Abstract Background Fibrous scars frequently form at the sites of bone nonunion when attempts to repair bone fractures have failed. However, the detailed mechanism by which fibroblasts, which are the main components of fibrous scars, impede osteogenesis remains largely unknown. Results In this study, we found that fibroblasts compete with osteogenesis in both human bone nonunion tissues and BMP2-induced ectopic osteogenesis in a mouse model. Fibroblasts could inhibit the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via direct and indirect cell competition. During this process, fibroblasts modulated the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in MSCs. Knocking down YAP could inhibit osteoblast differentiation of MSCs, while overexpression of nuclear-localized YAP-5SA could reverse the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation of MSCs caused by fibroblasts. Furthermore, fibroblasts secreted DKK1, which further inhibited the formation of calcium nodules during the late stage of osteogenesis but did not affect the early stage of osteogenesis. Thus, fibroblasts could inhibit osteogenesis by regulating YAP localization in MSCs and secreting DKK1. Conclusions Our research revealed that fibroblasts could modulate the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in MSCs, thereby inhibiting their osteoblast differentiation. Fibroblasts could also secrete DKK1, which inhibited calcium nodule formation at the late stage of osteogenesis. failed However unknown study BMP2induced BMPinduced BMP2 induced BMP model (MSCs competition process nuclearcytoplasmic nuclear cytoplasmic nuclearlocalized localized YAP5SA YAPSA 5SA SA Furthermore DKK1 DKK Thus

Abstract The goal of this work was to clarify the mechanism of action of Lactobacillus casei on genipin in triggering glioma apoptosis. DPPH and ABTS free radicals could be successfully eliminated by geniposide, LC-NBRC101979 (Lactobacillus casei), and geniposide + LC-NBRC101979. Geniposide and LC-NBRC101979 had effects that were stronger when combined than when taken alone. Geniposide, LC-NBRC101979, and Geniposide + LC-NBRC101979 did not have any detrimental effects on healthy epithelial cells HBE, but they greatly decreased the growth of U87 glioma cells, according to cell studies. Additionally, the combination of geniposide and LC-NBRC101979 had a stronger inhibitory impact than either drug alone. Results from qPCR revealed that in U87 cells, geniposide, LC-NBRC101979, and eniposide + LC-NBRC101979 could up-regulate caspase-3, COX-2, p53, c-myc, p21 mRNA expression and down-regulate Bcl-2, NF-κB expression. According to the results of the study on the effects of oxidative stress on cells, geniposide, LC-NBRC101979, and geniposide combined with LC-NBRC101979 can decrease the levels of MDA, LDH, and NO in normally damaged epithelial cells caused by oxidative stress and increase the levels of CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC. According to HPLC data, LC-NBRC101979 was able to convert the majority of geniposide into geniposide. It is clear that LC-NBRC101979 may enhance geniposide's inhibitory impact on glioma.

Abstract A 32-month-old girl with patent ductus arteriosus, false tendon of left ventricle, mild pulmonary hypertension, and chronic cardiac insufficiency (cardiac function level I-II) was misdiagnosed with Marfan Syndrome and there was no improvement in her physical growth after operation for this disease. The preterm baby was finally diagnosed with Myhre Syndrome by clinical phenotypes and mutation of SMAD4 gene.

RESUMO Introdução: As lesões no esporte são uma razão importante para interferir no treinamento esportivo e no exercício físico, já que não apenas levam a dor desnecessária do corpo lesado, mas também levam a emoções negativas em atletas. Objetivo: Estudar as características de lesões esportivas de atletas de ginástica aeróbica de alto nível competitivo na China. Métodos: Dados da literatura, questionário de sondagem, entrevistas especializadas, observação de campo, estatísticas matemáticas e acompanhamento fisioterapêutico foram usados. Resultados: Pulsos, tornozelos, cintura e joelhos são as partes lesadas com maior frequência nas atletas de ginástica aeróbica de alto nível competitivo na China. O tipo mais comum é a lesão aguda, porém a lesão crônica (48,18%) não pode ser ignorada. Noventa por cento de atletas de ginástica aeróbica de alto nível competitivo na ativa treinam com lesões, e 10% param de treinar completamente devido às lesões. Conclusões: Atletas devem ficar atentos a suas reservas fiscais e fortalecer seu treino físico. Devem também ficar atentos a auto supervisão, ao seu estado emocional e controlar a quantidade exercícios que praticam. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos – investigação de resultados de tratamento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sports injury is an important reason to interfere with sports training and physical exercise since it will not only bring unnecessary pain to the injured body, but also bring out negative emotions in athletes. Objective: To study the sports injury characteristics of high level competitive aerobics athletes in China. Methods: Literature data, questionnaire survey, expert interviews, field observation, mathematical statistics and physiotherapy tracking were used. Results: Wrists, ankles, waist and knees were the most frequently injured parts in high level competitive aerobics athletes in China. The main type of injury was acute injury, but chronic injury (48.18%) could not be ignored. Ninety percent of active high-level competitive aerobics athletes train with injuries, and 10 percent of them completely stop training because of injuries. Conclusions: Athletes should pay attention to their physical reserve and strengthen physical training. They must also be attentive to self-supervision, their own subjective feelings, and control the amount of exercise done. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las lesiones en el deporte son una razón importante para interferir en el entrenamiento deportivo y en el ejercicio físico, ya que no solo llevan al dolor desnecesario del cuerpo lesionado, sino que llevan a emociones negativas en atletas. Objetivo: Estudiar las características de lesiones deportivas de atletas de gimnasia aeróbica de alto nivel competitivo en China. Métodos: Se utilizaron datos de la literatura, encuestas de sondeo, entrevistas especializadas, observación de campo, estadísticas matemáticas y acompañamiento fisioterapéutico. Resultados: Muñecas, tobillos, cintura y rodillas son las partes lesionadas con mayor frecuencia en las atletas de gimnasia aeróbica de alto nivel competitivo en China. El tipo más común es la lesión aguda, pero la lesión crónica (48,18%) no puede ignorarse. Noventa por ciento de atletas de gimnasia aeróbica de alto nivel competitivo en China entrenan con lesiones, y 10% paran de entrenar completamiento debido a las lesiones. Conclusiones: Atletas deben atentarse a sus reservas fiscales y fortalecer su entrenamiento físico. Deben también atentarse a la autosupervisión, a su estado emocional y controlar la cantidad de ejercicios que practican. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos – investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

The aim of the current study was to explore the correlation between physical properties of wet masses and pellet quality by using powdered herbal slices as model drugs. Wet masses with 100 formulations were prepared by taking 20 kinds of powdered herbal slices as model drugs, microcrystalline cellulose as pelletization aid and five levels of added water as liquid binder. Physical properties of the wet masses such as hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, and resilience were measured by a texture analyzer. Meanwhile, the moisture retention capacities (MRC) of powdered herbal slices and wet masses were determined. Particles were classified after they were produced during spheronization. Principal component analysis, factor analysis and classification analysis were performed on the data. Wet masses could be classified into three groups by taking Ha as the first classification index and Ha/Sp as the second classification index. The correct rate of the classification was 91.00%. If Ha value of wet masses was greater than 15610 g, pellets of type ① would form, otherwise, pellets of type ② or type ③ would form based on Ha/Sp value. Then a classification plot of wet masses was developed to predict pellet formation of powdered herbal slices. Meanwhile, the probable mechanism of pellets formation during spheronisation was concluded in this study, which provided useful information to improve pellet quality.

RESUMO O uso de engenharia assistida por computador (CAE) na fase de projeto do conceito do automóvel tornou-se um ponto de acesso na pesquisa de fatores humanos. Com base no software computacional biomecânico musculoesquelético humano, foi construído um modelo musculoesquelético sentado para descrever a postura sentada natural de um condutor. A interação entre um motorista e um carro em várias combinações de ângulos de inclinação do assento-pan/encosto foi analisada usando uma abordagem dinâmica do verso. A fim de descobrir a postura de condução “mais confortável” do assento-pan/encosto, o efeito dos ângulos de inclinação do assento-pan/dorso sobre o grau de atividade muscular e a força de compressão intradiscal L4-L5 foi investigado. Os resultados mostraram que um ângulo de inclinação para trás muito maior, aproximadamente 15°, e um ligeiro assento-pan para trás, cerca de 7°, pode aliviar a fadiga muscular e levar a dirigir em uma posição confortável. Posteriormente, de acordo com as conclusões acima expostas, foi construída uma função preliminar de conforto ao dirigir.

SUMMARY Using computer-aided engineering (CAE) in the concept design stage of automobiles has become a hotspot in human factor engineering research. Based on human musculoskeletal biomechanical computational software, a seated human-body musculoskeletal model was built to describe the natural sitting posture of a driver. The interaction between the driver and car in various combinations of seat-pan/back-rest inclination angles was analyzed using an inverse-dynamics approach. In order to find out the “most comfortable” driving posture of the seat-pan/back-rest, the effect of seat-pan/back-rest inclination angles on the muscle activity degree, and the intradiscal L4-L5 compression force were investigated. The results showed that a much larger back-rest inclination angle, approximately 15°, and a slight backward seat-pan, about 7°, may relieve muscle fatigue and provide more comfort while driving. Subsequently, according to the findings above, a preliminary driving-comfort function was constructed.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have not shown any correlation between bile acid metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Thus, the current study evaluated the association between bile acid levels as well as BMD and bone turnover marker levels in this group of women. METHODS: This single-center cross-sectional study included 150 postmenopausal Chinese women. According to BMD, the participants were divided into three groups: osteoporosis group, osteopenia group, and healthy control group. Serum bile acid, fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), and bone turnover biomarker levels were assessed. Moreover, the concentrations of parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], procollagen type I N-peptide (P1NP), and beta-CrossLaps of type I collagen containing cross-linked C-terminal telopeptide (β-CTX) were evaluated. The BMD of the lumbar spine and proximal femur were examined via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The serum total bile acid levels in the osteoporosis and osteopenia groups (5.28±1.56 and 5.31±1.56 umol/L, respectively) were significantly lower than that in the healthy control group (6.33±2.04 umol/L; p=0.002 and 0.018, respectively). Serum bile acid level was positively associated with the BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip. However, it negatively correlated with β-CTX concentration. Moreover, no correlation was observed between bile acid and P1NP levels, and the levels of the other biomarkers that were measured did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: Serum bile acid was positively correlated with BMD and negatively correlated with bone turnover biomarkers reflecting bone absorption in postmenopausal women. Thus, bile acid may play an important role in bone metabolism.

Resumo Introdução: A rinite alérgica é uma doença inflamatória crônica que afeta um a cada seis indivíduos. A rinite alérgica perene é responsável por 40% dos casos de rinite alérgica. A ciclesonida é um dos corticosteroides intranasais mais novos para o tratamento dessa condição clínica. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia e segurança da ciclesonida no tratamento da rinite alérgica perene. Método: Uma busca foi feita nos bancos de dados Pubmed, Scientific Citation Index, Embase e Clinical Trial Registries por ensaios clínicos randomizados e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials por estudos controlados randomizados que comparassem ciclesonida com placebo no tratamento da rinite alérgica perene. Resultados: Oito estudos foram incluídos. Em comparação com os grupos placebo, os grupos ciclesonida mostraram diminuição significante no escore do Reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (DM = −0,56; IC 95%: −0,72 a −0,39, p < 0,00001) com heterogeneidade (p = 0,19, I2 = 24%), do Instantaneous Total Nasal Symptom Score (DM = −0,57; IC95%: −0,75 a −0,39, p < 0,00001) com heterogeneidade (p = 0,34, I2 = 11%). Um efeito significante no escore do Reflective Nasal Symptom Score Subtotal (DM = −0,15; IC 95%: −0,18 a −0,13, p < 0,00001) com heterogeneidade (p = 0,12, I2 = 24%) também foi demonstrado. O escore do Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score (RQLQs) (DM = −0,27; IC 95%: −0,39 a −0,15, p < 0,00001) com heterogeneidade (p = 0,58, I2 = 0%) também foi significantemente reduzido no tratamento com ciclesonida. Além disso, a diferença em relação aos eventos adversos emergentes do tratamento entre os dois grupos não foi significante. Conclusão: A ciclesonida pode melhorar a rinite alérgica perene sem aumentar os eventos adversos. Esse fármaco pode ser outra opção valiosa para a rinite alérgica perene no futuro.

Abstract Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects 1 out of 6 individuals. Perennial allergic rhinitis accounts for 40% of AR cases. Ciclesonide is one of the relatively new intranasal steroid for allergic rhinitis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ciclesonide in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis. Methods: We searched Pubmed, Scientific Citation Index, Embase, Clinical Trial Registries for randomized controlled trials and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to find out the randomized controlled Trial comparing ciclesonide with placebo for PAR. Results: Eight studies were included. In comparison with placebo groups, ciclesonide groups significantly decreased Reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (MD = −0.56; 95% CI −0.72 to 0.39, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.19, I2 = 24%), Instantaneous Total Nasal Symptom Score (MD = −0.57; 95% CI −0.75 to −0.39, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.34, I2 = 11%). A significant effect for Reflective Nasal Symptom Score Subtotal (MD = −0.15; 95% CI −0.18 to −0.13, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.12, I2 = 24%) was also demonstrated. Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire score (RQLQs) (MD = −0.27; 95% CI −0.39 to −0.15, p < 0.00001) with heterogeneity (p = 0.58, I 2 = 0%) in the treatment of ciclesonide was also significantly reduced. In addition, the difference in Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion: Ciclesonide can improve perennial allergic rhinitis without increasing adverse events. Ciclesonide may be another valuable choice for perennial allergic rhinitis in the future.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a expressão de Id-1 em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal em humanos e investigar sua correlação com os parâmetros patológicos clínicos de câncer colorretal. MÉTODOS: Os níveis de expressão de proteína e mRNA Id-1 em 50 amostras de tecido colorretal normal e 50 amostras de tecido de adenocarcinoma colorretal foram detectados através de reação em cadeia de polimerase precedida de transcrição reversa e western blot. Além disso, a proteína Id-1 foi detectada através de imuno-histoquímica. A correlação entre a expressão de Id-1 e características clínico-patológicas foi analisada. RESULTADOS: O nível de expressão de mRNA Id-1 em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal e tecidos colorretais normais foi de 0,96 ± 0,03 versus 0,20 ± 0,04, respectivamente; a diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (P= 0,011). Além disso, a expressão da proteína Id-1 foi maior em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal do que em tecidos colorretais normais (0,82 ± 0,04 versus 0,31 ± 0,02, P= 0,020). Além disso, a taxa de expressão positiva de proteínas Id-1 foi maior em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal do que em tecidos colorretais normais (72,00% vs. 24,00%, X2=23,431, p=0,000). A expressão de Id-1 foi correlacionada com a profundidade da invasão tumoral, estágio TNM, metástases linfonodais, invasão vascular e metástase hepática (P<0,01). Todavia, essa expressão não se correlacionou com o tamanho do tumor e graus de diferenciação (P>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A alta expressão de Id-1 em tecidos de adenocarcinoma colorretal desempenham um importante papel no processo do câncer, e é esperado que se torne um novo indicador de monitoramento de tumores para o diagnóstico clínico, tratamento e estimativa de prognóstico.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the expression of Id-1 in human colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and explore its correlation with the clinical pathological parameters of colorectal cancer. METHODS: The Id-1 mRNA and protein expression levels of 50 specimens of normal colorectal tissues and 50 specimens of colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues were detected using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Furthermore, Id-1 protein was detected using immunohistochemistry. The correlation between the expression of Id-1 and clinicopathologic features was analyzed. RESULTS: The mRNA expression level of Id-1 in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and normal colorectal tissues was 0.96 ± 0.03 vs. 0.20 ± 0.04, respectively; and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.011). Furthermore, Id-1 protein expression was higher in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues than in normal colorectal tissues (0.82 ± 0.04 vs. 0.31 ± 0.02, P=0.020). In addition, the positive protein expression rate of Id-1 was higher in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues than in normal colorectal tissues (72.00% vs. 24.00%, X2=23.431, P=0.000). The expression of Id-1 was correlated with the depth of tumor invasion, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, vessel invasion, and liver metastasis (P<0.01). However, this expression was not correlated with tumor size and differentiation degrees (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The high Id-1 expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues play an important role in the process of cancer, and is expected to become a new tumor monitoring indicator for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis judgment.

ABSTRACT: Yellowing is a key stage in the curing of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum L.) as much of the chemical transformation occurs during this period. This study examined the effect of different yellowing degrees on the value of flue-cured tobacco leaves at the farm level for both processing and manufacturing. The study was conducted in the counties of Chuxiong, Dali, and Yuxi in Yunnan, China over two years. Yellowing treatments have been designed to have either a mild or a regular yellowing degree. Yield, value, appearance, suction property, smoking characteristics, and physical resistance to further processing were investigated to evaluate the effect of degree of yellowing on the industrial utilization of flue-cured tobacco leaves. The regular yellowing degree enhanced yield, value, and appearance compared to the mild yellowing degree, regardless of cultivar or location; however, physical resistance to further processing and the suction property of the mild yellowing degree treatment were better than with the regular yellowing degree regardless of cultivar or location. Furthermore, although the regular yellowing degree recorded higher smoking characteristic scores than the mild yellowing degree immediately after flue-curing, the scores of mild yellowing degree leaves could be further augmented by increasing intensity in the re-drying stage. The smoking characteristic score in the regular yellowing degree can only be increased by low intensity re-drying, and significantly decreased by mild and high intensity re-drying. Therefore, in terms of industrial utilization, mild yellowing is the better choice for flue-curing tobacco. This study also suggested that the current regular yellowing stage in Yunnan should be shortened to meet the demands of the traditional tobacco industry.

Safeners are an important tool used to ensure the safe using of herbicide. The objective of this paper was to investigate the protective effect of four 3-dichloroacetyl oxazolidine safeners (3-dichloroacetyl-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine [R-28725], racemate of 3-dichloroacetyl-2,2-dimethyl-4- ethyl-1,3-oxazolidine, and its two chiral stereoisomers) in reducing the injury caused by imazethapyr. Physiological and biochemical tests were conducted under laboratory condition, by using seed treatment with safeners and soil treatment with imazethapyr, respectively. The interaction of two safeners (R-28725 and R-stereoisomer) and imazethapyr reduced the injury of maize significantly, and also increased glutathione content, activity of glutathione S-transferases, and activity of acetolactate synthase in maize. When induced by R-stereoisomer, the GSH content in root and in shoot increased 100.7% and 73.6%, respectively. When induced by R-28725, the GST activity in vivo increased threefold and the GST activity in vitro more than doubled. The kinetic parameter Vmax of GST in the maize treated with R-28725 and R-stereoisomer increased by 102.2% and 81.9%, respectively, compared with the control. The results also showed that R-28725 and R-stereoisomer induced glutathione S-transferases affinity for the substrate of conjugation reaction significantly.

BACKGROUND: In China, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) is one of the most common kidney diseases. In this study, we treated a rat model of chronic anti-Thy-1 MsPGN with Shenhua Tablet and evaluated whether the tablet was able to protect the kidney function. Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: (1) Sham surgery (Sham); (2) anti-Thy-1 nephritis model (Thy-1); (3) anti-Thy-1 nephritis model + irbesartan-treated (Irb); (4) anti-Thy-1 nephritis model + low-dose of Shenhua Tablet (SHL); (5) anti-Thy-1 nephritis model + medium-dose of Shenhua Tablet (SHM); (6) anti-Thy-1 nephritis model + high-dose of Shenhua Tablet (SHH RESULTS: Thirteen weeks after drug treatment, urinary proteins were quantified and renal pathological changes were thoroughly examined at the time point of 24 h. Meanwhile, the expression levels of p-Erk1/2, cyclin D1 and p21 at the renal cortex were also tested. The levels of urinary proteins and total cholesterol in the blood were significantly reduced in rats treated with any drug tested in this study. The level of triglyceride was significantly reduced in all three Shenhua Tablet-treated groups. Renal pathomorphological scores were significantly improved in groups of Irb, SHM and SHH. Mesangial cell proliferation was significantly inhibited in any drug-treated group. p-Erk1/2 and cyclin D1 were downregulated whereas p21 was upregulated in the renal cortex CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that Shenhua Tablet is able to inhibit the abnormal proliferation of mesangial cells and to prevent kidney damage, which is likely associated with downregulation of p-Erk1/2 and reduced activity of its downstream target-cyclin D1.

OBJECTIVES: Limited information is available concerning the post-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in critical limb ischemia patients who receive conservative therapy. Accordingly, this study was designed to evaluate the predictive value of the post-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in critical limb ischemia patients without surgery. METHOD: From January 2009 to January 2011, critical limb ischemia patients were admitted to a vascular center. The demographic data, patient histories, comorbidities and risk factors were documented, and the differential cell count was determined at admission and seven days later after conservative therapy. The cutoff value of the post-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was determined by an ROC curve. Patients were divided into groups A and B according to the cutoff value. Amputation-free survival was compared between groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify independent risk factors. RESULT: A total of 172 patients were identified with a mean age 71.98±10.09 years; among them, 122 were male. A value of 3.8 was identified as the cutoff value of the post-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. Groups A (post-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio ≥3.8) and B (post-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio <3.8) showed a significant difference in amputation-free survival (P<0.001). The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year amputation-free survival rates were 79.6%, 55.6% and 46.3%, respectively, in group A; however, in group B, these values were 89.7%, 79.3% and 75.9%, respectively. The post-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was identified as an independent predictive factor for amputation in critical limb ischemia patients (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The post-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is an independent predictive factor for amputation in critical limb ischemia patients. Patients with a post-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio ≥3.8 are likely to suffer from amputation; amputation-free survival usually occurs in patients with a post-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio <3.8.

Background Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important economic and oilseed crop. Long-term rainless conditions and seasonal droughts can limit peanut yields and were conducive to preharvest aflatoxin contamination. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which peanut responds and adapts to water limited conditions, we isolated and characterized several drought-induced genes from peanut roots using a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique. Results RNA was extracted from peanut roots subjected to a water stress treatment (45% field capacity) and from control plants (75% field capacity), and used to generate an SSH cDNA library. A total of 111 non-redundant sequences were obtained, with 80 unique transcripts showing homology to known genes and 31 clones with no similarity to either hypothetical or known proteins. GO and KEGG analyses of these differentially expressed ESTs indicated that drought-related responses in peanut could mainly be attributed to genes involved in cellular structure and metabolism. In addition, we examined the expression patterns of seven differentially expressed candidate genes using real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and confirmed that all were up-regulated in roots in response to drought stress, but to differing extents. Conclusions We successfully constructed an SSH cDNA library in peanut roots and identified several drought-related genes. Our results serve as a foundation for future studies into the elucidation of the drought stress response mechanisms of peanut.

Background: Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is the most devastating disease in peanut. Planting resistant peanut cultivars is deemed as the sole economically viable means for effective control of the disease. To understand the molecular mechanism underlying resistance and facilitate breeding process, differences in gene expression between seeds of Rihua 1 (a Virginia type peanut variety resistant to bacterial wilt) inoculated with the bacterial pathogen suspension (10(9) cfu ml-1) and seeds of the same cultivar treated with water (control), were studied using the GenefishingTM technology. Results: A total of 25 differentially expressed genes were isolated. Expression of genes encoding cyclophilin and ADP-ribosylation factor, respectively, were further studied by real time RT-PCR, and full length cDNAs of both genes were obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Conclusions: The study provided candidate genes potentially useful for breeding peanut cultivars with both high yield and bacterial wilt resistance, although confirmation of their functions through transgenic studies is still needed.