Author Correction: Molecular marker assisted breeding and genome composition analysis of Zhengmai 7698, an elite winter wheat cultivar.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Molecular marker assisted breeding and genome composition analysis of Zhengmai 7698, an elite winter wheat cultivar.

Zhengmai 7698 is an elite winter wheat variety widely cultivated in the Southern regions of the Yellow-Huai River Valley of China. Here, we report the molecular markers used for breeding Zhengmai 7698 and the genome composition of this cultivar revealed using genome-wide SNPs. A total of 26 DNA markers derived from the genes controlling gluten protein quality, grain hardness, flour color, disease resistance, or pre-harvesting sprouting resistance were used during breeding. Consequently, Zhengmai 7698 had strong gluten, high grain hardness index, white flour color, and high levels of resistance to powdery mildew, stripe rust infections, and pre-harvesting sprouting. Using genome complexity reduction, 28,996 high-quality SNPs distributed on 21 wheat chromosomes were identified among Zhengmai 7698 and its three parental lines (4B269, Zhengmai 9405 and Zhoumai 16). Zhengmai 7698 shared 12,776, 14,411 and 16,085 SNPs with 4B269, Zhengmai 9405 and Zhoumai 16, respectively. Thus, the contributions of 4B269, Zhengmai 9405 and Zhoumai 16 to the genome of Zhengmai 7698 were comparable. Interestingly, Zhengmai 7698 had 307 unique SNPs that are absent in all three parents. We suggest that molecular markers facilitate selection of a wheat cultivar with multiple elite traits. Analysis of genome composition with SNPs may provide useful clues for further dissecting the genetic basis of improved wheat performance.

(R)-[(R)-3-Benzyl-2-oxooxazolidin-4-yl][4-(methyl-sulfon-yl)phen-yl]methyl acetate.

The structure of the title compound, C20H21NO6S, is of inter-est with respect to its anti-bacterial properties. The oxazolidine ring makes dihedral angles of 79.63 (14) and 56.16 (12)° with the phenyl and benzene rings, respectively, while the phenyl and benzene rings make a dihedral angle of 64.37 (13)°. In the crystal, non-classical C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link adjacent mol-ecules along the c axis.

Overexpression of transforming growth factor-beta1 in degenerative ligamentum flavum / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in degeneration of the ligamentum flavum in the lumbar spine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The degenerative ligamentum flavum was obtained during surgery from 8 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (mean age 58.6 years), and 8 young patients (mean age 24.2 years) with acute lumbar disc herniation were included as normal controls. The thickness of the ligamentum flavum was measured on preoperative magnetic resonance images, and the mRNA expressions of type-I collagen and TGF-beta1 in the ligamentum flavum were detected using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression and localization of TGF-beta1 were investigated by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The thickness of the ligamentum flavum were 4.70-/+0.40 mm in the degenerative group and 2.50-/+0.36 mm in the control group, showing significant difference between the two groups (P<0.001). The type-I collagen mRNA expression in the degenerative group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P=0.007). The mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-beta1 were significantly higher in the degenerative group than in the control group (P=0.008 and 0.004, respectively). Immunohistochemistry showed that TGF protein was localized in the fibroblasts within the ligamentum flavum.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Degenerative ligamentum flavum shows hypertrophy and fibrosis, and TGF-beta1 overexpression may be associated with in the development and progression of ligamentum flavum degeneration in the lumbar spine.</p>

Phenotypic Characterization of Ligamentum Flavum Cells from Patients with Ossification of Ligamentum Flavum

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine the phenotypic characterization of ligamentum flavum cells from patients with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ligamentum flavum tissues were harvested from OLF and non-OLF patients during surgery. OLF and non-OLF cells were isolated from explant cultures. Cultured cells were analyzed using immunofluorescence staining and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: OLF cells exhibited various appearances compared with the typical fibroblast-like morphology of non-OLF cells. Expressions of collagen type I and collagen type III were observed in OLF and non-OLF cells. OLF cells uniquely expressed osteocalcin, which is a marker for osteoblasts, and collagen type II which is a marker for chondrocytes, whereas they were negative in non-OLF cells. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that OLF cells have phenotypic characterization of osteoblasts and chondrocytes which could play a role in the pathophysiology of OLF.

[Value of measuring ankle brachial index for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease in Chinese patients with high cardiovascular risk].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of measuring ankle brachial index (ABI) for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease(PAD) compared with conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. METHODS: A total of 383 consecutive inpatients (245 male, mean age 64.1 +/- 11.7 years) underwent both conventional DSA and ABI measurements. RESULTS: The rate of statin intervention was 90.9%, ACEI 69.2%, antiplatelet 96.6% and beta-blockers 67.9%. The intravascular stenosis was classified into six degrees: normal, < 30%, 30% - 49%, 50% - 69%, 70% - 89% and > or = 90%. Compared to the traditional gold standard (DSA) in diagnosis PDA, the ABI value decreased in proportion to the severity of PAD (the ABI value was 1.08 +/- 0.11, 1.05 +/- 0.16, 0.99 +/- 0.17, 0.66 +/- 0.24, 0.55 +/- 0.28 and 0.54 +/- 0.00 respectively in the six ranks). There was a significant correlation between DSA and ABI in diagnosis PAD. CONCLUSION: ABI measurement is an accurate and reliable non-invasive alternative to conventional DSA in the assessment of lower extremity arteries in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

[The relation between post-acute coronary syndrome anxiety and serum levels of inflammatory factors].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of inflammatory factors (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, high sensitive C reactive protein) in the pathogenesis of anxiety after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) by investigating the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and high sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP). METHODS: Serum IL-6, TNFalpha and hsCRP levels were measured in 105 ACS patients within 7 days after onset of the event. Symptoms of anxiety were evaluated by self-reporting standardized questionnaire, using a validated Chinese version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A)-Anxiety Subscale (7 items) within 72 hours of the event. Demographic and clinical data including cardiac risk factors were recorded. RESULTS: The median of TNFalpha was lower in the anxious patients with ACS than that of non-anxious ones (44.55 vs 61.70, P = 0.004). Neither the levels of hsCRP nor the levels of IL-6 were found to be different between the groups with anxiety and without. CONCLUSION: Anxiety after ACS does not increase the inflammatory reaction in the ACS patients.

[The relationship between TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) risk score and efficacy of conservative or interventional strategy in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk score and efficacy of different treatment strategies in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). METHODS: From Oct. 2001 to Oct. 2003, 545 consecutive patients with NSTE-ACS were randomly assigned to early conservative strategy (n = 284) or early invasive strategy group (n = 261). The combined cardiovascular events (a combination of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal heart failure and re-hospital admission due to recurrent ischemia angina) within 30 days and 6 months were analyzed and related to the TIMI risk score at admission. RESULTS: Rehospitalization due to recurrent ischemia angina of 30 days and the combined cardiovascular events of 30 days and 6 months were significantly lower in early invasive strategy group (3.5%, 10.0%, 21.1%) compared with early conservative strategy group (8.1%, 16.9%, 28.2%, all P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated early invasive strategy could significantly decrease the 30 d incidence of the combined end point events in patients with high TIMI risk score and the 6 months incidence of the combined end point events in patients with moderate and high TIMI risk score (all P < 0.01), but the incidence was similar between the two different strategies in patients with low TIMI risk score. CONCLUSIONS: Early invasive strategy may significantly reduce combined cardiovascular events in NSTE-ACS patients with moderate and high TIMI risk score compared with early conservative strategy.

[The effect of early invasive strategy on early and late outcomes in high-risk non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of early invasive strategy on early and late outcomes in high-risk patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS: Five hundred and forty-five patients of ACS without ST-segment elevation were randomly assigned to an early conservative strategy (284 cases) or early invasive strategy group (261 cases), who were enrolled consecutively from Oct., 2001 to Oct., 2003. The combined cardiovascular events (a combination of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal heart failure and hospital readmission due to recurrent ischemic angina) within 30 days and 6 months were analyzed and the effects of early invasive strategy on early and late outcomes in high-risk patients with increased TnI or hs-CRP levels were evaluated. RESULTS: As compared with early conservative strategy, early invasive strategy lowered the rate of hospital readmission due to recurrent ischemic angina of 30 d and the combined cardiovascular events of 30 d and 6 months (all P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated early invasive strategy could significantly decrease the incidences of the combined cardiovascular events of 30 d and 6 months and the hard end point events of 6 months in patients with increased TnI or hs-CRP levels (all P < 0.01), but no such changes could be seen in patients with normal TnI or hs-CRP levels, as compared with early conservative strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Early invasive strategy decreases significantly cardiovascular events and improves the early and late outcomes in high-risk patients with increased TnI or hs-CRP levels.

[The changes of electrocardiogram and impact of early invasive strategy in patients with acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) and impact of early invasive strategy in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without ST-segment elevation. METHODS: Five hundred and forty-five consecutive ACS patients without ST-segment elevation were randomly assigned to early conservative treatment group and early invasive treatment group. The combined cardiovascular events, including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal heart failure, and re-hospitalization due to recurrent ischemia angina, within 30 days and 6 months were analyzed and the effects of varied ECG changes and different intervention strategies on outcomes of patients were evaluated. RESULTS: The incidences of each and combined cardiovascular events were higher in the patients with ST-segment depression than in those without ST-segment depression. ST-segment depression was one of independent predictive factors for an increase in cardiovascular events within 6 months (OR 3.864, 95% CI: 1.668 approximately 9.451, P < 0.001). Early invasive strategy was associated with a lower rate of re-hospitalization due to recurrent ischemia angina within 30 days and a decreased incidence of combined cardiovascular events within 30 days and 6 months in comparison with the early conservative treatment group (all P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis implied that incidences of combined cardiovascular events within 30 days and 6 months decreased significantly only in patients with ST-segment depression treated with early invasive strategy, and no such benefit was seen in the patients without ST-segment depression. CONCLUSION: ST-segment depression is an effective indicator for identifying those patients with non-ST segment elevation ACS most likely to benefit from early invasive strategy. Early invasive strategy markedly decreases the cardiovascular events in ACS patients with ST-segment depression than early conservative strategy.

[Predictive value of positive troponin I in clinical prognosis of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictive value of positive troponin I (TnI) on early prognosis in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS), and to evaluate TnI as a predictor of risk for the combined end points of cardiac events in NSTE ACS. METHODS: 545 patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome were double-blind randomly enrolled in two groups of study, receiving invasive or noninvasive treatment, respectively. At admission, all patients' baseline levels of TnI and CK-MB were determined and related to outcome at 30th day and 6th month of follow-up. Aspirin, beta-blocker, ACEI and LWMH were given depending on patients' clinical condition. RESULTS: After a follow up of 6 months, hospitalization because of recurrent angina pectoris and combined end points of cardiac events in TnI positive patients occurred much more as compared with that in the TnI negative patients and the prognosis improved with early invasive interventional treatment strategy in the TnI positive patients (P < 0.01) at 30th day and 6th month. For TnI negative patients, there was no difference between the two groups whether invasive or non-invasive therapy was given. CONCLUSIONS: There is high recurrence rate of angina pectoris and increased number of combined end points of cardiac events in positive TnI patients during follow-up period. TnI served as an important risk factor in NSTE ACS patients and active early invasive intervention therapy should be the first choice for TnI positive patients, but it makes no more benefits for TnI negative patients.

[The studies of risk factors and early intervention in patients with acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors and the values of early invasive intervention in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) without ST-segment elevation. METHODS: Five hundred and forty-five patients of ACS without ST-segment elevation were randomly assigned to an early conservative strategy or early invasive strategy who had been admitted to hospitals consecutively from Oct. 2001 to Oct. 2003. The combined cardiovascular events (a combination of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal heart failure and re-hospital admission due to recurrent ischemia angina) within 30 days and 6 months were analyzed and the primary high risk factors for combined cardiovascular events were evaluated by means of multivariate logistic regression analysis among baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory data, meanwhile, the effects of an early conservative strategy or early invasive strategy on outcomes were also investigated. RESULTS: The incidences of combined cardiovascular events within 30 days and 6 months among 513 cases were 14.0% and 25.7% respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis implied ST-segment depression, elevation of troponin I level, increased C-reactive protein, lower ejection fraction of left ventricular and higher TIMI risk scores were all associated with an increases in cardiovascular events within 6 months, and they were respectively independent predictive factor for the increases of cardiovascular events. Early invasive strategy was associated with a lower rate of re-hospital admission due to recurrent ischemia angina within 30 days and a decreased incidences of combined cardiovascular events within 30 days and 6 months compared with early conservative strategy (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ST-segment depression, elevation of troponin I level, increased C-reactive protein, lower ejection fraction of left ventricular and higher TIMI risk scores are high risk factors for patients with ACS without ST-segment elevation, and early invasive strategy can have a substantial impact in reducing combined cardiovascular events.

[The predictive value of risk scoring system in myocardial infarction in long-term prognosis of patients referred to direct percutaneous coronary intervention].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predicting values of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk scoring system for long-term prognosis in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Eight clinical variables and their relative value of score derived from TIMI risk scoring system were used to determine individual's risk score. The patients with STEMI were evaluated during the period of in-hospital and followed-up at a mean of (23.9 +/- 3.8) months for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including nonfatal heart failure, nonfatal re-infarction, target vessel revascularization and cardiac mortality and the predicting value of TIMI risk scores at hospital admission for total MACE were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 373 patients with STEMI referred for primary PCI, 89 patients were presented with MACE during the period of follow-up (average incidence: 23.9%). The presentation of the total MACE increased progressively with the rising TIMI risk scores (P < 0.05 for trends in increase of MACE). The incidence of total MACE in patients with a score > or = 8 was 9 times those with a score 0. The incidence of cardiac mortality was higher (25% vs 0, P < 0.01) and the combined incidence of cardiac mortality and nonfatal re-infarction also increased significantly (36.7% vs 2.6%, P < 0.01) in patients with a score > or = 6 than in those with a score < 6 respectively. The risk of adverse cardiovascular events increased with rising in TIMI risk scores in patients with either high or normal TnI level. CONCLUSIONS: The higher the TIMI risk score at admission, the worse the prognosis. This TIMI risk scoring system is likely to be a simple and practical tool at the bedside in quantitative risk evaluation and long-term prognosis prediction in patients with STEMI referred for primary PCI.

[The effects of gender on heart rate adjustment of ST segment depression for identifying coronary arteriosclerosis disease].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of gender on heart rate adjustment of ST segment depression (ST/HR) for identifying coronary arteriosclerotic disease. METHODS: One hundred and seventy three patients with suspected coronary disease (CAD) were referred for a routine treadmill exercise electrocardiogram and subsequently they underwent selective coronary angiography within 3 weeks. The magnitude of ST segment depression, ST/HR slope and calculated ST/HR index are performed by a computerized ECG system; exercise was performed according to the cornell protocol. CAD was defined by coronary angiography. We divided the patients into two groups by gender. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity for identifying CAD with ST/HR slope and ST/HR index were all significantly greater than that of standard electrocardiographic test criteria (P <0.05). Compared with standard criteria, the sensitivity for identifying CAD of ST/HR slope and ST/HR index increased 23% and 16% in men, 50% and 42% in women respectively; all difference were statistically significant (P <0.05). The specificity for identifying CAD with ST/HR slope and ST/HR index increased 58% and 50% in women, with no increase in men. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that sensitivity and specificity for identifying CAD with ST/HR slope and ST/HR index were all significantly higher than those with standard electrocardiographic test criteria in selected women patients. Sensitivity were significantly increased in selected men patients, with no significant change in specificity.