Abstract Background stewart-treves syndrome (STS) is an angiosarcoma associated with chronic lymphedema. Objectives This article analyses the characteristics of twenty-two patients and proposes active intervention in lymphedema and the early diagnosis of STS. Methods Twenty-two patients with STS were diagnosed at the centre over an 11-year period. Clinical manifestations, a series of conventional analyses, and histopathology were used to study these cases retrospectively. Results The age range of 22 patients with STS was 15 to 78 years. The main clinical manifestations included multiple skin and subcutaneous nodules and scattered red or purplish-red rashes in the lymphoedematous limbs. These patients often showed clinical symptoms such as lymphedema, weakness, emaciation, pain, mass, lymphadenopathy and so on. The positive rates of ultrasonography, MRI and radionuclide imaging were 66.7% (6/9), 92.3% (12/13) and 18.2% (2/11), respectively. The main points regarding active intervention in lymphedema and early diagnosis of STS were summarized. Study limitations Since this was a retrospective study, the main points summarized by the author need to be further quantified in clinical work to guide the diagnosis of this kind of disease more conveniently. In addition, further clinical trials are needed to evaluate the role of lymphedema in the occurrence and development of malignant tumors. Conclusions STS can appear in lymphoedematous tissue many years after lymphedema onset. To avoid delays in the diagnosis and therapy of STS, physicians should actively look for signs or symptoms of malignant lymphedema during the follow-up period and promptly manage patients developing problems.

Abstract The oxidation and structural properties of hazelnut protein prepared from a low-temperature cold-pressed hazelnut meal were evaluated using three oxidative modification methods: AAPH (2,2'-azo(2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride), MDA (malondialdehyde), and H2O2. The three different oxidants gradually increased the carbonyl content of the proteins, MDA from 1.91 to 8.87 nmol/m, AAPH (from 2.13 to 12.18 nmol/mg, and H2O2 from 2.28 to 13.72 nmol/mg, indicating that the hazelnut protein was oxidized. The carbonyl content of H2O2-modified hazelnut proteins was the highest, implying that the proteins were more susceptible to oxidation by hydroxyl radicals. FT-IR, intrinsic fluorescence spectra, surface hydrophobicity, and protein electrophoresis implied that oxidative modifications altered the secondary structure of hazelnut proteins, and promoted protein aggregation and cross-linking. In addition, the oxidative modification resulted in a larger particle size distribution of hazelnut proteins and a decrease in the zeta potential absolute value, indicating a decrease in the hazelnut proteins stability and the formation of soluble aggregates. Overall, incubation with AAPH, MDA, and H2O2 significantly affected the structure of hazelnut proteins, demonstrating that hazelnut proteins in food processing systems are susceptible to structural and property changes due to different oxidation products.

Abstract Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are the foundation for the development of advanced motor skills. To assess the effect of physical activity intervention on the promotion of FMS and explore the influencing factor of physical activity intervention on the development of FMS in preschool children. Trails with children aged 3-7yeas in kindergarten settings that applied physical activity intervention programs were included. We calculated the effects on overall FMS, locomotor skill and object control skill subscales (LMS and OCS) by weighted standardized mean differences using random-effects models. In this study, 23 trials involving 2258 preschoolers (aged 3.3-6.5years) were selected, including 7 high quality studies, 11 medium quality studies and 5 low quality studies. Analysis of the effects of physical activity intervention revealed significant differences among groups in favor of intervention group, FMS (SMD = 1.50, 95% CL [1.29, 1.71], I2 = 89.7%), locomotor skills (SMD = 1.56, 95% CL [1.38, 1.75], I2 = 59.2%), object control skills (SMD = 1.43, 95% CL [1.25, 1.61], I2 = 93.8%). Physical activity interventions can significantly improve FMS in healthy preschool aged children. However, we should be cautious due to the limited researches, low-quality evidence and immediate post-intervention effects without long-term follow-up.

ABSTRACT Due to large-scale wetland reclamation, the typical wetland had been conversed to different wetland use types (upland field, paddy field, and artificial forest) in the Sanjiang Plain. However, there are scarce data regarding soil aggregates and active organic carbons during land-use transition. Here, soil aggregates and the changes in content and storage of active organic carbon [total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and readily oxidized carbon (ROC)] were studied under three land-uses reclaiming wetlands as an upland field, paddy field, and artificial forest in Heilongjiang Province, China. The results showed that soil aggregate structure changed significantly under the three land-uses, of which the largest decrease of mean weight diameter (MWD) occurred in the upland field. Under the three land-use types, the content and storage of TOC and each active organic carbon in soil aggregates with different size fractions significantly decreased compared with that in the wetland. In addition, the proportion of the 1–2 mm soil aggregate was significantly lower than that of other particle sizes, which resulted in the lowest storage of TOC and active organic carbon at 1-2 mm and was found in the wetland, and different land-use types; small aggregates (<0.25 mm) with a small proportion were ignored in calculating organic carbon content and storage. The TOC and active organic carbon content in various soil aggregates varied significantly in different land-use types; the paddy field was most similar to the wetland because of seasonal flooding factors. In soil aggregates with various size fractions, the paddy field presented small changes in the TOC, DOC, and MBC content, and the ROC content was significantly lower than that in the upland field and the artificial forest land-use types. The TOC, DOC, and MBC content in the upland field and the artificial forest were significantly reduced compared with that in the paddy field due to the decrease of water content in the soil. In the artificial forest, which had less human disturbance, organic carbon content was less affected than in long-term cultivated upland fields due to its abundant plant root systems and large input of organic matter. The upland field could seriously affect the structure of soil aggregates and organic carbon in the wetlands and had the most negative impact on the wetland ecosystem.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of hybrid transthoracic periventricular device closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in a single center. Methods: All patients who underwent hybrid transthoracic periventricular device closure of VSDs between January 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The preoperative, operative and postoperative findings and clinical follow-ups were reviewed. Results: A total of 59 patients underwent the procedure. Transesophageal echocardiographic guidance was used in all procedures. The procedure was successful in 57 procedures (97%). The procedures of two patients were changed to open-heart surgery during the same intervention due to severe aortic insufficiency (the device was not deployed) and significant residual shunt after device deployment. One major complication (1.7%) was observed after the procedure. The patient’s device was dislodged within 12 hours after the procedure, and this patient underwent device extraction and VSD patch closure due to significant residual shunt. Eight (14%) minor complications were observed after the procedure, and three of them persisted during follow-up. Three of these eight complications were incomplete right bundle branch block, one of which resolved during follow-up; two were mild residual shunts, one of which resolved during follow-up; two were mild new-onset tricuspid valve insufficiencies; and one was mild new-onset mitral valve insufficiency; all valvular insufficiencies were resolved during follow-up. Conclusions: Hybrid transthoracic periventricular device closure of VSD seems to be a good alternative approach due to its procedural success and low risk rates. The best advantage of the procedure is the possibility of switching to open-heart surgery, if necessary.

ABSTRACT Continually rising scarcity in water and nutrient resources, especially in semi-arid agricultural systems, combined with increased frequency of extreme weather events such as drought, contribute to a growing need for resilient and regenerative agricultural ecosystems. However, evaluating a myriad of combinations of producer-led sustainable management practices in on-farm research remains challenging. Few studies have elucidated spatial variability in measured soil properties across the study area due to logistical and economic constraints. As such, this study aimed to: 1) establish soil health assessment and landscape variability data immediately after land-use change to a sustainable pasture management system, and 2) delineate relationships and predictive capability between measured soil health parameters. Soil samples were collected on May 23, 2018 in a grid pattern across two adjacent pastures on a farm in the semi-arid Southern High Plains (Texas, USA) that had recently been converted from long-term continuous cotton production to grazed pasture. Significant differences were found in soil chemical and biological properties between pastures (e.g., ~37 % reduction in microbial community size and 36 and 178 % greater electrical conductivity (EC) and Na contents, respectively, in the East pasture) that likely resulted from recent tillage and receiving irrigation compared to similar soil types and management history in the West pasture. Spatial diagrams of measured parameters revealed localization of measured properties, such as higher clay content and soil organic matter in the southeastern portion of the study area, and clear boundaries between pastures in terms of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) distribution. Soil physical and chemical properties were sufficiently correlated with biological measurements to predict soil microbial community size based on routine soil test analyses. The patterns of distributed elements evaluated in this study can provide a basis for management decisions on soil health and potential contaminant monitoring across the study area. These findings provide insight as to how novel, producer-designed soil health management practices in small semi-arid production systems impact soil properties, as well as help develop cost-effective predictive modeling solutions that aid long-term monitoring efforts. Such strategies will be critical tools in resource-scarce semi-arid regions such as those found in the current study region of Texas, as well as similar semi-arid regions such as northern China and northeastern Brazil. Overall, the results of this study provide direction for long-term soil health monitoring at this site, as well as a critical evaluation of relationships between soil health indicator measurements that aids interpretation and management planning.

RESUMEN Un gran progreso se ha logrado en la exploración del Pérmico medio en el noroeste de Sichuan (China) en los últimos años, pero aún persisten muchas preguntas para entender las condiciones de acumulación de hidrocarburos. Debido a la abundancia de rocas madre y los movimientos tectónicos multifase en esta área, el modelo de acumulación de hidrocarburos es relativamente complejo, por lo que se convierte en el principal problema a resolver en la exploración de petróleo y gas. Con base en los diferentes contextos tectónicos del Pérmico medio en el noroeste de la cuenca de Sichuan, se tomaron la falla de corrimiento en la lámina de empuje, la franja delantera oculta, y la franja de depresión como las unidades de investigación para combinar y comparar las condiciones geológicas del reservorio con origen en el Pérmico medio. La evaluación de las rocas madre y la comparación de las fuentes de hidrocarburos sugieren que los hidrocarburos del Pérmico medio provienen principalmente de la parte baja del Cámbrico inferior y del Pérmico medio, y que la orogenia del antepaís propició la evolución termal a etapas altamente maduras y sobremaduradas de las rocas madre del Paleozoico en el noroeste de Sichuan. Con base en información de las condiciones físicas del depósito, el reservorio del Pérmico medio tiene condiciones de baja porosidad y baja permeabilidad, entre las cuales la falla de corrimiento en la lámina de empuje y la franja delantera oculta tienen una alta porosidad relativa y fracturas relativas desarrolladas. La gruesa lutolita de la formación Longtan constituye la roca de cubierta regional en el área de estudio y su preservación en general es buena. Sin embargo, las fallas de corrimiento destruyeron la capacidad de sellamiento de la roca de cubierta en la lámina de empuje. Los perfiles típicos revelan que los tipos de trampa en el área de estudio eran diferentes. Las trampas de las fallas de corrimiento se desarrollaron principalmente en la lámina de empuje, mientras que las trampas de la falla anticlinal se desarrollaron en la franja delantera oculta y las trampas en la estructura litológica se desarrollaron en la sección de la depresión. Las diferentes secciones estructurales del noroeste de Sichuan tienen diferentes modelos de acumulación de petróleo y gas. En este artículo se construyeron tres modelos de acumulación para el análisis de las condiciones de formación del reservorio. El análisis completo supone que la sección frontal oculta es cercana a la roca madre del Cámbrico inferior, que la heterogeneidad del reservorio es frágil y que la conexión de las fallas en la roca madre es desarrollada, por lo que es favorable el área de acumulación de petróleo y gas en el Pérmico medio.

ABSTRACT Great progress has been made in middle Permian exploration in Northwest Sichuan in recent years, but there are still many questions in understanding the hydrocarbon accumulation conditions. Due to the abundance of source rocks and the multi-term tectonic movements in this area, the hydrocarbon accumulation model is relatively complex, which has become the main problem to be solved urgently in oil and gas exploration. Based on the different tectonic backgrounds of the middle Permian in northwest Sichuan Basin, the thrust nappe belt, the hidden front belt, and the depression belt are taken as the research units to comb and compare the geologic conditions of the middle Permian reservoir. The evaluation of source rocks and the comparison of hydrocarbon sources suggest that the middle Permian hydrocarbon mainly comes from the bottom of the lower Cambrian and middle Permian, and the foreland orogeny promoted the thermal evolution of Paleozoic source rocks in northwest Sichuan to high maturity and over maturity stage. Based on a large number of reservoir physical properties data, the middle Permian reservoir has the characteristics of low porosity and low permeability, among which the thrust nappe belt and the hidden front belt have relatively high porosity and relatively developed fractures. The thick mudstone of Longtan formation constitutes the regional caprock in the study area and the preservation condition is good as a whole. However, the thrusting faults destroyed the sealing ability of the caprock in the nappe thrust belt. Typical reservoir profiles revealed that the trap types were different in the study area. The thrust fault traps are mainly developed in the thrust nappe belt, while the fault anticline traps are developed in the hidden front belt, and the structural lithological traps are developed in the depression belt. The different structural belts in northwest Sichuan have different oil and gas accumulation models. This paper built three hydrocarbon accumulation models by the analysis of reservoir formation conditions. The comprehensive analysis supposed the hidden front belt is close to the lower Cambrian source rock, and the reservoir heterogeneity is weak, faults connected source rock is developed, so it is a favorable oil and gas accumulation area in the middle Permian.

RESUMEN Este estudio parte de un deslizamiento de tierra en el corte de una pendiente en la estación de ferrocarril oeste de Chongqing, en la China central. Este corte se encuentra en el echado abajo de una pendiente de lutita, lo que significa que su ángulo de inmersión es mayor que el ángulo de inclinación y está compuesto de roca blanda. Se han realizado algunas investigaciones en el sitio para explorar las características de deformación de esta pendiente. El resultado sugiere que existía deformación por deslizamiento, pandeo y caída en sus diferentes partes. Para dilucidar el complejo mecanismo de falla que se ve en la pendiente de inmersión bajo la influencia a largo plazo de la gravedad y el deterioro del material, se ha empleado el método de elementos discretos en simulaciones. Los patrones de falla simulados han demostrado ser acordes con la falla real de la pendiente. Este estudio sugiere que el deslizamiento, el pandeo y el vuelco ocurren en diferentes partes de la pendiente estudiada en secuencia.

ABSTRACT Depart point of this study was a landslide that occurred in the cut slope at the Chongqing west railway station, in central China. This slope belongs to an under-dip shale slope, which means that its bedding dip angle is larger than the slope angle, and it is comprised of soft rock. Some on-site investigations were made to explore the deformation characteristics of this slope; the outcome suggested that sliding, buckling, and toppling deformation existed at its different parts. The discrete element method was employed in simulations to elucidate the complex failure mechanism exhibited by the under-dip slope under the long-term influence of gravity and material deterioration. The simulated failure patterns have proven to be in strong agreement with the actual slope failure. This study suggests that sliding, buckling, and toppling occur at different parts of the studied slope in sequence.

ABSTRACT Purpose Several studies have demonstrated the strong correlation between the levels of preoperative serum total cholesterol (TC) and the survival of patients with surgically treated renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, this association remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis of published reports to evaluate the prognostic significance of the preoperative serum TC levels for patients with surgically treated RCC. Material and Methods The databases from MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify the eligible studies published before August 2019. Multivariate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated through inverse variance by using random-effects models. Results Nine cohort studies comprising 15.609 patients were identified. Low preoperative serum TC levels were associated with poor cancer-specific survival (CSS; HR=0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99; P=0.005; I2=74.2%) and progression-free survival (PFS; HR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.49-0.98; P=0.036; I2=80%) in patients with surgically treated RCC. However, no significant association was observed between low preoperative serum TC levels and shorter overall survival (HR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-1.00; P=0.057; I2=86.2%). Sensitivity analyses validated the reliability and rationality of the results. Conclusions Preoperative serum TC level is an independent poor prognostic factor for patients with surgically treated RCC, with lower levels associated with worse CSS and PFS. Hence, this parameter may provide additional guidance in the selection of therapeutic strategies to improve prognosis, considering that cholesterol is a broadly applied routine marker in clinical practice.

Abstract Background: Liriodendron chinense ranges widely in subtropical China and northern Vietnam; however, it inhabits several small, isolated populations and is now an endangered species due to its limited seed production. The objective of this study was to develop a set of nuclear SSR (simple sequence repeats) and multiple chloroplast genome markers for genetic studies in L. chinense and their characterization in diverse germplasm. Results: We performed low-coverage whole genome sequencing of the L. chinense from four genotypes, assembled the chloroplast genome and identified nuclear SSR loci by searching in contigs for SSR motifs. Comparative analysis of the four chloroplast genomes of L. chinense revealed 45 SNPs, 17 indels, 49 polymorphic SSR loci, and five small inversions. Most chloroplast intraspecific polymorphisms were located in the interspaces of single-copy regions. In total, 6147 SSR markers were isolated from low-coverage whole genome sequences. The most common SSR motifs were dinucleotide (70.09%), followed by trinucleotide motifs (23.10%). The motif AG/TC (33.51%) was the most abundant, followed by TC/AG (25.53%). A set of 13 SSR primer combinations were tested for amplification and their ability to detect polymorphisms in a set of 109 L. chinense individuals, representing distinct varieties or germplasm. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 8 to 28 with an average of 21 alleles. The expected heterozygosity (He) varied from 0.19 to 0.93 and the observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.11 to 0.79. Conclusions: The genetic resources characterized and tested in this study provide a valuable tool to detect polymorphisms in L. chinense for future genetic studies and breeding programs.

Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale – Second Edition (Y-BOCS-II). Method: A total of 86 adults with a primary diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ranging in age from 15 to 78 years, participated in the study. Participants were administered the Y-BOCS-II by a trained clinician who also rated overall illness severity on two additional measures. Patients completed the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Results: Results indicated high internal consistency and fair 1-week test retest reliability. The Y-BOCS-II scales correlated strongly with clinician-rated obsessive-compulsive severity and modestly with self-reported obsessive-compulsive symptom frequency and distress. The relationship between Y-BOCS-II total score and depressive and anxiety symptoms was strong, which may reflect high rates of comorbid conditions in this sample or the linkage between obsessive-compulsive symptom severity and distress. Factor analysis demonstrated a two-factor structure consisting of obsession and compulsion factors, with interference due to obsessions cross-loading. Conclusions: Overall, these results support the use of the Y-BOCS-II among individuals from China. Future study by an independent group is necessary to replicate these findings, as well as investigate interrater reliability and treatment sensitivity.

RESUMEN Las características del Grupo Qiulitage Inferior en el levantamiento de Bachu, que se originó en el período Cámbrico Superior, no están claras. Con base en cuatro observaciones centrales, la identificación de 40 secciones delgadas y el análisis geoquímico de muestras, este estudio concluye que los reservorios de dolomita de cristal se desarrollaron en el levantamiento del Grupo Qiulitage Inferior en Bachu. Los poros intercristalinos y los poros disueltos formaron el espacio del depósito principal, mientras que los poros de disolución y las fracturas se desarrollaron en la parte media e inferior de la formación. El reservorio presenta baja porosidad y baja permeabilidad, y el reservorio de dolomita cristalina fina-media tiene la mejor estructura de poros. Según un análisis petroquímico, el reservorio del Grupo Qiulitage inferior experimentó una intensa dolomitización, con un contenido ligeramente mayor de oligoelementos Mn y Sr e isotropía de oxígeno negativa. La dolomitización hidrotermal tectónica se desarrolló localmente bajo la influencia de fallas de base, y los poros vug se llenaron con dolomitas de silla y relleno silíceo. La presencia de elementos de tierras raras Ce y Eu presentó características de anomalías positivas. Esto sugirió que la disolución de ácido de CO2 causada por los fluidos hidrotermales puede ser un nuevo mecanismo para el aumento de poros en depósitos profundamente enterrados, lo que merece un estudio más profundo.

ABSTRACT The characteristics of the Lower Qiulitage Group in Bachu uplift, which originated in the Upper Cambrian period, are not clear. Based on four core observations, identification of 40 thin sections, and geochemical analysis of samples, this study concludes that crystal dolomite reservoirs developed in the Lower Qiulitage Group in Bachu uplift. Intercrystalline pores and dissolved pores formed the main reservoir space, while dissolution pores and fractures were developed in the middle and bottom part of the formation. The reservoir features low porosity and low permeability, and the fine-medium crystalline dolomite reservoir has the best pore structure. According to a petrochemical analysis, the Lower Qiulitage Group reservoir experienced intense dolomitization, with slightly higher content of trace elements Mn and Sr and negative oxygen isotropy. Tectonic hydrothermal dolomitization developed locally under the influence of base faults, and vug pores were filled with saddle dolomites and siliceous filling. The presence of rare earth elements Ce and Eu presented positive anomaly characteristics. It suggested that the CO2 acid dissolution caused by hydrothermal fluids may be a new mechanism for the increase in pores in deeply buried reservoirs, which is worth further study.

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.

Abstract Background: Pollen development is an energy-consuming process that particularly occurs during meiosis. Low levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) may cause cell death, resulting in CMS (cytoplasmic male sterility). DNA sequence differences in ATP synthase genes have been revealed between the N- and S-cytoplasms in the cotton CMS system. However, very few data are available at the RNA level. In this study, we compared five ATP synthase genes in the H276A, H276B and fertile F1 (H276A/H268) lines using RNA editing, RNA blotting and quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) to explore their contribution to CMS. A molecular marker for identifying male sterile cytoplasm (MSC) was also developed. Results: RNA blotting revealed the absence of any novel orf for the ATP synthase gene sequence in the three lines. Forty-one RNA editing sites were identified in the coding sequences. RNA editing showed that proteins had 32.43% higher hydrophobicity and that 39.02% of RNA editing sites had proline converted to leucine. Two new stop codons were detected in atp6 and atp9 by RNA editing. Real-time qRT-PCR data showed that the atp1, atp6, atp8, and atp9 genes had substantially lower expression levels in H276A compared with those in H276B. By contrast, the expression levels of all five genes were increased in F1 (H276A/H268). Moreover, a molecular marker based on a 6-bp deletion upstream of atp8 in H276A was developed to identify male sterile cytoplasm (MSC) in cotton. Conclusions: Our data substantially contributes to the understanding of the function of ATP synthase genes in cotton CMS. Therefore, we suggest that ATP synthase genes might be an indirect cause of cotton CMS. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship among ATP synthase genes in cotton CMS.

RESUMO: A salinidade do solo limita a produção agrícola. O trigo mole é uma das culturas mais importantes com característica allohexaploid e genoma altamente complexo. O mapeamento QTL é uma maneira muito útil de identificar genes para traços quantitativos, como a tolerância à salinidade em trigo hexaplóide. No presente estudo realizou-se um ensaio hidropónico para identificar locos de traços quantitativos (QTLs) associados à tolerância à salinidade do trigo sob concentração de NaCl 150 mM, usando uma população de linhagem consanguíneo recombinante (Xiaoyan 54 × Jing 411). Os valores dos traços de mudas de trigo, incluindo comprimento máximo da raiz (MRL), peso seco da raiz (RDW), ponha o peso seco (SDW), peso seco total (TDW) e a proporção das plantas de trigo TDW entre o estresse salgado e o controle (TDWR), foram avaliados ou calculados. Um total de 19QTLs para cinco traços foram detectados através do método de mapeamento de intervalo composto usando a versão 2.5 do cartógrafo QTL sob condições normais e de estresse salino. Estes QTLs distribuídos em 12 cromossomos explicaram a porcentagem de variação fenotípica por QTL individual variando de 7,9% a 19,0%. Entre eles, foram detectados 11 e 6 QTLs em condições de estresse normal e sal, respectivamente, e dois QTLs foram detectados para TDWR. Cromossoma 1A, 3A e 7A podem conter genes que são candidatos cruciais associados à tolerância ao sal de trigo. Nossos resultados seriam úteis para a seleção assistida por marcadores para produzir variedades de trigo com tolerância salina melhorada.

ABSTRACT: Soil salinity limits agricultural production and is a major obstacle for increasing crop yield. Common wheat is one of the most important crops with allohexaploid characteristic and a highly complex genome. QTL mapping is a useful way to identify genes for quantitative traits such as salinity tolerance in hexaploid wheat. In the present study, a hydroponic trial was carried out to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with salinity tolerance of wheat under 150mM NaCl concentration using a recombinant inbred line population (Xiaoyan 54×Jing 411). Values of wheat seedling traits including maximum root length (MRL), root dry weight (RDW), shoot dry weight (SDW), total dry weight (TDW) and the ratio of TDW of wheat plants between salt stress and control (TDWR) were evaluated or calculated. A total of 19QTLs for five traits were detected through composite interval mapping method by using QTL Cartographer version 2.5 under normal and salt stress conditions. These QTLs distributed on 12 chromosomes explained the percentage of phenotypic variation by individual QTL varying from 7.9% to 19.0%. Among them, 11 and six QTLs were detected under normal and salt stress conditions, respectively and two QTLs were detected for TDWR. Some salt tolerance related loci may be pleiotropic. Chromosome 1A, 3A and 7A may harbor crucial candidate genes associated with wheat salt tolerance. Our results would be helpful for the marker assisted selection to breed wheat varieties with improved salt tolerance.