Electric Field Switching of Magnon Spin Current in a Compensated Ferrimagnet.

Manipulation of directional magnon propagation, known as magnon spin current, is essential for developing magnonic devices featuring nonvolatile functionalities and ultralow power consumption. Magnon spin current can usually be modulated by magnetic field or current-induced spin torques. However, these approaches may lead to energy dissipation due to Joule heating. Electric-field switching of magnon spin current without charge current is highly preferred but challenging to realize. By integrating magnonic and piezoelectric materials, the manipulation of the magnon spin current generated by the spin Seebeck effect in the ferrimagnetic insulator Gd3Fe5O12 (GdIG) film on a piezoelectric substrate is demonstrated. Reversible electric-field switching of magnon polarization without applied charge current is observed. Through strain-mediated magnetoelectric coupling, the electric field induces the magnetic compensation transition between two magnetic states of the GdIG, resulting in its magnetization reversal and the simultaneous switching of magnon spin current. This work establishes a prototype material platform that paves the way for developing magnon logic devices characterized by all electric field reading and writing and reveals the underlying physics principles of their functions.

Global burden of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter and its attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2019.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to estimate the global burden of atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter (AFL) and its attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2019. METHODS AND RESULTS: The data on AF/AFL were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019. Incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and deaths were metrics used to measure AF/AFL burden. The population attributable fractions (PAFs) were used to calculate the percentage contributions of major potential risk factors to age-standardized AF/AFL death. The analysis was performed between 1990 and 2019. Globally, in 2019, there were 4.7 million [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 3.6 to 6.0] incident cases, 8.4 million (95% UI: 6.7 to 10.5) DALYs cases, and 0.32 million (95% UI: 0.27 to 0.36) deaths of AF/AFL. The burden of AF/AFL in 2019 and their temporal trends from 1990 to 2019 varied widely due to gender, Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) quintile, and geographical location. Among all potential risk factors, age-standardized AF/AFL death worldwide in 2019 were primarily attributable to high systolic blood pressure [34.0% (95% UI: 27.3 to 41.0)], followed by high body mass index [20.2% (95% UI: 11.2 to 31.2)], alcohol use [7.4% (95% UI: 5.8 to 9.0)], smoking [4.3% (95% UI: 2.9 to 5.9)], diet high in sodium [4.2% (95% UI: 0.8 to 10.5)], and lead exposure [2.3% (95% UI: 1.3 to 3.4)]. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that AF/AFL is still a major public health concern. Despite the advancements in the prevention and treatment of AF/AFL, especially in regions in the relatively SDI quintile, the burden of AF/AFL in regions in lower SDI quintile is increasing. Since AF/AFL is largely preventable and treatable, there is an urgent need to implement more cost-effective strategies and interventions to address modifiable risk factors, especially in regions with high or increased AF/AFL burden.

Comparative Transcriptome and sRNAome Analyses Reveal the Regulatory Mechanisms of Fruit Ripening in a Spontaneous Early-Ripening Navel Orange Mutant and Its Wild Type.

A complex molecular regulatory network plays an important role in the development and ripening of fruits and leads to significant differences in apparent characteristics. Comparative transcriptome and sRNAome analyses were performed to reveal the regulatory mechanisms of fruit ripening in a spontaneous early-ripening navel orange mutant ('Ganqi 4', Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) and its wild type ('Newhall' navel orange) in this study. At the transcript level, a total of 10792 genes were found to be differentially expressed between MT and WT at the four fruit development stages by RNA-Seq. Additionally, a total of 441 differentially expressed miRNAs were found in the four periods, and some of them belong to 15 families. An integrative analysis of the transcriptome and sRNAome data revealed some factors that regulate the mechanisms of formation of early-ripening traits. First, secondary metabolic materials, especially endogenous hormones, carotenoids, cellulose and pectin, obviously changed during fruit ripening in MT and WT. Second, we found a large number of differentially expressed genes (PP2C, SnRK, JAZ, ARF, PG, and PE) involved in plant hormone signal transduction and starch and sucrose metabolism, which suggests the importance of these metabolic pathways during fruit ripening. Third, the expression patterns of several key miRNAs and their target genes during citrus fruit development and ripening stages were examined. csi-miR156, csi-miR160, csi-miR397, csi-miR3954, and miRN106 suppressed specific transcription factors (SPLs, ARFs, NACs, LACs, and TCPs) that are thought to be important regulators involved in citrus fruit development and ripening. In the present study, we analyzed ripening-related regulatory factors from multiple perspectives and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that operate in the early-ripening navel orange mutant 'Ganqi 4'.

Helicobacter pylori Infection Maybe a Risk Factor for Cardiac Syndrome X.

Purpose: Cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is a condition with normal coronary angiography but angina pectoris. Chronic inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may play a pathogenic role in CSX. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the relationship between H. pylori infection and risk of CSX. Methods: A systematic search in the Web of Science, Medline, Embase and Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang) was conducted up to October 2021. Articles on the association between H. pylori infection and the risk of CSX were included and were analyzed by R software (version 4.1.0). Results: Ten case-control studies involving 703 CSX patients and 731 healthy controls were included. H. pylori infection was associated with an increased risk of CSX (OR: 8.29, 95% CI: 4.64-14.82). We also found a significant association in those 25-40 years of age (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.04-1.72), those 40-50 years of age (OR: 11.27, 95% CI: 4.29-29.61), those over 50 years of age (OR: 7.18, 95% CI: 3.59-14.36), those in developing countries [Iran (OR: 12.99, 95% CI: 8.61-19.60) and China (OR: 5.14, 95% CI: 3.09-8.56)]. However, this association was not apparent in a developed country [Italy (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.37-2.33)]. Conclusions: Our study suggested a possible association between H. pylori infection and the risk of CSX. Its pathogenicity is stronger in middle-aged individuals and some developing countries. However, more studies are needed to further investigate whether early eradication of H. pylori can reduce the incidence rate of CSX, especially in middle-aged individuals and some developing countries.

An Updated Meta-Analysis of the Relationship Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease.

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. Although the traditional risk factors for CHD have been identified, it seems that there are still many CHD cases without these factors. Previous studies have hypothesized that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was associated with the risk of CHD. Objective: The association between H. pylori infection and the risk of CHD was studied using a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis method. Methods: In order to find relevant studies, four electronic databases were systematically searched until August 2021. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies were screened and data were extracted. Under the random-effects or the fixed-effects model, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were combined. All analyses were conducted using Review Manager software (RevMan 5.4). Results: Among the included studies, 2 studies were analyzed for H. pylori stool antigen test, 2 studies were analyzed for H. pylori histological staining test, 13 studies were analyzed for the anti-CagA test, and 38 studies were analyzed for the anti-H. pylori IgG test. The pooled results revealed that positive anti-H. pylori IgG was significantly associated with an increased risk of CHD (OR, 1.58; 95% CI: 1.34-1.87). Similarly, positive anti-CagA, positive H. pylori stool antigen, and positive H. pylori histological staining were significantly associated with the development of CHD with (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.16-1.53), (OR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.60-7.66), and (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.12-2.83), respectively. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that H. pylori infection increased the risk of CHD. However, more studies are needed to further investigate whether early eradication of H. pylori may reduce the morbidity of CHD.

Identification and Functional Analysis of microRNAs Involved in the Anther Development in Cotton Genic Male Sterile Line Yu98-8A.

Hybrid vigor contributes in a large way to the yield and quality of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fiber. Although microRNAs play essential regulatory roles in flower induction and development, it is still unclear if microRNAs are involved in male sterility, as the regulatory molecular mechanisms of male sterility in cotton need to be better defined. In this study, two independent small RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced from the young buds collected from the sporogenous cell formation to the meiosis stage of the male sterile line Yu98-8A and the near-isogenic line. Sequencing revealed 1588 and 1536 known microRNAs and 347 and 351 novel miRNAs from male sterile and male fertile libraries, respectively. MicroRNA expression profiles revealed that 49 conserved and 51 novel miRNAs were differentially expressed. Bioinformatic and degradome analysis indicated the regulatory complexity of microRNAs during flower induction and development. Further RT-qPCR and physiological analysis indicated that, among the different Kyoto Encyclopedia Gene and Genomes pathways, indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellic acid signaling transduction pathways may play pivotal regulatory functions in male sterility.

Identification of early salt stress responsive proteins in seedling roots of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) employing iTRAQ-based proteomic technique.

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that limits plant growth and agricultural productivity. Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is highly tolerant to salinity; however, large-scale proteomic data of cotton in response to salt stress are still scant. Here, an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomic technique was employed to identify the early differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) from salt-treated cotton roots. One hundred and twenty-eight DEPs were identified, 76 of which displayed increased abundance and 52 decreased under salt stress conditions. The majority of the proteins have functions related to carbohydrate and energy metabolism, transcription, protein metabolism, cell wall and cytoskeleton metabolism, membrane and transport, signal transduction, in addition to stress and defense. It is worth emphasizing that some novel salt-responsive proteins were identified, which are involved in cell cytoskeleton metabolism (actin-related protein2, ARP2, and fasciclin-like arabinogalactan proteins, FLAs), membrane transport (tonoplast intrinsic proteins, TIPs, and plasma membrane intrinsic proteins, PIPs), signal transduction (leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase encoding genes, LRR-RLKs) and stress responses (thaumatin-like protein, TLP, universal stress protein, USP, dirigent-like protein, DIR, desiccation-related protein PCC13-62). High positive correlation between the abundance of some altered proteins (superoxide dismutase, SOD, peroxidase, POD, glutathione S-transferase, GST, monodehydroascorbate reductase, MDAR, and malate dehydrogenase, MDH) and their enzyme activity was evaluated. The results demonstrate that the iTRAQ-based proteomic technique is reliable for identifying and quantifying a large number of cotton root proteins. qRT-PCR was used to study the gene expression levels of the five above-mentioned proteins; four patterns are consistent with those of induced protein. These results showed that the proteome of cotton roots under NaCl stress is complex. The comparative protein profiles of roots under salinity vs control improves the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the tolerance of plants to salt stress. This work provides a good basis for further functional elucidation of these DEPs using genetic and/or other approaches, and, consequently, candidate genes for genetic engineering to improve crop salt tolerance.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Gossypium thurberi in Response to Verticillium dahliae Inoculation.

Verticillium wilt is threatening cotton productivity globally. This disease is caused by soil-borne Verticillium dahliae which directly infects cotton roots, and exclusively colonizes and occludes xylem vessels, finally resulting in necrosis, defoliation, and most severely, plant death. For the first time, iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification) was applied to screen the differentially expressed proteins of Gossypium thurberi inoculated with V. dahliae. A total of 6533 proteins were identified from the roots of G. thurberi after inoculation with V. dahliae, and 396 showed up- and 279 down-regulated in comparison to a mock-inoculated roots. Of these identified proteins, the main functional groups were those involved in cell wall organization and reinforcement, disease-resistant chemicals of secondary metabolism, phytohormone signaling, pathogenesis-related proteins, and disease-resistant proteins. Physiological and biochemical analysis showed that peroxidase activity, which promotes the biosynthesis and accumulation of lignin, was induced early in the hypocotyl after inoculation with V. dahliae. Similarly, salicylic acid also accumulated significantly in hypocotyl of the seedlings after inoculation. These findings provide an important knowledge of the molecular events and regulatory networks occurring during G. thurberi-V. dahliae interaction, which may provide a foundation for breeding disease-resistance in cotton.

Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Complex Molecular Regulation in Cotton Genic Male Sterile Mutant Yu98-8A.

Although cotton genic male sterility (GMS) plays an important role in the utilization of hybrid vigor, its precise molecular mechanism remains unclear. To characterize the molecular events of pollen abortion, transcriptome analysis, combined with histological observations, was conducted in the cotton GMS line, Yu98-8A. A total of 2,412 genes were identified as significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) before and during the critical pollen abortion stages. Bioinformatics and biochemical analysis showed that the DEGs mainly associated with sugars and starch metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and plant endogenous hormones play a critical and complicated role in pollen abortion. These findings extend a better understanding of the molecular events involved in the regulation of pollen abortion in genic male sterile cotton, which may provide a foundation for further research studies on cotton heterosis breeding.

Proteomic identification of differentially expressed proteins in Gossypium thurberi inoculated with cotton Verticillium dahliae.

Thurber's cotton (Gossypium thurberi) is the wild relative of cultivated cotton. It is highly resistant to cotton Verticillium wilt, a disease that significantly affects cotton yield and quality. To reveal the mechanism of disease resistance in G. thurberi and to clone resistance-related genes, we used two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) to identify differentially expressed proteins in Thurber's cotton after inoculation with Verticillium dahliae. A total of 57 different protein spots were upregulated, including 52 known proteins representing 11% of the total protein spots. These proteins are involved in resistance to stress and disease, transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, protein processing and degradation, photosynthesis, production capacity, basic metabolism, and other processes. In addition, five disease resistance proteins showed intense upregulation, indicating that resistance genes (R genes) may play a critical role in resistance to Verticillium wilt in Thurber's cotton. Our results suggest that disease and stress resistance are the combined effects of multiple co-expressed genes. This provides a basis for further, detailed investigation into the mechanisms underlying Verticillium wilt resistance of G. thurberi and for cloning essential genes into cotton cultivars to produce Verticillium wilt resistant plants.