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Kawasaki disease (KD) is a relatively common autoimmune disease of childhood, characterized by systemic vasculitis and involvement of the cardiovascular system, particularly the coronary artery. Progressive inflammatory cascades and vascular injury are regarded as two major processes underlying KD. Although it is regarded as a self-limiting disease, some children exhibit resistance to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, which can lead to the development of life-threatening coronary artery aneurysms that persist into adulthood. Pyroptosis, a special inflammatory cell death pattern, results in the intense release of inflammatory mediators and injuries of tissues such as endothelial cell damage. Evidence from in vitro studies and animal models suggests that pyroptosis and associated inflammatory cascades may play a significant role in KD. Here, we highlight the latest insights into pyroptosis in KD and explore the potential therapeutic interventions that target pyroptosis.

Aim： The inflammatory marker C-reactive protein （CRP） has been strongly correlated with the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some single-nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） have been reported to be associated with serum CRP levels. In this study, we assessed the genetic association between SNPs within the CRP gene and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in the Han Chinese population. Methods： This study comprises 564 ischemic stroke patients, 220 hemorrhagic stroke patients and 564 controls from the ethnic Han Chinese population in Wuhan. Four CRP SNPs, -757A〉G （rs3093059）, -717A〉G （rs2794521）, -286C〉T〉A （rs3091244） and ＋2147C〉T （rs1205）, were genotyped from patients using TaqMan assays. Results： The A allele frequency for the -717A〉G polymorphism was significant higher in controls than in ischemic stroke patients （P=0.037）, after adjustment for traditional risk factors （odds ratio 0.28; 95% CI 0.12-0.65; P=0.003）, suggesting a protective effect for this allele against ischemic stroke. Haplotype analysis showed that the H3 （G-C-C） haplotype conferred a significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke （odds ratio 1.052, 95% CI 1.001-1.106： P=0.047）. Neither CRP genotypes nor haplotypes showed an association with hemorrhagic stroke. However, the frequency for haplotype H5 （A-T-C） was significantly higher in ischemic stroke than hemorrhagic stroke patients （P=0.0003）. Conclusions： These data suggest that the CRP gene -717A allele confers a protective effect against ischemic stroke. Furthermore, the H3 haplotype （G-C-C） is an independent risk marker for ischemic stroke, whereas the H5 haplotype （A-T-C） can be used as a prognostic marker of hemorrhagic stroke.

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a major neurovascular contributor to stroke and cognitive impairment, yet its interaction with chronic high-altitude adaptation remains poorly understood. This first neuroimaging investigation examined 499 Tibetan natives residing at 2000–4800 m using 3 T MRI to quantify CSVD burden and to assess its association with residential altitude. Multivariable logistic regression, treating altitude as both a continuous variable (per 500 m increment) and a categorical variable (mid-high [2000–3500 m] vs. ultra-high [> 3500 m]), revealed that 51.5% of participants had CSVD (CSVD score ≥ 1), with adjusted odds ratios of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.74–1.21) per 500 m altitude and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.42–1.44) for ultra-high versus mid-high altitude. Partial proportional odds model showed no significant association between altitude and CSVD score (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.99–1.40). These null findings, in contrast to the well-established paradoxical impact of altitude on stroke risk, suggest potential neuroprotective mechanisms in altitude-adapted populations. Our results challenge conventional cerebrovascular paradigms and highlight the need for further research into Tibetan-specific genetic adaptations that may modulate CSVD pathophysiology. This study provides essential insights for refining altitude-related cerebrovascular risk models.

Background and Aims Soil salinization limits conventional agriculture since most food-based plant cultivars require low soil-sodium (Na⁺) levels for robust growth. Moreover, modern agricultural practices, especially in arid environments, can exacerbate soil salinization as belowground water sources utilized in irrigation are frequently tainted with salt. While salt tolerance has previously been shown to be augmented in several glycophyte species by the soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis (GB03), here we reported that this beneficial rhizobacterium promotes growth and augments higher salt-tolerance in halophyte grass Puccinellia tenuiflora. Methods The optimal Bacillus subtilis strain for P. tenuiflora was screened. P. tenuiflora was grown from seeds with NaCl (0, 100, 200 and 300 mM) for salt treatments with or without inoculation of B. subtilis GB03. Growth parameters, chlorophyll content and endogenous Na⁺ and K⁺ contents were determined at the time of harvest. Seedlings were grown in medium with 0 or 200 mM NaCl, then were harvested to extract total RNA after 48 h of exposure to GB03 VOCs. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was used to investigate the relative amount of PtHKT1; 5, PtHKT2; 1 and PtSOS1 in P. tenuiflora regulated by GB03. Results The optimal Bacillus subtilis strain for P. tenuiflora was GB03. GB03 significantly improved shoot and root growth at two, three, four and five weeks after inoculation. Under various salinity stresses, GB03 significantly promoted growth of Pʒ tenuiflora seedlings. Na⁺ accumulation was reduced with K⁺ accumulation unaffected by GB03 exposure. Therefore, GB03 enhanced selective absorption capacity of P. tenuiflora for K⁺ over Na⁺ (SA) from media. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that GB03 up-regulated PtHKT1; 5 and PtSOS1, but down-regulated PtHKT2;1 expression, specifically in roots when plants are grown under greatly-elevated salt conditions (200 mM NaCl). Conclusions Our results presented here established that B. subtilis GB03 promoted the growth and improved the salt tolerance and the selective absorption capacity for K⁺ over Na⁺ in the monocotyledonous halophyte P. tenuiflora to a higher level. Interestingly, GB03-triggered up-regulation of PtHKT1; 5 and PtSOS1 and down-regulation of PtHKT2; 1 in roots reduced Na⁺ transport from root to shoot as well as Na⁺ uptake in roots. This study provides the physiological and molecular evidence that application of selected bacteria to salttolerant Monocots can ameliorate deleterious effects of high soil saline toxicity.

Background Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) causes urogenital tract infections and is associated with reproductive morbidity. Although MG has been reported across many regions and population groups, it is not yet routinely tested for in China. Our study contributes to current research by reporting the prevalence and correlates of MG infection in patients attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic in Guangdong from Jan 2017-May 2018. Methods Urethral (from 489 men) and endo-cervical (from 189 women) samples, blood samples, and patient histories (via questionnaires) were collected. Doctors clinically diagnosed anogenital warts (GW) during the examination ( n  = 678). The presence of MG was evaluated using an in-house via polymerase chain reaction protocol. We also tested all participants for herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), syphilis and HIV. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate factors associated with MG. Results MG was detected in 7.2% (49/678) of the patients (men, 7.4%; women, 6.9%). The MG positivity rate was 14.2% among symptomatic patients, and 5.6% for asymptomatic patients, respectively. Only 36.7% (18/49) Mg positive patients were symptomatic. Among the MG-infected patients, 10.2% were co-infected with CT, 6.1% with NG, 8.2% with HSV-2, 4.1% with syphilis and 22.4% with GW. Presentation with clinical symptoms was significantly associated with MG infection [OR = 2.52 (2.03–3.13)]. In our analysis, MG was not associated with other STIs. Conclusions MG is a relatively common infection among individuals attending an STI clinic in Guangdong Province. Routine testing of symptomatic patients may be necessary, and more epidemiological studies are needed to provide evidence for future testing guidelines.

AimsThe colonization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) along plant roots in turn facilitates their ability to promote plant growth and health. In this study, we found that Bacillus subtilis strain WM13-24 from the rhizosphere of Haloxylon ammodendron was able to promote the growth of both Arabidopsis and its host plant. Furthermore, we found that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from strain WM13-24 could promote plant growth by stimulating lateral root formation and root hair growth. However, the molecular mechanism underlying WM13-24-stimulated root development is still unknown.MethodsIn this study, a series of Arabidopsis mutants defective in specific plant hormone signaling pathways were used as materials to preliminarily study the effect of VOCs released by strain WM13-24 on plant root development through genetic and pharmacological methods. The volatile compounds of strain WM13-24 were identified by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME–GC–MS).ResultsWM13-24 was able to promote the growth of both Arabidopsis and its host plant, H. ammodendron. Auxin signaling and transport played a crucial role in WM13-24-stimulated changes of root architectures in Arabidopsis. SPME–GC–MS analysis revealed that WM13-24 produces various classes of compounds. We further showed that 2,3-butanediol and benzyl alcohol were active in promoting plant growth and the growth responses of plants to the two VOCs were concentration dependent.ConclusionsAll these results suggested that VOCs emitted from B. subtilis strain WM13-24 from the rhizosphere of H. ammodendron improves root development depending on auxin signaling.

High-density genetic linkage maps are necessary for precisely mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling grain shape and size in wheat. By applying the Infinium iSelect 9K SNP assay, we have constructed a high-density genetic linkage map with 269 F .sub.8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed between a Chinese cornerstone wheat breeding parental line Yanda1817 and a high-yielding line Beinong6. The map contains 2431 SNPs and 128 SSR & EST-SSR markers in a total coverage of 3213.2 cM with an average interval of 1.26 cM per marker. Eighty-eight QTLs for thousand-grain weight (TGW), grain length (GL), grain width (GW) and grain thickness (GT) were detected in nine ecological environments (Beijing, Shijiazhuang and Kaifeng) during five years between 2010-2014 by inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) (LOD[greater than or equal to]2.5). Among which, 17 QTLs for TGW were mapped on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4A, 4D, 5A, 5B and 6B with phenotypic variations ranging from 2.62% to 12.08%. Four stable QTLs for TGW could be detected in five and seven environments, respectively. Thirty-two QTLs for GL were mapped on chromosomes 1B, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3B, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4D, 5A, 5B, 6B, 7A and 7B, with phenotypic variations ranging from 2.62% to 44.39%. QGl.cau-2A.2 can be detected in all the environments with the largest phenotypic variations, indicating that it is a major and stable QTL. For GW, 12 QTLs were identified with phenotypic variations range from 3.69% to 12.30%. We found 27 QTLs for GT with phenotypic variations ranged from 2.55% to 36.42%. In particular, QTL QGt.cau-5A.1 with phenotypic variations of 6.82-23.59% was detected in all the nine environments. Moreover, pleiotropic effects were detected for several QTL loci responsible for grain shape and size that could serve as target regions for fine mapping and marker assisted selection in wheat breeding programs.

Hypertrophic Scar (HS) is a complicated fibrotic disease. In addition, its pathogenesis is still to be further explored. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proved to be participated in multiple diseases, including HS. However, the role of lncRNA TUG1 in HS remains unclear. The expression level of RNA and protein in cells were detected by q-PCR and western blot, respectively. MTT assay was performed to test the cell proliferation. Cell migration was detected by transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Dual luciferase report assay and RNA pull down were used to verify the relationship between TUG1, miR-27b-3p and TAK1.TUG1 and TAK1 were upregulated in HS, while miR-27b-3p was downregulated. Knockdown of TUG1 significantly suppressed the proliferation and migration and induced the apoptosis of HS fibroblasts (HSF). In addition, silencing of TUG1 notably inhibited the extracellular matrix (ECM) biosynthesis in HSF. Overexpression of miR-27b-3p has the same effect on HS as that of TUG1 knockdown. Meanwhile, TUG1 could sponge miR-27b-3p, and TAK1 was the direct target of miR-27b-3p. Furthermore, knockdown of TUG1 significantly suppressed the fibrosis in HS via miR-27b-3p/TAK1/YAP/TAZ axis mediation. LncRNA TUG1 promotes the fibrosis in HS via sponging miR-27b-3p and then activates TAK1/YAP/TAZ pathway, which may serve as a potential target for treatment of HS.

Amaranthus dubius is a leafy vegetable widely cultivated in Asia and Africa. The complete chloroplast genome of Amaranthus dubius was sequenced and assembled in this study. The complete chloroplast genome is 150,520 bp. A total of 130 genes were identified, including 85 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. The overall GC content of this genome was 36.6%. The phylogenetic tree based on 10 chloroplast genomes in Amaranthaceae supports that A. dubius is sister to A. hypochondriacus and A. caudatus.

A Gram-negative aerobic bacterium, strain M30-35 T, was isolated from the rhizosphere of Haloxylon ammodendron in Tengger desert, Gansu province, northwest China. Our previous research indicated that strain M30-35 T can promote the growth of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). In this study, strain M30-35 T was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and two other housekeeping genes (gyrB, rpoD) showed that strain M30-35 T is a member of Pseudomonas anguilliseptica group. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) scores for strains KMM 3042 T and FR1439T were 76.5% and 83.7%, respectively, and DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) were 21.6% and 26.6%, respectively, and the rates were less than the threshold range for species determination. The dominant cellular fatty acids of strain M30-35 T were C16:0 (22.7%), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c; 18.5%), summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c; 23.1%). The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phospholipid and aminophospholipid and the predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone (Q9). On the basis of above data, it can be concluded that strain M30-35 T represents a novel species in the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas rhizovicinus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M30-35 T (= MCCC 1K03247T = KCTC 52664 T).