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PurposeThe prespinal route of contralateral cervical 7 nerve transfer developed by Prof. Wendong Xu helps realize the direct anastomosis of the bilateral cervical 7 nerves. However, 20% of operations still require a nerve graft, which leads to an unfavorable prognosis. This study aims to explore the optimized prespinal route with MRI to further improve the prognosis.MethodsThe current study enrolled 30 patients who suffered from central spastic paralysis of an upper limb and who underwent contralateral cervical 7 nerve transfer via Prof. Xu’s prespinal route through the anterior edge of the contralateral longus colli. MRI images were used to analyze the route length, vertebral artery exposure, and contralateral cervical 7 nerve included angle. Three prespinal routes were virtually designed and analyzed. The selected optimal route was applied to another 50 patients with central spastic paralysis of an upper limb for contralateral cervical 7 nerve transfer.ResultsBy the interventions on the 30 patients, the middle and posterior routes were shorter than the anterior route in length, but with no statistical difference between the two routes. Of 30 contralateral vertebral arteries, 26 were located at the posterior medial edge of the longus colli. The average included angles of the anterior, middle, and posterior routes were 108.02 ± 7.89°, 95.51 ± 6.52°, and 72.48 ± 4.65°, respectively. According to these data, the middle route was optimally applied to 50 patients, in whom the rate of nerve transplantation was only 4%, and no serious complications such as vertebral artery or brachial plexus injury occurred.ConclusionThe low rate of nerve transplantation in 50 patients and the absence of any serious complications in these cases suggests that the middle route is the optimal one.

Rice leaf width (RLW) is a crucial determinant of photosynthetic area. Despite the discovery of several genes controlling RLW, the underlying genetic architecture remains unclear. In order to better understand RLW, this study conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 351 accessions from the rice diversity population II (RDP-II). The results revealed 12 loci associated with leaf width (LALW). In LALW4, we identified one gene, Narrow Leaf 22 (NAL22), whose polymorphisms and expression levels were associated with RLW variation. Knocking out this gene in Zhonghua11, using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, resulted in a short and narrow leaf phenotype. However, seed width remained unchanged. Additionally, we discovered that the vein width and expression levels of genes associated with cell division were suppressed in nal22 mutants. Gibberellin (GA) was also found to negatively regulate NAL22 expression and impact RLW. In summary, we dissected the genetic architecture of RLW and identified a gene, NAL22, which provides new loci for further RLW studies and a target gene for leaf shape design in modern rice breeding.

Four new wood-inhabiting fungi, Trechispora albofarinosa, T. bisterigmata, T. pileata and T. wenshanensis spp. nov., are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Trechispora albofarinosa is characterized by the farinose basidiomata with flocculence hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and ellipsoid, warted basidiospores. Trechispora bisterigmata is characterized by the membranous basidiomata with odontioid hymenial surface, rhizomorphic sterile margin, barrelled basidia and subglobose to broad ellipsoid, smooth basidiospores. Trechispora pileata is characterized by the laterally contracted base, solitary or imbricate basidiomata, fan shaped pileus, radially striate-covered surface with appressed scales, odontioid hymenophore surface, and subglobose to broad ellipsoid, thin-walled, smooth basidiospores. Trechispora wenshanensis is characterized by a cottony basidiomata with a smooth hymenial surface, and ellipsoid, thin-walled, warted basidiospores. Sequences of ITS and LSU marker of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with the maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The phylogenetic tree inferred from the ITS+nLSU sequences highlighted that four new species were grouped into the genus Trechispora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using frequency-modulated continuous wave radar data from the 32nd Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition in 2015/16, subsurface profiles were obtained along an East Antarctic inland traverse from Zhongshan station to Dome A, and four distinct regions were selected to analyze the spatiotemporal variability in historical surface mass balance (SMB). Based on depth, density, and age data from ice cores along the traverse, the radar data were calibrated to yield average SMB data. The zone 49–195 km from the coast has the highest SMB (235 kg m−2 a−1). The 780–892 km zone was most affected by the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age, and the SMB during ad 1454–1836 (71 kg m−2 a−1) was only one-quarter of that in the 20th century. The SMB in the 1080–1157 km zone fluctuates the most, possibly due to erosion or irregular deposition of snow by katabatic winds in low SMB areas with surface elevation fluctuations. Dome A (1157–1236 km) has the lowest SMB (29 kg m−2 a−1) and did not decrease during Little Ice Age. Understanding the spatiotemporal variability of SMB in a larger space can help us understand the complex climate history of Antarctica.

Introduction The pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) includes β-amy�loid (Aβ) (plaques) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). This study aimed to explore the efficacy of Huatuo Zaizao pill (HTZP) in an AD mouse model in�duced by injecting Aβ 1-42 , and the neuroprotective mechanism of HTZP in Material and methods C57BL/6 (B6) mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 10, per group): control group, AD model group, and 2 differ�ent doses of HTZP treated groups. The Morris water maze test was carried out on AD mice to assess the learning ability after treatment with HTZP for 15 day. The levels of inflammatory factors and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway were examined by western blot and real-time polymerase chain reac�tion (PCR). The content of microglia was investigated by immunofluorescence. Results This study revealed that a cognitive disorder could be mitigated when the AD mice were treated with HTZP, which might be associated with the decreased level of pro-inflammatory factors, and the inhibitory activities of microglia. Additionally, phosphorylation of IκB and NF-κB p65 could be reduced by prohibiting the neuroinflammation of NF-κB activation in the hippocampus of AD mice. Conclusions These results showed that HTZP could mitigate a cognitive disorder, diminish the activation of microglia, and inhibit the content of inflammatory factors through the NF-κB pathway in Aβ 1-42 -induced AD mice. HTZP may be an appropriate agent for AD treatment in the future.

Abstract The goal of global carbon peak and neutrality gives an impetus to the utilization of clean energy (e.g., fuel cell) and carbon dioxide (CO2) at a large scale, where the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) are the key reactions via the sustainable system, respectively. As a main precursor for fabricating affordable carbon‐based electrocatalysts with uniformly dispersed active centers and tailorable performances for ORR and CO2RR, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have captured a surge of interest in recent years. Despite the facilitated development of MOF‐derived carbon‐based electrocatalysts by many investigations, it is still plagued by high overpotential and unsatisfied life span, which are greatly determined by the efficient and alterable confinement effect on synthesis and performance. In this review, firstly, the confined synthetic strategies (doping engineering, defect engineering, geometric engineering, etc.) of MOF‐derived carbon‐based electrocatalysts with multi‐sized active centers (atom, atomic clusters and nanoparticles (NPs)) are systematically summarized; secondly, the confinement effect on the interaction of ORR and CO2RR intermediates, as well as the catalytic durability and activity, was discussed from chemical and physical aspects. In the end, the review discusses the remaining challenges and emerging research topics in the future, including support upgradation and catalyst innovation, high selectivity and effective confinement synthesis, in situ and operando characterization techniques, theoretical investigation, and artificial intelligence (AI) assistant. The new understanding and insights into these aspects will guide the rational confinement concept of MOF‐derived carbon‐based electrocatalysts for ORR and CO2RR with optimized performances in terms of confinement engineering and are believed to be helpful for filling the existing gaps between scientific communities and practical use.

Summary: Background: A previous randomized controlled trial showed contralateral seventh cervical nerve (CC7) cross transfer to be safe and effective in restoring the arm function of spastic arm paralysis patients in a specified population. Guidance on indications, safety and expected long-term improvements of the surgery are needed for clinical practice. Methods: This is a retrospective, multicenter, propensity score-matched cohort study. All patients registered between 2013 and 2019 with unilateral spastic arm paralysis over 1 year who were registered at one of five centers in China and South Korea were included. Patients received CC7 cross transfer or rehabilitation treatment in each center. Primary outcome was the change in the upper-extremity Fugl–Meyer (UEFM) score from baseline to 2-year follow-up; larger increase indicated better functional improvements. Findings: The analysis included 425 eligible patients. After propensity score matching, 336 patients who were 1:1 matched into surgery and rehabilitation groups. Compared to previous trial, patient population was expanded on age ( 45 years old), duration of disease (

Burkholderia pseudomallei is an important infectious disease pathogen that can cause melioidosis. Melioidosis is mainly prevalent in Thailand, northern Australia and southern China and has become a global public health problem. Early identification of B. pseudomallei is of great significance for the diagnosis and prognosis of melioidosis. In this study, a simple and visual device combined with lateral flow strip-based recombinase polymerase amplification (LF-RPA) was developed, and the utility of the LF-RPA assay for identifying B. pseudomallei was evaluated. In order to screen out the optimal primer probe, a total of 16 pairs of specific primers targeting the orf2 gene of B. pseudomallei type III secretion system (T3SS) cluster genes were designed for screening, and F1/R3 was selected as an optimal set of primers for the identification of B. pseudomallei, and parameters for LF-RPA were optimized. The LF-RPA can be amplified at 30-45°C and complete the entire reaction in 5-30 min. This reaction does not cross-amplify the DNA of other non-B. pseudomallei species. The limit of detection (LOD) of this assay for B. pseudomallei genomic DNA was as low as 30 femtograms (fg), which was comparable to the results of real-time PCR. Moreover, 21 clinical B. pseudomallei isolates identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing were retrospectively confirmed by the newly developed LF-RPA system. Our results showed that the newly developed LF-RPA system has a simple and short time of operation and has good application prospect in the identification of B. pseudomallei.

Abstract Adult patients with relapsed or refractory T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R‐T‐ALL) have extremely poor prognosis, representing an urgent unmet medical need. Finding an optimal salvage regimen to bridge transplantation is a priority. The CAG (cytarabine, aclarubicin, and G‐CSF) regimen was initially used by one group in China, showing unexpectedly promising results in 11 R/R‐T‐ALL patients. Here, we report the multicenter results of 41 patients who received the CAG regimen as salvage therapy. After one cycle of the CAG regimen, complete remission and partial remission were achieved in 33 (80.5%) and two (4.9%) patients, respectively. Failure to respond was observed in six patients (14.6%). Early T‐cell precursor (ETP) (n = 26) and non‐ETP (n = 15) patients had a similar CR rate (80.8% vs 80.0%, P = .95). Among 41 patients, allo‐HSCT was successfully performed in 27 (66%) patients (22 in CR and 5 in non‐CR). With a median follow‐up time of 12 months, the estimated 2‐year overall survival and event‐free survival were 68.8% (95% CI, 47.3%‐83.0%) and 56.5% (95% CI, 37.1%‐71.9%), respectively. The CAG regimen was well‐tolerated, and no early death occurred. Our multicenter results show that the CAG regimen is highly effective and safe, representing a novel choice for adult patients with R/R‐T‐ALL and providing a better bridge to transplantation.

Abstract Background Cushing’s syndrome has been described as a complex endocrine disorder characterized with high cortisol concentration. Correct and early diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome is challenging. According to the latest guideline, bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) is considered to be the gold standard for the differential diagnosis. However, in some unusual cases, this method may be false positive. Here, we presented a rare case of orbital neuroendocrine tumor secreting adrenocorticotrophic hormone with false positive inferior petrosal sinus sampling. Case presentation A 48-year-old woman was admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University, presenting with fatigue, whole body edema for 1 year, alopecia and skin pigmentation for 5 months. Hormonal profiles including plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) measurements and low-dose dexamethasone inhibition test suggested that the patient had Cushing’s syndrome. However, during tumor location phase, the results of high-dose dexamethasone inhibition test (HDDST) contradicted desmopressin (DDAVP) stimulation test. Thus, BIPSS was employed, and its results indicated a pituitary origin. Interestingly, MRI of sellar region showed an innocent pituitary but caught a serendipitous lesion in the lateral rectus muscle of left eye, which was later proved to be an orbital neuroendocrine tumor secreting ACTH by pathological and immunohistochemical results. ACTH level of the patients was

Abstract Background Circular RNA (circRNA) is highly expressed in the brain tissue, but its molecular mechanism in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion remains unclear. Here, we explored the role and underlying mechanisms of circRNA antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (circ_ANRIL) in oxygen–glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced cell injury. Results The expression of circ_ANRIL in OGD/R-induced human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) was significantly up-regulated, while that of miR-622 was significantly down-regulated. Overexpression of circ_ANRIL significantly inhibited the proliferation of OGD/R-induced HBMECs and aggravated OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, circ_ANRIL overexpression further increased the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in OGD/R-treated HBMECs. The results of bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay indicated that circ_ANRIL served as an miR-622 sponge to negatively regulate the expression of miR-622 in OGD/R-treated HBMECs. Additionally, circ_ANRIL silencing exerted anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects by positively regulating the expression of miR-622. Furthermore, inhibition of OGD/R-induced activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway by circ_ANRIL silencing was significantly reversed by treatment with miR-622 inhibitor. Conclusions Knockdown of circ_ANRIL improved OGD/R-induced cell damage, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway through sponging miR-622.

Objective To investigate the effect of down-regulation of Notch1 expression mediated by lentivirus on the activation of caspase-9 and mitochondrial membrane potential of fibroblast from pathological scars(PSF). Methods PSFs were isolated and cultured and then infected by Notch1 siRNA lentivirus and negative control lentivirus respectively.The level of Notch1 mRNA and protein was detected by real-time PCR and Western blot,respectively.MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation; PI monochrome staining was used to detect cell cycle changes. Annexin V-FITC/PI assay was used to detect apoptotic changes; Western blot was used to detect the level of cyclin D1, CDK4, c-caspase-3, c-caspase-9 and cytochrome C protein levels in cytoplasm and mitochondria; JC-1 method was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential. Results The expression of Notch1 in PSFs transfected with Notch1 siRNA lentivirus was significantly lower than that in the negative control lentiviruses and the non-transfected PSFs(P＜0.05).The proliferation of PSFs decreased after Notch1 was down-regulated (P＜0.05);the percen-tage of G0/G1 phase increased(P＜0.05); the apoptotic rate increased(P＜0.05); the expression of c-caspase-3 and c-caspase-9 protein increased(P＜0.05); the mitochondrial membrane potential of the cells decreased significantly(P＜0.05); the level of cyclin D1 and CDK4 protein in cells decreased(P＜0.05); cytochrome C protein increased in cytoplasm and decreased in mitochondria(P＜0.05). Conclusions Down-regulation of Notch1 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of PSF.

Amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). ZL006 is shown to reduce over-produced nitric oxide and oxidative stress in ischemic stroke by interrupting the interaction of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and postsynaptic density protein 95. However, few studies are reported on the role of ZL006 in AD. To investigate whether ZL006 exerted neuroprotective effects in AD, we used Aβ1–42 to treat primary cortical neurons and N2a neuroblastoma cells as an in vitro model of AD. Cortical neurons were incubated with ZL006 or dimethyl sulfoxide for 2 hours and treated with Aβ1–42 or NH3•H2O for another 24 hours. The results of cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and calcein-acetoxymethylester/propidium iodide staining showed that ZL006 pretreatment rescued the neuronal death induced by Aβ1–42. Fluorescence and western blot assay were used to detect oxidative stress and apoptosis-related proteins in each group of cells. Results showed that ZL006 pretreatment decreased neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by Aβ1–42. The results of CCK8 assay showed that inhibition of Akt or NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cortical neurons abolished the protective effects of ZL006. Moreover, similar results were also observed in N2a neuroblastoma cells. ZL006 inhibited N2a cell death and oxidative stress induced by Aβ1–42, while inhibition of Akt or Nrf2 abolished the protective effect of ZL006. These results demonstrated that ZL006 reduced Aβ1–42-induced neuronal damage and oxidative stress, and the mechanisms might be associated with the activation of Akt/Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathways.

Perchlorate (ClO4−) is harmful to human health, and knowledge on the levels and sources of natural ClO4− in different environments remains rather limited. Here, we investigate ClO4− in aerosol samples collected along a cross-hemisphere ship cruise between China and Antarctica and on a traverse between coastal East Antarctica and the ice sheet summit (Dome Argus). Perchlorate concentrations range from a few to a few hundred pg m−3. A clear latitudinal trend is found, with elevated ClO4− concentrations near populated areas and in the southern mid-high latitudes. Spatial patterns of atmospheric ClO4− over oceans near the landmasses support that terrestrial ClO4− is not transported efficiently over long distances. In the southern mid-latitudes, higher ClO4− concentrations in March than in November-December may be caused by significant stratospheric inputs in March. Perchlorate concentrations appear to be higher in the warm half than in the cold half of the year in the southern high latitudes, suggesting seasonal difference in main atmospheric sources. ClO4− may be formed in the reactions between chlorine free radical (Cl·) and ozone (O3) in the stratosphere when Antarctic ozone hole occurs during September-October. And the stratosphere-produced ClO4− is moved to the boundary layer in several months and may be responsible for the high ClO4− concentrations in the warm half of the year. Perchlorate produced by photochemical reactions between O3 and Cl· in the Antarctic stratosphere is likely responsible for the higher ClO4− concentrations in Antarctica than in Arctic.

Data-space inversion (DSI) is a data assimilation procedure that directly generates posterior flow predictions, for time series of interest, without calibrating model parameters. No forward flow simulation is performed in the data assimilation process. DSI instead uses the prior data generated by performing O(1000) simulations on prior geomodel realizations. Data parameterization is useful in the DSI framework as it enables representation of the correlated time-series data quantities in terms of low-dimensional latent-space variables. In this work, a recently developed parameterization based on a recurrent autoencoder (RAE) is applied with DSI for a real naturally fractured reservoir. The parameterization, involving the use of a recurrent neural network and an autoencoder, is able to capture important correlations in the time-series data. RAE training is accomplished using flow simulation results for 1,350 prior model realizations. An ensemble smoother with multiple data assimilation (ESMDA) is applied to provide posterior DSI data samples. The modeling in this work is much more complex than that considered in previous DSI studies as it includes multiple 3D discrete fracture realizations, three-phase flow, tracer injection and production, and complicated field-management logic leading to frequent well shut-in and reopening. Results for the reconstruction of new simulation data (not seen in training), using both the RAE-based parameterization and a simpler approach based on principal component analysis (PCA) with histogram transformation, are presented. The RAE-based procedure is shown to provide better accuracy for these data reconstructions. Detailed posterior DSI results are then presented for a particular “true” model (which is outside the prior ensemble), and summary results are provided for five additional “true” models that are consistent with the prior ensemble. These results again demonstrate the advantages of DSI with RAE-based parameterization for this challenging fractured reservoir case.

Xinjiang has abundant cotton by-products resources, but their utilization rate is relatively low. Cotton by-products include cotton stalks, cottonseed meal, cottonseed hulls, cottonseed residue, and more. Among them, cottonseed meal is an important protein source in livestock and poultry production, while cotton stalks, cottonseed hulls, and cottonseed residue can serve as coarse feed sources for ruminant animals. However, the long-term application of cotton by-products in the livestock and poultry breeding industry is constrained due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors such as free gossypol and the relatively high crude fiber content in cotton stalks, cottonseed hulls, and cottonseed residue. The article reviews the production, types, nutritional value of cotton by-products, and their research and application in the livestock and poultry breeding industry, aiming to provide a reference for further application of cotton by-products in the livestock and poultry breeding industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to explore the nutritional characteristics and feeding value of a mixed silage containing cotton stalks, whole corn plants, and sugar beet residue. The experiment was divided into three groups: The control group (CK group) used whole corn plant silage, while Group A and Group B used a 1:1 mixture of cotton stalks with whole corn plants and sugar beet pulp for silage, with three replicates in each group. After 90 days of fermentation, samples were taken for analysis of silage fermentation quality, nutritional characteristics, and feeding value indicators. The results indicated that compared to the CK group, the pH values increased (P<0.05) and the Fisher's score decreased (P<0.05) in Group A and Group B. The CP, NDF, and ADF contentration increased (P<0.05), while the NFC content decreased in Group A and Group B (P<0.05). The RFV and RFQ of Group A were higher than those of Group B (P<0.05). Compared to the CK group, the in vitro gas production decreased in Group A and Group B, with Group A having higher gas production than Group B. The IVDMD of Group A and Group B was lower than that of the CK group (P<0.05). The study suggests that the feeding value of the mixed silage with cotton stalks, whole corn plants, and sugar beet residue is still lower than that of the whole corn plant silage. However, Group A exhibits a feeding value closer to that of the CK group, indicating higher application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective CTD-related immune thrombocytopenia (CTD-ITP) represents an unmet medical need because the drugs that are available are only partly effective and have considerable side-effects. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of sirolimus in refractory CTD-ITP patients. Methods We did a single-arm, open-label, pilot study of sirolimus in patients with CTD-ITP unresponsive to, or intolerant of, conventional medications. Patients received oral sirolimus for 6 months at a starting dose of 0.5–1 mg per day, with dose adjusted according to tolerance and to maintain a therapeutic range of 6–15 ng/ml. The primary efficacy end point was changes in platelet count, and overall response assessed according to the ITP International Working Group Criteria. Safety outcomes included tolerance as assessed by the occurrence of common side-effects. Results Between November 2020 and February 2022, 12 consecutively hospitalized patients with refractory CTD-ITP were enrolled and prospectively followed. Of these, six patients (50%) achieved complete response, two (16.7%) achieved partial response, and four (33.3%) were no response under therapy. Three of four patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and two of three patients with systemic lupus erythematosus achieved overall response. One of two patients with overlapping Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus achieved complete response at 6 months. No severe drug-related toxicities were observed. Conclusion Our results do support sirolimus as an alternative regimen for refractory CTD-ITP patients, including systemic lupus erythematosus and primary SS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optogenetic stimulation of damaged peripheral nerves has advantages over electrical stimulation but it’s limited to single-site stimulation. Here the authors develop a spiral-shaped LED implant for precise optogenetic stimulation of peripheral nerve bundles at multiple sites and use it to induce distinct limb movements in mice.

Abstract Background Rice tiller number (TN) is one of the most important components associated with rice grain yield. Around one hundred rice TN genes have been identified, but dissecting the genetic architecture of rice TN variations remains difficult because of its complex trait and control by both major genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Results In this study, we used a subset of the rice diversity population II (S-RDP-II), genotyped with 700,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), to identify the loci associated with tiller number variations (LATNs) through a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The analysis revealed that 23 LATNs are significantly associated with TN variations. Among the 23 LATNs, eight are co-localized with previously cloned TN genes, and the remaining 15 LATNs are novel. DNA sequence analysis of the 15 novel LATNs led to the identification of five candidate genes using the accessions with extreme TN phenotypes. Genetic variations in two of the genes are mainly located in the promoter regions. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of these two genes are also closely associated with TN variations. Conclusions We identified 15 novel LATNs that contribute significantly to the genetic variation of rice TN. Of these 15, the five identified TN-associated candidate genes will enhance our understanding of rice tillering and can be used as molecular markers for improving rice yield.

Abstract Background Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a common type of skin malignancy. MicroRNA-221 (miRNA-221) is a critical non-coding RNA in tumor initiation and progression. However, the molecular mechanisms of miRNA-221 in the development of CSCC remain unknown. This study investigated the expression of miRNA-221 in CSCC and its potential tumor biological functions. Methods MTT assay, colony assay, PCR, and Western blot were adopted. Results In this study, miRNA-221 expression was significantly higher in CSCC tissues and cell lines than in normal tissues and cells (P