pod removal, much higher number of pods were produced in V2984 than VC1973A. The sucrose content of leaf tissues significantly decreased in V2984 because it continued to utilize assimilates from leaves for producing new pods, but significantly increased in VC1973A because of the loss of sink. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the number of differentially expressed genes was approximately fourfold higher in VC1973A than in those of V2984 after pod removal. The expression of two paralogous genes (Vradi01g05010 and Vradi10g08240), encoding beta-glucosidase enzymes, significantly decreased in VC1973A after pod removal and was significantly lower in depodded VC1973A than depodded V2984, indicating these two genes may participate in sucrose utilization for seed development by regulating the level of glucose. The results of this study will help elucidate the genetic basis of synchronous pod maturity in mungbean and facilitate the development of new cultivars with synchronous pod maturity.

Parallel domestication with a broad mutational spectrum of determinate stem growth habit in leguminous crops.

Stem growth habit is a key plant architecture trait determining yield potential in grain legumes, and the phenotypic change from the indeterminate stem growth habit of wild mungbeans (Vigna radiata) to the determinate stem growth habit of cultivated mungbeans is a critical domestication transition. Here we show that indeterminate stem growth in wild mungbean is modulated by a single gene, VrDet1, which encodes a signaling protein of shoot apical meristems. The transition from an indeterminate to a determinate stem growth habit was achieved by selection of two linked point mutations in two putative cis-regulatory elements, resulting in a significant reduction in gene expression. Both the wild-type nucleotides corresponding to the two point mutations were essential for VrDet1 function. In addition, two highly diverse haplotypes of Vrdet1 were found in cultivated mungbeans, suggesting dual domestication of Vrdet1. VrDet1 was orthologous to Dt1 in wild soybean and PvTFL1y in wild common bean, where multiple loss-of-function mutations altering the coding sequences of individual genes were selected to produce determinate stems in cultivated accessions. Interspecific comparison of these orthologs in the wild and cultivated accessions reveals the most conservative interspecific and intraspecific parallel domestication events with the broadest mutational spectrum of a domestication trait in leguminous crops. We also found that interspecifically and functionally conserved promoters possess cis-regulatory elements that are highly conserved in kind but greatly variable in number and order, demonstrating the evolutionary dynamics of regulatory sequences. This work provides insights into the origins of cultivated mungbean and exemplifies the conservativeness and plasticity of the domestication processes of related crops.

Genome sequence of Jatropha curcas L., a non-edible biodiesel plant, provides a resource to improve seed-related traits.

Jatropha curcas (physic nut), a non-edible oilseed crop, represents one of the most promising alternative energy sources due to its high seed oil content, rapid growth and adaptability to various environments. We report ~339 Mbp draft whole genome sequence of J. curcas var. Chai Nat using both the PacBio and Illumina sequencing platforms. We identified and categorized differentially expressed genes related to biosynthesis of lipid and toxic compound among four stages of seed development. Triacylglycerol (TAG), the major component of seed storage oil, is mainly synthesized by phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase in Jatropha, and continuous high expression of homologs of oleosin over seed development contributes to accumulation of high level of oil in kernels by preventing the breakdown of TAG. A physical cluster of genes for diterpenoid biosynthetic enzymes, including casbene synthases highly responsible for a toxic compound, phorbol ester, in seed cake, was syntenically highly conserved between Jatropha and castor bean. Transcriptomic analysis of female and male flowers revealed the up-regulation of a dozen family of TFs in female flower. Additionally, we constructed a robust species tree enabling estimation of divergence times among nine Jatropha species and five commercial crops in Malpighiales order. Our results will help researchers and breeders increase energy efficiency of this important oil seed crop by improving yield and oil content, and eliminating toxic compound in seed cake for animal feed.

QTL Analysis of Resistance to High-Intensity UV-B Irradiation in Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.).

High-intensity ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation is a complex abiotic stressor resulting in excessive light exposure, heat, and dehydration, thereby affecting crop yields. In the present study, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to high-intensity UV-B irradiation in soybean (Glycine max [L.]). We used a genotyping-by-sequencing approach using an F6 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between Cheongja 3 (UV-B sensitive) and Buseok (UV-B resistant). We evaluated the degree of leaf damage by high-intensity UV-B radiation in the RIL population and identified four QTLs, UVBR12-1, 6-1, 10-1, and 14-1, for UV-B stress resistance, together explaining 20% of the observed phenotypic variation. The genomic regions containing UVBR12-1 and UVBR6-1 and their syntenic blocks included other known biotic and abiotic stress-related QTLs. The QTL with the highest logarithm of odds (LOD) score of 3.76 was UVBR12-1 on Chromosome 12, containing two genes encoding spectrin beta chain, brain (SPTBN, Glyma.12g088600) and bZIP transcription factor21/TGACG motif-binding 9 (bZIP TF21/TGA9, Glyma.12g088700). Their amino acid sequences did not differ between the mapping parents, but both genes were significantly upregulated by UV-B stress in Buseok but not in Cheongja 3. Among five genes in UVBR6-1 on Chromosome 6, Glyma.06g319700 (encoding a leucine-rich repeat family protein) had two nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms differentiating the parental lines. Our findings offer powerful genetic resources for efficient and precise breeding programs aimed at developing resistant soybean cultivars to multiple stresses. Furthermore, functional validation of the candidate genes will improve our understanding of UV-B stress defense mechanisms.

GmBRC1 is a Candidate Gene for Branching in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill).

Branch number is one of the main factors affecting the yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.)). In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study combined with linkage analysis for the identification of a candidate gene controlling soybean branching. Five quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) were associated with branch numbers in a soybean core collection. Among these QTNs, a linkage disequilibrium (LD) block qtnBR6-1 spanning 20 genes was found to overlap a previously identified major quantitative trait locus qBR6-1. To validate and narrow down qtnBR6-1, we developed a set of near-isogenic lines (NILs) harboring high-branching (HB) and low-branching (LB) alleles of qBR6-1, with 99.96% isogenicity and different branch numbers. A cluster of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) segregating between NIL-HB and NIL-LB was located within the qtnBR6-1 LD block. Among the five genes showing differential expression between NIL-HB and NIL-LB, BRANCHED1 (BRC1; Glyma.06G210600) was down-regulated in the shoot apex of NIL-HB, and one missense mutation and two SNPs upstream of BRC1 were associated with branch numbers in 59 additional soybean accessions. BRC1 encodes TEOSINTE-BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTORS 1 and 2 transcription factor and functions as a regulatory repressor of branching. On the basis of these results, we propose BRC1 as a candidate gene for branching in soybean.

Detection of large sequence insertions by a hybrid approach that combine de novo assembly and resequencing of medium-coverage genome sequences.

Large sequence insertion (LSI) is one of the structural variations (SVs) that may cause phenotypic differences in plants. To identify the LSIs using medium-coverage sequencing data of four wild soybean (Glycine soja) genotypes, we designed a hybrid approach combining de novo assembly and read mapping. Total reads and reads with both ends unmapped were independently assembled into "ordinary contigs" and "orphan contigs", respectively, and subjected to pairwise alignment and stringent filtering. This approach predicted 24 LSIs averaging 2682 bp in size, with no overlap with SVs detected by Pindel, BreakDancer, or ScanIndel, and they were validated by PCR. Compared with the soybean (Glycine max) reference genome, 20 LSIs were located outside genic regions. One of the four LSIs within a genic region, LSI05, is located in the coding DNA sequence region of a protein kinase superfamily gene (Glyma.08G123500). It caused delayed translation initiation and loss of 24 amino acids in the wild soybean genotype CW12. LSI05 was more frequently observed in 29 G. soja accessions than in 34 G. max accessions. Identified LSIs would be genomic resources harboring novel gene contents for studying SVs and improving crops. Moreover, our cost-efficient approach may be applicable to other plant species.

Transcriptomic variation in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis pathway genes in soybean (Glycine spp.).

BACKGROUND: Proanthocyanidins are oligomeric or polymeric end products of flavonoid metabolic pathways starting with the central phenylpropanoid pathway. Although soybean (Glycine spp.) seeds represent a major source of nutrients for the human diet, as well as components for the cosmetics industry as a result of their high levels of flavonoid metabolites, including isoflavonoids, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in soybean remain unclear. RESULTS: We evaluated interspecific and intraspecific variability in flavonoid components in soybean using 43 cultivars, landraces and wild soybean accessions. We performed transcriptomic profiling of genes encoding enzymes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis using three soybean genotypes, Hwangkeum (elite cultivar), IT109098 (landrace) and IT182932 (wild accession), in seeds. We identified a Glycine max landrace, IT109098, with a proanthocyanidin content as high as that of wild soybean. Different homologous genes for anthocyanidin reductase, which is involved in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis, were detected as differentially expressed genes between IT109098 and IT182932 compared to Hwangkeum. CONCLUSION: We detected major differences in the transcriptional levels of genes involved in the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidin and anthocyanin among genotypes beginning at the early stage of seed development. The results of the present study provide insights into the underlying genetic variation in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis among soybean genotypes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Stochastic alternative splicing is prevalent in mungbean (Vigna radiata).

Alternative splicing (AS) can produce multiple mature mRNAs from the same primary transcript, thereby generating diverse proteins and phenotypes from the same gene. To assess the prevalence of AS in mungbean (Vigna radiata), we analysed whole-genome RNA sequencing data from root, leaf, flower and pod tissues and found that at least 37.9% of mungbean genes are subjected to AS. The number of AS transcripts exhibited a strong correlation with exon number and thus resembled a uniform probabilistic event rather than a specific regulatory function. The proportion of frameshift splicing was close to the expected frequency of random splicing. However, alternative donor and acceptor AS events tended to occur at multiples of three nucleotides (i.e. the codon length) from the main splice site. Genes with high exon number and expression level, which should have the most AS if splicing is purely stochastic, exhibited less AS, implying the existence of negative selection against excessive random AS. Functional AS is probably rare: a large proportion of AS isoforms exist at very low copy per cell on average or are expressed at much lower levels than default transcripts. Conserved AS was only detected in 629 genes (2.8% of all genes in the genome) when compared to Vigna angularis, and in 16 genes in more distant species like soya bean. These observations highlight the challenges of finding and cataloguing candidates for experimentally proven AS isoforms in a crop genome.

Translational genomics for plant breeding with the genome sequence explosion.

The use of next-generation sequencers and advanced genotyping technologies has propelled the field of plant genomics in model crops and plants and enhanced the discovery of hidden bridges between genotypes and phenotypes. The newly generated reference sequences of unstudied minor plants can be annotated by the knowledge of model plants via translational genomics approaches. Here, we reviewed the strategies of translational genomics and suggested perspectives on the current databases of genomic resources and the database structures of translated information on the new genome. As a draft picture of phenotypic annotation, translational genomics on newly sequenced plants will provide valuable assistance for breeders and researchers who are interested in genetic studies.

Genome-wide dissection of AP2/ERF and HSP90 gene families in five legumes and expression profiles in chickpea and pigeonpea.

APETALA2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) and heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) are two significant classes of transcription factor and molecular chaperone proteins which are known to be implicated under abiotic and biotic stresses. Comprehensive survey identified a total of 147 AP2/ERF genes in chickpea, 176 in pigeonpea, 131 in Medicago, 179 in common bean and 140 in Lotus, whereas the number of HSP90 genes ranged from 5 to 7 in five legumes. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses distinguished AP2, ERF, DREB, RAV and soloist proteins, while HSP90 proteins segregated on the basis of their cellular localization. Deeper insights into the gene structure allowed ERF proteins to be classified into AP2s based on DNA-binding domains, intron arrangements and phylogenetic grouping. RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses in heat-stressed chickpea as well as Fusarium wilt (FW)- and sterility mosaic disease (SMD)-stressed pigeonpea provided insights into the modus operandi of AP2/ERF and HSP90 genes. This study identified potential candidate genes in response to heat stress in chickpea while for FW and SMD stresses in pigeonpea. For instance, two DREB genes (Ca_02170 and Ca_16631) and three HSP90 genes (Ca_23016, Ca_09743 and Ca_25602) in chickpea can be targeted as potential candidate genes. Similarly, in pigeonpea, a HSP90 gene, C.cajan_27949, was highly responsive to SMD in the resistant genotype ICPL 20096, can be recommended for further functional validation. Also, two DREB genes, C.cajan_41905 and C.cajan_41951, were identified as leads for further investigation in response to FW stress in pigeonpea.

Effect of Mechanical Ventilation Mode Type on Intra- and Postoperative Blood Loss in Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of mechanical ventilation mode type, pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV), or volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) on intra- and postoperative surgical bleeding in patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, single-blinded, and parallel study that included 56 patients undergoing PLIF and who were mechanically ventilated using PCV or VCV. A permuted block randomization was used with a computer-generated list. The hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were measured after anesthesia induction in supine position, 5 min after patients were changed from supine to prone position, at the time of skin closure, and 5 min after the patients were changed from prone to supine position. The amount of intraoperative surgical bleeding, fluid administration, urine output, and transfusion requirement were measured at the end of surgery. The amount of postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirement were recorded every 24 h for 72 h. RESULTS: The primary outcome was the amount of intraoperative surgical bleeding, and 56 patients were analyzed. The amount of intraoperative surgical bleeding was significantly less in the PCV group than that in the VCV group (median, 253.0 [interquartile range, 179.0 to 316.5] ml in PCV group vs. 382.5 [328.0 to 489.5] ml in VCV group; P < 0.001). Comparing other parameters between groups, only peak inspiratory pressure at each measurement point in PCV group was significantly lower than that in VCV group. No harmful events were recorded. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative PCV decreased intraoperative surgical bleeding in patients undergoing PLIF, which may be related to lower intraoperative peak inspiratory pressure.

Variation block-based genomics method for crop plants.

BACKGROUND: In contrast with wild species, cultivated crop genomes consist of reshuffled recombination blocks, which occurred by crossing and selection processes. Accordingly, recombination block-based genomics analysis can be an effective approach for the screening of target loci for agricultural traits. RESULTS: We propose the variation block method, which is a three-step process for recombination block detection and comparison. The first step is to detect variations by comparing the short-read DNA sequences of the cultivar to the reference genome of the target crop. Next, sequence blocks with variation patterns are examined and defined. The boundaries between the variation-containing sequence blocks are regarded as recombination sites. All the assumed recombination sites in the cultivar set are used to split the genomes, and the resulting sequence regions are termed variation blocks. Finally, the genomes are compared using the variation blocks. The variation block method identified recurring recombination blocks accurately and successfully represented block-level diversities in the publicly available genomes of 31 soybean and 23 rice accessions. The practicality of this approach was demonstrated by the identification of a putative locus determining soybean hilum color. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the variation block method is an efficient genomics method for the recombination block-level comparison of crop genomes. We expect that this method will facilitate the development of crop genomics by bringing genomics technologies to the field of crop breeding.

Functional implication of ß-carotene hydroxylases in soybean nodulation.

Legume-Rhizobium spp. symbiosis requires signaling between the symbiotic partners and differential expression of plant genes during nodule development. Previously, we cloned a gene encoding a putative ß-carotene hydroxylase (GmBCH1) from soybean (Glycine max) whose expression increased during nodulation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum. In this work, we extended our study to three GmBCHs to examine their possible role(s) in nodule development, as they were additionally identified as nodule specific, along with the completion of the soybean genome. In situ hybridization revealed the expression of three GmBCHs (GmBCH1, GmBCH2, and GmBCH3) in the infected cells of root nodules, and their enzymatic activities were confirmed by functional assays in Escherichia coli. Localization of GmBCHs by transfecting Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) protoplasts with green fluorescent protein fusions and by electron microscopic immunogold detection in soybean nodules indicated that GmBCH2 and GmBCH3 were present in plastids, while GmBCH1 appeared to be cytosolic. RNA interference of the GmBCHs severely impaired nitrogen fixation as well as nodule development. Surprisingly, we failed to detect zeaxanthin, a product of GmBCH, or any other carotenoids in nodules. Therefore, we examined the possibility that most of the carotenoids in nodules are converted or cleaved to other compounds. We detected the expression of some carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (GmCCDs) in wild-type nodules and also a reduced amount of zeaxanthin in GmCCD8-expressing E. coli, suggesting cleavage of the carotenoid. In view of these findings, we propose that carotenoids such as zeaxanthin synthesized in root nodules are cleaved by GmCCDs, and we discuss the possible roles of the carotenoid cleavage products in nodulation.

The effects of weight-bearing conditions on patellofemoral indices in individuals without and with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate differences between the patellofemoral joint indices after supine, non-weight-bearing and standing position, and weight-bearing Merchant view radiographs in individuals without and with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographs of 44 knees without PFPS and 51 knees with PFPS were retrospectively evaluated. In both positions, the non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing Merchant views, patellar indices such as patellar tilt angle, lateral patellofemoral angle, lateral subluxation distance, lateral patellar displacement, and congruence angle were measured, respectively. The differences between the patellofemoral joint indices in knees with and without PFPS were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression analysis, in regards to correlation factors. RESULTS: The patellar tilt angle (p = 0.0002), lateral subluxation distance (p = 0.038), lateral patellar displacement (p = 0.0004), and congruence angle (p < 0.0001) on the weight-bearing Merchant view was significantly decreased in normal knees without PFPS. In pathologic knees with PFPS, the patellar tilt angle (p < 0.0001), lateral subluxation distance (p < 0.0001), lateral patella displacement (p < 0.0001), and congruence angle (p < 0.0001) on weight-bearing Merchant view was also significantly decreased. The difference between the patellofemoral indices was significantly more in knees specifically with PFPS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that patellofemoral indices measured during non-weight-bearing supine position do not sufficiently represent the patellofemoral kinematics during normal weight-bearing activities. We conclude that this study establishes the clinical significance and relevance of assessing the patellofemoral kinematics by weight-bearing, standing Merchant view radiographs, when evaluating patients with patellofemoral problems.

Paravertebral Nerve Block for Procedural Pain in Percutaneous Vertebroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to unidimensionally measure procedural pain at each percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) stage and evaluate the effectiveness of paravertebral nerve block (PVNB) in reducing procedural pain. METHODS: A retrospective study of prospectively collected data was conducted on 66 patients who underwent PVP for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (fluoroscopic-guided PVNB; 5 cm 3 of 0.75% ropivacaine on each side) and group B (local anesthesia). To investigate procedural pain associated with PVP, the visual analog scale score was assessed at each surgical stage: before the incision (stage 1), transpedicular approach (stage 2), and polymethylmethacrylate cement injection (stage 3). After the procedure, patients were asked about their surgical experience and satisfaction using the Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale. Periprocedural complications were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients (78.65 y of age) were finally enrolled: 30 from group A and 33 from group B. In both groups, a significant ≥2-point increase in procedural pain was observed during PVP compared with that during stage 1 ( P < 0.001). In stages 2 and 3, the pain intensity was significantly lower in group A ( P < 0.001). Upon discharge, the visual analog scale score improved in all groups; however, the Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale score was significantly higher in group A ( P < 0.001). There was no difference in periprocedural complications between the two groups ( P = 0.743). CONCLUSION: PVP causes significant procedural pain, and PVNB is a potentially effective modality for enhancing patient satisfaction and reducing procedural pain.

Transcriptomic analysis for the gamma-ray-induced sweetpotato mutants with altered stem growth pattern.

Introduction: Sweetpotato faces breeding challenges due to physiological and genomic issues. Gamma radiation is a novel approach for inducing genetic variation in crops. We analyzed the transcriptomic changes in gamma ray-induced sweetpotato mutants with altered stem development compared with those in the wild-type 'Tongchaeru' cultivar. Methods: RNA sequencing analyses were performed to identify changes in the expression of genes related to stem development. Results: Transcriptomic analysis identified 8,931 upregulated and 6,901 downregulated genes, including the upregulation of the auxin-responsive SMALL AUXIN UP RNA (SAUR) and three PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4) genes. PIF4 is crucial for regulating the expression of early auxin-responsive SAUR genes and stem growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. In the mutant, several genes related to stem elongation, including PIF4 and those involved in various signaling pathways such as auxin and gibberellin, were upregulated. Discussion: Our results suggest that gamma ray-induced mutations influence auxin-dependent stem development by modulating a complex regulatory network involving the expression of PIF4 and SAUR genes, and other signaling pathways such as gibberellin and ethylene signaling genes. This study enhances our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying stem growth in sweetpotato, providing valuable insights for genomics-assisted breeding efforts.