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To investigate the clinical features, severity and prognosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Methods: We performed a retrospective study on clinical data of MCTD patients admitted to China-Japan Friendship Hospital between October 2012 and October 2022. Data including long-term follow-up were retrieved from medical records. We compared MCTD patients with and without ILD in terms of clinical features, laboratory and imaging findings, severity and treatment response. Results: A total of 59 patients were included, with a mean age of 46 years, among which 91.5% (n = 54) were females. Symptoms of pulmonary involvement were present in 44 patients (74.6%, 95% CI: 62.3– 84.9%). Based on lung high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), ILD was diagnosed in 39 (66.1%) patients, among which 31 (79.5%) showed nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) as the radiological pattern, 21 (53.9%) showed a reticulation pattern, while 24 (61.5%) showed ground glass opacity (GGO). Eight (13.6%) patients had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and 7 (11.9%) had pleural effusions. Based on pulmonary function tests (PFTs), 27 patients were divided into the mild 13 (48.1%) and moderate 14 (51.9%) groups. Multivariate analysis showed that gastroesophageal reflux (GER; OR=5.28, p=0.010) and cough (OR=4.61, p=0.043) were the predictive factors for ILD. With a median follow-up of 50 months, the mortality rate was 2.38%. Conclusion: ILD is common in MCTD patients, with NSIP as the common imaging pattern. Patients with GER and cough are relevant factors in the development of ILD. The majority of MCTD patients with ILD are mild to moderate in severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wright–Fisher model predicts that the ratio of effective population size ( N e ) to actual population size ( N ) is <1.0 due to inbreeding and random drifts under constant population sizes. However, social structure may prevent inbreeding and result in outbreeding through coancestry, causing the N e / N ratio to exceed 1.0. We integrated three years of data on seasonal population fluctuations and population genetics of group-living Daurian pikas (Ochotona dauurica) to test the prediction of >1.0 N e / N ratio for social small mammals. We estimated biweekly pika population sizes using capture–recapture data from May 2010 to October 2012. We genotyped all captured pikas in each of the three years with 11 microsatellite markers. We estimated pika effective population sizes for 2010–2011, 2011–2012, and 2010–2012, respectively, using the temporal methods with the program MLNe. Pika populations underwent a 75% decline in the summer of 2010 and exhibited relatively constant seasonal fluctuations from 2011 to 2012. Bayesian clustering with program STRUCTURE identified two distinct genetic clusters for the pikas of 2010 and 2011–2012, respectively. The N e / N ratios of the pikas were 0.46, 1.13, and 0 54 for 2010–2011, 2011–2012, and 2010–2012, respectively. Our findings partially support our hypothesis with the N e / N ratio being >1.0 from 2011 to 2012. The dramatic population decline in the summer of 2010 probably disrupted the social structure of pikas, which subsequently increased the rate of genetic diversity losses. Re-establishments of the social structure during 2011 and 2012 probably restored the outbreeding of pikas like in other social mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a severe and life-threatening syndrome associated with autoimmune diseases. The coexistence of MAS and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is not well reported. This report describes a case of JDM with MAS and summarizes the clinical characteristics and prognosis of MAS in patients with JDM. Case presentation: The patient was a 15-year-old female with JDM, presenting with heliotrope rash, muscle weakness, increased muscle enzyme, anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 (NXP2) antibody, and muscle biopsy consistent with JDM. The patient developed fever, cytopenia, and hyperferritinemia three months after the first manifestations. Hemophagocytosis was found in the bone marrow. The final diagnosis was JDM combined with MAS. Despite intensive treatment, the patient died of MAS. By reviewing the literature, we found 17 similar cases. Together with the present case, 18 patients were identified, the median age of disease onset was 13.5 years, and male to female ratio was 1.25: 1. Nine out of 16 (56.3%) patients were complicated with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The median time interval between JDM onset and MAS diagnosis was 9 weeks. At the onset of MAS, all (100%) patients had elevated levels of ferritin and serum liver enzymes. Among 18 patients, 14 (77.8%) had fever, 14/17 (82.4%) had cytopenia, 11/11 (100%) had hepatosplenomegaly, and 13/14 (92.9%) had hemophagocytosis. Five (27.8%) patients showed central nervous system (CNS) involvement. The mortality of MAS rate of in patients with JDM was 16.7%, despite various treatment methods. Conclusion:. The coexistence of JDM and MAS is underestimated with increased mortality. Hepatosplenomegaly and increased serum levels of ferritin in patients with JDM should raise clinical suspicion for MAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic diversity plays an important role in the evolution and adaptation of organisms. Losses of genetic diversity make organisms more vulnerable to climate changes and diseases, reducing the viability of small populations. In addition to natural selection, genetic drift, dispersal, inbreeding, and population bottleneck, the social systems of animals may also affect the genetic diversity of populations. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the delayed dispersal of group-living small mammals would reduce genetic diversity through attenuated gene flow but enhance genetic relatedness. We used microsatellite analysis to estimate genetic diversity and the Queller and Goodnight relatedness coefficients of Daurian pikas (Ochotona dauurica) and Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), two socially monogamous small mammals living in social groups in Inner Mongolia, China. The average genetic relatedness of social groups was inversely related to the average genetic diversity of social groups in Daurian pikas but not in Mongolian gerbils, partially supporting our hypothesis. Dispersal following frequent local extinctions resulted in the recolonization of burrow systems by individuals with different genetic makeups, increasing genetic diversity and reducing the genetic relatedness of the social groups of Daurian pikas. On the other hand, delayed short-distance dispersal was sufficient to maintain the high genetic diversity and high genetic relatedness of gerbil social groups independently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsatellite marker locus Xgwm 261 has been associated with reduced plant height attributed to the linked gibberellic acid (GA) sensitive Rht8c allele in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Our objective was to determine effects of allelic variation at the Xgwm 261 and Rht-B1 loci in two winter wheat recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations. 'Longhorn'/'Akron' and Longhorn/'Yuma' RIL populations were evaluated in controlled environments for GA sensitivity and coleoptile length and were grown in Colorado at five locations for 2 yr for agronomic evaluation. Microsatellite markers were used to identify alleles at the Xgwm 261 and Rht-B1 loci. In both populations, the Rht-B1b class showed reduced plant height (8.9% average), GA sensitivity (average 73.5%), coleoptile length (average 11.3%), and test weight (average 1.9%) relative to the Rht-B1a class. In the Longhorn/Yuma population, Rht-B1b and Xgwm 261 165-bp classes were shorter than the Xgwm 261 210-bp and Rht-B1a classes. Increased GA sensitivity and coleoptile length of the Xgwm 261 165-bp class were observed, although only in the Rht-B1a background. Plant height of the Xgwm 261 165-b p + Rht-B1a combination was intermediate to the shorter Xgwm 261 165-bp + Rht-B1b and the taller Xgwm 261-210-bp + Rht-B1a combinations. No negative associations attributed to the Xgwm 261 165-bp allele were observed. Our results suggest that the Xgwm 261 165-bp allele may provide reduced plant height, increased coleoptile length, and increased test weight when combined in a background with the Rht-B1a allele.

White mold disease (WM) of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, reduces crop yield and quality throughout the United States. The development of cultivars with resistance to WM would be facilitated by the identification and use of molecular markers linked to resistance genes. The objectives of this research were (i) to characterize WM reaction in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between resistant and susceptible germplasm, (ii) to validate the effect of a previously reported quantitative trait locus (QTL) for WM resistance, and (iii) to locate additional QTL associated with WM resistance. A RIL population that consisted of 94 lines was derived from a cross between G122 (resistant) and CO72548 (susceptible). The population was evaluated for WM reaction in three greenhouse tests and one field environment, and for molecular markers throughout the genome. Two RIL were identified with higher resistance levels (P < 0.05) than the resistant parent G122. A previously reported QTL on linkage group B7 was significant (P < 0.01) n single-factor analysis of variance, but not with composite interval mapping. Five QTL for resistance to WM were found (likelihood odds ratio [LOD] > 2.7) on linkage groups B1, B2b, B8, and B9. The QTL were contributed from both parents and together accounted for 48% of the phenotypic variation ([R.sup.2]). For field resistance, one QTL ([R.sup.2] = 12%) on linkage group B8 was detected. These results confirm polygenic resistance to WM in common bean.

The roles of signaling pathway genes related to the aflatoxin reduction trait in maize were studied for the improvement of maize resistance to the fungal pathogen Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus). In this study, 55 maize genes in plant–pathogen interaction signaling pathways were investigated among 12 maize near-isogenic lines (NILs) that carry maize quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with aflatoxin reduction. These maize NILs were developed from maize inbred lines Mp313E (resistant donor parent) and Va35 (susceptible recurrent parent). The quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) technique was used to study the gene expression patterns. Seven calcium-dependent protein kinases and one respiratory burst oxidase displayed significant differential expression levels among the maize QTL-NILs. In addition, the gene expression profiles of WRKY transcription factors were also examined. Maize WRKY 52, WRKY 71, and WRKY83 genes displayed significantly differential expression levels among the QTL-NILs. The elucidation of differentially expressed signaling pathway genes involving maize resistance to A. flavus can provide insights into maize disease resistance and enhance maize molecular breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precisely controlling the amount and location of PbI 2 in a lead halide perovskite light absorption layer is crucial for improving the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by utilizing the passivation effect of PbI 2. Based on the high absorption coefficient of perovskite materials and the resulting extremely shallow UV penetration depth, a non-contact approach of the precise preparation of a PbI 2 passivation layer based on excimer laser irradiation (ELI) is proposed. 248 nm KrF excimer laser is adopted to irradiate the surface of [(FAPbI 3) 0.87 (MAPbBr 3) 0.13 ] 0.92 [CsPbI 3 ] 0.08 film, and a PbI 2 passivation layer could be obtained on the surface of the triple cation perovskite film through the partial decomposition of the surface layer of perovskite films induced by ELI process. And then, the average power conversion efficiency of the PSCs has been increased obviously from 17.82% to 20.68%. This non-contact photonic approach successfully breaks through the bottleneck of precisely preparing PbI 2 passivation layer and is expected to contribute to the further development of perovskite based devices. [Display omitted] • Excimer laser irradiation (ELI) was introduced to prepare PbI 2 passivation layer. • PbI 2 could be obtained in the surface layer of perovsktie films by ELI process. • Charge recombination in perovskite solar cells could be suppressed effectively. • The average power conversion efficiency is increased from 17.82% to 20.68%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a dynamic genome region with an essential role in the adaptive immunity of vertebrates, especially antigen presentation. The MHC is generally divided into subregions (classes I, II and III) containing genes of similar function across species, but with different gene number and organisation. Crocodylia (crocodilians) are widely distributed and represent an evolutionary distinct group among higher vertebrates, but the genomic organisation of MHC within this lineage has been largely unexplored. Here, we studied the MHC region of the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and compared it with that of other taxa. We characterised genomic clusters encompassing MHC class I and class II genes in the saltwater crocodile based on sequencing of bacterial artificial chromosomes. Six gene clusters spanning ∼452 kb were identified to contain nine MHC class I genes, six MHC class II genes, three TAP genes, and a TRIM gene. These MHC class I and class II genes were in separate scaffold regions and were greater in length (2–6 times longer) than their counterparts in well-studied fowl B loci, suggesting that the compaction of avian MHC occurred after the crocodilian-avian split. Comparative analyses between the saltwater crocodile MHC and that from the alligator and gharial showed large syntenic areas (>80% identity) with similar gene order. Comparisons with other vertebrates showed that the saltwater crocodile had MHC class I genes located along with TAP, consistent with birds studied. Linkage between MHC class I and TRIM39 observed in the saltwater crocodile resembled MHC in eutherians compared, but absent in avian MHC, suggesting that the saltwater crocodile MHC appears to have gene organisation intermediate between these two lineages. These observations suggest that the structure of the saltwater crocodile MHC, and other crocodilians, can help determine the MHC that was present in the ancestors of archosaurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We conducted a survey of high- and low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS and LMW-GS, respectively) and waxy (Wx) allele composition in 111 winter wheat cultivars and advanced lines developed in the US Hard Winter Wheat Region since 1991. At the HMW-GS Glu-A1 locus, 76.1% of entries had allele b (encoding subunit 2*), 21.2% carried allele a (subunit 1), and 2.7% had allele c (null). Glu-B1 alleles were c (subunits 7+9; 47.7% of entries), b (subunits 7+8; 33.3%), e (subunits 20x+20y; 7.7%), i (subunits 17+18; 6.3%), and w (subunits 6*+8*; 5%). At Glu-D1, 80.6% of the entries carried allele d (subunits 5+10), 11.3% had allele a (subunits 2+12), 7.2% carried allele b (subunits 3+12), and 0.9% had allele e (subunits 2+10). Glu-B1 and Glu-D1 allele frequency differed significantly (P<0.01) from a previous study of the US Hard Winter Wheat germplasm developed from 1970 to 1990. At LMW-GS loci, five Glu-A3 alleles, nine Glu-B3 alleles, and five Glu-D3 alleles were identified. Ten entries with the null Wx-B1b allele and seven with the null Wx-A1b allele were detected. This survey allows comparisons of HMW-GS and waxy allele compositions with the US Hard Winter Wheat germplasm from previous eras and provides baseline data on LMW-GS composition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

For perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the surface traps of perovskite films have great influence on the charge carrier behavior at the interface of perovskite and charge transport layers. In this investigation, a 248 nm KrF excimer laser with high photon energy and shallow penetration depth is introduced to perform surface modification on the CH3NH3PbI3 film through irradiation for reducing its surface trap density for the first time. A whole excimer laser surface modification (ELSM) process can be completed in few seconds, and the actual interaction time of the excimer laser and perovskite film is only several hundred nanoseconds. After ELSM, the trap density of the CH3NH3PbI3 film decreases from 1.61 × 1016 cm−3 to 5.81 × 1015 cm−3, and the nonradiative recombination is suppressed effectively. As a result, the open‐circuit voltage and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of CH3NH3PbI3‐based PSCs increase from 1082 ± 27 to 1117 ± 16 mV and from 16.69% ± 0.77% to 18.50% ± 0.65%, respectively, and the PCE of the champion device reaches 19.38%. In addition, the measured larger charge recombination resistance, slower open‐circuit photovoltage decay, and longer charge recombination lifetime confirm the effective suppression effect of ELSM on the charge carrier recombination in PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The glutenin loci of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are important determinants of bread-making quality, although the effects of alleles at those loci are incompletely understood. We applied an association analysis method to assess the effects of glutenin alleles and 1RS wheat–rye (Secale cereale L.) translocations on dough-mixing properties in 96 wheat cultivars and advanced lines grown at three Colorado locations while accounting for population structure and relatedness of individuals in the population. The results indicated that (1) in the majority of cases, controlling relatedness of individuals reduced the significance of associations between glutenin loci and Mixograph traits; (2) the Glu-D1 and Glu-B3 loci and 1RS translocations had greater impacts on dough-mixing properties compared to other glutenin loci; (3) Glu-B1w, Glu-D1d, and Glu-B3b were consistently associated with greater (more favorable) Mixograph peak time (MPT) than other alleles at the respective loci, whereas Glu-B1e, Glu-D1a, and Glu-B3c were associated with reduced MPT; (4) the 1BL.1RS translocation was associated with a decrease in Mixograph properties. Our results indicate that taking multiple-level relatedness of individuals into account can improve the results of association analysis for wheat-quality traits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Alkali metal bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI) modification of TiO 2 electron transport layer (ETL) has been widely adopted to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), however, only a handful of investigations have proposed some corresponding mechanisms, and more in-depth investigations are urgent. In this investigation, Li-TFSI and K-TFSI were adopted to modify mesoporous TiO 2 (me-TiO 2) ETL of PSCs, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectrum, space-charge limited current, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements were performed to investigate the modification mechanisms. Alkali metal-TFSI modification could passivate the oxygen vacancies in me-TiO 2 ETL and suppress the charge recombination effectively, improve the contact between me-TiO 2 ETL and perovskite layer and increase the conductivity of me-TiO 2 ETL which lead to rapid charge extraction and transfer at ETL/perovskite interface and balance the electron flux and hole flux in devices. Moreover, sulfates induced by alkali metal-TFSI act as nucleation sites in the crystallization process of perovskite which could increase the grain size and improve the uniformity of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 films obviously, and it is a positive factor for suppressing charge recombination and improving the cell performance. As a result, the power conversion efficiencies of the champion devices for Li-TFSI and K-TFSI modified PSCs have reached 20.02% and 19.64%, respectively. Image 1 • Mechanism of alkali metal-TFSI modifying TiO 2 film has been in-depth investigated. • More uniform CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 films with larger average grain size have been obtained. • Conductivity of TiO 2 electron transport layer could be improved by modification. • Oxygen vacancies in TiO 2 films have been passivated effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]