Characterization of a Major Quantitative Trait Locus for the Whiteness of Rice Grain Using Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines.

The whiteness of rice grains (WRG) is a key indicator of appearance quality, directly impacting its commercial value. The trait is quantitative, influenced by multiple factors, and no specific genes have been cloned to date. In this study, we first examined the correlation between the whiteness of polished rice, cooked rice, and rice flour, finding that the whiteness of rice flour significantly correlated with both polished and cooked rice.

Measuring traveling wave velocity in the basilar membrane as a potential indicator of endolymphatic hydrops in definite Ménière's disease: a narrative review.

Background: The pathological hallmark of Ménière's disease is endolymphatic hydrops, which can lead to an increase in basilar membrane stiffness and, consequently, an acceleration of the traveling wave of sound. The cochlear hydrops analysis masking procedure (CHAMP), which is an auditory brainstem response test masked at various frequencies with high-pass noise masking, uses the principle of the traveling wave velocity theory to determine the presence of endolymphatic hydrops.

Purpose: This study aimed to review the previous results of the CHAMP, expound the principles and key indicators, and discuss its clinical significance in diagnosing Ménière's disease.

Conference 2024: Building an innovative scientific research ecosystem for microbiome and One Health.

The Conference 2024 provides a platform to promote the development of an innovative scientific research ecosystem for microbiome and One Health. The four key components - Technology, Research (Biology), Academic journals, and Social media - form a synergistic ecosystem. Advanced technologies drive biological research, which generates novel insights that are disseminated through academic journals.

Mendelian randomization analysis reveals causal factors behind diabetic nephropathy: evidence, opportunities, and challenges.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), as the most serious minor vascular complication of diabetes, imposes a significant socioeconomic and medical cost around the world, and its prevention and treatment are a major challenge in the current medical community. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials have revealed protective and risk factors for some DN. However, the conclusions of these researches may be influenced by several types of confounding.