Associations of ambient temperature and total cloud cover during pregnancy with newborn vitamin D status

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to estimate the effects of temperature and total cloud cover before birth on newborn vitamin D status.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective birth cohort.

METHODS

This study included 2055 mother-newborn pairs in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The data of temperature and total cloud cover from 30 days before birth were collected, and cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were determined. Restricted cubic spline regression models, multiple linear regression models, and logistic regression models were applied to estimate the associations.

RESULTS

A "J" shaped curve was observed between temperature and vitamin D status, and an inverse "J" shaped curve was observed between total cloud cover and vitamin D status. Compared to the fourth quartile (75-100th percentile, Q4) of average temperature (30 days before birth), the odds ratio (OR) for Q1 (0-25th percentile) associated with the vitamin D deficiency occurrence (<20 ng/mL) was 3.63 (95% CI, 1.54, 8.65). Compared to Q1 of the average total cloud cover (30 days before birth), the OR associated with the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency was 2.38 (95% CI, 1.63, 3.50) for the Q4.

CONCLUSIONS

Low temperature and high cloud cover before delivery were significantly associated with an increased probability of vitamin D deficiency in newborns. The findings suggested that pregnancy women lacking sufficient sunlight exposure still need vitamin D supplement to overcome the potential vitamin D deficiency status.

Exploiting genomic tools for genetic dissection and improving the resistance to Fusarium stalk rot in tropical maize

KEY MESSAGE

A stable genomic region conferring FSR resistance at ~250 Mb on chromosome 1 was identified by GWAS. Genomic prediction has the potential to improve FSR resistance. Fusarium stalk rot (FSR) is a global destructive disease in maize; the efficiency of phenotypic selection for improving FSR resistance was low. Novel genomic tools of genome-wide association study (GWAS) and genomic prediction (GP) provide an opportunity for genetic dissection and improving FSR resistance. In this study, GWAS and GP analyses were performed on 562 tropical maize inbred lines consisting of two populations. In total, 15 SNPs significantly associated with FSR resistance were identified across two populations and the combinedPOP consisting of all 562 inbred lines, with the P-values ranging from 1.99 × 10-7 to 8.27 × 10-13, and the phenotypic variance explained (PVE) values ranging from 0.94 to 8.30%. The genetic effects of the 15 favorable alleles ranged from -4.29 to -14.21% of the FSR severity. One stable genomic region at ~ 250 Mb on chromosome 1 was detected across all populations, and the PVE values of the SNPs detected in this region ranged from 2.16 to 5.18%. Prediction accuracies of FSR severity estimated with the genome-wide SNPs were moderate and ranged from 0.29 to 0.51. By incorporating genotype-by-environment interaction, prediction accuracies were improved between 0.36 and 0.55 in different breeding scenarios. Considering both the genome coverage and the threshold of the P-value of SNPs to select a subset of molecular markers further improved the prediction accuracies. These findings extend the knowledge of exploiting genomic tools for genetic dissection and improving FSR resistance in tropical maize.

Deep learning-based facial analysis for predicting difficult videolaryngoscopy: a feasibility study

While videolaryngoscopy has resulted in better overall success rates of tracheal intubation, airway assessment is still an important prerequisite for safe airway management. This study aimed to create an artificial intelligence model to identify difficult videolaryngoscopy using a neural network. Baseline characteristics, medical history, bedside examination and seven facial images were included as predictor variables. ResNet-18 was introduced to recognise images and extract features. Different machine learning algorithms were utilised to develop predictive models. A videolaryngoscopy view of Cormack-Lehane grade of 1 or 2 was classified as 'non-difficult', while grade 3 or 4 was classified as 'difficult'. A total of 5849 patients were included, of whom 5335 had non-difficult and 514 had difficult videolaryngoscopy. The facial model (only including facial images) using the Light Gradient Boosting Machine algorithm showed the highest area under the curve (95%CI) of 0.779 (0.733-0.825) with a sensitivity (95%CI) of 0.757 (0.650-0.845) and specificity (95%CI) of 0.721 (0.626-0.794) in the test set. Compared with bedside examination and multivariate scores (El-Ganzouri and Wilson), the facial model had significantly higher predictive performance (p < 0.001). Artificial intelligence-based facial analysis is a feasible technique for predicting difficulty during videolaryngoscopy, and the model developed using neural networks has higher predictive performance than traditional methods.

Erratum: Search for Cosmic-Ray Boosted Sub-GeV Dark Matter Using Recoil Protons at Super-Kamiokande [Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 031802 (2023)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.031802.

Local Cost-Effectiveness of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Screening Strategies in Southern China: Secondary Analysis of the PRO-NPC-001 Cluster-Randomized Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Population-based screening for endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) detects most cases at an early stage. In a cluster-randomized trial conducted in Guangdong, a combination of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) anti-VCA/EBNA1 IgA serology and endoscopy reduced NPC mortality. We conducted a secondary analysis of this trial in conjunction with local incidence and cost data, hypothesizing that screening would be cost-effective in this region.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We estimated population-level NPC mortality reduction, resource utilization, and cost-effectiveness of 12 unique screening strategies in six populations in Guangdong/Guangxi using a previously-validated time-inhomogeneous decision-analytic cohort model. These 12 strategies evaluated combinations of serology, nasopharyngeal swab PCR (NP PCR), endoscopy, and head/neck MRI. Incidence data, screening costs, and healthcare costs were obtained from local cancer registries, laboratories conducting ELISA/PCR, and the Guangdong provincial healthcare system. We evaluated variable screening ages, sexes, intervals, and durations to identify optimal screening approaches from the perspective of the healthcare system in southern China. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) willingness-to-pay threshold of 1.50 times the per-capita GDP was considered cost-effective in southern China.

RESULTS

For the base strategy screening 50-year-old men and women using only serology and endoscopy, the average cost per screened subject for a single round of screening over a five-year cycle was ¥175.69. The addition of MRI improved sensitivity (76% vs. 62%) and approximately doubled screening costs. Triage with NP PCR was cost-neutral when used in conjunction with MRI and reduced endoscopy/MRI utilization by 37% with a 3-4% reduction in screening sensitivity. Among 50-year-old men and women, screening was cost-effective in all populations provided that medium-risk subjects were not referred for endoscopy/MRI (ICER/GDP 0.62-0.83). The use of NP PCR without MRI (ICER/GDP 0.83) was dominated by the base strategy (ICER/GDP 0.62) due to higher costs and NPC mortality. After a single five-year screening cycle, screening reduced population NPC mortality by 14% with serology + endoscopy and 21% with serology + endoscopy + MRI. Introduction of MRI with or without NP PCR could be cost-effective in all populations. For MRI-based strategies, the most efficient use of resources was deferral of endoscopy unless MRI was abnormal (ICER/GDP 0.67). Overall, the best-performing strategies balanced NPC mortality, screening costs, and MRI utilization.

CONCLUSION

EBV serology-based screening for endemic NPC is likely to be cost-effective among adult men and women in Guangdong and Guangxi. Referring medium-risk subjects for endoscopy/MRI should be avoided, and NP PCR should be used to triage individuals for MRI rather than endoscopy. These data may aid the design of population-based screening programs in this region.

Measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters from the T2K experiment using 3.6×1021 protons on target

The T2K experiment presents new measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters using 19.7 ( 16.3 ) × 10 20 protons on target (POT) in (anti-)neutrino mode at the far detector (FD). Compared to the previous analysis, an additional 4.7 × 10 20 POT neutrino data was collected at the FD. Significant improvements were made to the analysis methodology, with the near-detector analysis introducing new selections and using more than double the data. Additionally, this is the first T2K oscillation analysis to use NA61/SHINE data on a replica of the T2K target to tune the neutrino flux model, and the neutrino interaction model was improved to include new nuclear effects and calculations. Frequentist and Bayesian analyses are presented, including results on sin 2 θ 13 and the impact of priors on the δ CP measurement. Both analyses prefer the normal mass ordering and upper octant of sin 2 θ 23 with a nearly maximally CP-violating phase. Assuming the normal ordering and using the constraint on sin 2 θ 13 from reactors, sin 2 θ 23 = 0 . 561 - 0.032 + 0.021 using Feldman-Cousins corrected intervals, and Δ m 32 2 = 2 . 494 - 0.058 + 0.041 × 10 - 3 eV 2 using constant Δ χ 2 intervals. The CP-violating phase is constrained to δ CP = - 1 . 97 - 0.70 + 0.97 using Feldman-Cousins corrected intervals, and δ CP = 0 , π is excluded at more than 90% confidence level. A Jarlskog invariant of zero is excluded at more than 2 σ credible level using a flat prior in δ CP , and just below 2 σ using a flat prior in sin δ CP . When the external constraint on sin 2 θ 13 is removed, sin 2 θ 13 = 28 . 0 - 6.5 + 2.8 × 10 - 3 , in agreement with measurements from reactor experiments. These results are consistent with previous T2K analyses.

[Endoscopic ultrasonographic features of submucosal lesions of upper digestive tract suspected gastrointestinal stromal tumors and their correlation with progression and pathological risk grade of the lesions]

Objective: To investigate the endoscopic ultrasonographic (EUS) characteristics of submucosal lesions of upper digestive tract suspected gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and their correlation with biological behaviors and pathological risk grade of the tumors. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. The EUS findings, follow-up review, surgical treatment and pathological data of patients with suspected GIST at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center of Peking University People's Hospital from January 2013 to April 2021 were collected. All samples were divided into follow-up group and treatment group based on the pathological condition and the patient's treatment intention. According to whether or not the tumor was enlarged in EUS, the follow-up group was divided into non-enlarged group and enlarged group. Paired T-test was used to compare the lesion size before and after follow-up, and logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of tumor enlargement. According to the treatment methods, the treatment group was further divided into endoscopic treatment group and surgical treatment group. According to the pathological results and risk grade, the treatment group was further divided into the low-risk group and the medium-risk group. The risk factors of pathological malignant risk were analyzed by logistic regression, and the tumor diameter of patients with moderate or above pathological risk was predicted by receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve. The relationship between the findings of EUS and the progression and pathological risk of GIST were also explored. Results: Seventy-three cases including 23 males and 50 females, with an age of 58 (30-88) years, were included in the follow-up group, with a mean lesion diameter of (1.21±0.49) cm before follow-up, median follow-up interval of 33.8 months, and a lesion diameter of (1.18±0.49) cm after follow-up. There was no significant difference (all P>0.05) in lesion diameter between before and after follow-up. There was no significant difference (all P>0.05) between tumor enlargement group (18 cases, 24.7%) and non-enlargement group (55 cases, 75.3%). One hundred and thirty-eight cases, including 52 males and 86 females, with an age of 60 (19-84) years, were enrolled in the treatment group, with a mean EUS estimated diameter of (2.55±1.35) cm and pathological diameters of (3.43±2.42) cm. Ninety-five (68.8%) of these cases were pathologically confirmed as GIST while 43 cases were diagnosed as other tumor types, including 37 benign tumors and 6 malignant tumors. In multifactorial logistic regression analysis, only the increase of tumor diameter [OR (95%CI): 1.800 (1.172-2.766), P=0.007] was a risk factor for pathological intermediate or higher risk. The optimal tumor diameter for predicting pathological intermediate or higher risk using ROC curve analysis was 2.75 cm, with a sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 79.0%, Youden index 0.5 and area under ROC curve 0.807 (95%CI: 0.703-0.909). Conclusions: EUS is essential for assessing the risk of progression and malignancy of submucosal lesions of upper digestive tract suspected GIST. For lesions of small diameter, the interval of follow-up shall be relatively extended while the indication of treatment could be partially waived.

[LINC00926 promotes pyroptosis of hypoxia-induced human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells by recruiting ELAVL1]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the regulatory role of the long non-coding RNA LINC00926 in pyroptosis of hypoxia-induced human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and explore the molecular mechanism.

METHODS

HUVECs were transfected with a LINC00926-overexpressing plasmid (OE-LINC00926), a siRNA targeting ELAVL1, or both, followed by exposure to hypoxia (5% O2) or normoxia. The expression of LINC00926 and ELAVL1 in hypoxia-treated HUVECs was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and the levels of IL-1β in the cell cultures was determined with ELISA. The protein expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins (caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1 and NLRP3) in the treated cells were analyzed using Western blotting, and the binding between LINC00926 and ELAVL1 was verified with RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay.

RESULTS

Exposure to hypoxia obviously up-regulated the mRNA expression of LINC00926 and the protein expression of ELAVL1 in HUVECs, but did not affect the mRNA expression of ELAVL1. LINC00926 overexpression in the cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased IL-1β level and enhanced the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins (all P < 0.05). LINC00926 overexpression further up-regulated the protein expression of ELAVL1 in hypoxia-exposed HUVECs. The results of RIP assay confirmed the binding between LINC00926 and ELAVL1. ELAVL1 knockdown significantly decreased IL-1β level and the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins in hypoxia-exposed HUVECs (P < 0.05), while LINC00926 overexpression partially reversed the effects of ELAVL1 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

LINC00926 promotes pyroptosis of hypoxia-induced HUVECs by recruiting ELAVL1.

[Prediction of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma with magnetic resonance imaging using models combining deep attention mechanism with clinical features]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the consistency and diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the validity of deep learning attention mechanisms and clinical features for MVI grade prediction.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted among 158 patients with HCC treated in Shunde Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University between January, 2017 and February, 2020. The imaging data and clinical data of the patients were collected to establish single sequence deep learning models and fusion models based on the EfficientNetB0 and attention modules. The imaging data included conventional MRI sequences (T₁WI, T₂WI, and DWI), enhanced MRI sequences (AP, PP, EP, and HBP) and synthesized MRI sequences (T1mapping-pre and T1mapping-20 min), and the high-risk areas of MVI were visualized using deep learning visualization techniques.

RESULTS

The fusion model based on T1mapping-20min sequence and clinical features outperformed other fusion models with an accuracy of 0.8376, a sensitivity of 0.8378, a specificity of 0.8702, and an AUC of 0.8501 for detecting MVI. The deep fusion models were also capable of displaying the high-risk areas of MVI.

CONCLUSION

The fusion models based on multiple MRI sequences can effectively detect MVI in patients with HCC, demonstrating the validity of deep learning algorithm that combines attention mechanism and clinical features for MVI grade prediction.

Search for Cosmic-Ray Boosted Sub-GeV Dark Matter Using Recoil Protons at Super-Kamiokande

We report a search for cosmic-ray boosted dark matter with protons using the 0.37  megaton×years data collected at Super-Kamiokande experiment during the 1996-2018 period (SKI-IV phase). We searched for an excess of proton recoils above the atmospheric neutrino background from the vicinity of the Galactic Center. No such excess is observed, and limits are calculated for two reference models of dark matter with either a constant interaction cross section or through a scalar mediator. This is the first experimental search for boosted dark matter with hadrons using directional information. The results present the most stringent limits on cosmic-ray boosted dark matter and exclude the dark matter-nucleon elastic scattering cross section between 10^{-33}cm^{2} and 10^{-27}cm^{2} for dark matter mass from 1  MeV/c^{2} to 300  MeV/c^{2}.

Surgical treatment of spinal tenosynovial giant cell tumor: Experience from a single center and literature review

Introduction

Spinal tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a rare benign primary spinal tumor with aggressive behavior. The treatment strategy and prognosis of spinal TGCT remain unclear. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment of spinal TGCT.

Methods

We enrolled 18 patients with spinal TGCT who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital between January 2002 and January 2021. Additionally, we reviewed 72 cases of spinal TGCT with surgical treatment reported in the previous literature. Therefore, a total of 90 cases of spinal TGCT were evaluated for their clinical characteristics, surgical details, radiotherapy, and prognosis.

Results

In terms of the extent of resection, 73 cases (81.1%) underwent gross total resection (GTR), and 17 cases (18.9%) underwent subtotal resection (STR). Regarding the technique of GTR, 12 cases (16.7%) underwent en bloc resection, while 60 cases (83.3%) underwent piecemeal resection. During a median follow-up duration of 36 months (range: 3-528 months), 17.8% (16/90) cases experienced local recurrence/progression. The local recurrence/progression rate in cases that underwent GTR was 8.2% (6/73), which was significantly lower than that in cases with STR (58.8%, 10/17) (p<0.001). The local recurrence/progression rate of en bloc resection was 8.3% (1/12), and that of piecemeal resection was 8.3% (5/60). Twelve cases underwent perioperative adjuvant radiotherapy, and one (8.3%, 1/12) of them showed disease progression during follow-up. Six recurrent/progressive lesions were given radiotherapy and all of them remained stable in the subsequent follow-up. Eight recurrent/progressive lesions were only treated with re-operation without radiotherapy, and half of them (50.0%, 4/8) demonstrated repeated recurrence/progression in the subsequent follow-up.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment could be effective for spinal TGCT cases, and GTR is the preferred surgical strategy. Piecemeal resection may be appropriate for spinal TGCT cases with an acceptable local recurrence/progression rate. Perioperative adjuvant radiotherapy may reduce the risk of postoperative local recurrence/progression, and radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of recurrent/unresectable spinal TGCT lesions.

Influence factors and nomogram for volume reduction rate in benign thyroid nodule after thermal ablation

BACKGROUND

Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive and safe treatment for benign thyroid nodules, and the volume reduction rate (VRR) of nodule is a primary clinical efficacy indicator.

PURPOSE

To screen factors influencing VRR in benign thyroid nodules after thermal ablation and establish a predictable nomogram.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 238 patients with benign thyroid nodules who underwent thermal ablation between January 2016 and September 2021. Clinical information and imaging characteristics in routine ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) were evaluated. Factors influencing the VRR ≥75% were screened using multivariate logistic regression, and a predictable nomogram was established.

RESULTS

At the 12-month follow-up, the VRR of nodule was 77.0 ± 20.6% (18.4-100%). Seven factors influencing the VRR ≥75.0% were identified: echogenicity, component, calcification, enhancement degree, enhancement defect, ring enhancement, and energy of ablation. A nomogram was established based on the above factors, and the predictive ability of the model was confirmed by internal validation with 1000 bootstrap repetitions. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the model was 0.926, and the calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) revealed that this model demonstrated predictive ability.

CONCLUSION

Seven factors influencing VRR in benign thyroid nodules after thermal ablation were screened out in the present study and used to establish a nomogram to predict the probability of VRR ≥75% at the 12-month follow-up. It would be beneficial to make personalized medical decisions to trigger thermal ablation in patients with benign thyroid nodules.

Clinical study on the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures with single plane screw percutaneous internal fixation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical effect of single plane screw percutaneous internal fixation in the treatment of simple thoracolumbar fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The subjects of this study were 84 patients with simple thoracolumbar fractures treated in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. The patients were grouped by different treatment methods (42 cases in each group). The single plane group was treated by percutaneous single plane screw internal fixation and the universal group was treated with percutaneous universal screw. The surgery completion status and the incidence of complications were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) of the two groups were recorded before the surgery, 3 days after the surgery, and 7 days after the surgery. The anterior edge height ratio of the fractured vertebra and the kyphotic Cobb angle were marked before the surgery, immediately after the operation, and at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

Difference between groups in surgery time, blood loss and hospital stay was not statistically significant (p>0.05); the single plane group had a substantially lower incidence of complications than the universal group (p<0.05). At the last follow-up, the single plane group had greatly higher anterior edge height ratio of the injured vertebra than the universal group, while kyphotic Cobb angle was greatly higher in the universal group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both single plane screw and universal screw percutaneous internal fixation were feasible for the treatment of simple thoracolumbar fractures, but single plane screw showed better vertebral height recovery and kyphosis correction effect, which could reduce postoperative correction loss.

Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells confer protection against intervertebral disc degeneration through a microRNA-217-dependent mechanism

OBJECTIVE

Extracellular vesicles released by mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-EVs) can be applied to alleviate intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) by curbing apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). The current study aims to evaluate the effect of MSC-EVs on NPC apoptosis and IVDD and the related regulatory mechanisms involving microRNA (miR)-217.

METHOD

Expression of miR-217 was examined in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced NPCs and MSC-EVs, followed by identification in the relationship between miR-217, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and forkhead box O-3 (FOXO3). After isolation of EVs from MSCs and subsequent co-culture with NPCs, we assessed effects of miR-217 on NPC viability, autophagy, senescence and apoptosis along with extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Further in vivo experiments were conducted in rat models of IVDD to substantiate the effect of miR-217 on IVDD.

RESULTS

Poor miR-217 expression was found in TNF-α-induced NPCs, while high miR-217 expression was identified in MSC-EVs (P < 0.05). MSC-EVs transferred miR-217 to NPCs and increased its expression, thus attenuating NPC apoptosis and ECM degradation (elevated collagen II and aggrecan but reduced MMP13 and ADAMTS5) (P < 0.05). miR-217 targeted EZH2, and EZH2 bound to the FOXO3 promoter and consequently downregulated its expression. FOXO3 restrained NPC apoptosis and ECM degradation by stimulating cell autophagy (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in vivo experimental results confirmed the suppressive role of miR-217 shuttled by MSC-EVs in IVDD.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the delivery of miR-217 may be a novel mechanism underlying the effect of MSC-EVs on NPC apoptosis and ECM degradation following IVDD.

[Mucinous nevus]

Mucinous nevus is an exceptional entity and presents as flesh-colored to brownish papules or plaques, coalescing to form a pigmentary or verrucous lesion with either a blaschkoid, linear, grouped or zosteriform disposition. It usually appears at birth or during early childhood, but late onset has also been described. Mucinous nevus does not require additional work-up as no internal pathologies have been described. Abstention of any therapeutic intervention is usually preferred.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: Effects on secondary metabolite accumulation of traditional Chinese medicines

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played a pivotal role in maintaining the health of people, and the intrinsic quality of TCM is directly related to the clinical efficacy. The medicinal ingredients of TCM are derived from the secondary metabolites of plant metabolism and are also the result of the coordination of various physiological activities in plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are among the most ubiquitous plant mutualists that enhance the growth and yield of plants by facilitating the uptake of nutrients and water. Symbiosis of AMF with higher plants promotes growth and helps in the accumulation of secondary metabolites. However, there is still no systematic analysis and summation of their roles in the application of TCM, biosynthesis and accumulation of active substances of herbs, as well as the mechanisms. AMF directly or indirectly affect the accumulation of secondary metabolites of TCM, which is the focus of this review. First, in this review, the effects of AMF symbiosis on the content of different secondary metabolites in TCM, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids, are summarized. Moreover, the mechanism of AMF regulating the synthesis of secondary metabolites was also considered, in combination with the establishment of mycorrhizal symbionts, response mechanisms of plant hormones, nutritional elements and expression of key enzyme their activities. Finally, combined with the current application prospects for AMF in TCM, future in-depth research is planned, thus providing a reference for improving the quality of TCM. In this manuscript, we review the research status of AMF in promoting the accumulation of secondary metabolites in TCM to provide new ideas and methods for improving the quality of TCM.

Intralesional Marginal Resection for Osteoblastoma in the Mobile Spine: Experience From a Single Center

Osteoblastoma (OB) is a benign bone tumor with aggressive behavior and a tendency for local recurrence. The appropriate surgical strategy for spinal OB remains unclear. This retrospective study aimed to verify the clinical efficacy and safety of intralesional marginal resection of OB in the mobile spine. We enrolled 50 consecutive patients with spinal OB between January 2009 and December 2019. The tumors were staged based on the Enneking system, with 21 and 29 lesions being determined as stage 2 (St.2) and stage 3 (St.3), respectively. Among them, 42 patients underwent intralesional marginal resection, five underwent extensive curettage, and three underwent en bloc resection successfully since their lesions were limited to the posterior element in a single vertebra. We analyzed clinical characteristics, perioperative and follow-up images, surgical details, and follow-up data. Within a median follow-up duration of 50 (range: 24–160) months, six (12.0%) patients had local recurrence. The recurrence rates among patients who underwent intralesional marginal resection, curettage, en bloc resection were 7.1%(3/42), 60.0%(3/5), and 0%(0/3), respectively. The recurrence rate of intralesional marginal resection of St.3 lesions was slightly higher than that of St.2 lesions (7.7%[2/26] vs. 6.3%[1/16]). There were 16(38.1%), 3(60.0%), and 0 patients with surgical complications among those who underwent intralesional marginal resection, curettage, and en bloc resection, respectively. Local recurrence was observed in five (5/14, 35.7%) patients who had vertebral artery extension and in none who did not have vertebral artery extension (p = 0.02). Our findings suggest that intralesional marginal resection could be an appropriate treatment choice for patients with spinal OB, both St.2 and St.3 lesions, with an acceptable local recurrence rate and a low risk of complications. Vertebral artery extension could be a strong risk factor for local recurrence in patients with spinal OB.

OP0076 L-ARGININE REPROGRAMS OSTEOCLAST PURINE METABOLISM AMELIORATING BONE LOSS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Bone erosion is a clinical feature of rheumatoid arthritis related to disease severity and poor functional prognosis. Excessive osteoclast differentiation and insufficient osteoblast function are the main reasons for the erosive process in RA. Our previous investigation indicated that L-arginine supplementation not only diminished arthritic inflammation in the serum-induced arthritis (K/BxN) model but also decreased inflammatory joints osteoclast numbers (1).

Objectives

In the present study, we aim to investigate the metabolic action of L-arginine supplementation in RA, especially on periarticular bone erosion and systemic bone loss. We plan to depict the metabolic features of TNFα induced inflammatory osteoclasts after in vitro L-arginine supplementation.

Methods

Three murine arthritis models (serum-induced arthritis (K/BxN) model, collagen-induced arthritis model, and hTNFtg mice model) were analysed in this study. L-arginine was supplemented within the drinking water after the onset of arthritis. Bone parameters for axial skeleton (spine) and peripheral skeleton (tibia) from the respective group were quantified by μCT. HE and TRAP staining were performed to address further the erosion area and osteoclast numbers in periarticular sites. In vitro osteoclast differentiation was conducted with or without L-arginine treatment, in the presence or not of TNFα activation. Seahorse and SCENITH analyses were adopted to delineate the metabolic features. JC-1 staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to depict the mitochondria metabolism. RNA-seq and mass spectrometry (MS) were performed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism.

Results

Inflammation was diminished in all three arthritis models after L-arginine supplementation with a significant reduction in arthritic score. Moreover, an amelioration of periarticular bone erosion, systemic bone loss, and decreased osteoclast numbers in periarticular sites were observed in arthritic mice after L-arginine treatment. L-arginine also inhibited osteoclastogenesis in vitro, particularly under TNFα activation. Seahorse and SCENITH analyses indicated TNFα promoted glycolysis while blocking mitochondria-driven oxidative phosphorylations (OXPHOS) in pre-osteoclasts. Meanwhile, JC-1 staining and TEM images also showed that TNFα decreased mitochondria membrane potential and prompted damage of mitochondria. Surprisingly, L-arginine rescued the TNFα inhibition of OXPHOS while promoting ATP production.

RNA-seq and MS data confirmed the boost of OXPHOS after L-arginine treatment under TNFα activation. To interfere with OXPHOS, L-arginine inhibited cJun thus altered arginase-1 and arginase-2 expression. Moreover, the increased ATP in L-arginine treated cells facilitated purine metabolism, especially the production of inosine and hypoxanthine, contributing to the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. Increasing Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is essential for the production of inosine and hypoxanthine due to the decreased inhibitory regulation of the transcription factor c-Jun.

Conclusion

These data strongly demonstrated that L-arginine ameliorates bone erosion in RA through metabolic reprogramming and perturbation of purine metabolism in osteoclasts. L-arginine might therefore benefit RA therapy by reducing joint inflammation and also ameliorating bone destruction.

References

[1]Hannemann, Nicole, et al. “Transcription factor Fra-1 targets arginase-1 to enhance macrophage-mediated inflammation in arthritis.” The Journal of clinical investigation 129.7 (2019): 2669-2684.

Disclosure of Interests

Shan Cao: None declared, Rui Song: None declared, Xianyi Meng: None declared, Katerina Kachler: None declared, Maximilian Fuchs: None declared, Xinyu Meng: None declared, Yixuan Li: None declared, Verena Taudte: None declared, Meik Kunz: None declared, Ursula Schloetzer-Schrehardt: None declared, Ulrike Schleicher: None declared, Xiaoxiang Chen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Roche and Novartis, Georg Schett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Roche and UCB, Aline Bozec: None declared.

POS0409 INTESTINAL HIF1α EXPRESSION PROTECTS AGAINST EPITHELIAL CELL DEATH IN ARTHRITIS

Background

While a so-called gut-joint axis is supported by many clinical observations, the current knowledge on such axis is mostly confined to descriptive and correlative data, e.g. showing the microbiota changes are associated with arthritis. In contrast, mechanistic data on how molecular changes in the intestinal epithelium influence the development of arthritis are scarce.

Objectives

To investigate, whether the mucosal barrier in the intestine dependent of the epithelial cell survival maintenance, influences the development of arthritis.

Methods

Intestinal hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α expression was assessed before, at onset and during experimental arthritis and human rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Intestinal epithelial cell-specific HIF1α conditional knock-out mice were generated (HIF1αΔIEC) and subjected to collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Clinical and histological courses of arthritis were recorded, and T and B cell subsets were analyzed in the gut and secondary lymphatic organs, and intestinal epithelial cells were subjected to molecular mRNA sequencing in HIF1αΔIEC and littermate control mice. Furthermore, pharmacologic HIF1α stabilization by PHD inhibitor was used for the treatment of arthritis.

Results

Intestinal HIF1α expression peaked at onset and remained high in experimental arthritis and RA. Conditionally deletion of HIF1α in gut epithelial cells strongly exacerbate arthritis and was associated with increased gut epithelial cell death, intestinal and lymphatic Th1 and Th17 activation. Mechanistically, HIF1α inhibits the transcription of necroptotic and apoptotic markers, which leads to a defect in the intestinal barrier integrity. Furthermore, treatment with HIF1α stabilization reinforced the gut epithelial cell survival and inhibited arthritis.

Conclusion

These findings show that the HIF1α regulating epithelial cells survival is critical for the breakdown of the intestinal barrier function in arthritis highlighting the functional link between intestinal homeostasis and arthritis.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

POS1002 DIAGNOSTIC DELAY AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN CHINESE AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background

Few data on the prolonged diagnosis and its associated factors in Chinese axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is available.

Objectives

To delineate the landscape of diagnostic delay in Chinese axSpA, investigate its associated factors and explore its potential impact on medication modalities.

Methods

A total of 1,295 patients fulfilling the ASAS classification criteria were obtained. Demographic and clinical data were collected through predesigned questionnaires and available medical records. Logistic regression analyses in univariate and multivariable model were performed, using the median of diagnostic delay as cut-off point for group classification. Differences between early and late diagnosed group were subsequently compared by the Pearson chi-square test or Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

The median (IQR) diagnostic delay in Chinese axSpA was 3.0 (1.0~7.0) years and 24.8% of them reported a history of misdiagnosis. Older age at onset (OR=0.97, P<0.001) and higher education attainment (P=0.001) were correlated with early diagnosis of axSpA, whereas coming from less developed areas (P=0.002), a history of peripheral arthritis at the time of diagnosis (OR=1.58, P=0.002) and history of misdiagnosis (OR=1.98, P<0.001) increased the risk of diagnostic delay. Medication modalities were similar between two groups, but the proportion with no medication ever and percentage without regular medication in recent 3 months were higher in the late diagnosed group than early group (26.5% vs. 20.7%, P=0.02; 34.7% vs. 28.6%, P=0.02).

Conclusion

Our findings depicted a detailed spectrum of diagnostic delay in Chinese axSpA, verified five associated factors and pinpointed a remarkable treatment delay even after diagnosis, especially in late diagnosis group.

References

[1]Masson Behar V, Dougados M, Etcheto A, Kreis S, Fabre S, Hudry C, et al. Diagnostic delay in axial spondyloarthritis: A cross-sectional study of 432 patients. Joint bone spine. 2017;84(4):467-71.

Figure 1.

Cumulative distribution of age at onset and age at diagnosis in Chinese axSpA

(A) the entire group. (B) stratified by early and late diagnosed group. (C) stratified by education level (college, middle school, secondary school). (D) stratified by history of peripheral arthritis when diagnosed. (E) stratified by history of misdiagnoses when diagnosed. (F) stratified by native place, as statistical significance was found between eastern coastal and western China, only these two groups were presented.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

[MicroRNA-132 promotes atherosclerosis by inducing mitochondrial oxidative stressmediated ferroptosis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the expression of microRNA-132 (miR-132) and its potential role in the development of atherosclerosis (AS).

METHODS

Thirty AS samples and 30 samples of normal peripheral vessels were collected from atherosclerotic patients undergoing peripheral angiostomy in our hospital for detecting the expression level of miR-132 using RT-qPCR. The expression of miR-132 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was up-regulated by liposome transfection, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), localization relationship between ROS and mitochondria, functional changes of mitochondrial reactive oxygen superoxide species (mtROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) were analyzed by flow cytometry and laser confocal microscopy. The activity of mitochondrial redox respiratory chain complex (type I, II, III, IV and V) in HUVECs was detected using ELISA, and the expression levels of key iron death proteins were detected with Western blotting.

RESULTS

RT-qPCR results showed that miR-132 was significantly up-regulated in atherosclerotic plaques compared with normal vascular samples (P < 0.001). Compared with control HUVECs, HUVECs overexpressing miR-132 showed a significantly increased level of intracellular ROS (P < 0.001), and most of ROS was colocalized with mitochondria. HUVECs overexpressing miR-132 also showed significantly decreased MMP (P < 0.001) and obviously increased mtROS (P < 0.001) and opening of mPTP (P < 0.001), which led to mitochondrial REDOX respiratory chain stress disorder. The key iron death protein GPX4 was significantly down-regulated and the oxidized protein NOX4 was significantly increased in miR-132-overexpressing HUVECs (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

MiR-132 promotes atherosclerosis by inducing mitochondrial oxidative stress-mediated ferroptosis, which may serve as a promising therapeutic target for AS.

Safety and efficacy of dendritic cell-based immunotherapy (DCVAC/LuCa) combined with carboplatin/pemetrexed for patients with advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer without oncogenic drivers

Background

Our prospective, open-label, single-arm phase II study investigated the safety and efficacy of DCVAC/LuCa (dendritic cell vaccines for lung cancer) combined with standard carboplatin/pemetrexed in advanced non-squamous (nsq) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and methods

Eligible patients had stage IV nsq NSCLC without oncogenic drivers and had not received prior systemic cancer therapy. Treatment consisted of carboplatin/pemetrexed for up to 6 cycles followed by 21 cycles of pemetrexed maintenance or until progression or intolerance. Non-progression patients after two cycles of chemotherapy started to receive DCVAC/LuCa subcutaneously (s.c.) on day 15 of cycle 3, and thereafter q3w (day 15 of chemotherapy cycles) for up to 15 doses. Dosing of DCVAC/LuCa s.c. varied among patients depending on the baseline number of leucocytes but remained constant for each single patient. Safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs), treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), and adverse events of special interest (AESIs). Efficacy was measured by overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP), and objective response rate (ORR).

Results

Sixty-one patients were enrolled. In the safety population (n = 60), eight patients (13.33%) had grade 3 or greater TRAEs, and six patients (10.0%) showed SAEs which were not related to leukapheresis or DC vaccination. Six grade 1 AEs were considered to be related to leukapheresis. No AESIs or DCVAC/LuCa-induced AEs were observed. The 2-year survival rate in the modified intention-to-treat population (n = 44) was 52.57%. Median OS was not reached. Median PFS was 8.0 months, median TTP was 10.2 months, and the ORR was 31.82%.

Conclusion

In treatment-naïve stage IV nsq NSCLC patients without oncogenic drivers, the combination of carboplatin/pemetrexed and DCVAC/LuCa was well tolerated and showed promising efficacy. Therefore, a study to prove our immunotherapeutic concept in a randomized phase III trial is planned.

•

We investigated the safety and efficacy of DCVAC/LuCa combined with standard carboplatin/pemetrexed in nsq NSCLC.

•

The combination therapy showed a favorable tolerability profile in a selected Chinese population.

•

The 2-year survival rate in the modified intention-to-treat population (n = 44) was 52.57%.

Is simple reaction time or choice reaction time an indicator of all-cause mortality or CVD mortality?

OBJECTIVES

Simple reaction time (SRT) and choice reaction time (CRT) have been shown to be good indicators for quantitatively assessing the level of human cognitive impairment, but these parameters have also been linked to the risk of human death. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the independent predictive value of SRT or CRT for all-cause mortality or cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality by conducting a meta-analysis of prospective studies.

STUDY DESIGN

The study design of this study is a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis by combining hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of SRT or CRT with all-cause mortality or CVD mortality in healthy community residents aged 18 and over. Heterogeneity was evaluated by using Q statistics and Cochrane's I² statistics.

RESULTS

A total of seven prospective studies that examined all-cause mortality and CVD mortality were included. The pooled HR of all-cause mortality in SRT was 1.099 (1.065-1.134, I² = 11.9%), and an increased risk of CVD mortality was associated with lower SRT (HR = 1.186, 95% CI = 1.137-1.236; I² = 52.4%). Similarly, the pooled HR of all-cause mortality in CRT was 1.140 (95% CI = 1.085-1.197, I² = 33.7%). However, lower CRT was not statistically associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality.

CONCLUSION

SRT may be a predictor of all-cause-mortality and CVD mortality, and CRT is significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.

Smoking and incidence of insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the impact of smoking on the incidence of insomnia.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and OVID were searched through March 2020. Cohort studies reporting the effect of smoking on the incidence of insomnia were included. We quantitatively analyzed the basic framework and study characteristics and then pooled estimate effects with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of outcomes of each included study using fixed-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

This systematic review included six cohort studies involving 12,445 participants. Quantitatively summarized results suggested that smoking could significantly increase the incidence of insomnia (odds ratio [OR]: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.13). Regular smoking was significantly associated with the incidence of insomnia (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.13). As for occasional smokers and ex-smokers, the pooled analysis did not indicate a significant association (occasional smoker: OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 0.44, 9.95; ex-smoker; OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.67, 1.54). Subgroup analysis by age, gender ratio, and region showed a statistically significant relationship between smoking and the incidence of insomnia in specific groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrated longitudinal observational evidence identified smoking as a significant risk factor of insomnia. Considering the limited amount of available studies, more high-quality and prospective cohort studies of large sample sizes are needed to explore details of this association.

Single-cell ATAC and RNA sequencing reveal pre-existing and persistent cells associated with prostate cancer relapse

Prostate cancer is heterogeneous and patients would benefit from methods that stratify those who are likely to respond to systemic therapy. Here, we employ single-cell assays for transposase-accessible chromatin (ATAC) and RNA sequencing in models of early treatment response and resistance to enzalutamide. In doing so, we identify pre-existing and treatment-persistent cell subpopulations that possess regenerative potential when subjected to treatment. We find distinct chromatin landscapes associated with enzalutamide treatment and resistance that are linked to alternative transcriptional programs. Transcriptional profiles characteristic of persistent cells are able to stratify the treatment response of patients. Ultimately, we show that defining changes in chromatin and gene expression in single-cell populations from pre-clinical models can reveal as yet unrecognized molecular predictors of treatment response. This suggests that the application of single-cell methods with high analytical resolution in pre-clinical models may powerfully inform clinical decision-making.

Characterization of serum adiponectin and leptin in healthy perinatal dairy cows or cows with ketosis, and their effectson ketosis involved indices

We investigated changes in concentrations of ADP (adiponectin), LEP (leptin), BHBA (beta-hydroxybutyric acid), NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid), Glucose (Glu) and INS (insulin) in serum of healthy perinatal dairy cows and cows with ketosis. Twenty-one healthy cows and seventeen cows with ketosis from a herd of a total 60 Holstein cows (near dry period i.e. 56 days antepartum) were selected. Blood was collected through the tail vein every 7 days, from 56 day antepartum to 56 day postpartum. Serum ADP, LEP, BHBA, NEFA, Glu, and INS concentrations were determined, and ketosis was diagnosed through serum BHBA (≥1.2 mmol/L). We showed the concentration of serum adipokines and energy balancing indices were stable during antepar- tum period. However, ADP concentration increased while LEP decreased, and there were a significant increase in cows with ketosis compared to that of in healthy cows. Serum BHBA and NEFA concentrations increased significantly at first, and then gradually decreased in both healthy cows and cows with ketosis. However, cows with ketosis showed higher concentrations of BHBA and NEFA which restored later. The serum concentration of Glu in both healthy dairy cows and cows with ketosis showed a decreasing trend. INS concentration in healthy cows was decreased while it was increased in cows with ketosis. The results reflect the extent of hypo- glycemia and lipid mobilization postpartum, suggest IR exists in cows with ketosis while serum ADP and LEP might play roles in the development of ketosis.

Genomic Prediction of Resistance to Tar Spot Complex of Maize in Multiple Populations Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing SNPs

Tar spot complex (TSC) is one of the most important foliar diseases in tropical maize. TSC resistance could be furtherly improved by implementing marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) individually, or by implementing them stepwise. Implementation of GS requires a profound understanding of factors affecting genomic prediction accuracy. In the present study, an association-mapping panel and three doubled haploid populations, genotyped with genotyping-by-sequencing, were used to estimate the effectiveness of GS for improving TSC resistance. When the training and prediction sets were independent, moderate-to-high prediction accuracies were achieved across populations by using the training sets with broader genetic diversity, or in pairwise populations having closer genetic relationships. A collection of inbred lines with broader genetic diversity could be used as a permanent training set for TSC improvement, which can be updated by adding more phenotyped lines having closer genetic relationships with the prediction set. The prediction accuracies estimated with a few significantly associated SNPs were moderate-to-high, and continuously increased as more significantly associated SNPs were included. It confirmed that TSC resistance could be furtherly improved by implementing GS for selecting multiple stable genomic regions simultaneously, or by implementing MAS and GS stepwise. The factors of marker density, marker quality, and heterozygosity rate of samples had minor effects on the estimation of the genomic prediction accuracy. The training set size, the genetic relationship between training and prediction sets, phenotypic and genotypic diversity of the training sets, and incorporating known trait-marker associations played more important roles in improving prediction accuracy. The result of the present study provides insight into less complex trait improvement via GS in maize.

Phenomenological Constraints on the Transport Properties of QCD Matter with Data-Driven Model Averaging

Using combined data from the Relativistic Heavy Ion and Large Hadron Colliders, we constrain the shear and bulk viscosities of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) at temperatures of ∼150-350  MeV. We use Bayesian inference to translate experimental and theoretical uncertainties into probabilistic constraints for the viscosities. With Bayesian model averaging we propagate an estimate of the model uncertainty generated by the transition from hydrodynamics to hadron transport in the plasma's final evolution stage, providing the most reliable phenomenological constraints to date on the QGP viscosities.

Leaf transcriptomic response mediated by cold stress in two maize inbred lines with contrasting tolerance levels

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a thermophilic plant and a minor drop in temperature can prolong the maturity period. Plants respond to cold stress through structural and functional modification in cell membranes as well as changes in the photosynthesis and energy metabolism. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance and adaptation, we employed leaf transcriptome sequencing together with leaf microstructure and relative electrical conductivity measurements in two maize inbred lines, having different cold stress tolerance potentials. The leaf physiological and transcriptomic responses of maize seedlings were studied after growing both inbred lines at 5 °C for 0, 12 and 24 h. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in photosynthesis antenna proteins, MAPK signaling pathway, plant hormone signal transduction, circadian rhythm, secondary metabolites related pathways, ribosome, and proteasome. The seedlings of both genotypes employed common stress responsive pathways to respond to cold stress. However, the cold tolerant line B144 protected its photosystem II from photooxidation by upregulating D1 proteins. The sensitive line Q319 was unable to close its stomata. Collectively, B144 exhibited a cold tolerance owing to its ability to mediate changes in stomata opening as well as protecting photosystem. These results increase our understanding on the cold stress tolerance in maize seedlings and propose multiple key regulators of stress responses such as modifications in photosystem II, stomata guard cell opening and closing, changes in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and circadian rhythm. This study also presents the signal transduction related changes in MAPK and phytohormone signaling pathways in response to cold stress during seedling stage of maize.

Genetic Dissection of Quantitative Resistance to Common Rust (Puccinia sorghi) in Tropical Maize (Zea mays L.) by Combined Genome-Wide Association Study, Linkage Mapping, and Genomic Prediction

Common rust is one of the major foliar diseases in maize, leading to significant grain yield losses and poor grain quality. To dissect the genetic architecture of common rust resistance, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) panel and a bi-parental doubled haploid (DH) population, DH1, were used to perform GWAS and linkage mapping analyses. The GWAS results revealed six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with quantitative resistance of common rust at a very stringent threshold of P-value 3.70 × 10^-6 at bins 1.05, 1.10, 3.04, 3.05, 4.08, and 10.04. Linkage mapping identified five quantitative trait loci (QTL) at bins 1.03, 2.06, 4.08, 7.03, and 9.00. The phenotypic variation explained (PVE) value of each QTL ranged from 5.40 to 12.45%, accounting for the total PVE value of 40.67%. Joint GWAS and linkage mapping analyses identified a stable genomic region located at bin 4.08. Five significant SNPs were only identified by GWAS, and four QTL were only detected by linkage mapping. The significantly associated SNP of S10_95231291 detected in the GWAS analysis was first reported. The linkage mapping analysis detected two new QTL on chromosomes 7 and 10. The major QTL on chromosome 7 in the region between 144,567,253 and 149,717,562 bp had the largest PVE value of 12.45%. Four candidate genes of GRMZM2G328500, GRMZM2G162250, GRMZM2G114893, and GRMZM2G138949 were identified, which played important roles in the response of stress resilience and the regulation of plant growth and development. Genomic prediction (GP) accuracies observed in the GWAS panel and DH1 population were 0.61 and 0.51, respectively. This study provided new insight into the genetic architecture of quantitative resistance of common rust. In tropical maize, common rust could be improved by pyramiding the new sources of quantitative resistance through marker-assisted selection (MAS) or genomic selection (GS), rather than the implementation of MAS for the single dominant race-specific resistance gene.

[The correlation between the severity of uncovertebral joints degeneration and heterotopic ossification after single-level artificial cervical disc replacement]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between the severity of uncovertebral joints degeneration and heterotopic ossification (HO) after single-level artificial cervical disc replacement (ACDR). Methods: From January 2005 to January 2016, 70 patients who had undergone single-level ACDR in Peking University Third Hospital and had at least 5 years follow-up were included in this study. There were 35 males and 35 females with an average age of (42±8) years (range, 25-62 years). Cervical spine A-P X-rays were taken to assess the degeneration of uncovertebral joints and lateral X-rays were taken to assess the degeneration of intervertebral space. Cervical spine lateral and the flexion-extension X-rays at 5 years follow up were taken to assess HO. Degeneration of uncovertebral joints were evaluated by the classification system set-up in Peking University Third Hospital. Kellgren&Lawrence grading system was used to evaluate the degeneration of intervertebral space. HO was evaluated by the McAfee grading standards. The data were collected before surgery and at 5-years follow-up, then the correlation between degeneration of uncovertebral joints, degeneration of intervertebral space and HO was analyzed with Spearman non-parametric test. Results: The average follow-up time of 70 patients was (62.7±4.8) years (range, 52-74 months). There was a significant positive correlation between preoperative uncovertebral joints degeneration and HO after ACDR (r=0.585, P<0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between preoperative intervertebral space degeneration and HO (r=0.557, P<0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between preoperative intervertebral space degeneration and preoperative uncovertebral joints degeneration (r=0.727, P<0.01). Conclusion: There is a significant positive correlation between preoperative uncovertebral joints degeneration and HO after ACDR.