D1 D2 Research Articles

Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Peniophora Sensu Lato (Russulales, Basidiomycota).

Peniophora is an old corticioid genus, from which two small satellite genera, Dendrophora and Duportella, were derived based on morphological differences. Molecular systematic studies showed that they belong to Peniophoraceae, Russulales, but the inter- and intra-generic phylogenetic relationships are still unclear. Moreover, the species diversity of this group in subtropical and tropical Asia has not been sufficiently investigated and studied. In this study, we carried out an intensive taxonomic and phylogenetic study on Peniophora sensu lato based on analyses of concatenated ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS, Internal Transcribed Spacer) and 28S (D1-D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA) sequence data of all available species worldwide. In the phylogenetic trees, species of Peniophora s. l. (sensu lato) including types of Peniophora s.s. (sensu stricto), Dendrophora and Duportella were interspersed within a strongly supported clade. It means that the morphological delimitations of the three genera are not reliable, and they should be regarded as a large genus. As a result, eight species of Duportella were transferred to Peniophora, although five of them have not been sequenced. Four new distinct lineages, corresponding to Peniophora cremicolor, P. major, P. shenghuae and P. vietnamensis spp. nov., were recovered in the trees. Peniophora taiwanensis is treated as a later synonym of P. malaiensis based on morphological and molecular evidence. Duportella renispora is excluded from Peniophoraceae, because BLAST results of the ITS and 28S sequences of the holotype showed that it is closely related to Amylostereum. Descriptions and illustrations are provided for the four new species, and an identification key is given for all 25 species of Peniophora in China. Our results indicated that the species diversity of the corticioid fungi in Asia is rich and deserves further study.

Effects of Different Commercial Feeds on Growth Performance of Backcrossed Clarias gariepinus Hatchlings

Different commercial feeds were fed to the hatchlings from the backcross of albino hybrid and parental Clarias gariepinus to improve their growth rate and percentage survival. The fish were fed with D1 Aqualis, D2 vital, D3 Skretting, D4 Coppens, and D5 Prime feeds. The results revealed an increase in weight and length gain of the hatchlings. However, the fish fed with Skrettings and Coppens gave the best growth rate. The weight gain was highest in Skretting D3 (18.500±0.042a), followed by Coppens D4 (18.18±0.52), then the Vital feed (17.767±0.07), Aqualis (17.466±0.13) and Prime had the least (17.200±0.20). In the length gain, Skretting and Vital had the same results (4.734±0.10), followed by Coppens (4.633±0.12), Prime (4.567±0.06) and the least was Aqualis (4.100±0.15). Prime had the highest percentage of survival 86%, this was followed by Coppens at 80%, Vital at 73.33%, Skretting at 66.67% and the least Aqualis at 53.33%. The Coppens had the best feed conversion ratio (0.007), while the rest of the treatments had 0.001. The research showed that both skretting and Coppens gave the best results. However, when considering the cost of the feeds skretting should be used since it is cheaper.

Nucleus accumbens shell modulates seizure propagation in a mouse temporal lobe epilepsy model.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of epilepsy with focal seizures which in some conditions can develop into secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures by the propagation of epileptic activities in the temporal lobe to other brain areas. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) has been suggested as a treatment target for TLE as accumulating evidence indicates that the NAc, especially its shell, participates in the process of epileptic seizures of patients and animal models with TLE. The majority of neurons in the NAc are GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs) expressing dopamine receptor D1 (D1R) or dopamine receptor D2 (D2R). However, the direct evidence of the NAc shell participating in the propagation of TLE seizures is missing, and its cell type-specific modulatory roles in TLE seizures are unknown. In this study, we microinjected kainic acid into basolateral amygdala (BLA) to make a mouse model of TLE with initial focal seizures and secondarily generalized seizures (SGSs). We found that TLE seizures caused robust c-fos expression in the NAc shell and increased neuronal excitability of D1R-expressing MSN (D1R-MSN) and D2R-expressing MSN (D2R-MSN). Pharmacological inhibition of the NAc shell alleviated TLE seizures by reducing the number of SGSs and seizure stages. Cell-type-specific chemogenetic inhibition of either D1R-MSN or D2R-MSN showed similar effects with pharmacological inhibition of the NAc shell. Both pharmacological and cell-type-specific chemogenetic inhibition of the NAc shell did not alter the onset time of focal seizures. Collectively, these findings indicate that the NAc shell and its D1R-MSN or D2R-MSN mainly participate in the propagation and generalization of the TLE seizures.

Dopamine D2 receptors in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex modulate social hierarchy in male mice.

Social hierarchy greatly influences behavior and health. Both human and animal studies have signaled the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) as specifically related to social hierarchy. Dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs) and D2 receptors (D2Rs) are abundantly expressed in the mPFC, modulating its functions. However, it is unclear how DR-expressing neurons in the mPFC regulate social hierarchy. Here, using a confrontation tube test, we found that most adult C57BL/6J male mice could establish a linear social rank after 1 week of cohabitation. Lower rank individuals showed social anxiety together with decreased serum testosterone levels. D2R expression was significantly downregulated in the dorsal part of mPFC (dmPFC) in lower rank individuals, whereas D1R expression showed no significant difference among the rank groups in the whole mPFC. Virus knockdown of D2Rs in the dmPFC led to mice being particularly prone to lose the contests in the confrontation tube test. Finally, simultaneous D2R activation in the subordinates and D2R inhibition in the dominants in a pair switched their dominant-subordinate relationship. The above results indicate that D2Rs in the dmPFC play an important role in social dominance. Our findings provide novel insights into the divergent functions of prefrontal D1Rs and D2Rs in social dominance, which may contribute to ameliorating social dysfunctions along with abnormal social hierarchy.

Simultaneous Effect of Resistance Training and Folate Nano-liposome on Dopamine Receptors in the Brain Hippocampus of Alzheimer’s Rats

Background: Alzheimer’s is progressive dementia with loss of nerve cells. Physical activity and the use of nano-pharmaceutical supplements may prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training and Folate nano-liposome on the expression of D1 and D2 receptors in the hippocampal tissue of Alzheimer’s rats. Methods: Thirty-three male Wistar rats at the age of eight weeks were prepared from Pasteur Institute and randomly divided into 5 groups (healthy control, Alzheimer’s control, Alzheimer+resistance training, Alzheimer+Folate nano-liposomes, and Alzheimer+resistance training+Folate nano-liposomes). Alzheimer’s was induced, and Folate nano-liposomes were injected as a supplement. The animals were anesthetized, and the hippocampus was analyzed after the last training session. Eventually, a one-way ANOVA test was used to estimate the differences between groups (P≤0.05). Results: The results of one-way ANOVA showed a significant difference between the groups in terms of D1 mRNA and D2 mRNA (P≤0.000). Based on the results of the Bonferroni post hoc test, there was a significant difference between the control group and the Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s+resistance training, and Alzheimer’s+Folate nano-liposomes. Similarly, a significant difference was found between the Alzheimer’s group and Alzheimer’s+resistance training and Alzheimer’s+resistance training+Folate nano-liposomes (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Resistance training and Folate nano-liposomes changed the content of D1 and D2 in the brain after Alzheimer’s induction. These changes may be partly due to the synergistic effect of physical activity and nano-pharmaceuticals on preventing or reducing the detrimental effects of pathological conditions. Inflammatory factors appear to be associated with neurotrophic factors during activity and exercise in neurodegenerative diseases.

Discriminating Between Primary and Secondary Au Events in a Paragenetically Complex Archean Lode-Gold Deposit, Wawa Gold Corridor, Ontario, Canada

AbstractThe Wawa gold corridor, located in the Michipicoten greenstone belt of the Superior province, Canada, comprises Au-bearing shear zones that crosscut the 2745 Ma Jubilee stock and that evolved during protracted deformation (D1-D3). Numerous generations of sulfide minerals crystallized before, during, and after these deformation events, and gold is associated with D1 arsenopyrite, D2 pyrite, and Bi-Te phases and chalcopyrite in assemblages that crosscut D3 veins. Observations of porosity and inclusions in D1 arsenopyrite and D2 pyrite suggest these sulfides underwent coupled dissolution-reprecipitation reactions. By coupling these textural observations with trace element analysis by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), it is evident that such replacement reactions generated gold from Au previously in solid solution. Conversely, textural relationships among paragenetically late gold and Bi-Te minerals are consistent with the precipitation of these phases from Bi-rich polymetallic melts. Mass balance calculations involving comparisons of the mass of Au in sulfides and the total mass of Au in their associated host rocks indicate that only D1 arsenopyrite contained enough Au to account for whole-rock Au content and overall deposit grade. Although D1 arsenopyrite is less volumetrically abundant than the various pyrite generations present in the deposit, it is often replaced by the later pyrite types, which is compatible with higher initial volumes of arsenopyrite than what is presently observed. It is concluded that the D1 Au + arsenopyrite event was the principal Au-mineralizing event in the Wawa gold corridor and that the other gold-bearing assemblages (i.e., gold + D2 pyrite, gold + Bi-Te phases + chalcopyrite) largely represent secondary mobilization of this primary enrichment. Given that LA-ICP-MS sulfide chemistry is regularly used in orogenic Au research, the approach outlined herein to assess the relative impact of distinct Au- and sulfide-mineralizing events could easily be applied to the study of other Au deposits in which complex hydrothermal parageneses are recognized.

VR-10 polypeptide interacts with CD36 to induce cell apoptosis and autophagy in choroid-retinal endothelial cells: Identification of VR-10 as putative novel therapeutic agent for choroid neovascularization (CNV) treatment

Choroid neovascularization (CNV) is important adverse pathological changes that contributes to the aggravation of hypoxic-ischemic eye diseases, and our preliminary work evidences that the thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) synthetic polypeptide VR-10 may be the candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of CNV, but its detailed effects and molecular mechanisms are not fully delineated. In this study, the CNV models in BN rats were established by using the laser photocoagulation method, which were further subjected to VR-10 peptide treatment. The RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis suggested that VR-10 peptide significantly altered the expression patterns of genes in the rat ocular tissues, and the changed genes were especially enriched in the CD36-associated signal pathways. Next, by performing the Real-Time qPCR and Western Blot analysis, we expectedly found that VR-10 upregulated the anti-angiogenesis biomarker (PEDF) and downregulated pro-angiogenesis biomarkers (VEGF, HIF-1 and IL-17) in rat tissues. In addition, we evidenced that VR-10 downregulated CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin D2 to induce cell cycle arrest, upregulated cleaved Caspase-3, Bax and downregulated Bcl-2 to promote cell apoptosis, and increased LC3B-II/I ratio and facilitate p62 degradation to promote cell autophagy in RF/6A cells, which were all reversed by knocking down CD36. Moreover, VR-10 upregulated PEDF, and decreased the expression levels of VEGF, HIF-1 and IL-17 to block angiogenesis of RF/6A cells in a CD36-dependent manner. Taken together, VR-10 peptide interacts with its receptor CD36 to regulate the biological functions of RF/6A cells, and these data suggest that VR-10 peptide may be the putative therapeutic drug for the treatment of CNV in clinic.

Study of Fractal and Multifractal Features of Pore Structure in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs of the Permian Lucaogou Formation, Jimsar Sag, Junggar Basin, Northwest China.

The primary factor impacting the tight sandstone reservoirs and fluid flow capacity represents the pore-throat structure. On the basis of petrophysical characteristics test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and casting thin-section examination of tight sandstone reservoir specimens from the Permian Lucaogou Formation in Jimsar Sag, Junggar Basin., the full-size pore-throat parameters and distribution characteristics were determined by constant-rate mercury injection (CRMI) analysis. Using fractal theory and multifractal theory, the pore architectures of sandstone pores are analyzed. Mercury intrusion capillary pressure (MICP) is used to compute the dimensions of fractals using various fractal models and multifractal characteristics. Analysis is done on the relationships between tight sandstone pore architectures and fractal and multifractal characteristics. According to the research, a network of tightly packed sandstone pores may be assessed using the dimensions of fractals computed from a 3D capillary model. When displacement pressure is increased, the dimensions of fractals rise; when permeability, pore-throat diameter, and variable coefficient are increased, it falls. Tight sandstone pores exhibit multifractal features, according to the multifractal analysis, and multifractal parameters may depict the size, concentration, and asymmetry of the pore size distribution (PSD). Sandstone’s PSD is comparable when its multifractal parameters (Δα, Δf, α0, α1, α2) are identical. Pore diameters of tight sandstone are positively connected with information dimensions D1 and correlation dimensions D2, and information dimensions D1 have a greater impact on PSD than correlation dimensions D2. Additionally, the 3D capillary model’s dimensions of fractals and D1 exhibit a substantial negative association. These findings play a significant guiding role in the quantitative characterization of unconventional reservoir pore structures. The multifractal technique is effective to define the heterogeneity of the sandstone pore system and to differentiate between distinct PSD in heterogeneity.

Comparison of two different doses of dexmedetomidine in attenuation of haemodynamic response during endotracheal extubation

The data in the published literature on the use of dexmedetomidine in various dosages during extubation from India is modest. We have compared the effectiveness of intravenous dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/Kg body weight and 0.75 µg/Kg body weight during endotracheal extubation. Seventy-four patients aged more than 18 years posted for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were included in this randomised double- blind controlled study. Group D1 and Group D2 patients received 0.5 µg/Kg and 0.75 µg/Kg body weight intravenous dexmedetomidine respectively. The primary outcome measures were to compare haemodynamic parameters, whereas secondary outcome measures were to compare extubation quality, and post-extubation sedation. The mean heart rate at reversal, and after endotracheal extubation was considerably elevated in group D1 as compared to D2. The mean systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure after endotracheal extubation were considerably elevated in group D1 as compared to D2. The mean respiratory rate at reversal, and after endotracheal extubation were considerably elevated in Group D1 as compared to Group D2. The mean sedation score after endotracheal extubation was considerably elevated in Group D2 as compared to Group D1. The haemodynamic parameters were better in Group of patients who received intravenous dexmedetomidine 0.75 µg/Kg body weight as compared to Group of patients who received dexmedetomidine 0.50 µg/Kg during endotracheal extubation.

Novel Freshwater Ascomycetes from Spain.

Freshwater ascomycetes are a group of fungi of great ecological importance because they are involved in decomposition processes and the recycling of organic matter in aquatic ecosystems. The taxonomy of these fungi is complex, with representatives in several orders of the phylum Ascomycota. In the present study, we collected ninety-two samples of plant debris submerged in freshwater in different locations in Spain. The plant specimens were placed in wet chambers and developed several fungi that were later isolated in pure culture. A main phylogenetic tree using the nucleotide sequences of D1–D2 domains of the 28S nrRNA gene (LSU) was built to show the taxonomic placement of all our fungal strains, and, later, individual phylogenies for the different families were built using single or concatenated nucleotide sequences of the most suitable molecular markers. As a result, we found a new species of Amniculicola that produces a coelomycetous asexual state, a new species of Elongatopedicellata that produces an asexual state, a new species of Neovaginatispora that forms both sexual and asexual states in vitro, and the sexual states of two species of Pyrenochaetopsis, none of which have been reported before for these genera. In addition, we describe a new species of Pilidium characterized by the production of copper-colored globose conidiomata, and of Pseudosigmoidea, which produces well-developed conidiophores.

Experimental analysis of pore structure and fractal characteristics of soft and hard coals with same coalification

Accurate and quantitative investigation of the physical structure and fractal geometry of coal has important theoretical and practical significance for coal bed methane (CBM) development and the prevention of dynamic disasters such as coal and gas outbursts. This study investigates the pore structure and fractal characteristics of soft and hard coals using nitrogen and carbon dioxide (N2/CO2) adsorption. Coal samples from Pingdingshan Mine in Henan province of China were collected and pulverized to the required size (0.20–0.25 mm). N2/CO2 adsorption tests were performed to evaluate the specific surface area (SSA), pore size distribution (PSD), and pore volume (PV) using Braunuer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH), and Density Functional Theory (DFT). The pore structure was characterized based on the theory of fractal dimensions. The results unveiled that the strength of coal has a significant influence on pore structure and fractal dimensions. There are significant differences in SSA and PV between both coals. The BJH-PV and BET-SSA obtained by N2-adsorption for soft coal are 0.029–0.032 cm3/g and 3.523–4.783 m2/g. While the values of PV and SSA obtained by CO2-adsorption are 0.037–0.039 cm3/g and 106.016–111.870 m2/g. Soft coal shows greater SSA and PV than hard coal, which is consistent with the adsorption capacity ({V}_{mathrm{L}}). The fractal dimensions of soft and hard coal are respectively different. The Ding coal exhibits larger D1 and smaller D2, and the reverse for the Wu coal seam is observed. The greater the value of D1 (complexity of pore surface) of soft coal is, the larger the pore surface roughness and gas adsorption capacity is. The results enable us to conclude that the characterization of pores and fractal dimensions of soft and hard coals is different, tending to different adsorption/desorption characteristics. In this regard, the results provide a reference for formulating corresponding coal and gas outburst prevention and control measures.

Synthesizing Near‐Ultraviolet‐Absorbed Donor for Transparent Polymer Solar Cells

Wavelength‐selective transparent polymer solar cells (T‐PSCs) have huge developing potential in power‐window applications for their excellent visible transparency and high color‐rendering index. However, the main research interest of devices until now is focused on near‐infrared absorbers for both polymer donor and nonfullerene small‐molecule acceptor (NF‐SMA) due to the lack of appropriate near‐ultraviolet absorbers. Herein, the successful implementation of the T‐PSC devices based on novel kinds of near‐ultraviolet polymer donors combined with a near‐infrared NF‐SMA Y6 is reported. The reported polymer donors are “D1–D2”‐type copolymers employing fluorene and triphenylamine as the two electron‐donating units. The best‐performed one not only shows ultrawide optical bandgap (2.87 eV), leading to high average visible transmittance (AVT) of 96.8% in the thin film, but also has efficient hole mobility (about 5.0 × 10−6 cm2 V−1 s−1), well‐matched frontier molecular orbital energy levels, and good miscibility with Y6. As a result, the T‐PSC device is obtained with an AVT of 51.4% and PCE of 3.15%, along with favorable light utilization efficiency (LUE) of 1.62% and CRI of 91.6. This is the first example that uses near‐ultraviolet‐absorbed polymer donor to achieve high‐efficiency T‐PSC devices.

Fault-controlled hydrothermal dolomitization of Middle Permian in southeastern Sichuan Basin, SW China, and its temporal relationship with the Emeishan Large Igneous Province: New insights from multi-geochemical proxies and carbonate U–Pb dating

The mechanism of fault-controlled hydrothermal dolomitization has long been controversial due to its complicated tectonic and diagenetic conditions, especially for the source of dolomitizing fluids and its hydrological driving models. In the southeastern Sichuan Basin, fracture-related dolomite bodies are well developed in a Middle Permian carbonate succession, providing an example of dolomitization and its relationship with regional tectonic activities. Previously, many of the dolomites in the Sichuan Basin have been interpreted as of hydrothermal origin but are usually poorly defined since it is hard to determine the nature and timing of dolomitization. In the current study, new petrographic, geochemical, and chronological data of Middle Permian dolomites have been integrated and allowed the classification of those dolomites into two categories (replacive dolomites of D1–D2 and fracture-/vug-filling dolomites of D3–D5). Calcite (C1–C3) and other non‑carbonate cements have also been found. The near-micritic dolomite (D1) was formed at the near-surface to early burial stage, likely from modified seawaters, which was reflected by its similar δ18Ofluid estimates of the parent dolomitizing fluids and rare earth element patterns to matrix lime mudstone, as well as the fabric retentive texture. The fabric destructive (D2) and fracture-/vug-filling dolomites (D3–D5) are characterized by the high estimates of δ18Ofluid of their parent dolomitizing fluids, high 87Sr/86Sr ratios, high Fe and Mn concentrations, positive Eu anomalies, high Th values, and high salinity estimates, indicating a hydrothermal origin. However, the limestone-like δ13CVPDB and strongly negative Ce anomalies of D2–D5 suggest that these dolomites may have originally evolved from seawater-derived fluids which circulated in the basal clastic rocks and flowed upwards by thermal convection through fault systems. New U–Pb ages bracketed a time range of these dolomites from 251 ± 11 Ma to 264 ± 10 Ma, coinciding with the emplacement of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (~257–260 Ma). This may imply that the contemporary basement faulting and associated abnormal thermal event in southeastern Sichuan Basin still remotely echoed with the activities of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province, although the study area was far away from its eruption center. It facilitated the fluid circulation through fault systems and underlying sandstone aquifers and thus drove fault-controlled hydrothermal dolomitization at shallow burial backgrounds.

Test Of Various Bulbil Sizes And Dolomite Dosages On Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume.) Growth In Peat Media

Porang plant (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume.) is one of the plants that have the potential to be cultivated in peatlands needed to increase its production. This study aims to increase the growth of smallholder plants on peat media until six months after planting through bulbil size with dolomite treatment. The research type was a 4x3 factorial experiment arranged based on a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The first factor is bulbil size which consists of four levels, e.g., B1 (5.0 g-7.5 g), B2 (>7.5 g-10 g), B3 (>10 g-12.5 g), B4 (> 12.5 g-15.0 g) and the second factor dose of dolomite consists of three levels, e.g., D1 (2.5 ton.ha-1) D2 (5.0 ton.ha-1) D3 (7.5 ton.ha-1) -1). These two factors resulted in 12 treatment combinations, with three repetitions. Each experimental unit consisted of three plants. Parameters observed were growth power, plant height, stem diameter, crown width, rachis length, number of leaves, number of tillers, and number of tubers formed. The results showed that the application of dolomite could improve some of the chemical properties of peat soil. The bigger the bulbil size, the better the growth of people and the administration of 7.5 tons of dolomite.ha-1 increased several plant growth parameters such as growth power and plant height.

Electroacupuncture Alleviates Anxiety-Like Behaviors Induced by Chronic Neuropathic Pain via Regulating Different Dopamine Receptors of the Basolateral Amygdala

Chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain, causes anxiety and other negative emotions, which aggravates the pain sensation and increases the risk of chronic pain over time. Dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) and dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) have been implicated in mediating anxiety-related behaviors, but their potential roles in the BLA in neuropathic pain-induced anxiety have not been examined. Electroacupuncture (EA) is commonly used to treat chronic pain and emotional disorders, but it is still unclear whether EA plays a role in analgesia and anxiety relief through DRD1 and DRD2 in the BLA. Here, we used western blotting to examine the expression of DRD1 and DRD2 and pharmacological regulation combined with behavioral testing to detect anxiety-like behaviors. We observed that injection of the DRD1 antagonist SCH23390 or the DRD2 agonist quinpirole into the BLA contributed to anxiety-like behaviors in naive mice. EA also activated DRD1 or inhibited DRD2 in the BLA to alleviate anxiety-like behaviors. To further demonstrate the role of DRD1 and DRD2 in the BLA in spared nerve injury (SNI) model-induced anxiety-like behaviors, we injected the DRD1 agonist SKF38393 or the DRD2 antagonist sulpiride into the BLA. We found that both activation of DRD1 and inhibition of DRD2 could alleviate SNI-induced anxiety-like behaviors, and EA had a similar effect of alleviating anxiety. Additionally, neither DRD1 nor DRD2 in the BLA affected SNI-induced mechanical allodynia, but EA did. Overall, our work provides new insights into the mechanisms of neuropathic pain-induced anxiety and a possible explanation for the effect of EA treatment on anxiety caused by chronic pain.

The foot drawing method: reliability of measuring foot length and outward rotation in children with clubfoot

BackgroundThe Ponseti method is the gold standard for clubfoot treatment. However, relapse and residual gait deviations are common, and follow-up until 7 years of age is recommended. We evaluated the reliability of the foot drawing method, a new instrument for the follow-up of clubfoot. The method uses drawings of the foot in the neutral position and external rotation to measure foot length and outward rotation.MethodsNineteen children aged 2.5–7 years who were treated with the Ponseti method for congenital clubfoot were included. Two raters made the drawings twice (D1 and D2). Each rater measured foot length, foot rotation, and foot–tibial rotation independently (D1). Later, the raters repeated the measurements (D2). Interrater reliability was assessed using the D1 from each rater. Intrarater reliability was assessed using the measurements from each rater’s D1 and D2. Bland–Altman plots were used to visualize the limits of agreement (LoA). The mean, 95% confidence interval, and one standard deviation of the differences in all measurements were calculated.ResultsThe mean differences between and within raters were: foot length < 1 mm, foot rotation < 1°, and foot–tibia rotation < 2°, which indicated no systematic differences. The LoA for foot length were: 4.5 mm and 5.9 mm between raters for D1, − 4.8 mm and 5.9 mm for rater 1 (D1–D2), and − 5.1 mm and 5 mm for rater 2 (D1–D2). The LoA for foot rotation: were − 12° and 10.6° between raters (D1), − 8.4° and 6.6° for rater 1 (D1–D2), and − 14° and 14.1° for rater 2 (D1–D2). The LoA for foot–tibia rotation were: − 17.8° and 14.3° between raters (D1), − 12° and 12.2° for rater 1 (D1–D2), and − 12.7° and 13.6° for rater 2 (D1– D2).ConclusionsThe absence of systematic differences between and within raters, and LoA observed indicate that the foot drawing method is applicable in clinical practice and research. However, the results of the foot and foot–tibia rotation analyses imply that caution is needed when interpreting changes in foot rotation in feet with higher degrees of rotation.

Study of the Microstructural Characteristics of Low-Rank Coal under Different Degassing Pressures

Low-rank coal samples from the Xishanyao Formation in the southern Junggar basin of Xinjiang were processed under different negative pressures in order to examine the microstructural characteristics of low-rank coal reservoirs. The pore structures of low-rank coal under different negative pressures were tested using scanning electron microscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and water saturation and centrifugal low-field NMR experiments. The results showed that for the low-rank coal samples from the study area, a high portion of the porosity and surface area came from micropores and small pores; the fractal dimension of the adsorption pores of the low-rank coal samples was divided into surface fractal dimension D1 and structural fractal dimension D2, which showed that the microstructure of the low-rank coal from the study area was complex. The transverse relaxation times T2 of the low-rank coal samples in the test were approximately 0.1~2.5, approximately 10, and greater than 100 ms; the T2 spectrum had basically three peak types. By combining scanning electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance tests, it was concluded that the pore connectivity of the low-rank coal reservoirs in the study area was poor and the effective porosity was relatively low, which may be unfavorable for the exploration and development of coalbed methane.

A Novel SNP in the Promoter Region of IGF1 Associated With Yunshang Black Goat Kidding Number via Promoting Transcription Activity by SP1.

IGF1, a member of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) superfamily, is also known as the growth-promoting factor (somatomedin C). IGF1 is involved in vertebrate growth and development, immunity, cell metabolism, reproduction, and breeding. However, there are relatively few studies on the relationship between IGF1 and goat reproduction. In this study, a new transcription factor SP1 bound to the IGF1 g. 64943050T>C promoted granulosa cell (GC) proliferation. A mutation g.64943050T>C located in the promoter region of IGF1 was identified. Association analysis revealed that the kidding number in the first and second litters and the average number of first three litters of the CC genotype (2.206 ± 0.044, 2.254 ± 0.056, and 2.251 ± 0.031) were significantly higher than those in the TC genotype (1.832 ± 0.049, 1.982 ± 0.06, and 1.921 ± 0.034) and TT genotype (1.860 ± 0.090, 1.968 ± 0.117, and 1.924 ± 0.062) (p < 0.05). The kidding number in the third litter of the CC genotype (2.355 ± 0.057) was significantly higher than that in the TT genotype (2.000 ± 0.107) (p < 0.05). Then, the function of this mutation was validated by the dual-luciferase reporter assay and EMSA. The results showed that the luciferase activity of IGF1-mutant-C was significantly higher than that of IGF1-Wild-T (p < 0.05). The EMSA also showed that the binding ability of IGF1-mutant-C was higher than that of IGF1-Wild-T (p < 0.05). Subsequently, the transcription factor SP1 was predicted to bind to the mutation of IGF1 (g.64943050T>C). Overexpression of SP1 promotes the expression of IGF1 in the primary granulosa cells (GCs). The results of the CCK-8 assay and the expression of GC proliferation factors (CDK4, cyclin D1, and cyclin D2) demonstrated that SP1 promoted GC proliferation by regulating IGF1 expression. Our results suggested that the IGF1 g.64943050T>C was significantly associated with the kidding number of Yunshang black goats, and SP1 as a transcription factor of IGF1 binding to the mutation T>C regulated the expression of IGF1. Furthermore, SP1 promoted goat GC proliferation by regulating the expression of IGF1, which provides a new insight for the goat fertility trait.

Whole genome sequencing and phylogenomic analysis show support for the splitting of genus Pythium

ABSTRACT The genus Pythium (nom. cons.) sensu lato (s.l.) is composed of many important species of plant pathogens. Early molecular phylogenetic studies suggested paraphyly of Pythium, which led to a formal proposal by Uzuhashi and colleagues in 2010 to split the genus into Pythium sensu stricto (s.s.), Elongisporangium, Globisporangium, Ovatisporangium (= Phytopythium), and Pilasporangium using morphological characters and phylogenies of the mt cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (cox2) and D1–D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA. Although the split was fairly justified by the delineating morphological characters, there were weaknesses in the molecular analyses, which created reluctance in the scientific community to adopt these new genera for the description of new species. In this study, this issue was addressed using phylogenomics. Whole genomes of 109 strains of Pythium and close relatives were sequenced, assembled, and annotated. These data were combined with 10 genomes sequenced in previous studies. Phylogenomic analyses were performed with 148 single-copy genes represented in at least 90% of the taxa in the data set. The results showed support for the division of Pythium s.l. The status of alternative generic names that have been used for species of Pythium in the past (e.g., Artotrogus, Cystosiphon, Eupythium, Nematosporangium, Rheosporangium, Sphaerosporangium) was investigated. Based on our molecular analyses and review of the Pythium generic concepts, we urge the scientific community to adopt the generic names Pythium, Elongisporangium, Globisporangium, and their concepts as proposed by Uzuhashi and colleagues in 2010 in their work going forward. In order to consolidate the taxonomy of these genera, some of the recently described Pythium spp. are transferred to Elongisporangium and Globisporangium.

Regulation of Cdc42 signaling by the dopamine D2 receptor in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

Substantial spine loss in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and abnormal behaviors are common features of Parkinson's disease (PD). The caudate putamen (CPu) mainly contains MSNs expressing dopamine D1 receptor (dMSNs) and dopamine D2 receptor (iMSNs) exerting critical effects on motor and cognition behavior. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to spine loss and abnormal behaviors in dMSNs and iMSNs under parkinsonian state remain unknown. In the present study, we revealed that Cell division control protein 42 (Cdc42) signaling was significantly decreased in the caudate putamen (CPu) in parkinsonian mice. In addition, overexpression of constitutively active Cdc42 in the CPu reversed spine abnormalities and improved the behavior deficits in parkinsonian mice. Utilizing conditional dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) or D2 receptor (D2R) knockout mice, we found that such a decrease under parkinsonian state was further reduced by conditional knockout of the D2R but not D1R. Moreover, the thin spine loss in iMSNs and deficits in motor coordination and cognition induced by conditional knockout of D2R were reversed by overexpression of constitutively active Cdc42 in the CPu. Additionally, conditional knockout of Cdc42 from D2R‐positive neurons in the CPu was sufficient to induce spine and behavior deficits similar to those observed in parkinsonian mice. Overall, our results indicate that impaired Cdc42 signaling regulated by D2R plays an important role in spine loss and behavioral deficits in PD.