Comprehensive Evaluation and Selection of 192 Maize Accessions from Different Sources.

In the period 2022-2023, an analysis of fourteen phenotypic traits was conducted across 192 maize accessions in the Aral region of Xinjiang. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index was employed to quantify the phenotypic diversity among the accessions. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation of the index was performed utilizing correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. The results highlighted significant findings: (1) A pronounced diversity was evident across the 192 maize accessions, accompanied by complex interrelationships among the traits. (2) The 14 phenotypic traits were transformed into 3 independent indicators through principal component analysis: spike factor, leaf width factor, and number of spikes per plant. (3) The 192 materials were divided into three groups using cluster analysis. The phenotypes in Group III exhibited the best performance, followed by those in Group I, and finally Group II. The selection of the three groups can vary depending on the breeding objectives. This study analysed the diversity of phenotypic traits in maize germplasm resources. Maize germplasm was categorised based on similar phenotypes. These findings provide theoretical insights for the study of maize accessions under analogous climatic conditions in Alar City, which lay the groundwork for the efficient utilization of existing germplasm as well as the development and selection of new varieties.

Screening of salt tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.) lines using membership function value and GGE biplot analysis.

Soil salinization is a widely recognized global environmental concern that has a significant impact on the sustainable development of agriculture at a global scale. Maize, a major crop that contributes to the global agricultural economy, is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of salt stress, which can hinder its growth and development from germination to the seedling stage. This study aimed to screen highly salt-tolerant maize varieties by using four NaCl concentrations of 0, 60, 120, and 180 mMol/L. Various agronomic traits and physiological and biochemical indices associated with salt tolerance were measured, and salt tolerance was evaluated using principal component analysis, membership function method, and GGE biplot analysis. A total of 41 local maize varieties were assessed based on their D values. The results show that stem thickness, germ length, radicle length, leaf area, germination rate, germination index, salt tolerance index, and seed vigor all decreased as salt concentration increased, while electrical conductivity and salt injury index increased with the concentration of saline solution. Under the stress of 120 mMol/L and 180 mMol/L NaCl, changes in antioxidant enzymes occurred, reflecting the physiological response mechanisms of maize under salt stress. Principal component analysis identified six major components including germination vigor, peroxidase (POD), plant height, embryo length, SPAD chlorophyll and proline (PRO) factors. After calculating the comprehensive index (D value) of each variety's performance in different environments using principal component analysis and the membership function method, a GGE biplot analysis was conducted to identify maize varieties with good salt tolerance stability: Qun Ce 888, You Qi 909, Ping An 1523, Xin Nong 008, Xinyu 66, and Hong Xin 990, as well as varieties with poor salt tolerance: Feng Tian 14, Xi Meng 668, Ji Xing 218, Gan Xin 2818, Hu Xin 712, and Heng Yu 369. Furthermore, it was determined that a 120 mMol/L NaCl concentration was suitable for screening maize varieties during germination and seedling stages. This study further confirmed the reliability of GGE biplot analysis in germplasm selection, expanded the genetic resources of salt-tolerant maize, and provided theoretical references and germplasm utilization for the introduction of maize in saline-alkali areas. These research findings contribute to a better understanding of maize salt tolerance and promote its cultivation in challenging environments.

Adverse impact of a high allelic burden FLT3-ITD mutation on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with cytogenetically normal AML.

Risks associated with the FLT3-ITD mutation in patients receiving chemotherapy alone for cytogenetic normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) depend on the allelic ratio (AR) and concomitant NPM1 mutation. Nevertheless, their prognostic ability after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) remains undetermined. Moreover, previous studies have revealed that haploidentical transplantation improves outcomes of FLT3-ITD patients. To elucidate whether this alteration also impacts prognosis of myeloablative allo-HCT upon first remission, we retrospectively reviewed the prognostic ability of FLT3-ITD mutations in 205 CN-AML patients. Our analysis demonstrated that FLT3-ITD AR was closely related to pretransplant MRD and induction response. Multivariate analysis showed that high-AR FLT3-ITD, pretransplant MRD and induction response were independent risk factors for CN-AML. In addition, we presented evidence that the high-AR FLT3-ITD patient prognosis was not overcome by haploidentical transplantation, but was markedly improved by cGVHD. More importantly, among patients with negative pretransplant MRD, high-AR FLT3-ITD patients did not have increased relapse risk, compared to low-AR FLT3-ITD and wild-type FLT3 patients. Our findings will aid in accurate prognostic stratification of FLT3-ITD patients. We also recommend further targeted and coordinated approaches to sustain durable remission following induction chemotherapy and allo-HCT in this high-risk patient population.

[Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in married women of reproductive age in the rural area of Shandong province and its risk factors].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis of married women of reproductive age in the rural area of Shandong province and its affecting factors, with an aim to provide references for setting up preventing measures for this disease. METHODS: A stratified, population-based, cluster sampling method was employed. The epidemiological investigation on bacterial vaginosis of married women of reproductive age was carried out at four sampling fields. RESULTS: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 6.64%. The main risk factors included: lacked of personal bathtub and towel; did not use sterilized paper on menstrual phase; had no knowledge that gonorrhea, syphilis, AIDS, and trichomonal vaginitis can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in married women of reproductive age in Shandong rural area is high, which correlates with the lower education level, limited health knowledge, and unhealthy behavior.