Actin filaments altered distribution in wheat (Triticum aestivum) "Bending Root" to respond to enhanced Ultraviolet-B radiation / Distribuição alterada dos filamentos de actina no trigo (Triticum aestivum) "Raiz dobrada" para responder à radiação ultravioleta B aprimorada

Abstract Plants adjust their shoot growth to acclimate to changing environmental factors, such as to enhanced Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. However, people have ignored that plant roots can also respond to UV-B light. Here, we find the morphology curled wheat roots under UV-B radiation, that we call, "bending roots." The curly region is the transition zone of the root after observed at the cellular level. After exposed to enhanced UV-B radiation for 2 d (10.08 KJ/m2/d), cell size decreased and actin filaments gathered in wheat roots. We also find that H2O2 production increased and that content of the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) increased remarkably. The pharmacological experiment revealed that actin filaments gathered and polymerized into bundles in the wheat root cells after irrigated H2O2 and IAA. These results indicated that actin filaments changed their distribution and formed the "bending root," which was related to H2O2 production and increase in IAA. Overall, actin filaments in wheat root cells could be a subcellular target of UV-B radiation, and its disruption determines root morphology.

Resumo As plantas ajustam o crescimento da parte aérea para se adaptarem a fatores ambientais variáveis, como o aumento da radiação ultravioleta B (UVB). No entanto, as pessoas ignoram que as raízes das plantas também podem responder à luz UVB. Neste estudo, verificamos a morfologia das raízes enroladas de trigo sob radiação UVB, o que chamamos de "raízes dobradas". A região encaracolada é a zona de transição da raiz no nível celular. Depois de exposição à radiação UVB aprimorada por 2 dias (10,08 KJ/m2/d), o tamanho das células diminuiu, e os filamentos de actina se reuniram. Também constatamos que a produção de H2O2 aumentou e que o conteúdo do ácido indol-3-acético (IAA) aumentou notavelmente. O experimento farmacológico revelou que os filamentos de actina se reuniram e polimerizaram em feixes nas células da raiz de trigo após irrigação com H2O2 e IAA. Esses resultados indicam que os filamentos de actina alteraram sua distribuição e formaram a "raiz dobrada", relacionada à produção de H2O2 e ao aumento do IAA. No geral, os filamentos de actina nas células da raiz de trigo podem ser um alvo subcelular da radiação UVB, e sua interrupção determina a morfologia da raiz.

Voxel-wise meta-analysis of structural changes in gray matter of Parkinsons disease patients with mild cognitive impairment

Evidence from previous voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies indicates that widespread brain regions are involved in Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI). However, the spatial localization reported for gray matter (GM) abnormalities is heterogeneous. The aim of the present study was to quantitatively integrate studies on GM abnormalities observed in PD-MCI in order to determine whether a pattern exists. Eligible whole-brain VBM studies were identified by a systematic search of articles in PubMed and EMBASE databases spanning from 1995 to January 1, 2019. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate regional GM abnormalities in PD-MCI. The anisotropic effect size version of seed-based d mapping (AES-SDM) meta-analysis was conducted to explore the GMV differences of PD-MCI compared with PD patients with normal cognitive function (PD-NC). A total of 12 studies comprising 243 PD-MCI patients and 326 PD-NC were included in the meta-analysis. PD-MCI patients showed a robust GM decrease in the left insula and left superior temporal gyrus. Moreover, meta-regression analysis demonstrated that age, PD duration and stage, and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III and Mini-Mental State Examination scores might be partly correlated with the GM abnormalities observed in PD-MCI patients. The convergent findings of this quantitative meta-analysis revealed a characteristic neuroanatomical pattern in PD-MCI. The findings provide some evidence that MCI in PD may result in the breakdown of the insula and temporal gyrus, which may serve as specific regions of interest for further investigations.

Correlation of iris collagen and in-vivo anterior segment structures in patients in different stages of chronic primary angle-closure in both eyes

Purpose: To compare the density of iris collagen and anterior segment parameters in eyes with chronic primary angle closure glaucoma (CPACG) and their fellow eyes with confirmed or suspected primary angle closure (PAC/PACS). Methods: Nineteen patients with CPACG in one eye and PAC/PACS in the fellow eye requiring trabeculectomy in the CPACG eye and iridectomy in the fellow eye were recruited. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) measurements were conducted under light and dark conditions. Iris specimens, obtained by iridectomy/trabeculectomy, were analyzed by sirius red polarization for quantifying type I/III collagen density. AS-OCT parameters and type I/III collagen densities were compared between the two eyes. Results: The iris curvatures were flatter in CPACG eyes in light and dark conditions (P < 0.05). The iris areas in light condition and iris thicknesses in dark condition were smaller in CPACG eyes (P < 0.05). The density of collagen type I in CPACG eyes was lower (P = 0.048). The light-to-dark changes in CPACG eyes and PAC/PACS eyes, respectively, were ?0.679 ± 0.701 and ?1.627 ± 0.802 mm for pupil diameters, and 0.069 ± 0.113 and 0.258 ± 0.157 mm2 for iris areas, which differed significantly (P < 0.001). With the decrease of type I collagen, anterior chamber width increased and iris areas decreased in dark condition. Conclusion: Dynamic changes in pupil diameter and iris areas differed significantly between CPACG eyes and their fellow PAC/PACS eyes. Decreased type I collagen density in iris tissue was associated with decreased iris area and increased anterior chamber width, which may contribute to disease progression.

Efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of antidepressant treatments for patients with post-stroke depression: a network meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of antidepressants in treating post-stroke depression (PSD) by performing a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the current literature. Eligible studies were retrieved from online databases, and relevant data were extracted. The primary outcome was efficacy as measured by the mean change in overall depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes included discontinued treatment for any reason and specifically due to adverse events. Fourteen trials were eligible, which included 949 participants and 9 antidepressant treatments. Few significant differences were found for all outcomes. For the primary outcome, doxepin, paroxetine, and nortriptyline were significantly more effective than a placebo [standardized mean differences: −1.93 (95%CI=−3.56 to −0.29), −1.39 (95%CI=−2.59 to −0.21), and −1.25 (95%CI=−2.46 to −0.04), respectively]. Insufficient evidence exists to select a preferred antidepressant for treating patients with post-stroke depression, and our study provides little evidence that paroxetine may be the potential choice when starting treatment for PSD. Future studies with paroxetine and larger sample sizes, multiple medical centers, and sufficient intervention durations is needed for improving the current evidence.

Actin filaments altered distribution in wheat (Triticum aestivum) Bending Root to respond to enhanced Ultraviolet-B radiation

Abstract Plants adjust their shoot growth to acclimate to changing environmental factors, such as to enhanced Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. However, people have ignored that plant roots can also respond to UV-B light. Here, we find the morphology curled wheat roots under UV-B radiation, that we call, bending roots. The curly region is the transition zone of the root after observed at the cellular level. After exposed to enhanced UV-B radiation for 2 d (10.08 KJ/m2/d), cell size decreased and actin filaments gathered in wheat roots. We also find that H2O2 production increased and that content of the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) increased remarkably. The pharmacological experiment revealed that actin filaments gathered and polymerized into bundles in the wheat root cells after irrigated H2O2 and IAA. These results indicated that actin filaments changed their distribution and formed the bending root, which was related to H2O2 production and increase in IAA. Overall, actin filaments in wheat root cells could be a subcellular target of UV-B radiation, and its disruption determines root morphology.

Resumo As plantas ajustam o crescimento da parte aérea para se adaptarem a fatores ambientais variáveis, como o aumento da radiação ultravioleta B (UVB). No entanto, as pessoas ignoram que as raízes das plantas também podem responder à luz UVB. Neste estudo, verificamos a morfologia das raízes enroladas de trigo sob radiação UVB, o que chamamos de raízes dobradas. A região encaracolada é a zona de transição da raiz no nível celular. Depois de exposição à radiação UVB aprimorada por 2 dias (10,08 KJ/m2/d), o tamanho das células diminuiu, e os filamentos de actina se reuniram. Também constatamos que a produção de H2O2 aumentou e que o conteúdo do ácido indol-3-acético (IAA) aumentou notavelmente. O experimento farmacológico revelou que os filamentos de actina se reuniram e polimerizaram em feixes nas células da raiz de trigo após irrigação com H2O2 e IAA. Esses resultados indicam que os filamentos de actina alteraram sua distribuição e formaram a raiz dobrada, relacionada à produção de H2O2 e ao aumento do IAA. No geral, os filamentos de actina nas células da raiz de trigo podem ser um alvo subcelular da radiação UVB, e sua interrupção determina a morfologia da raiz.

Invasive pulmonary fungal infections in patients with connective tissue disease: a retrospective study from northern China

Invasive pulmonary fungal infection (IPFI) is a potentially fatal complication in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD). The current study aimed to uncover the clinical characteristics and risk factors of patients with IPFI-CTD. The files of 2186 CTD patients admitted to a single center in northern China between January 2011 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 47 CTD patients with IPFI were enrolled into this study and assigned to the CTD-IPFI group, while 47 uninfected CTD patients were assigned to the control group. Clinical manifestations were recorded, and risk factors of IPFI were calculated by stepwise logistical regression analysis. Forty-seven (2.15%) CTD patients developed IPFI. Systemic lupus erythematosus patients were responsible for the highest proportion (36.17%) of cases with IPFI. Candida albicans (72.3%) accounted for the most common fungal species. CTD-IPFI patients had significantly elevated white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and fasting glucose values compared to controls (P<0.05). Cough, sputum and blood in phlegm were the most common symptoms. Risk factors of IPFI in CTD included maximum prednisone dose ≥30 mg/day within 3 months prior to infection, anti-microbial drug therapy, and interstitial pneumonia. CTD patients who have underlying interstitial pneumonia, prior prednisone or multiple antibiotics, were more likely to develop IPFI.

Computed tomography findings of hepatic veno-occlusive disease caused by Sedum aizoon with histopathological correlation

This study investigated the value of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) caused by Sedum aizoon (SA). The clinical manifestations, treatment results, imaging findings, and histological findings of the liver were analyzed in 39 patients with HVOD caused by SA. Hepatomegaly, liver dysfunction, abdominal effusion, and geographic density changes on liver CT scans were found in all 39 patients. The pathological findings of histological liver examination included swelling and point-like necrosis of liver cells, significant expansion and congestion of the sinuses, endothelial swelling, and wall thickening with incomplete lumen occlusion of small liver vessels. CT geographic density changes were confirmed by histological examination of the liver in 18 patients. Sixteen patients with small amounts of ascites that started within 4 weeks of treatment recovered completely or significantly improved after symptomatic and supportive treatment. However, only 43.75% of the patients with larger amounts of ascites improved following symptomatic and supportive treatment. In conclusion, liver CT examination is a valuable, safe, and noninvasive tool for the diagnosis of HVOD caused by SA. In selected cases, liver CT examination may replace liver biopsy and histological analysis.

Deep lobe parotid abscess with facial nerve palsy: a case report / Absceso del lóbulo profundo de la parótida con parálisis del nervio facial: un reporte de caso

Acute suppurative sialadenitis mostly occurs in the parotid gland, while parotid abscesses principally arise in the superficial lobe. However, facial nerve palsy, secondary to parotid abscess, is rare. Predisposing factors for the ductally ascending infection are dehydration, xerogenic drugs and salivary gland diseases associated with ductal obstruction or reduced saliva secretion. Obstruction of Stensen's duct and diminished production of saliva are regarded as the promoting factors. Painful swelling of the preauricular region and cheek is the most familiar symptom of acute suppurative parotitis. The most common pathogens associated with acute bacterial infection are Staphylococcus aureus and anaerobes. We report a rare case of deep lobe parotid abscess with facial nerve palsy. Aside from adequate fluid hydration, good oral hygiene and treatment with empiric parenteral antibiotics, surgical treatment with drainage can provide a remedy for this disease.

La sialoadenitis aguda supurativa aguda ocurre sobre todo en la glándula parótida, mientras que los abscesos parotídeos se producen principalmente en el lóbulo superficial. Sin embargo, la parálisis del nervio facial, secundaria al absceso parotídeo, es rara. Los factores predisponentes para la infección ascendente ductal son la deshidratación, los medicamentos xerogénicos, y las enfermedades de las glándulas salivales asociadas con obstrucción ductal o reducción de la secreción salival. La obstrucción del conducto de Stensen y la disminución de la producción de saliva, se consideran los factores promotores. Una inflamación dolorosa de la región preauricular y la mejilla es el síntoma más conocido de la parotiditis supurativa aguda. Los patógenos más comunes asociados con la infección bacteriana aguda son los anaerobios y el estafilococo dorado. Reportamos un caso raro de absceso del lóbulo parotídeo profundo con parálisis del nervio facial. Además de una hidratación fluida, una buena higiene oral y tratamiento con antibióticos parenterales empíricos, el tratamiento quirúrgico con drenaje puede proveer un remedio para esta enfermedad.

The accuracy of warfarin dosage based on VKORC1 and CYP2C9 phenotypes in a Chinese population.

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of warfarin dosage based on VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genotype in Chinese population. Methods: Blood samples were taken from 37 patients. We compared the warfarin dosage obtained from genotype (according to www.warfarindosing.org) and treatment dosage with international normalized ratio (INR) value within 2.0-3.0. Results: The majority of Chinese people in our study are VKORC1 homozygous AA (89.2%), rarely VKORC1 heterozygous AG and we cannot find a patient with homozygous GG. For CYP2C9 genotype, most patients have the wildtype variants (CYP2C9*2 CC and CYP2C9*3 AA). The warfarin dosage for patients with VKORC1 AA and CYP2C9*3 AC is lower than for patients with other genotype variants. Conclusion: There is no significant difference between pharmacogenetic algorithm (www.warfarindosing.org) and our treatment dosage. Our conclusion is that the pharmacogenetic algorithm is accurate to predict the warfarin dose.

Three novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the bovine LHX3 gene.

The LHX3 gene encodes LIM homeodomain class transcription factors that have important roles to play in pituitary and nervous system development.On the one hand,mutations of LHX3 are associated with deficiencies of growth hormone (GH),prolactin (PRL),luteotrophic hormone (LH),follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)and thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH);on the other hand,mutations of LHX3 are also associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) diseases in human and animal models.To date,few polymorphisms of the bovine LHX3 gene have been reported.In this study,polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP)and DNA sequencing methods were employed to screen the genetic variations within the bovine LHX3 gene in 802 Chinese indigenous cattle.The results revealed three novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): AY923832: g.7553G >A, 7631C>T and 7668C>G.Among them,a synonymous mutation of exon II was identified: GAG ((Glu)> GAA (Glu) at position 72 aa (AY923832:g.7553G>A) of LHX3 ((403aa) in the four Chinese bovine breeds.Significant statistical differences in genotypic frequencies for exon II and its flanking region of the LHX3 gene implied that the polymorphic locus was significantly associated with cattle breeds by the X2-test (X2=68.975,df=6, P <0.001).Hence,the three novel SNPs not only extend the spectrum of genetic variations of the bovine LHX3 gene, but could also possibly contribute to conducting association analysis and evaluating these as genetic markers in bovine breeding and genetics,and CPHD detection.

Atopic cataracts in a child with atopic dermatitis: a case report and review of the literature.

Cataracts induced by atopic dermatitis rarely occur in adolescent and young adult patients suffering from this problem. Lenticular opacity is an important ocular complication in atopic dermatitis. Although the cause of atopic dermatitis and its ocular complications are unknown, cataracts have been observed to develop and progress during periods of exacerbation of the dermatitis. We report the case of a 16-year-old boy with atopic dermatitis who abruptly developed cataracts in both eyes while suffering from severe skin itching which began 2 months before the initial examination. His peroxidation test result was very high, and we postulate the retinal peroxidation might play a key role in cataractogenesis. Lens aspiration and intraocular artificial lens implantation were performed smoothly with restoration of visual acuity in both eyes.

Nephrogenic adenoma of the ureter--a case report.

We present a case of nephrogenic adenoma, a rare benign lesion arising from the ureter. Histologically, it showed the formation of epithelial lined tubules resembling the renal tubules. Special Stain demonstrated the presence of intraluminal PAS-positive materials.

ELISA-based colorimetric detection of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi DNA from patient sera by nested polymerase chain reaction.

A rapid diagnostic system for scrub typhus was established using colorimetric detection of nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This system relied on binding the amplified DNA via a sequence in one of oligodeoxyribonucleotide to the DNA-binding protein GCN4 coated on the well of a micotiter dish. The primer pairs used for the nested PCR were designed on the basis of the homologous nucleotide sequence of the gene that encodes the 56 kDa antigen of serovariants. With this colorimetric PCR, diagnosis can be performed easily from serum samples of patients before the antibody titer increases or in the early stage of the disease. Furthermore, these positive results are able to be confirmed by pathogenic isolation.

Amplification of dengue 2 virus ribonucleic acid sequence using the polymerase chain reaction.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been adapted to the amplification of dengue type 2 virus (DEN2) nucleic acid sequences. A pair of 20-mer oligonucleotides were designed and synthesized based on conserved sequence blocks of DEN2 strains isolated from different geographical areas. RNA samples were prepared from two DEN2 strains, prototype New Guinea C (NGC) and local isolate Hainan 98 (HN98). The reverse transcription step was performed for cDNA synthesis before the standard PCR procedures. The amplified products were fragments about 476 bp in length, corresponding to the upper one third of DEN2 envelope gene (E1 to E476 nt). Specificity of the amplification products was confirmed by "nested" PCR using the internal primers and by Southern and dot blot hybridization to cloned DEN2 cDNA probes following agarose gel electrophoresis. Further improvement and the potential application of the methods in study of dengue virus RNA are discussed.

Bacteriological findings in lake, river and well water supplies of Rangoon

Water samples, both unchlorinated and chlorinated, from 20 natural water sources in Rangoon town comprising lakes, river and wells were examined during the period July 1966 to July 1968 for the Presumptive Coliform Count, the Presumptive Enterococcus Count and the presence of presumptive Clostridium perfringens. Bacteria isolated from MacConkey bile salt lactose peptone water (Cruickshank, 1965) and sodium azide medium (Hannay and Norton, 1947) primary cultures were identified. Using as criteria the Presumptive Coliform Count, the Presumptive Enterococcus Count and the isolation of Escherichia coli and/or Klebsiella aerogenes and/or Streptococcus faecalis, 18 out of 20 samples were found unsatisfactory for drinking purposes. The bacteria isolated were E. coli, K. aerogenes, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter aerogenes, Alcaligenes faecalis, a Bacillus sp., Proteus mirabilis, P. morganii, P. vulgaris, a Providencia Etrain, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. fluorescent and s. faecalis.