Regulatory network of rice in response to heat stress and its potential application in breeding strategy.

The rapid development of global industrialization has led to serious environmental problems, among which global warming has become one of the major concerns. The gradual rise in global temperature resulted in the loss of food production, and hence a serious threat to world food security. Rice is the main crop for approximately half of the world's population, and its geographic distribution, yield, and quality are frequently reduced due to elevated temperature stress, and breeding rice varieties with tolerance to heat stress is of immense significance. Therefore, it is critical to study the molecular mechanism of rice in response to heat stress. In the last decades, large amounts of studies have been conducted focusing on rice heat stress response. Valuable information has been obtained, which not only sheds light on the regulatory network underlying this physiological process but also provides some candidate genes for improved heat tolerance breeding in rice. In this review, we summarized the studies in this field. Hopefully, it will provide some new insights into the mechanisms of rice under high temperature stress and clues for future engineering breeding of improved heat tolerance rice.

ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 promotes hydrogen peroxide scavenging to enhance rice thermotolerance.

Heat stress is a major factor limiting the production and geographic distribution of rice (Oryza sativa), and breeding rice varieties with tolerance to heat stress is of immense importance. Although extensive studies have revealed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in rice acclimation to heat stress, the molecular basis of rice controlling ROS homeostasis remains largely unclear. In this study, we discovered a novel heat-stress-responsive strategy that orchestrates ROS homeostasis centering on an immune activator, rice ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (OsEDS1). OsEDS1, which confers heat stress tolerance, promotes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging by stimulating catalase activity through the OsEDS1-catalase association. The loss-of-function mutation in OsEDS1 causes increased sensitivity to heat stress, whereas the overexpression of OsEDS1 enhances thermotolerance. Furthermore, overexpression lines greatly improved rice tolerance to heat stress during the reproductive stage, which was associated with substantially increased seed setting, grain weight, and plant yield. Rice CATALASE C (OsCATC), whose activity is promoted by OsEDS1, degrades H2O2 to activate rice heat stress tolerance. Our findings greatly expand our understanding of heat stress responses in rice. We reveal a molecular framework that promotes heat tolerance through ROS homeostasis regulation, suggesting a theoretical basis and providing genetic resources for breeding heat-tolerant rice varieties.

The first complete mitogenome of Onychostoma ovale (Pellegrin & Chevey, 1936) with phylogenetic analyses.

Onychostoma ovale (Pellegrin & Chevey, 1936) is an endemic cyprinid fish that is widely inhabited in southern China, Vietnam, and Laos. In the present study, we first reported the complete mitochondrial genome of O. ovale. The mitogenome contained 16,600 bp with AT content of 56.2% and comprised of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and one control region (D-loop). Phylogenetic analyses suggested that Onychostoma species formed two major clades and the subspecies of O. ovale had close relationship with O. rarum. The mitochondrial genome of O. ovale provided a key aid for population genetics and phylogenetic inferences of Onychostoma in future research.

The complete mitogenome of Hemiculter leucisculus (Basilewsky, 1855) in Hainan Island and its phylogenetic status.

The sharpbelly, Hemiculter leucisculus (Basilewsky, 1855) is a small cyprinid fish that has a wide distribution in East Asia. In this study, we characterized the complete mitochondrial genome of H. leucisculus in Hainan Island using Illumina MiSeq platform. The mitogenome contained 16,621 bp with AT content of 56.2%. The mitogenome of H. leucisculus comprised 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and one control region (D-loop). Phylogenetic analyses indicated that H. leucisculus in the Hainan Island formed independent lineage and the species of H. leucisculus might be a paraphyletic taxon.

[Study on the effect of enzymatic activity and acute toxicity of three PAEs on Eisenia foetida].

The acute toxic effects of DMP, DEP and DBP to earthworms (Eisenia foetida) were examined in this study. The two pollutants are tested by filter paper contact method and natural soil method, results indicated that they were both poisonous to earthworms. Earthworms were exposed to DMP and DEP for 48 h by filter paper contact method, LC50 (DMP) is 129.603 microg x cm(-2) and LC50 (DEP) is 145.336 microg x cm(-2). Earthworms were exposed to DMP and DEP for 14 d by natural soil method, LC50 (DMP) is 1 560. 120 mg x kg(-1) and LC50 (DEP) is 1516. 186 mg x kg(-1). While non-calculatable for the LC50 of DBP due to its low water solubility, penetrating into the skin and cells of earthworm is not easy. The natural soil test method was used to study the effects of DMP, DEP and DBP on enzyme activities of earthworms, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were measured. SOD activity was induced by DMP and DEP, CAT is the most sensitive and the activity was induced by DEP and DBP at the low concentration and inhibited at the high concentration. AChE activity was inhibited by DEP and DBP at the low concentration and induced at the high concentration, finally exhibited a tendency to recover to the control level at 28 d.

[Relationship between variations of severe isthmic spondylolisthesis spino-pelvic parameters and clinical symptoms].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between variations of severe isthmic spondylolisthesis spino-pelvic parameters and clinical symptoms. METHODS: A retrospective study of spino-pelvic parameters was conducted for 45 patients with L5 severe isthmic spondylolisthesis. Their spino-pelvic parameters were analyzed on preoperative full spinal radiography: grade of spondylolisthesis, pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), SFHD, SFVD, SC7D and T9 tilting angle. According to the Oswestry score, the patients with low back pain were divided into light and severe groups. T-tests were used to compare their parameters. The analyses of multiple factor correlation, linear regression and stepwise regression were used to examine the associations between all parameters and Oswestry score. RESULTS: Grade of spondylolisthesis, PT, LL, T9 tilting angle, SFHD, SC7D, PT/SS, SFHD/SFVD, LL/TK were significantly greater and SS, SFVD were significantly smaller for patients with severe low back pain versus light low back pain (P < 0.05). PI or TK had no statistically significant difference between two groups. Multiple factor correlation, linear regression and stepwise regression: Grade of spondylolisthesis, PT, SC7D, LL and SFHD had significant positive correlations with Oswestry score. Degree of positive correlation: Grade of spondylolisthesis > SC7D > PT > LL > SFHD. And PI, TK or T9 tilting angle had no significant correlation with Oswestry score. SS and SFVD had significant negative correlations with Oswestry score. Degree of negative correlation: SS > SFVD. PT/SS, SFHD/SFVD and LL/TK had significant positive correlation with Oswestry score. Degree of positive correlation: PT/SS> SFHD/SFVD > LL/TK. CONCLUSION: Clinical symptoms of severe isthmic spondylolisthesis have significant positive correlations with grade of spondylolisthesis, PT, SC7D, LL, SFHD, PT/SS, SFHD/SFVD, LL/TK and significant negative correlations with SS and SFVD. Low back pain symptom has no significant correlation with PI, TK or T9 tilting angle.

MicroRNA-210 promotes proliferation and invasion of peripheral nerve sheath tumor cells targeting EFNA3.

MicroRNA (miR) plays an important role in tumorigenesis including malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). miR-210 downregulation is frequently observed in a variety of tumors. In this study, miR-210 was identified as downregulated in MPNST cells, and its potential target ephrin-A3 (EFNA3) was upregulated in them compared with neurofibroma cells using quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR. Luciferase reporter assay further demonstrates that EFNA3 is a target of miR-210. Then it is confirmed that miR-210 can regulate EFNA3 mRNA and protein expression in MPNST ST88-14 (NF1 wild-type) and sNF96.2 (NF1 mutant type) cell lines. The functions of miR-210 in MPNST cells were investigated, and the results showed that overexpression of miR-210 increased cellular viability, colony formation, S phase percentage, and invasiveness of MPNST cells. Inversely, inhibition of miR-210 expression induced suppression of proliferation and invasion of MPNST cells. These results suggest that miR-210-mediated EFNA3 promotion of proliferation and invasion of MPNST cells plays an important role in MPNST tumorigenesis and progression. miR-210 and EFNA3 may be candidate novel therapeutic targets for MPNST.

[Transfection of BDNF gene promotes bone mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into neuron-like cells].

OBJECTIVE: To provide further foundation for the therapy for spine cord injury by transferred mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) expressing the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene. METHODS: Bone mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from rats and directly cultivated and expanded in vitro. Bone mesenchymal stem cells were divided into 3 groups: a pEGFP-N1- BDNF-transfected group (BDNF group), a pEGFP-N1 transfected group (vector group) and a non-transfected group. Western blot was applied to detect the expression of transgenic bone mesenchymal stem cells. The differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells was identified by immunofluorescence. The rates of induction of neuron-like cells among the three cell groups were compared. RESULTS: The cell surface markers of bone mesenchymal stem cells included expression of CD90 (+), CD44 (+), CD34 (-), CD45 (-). The expression of BDNF in the transfected bone mesenchymal stem cells was demonstrated by Western blot. The positive ratio of neuron-like differentiation in the BDNF group was higher than that of both the vector group and the non-transfected group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: BDNF gene plays an important role in promoting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into neuron-like cells.

[Complication of thoracic pedicle screw fixation in spinal deformities].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the etiology and prevention of complications related to the pedicle screw technique in the treatment of thoracic scoliosis. METHODS: There were 183 thoracic deformity patients 110 idiopathic scoliosis, 32 adult scoliosis, 28 congenital kyphoscoliosis, 8 Marfan syndrome with scoliosis, and 6 others. All patients' Cobb angles were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively by roentgenograms. The deformity correction rate was calculated. All radiographic evaluations were carried out in a double-blind fashion. The complication rate was analyzed perioperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: The deformity correction rate was 72%, better than others treated with hook-rod system. The perioperation complication rate was 8.4% (pedicle fracture 1.5%, infection 3.8%, pneumothorax and plural effusion 1.6%, transitory neurological damage 0.5%, and over-bleeding shock 1%). The complication rate at follow-up was 3.6% (infection 0.5%, fatigue fracture 1%, loss of deformity correction 1.6%, and transitory neurological damage 0.5%). Compared with those treated with hook-rod system, the perioperation complication rate, loss of deformity correction, permanent damage, and complications related to the internal fixation were all low. CONCLUSION: The complication rate of pedicle screw fixation system was low in the treatment of thoracic deformity. When surgeons are thoroughly familiar with the technique and related pathoanatomy, and with the spinal cord function wardship by SEP, complications related to the pedicle screw technique in the treatment of thoracic scoliosis will be well controlled.

Combined anterior and posterior surgery for treatment of cervical fracture-dislocation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the pathological characteristics of cervical spinal fracture complicating ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the effect of combined anterior and posterior operation. METHODS: Eighteen AS patients with traumatic cervical fracture-dislocation were treated operatively from January 2000 to January 2006. The symptom duration of AS was 14.5 years on average. Three cases had undergone osteotomy in lumbar spine. There were 4 cases of Grade A, 3 cases of Grade B, 9 cases of Grade C and 2 cases of Grade D according to Frankel's score. There were 15 cases of Grade III dislocation and 3 cases of Grade II. All patients underwent surgical procedures by combined anterior and posterior approach. RESULTS: There were 4 anterior-posterior procedures, 8 anterior-posterior-anterior procedures and 6 posterior-anterior procedures. Seven patients had one stage operation and 11 cases underwent two stage surgeries. There was certain extent of neurological improvement in 14 incomplete paraplegic patients, but no improvement in 4 complete paraplegic patients. The follow-up period was 21.2 months on average and the time for bone fusion was 3.6 months. There were 4 complications during operation and a long-term complication in follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that anterior combined with posterior approach makes the spine stable and relieves the pressure immediately. It is a reasonable surgical strategy for treatment of cervical spinal fracture-dislocation with AS.

Thoracoscopy-assisted mini-open surgery for anterior column reconstruction in thoracic spinal tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effects of thoracoscopy-assisted mini-open surgery for anterior column reconstruction in thoracic spinal tuberculosis. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients, 35 men and 23 women, aged 39.2 (range, 19-60) years with thoracic spinal tuberculosis with an average kyphotic angle of 29.2° (range, 18°-42°) underwent thoracoscopy-assisted mini-open surgeries, including thorough debridement and anterior spinal reconstruction. According to the Frankel Grading system, preoperative neurological function was judged as Grade B in 3 cases, Grade C in 7, Grade D in 28, and Grade E in 20. All patients were followed up for an average of 4.6 years. Outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Surgery was accomplished successfully in all cases. The average operation time was 230 min (range, 180-320 min), the average intraoperative blood loss 570 ml (range, 350-1200 ml), and the mean drainage duration 3.6 days (3-5 days). Complications occurred in 19 patients (32.8%). Neurological improvement of one to three grades had occurred in 29 patients by final follow-up. The average correction rate of the kyphotic angle was 36.4%, and no obvious correction loss was detected during follow-up. No recurrent tuberculosis was found in the group. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopy-assisted mini-open surgery provides a simple, safe, effective, and practical technology with minimal invasiveness for the treatment of thoracic spinal tuberculosis.

[One stage posterior vertebral column resection for the treatment of thorciclumbar tuberculosis with kyphotic deformity].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of one stage posterior vertebral column resection in patients with spinal tuberculosis combined with kyphotic deformity. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with spinal tuberculosis combined with kyphotic deformity underwent posterior one-stage vertebral column resection reducing tension on the spinal cord from 1998 to 2006. The patients were mobilized with a thoracolumbar orthosis for 3 months. All patients had a minimum of a 2-year follow-up, and clinical examinations and radiographs were obtained at 6-month intervals. RESULTS: No perioperative mortality occurred. The average duration of surgery was 208 (145 approximately 385) min. The kyphotic Cobb angle improved from the preoperative average of 57.2 degree(17 degree approximately 86 degree) to a postoperative average of 8.9 degree(-6 degree approximately 27 degree). The average horizontal distance between C(7) and S(1) was 13.6 (8 approximately 19) mm preoperatively and 3.6 (-11 approximately 9) mm postoperatively. Nineteen patients had preoperative neurological deficits. Of them, 89.5% (17/19) showed a postoperative neurologic improvement. Perioperative complications occurred in 3(8.5%) of the 36 patients with pneumonias and superficial infections. Twenty-five patients (69.4%) showed radiographic evidence of solid fusion in the follow-up examinations. In the follow-up, 25% (9/36) patients rated their results as excellent, 66.7% (24/36) as good, 2 as fair, and 1 as poor. CONCLUSION: One stage posterior vertebral column resection for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis with kyphotic deformity is safe and effective. Because this procedure is highly technical, the surgeon must be familiar with the pathoanatomy and the operation must be carefully done.

Anaerobic reduction of hexavalent chromium by bacterial cells of Achromobacter sp. Strain Ch1.

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a widespread environmental contaminant. Achromobacter sp. strain Chi was a Cr(VI) reducing bacterium with high reduction performance. Cr(VI) reductase was just existing in the cells, but was not discharged into the surrounding medium. Cr(VI) reduction was carried out with resting cells of strain Ch1 under anaerobic conditions. Initial pH value and lactate (electron donor) concentration were found to influence the reduction rate of Cr(VI), and the optimal conditions were at pH 9.0 and supplemented with 40 mM of lactate. The reduction rate would be constant under established conditions approximately 12.5 micromol 10(9) cells(-1) min(-1), which was not affected by cell density and initial Cr(VI) concentration. The maximal reduction capacity of Achromobacter sp. strain Ch1 was 54.2 mM, while the cell density of reduction system was 3.64 x 10(9) cells ml(-1). Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis showed that chromium was precipitated perhaps as the form of Cr(OH)3.

[Combined anterior and posterior approach for cervical fracture-dislocation with ankylosing spondylitis].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the pathological characteristics of cervical spinal fracture of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and surgical effect by combined anterior and posterior operation. METHODS: Eighteen AS patients with traumatic cervical fracture-dislocation were treated from January 2000 to January 2006. The symptom duration of AS was 14.5 years in average. Three cases had undergone osteotomy in lumbar spine. There were 4 cases of Grade A, 3 cases of Grade B, 9 cases of Grade C and 2 cases of Grade D in Frankel's score. All patients underwent surgical procedures by combined anterior and posterior approach. RESULTS: There were 4 anterior-posterior procedures, 8 anterior-posterior-anterior procedures and 6 posterior-anterior procedures. Seven patients had one stage operation and 11 cases underwent two stage. There were some extent neurological improvement in 14 incompletely paraplegic patients, no improvement in 4 complete paraplegia patients. The follow-up period was 21.2 months in average and the bone fusion was 3.6 months. There were 4 complications during perioperative period and 1 in long term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that anterior combined with posterior approach makes the spine stable and relieves the pressure immediately. It is the reasonable surgical strategy in the treatment of cervical spinal fracture-dislocation with AS.

[Screw-rod technique in treating cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of screw-rod technique in treating cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation. METHODS: The screw-rod technique was used to treat 38 patients with cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation. The JOA scores before and after the surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: No severe complication occurred. The JOA scores were increased by 4.1, 6.7, 7.8, and 8.1 respectively at 0 th, 4 th, 12 th and 24 th weeks after the operation. Neurological deficits were improved one year after the operation in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Treating cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation with screw-rod technique can achive an efficient and safe clinical outcome.

[Research on complications of thoracoscopic assisted thoracic spine surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze occurrence, prevention and treatment of the complications of thoracoscopic assisted spine surgery. METHODS: Retrospective review of 182 patients who underwent standard thoracoscopic technique or video-assisted thoracic surgical procedure from October 1998 to August 2004. The treatment of thoracic diseases included debridement, decompression with (or) reconstruction. The total number of complications were recorded, and its mechanism, prevention and treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Complications occurred in 16 patients, 12 cases of perioperative complications included 3 patients suffered from pneumonia, 3 pulmonary atelectasis, 2 patients' lung injured by trocar, 1 patient obtained transient monoplegia, 2 suffered from transient intercostal nerve pain and 1 had superficial incision infection. Long-term complications occurred in 4 cases: spinal tuberculosis relapsed 2 cases (one who had diabetes obtained relapse in 8 months of post-operation and another relapsed with complex spinal tuberculosis in 4 weeks postoperation), 2 patients suffered from kyphosis deformity and pain. CONCLUSIONS: The type and incidence of complications with thoracoscopic spine surgery mainly depend on indication, operation procedures and anesthesia, only by limit surgical indication, ameliorate technique, obey surgical principle and consummate perioperative treatment can we obtain mini-invasive effect by thoracoscopic assisted spine surgery.

[Surgical treatment of thoracic vertebral angioma with extraosseous extension causing spinal cord compression].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutical effect of surgical treatment for thoracic angioma with extraosseous extension which causes spinal cord compression and neurological dysfunction. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 5 cases of thoracic vertebral body angioma with extraosseous extension and spinal cord compression. The operation were performed through anterior approach to resect the involved vertebral body and intracanal angioma in 5 patients. Bone graft and internal fixation were also completed in the meantime. Two patients accepted radiotherapy for 2 periods of treatment postoperatively, and the other 3 patients didn't accept the other supportive therapy. RESULTS: The blood loss during the operation was 1000 mL to 1500 mL. All the patients recovered their neurological function rapidly after the operation. The patients were followed up for 1 to 4 years, and no patient recurred. The bone graft was solidly fused in all patients. No hardware failure occurred. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment for thoracic vertebral body and extraosseous angioma with spinal cord compression is effective, reliable, and workable. Good long-term result can be obtained.

[Clinical value of ventrofix in the treatment of thoracolumbar spine disorders].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical value of Ventrofix system in the treatment of thoracolumbar spine disorders. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients of thoracolumbar spine disorders were treated by anterior verterbrae body incision, canal decompression, bone graft by iliac or titanium cage, and fixation with Ventrofix system. RESULTS: All operations were successful. Complications included: low blood volume shock in the operation in one patient, atelectasis in one patient, pleuritis in one patient, and transient chest pain in one patient. All patients were followed up for 3 approximately 15 months. All patients got a good bone fusion, and the spinal cord funciton improved to a certain degree. There was no recurrence in patients with tumor and tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: The anterior focal cleaning and instrumentation is important in treating thoracolumbar spinal disorders. Ventrofix system is an excellent anterior internal implant system for thoracolumbar spinal disorder, with good biomechanical stability and biosuitbility.

[Clinical characteristic and surgical treatments for the fresh thoracolumbar fracture-dislocation combined with paraspinal muscles, ligaments and intervertebral disc ruptures].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics of fresh thoracolumbar fracture-dislocation combined with paraspinal muscles, ligaments and intervertebral disc ruptures and to discuss the surgical procedure for the fracture. METHODS: The clinical materials of 15 patients who suffered from the disease mentioned above were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The common physical examination findings were local bump in the dorsal or lumbar spine area and palpation of rupture ends of paraspinal muscles and ligaments. The common MRI manifestations were ruptures of anterior longitudinal ligament, intervertebral disc, paraspinal muscles, and spinous process ligaments. The common operative findings were similar to MRI findings. The fractured vertebrae in 5 patients who underwent posterior reduction and fixation with two-segments pedicle screw did not restore their shape, but 10 patients who underwent posterior three-segments pedicle screw reduction and fixation restored the shape of fractured vertebrae. CONCLUSION: The fresh thoracolumbar fracture-dislocation combined with paraspinal muscles, ligaments and intervertebral disc ruptures is a severe spine injury. Clinical physical examination and MRI appearance and intraoperative observation are important for the selection of operation procedure. The open reduction and internal fixation with pedicle screw-rod system, and intervertebral resection and fusion via posterior approach is a good procedure for the special thoracolumbar fracture.