Mid Stages Research Articles

Immunohistochemical localization of 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and progesterone receptors in the ovary and placenta during gestation of the placentotrophic lizard Mabuya sp (Squamata: Scincidae)

In squamates, progesterone (P) plays a key role in the inhibition of uterine mobility during egg retention in oviparous species, and during gestation in viviparous species. The corpus luteum (CL) is the main organ responsible for the production of P; however, in some species, the CL degenerates early and the P needed for gestation maintenance should be produced in other tissues. Mabuya sp (Scincidae) is a viviparous lizard with a prolonged gestation, it produces microlecithal eggs and, consequently, has an obligate placentotrophy related with a highly complex placenta. Its CL degenerates at early stages of gestation and therefore, other sources of P should exist. The aim of this study was to determine and localize by immunohistochemistry the production of P by detection of the enzyme 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and P receptors (PR) during gestation in the ovary and placenta of Mabuya sp. Positive and negative control sections were used. The ovary of this species localizes 3β-HSD and PR in the same tissues. The CL of the ovaries of females at early stages of gestation were positive for both molecules, whereas they did not localize from mid gestation to the end of pregnancy. Previtellogenic and vitellogenic follicles labelled for both molecules in the follicular epithelium and thecae. The placenta of Mabuya sp. demonstrated the potential for P production from mid gestation to the end of gestation in the uterine and chorionic tissues. PR were located in the uterine tissues throughout gestation, with a decrease towards its completion. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of 3β-HSD mainly in the ovary of early pregnant females and in the placental tissues at mid gestation stages. Therefore, the chorioallantoic placenta of Mabuya sp. has an endocrine function producing the P needed for gestation and replacing the CL from mid gestation to the end of pregnancy.

Efficacy of management approaches against cucurbit fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae coquillett) of bitter gourd

Field and laboratory studies were carried out to find out the extent of fruit fly infestation at different fruiting stages of bitter gourd as well as to determine the efficacy of some pesticidal and other control approaches applied either separately or in combination. The pesticidal efficacy of three commonly used insecticides such as secufon, malathion, karate and karanja oil as botanicals with the concentrations of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00% respectively was determined against the larvae of cucurbit fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae in the laboratory based on mortality at different time intervals. All the pesticides caused maximum mortality at 72 h with 1.00% concentration. The level of fruit fly infestation at different fruiting stages of bitter gourd ranged from 8.91% to 88.19%, 9.24% to 94.89% and 5.01% to 89.27% at early, mid and late fruiting stage, respectively. Soil treatment with furadan @ 10kgha-1 + bagging of fruits showed significantly lowest infestation (9.46%) which was ten times lower than that of untreated control (91.43%). The other control approaches viz., sex pheromone, bait trap with secufon + cucurbit chop, bait trap consisted of secufon + banana chop reduced fruit fly infestation to a significant level. The highest number (83.67) of flies trapped at mid fruiting stage of bitter gourd was recorded in sex pheromone trap while the ratio of male and female flies ranged from 1.13 to 1.24 in the trapped individuals.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(4): 757-766, December 2017

Expression and copy number gains of the RET gene in 631 early and mid stage non-small cell lung cancer cases.

BackgroundTo identify whether RET is a potential target for NSCLC treatment, we examined the status of the RET gene in 631 early and mid stage NSCLC cases from south central China.Methods RET expression was identified by Western blot. RET‐positive expression samples were verified by immunohistochemistry. RET gene mutation, copy number variation, and rearrangement were analyzed by DNA Sanger sequencing, TaqMan copy number assays, and reverse transcription‐PCR. ALK and ROS1 expression levels were tested by Western blot and EGFR mutation using Sanger sequencing.ResultsThe RET‐positive rate was 2.5% (16/631). RET‐positive expression was related to poorer tumor differentiation (P < 0.05). In the 16 RET‐positive samples, only two samples of moderately and poorly differentiated lung adenocarcinomas displayed RET rearrangement, both in RET‐KIF5B fusion partners. Neither ALK nor ROS1 translocation was found. The EGFR mutation rate in RET‐positive samples was significantly lower than in RET‐negative samples (P < 0.05).Conclusion RET‐positive expression in early and mid stage NSCLC cases from south central China is relatively low and is related to poorer tumor differentiation. RET gene alterations (copy number gain and rearrangement) exist in all RET‐positive samples. RET‐positive expression is a relatively independent factor in NSCLC patients, which indicates that the RET gene may be a novel target site for personalized treatment of NSCLC.

Dance therapy for Parkinson's disease: A randomised feasibility trial

Background/Aims: To examine the feasibility of two dance programmes for people with Parkinson's disease directed towards improving mobility, balance, gait, and quality of life. Methods: A pilot randomised controlled trial was conducted in Australia. People with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who scored I–IV on the modified Hoehn and Yahr scale were randomly allocated to one of two groups: Argentine tango or mixed-genre (incorporating several dance styles) therapeutic dancing. Dance classes were conducted for 1 hour, once a week for 8 weeks. Concurrently, participants completed a home dance programme. They received a video with 40 minutes of dance steps to be performed at home once a week. In-person group classes comprised a 10-minute warm-up, 45 minutes of dancing routines, and a 5-minute cool-down. Feasibility was the primary outcome, quantified by the number of people agreeing to participate, completion of pre- and post-intervention assessments, attendance, compliance with the classes, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes included mobility, balance, gait, motor disability, and quality of life. Findings: A total of 42 people were screened and 21 participated in the classes. Of these, 18 returned for reassessments. The average compliance with the eight group dance classes was 70% (six classes). No adverse events occurred. Among the secondary outcome variables, statistically significant improvements occurred in mobility, balance, and motor disability in the tango group. Freezing of gait improved for the mixed-dance group. Conclusions: Argentine tango and mixed-genre therapeutic dancing classes accompanied by home programmes are feasible and safe for people in the early to mid stages of Parkinson's disease.

Integrated Management of Fusarium Wilt-Root Knot Nematode Complex on Tomato in Central Highlands of Kenya

Tomato plays a critical role in meeting nutritional food requirements, generating income and creating employment for both the rural and urban populations in Kenya. However, its production is threatened by the Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici, root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp), Fusarium wilt-root-knot nematode complex and Tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) among others. Yield losses of 80-100% in some instances, have been reported due to the Fusarium wilt - root knot nematode complex. Field experiments were set up in two sites (Kagio and Mwea) in Kirinyaga County in Central highlands of Kenya to evaluate the effectiveness of various Integrated Pest Management (IPM) packages for the management of fusarium wilt-root knot nematode disease complex in tomatoes. The trials were established in two seasons, the long rains (March – July 2016) and the short rains (September 2016- January 2017). The IPM packages tested were NatuGro system (a combination of soil improvers, plant biostimulants and Trichoderma harzianum T22), a fungicide (carbendazim), Nemix (Bacillus sp. based biocontrol agent) and bionematicide (Paecilomyces lilacinus T251) applied either singly or in combination. Root knot nematode (RKN) gall index, as a measure of nematode disease severity was assessed twice during the experimental period; at flowering and mid fruit stage, while severity of fusarium wilt was assessed using the vascular wilt rating scale of 0-5. Fusarium wilt incidence was evaluated biweekly from 2 weeks after transplanting by visual assessment of wilt symptoms and expressing them as a percentage of total number of plants per plot. Both total and marketable tomato yields were determined at the end of the experimental period (4 months after transplanting). Integrating NatuGro system, Carbendazim and P. lilacinus was most effective in reducing RKN disease severity and damage and improving tomato growth followed by NatuGro system applied singly. Fusarium wilt severity and incidence were low throughout the experimental period and in all the treatments in both experimental sites.

Milk quality characteristics of indigenous sheep breeds Boutsko, Frisarta and Karagouniko

In this study, the chemical and microbiological characteristics of ovine milk from three indigenous Greek breeds, Boutsko, Frisarta and Karagouniko were examined, while reared in the semi mountainous areas. The milk yield of each sheep breed was recorded at the early, mid and late stages of lactation for two consecutive years. The average composition of the samples of ewe’s milk used in this study was similar for protein, lactose and total solids among the three; however fat values were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) in Frisarta milk compared to Boutsko and Karagouniko. Total viable cells of Boutsko and Karagouniko raw milk were lower (p&lt;0.05) than those of Frisarta. Enterobacteria detected in bulk raw milk from Boutsko and Frizarta breeds were in lower numbers (p&lt;0.05) compared to milk from Karagouniko breed. Somatic cells were also counted in lower numbers in milk collected from Boutsko and Karagouniko breeds compared to Frisarta. The percentage of detected as potentially pathogenic bacteria (coagulase negative staphylococci and enterobacteriae) was higher in the milk from Frisarta sheep milk.

Interleukin 22 prevents lipopolysaccharide- induced preterm labor in mice.

Preterm birth is widespread and causes 35% of all neonatal deaths. Infants who survive face potential long-term complications. A major contributing factor of preterm birth is infection. We investigated the role of interleukin 22 (IL22) as a potential clinically relevant cytokine during gestational infection. IL22 is an effector molecule secreted by immune cells. While the expression of IL22 was reported in normal nonpregnant endometrium and early pregnancy decidua, little is known about uterine IL22 expression during mid or late gestational stages of pregnancy. Since IL22 has been shown to be an essential mediator in epithelial regeneration and wound repair, we investigated the potential role of IL22 during defense against an inflammatory response at the maternal-fetal interface. We used a well-established model to study infection and infection-associated inflammation during preterm birth in the mouse. We have shown that IL22 is upregulated to respond to an intrauterine lipopolysaccharide administration and plays an important role in controlling the risk of inflammation-induced preterm birth. This paper proposes IL22 as a treatment method to combat infection and prevent preterm birth in susceptible patients.

The effect of solid sewage waste (sludge) on the sandy soil Moisture retention and mean weight diameter

A field experiment were conducted in Al-Najme field's bergessa region, which is located in Zubair district of Basrah governorate, in spring season 2016. The soil texture was Sandy Loam. The aims of the experiments are to study the effect of different levels of sludge and incubation periods on some physical of the soil during the growing stages of sorghum crop (Sorghum bicolor L.) (middle of the season, 40 days from the sowing dates) and the end of the growing stage, after the harvest and depths of application (0-30) cm (d1) and (30-60) cm (d2) in addition to the growing and production parameters. The sludge factor includes five levels 0 (S0), 25 (S1), 50 (S2), 75 (S3) and 100 tons ha-1 (S4). The incubation before seeds sowing factor included three levels namely, 30 (T1), 60 (T2), and 90 (T3).The statistical design used R.C.B.D. The field area was divided into three equal areas blocks The blocks were smoothly leveled. Each block was divided into 15 units. The treatments were randomly distributed in each block. The sorghum seeds were sown in row in 1/4/2016.The irrigation water was added according to the reduction in the water of the basin due to evaporation. The irrigation water amount was equal to 100% of the amount evaporated plus 20% as leaching requirement. Crop harvesting was carried out in 10/7/2016.The results of the experiment showed the followings: Soil water content (pw) significantly increased due to addition of sludge .S4 recorded the highest value of pw while S0 recorded the lowest value.S1, S2, S3 recorded medium value of pw at mid and end stages of crop growth. Incubation period of 90 days surpassed 30 and 60 day periods at mid and end stages of growth.d2 significantly surpassed d1in increasing pw, where as pw decreased at the end of growth stage compared with the mid stage. The sludge significantly increased MWD at mid and final stages of growth of sorghum crop.S4 and S3 recorded the highest values while S0 recorded the lowest values of MWD. MWD values also increased with incubation periods while decreased with depth of application the final stage of growth gave higher values of MWD compared with mid stage.

The effect of solid sewage waste (sludge) on some physical properties of sandy soil

A field experiment were conducted in Al-Najme field's bergessa region, which is located in Zubair district Basrah governorate, in spring season 2016. The soil texture was Loamy Sand. The aims of the experiments are to study the effect of different levels of sludge and incubation periods on some physical and chemical properties of the soil during the growing stages of sorghum crop (Sorghum bicolor L.) (middle of the season, 40 days from the sowing dates) and the end of the growing stage, after the harvest and depths of application (0-30) cm (d1) and (30-60) cm (d2) in addition to the growing and production parameters. The sludge factor includes five levels 0 (S0), 25 (S1), 50 (S2), 75 (S3) and 100 tons ha-1 (S4). The incubation before seeds sowing factor included three levels namely, 30 (T1), 60 (T2), and 90 (T3).The statistical design used R.C.B.D. The field area was divided into three equal areas blocks The blocks were smoothly leveled . Each block was divided into 15 units. The treatments were randomly distributed in each block. The sorghum seeds were sown in row in 1/4/2016.The irrigation water was added according to the reduction in the water of the basin due to evaporation. The irrigation water amount was equal to 100% of the amount evaporated plus 20% as leaching requirement. Crop harvesting was carried out in 10/7/2016.The results of the experiment showed the followings: Soil water content (pw) significantly increased due to addition of sludge .S4 recorded the highest value of pw while S0 recorded the lowest value.S1, S2, S3 recorded medium value of pw at mid and end stages of crop growth. Incubation period of 90 days surpassed 30 and 60 day periods at mid and end stages of growth.d2 significantly surpassed d1in increasing pw, where as pw decreased at the end of growth stage compared with the mid stage. The sludge significantly increased MWD at mid and final stages of growth of sorghum crop.S4 and S3 recorded the highest values while S0 recorded the lowest values of MWD. MWD values also increased with incubation periods while decreased with depth of application the final stage of growth gave higher values of MWD compared with mid stage.

Central Hypoxia Elicits Long-Term Expression of the Lung Motor Pattern in Pre-metamorphic Lithobates Catesbeianus.

During vertebrate development, the neural networks underlying air-breathing undergo changes in connectivity and functionality, allowing lung ventilation to emerge. Yet, the factors regulating development of these critical homeostatic networks remain unresolved. In amphibians, air-breathing occurs sporadically prior to metamorphosis. However, in tadpoles of Lithobates catesbeianus (American bullfrog), hypoxia stimulates gill and lung ventilation during early development. Because accelerated metamorphosis is a useful strategy to escape deterioration of the milieu, we hypothesized that central hypoxia would elicit long-term expression of the lung motor command for air breathing in pre-metamorphic tadpoles (TK stages VI-XIII). To do this, we recorded respiratory activity from cranial nerves V and VII in isolated brainstems before, during, and up to 2 h after exposure to 15 min of mild (PwO2 range: 114-152 Torr) or moderate (PwO2 range: 38-76 Torr) hypoxia. To test for stage-dependent effects, data were compared between early (VI-IX) and mid (X-XIII) stages. Early stages responded strongly during moderate hypoxia with increased lung burst frequency (167%). Mild and moderate hypoxia increased lung burst frequency during the 2 h re-oxygenation period in early stage brainstems (136%, 497%, respectively), but produced only marginal effects on mid stage brainstems (39%, 31%, respectively). In contrast, hypoxia was not an important factor controlling fictive buccal burst frequency, which drives continuous gill ventilation in tadpoles prior to metamorphosis (all stages showed <25% increase). These preliminary results suggest that central hypoxia elicits long-term increases in lung burst frequency in a severity- and stage-dependent manner.

Bearing behaviour and correlation of fruit development stages with weather parameters in Kinnow mandarin under semi-arid irrigated conditions

The present investigations were carried out with the objective to find the basic understanding of bearing behavior of Kinnow and correlation of fruit development stages with weather parameters. During four years of study, two years were observed as on years (high yield) and two years off years (low yield). There was 20–25 per cent yield reduction in off year. It was observed that during off years, flowering was delayed (19th March) with reduced flowering duration (12 days) and days to form flower (15 days) as compared to early flowering (11th and 14th March) with more flowering duration (15 and 14 days) and days to form flower (18) during on years. No much variation in flowering density was observed in on and off years. Among yield parameters June drop was higher (66.97% and 69.77%) which results in less fruit retention (16.96% and 14.78%) during off years in comparison to less June drop (53.60% and 59.50%) and more fruit retention (21.37% and 19.54%) during on years. Average fruit weight was also less in off years (153.44 and 162.18g) as compared to on years (174.12 and 178.14g). During off years’ leaf potassium content was found in deficient range. So, it may be concluded that delay in flowering, more June drop, less fruit weight and deficient leaf potassium content are responsible for low yield in Kinnow during off year. However, no significant involvement of peel content, juice content and residue content was observed. Temperature and pan evaporation were positively correlated with fruit growth parameters (diameter, fresh weight and dry weight) during early fruit growth stage (April-May) and a negetive correlation with mid (June-Sept.) and late fruit growth stages (Oct-Dec). Whereas, Temperature and pan evaporation showed significantly positive correlation with peel thickness during early and mid fruit growth stages and negative during later growth stages.

Machine milking parameters for an efficient and healthy milking in dairy camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The effect of vacuum level and pulsation rate on machine milking efficiency in lactating dromedary camels were studied in 2 separate experiments. In the first experiment, a total of 14 multiparous camels in early (n=7) and late (n=7) lactation were used to study the effects of vacuum level (45 and 50 kPa) and pulsation rate (52 and 60 pulsations/min) on milk fractionation and flows traits. At the morning milking, volumes of machine milk (MM), machine stripping milk (MSM) and residual milk (RM) were recorded at two different days. For the second experiment, another 10 multiparous dromedary camels at mid stage of lactation were used to evaluate teat condition and udder health during 10 weeks. Milk samples were collected weekly at each milking and analysed for major milk constitutes and udder health. The 50 kPa vacuum level and 60 pulsations/min decreased (P<0.05) the MSM (from 15.2 to 5.9%) and RM (from 44.1 to 29.8%) compared to 45 kPa and 52 pulsation rate. Moreover, milking camels at high vacuum level resulted in significantly more milk in a shorter time with higher milk flows rate at early stage of lactation. No subclinical mastitis was detected in any of udders quarters as indicated by the CMT (<1), SCC (387×103±86 cells/mL) and bacteriology (coliform=0 and total flora=32097±396 ufc/mL) test. There were no differences in teat diameters, texture and color before and after milking. In conclusion, dromedary camels are readily to milk efficiently at 50 kPa and 60 pulsations/min without affecting negatively teat condition or udder health.

Transrectal ultrasonography of uterus during early to mid stage of gestation in goats

Transrectal ultrasonography of uterus during early to mid stage of gestation in goats

β-Glucosidase activity in almond seeds

Almond bitterness is the most important trait for breeding programs since bitter-kernelled seedlings are usually discarded. Amygdalin and its precursor prunasin are hydrolyzed by specific enzymes called β-glucosidases. In order to better understand the genetic control of almond bitterness, some studies have shown differences in the location of prunasin hydrolases (PH, the β-glucosidase that degrades prunasin) in sweet and bitter genotypes. The aim of this work was to isolate and characterize different PHs in sweet- and bitter-kernelled almonds to determine whether differences in their genomic or protein sequences are responsible for the sweet or bitter taste of their seeds. RNA was extracted from the tegument, nucellus and cotyledon of one sweet (Lauranne) and two bitter (D05–187 and S3067) almond genotypes throughout fruit ripening. Sequences of nine positive Phs were then obtained from all of the genotypes by RT-PCR and cloning. These clones, from mid ripening stage, were expressed in a heterologous system in tobacco plants by agroinfiltration. The PH activity was detected using the Feigl-Anger method and quantifying the hydrogen cyanide released with prunasin as substrate. Furthermore, β-glucosidase activity was detected by Fast Blue BB salt and Umbelliferyl method. Differences at the sequence level (SNPs) and in the activity assays were detected, although no correlation with bitterness was found.

Effects of different water regimes and nitrogen application strategies on grain filling characteristics and grain yield in hybrid rice

ABSTRACTIn order to optimize N application and understand how the different combinations of water and N management affect grain filling characteristics and yield, we designed three irrigation regimes (W1 submerged irrigation, W2 alternate irrigation, W3 dry cultivation), and different N application strategies at 180 kg ha−1 in 2010 and 2011. The relationship between grain filling characteristics and grain yield formation were respectively investigated. The results revealed that there were obvious interacting effects of irrigation regime and N application strategies on grain yield and grain-filling characteristics as well. Compared with W1 and W3 treatments, under W2, the N-fertilizer should account for 30% base, 30% tillering, and 40% panicle fertilizer with the last being applied equally at 4th and 2nd leaves emerged from the top. Correlation analysis revealed that grain filling rate during middle grain-filling stage was the largest and contribute more than 50% to grain-filling. Grain yield was significantly related to grain filling rate (Gmax or Gmean), final weight of a kernel (A), and mean grain filling rate (MGR) of the early, mid and late stages during grain filling in inferior spikelets, which is the important reason for water and N coupling effect further to increase yield and fertilizer use efficiency.

Transcriptome analysis provides insights into the mechanism of albinism during different pigmentation stages of the albino sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka), which has nutritive and medical properties, is considered the most valuable commercial marine species in many parts of Asia. Of the different color morphs, the albino sea cucumber is rare and has great appeal to consumers. Identification of factors contributing to albinism in the sea cucumber is therefore likely to provide a scientific basis for improving the cultivability of this morph. In this study, illumina sequencing was performed on three pigmentation stages of the albino sea cucumber: the early pigmentation stage (Wa), the mid pigmentation stage (Wb) and the late pigmentation stage (Wc). In total, 120,365 unigenes were generated with an N50 length of 3360bp and 60,224 unigenes were annotated from seven functional databases (NR, NT, GO, COG, KEGG, Swissprot and Interpro). In addition, 39,285 SSRs were detected, distributed on 26,156 unigenes. Compared with sea cucumbers during the early pigmentation stage, 842 genes were identified as differentially expressed in the body wall of albino sea cucumbers during the mid-pigmentation stage, including 331 upregulated and 511 downregulated genes. Additionally, compared with sea cucumbers in the mid-pigmentation stage, 247 genes were identified as differentially expressed in the body wall of albino sea cucumbers during the late-pigmentation stage, including 67 upregulated and 180 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG analyses revealed possible differentially expressed genes, including “melanogenesis”, “Ras-signaling pathway”, “cAMP signaling pathway” and “epithelium development” involved in albinism formation in albino sea cucumbers. In conclusion, these studies identified many candidate albinism-related and pigmentation-related genes and signaling pathways. In addition, a comparative analysis was conducted of the differentially expressed genes from albino sea cucumber body walls in different pigmentation stages. The results should be highly useful in further elucidating the mechanisms underlying albinism in sea cucumbers.

Integrated management of litchi fruit and shoot borer (Conomorpha sinensis) using insect growth regulators under subtropics of Bihar

A field trial was conducted consecutively for two years at ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi to develop Insect Growth Regulators based (IGRs) approaches for managing the litchi fruit and shoot borer (Conopomorpha sinensis; Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) a major pests of litchi causing economical loss. Studies revealed that T4 - novaluron 10 EC 0.015% recorded least infestation (9.62% and 4.70%) during early and mid stage which is closely followed by T2- diflubenzuron 25 WP 0.03% (9.87% and 5.73%). However, at harvest stage, T2 recorded the lowest borer infestation (12.39%) followed by T4 (13.67%) against highest borer infestation (59.35%) in control. Further, highest reduction of borer infestation over control was noticed in T4 (53.25% and 73.56%) followed by T2 (52.04% and 73.99%) during early stage and mid stage, respectively. At harvest stage, most of the treatments showed more than 75% efficacy on reduction in borer infestation over control. The highest reduction in borer infestation was found in T2 (80.65%) followed by T4 (77.50%). The least infested fruit (2.11 kg/tree) and highest healthy fruit (16.38 kg/tree) was recorded with T2 followed by T1 (14.99 kg/tree), T5 (14.46 kg/tree) and T4 (13.99 kg/tree) against lowest (4.14 kg/tree) in control. Similarly, reduction in fruit infestation over control calculated on weight basis was also highest in T2 (78.77%) followed by T1 (75.79%), T5 (73.85%) and T4 (73.33%).

Effects of an individual 12-week community-located “start-to-run” program on physical capacity, walking, fatigue, cognitive function, brain volumes, and structures in persons with multiple sclerosis

Background: Exercise therapy studies in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) primarily focused on motor outcomes in mid disease stage, while cognitive function and neural correlates were only limitedly addressed. Objectives: This pragmatic randomized controlled study investigated the effects of a remotely supervised community-located “start-to-run” program on physical and cognitive function, fatigue, quality of life, brain volume, and connectivity. Method: In all, 42 pwMS were randomized to either experimental (EXP) or waiting list control (WLC) group. The EXP group received individualized training instructions during 12 weeks (3×/week), to be performed in their community aiming to participate in a running event. Measures were physical (VO2max, sit-to-stand test, Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12)) and cognitive function (Rao’s Brief Repeatable Battery (BRB), Paced Auditory Serial Attention Test (PASAT)), fatigue (Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Function (FSMC)), quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29)), and imaging. Brain volumes and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were quantified using FSL-SIENA/FIRST and FSL-TBSS. Results: In all, 35 pwMS completed the trial. Interaction effects in favor of the EXP group were found for VO2max, sit-to-stand test, MSWS-12, Spatial Recall Test, FSMC, MSIS-29, and pallidum volume. VO2max improved by 1.5 mL/kg/min, MSWS-12 by 4, FSMC by 11, and MSIS-29 by 14 points. The Spatial Recall Test improved by more than 10%. Conclusion: Community-located run training improved aerobic capacity, functional mobility, visuospatial memory, fatigue, and quality of life and pallidum volume in pwMS.

The transcriptome of the developing grain: a resource for understanding seed development and the molecular control of the functional and nutritional properties of wheat

BackgroundWheat is one of the three major cereals that have been domesticated to feed human populations. The composition of the wheat grain determines the functional properties of wheat including milling efficiency, bread making, and nutritional value. Transcriptome analysis of the developing wheat grain provides key insights into the molecular basis for grain development and quality.ResultsThe transcriptome of 35 genotypes was analysed by RNA-Seq at two development stages (14 and 30 days-post-anthesis, dpa) corresponding to the mid stage of development (stage Z75) and the almost mature seed (stage Z85). At 14dpa, most of the transcripts were associated with the synthesis of the major seed components including storage proteins and starch. At 30dpa, a diverse range of genes were expressed at low levels with a predominance of genes associated with seed defence and stress tolerance. RNA-Seq analysis of changes in expression between 14dpa and 30dpa stages revealed 26,477 transcripts that were significantly differentially expressed at a FDR corrected p-value cut-off at ≤0.01. Functional annotation and gene ontology mapping was performed and KEGG pathway mapping allowed grouping based upon biochemical linkages. This analysis demonstrated that photosynthesis associated with the pericarp was very active at 14dpa but had ceased by 30dpa. Recently reported genes for flour yield in milling and bread quality were found to influence wheat quality largely due to expression patterns at the earlier seed development stage.ConclusionsThis study serves as a resource providing an overview of gene expression during wheat grain development at the early (14dpa) and late (30dpa) grain filling stages for use in studies of grain quality and nutritional value and in understanding seed biology.

Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Cataract Surgery in Adult Extreme Microphthalmos With Axial Length

To study the long-term visual outcomes, complications, and prognostic factors for cataract surgery in extreme microphthalmos. Prospective cohort study. Thirty eyes with simple microphthalmos (11 eyes, axial length [AL] <18mm), complex microphthalmos (8 eyes, AL <18mm), and relative anterior microphthalmos (RAM; 11 eyes, corneal diameter [CD] <8mm) who underwent cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) in our hospital were followed for a mean of 25.3months with at least 3 visits at early (1day to 1week), mid (1-3months), and late (>6months) stages after surgery. The main outcome measures included the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and complications. Significant improvements of BCVA were observed at the mid and late postoperative visits in the entire cohort when compared with preoperative value (P < .05). When eyes were divided into 3 groups, a statistically significant improvement in late-stage BCVA was observed in the simple microphthalmos and RAM groups. The AL, preoperative anterior chamber depth (ACD), and preoperative BCVA were significant prognostic factors for late-stage BCVA after surgery. The most common complications were early corneal edema (73%), glaucoma (33%), and posterior capsular opacification (23%). Preoperative ACD was significantly associated with the incidence of glaucoma after surgery (P < .05). Severe complications included suprachoroidal hemorrhage (3%), endothelial dysfunction (7%), and retinal detachment (7%). Cataract surgery provided visual improvement in extreme microphthalmos (simple microphthalmos and RAM), with higher risks of complications than with routine cataract surgeries. Extreme microphthalmos with preoperative characteristics of relatively longer AL, deeper ACD, and better BCVA may benefit more from cataract surgery.