Significant race and gender differences in anterior cruciate ligament tibial footprint location: a 3D-based analysis

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to identify potential race- or gender-specific differences in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial footprint location from the tibia anatomical coordinate system (tACS) origin, investigate the distances from the tibial footprint to the anterior root of the lateral meniscus (ARLM) and the medial tibial spine (MTS), determine how reliable the ARLM and MTS can be in locating the ACL tibial footprint, and assess the risk of iatrogenic ARLM injuries caused by using reamers with various diameters (7-10 mm). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Magnetic resonance images of 91 Chinese and 91 Caucasian subjects were used for the reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) tibial and ACL tibial footprint models. The anatomical coordinate system was applied to reflect the anatomical locations of scanned samples. RESULTS: The average anteroposterior (A/P) tibial footprint location was 17.1 ± 2.3 mm and 20.0 ± 3.4 mm in Chinese and Caucasians, respectively (P < .001). The average mediolateral (M/L) tibial footprint location was 34.2 ± 2.4 mm and 37.4 ± 3.6 mm in Chinese and Caucasians, respectively (P < .001). The average difference between men and women was 2 mm in Chinese and 3.1 mm in Caucasians. The safe zone for tibial tunnel reaming to avoid ARLM injury was 2.2 mm and 1.9 mm away from the central tibial footprint in the Chinese and Caucasians, respectively. The probability of damaging the ARLM by using reamers with various diameters ranged from 0% for Chinese males with a 7 mm reamer to 30% in Caucasian females with a 10 mm reamer. CONCLUSIONS: The significant race- and gender-specific differences in the ACL tibial footprint should be taken in consideration during anatomic ACL reconstruction. The ARLM and MTS are reliable intraoperative landmarks for identifying the tibial ACL footprint. Caucasians and females might be more prone to iatrogenic ARLM injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, cohort study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been approved by the ethical research committee of the General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of PLA under the code: [2019] No.10

Quantitative Comparison of Cephalogram and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Alveolar Bone Thickness of Maxillary Incisors

Objective:This study aims to quantitatively compare cephalogram and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) when evaluating maxillary central incisor alveolar bone thickness.Methods:We used 30 sets of lateral cephalograms and CBCT images that were recorded at the same time. Labial, buccal, and overall alveolar bone thicknesses were measured on three measurement lines of the forward-most incisor in lateral cephalograms and four maxillary incisors in CBCT images. Paired t-test, interclass correlation coefficient analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Bland–Altman analysis were used to assess cephalometrically measured alveolar bone thickness of maxillary incisors and compare these measurements with those made using CBCT images.Results:Significant differences were observed between cephalometric and CBCT-based measurements of maxillary incisor alveolar bone thickness; most values showed mild or moderate correlation between the two methods. In most cases, cephalometric measurements were greater than CBCT-based measurements. Bland–Altman plots and ANOVA revealed that measurement bias increased when measurement lines moved apically. Alveolar bone thickness was always overestimated on cephalograms.Conclusion:Maxillary incisor alveolar bone thickness is always overestimated on cephalograms compared with CBCT-based measurements, with the overestimations ranging from 0.3 to 1.3 mm. Cephalometric measurement bias increases when measurement lines move apically. Thus, CBCT should be recommended when the accurate evaluation of alveolar bone thickness is warranted

Knock-Down of a Tonoplast Localized Low-Affinity Nitrate Transporter OsNPF7.2 Affects Rice Growth under High Nitrate Supply

The large nitrate transporter 1/peptide transporter family (NPF) has been shown to transport diverse substrates, including nitrate, amino acids, peptides, phytohormones, and glucosinolates. However, the rice (Oryza sativa) root-specific expressed member OsNPF7.2 has not been characterized. Here, our data show that OsNPF7.2 is a tonoplast localized low-affinity nitrate transporter, and affects rice growth under high nitrate supply. The expression analysis showed that OsNPF7.2 was mainly expressed in the elongation and maturation zones of roots, especially in the root sclerenchyma, cortex and stele. It was also induced by high concentrations of nitrate. Subcellular localization analysis showed that OsNPF7.2 was localized on the tonoplast of large and small vacuoles. Heterogenous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes suggested that OsNPF7.2 was a low-affinity nitrate transporter. Knock-down of OsNPF7.2 retarded rice growth under high concentrations of nitrate. Therefore, we deduce that OsNPF7.2 plays a role in intracellular allocation of nitrate in roots, and thus influences rice growth under high nitrate supply

Genome-wide characterization and expression profiling of the HD-ZIP gene family in Acoraceae under salinity and cold stress

The Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper (HD-ZIP) transcription factors play a pivotal role in governing various aspects of plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stress. Despite the well-established importance of HD-ZIPs in many plants, their functions in Acoraceae, the basal lineage of monocots, remain largely unexplored. Using recently published whole-genome data, we identified 137 putative HD-ZIPs in two Acoraceae species, Acorus gramineus and Acorus calamus. These HD-ZIP genes were further classified into four subfamilies (I, II, III, IV) based on phylogenetic and conserved motif analyses, showcasing notable variations in exon-intron patterns among different subfamilies. Two microRNAs, miR165/166, were found to specifically target HD-ZIP III genes with highly conserved binding sites. Most cis-acting elements identified in the promoter regions of Acoraceae HD-ZIPs are involved in modulating light and phytohormone responsiveness. Furthermore, our study revealed an independent duplication event in Ac. calamus and a one-to-multiple correspondence between HD-ZIP genes of Ac. calamus and Ac. gramineus. Expression profiles obtained from qRT-PCR demonstrated that HD-ZIP I genes are strongly induced by salinity stress, while HD-ZIP II members have contrasting stress responses in two species. HD-ZIP III and IV genes show greater sensitivity in stress-bearing roots. Taken together, these findings contribute valuable insights into the roles of HD-ZIP genes in stress adaptation and plant resilience in basal monocots, illuminating their multifaceted roles in plant growth, development, and response to abiotic stress

The role of coffee and potential mediators in subclinical atherosclerosis: insights from Mendelian randomization study

Background and aimsCoffee contains many bioactive compounds, and its inconsistent association with subclinical atherosclerosis has been reported in observational studies. In this Mendelian randomization study, we investigated whether genetically predicted coffee consumption is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, as well as the role of potential mediators.MethodsWe first conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to examine the causal effect of coffee and its subtypes on subclinical atherosclerosis inferred from coronary artery calcification (CAC). Next, the significant results were validated using another independent dataset. Two-step Mendelian randomization analyses were utilized to evaluate the causal pathway from coffee to subclinical atherosclerosis through potential mediators, including blood pressure, blood lipids, body mass index, and glycated hemoglobin. Mendelian randomization analyses were performed using the multiplicative random effects inverse-variance weighted method as the main approach, followed by a series of complementary methods and sensitivity analyses.ResultsCoffee, filtered coffee, and instant coffee were associated with the risk of CAC (β = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.12 to 1.47, p = 0.022; β = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.17 to 1.15, p = 0.008; β = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.20 to 1.13, p = 0.005; respectively). While no significant causal relationship was found between decaffeinated coffee and CAC (β = −1.32, 95% CI: −2.67 to 0.04, p = 0.056). The association between coffee and CAC was validated in the replication analysis (β = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.48, p = 0.009). Body mass index mediated 39.98% of the effect of coffee on CAC (95% CI: 9.78 to 70.19%, p = 0.009), and 5.79% of the effect of instant coffee on CAC (95% CI: 0.54 to 11.04%, p = 0.030).ConclusionOur study suggests that coffee other than decaffeinated coffee increases the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis inferred from CAC. Body mass index mediated 39.98 and 5.79% of the causal effects of coffee and instant coffee on CAC, respectively. Coffee should be consumed with caution, especially in individuals with established cardiovascular risk factors, and decaffeinated coffee appears to be a safer choice

Genome-wide analysis of the TCP gene family and their expression pattern in Cymbidium goeringii

TCP gene family are specific transcription factors for plant, and considered to play an important role in development and growth. However, few related studies investigated the TCP gene trait and how it plays a role in growth and development of Orchidaceae. In this study, we obtained 14 TCP genes (CgTCPs) from the Spring Orchid Cymbidium goeringii genome. The classification results showed that 14 CgTCPs were mainly divided into two clades as follows: four PCF genes (Class I), nine CIN genes and one CYC gene (Class II). The sequence analysis showed that the TCP proteins of C. goeringii contain four conserved regions (basic Helix-Loop-Helix) in the TCP domain. The exon−intron structure varied in the clade according to a comparative investigation of the gene structure, and some genes had no introns. There are fewer CgTCP homologous gene pairs compared with Dendrobium catenatum and Phalaenopsis equestris, suggesting that the TCP genes in C. goeringii suffered more loss events. The majority of the cis-elements revealed to be enriched in the function of light responsiveness, followed by MeJA and ABA responsiveness, demonstrating their functions in regulating by light and phytohormones. The collinearity study revealed that the TCPs in D. catenatum, P. equestris and C. goeringii almost 1:1. The transcriptomic data and real-time reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT−qPCR) expression profiles showed that the flower-specific expression of the TCP class II genes (CgCIN2, CgCIN5 and CgCIN6) may be related to the regulation of florescence. Altogether, this study provides a comprehensive analysis uncovering the underlying function of TCP genes in Orchidaceae

Wolfberry genomes and the evolution of Lycium (Solanaceae)

AbstractWolfberry Lycium, an economically important genus of the Solanaceae family, contains approximately 80 species and shows a fragmented distribution pattern among the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Although several herbaceous species of Solanaceae have been subjected to genome sequencing, thus far, no genome sequences of woody representatives have been available. Here, we sequenced the genomes of 13 perennial woody species of Lycium, with a focus on Lycium barbarum. Integration with other genomes provides clear evidence supporting a whole-genome triplication (WGT) event shared by all hitherto sequenced solanaceous plants, which occurred shortly after the divergence of Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae. We identified new gene families and gene family expansions and contractions that first appeared in Solanaceae. Based on the identification of self-incompatibility related-gene families, we inferred that hybridization hotspots are enriched for genes that might be functioning in gametophytic self-incompatibility pathways in wolfberry. Extremely low expression of LOCULE NUBER (LC) and COLORLESS NON-RIPENING (CNR) orthologous genes during Lycium fruit development and ripening processes suggests functional diversification of these two genes between Lycium and tomato. The existence of additional flowering locus C-like MADS-box genes might correlate with the perennial flowering cycle of Lycium. Differential gene expression involved in the lignin biosynthetic pathway between Lycium and tomato likely illustrates woody and herbaceous differentiation. We also provide evidence that Lycium migrated from Africa into Asia, and subsequently from Asia into North America. Our results provide functional insights into Solanaceae origins, evolution and diversification.</jats:p

The Euscaphis japonica genome and the evolution of malvids

Malvids is one of the largest clades of rosids, includes 58 families and exhibits remarkable morphological and ecological diversity. Here, we report a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly for Euscaphis japonica, an early-diverging species within malvids. Genome-based phylogenetic analysis suggests that the unstable phylogenetic position of E. japonica may result from incomplete lineage sorting and hybridization event during the diversification of the ancestral population of malvids. Euscaphis japonica experienced two polyploidization events: the ancient whole genome triplication event shared with most eudicots (commonly known as the c event) and a more recent whole genome duplication event, unique to E. japonica. By resequencing 101 samples from 11 populations, we speculate that the temperature has led to the differentiation of the evergreen and deciduous of E. japonica and the completely different population histories of these two groups. In total, 1012 candidate positively selected genes in the evergreen were detected, some of which are involved in flower and fruit development. We found that reddening and dehiscence of the E. japonica pericarp and long fruit-hanging time promoted the reproduction of E. japonica populations, and revealed the expression patterns of genes related to fruit reddening, dehiscence and abscission. The key genes involved in pentacyclic triterpene synthesis in E. japonica were identified, and different expression patterns of these genes may contribute to pentacyclic triterpene diversification. Our work sheds light on the evolution of E. japonica and malvids, particularly on the diversification of E. japonica and the genetic basis for their fruit dehiscence and abscission.DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : All sequences described in this manuscript have been submitted to the National Genomics Data Center (NGDC). The raw whole-genome data of E. japonica have been deposited in BioProject/GSA (https://bigd.big.ac.cn/gsa.) under the accession codes PRJCA005268/CRA004271, and the assembly and annotation data have been deposited at BioProject/GWH (https://bigd.big.ac.cn/gwh) under the accession codes PRJCA005268/GWHBCHS00000000. The raw transcriptomes data of E. japonica have been deposited in BioProject/GSA (https://bigd.big.ac.cn/gsa.) under the accession codes PRJCA005298/CRA004272.SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 1: Supplementary Note 1. Chromosome number assessment. Supplementary Note 2. Whole-genome duplication identification and dating. Supplementary Note 3. Observation of E. japonica seed dispersal. Supplementary Note 4. Determination of pentacyclic triterpene substances. Figure S1. Cytogenetic analysis of E. japonica. Figure S2. Genome size and heterozygosity of E. japonica estimation using 17 k-mer distribution. Figure S3. Interchromosomal of Hi-C chromosome contact map of E. japonica genome. Figure S4. Gene structure prediction results of E. japonica and other species. Figure S5. Venn diagram shows gene families of malvids. Figure S6. Phylogenetic tree constructed by chloroplast genomes from 17 species. Figure S7. Concatenated- and ASTRAL-based phylogenetic trees. Figure S8. Ks distribution in E. japonica. Figure S9. Distributions of synonymous substitutions per synonymous site (Ks) of one-to-one orthologs identified between E. japonica and P. trichocarpa and V. vinifera. Figure S10. Population structure plot. Figure S11. Fixation index (FST) heat map among E. japonica populations. Figure S12. Phylogenetic analysis of MADS-box genes from O. sativa, A. thaliana, E. japonica, and T. cacao. Figure S13. Observation the fruit development. Figure S14. Animal seed dispersal. Figure S15. Anthocyanin biosynthesis in E. japonica fruits. Figure S16. Carotenoid accumulation and the chlorophyll degradation in E. japonica fruits. Figure S17. Expression profile of fruit dehiscence-related genes. Figure S18. Phylogenetic tree of DELLA genes obtained from six malvids species. Figure S19. Phylogenetic tree of CAD genes obtained from seven malvids species. Figure S20. Expression pattern of fruit abscission-related genes. Figure S21. Structure of pentacyclic triterpene compounds separated from Euscaphis. Figure S22. Phylogenetic tree of HMGR gene in plants. Figure S23. Phylogenetic tree of P450s gene family obtained from A. thaliana and E. japonica.SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL 2: Table S1. Assembled statistics of E. japonica genome. Table S2. Evaluation of E. japonica genome assembly. Table S3. Chromosome length of E. japonica. Table S4. Prediction of gene structures of the E. japonica genome. Table S5. Statistics on the function annotation of the E. japonica genome. Table S6. Non-coding RNA annotation results of E. japonica genome. Table S7. BUSCO assessment of the E. japonica annotated genome. Table S8. Statistic of repeat sequence in E. japonica genome. Table S9. Gene-clustering statistics for 17 species. Table S10. KEGG enrichment result of unique genes families of E. japonica. Table S11. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment result of significant shared by malvids species gene families. Table S12. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment result of significant expansion of E. japonica gene families. Table S13. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment result of significant contraction of E. japonica gene families. Table S14. Statistical sampling population information. Table S15. Statistics population resequencing information. Table S16. Statistical nucleotide polymorphisms in the populations. Table S17. Candidate positive selection genes (PSGs) in the evergreen population. Table S18. Candidate positive selection genes (PSGs) in the deciduous population. Table S19. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment result of significant PSGs in the evergreen population. Table S20. List of MADS-box genes identified in E. japonica. Table S21. Genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis, and chlorophyll degradation. Table S22. Identification fruit dehiscence-related genes in E. japonica. Table S23. Genes related to lignin synthesis that are highly expressed during pericarp dehiscence. Table S24. Gene expression levels (FPKMs) of fruit abscission-related genes in pericarp. Table S25. Triterpene compounds separated from Euscaphis. Table S26. Number of putative pentacyclic triterpene-related genes in the malvids species. Table S27. Identified pentacyclic triterpene synthesis-related genes in E. japonica genome. Table S28. Statistical simple sequence repeat.Fund for Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, China; Fujian Provincial Department of Science E. japonica Evolution and Selection of Ornamental Medicinal Resources, China; the Project of Forestry Peak Discipline at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, China; the Collection, Development and Utilization of Eascaphis konlshli Germplasm Resources; the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program and from Ghent University.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1365313xam2022BiochemistryGeneticsMicrobiology and Plant Patholog

The Cymbidium genome reveals the evolution of unique morphological traits

The marvelously diverse Orchidaceae constitutes the largest family of angiosperms. The genus Cymbidium in Orchidaceae is well known for its unique vegetation, floral morphology, and flower scent traits. Here, a chromosomescale assembly of the genome of Cymbidium ensifolium (Jianlan) is presented. Comparative genomic analysis showed that C. ensifolium has experienced two whole-genome duplication (WGD) events, the most recent of which was shared by all orchids, while the older event was the τ event shared by most monocots. The results of MADS-box genes analysis provided support for establishing a unique gene model of orchid flower development regulation, and flower shape mutations in C. ensifolium were shown to be associated with the abnormal expression of MADS-box genes. The most abundant floral scent components identified included methyl jasmonate, acacia alcohol and linalool, and the genes involved in the floral scent component network of C. ensifolium were determined. Furthermore, the decreased expression of photosynthesis-antennae and photosynthesis metabolic pathway genes in leaves was shown to result in colorful striped leaves, while the increased expression of MADS-box genes in leaves led to perianth-like leaves. Our results provide fundamental insights into orchid evolution and diversification.The National Key Research and Development Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Outstanding Young Scientific Research Talent Project of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, the Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Orchid Conservation and Utilization Construction Funds, and the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program.https://www.nature.com/hortresam2022BiochemistryGeneticsMicrobiology and Plant Patholog

Tai Chi for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Stroke is a major cause of poor health and has numerous complications. Tai Chi (TC) may have positive effects on the rehabilitation of stroke survivors, but recent clinical findings have not been included in previously published reviews.Objectives: We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of all types of TC vs. conventional rehabilitation therapy for all aspects of stroke survivors' rehabilitation that have been studied.Method: We searched seven electronic literature databases (three in English, four in Chinese) and one clinical registry platform using established strategies to identify randomized controlled trials performed up to October 2017. Screening, quality assessment, and data collection were performed by two researchers separately, using the same standard. The results were analyzed using RevMan 5.3.0. The quality of evidence was evaluated with GRADEpro.Results: A total of 21 studies with 1,293 stroke survivors met inclusion criteria; 14 were included in the quantitative synthesis to evaluate four aspects and five outcomes. Nine studies indicated that TC was able to improve independent activities of daily living (ADL), especially TC vs. conventional rehabilitation therapy [mean difference (MD) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 9.92 [6.82, 13.02], P &lt; 0.00001]. Five studies reported significant effects of TC plus conventional rehabilitation therapy in increasing scores on the Fugl–Meyer Assessment for the upper limb [MD (95%CI) = 8.27 [4.69, 11.84], P &lt; 0.0001], lower limb [MD (95%CI) = 2.75 [0.95, 4.56], P = 0.003], and overall [MD (95%CI) = 4.49 [1.92, 7.06], P = 0.0006]. The Berg Balance Scale revealed significant improvements according to pooled estimates for TC vs. conventional rehabilitation therapy [MD (95%CI) = 5.23 [3.42, 7.05], P &lt; 0.00001]. TC plus conventional rehabilitation therapy also improved walking ability as measured by the Holden scale [MD (95%CI) = 0.61 [0.38, 0.85], P &lt; 0.00001] and up-and-go time [MD (95%CI) = 2.59 [1.76, 3.43], P &lt; 0.00001].Conclusion: TC has an overall beneficial effect on ADL, balance, limb motor function, and walking ability among stroke survivors, based on very low-quality evidence, and may also improve sleep quality, mood, mental health, and other motor function. Well-designed, higher-quality trials with longer-term follow-up periods are needed to develop better-quality evidence