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A significant mismatch between proximal and distal reference lumen diameters of the target lesion may pose challenges during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and therefore influence the outcomes. We investigated total 1706 lesions underwent IVUS guided percutaneous coronary intervention, that were divided into 2 groups, including 411 lesions in Mismatch group and 1295 lesions in Non-Mismatch group. After propensity score matching, 397 lesions in each group were selected for final data set. The analysis showed that Mismatch group PCI required more frequently use of post-stenting optimization (79.6% vs 53.9%, P < .001) using higher max pressure (19.5 ± 3.9 vs 16.7 ± 3.7 atm, P < .001). Besides, Mismatch group also encountered more PCI major complications (7.8% vs 4.0%, P = .024) and lower procedure success rate (91.4% vs 95.5%, P = .022). On final angiogram, Mismatch group had smaller minimum lumen diameter (2.62 ± .45 vs 2.90 ± .57 mm, P < .001) and lower angiographic success rate (93.2% vs 96.7%, P = .023). On final IVUS, Mismatch group had higher rate of incomplete stent apposition and stent edge dissection (6.3% vs 3.0%, P = .029 and 2.5% vs .5%, P = .021, respectively). In conclusion, reference mismatch posed significant challenging during PCI that led to unfavorable procedural outcomes. These impacts may translate into long-term clinical implications that need to be addressed in future studies.

Flower shape is a key trait of ornamental and commercial importance in breeding programs for chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.). Understanding the genetic basis of the phenotypic variation seen in inflorescence-related traits will contribute to genetic improvement and to the development of new varieties. In this study, we investigated the genetic determinants of inflorescence traits using an F1 segregating population derived from a cross between two cultivars with different inflorescence types, ‘Puma White’ (anemone-shaped inflorescence) and ‘Dancer’ (single-type inflorescence). Genotyping-by-sequencing identified 26,847 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between 182 F1 progenies and their parents. A genome-wide association study highlighted 17 SNPs mapping to 15 GBS-tags as being significantly associated with three inflorescence traits: flower type, number of ray florets, and disk flower diameter. No single SNP was associated with flower diameter. These SNP-harboring sequences defined ten candidate genes associated with inflorescence traits. We explored the transcript levels for nine of these in flower buds, disk florets and ray florets using publicly available genome and transcriptome data. These results will provide the genetic and genomic foundation to harness important horticultural traits and explore new avenues in chrysanthemum breeding.

Senna tora is a widely used medicinal plant. Its health benefits have been attributed to the large quantity of anthraquinones, but how they are made in plants remains a mystery. To identify the genes responsible for plant anthraquinone biosynthesis, we reveal the genome sequence of S. tora at the chromosome level with 526 Mb (96%) assembled into 13 chromosomes. Comparison among related plant species shows that a chalcone synthase-like (CHS-L) gene family has lineage-specifically and rapidly expanded in S. tora. Combining genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and biochemistry, we identify a CHS-L gene contributing to the biosynthesis of anthraquinones. The S. tora reference genome will accelerate the discovery of biologically active anthraquinone biosynthesis pathways in medicinal plants., Anthraquinones are aromatic polyketides and have been used for treating various diseases, but the biosynthetic pathway is unclear. Here, the authors assemble the genome of an anthraquinone-producing medicinal plant Senna tora and show the evidences that CHS-like genes may be involved in anthraquinone biosynthesis.

Plants are susceptible to phytopathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which cause colossal financial shortfalls (pre- and post-harvest) and threaten global food safety. To combat with these phytopathogens, plant possesses two-layer of defense in the form of PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI), or Effectors-triggered immunity (ETI). The understanding of plant-molecular interactions and revolution of high-throughput molecular techniques have opened the door for innovations in developing pathogen-resistant plants. In this context, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) has transformed genome editing (GE) technology and being harnessed for altering the traits. Here we have summarized the complexities of plant immune system and the use of CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the various components of plant immune system to acquire long-lasting resistance in plants against phytopathogens. This review also sheds the light on the limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 system, regulation of CRISPR-Cas9 edited crops and future prospective of this technology.

The objective of the study was to investigate aortic remodeling and clinical outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (AD) according to timing of the procedure.A total of 87 patients with type B AD who underwent TEVAR at 2 centers were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into acute/subacute (≤6 weeks, n = 35), early chronic (6 weeks to 1 year, n = 20), and late chronic (1 year, n = 32) groups according to the timing of TEVAR after symptom onset. Changes in aorta dimensions on serial computed tomography angiograms and clinical outcomes were evaluated.AD complications were the most common indication for TEVAR in the acute/subacute group, whereas aortic expansion was the main reason in the early and late chronic groups. Maximum total aorta diameter (46.6 ± 10.6 vs. 54.8 ± 9.8 vs. 56.7 ± 10.1 mm, P 0.001) and false lumen diameter (30.9 ± 11.0 vs. 35.2 ± 12.0 vs. 39.9 ± 13.4 mm, P = 0.013) were smaller in the acute/subacute group than in the early and late chronic groups. At 1-year follow-up, maximum total aorta diameter was decreased in the acute/subacute and early chronic groups and increased in the late chronic group (-4.3 ± 9.3 vs. -5.2 ± 6.9 vs. 2.5 ± 4.6 mm, P 0.001). Survival free from the major adverse aortic event (death, aortic rupture, or reintervention) at 5 years after TEVAR was lowest in the late chronic group (92.6% vs. 88.2% vs. 73.1%, P = 0.033) but not significantly different between the acute/subacute and early chronic groups (P = 0.680).TEVAR in the acute/subacute and early chronic phases of type B AD resulted in similar aortic remodeling and clinical outcomes, which were more favorable than those with TEVAR performed during late chronic AD. This finding suggests 1 year after the onset of type B AD symptoms as the upper time threshold for TEVAR to achieve optimal aortic remodeling and safety.

Purpose: Many studies have shown that the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols improve postoperative surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to observe the effects on postoperative inflammatory markers and to explore the effects of a high degree of compliance and the use of epidural anesthesia on inflammation and surgical outcomes.Methods: Four hundred patients underwent colorectal cancer surgery at 2 hospitals during 2 different periods, namely, from January 2006 to December 2009 and from January 2017 to July 2017. Data related to the patient’s clinicopathological features, inflammatory markers, percentage of compliance with elements of the ERAS protocol, and use of epidural anesthesia were collected from a prospectively maintained database.Results: The complication rate and the length of hospital stay (LOS) were less in the ERAS group than in the conventional group (P = 0.005 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively). The postoperative white blood cell count and the duration required for leukocytes to normalize were reduced in patients following the ERAS protocol (P ≤ 0.001). Other inflammatory markers, such as lymphocyte count (P = 0.008), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.032), and C-reactive protein level (P ≤ 0.001), were lower in the ERAS protocol group. High compliance ( ≥ 70%) was strongly associated with the complication rate and the LOS (P = 0.008 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively).Conclusion: ERAS protocols decrease early postoperative inflammation and improves short-term postoperative recovery outcomes such as complication rate and the LOS. High compliance ( ≥ 70%) with the ERAS protocol elements accelerates the positive effects of ERAS on surgical outcomes; however, the effect on inflammation was very small.

Wounds in tissues provide a pathway of entry for pathogenic fungi and bacteria in plants. Plants respond to wounding by regulating the expression of genes involved in their defense mechanisms. To analyze this response, we investigated the defense-related genes induced by wounding in the leaves of Senna tora using RNA sequencing. The genes involved in jasmonate and ethylene biosynthesis were strongly induced by wounding, as were a large number of genes encoding transcription factors such as ERFs, WRKYs, MYBs, bHLHs, and NACs. Wounding induced the expression of genes encoding pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, such as PR-1, chitinase, thaumatin-like protein, cysteine proteinase inhibitor, PR-10, and plant defensin. Furthermore, wounding led to the induction of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and the accumulation of kaempferol and quercetin in S. tora leaves. All these genes were expressed systemically in leaves distant from the wound site. These results demonstrate that mechanical wounding can lead to a systemic defense response in the Caesalpinioideae, a subfamily of the Leguminosae. In addition, a co-expression analysis of genes induced by wounding provides important information about the interactions between genes involved in plant defense responses.

Our previous study reported that carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in peritoneal fluid were significantly correlated with the prevalence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of this study was a long-term follow up of the author’s previous study, as well as the identification of correlations with the known risk factors of PC and the comparison of the predictive power of PC in CRC. A total of 495 patients without PC who underwent CRC operations at St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, from January 2006 to November 2014 were included in this study. Tumor markers of peritoneal fluid sampled at the beginning of each operation were prospectively analyzed and compared with the known risk factors for PC in CRC. Multivariate analysis of PC revealed that T4 cancer (OR 5.143, 95% CI 1.400–18.897, p = 0.014), T3 mucinous cancer (OR 17.480, 95% CI 1.577–193.714, p = 0.020), obstructed tumors (OR 6.030, 95% CI 1.627–22.343, p = 0.007), and peritoneal fluid CEA above 5 ng/dl (OR 4.073, 95% CI 1.315–12.615, p = 0.015) were significant risk factors. T4 cancer, obstructed tumors, and peritoneal fluid CEA above 5 ng/dl showed correlations with cancer-free survival. Generally, higher CEA levels in peritoneal fluid were correlated with previously known risk factors for PC in CRC. Peritoneal fluid CEA has predictive value for PC and prognostic value in CRC. Therefore, we recommend routinely performing ascites CEA analysis in colorectal cancer surgery.

It has not been adequately studied which biomarkers for cardiovascular risk indicate changes of atherosclerosis by aging process. The current study aimed to investigate the characteristics of metabolic factors related to arterial stiffness in young and old adults. Our cross-sectional study enrolled 851 healthy young adults and 719 old adults. Metabolic biomarkers included glucose, lipid profiles, and liver enzymes. In young adults, additional biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, apolipoproteins, lipoprotein(a), ferritin, and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol were measured. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by measuring brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). The mean age was 37.8 and 65.1 years old in the young and old groups, respectively. Without adjustment, most parameters were significantly correlated with baPWV in both young and old groups. Mean baPWV was significantly different according to metabolic syndrome (MetS) in both groups (13.1 and 12.1 m/s in the young subjects with and without MetS, respectively; 17.4 and 15.8 m/s, respectively, in the old group). After adjusting for age, sex, and hemodynamic factors, the difference in baPWV according to MetS was significant only in the old group. The relationship between most biomarkers and baPWV was influenced by metabolic disorders such as hypertension and diabetes in old adults. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and apolipoprotein B were significant in young group. In conclusion, the metabolic biomarkers related to arterial stiffness were different between young and old adults. Contrary to old adults, TC, LDLC, and apolipoprotein B were independent biomarkers for arterial stiffness in healthy young adults.

Slit-like and Trk-like (Slitrk) family members are leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing neuronal transmembrane proteins. Slitrks have been highlighted as key synapse organizers at neuronal synapses through interactions with specific members of the presynaptic type IIa receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase (RPTP) family. Recent structural studies on type IIa RPTP/Slitrk1 complexes have unveiled molecular insights into their binding selectivity and have established the role of higher-order receptor clustering in their synaptogenic activity. Here, we will discuss key structural aspects of Slitrk interactions with type IIa RPTP family members, the biological roles of Slitrks in neurons, and our current knowledge of SLITRK mutations in human diseases.

This study was conducted to investigate doubled haploid (DH) lines produced between high GSL (HGSL) Brassica rapa ssp. trilocularis (yellow sarson) and low GSL (LGSL) B. rapa ssp. chinensis (pak choi) parents. In total, 161 DH lines were generated. GSL content of HGSL DH lines ranged from 44.12 to 57.04 μmol·g−1·dry weight (dw), which is within the level of high GSL B. rapa ssp. trilocularis (47.46 to 59.56 μmol g−1 dw). We resequenced five of the HGSL DH lines and three of the LGSL DH lines. Recombination blocks were formed between the parental and DH lines with 108,328 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in all chromosomes. In the measured GSL, gluconapin occurred as the major substrate in HGSL DH lines. Among the HGSL DH lines, BrYSP_DH005 had glucoraphanin levels approximately 12-fold higher than those of the HGSL mother plant. The hydrolysis capacity of GSL was analyzed in HGSL DH lines with a Korean pak choi cultivar as a control. Bioactive compounds, such as 3-butenyl isothiocyanate, 4-pentenyl isothiocyanate, 2-phenethyl isothiocyanate, and sulforaphane, were present in the HGSL DH lines at 3-fold to 6.3-fold higher levels compared to the commercial cultivar. The selected HGSL DH lines, resequencing data, and SNP identification were utilized for genome-assisted selection to develop elite GSL-enriched cultivars and the industrial production of potential anti-cancerous metabolites such as gluconapin and glucoraphanin.

Chrysanthemum morifolium (Dendranthema grandiflorum), known as florist’s daisy is an important ornamental and medicinal plant of the Asteraceae family. The complete chloroplast genome sequence of one economic cultivar ‘Baekma’ was 151,060 bp in length with a large single copy (LSC) region (82,862 bp), a small single copy (SSC) region (18,294 bp) and two inverted repeats (IRs) (24,952 bp). It contained 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNAs and 37 tRNAs. The overall GC content was 37%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. morifolium ‘Baekma’ was grouped together with other Chrysanthemum species.

Glucoraphasatin (GRH) is a specific aliphatic glucosinolate (GSL) that is only abundant in radish (Raphanus sativus L.). The gene expression regulating GRH biosynthesis in radish is still poorly understood. We employed a total of 59 radish accessions to analyze GSL profiles and showed that GRH was specific and predominant among the aliphatic GSLs in radish roots. We selected five accessions roots with high, moderate and low GSL biosynthesis, respectively, to conduct a comparative transcriptome analysis and the qRT-PCR of the biosynthesis genes for aliphatic GSLs. In this study, among all the accessions tested, roots with the accession RA157-74 had a high GRH content and showed a significant expression of the aliphatic GSL biosynthesis genes. We defined the genes involved in the GRH biosynthesis process and found that they were regulated by a transcription factor (RSG00789) at the MYB29 locus in radish roots. We found 13 aliphatic GSL biosynthesis genes regulated by the RSG00789 gene in the GRH biosynthesis pathway.

Background Chrysanthemum boreale Makino (Anthemideae, Asteraceae) is a plant of economic, ornamental and medicinal importance. We characterized and compared the chloroplast genomes of three C. boreale strains. These were collected from different geographic regions of Korea and varied in floral morphology. Methods The chloroplast genomes were obtained by next-generation sequencing techniques, assembled de novo, annotated, and compared with one another. Phylogenetic analysis placed them within the Anthemideae tribe. Results The sizes of the complete chloroplast genomes of the C. boreale strains were 151,012 bp (strain 121002), 151,098 bp (strain IT232531) and 151,010 bp (strain IT301358). Each genome contained 80 unique protein-coding genes, 4 rRNA genes and 29 tRNA genes. Comparative analyses revealed a high degree of conservation in the overall sequence, gene content, gene order and GC content among the strains. We identified 298 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 106 insertions/deletions (indels) in the chloroplast genomes. These variations were more abundant in non-coding regions than in coding regions. Long dispersed repeats and simple sequence repeats were present in both coding and noncoding regions, with greater frequency in the latter. Regardless of their location, these repeats can be used for molecular marker development. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary relationship of the species in the Anthemideae tribe. The three complete chloroplast genomes will be valuable genetic resources for studying the population genetics and evolutionary relationships of Asteraceae species.

Pears (Pyrus spp.) are one of the most important fruit crops in temperate regions and are self-incompatible. Large numbers of interspecific hybrids occur naturally and, have been artificially produced in breeding programs. Also, many pear cultivars were generated from intraspecific crossing. Some varieties have been cultivated for a long time, but their breeding history remains unknown. The P. pyrifolia cv. Niitaka is one of key varieties in the Korean pear breeding program. Therefore, its complete chloroplast (cp) genome was determined, and its phylogenetic relationships with other Pyrus species and P. pyrifolia cultivars were addressed. The cp genome has a total of 133 genes, including 93 protein-coding genes, 32 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. We found many SNPs in the ‘Niitaka’ cp genes when compared with that in another Korean cultivar ‘Wonwhang’ (BioSample SAMN05196235). The primer sets for six genes that had two or more SNPs in their sequence were used to amplify and sequence 27 Pyrus and one Malus cultivars. Of these, we found dramatic InDel polymorphisms in the ndhA and clpP genes. Phylogenetic relationships using the sequences of these two genes in 28 samples showed that they could mainly be classified into two groups of P. pyrifolia. Group I constitutes Niitaka and all cultivars that contain chloroplast maternally inherited from Niitaka, and group II constitutes the other cultivars of P. pyrifolia. We have developed a useful polymorphic molecular marker to confirm the maternal parent in the interspecific hybrids of Niitaka and previous mothers of Niitaka, (such as Amanogawa). Furthermore, these two genes could identify and greatly aid in understanding the subspecies classification in Pyrus.

Senna torais a widely used medicinal plant. Its health benefits have been attributed to the large quantity of anthraquinones, but how they are made in plants remains a mystery. To identify the genes responsible for plant anthraquinone biosynthesis, we sequenced and annotated the genome ofS. toraat the chromosome level with contig N50 and super-scaffold N50 of 4.03 Mb and 41.7 Mb. Comparison among related plant species showed that a chalcone synthase-like (CHS-L) gene family has lineage-specifically and rapidly expanded inS. tora. Combining genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and biochemistry, we identified a CHS-L responsible for biosynthesis of anthraquinones, the first example in plants. TheS. torareference genome will accelerate the discovery of biologically active anthraquinone biosynthesis pathways in medicinal plants.One Sentence SummaryThe chromosome-scale reference genome of a medicinal plantSenna tora, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and biochemical analysis provide new insights into anthraquinone biosynthesis in plants.

The discovery of CRISPR: Cas9 and its application as a powerful gene-editing tool has transformed the world of basic and applied science, especially the molecular biology dome. Also, the smooth, quick, flexible, and very efficient nature of this technology has enabled the biologists to alter the genome of prokaryotes to complex eukaryotic systems, including plants and animals. Using CRISPR and associated tools, investigation, control, and modification of significant biological events have been more accessible than before. These biological scissors are now being used to accelerate breeding programs of crop and livestock, engineer new antimicrobials, and control disease-carrying pathogens. However, like other techniques, these cutters emerged as a double-edged sword and put several challenges to the scientific society. Here in this review article, we summarized the beneficial application of the CRISPR: Cas9 system and unsafe perception to the society if handled carelessly. We also discussed the limitations and ethical issues related to CRISPR: Cas9 technology.