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Background: The maize kernel row number (KRN) is a key component that contributes to grain yield and has high broad-sense heritability (H2). Quantitative trait locus/loci (QTL) mapping using a high-density genetic map is a powerful approach to detecting loci that are responsible for traits of interest. Bulked segregant ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing (BSR-seq) is another rapid and cost-effective strategy to identify QTL. Combining QTL mapping using a high-density genetic map and BSR-seq may dissect comprehensively the genetic architecture underlying the maize KRN. Results: A panel of 300 F2 individuals derived from inbred lines abe2 and B73 were genotyped using the specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) method. A total of 4,579 high-quality polymorphic SLAF markers were obtained and used to construct a high-density geneticmap with a total length of 2,123 centimorgan (cM) and an average distance between adjacent markers of 0.46 cM. Combining the genetic map and KRN of F2 individuals, four QTL (qKRN1, qKRN2, qKRN5, and qKRN8-1) were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, and 8, respectively. The physical intervals of these four QTL ranged from 4.36 Mb for qKRN8-1 to 7.11 Mb for qKRN1 with an average value of 6.08 Mb. Based on high-throughput sequencing of two RNA pools bulked from leaves of plants with extremely high and low KRNs, two QTL were detected on chromosome 8 in the 10-25 Mb (BSR_QTL1) and 60-150 Mb (BSR_QTL2) intervals. According to the physical positions of these QTL, qKRN8-1 was included by BSR_QTL2. In addition, qKRN8-1 was validated using QTL mapping with a recombinant inbred lines population that was derived from inbred lines abe2 and B73. Conclusions: In this study, we proved that combining QTL mapping using a high-density genetic map and BSR-seq is a powerful and cost-effective approach to comprehensively revealing genetic architecture underlying traits of interest. The QTL for the KRN detected in this study, especially qKRN8-1, can be used for performing fine mapping experiments and marker-assisted selection in maize breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many researches have investigated the changes associated with immobilization-induced osteoarthritis (OA). However, there are only few studies focusing on the effect of unilateral knee immobilization on cartilage matrix changes in the contralateral mobile knee. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of immobilization on the cartilage matrix in the contralateral mobile knees in a rabbit model of OA induced by immobilization.Methods: Right knees (experimental knees) of eighteen mature female rabbits were immobilized at an extension of 180° with orthopedic casting tape for 2, 4, or 8 weeks. Left knees (contralateral knees) of the immobilized rabbits were not subjected to immobilization. The knees of six non-immobilized rabbits were designated as control knees. Following immobilization, cartilage specimens from the medial femoral condyle underwent macroscopic, histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical evaluations.Results: Roughness of cartilage surface was detected in the experimental knees at 2 weeks, and cartilage degeneration was further developed. In the contralateral knee, cartilage showed degenerative changes after 4 weeks. Safranin-O staining and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents were reduced in the experimental knees following immobilization and in the contralateral intact knees after 4 and 8 weeks. Type II collagen staining was gradually reduced, type I collagen accumulation was obviously detected in the upper and middle layers of cartilage in experimental knees after 8 weeks, and the collagen orientation was gradually disorganized in both knees at 4 and 8 weeks. For both experimental and contralateral knees, collagen contents were significantly decreased at 8 weeks, and Mankin and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores increased over time.Conclusion: OA developed in the contralateral intact knee with the progress of OA in the immobilized knee in a rabbit model of immobilization-induced OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide owing to its high rates of metastasis and recurrence. The oncogene IQ motif-containing GTPase activating protein 3 (IQGAP3) is ubiquitously overexpressed in several human cancers, including liver, ovary, lung, large intestine, gastric, bone marrow, and breast malignancies and is involved in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. Therefore, we aimed to determine the biological role and molecular mechanism of IQGAP3 in HCC.Methods: We used 120 archived clinical HCC samples, 9 snap-frozen HCC tumor tissues, and 4 normal liver tissues. Expression of IQGAP3 mRNA and protein in HCC cell lines (Hep3B, SMMC-7721, HCCC-9810, HepG2, BEL-7404, HCCLM3, QGY-7701, Huh7, and MHCC97H) and normal liver epithelial cells LO2 was examined by western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, wound-healing and transwell matrix penetration assays were used to assess the migratory and invasive abilities of HCC cells, respectively.Results: Expression of the IQGAP3 was robustly upregulated in HCC cells and tissues. High expression of IQGAP3 in HCC correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features and was an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival. Furthermore, ectopic expression of IQGAP3 markedly enhanced HCC cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and promoted metastasis of orthotopic hepatic tumors in nude mice. Conversely, silencing endogenous IQGAP3 showed an opposite effect. Mechanistically, IQGAP3 promoted EMT and metastasis by activating TGF-β signaling.Conclusions: IQGAP3 functions as an important regulator of metastasis and EMT by constitutively activating the TGF-β signaling pathway in HCC. Our findings present new evidence of the role of IQGAP3 in EMT and metastasis, indicating its potential as a prognostic biomarker candidate and a therapeutic target against HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of genetic variants on aspirin resistance (AR) remains controversial. We sought to assess the association of genetic variants with AR and early clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (IS).Methods: A total of 850 acute IS patients were consecutively enrolled. Platelet aggregation was measured before and after a 7-10 day aspirin treatment. The sequences of 14 variants of COX-1, COX-2, GPIb, GPIIIa, P2Y1 and P2Y12 were determined using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Gene-gene interactions were analyzed using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR). The primary outcome was early neurological deterioration (END) within 10 days of admission. The secondary outcome was a composite of early recurrent ischemic stroke (ERIS), myocardial infarction (MI) and death within 10 days of admission.Results: 175 (20.6%) patients were AR, 45 (5.3%) were aspirin semi-resistant, 121 (14.2%) developed END, 17 (0.2%) had ERIS, 2 (0.2%) died, and 6 (0.7%) had MI. Single locus analysis indicated that only rs1371097 was associated with AR. However, GMDR analysis indicated that the following three sets of gene-gene interactions were significantly associated with AR: rs20417CC/rs1371097TT/rs2317676GG; rs20417CC/rs1371097TT/rs2317676GG; rs20417CC/rs1371097CT/rs2317676AG. END occurred significantly more frequently in patients with AR or high-risk interactive genotypes. Moreover, AR and high-risk interactive genotypes were independently associated with END.Conclusion: Sensitivity of IS patients to aspirin and END may be multifactorial and is not significantly associated with a single gene polymorphism. Combinational analysis may useful for further insight into the genetic risks for AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The treatments for spinal tuberculosis (TB) patients without absolute surgical indications have been controversial. Some people believed that most spinal TB patients were indicated for surgery, while other people believed in chemotherapy only. To help clarify the treatment over spinal TB patients without absolute surgical indications, we characterized a subtype spinal TB and then analyzed the treatment outcomes of standard chemotherapy alone. Methods: In this retrospective study, 740 adult patients of spinal TB from January 2005 to January 2013 in our institution were reviewed. Patients who fit into the characterizations of mild spinal TB were started by standard chemotherapy for 18 months and followed up for at least 2 years upon the completion of treatment. The overall outcome, neurological function, local kyphosis, and level of pain at different time points were assessed. Results: After starting the conservative treatment, 89 out of 740 patients were chosen for chemotherapy alone, and all patients were followed up for at least 2 years (ranging from 24 to 50 months) upon the completion of the treatment. Of 89 patients, 95.4% of patients showed a definite and clinical response within 1 month after starting the treatment, 69% of patients had excellent to good results, with no complications of the disease, and 77.5% had asymptomatic local kyphosis with intact neurological function; solid bony fusion of adjacent segment was achieved in 88.8% of patients. Conclusions: We believe that the mild spinal TB respond well to the standard chemotherapy, and the detailed description of mild TB would provide crucial guidance in determination of conservative treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fifty-four juvenile cases under 18 years of age with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis underwent focus debridement, deformity correction, bone graft fusion, and internal fixation. The treatment effects, complications, and reasons were analyzed retrospectively. Material and method: There were 54 juvenile cases under 18 years of age with thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis. The average age was 9.2 years old, and the sample comprised 38 males and 16 females. The disease types included 28 thoracic cases, 17 thoracolumbar cases, and 9 lumbar cases. Nerve function was evaluated with the Frankel classification. Thirty-six cases were performed with focus debridement and deformity correction and were supported with allograft or autograft in mesh and fixed with pedicle screws from a posterior approach. Eight cases underwent a combined anterior and posterior surgical approach. Nine cases underwent osteotomy and deformity correction, and one case received focus debridement. The treatment effects, complications, and bone fusions were tracked for an average of 52 months. Results: According to the Frankel classification, paralysis was improved from 3 cases of B, 8 cases of C, 18 cases of D, and 25 cases of E preoperatively. This improvement was found in 3 cases of C, 6 cases of D, and 45 cases of E at a final follow-up postoperatively. No nerve dysfunction was aggravated. VAS was improved from 7.8 ± 1.7 preoperatively to 3.2 ± 2.1 at final follow-up postoperatively. ODI was improved from 77.5 ± 17.3 preoperatively to 28.4 ± 15.9 at final follow-up postoperatively. Kyphosis Cobb angle improved from 62.2° ± 3.7° preoperatively to 37° ± 2.4° at final follow-up postoperatively. Both of these are significant improvements, and all bone grafts were fused. Complications related to the operation occurred in 31.5 % (17/54) of cases. Six cases suffered postoperative aggravated kyphosis deformity, eight cases suffered proximal kyphosis deformity, one case suffered pedicle penetration, one case suffered failure of internal devices, and one case suffered recurrence of tuberculosis. Conclusion: As long as the treatment plan is fully prepared, the surgical option can achieve a satisfactory curative effect in treating juvenile spinal tuberculosis despite some complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing rapidly in most of the developing countries including China, even in rural areas. Dearth of representative data called for an investigation to estimate the burden and identify the correlates of NCDs in rural China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a representative sample of 6003 consenting randomly selected rural residents aged 15 years or more, from 36 villages of Shijiazhuang in Hebei province of China between July 2010 and June 2011. Information on demographics and behavior were collected, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure were measured and blood samples were tested to diagnose diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Results: Majority participants were aged < 30 year, married and educated up to junior/senior high school level. Mean age for the 6003 participants was 37.4 ± 14.8. About 55.7 % had BMI of 18.6-24.9. In past 12 months: 19.8 % smoked daily, 41.6 % were exposed to passive smoking, 28.5 % drank alcohol, 10.4 % skipped breakfasts frequently, 82.8 % did never exercise and 25.3 % had psychological disturbances. 51.1 % were hypertensive, 6.7 % were diabetic and 9.2 % had hyperlipidemia. Based on self-reports, cardiovascular diseases (4.5 %), cerebrovascular diseases (2.3 %), cancers (0.2 %), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (2 %), orthopedic problems (12.1 %) and gastrointestinal NCDs (7.8 %) were identified among the participants, while proportion of subjects with one, two and three or more NCDs were 43 %, 14.4 % and 5.5 % respectively. Higher odds of having more NCDs were associated with higher BMI (Kg/M2), family history of NCDs, daily and past history of smoking and drinking, passive smoking, lack of exercise, skipping breakfast and psychological disturbances. Conclusion: Despite limitations associated with cross-sectional design and self-reporting, observation in this large sample of rural residents could develop important insights regarding high burden of NCDs in this population. Based on the identified correlates, targeted intervention strategies seem to be required urgently to control NCDs in rural China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies investigating the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and the occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), especially intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), have shown inconsistent findings. Although previous meta-analyses referred to HCV and CCA, they mainly focused on ICC rather than CCA or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC). Since then, relevant new studies have been published on the association between HCV and ICC. Since the different anatomic locations of CCA have distinct epidemiologic features and different risk factors, it is necessary to evaluate the relationship between HCV infection and ICC, ECC, and CCA. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching PUBMED, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases prior to 1 August 2013. Pooled risk estimates were calculated with random-effects models using STATA 11.0. Results: A total of 16 case-control studies were included in the final analysis. Pooled risk estimates showed a statistically significant increasing risk of CCA (odds ratio (OR) = 5.44, 95% CI, 2.72 to 10.89). The pooled risk estimate of ICC (OR = 3.38, 95% CI, 2.72 to 4.21) was higher than that of ECC (OR = 1.75, 95% CI, 1.00 to 3.05). In a subgroup analysis, the pooled risk estimate of ICC in studies from North America was obviously higher than in Asia (6.48 versus 2.01). The Begg funnel plot and Egger test showed no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions: HCV infection is associated with the increasing risk of CCA, especially ICC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally believed that fear is rapidly triggered by a distinct cue while anxiety onset is less precise and not associated with a distinct cue. Although it has been claimed that both processes can be measured with certain independence of each other, it is unclear how exactly they differ. In this study, we measured anxiety in mice that received discriminative fear conditioning using behavioral, heart rate and calcium (Ca2+) responses in the ventral hippocampal CA1 (vCA1) neurons. We found that the occurrence of fear significantly interfered with anxiety measurements under various conditions. Diazepam reduced basal anxiety level but had no effect during the presentation of conditioned stimulus (CS). Injection of an inhibitory peptide of PKMzeta (ZIP) into the basolateral amygdala almost entirely abolished CS-triggered fear expression and reduced anxiety to basal level. Heart rate measures suggested a small reduction in anxiety during CS-. Calcium responses in the lateral hypothalamus-projecting vCA1 neurons showed a steady decay during CS suggesting a reduced anxiety. Thus, under our experimental conditions, CS presentations likely reduce anxiety level in the fear-conditioned mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Dynesys® posterior dynamic stabilization (PDS) in the treatment of L4-S1 degenerative diseases and to assess the influence of postoperative motion on lumbar degeneration. Methods: Included in this retrospective study were patients with L4-S1 degenerative disease who underwent fusion or PDS from September 2010 to September 2014. Clinical outcomes were assessed by preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Preoperative and postoperative X-rays assessed range of motion (ROM) of the non-surgical and surgical levels and whole lumbar. MRI assessed degeneration of non-surgical levels. Results: A total of 56 consecutive patients were divided into two groups: group A, PDS, and group B, fusion. Patient demographics and baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. In both groups, there was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative VAS and ODI scores (P <0.05). However, there was a significant difference in a 6-month follow-up ODI between the two groups (P < 0.05). X-rays showed PDS patients partially maintained surgical level ROM and non-surgical level ROM increased less than in the fusion group. MRI showed adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) in both groups, and patients whose preoperative L3-4 Pfirrmann classification was higher than grade 2 had more ASD than lower than grade 2. Conclusion: PDS can maintain surgical level ROM and had less influence on whole and non-surgical level ROM. Following PDS, patients recovered faster and had a better lumbar function. It may be a better choice for multi-level lumbar degenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between serum selenium level and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is controversial. The aim of our study was to systematically review available literature linking selenium to GDM for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between serum selenium level and GDM in human. Methods: PubMed, The Cochrane Library and Medline were searched for studies published up to August 2016. Manual searches of references of the relevant original studies were carried out. Pooled estimates were measured using the fixed or random effect model. Overall effect was reported in a standard mean difference (SMD). All data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 12.0. Results: Of 44 references reviewed, seven studies involving 569 patients met our inclusion criteria and contributed to meta-analysis. All the studies were used to evaluate the relationship between serum selenium level and GDM. Selenium level was significantly lower in women with GDM than those without GDM (SMD = -1.17; 95% CI: -1.98 to -0.35, P = 0.005). Subgroup analysis showed that such trend was consistent within the non-Caucasian population (Asia: SMD = -2.82; 95% CI: -5.21 to -0.43, P = 0.02; Africa: SMD = -0.56; 95% CI: -1.07 to -0.05, P = 0.03) and in the third trimester (SMD = -1.78; 95% CI: -3.04 to -0.52, P = 0.006), but not within the Caucasian population (Europe: SMD = -0.6; 95% CI: -1.98 to 0.78, P = 0.39) or in the second trimester (SMD = -0.68; 95% CI: -1.6 to 0.25, P = 0.15). Conclusions: The available evidences suggested that serum selenium level was lower in women with GDM than those with normal glucose tolerance, especially within the non-Caucasian population and in the third trimester. However, well-designed prospective studies are needed to understand dynamic associations between selenium status and GDM risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The maintenance of nucleus pulposus (NP) viability in vitro is difficult. The annulus fibrosus (AF) pathway reflects one nutrient transport channel and may have an important effect on NP viability in disc organ cultures. The present study describes a feasible disc pre-treatment involving the AF and investigates its efficacy in improving NP bioactivity in an in vitro disc bioreactor culture.Methods: Rabbit discs that were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) were pretreated via the surgical removal and controlled trypsinization of the outer AF. The discs in the control group (CG) did not receive any special treatment. All discs were organ-cultured in a self-developed bioreactor. Solute transport into the central NP was measured using a methylene blue solution. On days 7 and 14, histological properties, cell viability, cell membrane damage, gene expression and matrix composition within the NP in these two groups were compared with each other and with the corresponding parameters of fresh NP samples. Additionally, the structures of the outer AF and the cartilage endplate (CEP) following pre-treatment were also assessed.Results: The outer AF in the EG became disorganized, but no specific changes occurred in the CEP or the inner AF following pre-treatment. The discs in the EG exhibited increased penetration of methylene blue into the central NP. On days 7 and 14, the NP bioactivity in the EG was improved compared with that of the CG in terms of cell viability, cell membrane damage, gene expression profile and matrix synthesis. Moreover, cell viability and matrix synthesis parameters in the EG were more similar to those of fresh samples than they were to the same parameters in the CG on day 14.Conclusions: Using this disc pre-treatment, i.e., the surgical removal and controlled trypsinization of the outer AF, NP bioactivity was better maintained for up to 14 days in an in vitro disc bioreactor culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue virus is transmitted by mosquito around the tropical and sub-tropical regions. There was a large-scale dengue epidemic in Guangdong province, China during 2014 and around fifty thousands dengue fever cases, including six deaths, have been reported. In this study, we aimed to understand the clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed dengue virus (DENV) infection and determined the origin of the virus from the outbreak.Methods: We have summarized the data from 138 hospitalized patients who were laboratory confirmed for dengue infection in Guangzhou city. Patients were classified as either non-severe dengue fever or severe dengue fever according to the guidelines from the WHO. Viral serotypes were determined by real time RT-PCR. Genetic sequences of the envelope and non-structural genes were amplified and analyzed from the serum samples of eleven patients.Results: Co-circulation of dengue serotype 1 and 2 were identified from the outbreak. Patients infected by serotype 1 or 2 showed similar clinical features. Patients with severe dengue fever showed prolonged hospitalization and significant impairment of organ functions. Four samples from serotype 1 and five samples from serotype 2 were closely related respectively and clustered with Guangzhou isolates from previous years. The remaining isolates of serotype 1 were related to viruses found in Malaysia, India, Bangladesh and Singapore.Conclusion: The phylogenetic grouping of Guangdong isolates suggests that dengue is no longer an imported disease in China. Analysis of the isolates obtained in this study together with the size of the outbreak are suggestive of endemic circulation in Guangdong province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was aimed to investigate the clinical outcome of lumbosacral tuberculosis treatment by one-stage radical debridement with bone allograft reconstruction and anterior instrumentation via a retroperitoneal approach. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a series of 43 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis in whom the lumbosacral junction was exposed via an anterior midline retroperitoneal approach. After radical debridement, two parallel tricortical iliac crest bone allografts were placed to reconstruct the anterior column, and then anterior fixation was performed. Results: The mean follow-up period was 34 months (range, 24-91 months), during which no obvious loss of correction was observed. No case experienced recurrence, tuberculous peritonitis, erectile dysfunction, or retrograde ejaculation. Conclusions: The midline retroperitoneal approach provides direct and safe access to lesions of lumbosacral tuberculosis. Two parallel structural iliac crest allografts and anterior instrumentation effectively stabilize the lumbosacral junction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was aimed to investigate the clinical outcome of lumbosacral tuberculosis treatment by one-stage radical debridement with bone allograft reconstruction and anterior instrumentation via a retroperitoneal approach. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a series of 43 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis in whom the lumbosacral junction was exposed via an anterior midline retroperitoneal approach. After radical debridement, two parallel tricortical iliac crest bone allografts were placed to reconstruct the anterior column, and then anterior fixation was performed. Results: The mean follow-up period was 34 months (range, 24–91 months), during which no obvious loss of correction was observed. No case experienced recurrence, tuberculous peritonitis, erectile dysfunction, or retrograde ejaculation. Conclusions: The midline retroperitoneal approach provides direct and safe access to lesions of lumbosacral tuberculosis. Two parallel structural iliac crest allografts and anterior instrumentation effectively stabilize the lumbosacral junction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]