RESUMEN
The species-rich cosmopolitan genus Rhododendron offers a good system for exploring the genomic mechanisms underlying adaptation to diverse habitats. Here, we report high-quality chromosomal-level genome assemblies of nine species, representing all five subgenera, different altitudinal distributions, and all flower color types of this genus. Further comprehensive genomic analyses indicate diverse adaptive strategies employed by Rhododendron, particularly adaptation to alpine and subalpine habitats by expansion/contraction of gene families involved in pathogen defense and oxidative phosphorylation, genomic convergent evolution, and gene copy-number variation. The convergent adaptation to high altitudes is further shown by population genomic analysis of R. nivale from the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains. Moreover, we identify the genes involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins and carotenoids, which play a crucial role in shaping flower color diversity and environmental adaptation. Our study is significant for comprehending plant adaptive evolution and the uneven distribution of species diversity across different geographical regions.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: To investigate the association between perfusion deficit, vessel wall characteristics, and risk of recurrent ischemic events in medically treated patients with chronic symptomatic anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed chronic symptomatic patients due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in our center. All patients received multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (including perfusion-weighted imaging and high-resolution vessel wall imaging) within 4 weeks to 3 months after symptom onset. The association between baseline clinical or imaging variables and recurrent ischemic events was assessed in bivariate models and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of recurrence. RESULTS: Among 71 enrolled patients, 21.1% (15/71) patients had recurrent ischemic events (nine ischemic strokes and six transient ischemic attacks) during a 2-year follow-up. In bivariate models, hypertension, occlusion with hyperintense signals, the presence of intraluminal thrombus, Tmax >4 s volume, Tmax >6 s volume, Tmax >8 s volume, and Tmax >10 s volume were associated with recurrence (all p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, hypertension (p = 0.039, OR 10.057 (95% CI, 1.123-90.048)), higher deficit volume of Tmax >4 s (p = 0.011, OR 1.012 (95% CI, 1.003-1.021)) and occlusion with hyperintense signal (p = 0.030, OR 6.732 (95% CI, 1.200-37.772)) were still independent predictors of recurrent ischemic events. CONCLUSIONS: Besides hypertension history, higher deficit volume of Tmax >4 s and occlusion with hyperintense signal determined using multiparametric MRI are strongly associated with risk for recurrent ischemic events in medically treated patients with chronic symptomatic anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Future studies are needed to determine the utility of revascularization strategies in such high-risk patients.
RESUMEN
Triangular lattice (TL) materials are a rich playground for investigating exotic quantum spin states and related applications in quantum computing and quantum information. Millimeter-level single crystals of REBO3 (RE = Tb-Yb) with a nearly perfect RE-based TL have been successfully grown via a high-temperature flux method and structurally characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These 113-type materials crystallize in a monoclinic crystal system with a C2/c space group. Anisotropic magnetism and dominant antiferromagnetic interactions are found for the above materials based on DC magnetic susceptibility measurements. The comprehensive low-temperature specific heat data of REBO3 (RE = Tb-Tm) are characterized on single crystals for the first time, which exhibit diverse magnetic behaviors. Specifically, two weak-field-induced transitions could be found in the case of DyBO3 based on the specific heat measurements. Our results suggest that REBO3 (RE = Tb-Yb) is a TL magnetic system for investigating potential quantum magnetism.
RESUMEN
Exploring and accurately detecting new adulteration markers in sesame oil is an important measure for sesame oil adulteration monitoring. In this study, two endogenous flavors sulfurol and γ-nonalactone which can be used as potential adulteration markers were first discovered in sesame oil and accurately quantified. First, the two endogenous flavors were discovered using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their structures were confirmed by comparing the mass spectrograms with the NIST spectral library. Then the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method using direct methanol extraction pretreatment and vanillin-D3 as an internal standard was developed for rapid quantitation and application. The method was successfully validated with recoveries ranging from 88.5% to 102.2% and relative standard deviations between 2.6% and 10.5% (n = 6). The combined method of GC-MS and LC-MS/MS was indicated to be efficient and highly sensitive for detection of sulfurol and γ-nonalactone in edible oil. Subsequently, 31 sesame oils from the market were detected, revealing that 31 samples contained the identified flavors within a relatively consistent range. However, the concentration of these flavor substances in one sample was abnormally high, indicating that there was a potential risk of adulteration. Therefore, the developed method shows good potential for quality evaluation and adulteration screening of sesame oil.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación de Alimentos , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas , Aceite de Sésamo , Espectrometría de Masas en Tándem , Aceite de Sésamo/química , Aceite de Sésamo/análisis , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas/métodos , Espectrometría de Masas en Tándem/métodos , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis , Cromatografía Liquida/métodos , Aromatizantes/análisis , Aromatizantes/química , Lactonas/análisis , Lactonas/químicaRESUMEN
Coniferous forests are under severe threat of the rapid anthropogenic climate warming. Abies (firs), the fourth-largest conifer genus, is a keystone component of the boreal and temperate dark-coniferous forests and harbors a remarkably large number of relict taxa. However, the uncertainty of the phylogenetic and biogeographic history of Abies significantly impedes our prediction of future dynamics and efficient conservation of firs. In this study, using 1,533 nuclear genes generated from transcriptome sequencing and a complete sampling of all widely recognized species, we have successfully reconstructed a robust phylogeny of global firs, in which four clades are strongly supported and all intersectional relationships are resolved, although phylogenetic discordance caused mainly by incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization was detected. Molecular dating and ancestral area reconstruction suggest a Northern Hemisphere high-latitude origin of Abies during the Late Cretaceous, but all extant firs diversified during the Miocene to the Pleistocene, and multiple continental and intercontinental dispersals took place in response to the late Neogene climate cooling and orogenic movements. Notably, four critically endangered firs endemic to subtropical mountains of China, including A. beshanzuensis, A. ziyuanensis, A. fanjingshanensis and A. yuanbaoshanensis from east to west, have different origins and evolutionary histories. Moreover, three hotspots of species richness, including western North America, central Japan, and the Hengduan Mountains, were identified in Abies. Elevation and precipitation, particularly precipitation of the coldest quarter, are the most significant environmental factors driving the global distribution pattern of fir species diversity. Some morphological traits are evolutionarily constrained, and those linked to elevational variation (e.g., purple cone) and cold resistance (e.g., pubescent branch and resinous bud) may have contributed to the diversification of global firs. Our study sheds new light on the spatiotemporal evolution of global firs, which will be of great help to forest management and species conservation in a warming world.
RESUMEN
PURPOSE: To determine the optimal virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) from dual-layer spectral detector computed tomography for the visualization and diagnosis of metastatic lateral cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: Ninety-five lateral cervical LNs (49 metastatic and 46 non-metastatic) derived from 24 patients (16 females; mean age, 40.0 ± 13.4 years) were included. 40-100 kiloelectron voltage (keV) VMIs, 120 keV VMI and conventional 120 kV peak (kVp) polyenergetic image (PI) were reconstructed. Five-point scale of subjective image quality, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of LNs were assessed and compared among each VMI and 120 kVp PI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Delong tests were used to assess and compare the diagnostic efficacy of arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) based on each VMI and 120 kVp PI. RESULTS: 40 keV VMI showed significantly higher SNR and CNR in both arterial and venous phases, and better image quality in arterial phase than 70-100 keV VMIs, 120 keV VMI, and 120 kVp PI (all p < 0.05). In all sets of images, AEF values of metastatic LNs were significantly higher than those of non-metastatic LNs (all p < 0.05). When using AEF value of 40 keV VMI to diagnose metastatic lateral cervical LNs, an area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.878, sensitivity of 87.8 % and specificity of 80.4 % could be obtained, while the AUC of AEF value of 120 kVp PI was 0.815 (p = 0.154). CONCLUSION: 40 keV VMI might be optimal for displaying and diagnosing the metastatic lateral cervical LNs in patients with PTC.
Asunto(s)
Metástasis Linfática , Cuello , Cáncer Papilar Tiroideo , Neoplasias de la Tiroides , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Adulto , Metástasis Linfática/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/patología , Cáncer Papilar Tiroideo/diagnóstico por imagen , Cáncer Papilar Tiroideo/secundario , Cáncer Papilar Tiroideo/patología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Cuello/diagnóstico por imagen , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Imagen Radiográfica por Emisión de Doble Fotón/métodos , Ganglios Linfáticos/diagnóstico por imagen , Ganglios Linfáticos/patología , Carcinoma Papilar/diagnóstico por imagen , Carcinoma Papilar/patología , Anciano , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Medios de Contraste , Relación Señal-Ruido , Interpretación de Imagen Radiográfica Asistida por Computador/métodosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: The continuous advancement of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the evolving attitudes towards marriage and fertility among the general public have led to an increasing number of groups requiring special attention (GRSA) desiring to fulfill their reproductive needs through these technologies. These groups include single women (including single mothers without children), same-sex couples, and women in high-risk occupations, among others. The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of appropriately liberalizing ART for GRSA. METHODS: This paper discusses the advantages of a moderate liberalization of ART for GRSA from two perspectives: a theoretical basis and a practical significance level. It also analyzes the current constraints on liberalizing ART and presents suggestions for moderate liberalization. RESULTS: The moderate liberalization of ART can provide technical support for respecting and realizing the reproductive freedom of GRSA, which has certain theoretical and practical significance. However, it is also subject to constraints. CONCLUSION: We call for government to keep pace with the times, based on the current stage of political, economic, and social development, to further recognize and protect citizens' reproductive rights, prioritize the practical needs of the public, and explore policies and regulations for gradually loosening the restrictions on ART for GRSA.
Asunto(s)
Técnicas Reproductivas Asistidas , Humanos , Técnicas Reproductivas Asistidas/tendencias , China , Femenino , Masculino , Derechos Sexuales y Reproductivos , Fertilidad , MatrimonioRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of Dixon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based quantitative parameters of extraocular muscles (EOMs), intraorbital fat (IF), and lacrimal glands (LGs) in staging patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). METHODS: Two hundred patients with TAO (211 active and 189 inactive eyes) who underwent Dixon MRI for pretreatment evaluation were retrospectively enrolled and divided into training (169 active and 151 inactive eyes) and validation (42 active and 38 inactive eyes) cohorts. The maximum, mean, and minimum values of the signal intensity ratio (SIR), fat fraction (FF), and water fraction (WF) of EOMs, IF, and LGs were measured and compared between the active and inactive groups in the training cohort. Binary logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and the Delong test were used for further statistical analyses, as appropriate. RESULTS: Compared with inactive TAOs, active TAOs demonstrated significantly greater EOM-SIRmax, EOM-SIRmean, EOM-SIRmin, IF-SIRmax, IF-SIRmean, LG-SIRmax, LG-SIRmean, EOM-WFmean, EOM-WFmin, IF-WFmax, IF-WFmean, and LG-WFmean and lower EOM-FFmax, EOM-FFmean, IF-FFmean, IF-FFmin, and LG-FFmean values (all p < 0.05). The EOM-SIRmean, LG-SIRmean, and LG-FFmean values were independently associated with active TAO (all p < 0.05). The combination of the EOM-SIRmean, LG-SIRmean, and LG-FFmean values showed better performance than the EOM-SIRmean value alone in staging TAO in both the training (AUC, 0.820 vs 0.793; p = 0.016) and validation (AUC, 0.751 vs 0.733, p = 0.341) cohorts. CONCLUSION: Dixon MRI-based parameters of EOMs, LGs, and IF are useful for differentiating active from inactive TAO. The integration of multiple parameters can further improve staging performance. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In this study, the authors explored the combined value of quantitative parameters of EOMs, IF, and LGs derived from Dixon MRI in staging TAO patients, which can support the establishment of a proper therapeutic plan. KEY POINTS: The quantitative parameters of EOMs, LGs, and IF are useful for staging TAO. The EOM-SIRmean, LG-SIRmean, and LG-FFmean values were found to independently correlate with active TAO. Joint evaluation of orbital tissue improved the ability to assess TAO activity.
RESUMEN
To elucidate the spatial patterns of understory species in fragmented forests adjacent to human settlements, we examined the spatial distribution and intraspecific correlations of three dominant species Mallotus philippensis, Dasymashalon trichophorum, and Psychotria rubra by employing point pattern analysis, which were the top three in terms of importance value in the shrub layer of Fengshui forest in Leizhou Peninsula, Guangdong. The results showed that all the three species were mainly aggregated at the scale of 0-25 m, especially for young trees. The degree of aggregation gradually diminished with increasing age class. The spatial distribution patterns of three species were predominantly influenced by habitat heterogeneity, negative density dependence, and dispersal limitation. They showed positive association among different age classes, especially between young trees and middle age trees and between young trees and adult trees. Therefore, in the ecological restoration process of Leizhou Peninsula, M. philippensis, D. trichophorum, and P. rubra should be planted in clusters at a small scale within the range of 0-25 m, with the degree of clusters depending on plant morphology. For larger scales, a dispersed cultivation approach was advocated.
Asunto(s)
Bosques , Árboles , Humanos , Ecosistema , China , PlantasRESUMEN
Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the potential modulatory role of quercetin against Endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced septic cardiac dysfunction. Methods: Specific pathogen-free chicken embryos ( n = 120) were allocated untreated control, phosphate buffer solution (PBS) vehicle, PBS with ethanol vehicle, LPS (500 ng/egg), LPS with quercetin treatment (10, 20, or 40 nmol/egg, respectively), Quercetin groups (10, 20, or 40 nmol/egg). Fifteen-day-old embryonated eggs were inoculated with abovementioned solutions via the allantoic cavity. At embryonic day 19, the hearts of the embryos were collected for histopathological examination, RNA extraction, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical investigations, and Western blotting. Results: They demonstrated that the heart presented inflammatory responses after LPS induction. The LPS-induced higher mRNA expressions of inflammation-related factors (TLR4, TNFα, MYD88, NF-κB1, IFNγ, IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, p38, MMP3, and MMP9) were blocked by quercetin with three dosages. Quercetin significantly decreased immunopositivity to TLR4 and MMP9 in the treatment group when compared with the LPS group. Quercetin significantly decreased protein expressions of TLR4, IFNγ, MMP3, and MMP9 when compared with the LPS group. Quercetin treatment prevented LPS-induced increase in the mRNA expression of Claudin 1 and ZO-1, and significantly decreased protein expression of claudin 1 when compared with the LPS group. Quercetin significantly downregulated autophagy-related gene expressions (PPARα, SGLT1, APOA4, AMPKα1, AMPKα2, ATG5, ATG7, Beclin-1, and LC3B) and programmed cell death (Fas, Bcl-2, CASP1, CASP12, CASP3, and RIPK1) after LPS induction. Quercetin significantly decreased immunopositivity to APOA4, AMPKα2, and LC3-II/LC3-I in the treatment group when compared with the LPS group. Quercetin significantly decreased protein expressions of AMPKα1, LC3-I, and LC3-II. Quercetin significantly decreased the protein expression to CASP1 and CASP3 by immunohistochemical investigation or Western blotting in treatment group when compared with LPS group. Conclusion: Quercetin alleviates cardiac inflammation induced by LPS through modulating autophagy, programmed cell death, and myocardiocytes permeability.
Asunto(s)
Lipopolisacáridos , Quercetina , Embrión de Pollo , Animales , Quercetina/farmacología , Quercetina/uso terapéutico , Lipopolisacáridos/toxicidad , Metaloproteinasa 9 de la Matriz , Caspasa 3 , Metaloproteinasa 3 de la Matriz , Receptor Toll-Like 4 , Claudina-1 , Inflamación/inducido químicamente , Inflamación/tratamiento farmacológico , Inflamación/metabolismo , Apoptosis , ARN Mensajero , Autofagia , FN-kappa BRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in the ICU and requires treatment in time. Despite the accuracy of existing sepsis prediction models, insufficient focus on reducing alarms could worsen alarm fatigue and desensitisation in ICUs, potentially compromising patient safety. In this retrospective study, we aim to develop an accurate, robust, and readily deployable method in ICUs, only based on the vital signs and laboratory tests. METHODS: Our method consists of a customised down-sampling process and a specific dynamic sliding window and XGBoost to offer sepsis prediction. The down-sampling process was applied to the retrospective data for training the XGBoost model. During the testing stage, the dynamic sliding window and the trained XGBoost were used to predict sepsis on the retrospective datasets, PhysioNet and FHC. RESULTS: With the filtered data from PhysioNet, our method achieved 80.74% accuracy (77.90% sensitivity and 84.42% specificity) and 83.95% (84.82% sensitivity and 82.00% specificity) on the test set of PhysioNet-A and PhysioNet-B, respectively. The AUC score was 0.89 for both datasets. On the FHC dataset, our method achieved 92.38% accuracy (88.37% sensitivity and 95.16% specificity) and 0.98 AUC score on the test set of FHC. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the down-sampling process and the dynamic sliding window with XGBoost brought robust and accurate performance to give sepsis prediction under various hospital settings. The localisation and robustness of our method can assist in sepsis diagnosis in different ICU settings.
Asunto(s)
Sepsis , Humanos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Sepsis/diagnóstico , Aprendizaje Automático , Signos Vitales , Unidades de Cuidados IntensivosRESUMEN
CONTEXT: Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a serious vision-threatening complication of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Exploration of the underlying mechanisms of DON is critical for its timely clinical diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that TAO patients with DON may have altered brain functional networks. We aimed to explore the alterations of static and dynamic functional connectomes in patients with and without DON using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging with the graph theory method. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a grade A tertiary hospital with 66 TAO patients (28 DON and 38 non-DON) and 30 healthy controls (HCs). Main outcome measures included topological properties of functional networks. RESULTS: For static properties, DON patients exhibited lower global efficiency (Eg), local efficiency, normalized clustering coefficient, small-worldness (σ), and higher characteristic path length (Lp) than HCs. DON and non-DON patients both exhibited varying degrees of abnormalities in nodal properties. Meanwhile, compared with non-DON, DON patients exhibited abnormalities in nodal properties in the orbitofrontal cortex and visual network (VN). For dynamic properties, the DON group exhibited higher variance in Eg and Lp than non-DON and HC groups. A strengthened subnetwork with VN as the core was identified in the DON cohort. Significant correlations were found between network properties and clinical variables. For distinguishing DON, the combination of static and dynamic network properties exhibited optimal diagnostic performance. CONCLUSION: Functional network alterations were observed both in DON and non-DON patients, providing novel insights into the underlying neural mechanisms of disease. Functional network properties may be potential biomarkers for reflecting the progression of TAO from non-DON to DON.
Asunto(s)
Encéfalo , Conectoma , Oftalmopatía de Graves , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Enfermedades del Nervio Óptico , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Estudios Transversales , Oftalmopatía de Graves/complicaciones , Oftalmopatía de Graves/diagnóstico por imagen , Oftalmopatía de Graves/fisiopatología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto , Enfermedades del Nervio Óptico/fisiopatología , Enfermedades del Nervio Óptico/diagnóstico por imagen , Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagen , Encéfalo/fisiopatología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Red Nerviosa/diagnóstico por imagen , Red Nerviosa/fisiopatologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the combined performance of orbital MRI and intracranial visual pathway diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in diagnosing dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 61 thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients, including 25 with DON (40 eyes) and 36 without DON (72 eyes). Orbital MRI-based apical muscle index (MI), diameter index (DI) of the optic nerve (ON), area index (AI) of the ON, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and signal intensity ratio (SIR) of the ON, DKI-based kurtosis fractional anisotropy (KFA) and mean kurtosis (MK) of the optic tract (OT), optic radiation (OR), and Brodmann areas (BAs) 17, 18, and 19 were measured and compared between groups. The diagnostic performances of models were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses and compared using the DeLong test. RESULTS: TAO patients with DON had significantly higher apical MI, apical AI, and SIR of the ON, but significantly lower ADC of the ON than those without DON (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the DON group exhibited significantly lower KFA across the OT, OR, BA17, BA18, and BA19 and lower MK at the OT and OR than the non-DON group (p < 0.05). The model integrating orbital MRI and intracranial visual pathway DKI parameters performed the best in diagnosing DON (AUC = 0.926), with optimal diagnostic sensitivity (80%) and specificity (94.4%), followed by orbital MRI combination (AUC = 0.890), and then intracranial visual pathway DKI combination (AUC = 0.832). CONCLUSION: Orbital MRI and intracranial visual pathway DKI can both assist in diagnosing DON. Combining orbital and intracranial imaging parameters could further optimize diagnostic efficiency. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The novel finding could bring novel insights into the precise diagnosis and treatment of dysthyroid optic neuropathy, accordingly, contributing to the improvement of the patients' prognosis and quality of life in the future. KEY POINTS: ⢠Orbital MRI and intracranial visual pathway diffusion kurtosis imaging can both assist in diagnosing dysthyroid optic neuropathy. ⢠Combining orbital MRI and intracranial visual pathway diffusion kurtosis imaging optimized the diagnostic efficiency of dysthyroid optic neuropathy.
Asunto(s)
Oftalmopatía de Graves , Enfermedades del Nervio Óptico , Vías Visuales , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Oftalmopatía de Graves/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades del Nervio Óptico/diagnóstico por imagen , Vías Visuales/diagnóstico por imagen , Adulto , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Imagen de Difusión Tensora/métodos , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Nervio Óptico/diagnóstico por imagen , Anciano , Órbita/diagnóstico por imagenRESUMEN
Genotyping of gDNA rs12041331 (PEAR1), rs6065 (GP1BA), and rs730012 (LTC4S) can provide systematic guidance on the use of aspirin. However, an accurate, reliable and economical approach to simultaneous detection of the above single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is not reported. Herein, we designed and substantiated an allele-specific (AS) forward primer-superposed amplification analysis for measurement of the SNPs in PEAR1, GP1BA and LTC4S genes, in which the values of ∆Cq (differences in threshold cycles between the wild-type forward primer-based assay and the mutated-type forward primer-based assay) were employed to decide genotype. Mismatch AS forward primers were screened with the singleplex amplification analysis. Moreover, Cq extension optimized by AS forward primer superposition was observed in the selected forward primer-based triplex analysis. Further, robustness assessment of the triplex analysis showed the amplification efficiency ranging from 0.9 to 1.1. Precision test demonstrated the coefficient of variation of less than 2%. And the detective results of 189 DNA samples was completely concordant with that of commercial Sanger sequencing. In summary, we developed a simple, accurate and economical approach to genotyping of rs12041331 (PEAR1), rs6065 (GP1BA) and rs730012 (LTC4S) to provide a valuable pharmacogenomics tool for guidance of aspirin delivery.
Asunto(s)
Aspirina , Farmacogenética , Alelos , Genotipo , BioensayoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) on dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) quantitative parameters of cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and its effect on the diagnostic performance and threshold of DECT in preoperatively identifying metastatic cervical LNs. METHODS: A total of 479 LNs from 233 PTC patients were classified into four groups: HT+/LN+, HT+/LN-, HT-/LN + and HT-/LN - group. DECT quantitative parameters including iodine concentration (IC), normalized IC (NIC), effective atomic number (Zeff), and slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit curve (λHU) in the arterial phase (AP) and venous phase were compared. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to evaluate DECT parameters' diagnostic performance in differentiating metastatic from nonmetastatic LNs in the HT - and HT + groups. RESULTS: The HT+/LN + group exhibited lower values of DECT parameters than the HT-/LN + group (all p < 0.05). Conversely, the HT+/LN - group exhibited higher values of DECT parameters than the HT-/LN - group (all p < 0.05). In the HT + group, if an AP-IC of 1.850 mg/mL was used as the threshold value, then the optimal diagnostic performance (area under the curve, 0.757; sensitivity, 69.4%; specificity, 71.0%) could be obtained. The optimal threshold value of AP-IC in the HT - group was 2.050 mg/mL. In contrast, in the HT - group, AP-NIC demonstrated the highest area under the curve of 0.988, when an optimal threshold of 0.243 was used. The optimal threshold value of AP-NIC was 0.188 in the HT + group. CONCLUSIONS: HT affected DECT quantitative parameters of LNs and subsequent the diagnostic thresholds. When using DECT to diagnose metastatic LNs in patients with PTC, whether HT is coexistent should be clarified considering the different diagnostic thresholds.
Asunto(s)
Yodo , Neoplasias de la Tiroides , Tiroiditis , Humanos , Cáncer Papilar Tiroideo/complicaciones , Cáncer Papilar Tiroideo/patología , Ganglios Linfáticos/diagnóstico por imagen , Ganglios Linfáticos/patología , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/patología , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Tiroiditis/complicaciones , Tiroiditis/patología , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
The naturally occurring bisexual cone of gymnosperms has long been considered a possible intermediate stage in the origin of flowers, but the mechanisms governing bisexual cone formation remain largely elusive. Here, we employed transcriptomic and DNA methylomic analyses, together with hormone measurement, to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying bisexual cone development in the conifer Picea crassifolia. Our study reveals a "bisexual" expression profile in bisexual cones, especially in expression patterns of B-class, C-class and LEAFY genes, supporting the out of male model. GGM7 could be essential for initiating bisexual cones. DNA methylation reconfiguration in bisexual cones affects the expression of key genes in cone development, including PcDAL12, PcDAL10, PcNEEDLY, and PcHDG5. Auxin likely plays an important role in the development of female structures of bisexual cones. This study unveils the potential mechanisms responsible for bisexual cone formation in conifers and may shed light on the evolution of bisexuality.
Asunto(s)
Picea , Minorías Sexuales y de Género , Tracheophyta , Humanos , Filogenia , Bisexualidad , Picea/genética , Picea/metabolismo , Metilación de ADN , Tracheophyta/genéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have been widely used for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. GBCAs or AIS alone may cause the adverse effects on kidney tissue, respectively. However, whether GBCAs and AIS would generate a synergistic negative effect remains undefined. PURPOSE: To evaluate synergistic negative effects of AIS and GBCAs on renal tissues in a mouse model of AIS, and to compare the differences of these negative effects between linear and macrocyclic GBCAs. STUDY TYPE: Animal study. ANIMAL MODEL: Seventy-two healthy mice underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and sham operation to establish AIS and sham model (N = 36/model). 5.0 mmol/kg GBCAs (gadopentetate or gadobutrol) or 250 µL saline were performed at 4.5 hours and 1 day after model establishing (N = 12/group). ASSESSMENT: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was performed to detect Gd concentrations. Serum biochemical analyzer was performed to measure the serum creatinine (Scr), uric acid (UA), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Pathological staining was performed to observe tubular injury, cell apoptosis, mesangial hyperplasia, and interstitial fibrosis. STATISTICAL TESTS: Two-way analysis of variances with post hoc Sidak's tests and independent-samples t-tests were performed. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: AIS groups showed higher Gd concentration than sham group on day 1 p.i. regardless of gadopentetate or gadobutrol used. Increased total Gd concentration was also found in AIS + gadopentetate group compared with the sham group on day 28 p.i. Significantly higher rates for renal dysfunction, higher tubular injury scores, and higher numbers of apoptotic cells on days 1 or 28 p.i. were found for AIS mice injected with GBCA. AIS + gadopentetate group displayed more severe renal damage than the AIS + gadobutrol group. DATA CONCLUSION: AIS and GBCAs may cause increased total Gd accumulation and nephrotoxicity in a mouse, especially linear GBCAs were used. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 4.
Asunto(s)
Accidente Cerebrovascular Isquémico , Compuestos Organometálicos , Humanos , Ratones , Animales , Gadolinio DTPA/toxicidad , Gadolinio/efectos adversos , Medios de Contraste/efectos adversos , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , EncéfaloRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To explore the added value of arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) derived from dual-energy computed tomography CT (DECT) to conventional image features for diagnosing cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). METHODS: A total of 273 cervical LNs (153 non-metastatic and 120 metastatic) were recruited from 92 patients with PTC. Qualitative image features of LNs were assessed. Both single-energy CT (SECT)-derived AEF (AEFS) and DECT-derived AEF (AEFD) were calculated. Correlation between AEFD and AEFS was determined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with the forward variable selection method was used to build three models (conventional features, conventional features + AEFS, and conventional features + AEFD). Diagnostic performances were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. RESULTS: Abnormal enhancement, calcification, and cystic change were chosen to build model 1 and the model provided moderate diagnostic performance with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.675. Metastatic LNs demonstrated both significantly higher AEFD (1.14 vs 0.48; p < 0.001) and AEFS (1.08 vs 0.38; p < 0.001) than non-metastatic LNs. AEFD correlated well with AEFS (r = 0.802; p < 0.001), and exhibited comparable performance with AEFS (AUC, 0.867 vs 0.852; p = 0.628). Combining CT image features with AEFS (model 2) and AEFD (model 3) could significantly improve diagnostic performances (AUC, 0.865 vs 0.675; AUC, 0.883 vs 0.675; both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: AEFD correlated well with AEFS, and exhibited comparable performance with AEFS. Integrating qualitative CT image features with both AEFS and AEFD could further improve the ability in diagnosing cervical LN metastasis in PTC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) values, especially AEF derived from dual-energy computed tomography, can help to diagnose cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer, and complement conventional CT image features for improved clinical decision making. KEY POINTS: ⢠Metastatic cervical lymph nodes (LNs) demonstrated significantly higher arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) derived from dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) and single-energy CT (SECT)-derived AEF (AEFS) than non-metastatic LNs in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. ⢠DECT-derived AEF (AEFD) correlated significantly with AEFS, and exhibited comparable performance with AEFS. ⢠Integrating qualitative CT images features with both AEFS and AEFD could further improve the differential ability.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias de la Tiroides , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Humanos , Cáncer Papilar Tiroideo/patología , Metástasis Linfática/patología , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Ganglios Linfáticos/diagnóstico por imagen , Ganglios Linfáticos/patología , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/patología , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the brain structural and functional alterations in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) before and after glucocorticoid therapy, using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) as well as resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo). METHODS: Between 2019 and 2022, 32 patients with TAO and 23 healthy controls underwent pre-therapy MRI in Nanjing, China. Intravenous glucocorticoid therapy was administered to all patients. At 3 months after end of therapy, 26 patients were available for rescanned MRI. VBM, ALFF, and ReHo were used to evaluate the brain structural and functional differences. RESULTS: Before therapy, TAO patients showed significantly decreased gray matter volume (GMV) in the left orbital part of superior frontal gyrus (ORBsup) and medial superior frontal gyrus (SFGmed) than healthy controls. Patients had higher ALFF values in bilateral gyrus rectus and olfactory cortex and lower values in bilateral cuneus. Patients also showed decreased ReHo values in bilateral lingual gyrus. After therapy, increased GMV in the left anterior cingulate gyrus and SFGmed, increased ALFF values in bilateral cuneus and superior occipital gyrus, and increased ReHo values in bilateral SFGmed were found in TAO patients compared to the pre-therapy cohort. Compared to controls, decreased GMV in left ORBsup was observed in post-therapy TAO patients. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that TAO might cause functional and structural deficits in the visual and emotional regions of the brain, with recovery in the former and partial restoration in the latter after effective glucocorticoid therapy. These findings may lead to deeper understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism behind TAO.