Combined Genome-Wide Association Study and Linkage Analysis for Mining Candidate Genes for the Kernel Row Number in Maize ( L.).

Kernel row number (KRN) is one of the key traits that significantly affect maize yield and productivity. Therefore, investigating the candidate genes and their functions in regulating KRN provides a theoretical basis and practical direction for genetic improvement in maize breeding, which is vital for increasing maize yield and understanding domestication. In this study, three recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations were developed using the parental lines AN20, YML1218, CM395, and Ye107, resulting in a multiparent population comprising a total of 490 F9 RILs.

QTL mapping and genome-wide association analysis reveal genetic loci and candidate gene for resistance to gray leaf spot in tropical and subtropical maize germplasm.

Using QTL mapping and GWAS, two candidate genes (Zm00001d051039 and Zm00001d051147) were consistently identified across the three different environments and BLUP values. GWAS analysis identified the candidate gene, Zm00001d044845. These genes were subsequently validated to exhibit a significant association with maize gray leaf spot (GLS) resistance.

Overloaded axial stress activates the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway in nucleus pulposus cells of adult degenerative scoliosis combined with intervertebral disc degeneration.

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the initiating factor of adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS), and ADS further accelerates IVDD, creating a vicious cycle. Nevertheless, the role of the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway in ADS combined with IVDD (ADS-IVDD) remains a mystery. Accordingly, this study was proposed to investigate the effect of axial stress on the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) isolated from DS-IVDD patients.

Erratum: Clinical and pathological characteristics of IgG4-related interstitial lung disease.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.

[Experimental study of urinary center change in pons after conus medullaris injury in rats].

Objective: To observe the structural changes of urinary center and the expression of Bcl-2 after conus medullaris injury in rats brain so as to explore the possible influence factors of degeneration in brain.

Methods: Thirty-six adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into experimental group ( =30) and control group ( =6). In the experimental group, the conus medullaris injury model was established by cutting off the spinal nerve below L , and no treatment was done in the control group.

[Anatomical study on the repair of femoral nerve injury with anterior branch of obturator nerve].

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of the anastomosis of the anterior branch of obturator nerve and the muscular branch of femoral nerve.

Methods: Five fresh frozen cadavers, including 3 males and 2 females, were included. Both of the obturator nerve, femoral nerve and their branches were dissected, then their routes and anatomical positions were observed.

Clinical and pathological characteristics of IgG4-related interstitial lung disease.

IgG4-related interstitial lung disease (IgG4-RILD), which is characterized by increased IgG4 levels, IgG4 plasma cell infiltration and irregular whorled fibrosis, is a recently described lung disorder that belongs to the group of systemic fibroinflammatory IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD). The aim of the present study was to improve the current knowledge regarding the specific clinical and histopathological characteristics of IgG4-RILD and to investigate its underlying immune mechanism . A total of 7 patients newly diagnosed with IgG4-RILD were enrolled in the present study (4 men and 3 women; mean age, 57 years; range, 29-71 years).

Lipoxin A4 pretreatment mitigates skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects and underlying anti-oxidative molecular mechanism of lipoxin A4 (LA4) in rats with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-injured skeletal muscle. A rat model of I/R-injured skeletal muscle was obtained by subjecting rats to a 3-h ligation of the right femoral artery followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Treatment with LA4 significantly ameliorated histological damage scores in I/R-injured skeletal muscle.

[Changes of endogenous Spastin expression after sciatic nerve injury in rats].

Objective: To investigate the expression change of endogenous Spastin after sciatic nerve injury in rats, and to discuss the role and significance in the peripheral nerve regeneration.

Methods: Thirty-six adult male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly divided into the experimental group ( =30) and the control group ( =6). Sciatic nerve compression damage model was established in the experimental group, and the sciatic nerve was only exposed in the control group.

Hindlimb spasticity after unilateral motor cortex lesion in rats is reduced by contralateral nerve root transfer.

Lower extremity spasticity is a common sequela among patients with acquired brain injury. The optimum treatment remains controversial. The aim of our study was to test the feasibility and effectiveness of contralateral nerve root transfer in reducing post stroke spasticity of the affected hindlimb muscles in rats.

[COMPARISON OF HEALING RESULTS BETWEEN TIBIAL NERVE AND COMMON PERONEAL NERVE AFTER SCIATIC NERVE INJURY REPAIR IN RHESUS MONKEY].

Objective: To investigate the regularity of myelin degeneration and regeneration and the difference of axonal density between tibial nerve and common peroneal nerve after sciatic nerve injury repair in rhesue monkey.

Methods: Nine adult rhesue monkeys (male or female, weighing 3.5-4.