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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2019 and rapidly spread across the globe. Most of the severe and dead cases are middle-aged and elderly patients with chronic systemic diseases.Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between fasting blood glucose (FPG) and body mass index (BMI) levels in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) under different conditions.Methods: Experimental-related information (age, gender, BMI, and FPG on the second day of admission) from 86 COVID-19 cases (47 males and 39 females) with an average age of (39 ± 17) years was collected in April and November 2020. These cases were divided into three groups according to the most severe classification of each case determined by the clinical early warning indicators of severe-critically illness, the degree of progression, and the treatment plan shown in the diagnosis and treatment plan of COVID-19 pneumonia. Statistical models were used to analyze the differences in the levels of FPG and BMI, age, and gender among the three groups.Results: 1. Experimental group: 21 patients with asymptomatic or and mild symptoms (group A), 45 patients with common non-progression (group B), and 20 patients with common progression and severe symptoms (group C). 2. The age differences among the three groups were statistically significant and elderly patients had a higher risk of severe disease (t= 4.1404, 3.3933, 9.2123, P= 0.0001, 0.0012, 0.0000). There was a higher proportion of females than males in the normal progression and severe disease cases (χ2= 5.512, P= 0.019). 3. The level of FPG was significantly higher in group C than in group A (t= 3.1655, P= 0.0030) and B (t= 2.0212, P= 0.0475). The number of diabetes or IFG in group C was significantly higher than in group A (χ2= 5.979, P= 0.014) and group B (χ2= 6.088, P= 0.014). 4. BMI was significantly higher in group C than in groups A (t= 3.8839, P= 0.0004) and B (t= 3.8188, P= 0.0003). The number of overweight or obese patients in group C was significantly higher than in groups A (χ2= 8.838, P= 0.003) and B (χ2= 10.794, P= 0.001). 5. Patients' age, gender, and FPG were independent risk factors for COVID-19 disease progression (β= 0.380, 0.191, 0.186; P= 0.000, 0.034, 0.045).Conclusion: The levels of FPG and BMI were significantly increased in the population with common progressive and severe COVID-19. FPG and age are independent risk factors for the progression of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative explanatory study examines findings from an RCT offering intensive case management for families who are housing-unstable and have children in foster care. Service providers offered feedback on why children of Black caregivers in the treatment group were significantly more likely to reunify. The 20 interviews identified addressing structural racism, reframing expectations, connection and relationship, and advocacy as key explanations. Findings are framed in terms of antiracist practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, wet peroxide oxidation was proposed to treat petroleum refinery effluents. The results indicated that wet peroxide oxidation is an effective process for petroleum refinery effluents treatment. Adding LaFeO3 caused an increase in TOC removal. When reaction temperature is 320°C, residence time - 9 min, H2O2 dose - 500 mg/l and LaFeO3 dose - 400 mg, and TOC removal increases 9.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the cognitive functioning of Hui Muslims aged 60 and over who practiced salat prayer (SP) and/or did physical exercise (PE) with individuals in the same age group who did not engage in such practices. Our sample comprised 205 ethnic Hui Muslims aged between 60 and 86 years who completed the Scale of Cognitive Functioning in Older People (Hong, 1990) and it was found that those in the group of participants who practiced SP or did PE demonstrated a similar level of cognitive functioning which was better than that of individuals who neither exercised nor prayed regularly. SP may be considered as an alternative type of exercise for older Muslim adults who cannot do strenuous PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rice striped stem borer (RSSB), Chilo suppressalis Walker, is a major pest of rice causing significant yield loss worldwide. Although biological control plays a key role in RSSB management, the use of a sole biocontrol agent is not always sufficient for enabling effective control. Other management methods are therefore required for developing effective integrated pest management strategies. In the present study under laboratory conditions, we estimated the pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana solution (1×108 conidia mL-1) on various RSSB larval instars (1st to 6th) and assessed the ability of Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead infected by B. bassiana to parasitize RSSB eggs. We also evaluated the quantity of B. bassiana spores vectored by T. japonicum and the quantity deposited on RSSB eggs during parasitism. The impact of B. bassiana on T. japonicum biological parameters when developing in RSSB eggs of various ages (0-, 2-, and 4-days old) was also studied. We demonstrated that T. japonicum vectored B. bassiana and the number of spores deposited on RSSB eggs was sufficient to induce high mortality in hatching larvae. There was no major impact of B. bassiana on T. japonicum biological traits. Nonetheless, B. bassiana reduced the egg to adult duration and increased the parasitism rate of 2-day old RSSB eggs. Beauveria bassiana conidia were shown to proliferate on parasitoid adult bodies and host egg masses, potentially enhancing biocontrol services when both agents were combined. Therefore, T. japonicum vectoring B. bassiana may provide a means to improve biological control programs targeting RSSB in rice crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examines links between paid sick leave benefits and sleep as an indicator of well-being. Methods: Using data from 12,780 employed adult US workers in the 2018 National Health Interview Survey, the relationship between paid sick leave and sleep was explored while controlling for demographic and health status variables. Results: Logistic multiple regression analyses revealed that compared with workers without paid sick leave, workers with paid sick leave had significantly higher odds of staying asleep, lower odds of feeling rested, and marginally significantly higher odds of having little trouble falling asleep. The groups did not differ regarding the odds of taking sleep medication or getting the ideal amount of sleep. Conclusion: The findings suggest a link between sleep quality and access to paid sick leave, adding to a growing list of health and well-being variables associated with paid sick leave benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The circuit boundaries for reentrant ventricular tachycardia (VT) have been historically conceptualized within a 2-dimensional (2D) construct, with their fixed or functional nature unresolved. This study aimed to examine the correlation between localized lines of conduction block (LOB) evident during baseline rhythm with lateral isthmus boundaries that 3-dimensionally constrain the VT isthmus as a hyperboloid structure. METHODS: A total of 175 VT activation maps were correlated with isochronal late activation maps during baseline rhythm in 106 patients who underwent catheter ablation for scar-related VT from 3 centers (42% nonischemic cardiomyopathy). An overt LOB was defined by a deceleration zone with split potentials (≥20 ms isoelectric segment) during baseline rhythm. A novel application of pacing within deceleration zone (≥600 ms) was implemented to unmask a concealed LOB not evident during baseline rhythm. LOB identified during baseline rhythm or pacing were correlated with isthmus boundaries during VT. RESULTS: Among 202 deceleration zones analyzed during baseline rhythm, an overt LOB was evident in 47%. When differential pacing was performed in 38 deceleration zones without overt LOB, an underlying concealed LOB was exposed in 84%. In 152 VT activation maps (2D=53, 3-dimensional [3D]=99), 69% of lateral boundaries colocalized with an LOB in 2D activation patterns, and the depth boundary during 3D VT colocalized with an LOB in 79%. In VT circuits with isthmus regions that colocalized with a U-shaped LOB (n=28), the boundary invariably served as both lateral boundaries in 2D and 3D. Overall, 74% of isthmus boundaries were identifiable as fixed LOB during baseline rhythm or differential pacing. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of VT circuit boundaries can be identified as fixed LOB from intrinsic or paced activation during sinus rhythm. Analysis of activation while pacing within the scar substrate is a novel technique that may unmask concealed LOB, previously interpreted to be functional in nature. An LOB from the perspective of a myocardial surface is frequently associated with intramural conduction, supporting the existence of a 3D hyperboloid VT circuit structure. Catheter ablation may be simplified to targeting both sides around an identified LOB during sinus rhythm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiciliated cells (MCCs) are terminally differentiated postmitotic cells that possess hundreds of motile cilia on their apical surface. Defects in cilia formation are associated with ciliopathies that affect many organs. In this study, we tested the role and mechanism of the miR-34/449 family in the regulation of multiciliogenesis in EDs using an miR-34b/c-/-; miR-449-/-double knockout (dKO) mouse model. MiR-34b/c and miR-449 depletion led to a reduced number of MCCs and abnormal cilia structure in the EDs starting from postnatal day (P)14. However, abnormal MCC differentiation in the dKO EDs could be observed as early as P7. RNA-seq analyses revealed that the aberrant development of MCCs in the EDs of dKO micewas associated with the upregulation of genes involved in cell cycle control. Using a cyclindependent kinase inhibitor to force cell cycle exit promoted MCC differentiation, and partially rescued the defective multiciliogenesis in the EDs of dKO mice. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-34b/c and miR-449 play an essential role in multiciliogenesis in EDs by regulating cell cycle exit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiciliated cells (MCCs) are terminally differentiated postmitotic cells that possess hundreds of motile cilia on their apical surface. Defects in cilia formation are associated with ciliopathies that affect many organs. In this study, we tested the role and mechanism of the miR-34/449 family in the regulation of multiciliogenesis in EDs using an miR-34b/c-/-; miR-449-/- double knockout (dKO) mouse model. MiR-34b/c and miR-449 depletion led to a reduced number of MCCs and abnormal cilia structure in the EDs starting from postnatal day (P)14. However, abnormal MCC differentiation in the dKO EDs could be observed as early as P7. RNA-seq analyses revealed that the aberrant development of MCCs in the EDs of dKO micewas associated with the upregulation of genes involved in cell cycle control. Using a cyclindependent kinase inhibitor to force cell cycle exit promoted MCC differentiation, and partially rescued the defective multiciliogenesis in the EDs of dKO mice. Taken together, our results suggest that miR- 34b/c and miR-449 play an essential role in multiciliogenesis in EDs by regulating cell cycle exit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiciliated cells (MCCs) are terminally differentiated postmitotic cells that possess hundreds of motile cilia on their apical surface. Defects in cilia formation are associated with ciliopathies that affect many organs. In this study, we tested the role and mechanism of the miR-34/449 family in the regulation of multiciliogenesis in EDs using an miR-34b/c-/-; miR-449-/- double knockout (dKO) mouse model. MiR-34b/c and miR-449 depletion led to a reduced number of MCCs and abnormal cilia structure in the EDs starting from postnatal day (P)14. However, abnormal MCC differentiation in the dKO EDs could be observed as early as P7. RNA-seq analyses revealed that the aberrant development of MCCs in the EDs of dKO micewas associated with the upregulation of genes involved in cell cycle control. Using a cyclindependent kinase inhibitor to force cell cycle exit promoted MCC differentiation, and partially rescued the defective multiciliogenesis in the EDs of dKO mice. Taken together, our results suggest that miR- 34b/c and miR-449 play an essential role in multiciliogenesis in EDs by regulating cell cycle exit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to identify key genes associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) using microarray data and bioinformatic analyses. The dataset GSE6012, downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, contains gene expression data from 10 AD skin samples and 10 healthy skin samples. Following data preprocessing, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma package of the R project. Interaction networks were constructed comprising DEGs that showed a degree of node of >3, >5 and >10, using the Osprey software. Functional enrichment and pathway enrichment analysis of the network comprising all DEGs and of the network comprising DEGs with a high degree of node, were performed with the DAVID and WebGestalt toolkits, respectively. A total of 337 DEGs were identified. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that the list of DEGs was significantly enriched for proteins related to epidermis development (P=2.95E-07), including loricrin (LOR), keratin 17 (KRT17), small proline-rich repeat proteins (SPRRs) and involucrin (IVL). The chemokine signaling pathway was the most significantly enriched pathway (P=0.0490978) in the network of all DEGs and in the network consisting of high degree node DEGs (>10), which comprised the genes coding for chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7), chemokine ligand (CCL19), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1). In conclusion, the list of AD-associated proteins identified in this study, including LOR, KRT17, SPRRs, IVL, CCR7, CCL19, PIK3R1 and STAT1 may prove useful for the development of methods to treat AD. From these proteins, PIK3R1 and KRT17 are novel and promising targets for AD therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål, BPH) is one of the most destructive rice pests worldwide. GXU202 is a germplasm of common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) with high resistance to the BPH. In this study, genetic analysis indicated that the BPH-resistant phenotype of GXU202 is controlled by a major gene. Through the combination and comparison of QTL linkage and BSA-seq analyses, a novel gene locus, BPH41, conferring BPH resistance was identified. This gene locus was finely mapped to a 116-kb region delimited by W4-4–3 and W1-6–3 on chromosome 4. The markers D01031 and D01045 showed high accuracy in predicting phenotypes resistant to BPH, suggesting their reliability for marker-assisted selection of BPH41 in breeding BPH-resistant rice varieties. The present identification of BPH41 will establish a foundation for further map-based cloning and functional characterization of the gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutinous cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line is necessary to select hybrid glutinous rice combination with high yield and quality. To develop glutinous CMS with low amylose content, in this study, we firstly knocked out the granule-bound starch synthase OsWaxy in 209B using CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing technology and successfully obtained a glutinous maintainer line WX209B. Comparing with maintainer line 209B, WX209B showed decreased amylose contents and similar agronomic characters. And then, through one generation of hybridization and two generations of backcrossing with WX209B as the male parent and 209A as the female parent, the glutinous CMS line WX209A was successfully achieved. Our study provides a strategy to efficiently breed for the glutinous cytoplasmic male sterile line by combining CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing technology with conventional backcross breeding method in a short period, which prepares the ground for further breeding of hybrid glutinous rice variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electron beam irradiation causes changes in goat milk flavor, which may arise from complex reactions such as fat oxidation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of electron beam irradiation and pasteurization on thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values and the fatty acid composition in goat milk. The multivariate analysis of aroma compounds in goat milk was performed using electron nose and Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The results showed that both conventional heat treatments, including pasteurization and electron beam irradiation, resulted in fat content alteration in goat milk. The degree of fat oxidation was proportional to the irradiation dose, with a significant increase in saturated fatty acid content and a significant decrease in unsaturated fatty acid content after irradiation. The multivariate statistical analysis showed that the difference in flavor between milk treated with a high dose (5 kGy) of radiation and raw goat milk was larger. Further, 2,4-dimethyl-1-heptene, 3-methyl pentane, 3,3,5-trimethyl heptane, 2-pentanone, and 1-octene might be the characteristic substances accounting for the flavor difference between raw goat milk, pasteurized milk, and irradiated milk. C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C16:1, C17:0, and C18:1n9t fatty acids might be the main precursors for the formation of off-flavors of irradiated milk. The results indicated that pasteurization and electron beam irradiation led to flavor alterations in goat milk, and high doses of irradiation might intensify fat oxidation and produce more flavoring compounds. • The chemical substances make it easy to differentiate between the control group, pasteurization, and high-dose irradiation. • Multivariate statistical analysis can recognize flavor compounds that are unique to various samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study sought to explore if the CHADS2 score could predict the prognosis of PE in patients with AF. In a tertiary hospital, 4,288 consecutive patients with diagnosis of PE were screened. In total, 305 patients with PE had AF and were included in this retrospective study. In-hospital outcome was defined as at least one of the following: death from any cause, need for intravenous catecholamine administration, endotracheal intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or thrombolytic therapy. The in-hospital outcome occurred in 10.2% of the patients. Patients with adverse outcome had higher CHADS2 score, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.66, 0.62, and 0.71 for CHADS2 score, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and sPESI score, respectively, in predicting in-hospital outcome. The incidence of in-hospital outcome was 3.4 and 14.4% in sPESI = 0 and sPESI ⩾1 groups (p < 0.01). CHADS2 also had good predictive value with the incidence of in-hospital outcome, being 4.6% in CHADS2 < 2 and 14.3% in CHADS2 ⩾ 2 groups (p < 0.01). The incidences of in-hospital outcome were 2.6, 4.8, 7.4, and 17.3% in patients with sPESI = 0 and CHADS2 < 2, sPESI = 0 and CHADS2 ⩾ 2, sPESI ⩾ 1 and CHADS2 < 2, and sPESI ⩾ 1 and CHADS2 ⩾ 2 (p < 0.01), respectively. In multivariable analysis, CHADS2 (odds ratio: 1.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.11-2.02; p < 0.01) was an independent predictor of inhospital adverse outcome. High CHADS2 score could predict worse in-hospital outcome in patients with PE and AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid cancer is the most common type of malignant endocrine tumor diagnosed. Previous studies have indicated that gene therapy is the most promising and effective therapeutic method for thyroid cancer. Therefore, in the present study, Na131I/5‑fluorocytosine (5‑FC) treatment was combined with cytosine deaminase (CD, encoded by the CDA gene) and sodium iodide symporter (NIS, encoded by the SLC5A5 gene) to act together as a therapeutic tool for thyroid cancer. The present study explored the combined cytotoxic effects of adenovirus‑mediated CD and NIS under the control of the progression elevated gene‑3 (PEG‑3) promoter (Ad‑PEG‑3‑CD‑NIS) with Na131I/5‑FC against the human thyroid cancer TT cell line in vitro. The PEG‑3 fragment was obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using rat genomic DNA as the template, and then Ad‑PEG‑3‑CDA‑SLC5A5 was constructed using XbaI. TT cells were transfected by recombinant adenovirus. The method of reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR was performed to test the expression of CD and NIS at the level of transcription. The morphological change was assessed by fluorescence microscopy and investigated by western blot analysis. An MTT assay was used to determine the number of living cells inhibited by single or combination therapies on TT cells. The results indicated that the PEG‑3 was successfully cloned, and was also positively regulated in 293 cells. CDA and SLC5A5 genes were highly expressed in TT cells. Na131I combined with 5‑FC significantly decreased the human thyroid cancer cells. In conclusion, combination therapy of Ad‑PEG3‑CDA‑SLC5A5 and Na131I/5‑FC induces significantly more apoptotic characteristics than either single treatment with Ad‑PEG‑3‑CDA‑SLC5A5 or Na131I/5‑FC, and low doses of Ad‑PEG‑3‑CDA‑SLC5A5 enhanced the cytotoxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total number of 339 patients who received a pacemaker implantation between June 2012 and June 2014 at Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College (Wuhan, China) were investigated in the present study. The aims of the present study were to explore the risk factors of pocket hematoma following pacemaker implantation, and to analyze the effect of anti-allergy treatment on pocket-related complications following pacemaker implantation. Predictors of hematoma occurrence were determined and analyzed via a Chi-square test. Patients suffering from pocket hematoma, which were indicated to be partially caused by an allergic reaction to the pacemaker component, were distinguished by routine blood parameters. Furthermore, the pacemaker component was distinguished by histopathological examinations in one patient. Promethazine (25 mg/day) was used to treat allergic patients. The results demonstrated that in patients with a history of allergies, the rate of pocket hematoma was significantly higher when compared with patients without a history of allergies (22.00 vs. 7.61%; P=0.027). A significantly increased incidence of hematoma was indicated in patients with a lower body mass index when compared with patients of normal weight (15.79 vs. 7.38%; P=0.042). Furthermore, implantation of larger-sized devices, such as an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization therapy, were significantly predictive of hematoma development (29.63 vs. 8.01%; P=0.015). Patients with diabetes were also identified to exhibit a significantly high incidence of hematoma (22.22 vs. 8.25%; P=0.023). Promethazine administration significantly decreased the incidence of re-operating (P=0.017) and the duration of hospital stay (P=0.038) in patients whose pocket hematoma was caused by an allergy. In conclusion, promethazine may be a beneficial agent to treat pocket hematoma caused by allergic reactions following pacemaker surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: T1 mapping enables assessment of myocardial characteristics. As the most common type of arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF) is often accompanied by a variety of cardiac pathologies, whereby the irregular and usually rapid ventricle rate of AF may cause inaccurate T1 estimation due to mis-triggering and inadequate magnetization recovery. We hypothesized that systolic T1 mapping with a heart-rate-dependent (HRD) pulse sequence scheme may overcome this issue. Methods: 30 patients with AF and 13 healthy volunteers were enrolled and underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) at 3 T. CMR was repeated for 3 patients after electric cardioversion and for 2 volunteers after lowering heart rate (HR). A Modified Look-Locker Inversion Recovery (MOLLI) sequence was acquired before and 15 min after administration of 0.1 mmol/kg gadopentetate dimeglumine. For AF patients, both the fixed 5(3)3/4(1)3(1)2 and the HRD sampling scheme were performed at diastole and systole, respectively. The HRD pulse sequence sampling scheme was 5(n)3/4(n)3(n)2, where n was determined by the heart rate to ensure adequate magnetization recovery. Image quality of T1 maps was assessed. T1 times were measured in myocardium and blood. Extracellular volume fraction (ECV) was calculated. Results: In volunteers with repeated T1 mapping, the myocardial native T1 and ECV generated from the 1st fixed sampling scheme were smaller than from the 1st HRD and 2nd fixed sampling scheme. In healthy volunteers, the overall native T1 times and ECV of the left ventricle (LV) in diastolic T1 maps were greater than in systolic T1 maps (P< 0.01, P<0.05). In the 3 AF patients that had received electrical cardioversion therapy, the myocardial native T1 times and ECV generated from the fixed sampling scheme were smaller than in the 1st and 2nd HRD sampling scheme (all P < 0.05). In patients with AF (HR: 88 ± 20 bpm, HR fluctuation: 12 ± 9 bpm), moreT1 maps with artifact were found in diastole than in systole (P < 0.01). The overall native T1 times and ECV of the left ventricle (LV) in diastolic T1 maps were greater than systolic T1 maps, either with fixed or HRD sampling scheme (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Systolic MOLLI T1 mapping with heart-rate-dependent pulse sequence scheme can improve image quality and avoid T1 underestimation. It is feasible and with further validation may extend clinical applicability of T1 mapping to patients with atrial fibrillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate effects of neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) on stress and inflammation in rats with partial hepatectomy (PH). Methods: A model of PH rat was established, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP); corticosterone (GC); adrenocorticotropin (ACTH); noradrenaline (NA); adrenalin (AD); aspartate transaminase (AST); alanine transaminase (ALT); as well as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6; high mobility group box1 (HMGB1); and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in serum assessed after PH. Additionally, Western blotting was performed to determine the effect of NCPB on expressions of glucocorticoid receptors (GR), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκB), p65, c-Jun and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) of PH rats, as well as assay effects of NCPB on nuclear translocation of GR, c- Jun and p65. DNA binding activities of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) were also determined. Results: NCPB reduced AST and ALT (P < 0.05), decreased secretion of inflammatory cytokines and NO (P < 0.05), as well as decreased CRP, GC, ACTH, NA and AD after PH (p < 0.05). NCPB increased expressions of GR and IκB, but expressions of p65, c-Jun, and iNOS (p < 0.05). Additionally, NCPB increased nuclear translocation of GR (p < 0.01), but decreased nuclear translocation of p65 and c-Jun after PH (p < 0.05). Additionally, DNA binding activity of NF-κB and AP-1 was decreased by NCPB (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that NCPB treatment can significantly inhibit stress and inflammation in PH rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Models of threshold voltage and subthreshold swing, including the fringing-capacitance effects between the gate electrode and the surface of the source/drain region, are proposed. The validity of the proposed models is confirmed by the good agreement between the simulated results and the experimental data. Based on the models, some factors impacting the threshold voltage and subthreshold swing of a GeOI metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) are discussed in detail and it is found that there is an optimum thickness of gate oxide for definite dielectric constant of gate oxide to obtain the minimum subthreshold swing. As a result, it is shown that the fringing-capacitance effect of a short-channel GeOI MOSFET cannot be ignored in calculating the threshold voltage and subthreshold swing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Periprocedural thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events are worrisome complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The periprocedural anticoagulation management could play a role in the incidence of these complications. Although ablation procedures performed without warfarin discontinuation seem to be associated with lower thromboembolic risk, no randomized study exists. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel-group, multicenter study assessing the role of continuous warfarin therapy in preventing periprocedural thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Patients with CHADS2 score >=1 were included. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the off-warfarin or on-warfarin arm. The incidence of thromboembolic events in the 48 hours after ablation was the primary end point of the study. The study enrolled 1584 patients: 790 assigned to discontinue warfarin (group 1) and 794 assigned to continuous warfarin (group 2). No statistical difference in baseline characteristics was observed. There were 39 thromboembolic events (3.7% strokes [n=29] and 1.3% transient ischemic attacks [n=10]) in group 1: two events (0.87%) in patients with paroxysmal AF, 4 (2.3%) in patients with persistent AF, and 33 (8.5%) in patients with long-standing persistent AF. Only 2 strokes (0.25%) in patients with long-standing persistent AF were observed in group 2 (P<0.001). Warfarin discontinuation emerged as a strong predictor of periprocedural thromboembolism (odds ratio, 13; 95% confidence interval, 3.1-55.6; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: This is the first randomized study showing that performing catheter ablation of AF without warfarin discontinuation reduces the occurrence of periprocedural stroke and minor bleeding complications compared with bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01006876. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background--Periprocedural thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events are worrisome complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The periprocedural anticoagulation management could play a role in the incidence of these complications. Although ablation procedures performed without warfarin discontinuation seem to be associated with lower thromboembolic risk, no randomized study exists. Methods and Results--This was a prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel-group, multicenter study assessing the role of continuous warfarin therapy in preventing periprocedural thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Patients with CHADS2, score ≥ were included. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the off-warfarin or on-warfarin arm. The incidence of thromboembolic events in the 48 hours after ablation was the primary end point of the study. The study enrolled 1584 patients: 790 assigned to discontinue warfarin (group 1) and 794 assigned to continuous warfarin (group 2). No statistical difference in baseline characteristics was observed. There were 39 thromboembolic events (3.7% strokes [n=29] and 1.3% transient ischemic attacks [n=10]) in group 1: two events (0.87%) in patients with paroxysmal AF, 4 (2.3%) in patients with persistent AF, and 33 (8.5%) in patients with long-standing persistent AF. Only 2 strokes (0.25%) in patients with long-standing persistent AF were observed in group 2 (P<0.001). Warfarin discontinuation emerged as a strong predictor of periprocedural thromboembolism (odds ratio, 13; 95% confidence interval, 3.1-55.6; P<0.00l). Conclusion--This is the first randomized study showing that performing catheter ablation of AF without warfarin discontinuation reduces the occurrence of periprocedural stroke and minor bleeding complications compared with bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin. Clinical Trial Registration--URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCTO1006876. (Circulation. 2014;129:2638-2644.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-induced torsades de pointes (TdP) is common with class III antiarrhythmic drugs. Increased transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) contributes significantly to the development of TdP. Gap junctions play an important role in maintaining TDR in long QT syndrome. The present study examined the effect of a gap junction enhancer, anti-arrhythmic peptide 10 (AAP10), on ibutilide-induced TdP. Coronary-perfused rabbit ventricular wedge preparations were used to evaluate the effect of AAP10 on ibutilide-induced arrhythmia. Transmural electrocardiograms and action potentials were recorded simultaneously. Early afterdepolarizations (EADs), R-on-T extrasystole, TdP and changes in Tpeak-end (Tp-e) and the Tp-e/QT ratio were observed. Changes in the levels of non-phosphorylated connexin 43 (Cx43) were measured by immunoblotting. Compared with those in the control group, the QT interval, Tp-e/QT and incidence rates of EAD and TdP increased with augmented dephosphorylation in the ventricular wedge preparations perfused with ibutilide under conditions of hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. In the presence of AAP10, the incidence rates of EAD and TdP were reduced and the Tp-e/QT ratio decreased, with a parallel reduction in the level of non-phosphorylated Cx43. The results indicate that AAP10 suppressed ibutilide-induced TdP under conditions of hypokalemia and hypomagnesemiaby decreasing TDR. AAP10 reduced TDR, possibly by preventing the dephosphorylation of Cx43 and thereby increasing myocardial cell gap junction coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virulence assays and DNA polymorphism analyses were used to characterize 33 Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae ( Xoo) strains collected from the coastline region of Fangchenggang city in China. Two new pathogenic races (FXP1 and FXP2), were determined by leaf-clipping inoculation of 12 near-isogenic International Rice-Bacterial Blight (IRBB) rice lines, each containing a single resistance gene. Race FXP1 consisted of twenty-eight strains that were incompatible on IRBB5 and IRBB7, while race FXP2 included five strains that were incompatible on IRBB5 and IRBB7 and moderately virulent on IRBB8 containing the xa8 gene. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis revealed that each probe of avrXa10 and IS1112 resolved two haplotypes. In a dendrogram generated from the combined RFLP data, the 33 Xoo strains were resolved into two clusters. There was a weak correlation (r = 0.53) between race and haplotype. All of the rice cultivars planted in the coastline region of Fangchenggang city were susceptible to the representative Xoo strains tested above. However, we found that four rice cultivars used as breeding materials in the laboratory could fully resist infection by the Xoo strains, suggesting that the isolated Xoo strains could be used to detect resistant rice cultivars suitable for planting in the local rice field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome (MS), a pro-inflammatory state with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity is presumed to be a close associate of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the exact mechanism by which MS facilitates perpetuation of AF is yet to be fully understood. Moreover, the impact of the components of MS as well as MS as a group, on ablation-outcome in AF is not clearly elucidated until now. This review has compiled the results from major studies that have looked into those risk factors and defined their significance in influencing ablation-outcome in AF. It has also overviewed the impact of life-style changes that might improve the success rate of AF-ablation by effectively addressing the different constituents of MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heading date in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a critical agronomic trait with a complex inheritance. To investigate the genetic basis and mechanism of gene interaction in heading date, we conducted genetic analysis on seg-regation populations derived from crosses among the indica cultivars Bo B, Yuefeng B and Baoxuan 2. A set of dominant complementary genes controlling late heading, designated LH1 and LH2, were detected by molecular marker mapping. Genetic analysis revealed that Baoxuan 2 contains both dominant genes, while Bo B and Yuefeng B each possess either LH1 or LH2. Using larger populations with segregant ratios of 3 : 1, we fine-mapped LH1 to a 63-kb region near the centromere of chromosome 7 flanked by markers RM5436 and RM8034, and LH2 to a 177-kb region on the short arm of chromosome 8 between flanking markers Indel22468-3 and RM25. Some candidate genes were identified through sequencing of Bo B and Yuefeng B in these target regions. Our work provides a solid foundation for further study on gene interaction in heading date and has application in marker-assisted breeding of photosensitive hybrid rice in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baseline BNP Predicts Ablation Outcome in Male AF Patients. Background: Close association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been demonstrated by several studies. Important gender differences exist in AF patients including a higher plasma BNP level in women. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate the relationship between AF and BNP separately in men and women. Objective: This study examined possible gender-specific role of BNP in predicting procedure outcome in AF patients undergoing catheter ablation. Method: The study population included 568 consecutive patients (age 62 ± 10, male 73%, paroxysmal 25%, persistent 38%, and long-standing persistent AF 37%) undergoing AF ablation, who had structurally normal heart and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥45%. Baseline BNP was measured in all. Patients were grouped into 'normal' and 'high' BNP based on gender-specific cut-off values (<50 and ≥50 pg/mL in males, <100 and ≥ 100 pg/mL in females). Result: Baseline BNP was significantly higher among women than men (126 ± 112 versus 87 ± 99, P = 0.009). At 12 ± 6 month follow-up, 304 of 414 (73%) males and 98 of 154 (64%) females were AF/atrial tachycardia-free off antiarrhythmic drugs (log-rank P = 0.018). In multivariable analysis, BNP remained an independent predictor of AF recurrence (BNP ≥ 50: hazard ratio [HR] 2.54, P = 0.006) in males. No such association was observed among females (BNP ≥ 100: HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.43-1.42; P = 0.426). Conclusion: Baseline BNP was found to be an independent predictor of AF recurrence in male patients undergoing ablation. This correlation between BNP and AF recurrence was not observed in females. Thus, BNP plays a gender-specific prognostic role in AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 858-865, August 2011) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since December 1997, highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1viruses have swept through poultry populations across Asian countries and been transmitted into African and European countries. We characterized 6 avian influenza H5N1 viruses isolated from humans in 2004 in Thailand. A highly pathogenic (HP) KAN353 strain showed faster replication and higher virulence in embryonated eggs compared to other strains, especially compared to the low pathogenic (LP) SP83 strain. HP KAN353 also showed strong cytopathogenicity compared to SP83 in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Interestingly, LP SP83 induced smaller plaques compared to other strains, especially HP KAN353. PB2 amino acid 627E may contribute to low virulence, whereas either PB2 amino acid 627 K or the combination of 627E/701N seems to be associated with high virulence. The in vitro assays used in this study may provide the basis for assessing the pathogenesis of influenza H5N1 viruses in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiciliated cells (MCCs) are terminally differentiated postmitotic cells that possess hundreds of motile cilia on their apical surface. Defects in cilia formation are associated with ciliopathies that affect many organs. In this study, we tested the role and mechanism of the miR-34/449 family in the regulation of multiciliogenesis in EDs using an miR-34b/c-/-; miR-449-/- double knockout (dKO) mouse model. MiR-34b/c and miR-449 depletion led to a reduced number of MCCs and abnormal cilia structure in the EDs starting from postnatal day (P)14. However, abnormal MCC differentiation in the dKO EDs could be observed as early as P7. RNA-seq analyses revealed that the aberrant development of MCCs in the EDs of dKO mice was associated with the upregulation of genes involved in cell cycle control. Using a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor to force cell cycle exit promoted MCC differentiation, and partially rescued the defective multiciliogenesis in the EDs of dKO mice. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-34b/c and miR-449 play an essential role in multiciliogenesis in EDs by regulating cell cycle exit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiciliated cells (MCCs) are terminally differentiated postmitotic cells that possess hundreds of motile cilia on their apical surface. Defects in cilia formation are associated with ciliopathies that affect many organs. In this study, we tested the role and mechanism of the miR-34/449 family in the regulation of multiciliogenesis in EDs using an miR-34b/c-/-; miR-449-/- double knockout (dKO) mouse model. MiR-34b/c and miR-449 depletion led to a reduced number of MCCs and abnormal cilia structure in the EDs starting from postnatal day (P)14. However, abnormal MCC differentiation in the dKO EDs could be observed as early as P7. RNA-seq analyses revealed that the aberrant development of MCCs in the EDs of dKO mice was associated with the upregulation of genes involved in cell cycle control. Using a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor to force cell cycle exit promoted MCC differentiation, and partially rescued the defective multiciliogenesis in the EDs of dKO mice. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-34b/c and miR-449 play an essential role in multiciliogenesis in EDs by regulating cell cycle exit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]