Genome-wide association study of stem structural characteristics that extracted by a high-throughput phenotypic analysis "LabelmeP rice" in rice.

Stem is important for assimilating transport and plant strength; however, less is known about the genetic basis of its structural characteristics. In this study, a high-throughput method, "LabelmeP rice" was developed to generate 14 traits related to stem regions and vascular bundles, which allows the establishment of a stem cross-section phenotype dataset containing anatomical information of 1738 images from hand-cut transections of stems collected from 387 rice germplasm accessions grown over two successive seasons. Then, the phenotypic diversity of the rice accessions was evaluated. Genome-wide association studies identified 94, 83, and 66 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the assayed traits in 2 years and their best linear unbiased estimates, respectively. These SNPs can be integrated into 29 quantitative trait loci (QTL), and 11 of them were common in 2 years, while correlated traits shared 19. In addition, 173 candidate genes were identified, and six located at significant SNPs were repeatedly detected and annotated with a potential function in stem development. By using three introgression lines (chromosome segment substitution lines), four of the 29 QTLs were validated. LOC_Os01g70200, located on the QTL uq1.4, is detected for the area of small vascular bundles (SVB) and the rate of large vascular bundles number to SVB number. Besides, the CRISPR/Cas9 editing approach has elucidated the function of the candidate gene LOC_Os06g46340 in stem development. In conclusion, the results present a time- and cost-effective method that provides convenience for extracting rice stem anatomical traits and the candidate genes/QTL, which would help improve rice.

Exploring Lignin Biosynthesis Genes in Rice: Evolution, Function, and Expression.

Lignin is nature's second most abundant vascular plant biopolymer, playing significant roles in mechanical support, water transport, and stress responses. This study identified 90 lignin biosynthesis genes in rice based on phylogeny and motif constitution, and they belong to PAL, C4H, 4CL, HCT, C3H, CCoAOMT, CCR, F5H, COMT, and CAD families. Duplication events contributed largely to the expansion of these gene families, such as PAL, CCoAOMT, CCR, and CAD families, mainly attributed to tandem and segmental duplication. Microarray data of 33 tissue samples covering the entire life cycle of rice suggested fairly high PAL, HCT, C3H, CCoAOMT, CCR, COMT, and CAD gene expressions and rather variable C4H, 4CL, and F5H expressions. Some members of lignin-related genes (OsCCRL11, OsHCT1/2/5, OsCCoAOMT1/3/5, OsCOMT, OsC3H, OsCAD2, and OsPAL1/6) were expressed in all tissues examined. The expression patterns of lignin-related genes can be divided into two major groups with eight subgroups, each showing a distinct co-expression in tissues representing typically primary and secondary cell wall constitutions. Some lignin-related genes were strongly co-expressed in tissues typical of secondary cell walls. Combined HPLC analysis showed increased lignin monomer (H, G, and S) contents from young to old growth stages in five genotypes. Based on 90 genes' microarray data, 27 genes were selected for qRT-PCR gene expression analysis. Four genes (OsPAL9, OsCAD8C, OsCCR8, and OsCOMTL4) were significantly negatively correlated with lignin monomers. Furthermore, eleven genes were co-expressed in certain genotypes during secondary growth stages. Among them, six genes (OsC3H, OsCAD2, OsCCR2, OsCOMT, OsPAL2, and OsPAL8) were overlapped with microarray gene expressions, highlighting their importance in lignin biosynthesis.

Distinct invasive patterns in situ between estrogen receptor-positive and triple-negative breast cancer through the intraductal tracking of carbon nanoparticles.

Given that the transition from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast cancer (BC) is crucial during the BC progression, the mechanism involved in the invasion transition behind triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) subtype has remained elusive. This article detected distinct invasion patterns of BC cells between the ER-positive and TNBC using intraductal murine models with intraductal administration of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs). First, the feasibility of the utility of CNPs as a tracer was proved. The area ratio of CNPs and tumor cells invading the stroma at the late stage was found significantly higher than that in the early stage in MNU-induced ER-positive BC. However, opposite results were obtained in the triple-negative model. Consequently, we proposed that the ER-positive phenotype cells behave differently between different stages during tumor progression while there is no such difference in the invasion process of TNBC cells. The analysis regarding the duct integrity along with immunohistochemical characteristics further explained the distinct invasion features between the ER-positive and triple-negative subtypes. Last, the relationship between the duct thickness and the duct integrity suggested that ER-positive tumors gradually increased in size within the lumen before the invasion. Overall, this study suggested the different invasion characteristics of ER-positive BC and TNBC in vivo.

Modified Bunnell suture repair versus bundle-to-bundle suture repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture: a prospective comparative study of patients aged <45 years.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the operative outcome of percutaneous repair (modified Bunnell suture technique) versus open repair (bundle-to-bundle suture technique) of acute Achilles tendon rupture. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture were evaluated in this prospective study. Thirty-six patients were treated using the bundle-to-bundle suture technique (group A), and 36 patients were treated using the modified Bunnell suture technique (group B). All patients underwent functional examination comprising measurement of the calf muscle circumference and performance of the single-leg heel-rise test. The length and diameter of the Achilles tendon were compared between the injured and uninjured sides on magnetic resonance imaging. The number of single-leg heel rises (height > 5 cm) performed within 15 s was compared between the injured and uninjured sides. The ankle range of motion was also recorded. The Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale score, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were used to evaluate the clinical outcome at 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were followed up. The mean follow-up duration did not significantly differ between group A (23.73 ± 2.81 months) and group B (22.61 ± 3.96 months). However, there were significant differences between groups in the heel-rise test (group A, 1.74 ± 0.96; group B, 2.37 ± 1.42) and length of the Achilles tendon (group A, 11.98 ± 1.64 cm; group B, 11.11 ± 1.74 cm). The calf circumference of the injured side was significantly larger in group A than in group B (p = 0.043). The cross-sectional diameter of the Achilles tendon was significantly smaller in group A than group B. At final follow-up, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the ATRS, AOFAS score, or VAS score. One patient in group A had delayed wound healing, which resolved in 40 days. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with open repair (bundle-to-bundle suture technique) achieved a better clinical outcome regarding the heel-rise test and calf circumference compared with those treated with percutaneous repair (modified Bunnell suture technique). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000035229 , 8/4/2020, Retrospectively registered.

Metabolomics Revealed the Effects of Momordica charantia L. Saponins on Diabetic Hyperglycemia and Wound Healing in Mice.

Momordica charantia L. saponins (MCS) may promote wound-healing properties but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects and mechanisms of MCS on diabetic wounds. The results have shown that higher MCS intake lowered fasting blood glucose levels, serum lipids, and lipopolysaccharides in diabetic mice. MCS-treated diabetic mice exhibited faster wound healing than the diabetic control groups. After three days, the diabetic control groups exhibited a wound area reduction of only 19.3%, while a 39.75% reduction was observed following high-dose MCS treatment. Five potential biomarkers were screened in the metabolomics study. The results revealed that MCS mainly regulated glycerophospholipid metabolism, fructose and mannose metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism, and the Krebs cycle, thus affecting wound healing. Overall, MCS could not only exert a hypoglycemic effect but also promote diabetic wound healing, making it a potential treatment option for diabetes-related wounds.

Corynebacterium parakroppenstedtii secretes a novel glycolipid to promote the development of granulomatous lobular mastitis.

Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) is a chronic idiopathic granulomatous mastitis of the mammary gland characterized by significant pain and a high propensity for recurrence, the incidence rate has gradually increased, and has become a serious breast disease that should not be ignored. GLM is highly suspected relative to microbial infections, especially those of Corynebacterium species; however, the mechanisms involved are unclear, and prevention and treatment are difficult. In this study, we demonstrated the pathogenicity of Corynebacterium parakroppenstedtii in GLM using Koch's postulates. Based on the drug sensitization results of C. parakroppenstedtii, and utilizing a retrospective study in conjunction with a comprehensive literature review, we suggested an efficacious, targeted antibiotic treatment strategy for GLM. Subsequently, we identified the pathogenic factor as a new type of glycolipid (named corynekropbactins) secreted by C. parakroppenstedtii. Corynekropbactins may chelate iron, cause the death of mammary cells and other mammary -gland-colonizing bacteria, and increase the levels of inflammatory cytokines. We further analyzed the prevalence of C. parakroppenstedtii infection in patients with GLM. Finally, we suggested that the lipophilicity of C. parakroppenstedtii may be associated with its infection route and proposed a possible model for the development of GLM. This research holds significant implications for the clinical diagnosis and therapeutic management of GLM, offering new insights into targeted treatment approaches.

Nanoparticle-Based Photothermal Therapy for Breast Cancer Noninvasive Treatment.

Rapid advancements in materials science and nanotechnology, intertwined with oncology, have positioned photothermal therapy (PTT) as a promising noninvasive treatment strategy for cancer. The breast's superficial anatomical location and aesthetic significance render breast cancer a particularly pertinent candidate for the clinical application of PTT following melanoma. This review comprehensively explores the research conducted on the various types of nanoparticles employed in PTT for breast cancer and elaborates on their specific roles and mechanisms of action. The integration of PTT with existing clinical therapies for breast cancer is scrutinized, underscoring its potential for synergistic outcomes. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying PTT and consequential modifications to the tumor microenvironment after treatment are elaborated from a medical perspective. Future research directions are suggested, with an emphasis on the development of integrative platforms that combine multiple therapeutic approaches and the optimization of nanoparticle synthesis for enhanced treatment efficacy. The goal is to push the boundaries of PTT toward a comprehensive, clinically applicable treatment for breast cancer.

Development of a nomogram to predict surgical site infection after open reduction and internal fixation for closed pilon fracture: a prospective single-center study.

BACKGROUND: To explore the risk factors and develop a nomogram in order to predict surgical site infection (SSI) after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for closed pilon fractures (CPF). METHODS: A prospective cohort study with one-year follow-up was carried out in a provincial trauma center. From January 2019 to January 2021, 417 adult patients with CPFs receiving ORIF were enrolled. A Whitney U test or t test, Pearson chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression analyses were gradually used for screening the adjusted factors of SSI. A nomogram model was built to predict the risk of SSI, and the concordance index (C-index), the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used for evaluating the prediction performance and consistency of the nomogram model. The bootstrap method was employed to test the validity of the nomogram. RESULTS: The incidence of SSI after ORIF for CPFs was 7.2% (30/417): 4.1% (17/417) of superficial SSIs and 3.1% (13/417) of deep SSIs. The most common pathogenic bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (36.6%, 11/30). The multivariate analysis showed tourniquet use, longer preoperative stay, lower preoperative albumin (ALB), higher preoperative body mass index (BMI) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) were independent risk factors of SSI. Additionally, the C-index and bootstrap value of the nomogram model were 0.838 and 0.820, respectively. Finally, the calibration curve indicated that the actual diagnosed SSI had good consistency with the predicted probability, and the DCA showed that the nomogram had clinical value. CONCLUSIONS: Tourniquet use, longer preoperative stay, lower preoperative ALB, higher preoperative BMI and Hs-CRP were five independent risk factors of SSI after closed pilon fractures treated by ORIF. These five predictors are shown on the nomogram, with which we may be able to further prevent the CPS patients from SSI. Trial registration NO 2018-026-1, October /24/2018, prospectively registered. The study was registered in October 24, 2018. The study protocol was designed based on the Declaration of Helsinki and admitted by the Institutional Review Board. The ethics committee approved the study on factors related to fracture healing in orthopedic surgery. Data analyzed in the present study were acquired from the patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation from January 2019 to January 2021.

[Scarf osteotomy combined with soft tissue balance release for severe hallux valgus].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical effect of Scarf osteotomy combined with soft tissue balance in treating severe hallux valgus. METHODS: Totally 38 patients(50 feet) with severe hallux valux who underwent Scarf osteotomy combined with soft tissue balance surgery from June 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, aged from 29 to 64 years old with an average of(54.7±6.8) years old; 26 feet on the left side and 24 feet on the right side;the courses of disease ranged from 5 to 23 years with an average of (12.4±3.9) years. Hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were compared before and after operation, and postoperative complications was observed. American orthopedic foot ankle society(AOFAS) score before operation and final follow-up was used to evaluate recovery of forefoot function, and visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain relief. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (50 feet) were followed up from 15 to 23 months with an average of (18.3±3.2) months. Preoperative HVA, IMA and DMAA were (44.61±3.92)°, (18.74±2.51)°, (12.85±2.11)°, and improved to (13.45±2.13)°, (7.83±1.36)°, (7.03±1.39)°at final follow-up, which had statistical differneces(P<0.05). No delayed union or nonunion of osteotomy end, fracture or loosening of internal fixation, hallux varus occurred. VAS and AOFAS score improved from (6.81±2.14), (43.6±8.4)points before operation to (1.97±0.78), (87.6±5.2) points at final follow-up, which had statistical difference(P<0.01). According to AOFAS at final follow-up, 20 feet got excellent result, 28 feet good and 2 feet moderate. CONCLUSION: Scarf osteotomy combined with soft tissue balance release for severe hallux valgus has good stability and corrective effect, but learning curve and postoperative complications should be paid attention.

Metal-free photo-induced sulfidation of aryl iodide and other chalcogenation.

A photo-induced C-S radical cross-coupling of aryl iodides and disulfides under transition-metal and external photosensitizer free conditions for the synthesis of aryl sulfides at room temperature has been presented, which features mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, high efficiency, and good functional group compatibility. The developed methodology could be readily applied to forge C-S bond in the field of pharmaceutical and material science.

Preoperative incidence and locations of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower extremity following ankle fractures.

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the preoperative incidence and locations of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing surgeries for ankle fractures and identify the associated risk factors. From January 2016 to June 2019, 1,532 patients undergoing surgery of ankle fractures were included. Their inpatient medical records were inquired for data collection, including demographics, comorbidities, injury-related data and preoperative laboratory biomarkers. DVT of bilateral lower extremities was diagnosed by routine preoperative Doppler examination. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors. Totally, 98 patients had a preoperative DVT, indicating an incidence rate of 6.4%. A total of 164 clots for 6 veins were found, representing an average of 1.7 for each patient. The detailed DVTs involving veins were as follows: 2 in femoral common vein, 7 in superficial femoral vein, 2 in deep femoral vein, 16 in popliteal vein, 49 in posterior tibial vein, and 88 in peroneal vein. In the multivariate model, 5 risk factors were identified to be associated with DVT, including age (10-year increase), gender, lower ALB level, reduced LYM count and elevated D-dimer level. There was a tendency for diabetes mellitus to increase the risk of DVT, although there was no statistical significance (p = 0.063). These epidemiologic data on DVT may help counsel patients about the risk of DVT, individualized risk assessment and accordingly the risk stratification.

Fe3O4 Nanoparticle/N-Doped Carbon Hierarchically Hollow Microspheres for Broadband and High-Performance Microwave Absorption at an Ultralow Filler Loading.

Although the existing Fe3O4-based microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) have shown promising microwave absorbing (MA) capacity, it is highly desired but still remains a great challenge to achieve strong minimum reflection loss (RLmin) and broad effective frequency bandwidth (fe) at an ultralow filler loading. Herein, for the first time, by carbonizing hierarchical poly(urea-formaldehyde) microcapsules with Fe3O4 nanoparticle cores in a nitrogen atmosphere, Fe3O4 hybrid and N-doped hollow carbon microspheres (Fe3O4/CMs) with a hierarchical micro/nanostructure are prepared on a large scale and at a low cost to achieve extremely superior MA performances. Benefitting from their unique structure and diverse composition, which synergetically contribute to good impedance matching, strong dielectric/magnetic loss, and abundant multiscattering/reflection, Fe3O4/CM composites possessed a RLmin value reaching -60.3 dB and an fe of as broad as 6.4 GHz (7.2-13.6 GHz, covering the full X-band) at an ultralow filler loading of 10 wt % in paraffin wax, which are significantly superior to those of the previously reported state-of-the-art Fe3O4-based or hollow MAMs. Furthermore, the fe can be adjusted in the range of 4.5-18 GHz, covering 85% of the whole measured frequency range, via changing the thickness between 2.5 and 5.5 mm. This work offers new insights for developing advanced lightweight MAMs with strong absorption and a broad absorbing frequency range at a low filler loading.

Ultralight Three-Dimensional Hierarchical Cobalt Nanocrystals/N-Doped CNTs/Carbon Sponge Composites with a Hollow Skeleton toward Superior Microwave Absorption.

It is extremely desirable but remains greatly challenging to obtain high-performance microwave absorption (MA) materials with thin thickness, lightweight, wide frequency bandwidth, and strong absorption by facile and low-cost preparing methods. In this work, by utilizing an inexpensively commercial melamine-formaldehyde sponge (MFS) as a template for growth of a Co-based metal-organic framework (ZIF-67) and subsequently carbonizing this ZIF-67-decorated MFS in a nitrogen atmosphere, an ultralight (8 mg cm-3), three-dimensional hybrid carbon sponge composite with a hierarchical micro/nanostructure and hollow skeleton is successfully prepared to acquire excellent MA performances for the first time. The as-obtained composite consisted of interconnected carbon microtubes as a skeleton, intertwined N-doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grew on the outer surface of the carbon microtubes, and metallic Co nanocrystals encapsulated at the tips of the CNTs. Benefiting from the unique architecture and hierarchical composite which contribute to a good conductive network, moderate magnetic loss, strong matched impedance, and multiple polarization, the composite (Co/CNTs/CS) exhibited a minimum reflection loss (RL) of -51.2 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, RL < -10 dB) of 4.1 GHz with a matching thickness of 2.2 mm at a filler loading of as low as 10 wt % in paraffin wax. Even with the thickness of 1.6 mm or at the filler loading of 5 wt %, the composites can also gain the low minimum RL value of -30.9 or -17.9 dB, respectively. In addition, the largest EAB was 5.4 GHz at the thickness of 2.0 mm, and the tunable EAB can be achieved in the range of 3.6-18 GHz, covering 90% of the measured frequency range via adjusting the absorber thickness between 1 and 5.5 mm. The results offer new insights for designing advanced microwave absorbers with lightweight, thin thickness, strong RL, and wide absorption frequency range.