Despite primary glomerulonephritis (PGN) being a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease, specific and sensitive biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of this condition are lacking. We evaluated the value of the combined detection of serum cystatin C (CYSC), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), and urine transferrin (TRF) for diagnosing early-stage PGN. From May 2021 to May 2023, we enrolled 105 patients in our hospital as the observation group and 50 healthy volunteers as the control group. Their serum expression levels of CYSC, β2-MG, and TRF were evaluated. We plotted separate ROC curves and calculated the area under the curve (AUC) values of CYSC, β2-MG, and TRF to assess their diagnostic performance in PGN. The levels of CYSC, β2-MG, and TRF were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the observation group than in the healthy control group. CYSC, β2-MG, and TRF were expressed at significantly higher levels in G2, G3a, and G3b of PGN than in G1. The combined use of CYSC, β2-MG, and TRF as biomarkers could significantly improve the early diagnosis and monitoring of PGN and may lead to better patient outcomes by facilitating earlier intervention and treatment strategies.

Eggplant is an important horticultural crop and one of the most widely grown vegetables in the Solanaceae family. Eggplant fruit-related agronomic traits are complex quantitative traits with low efficiency and long cycle time for traditional breeding selection. With the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics tools, genome-wide association study (GWAS) has shown great application potential in analyzing the genetic rules of complex agronomic traits related to eggplant fruits. This paper first reviews the progress of genome-wide association analysis in eggplant fruit shape, fruit color and other fruit-related agronomic traits. Subsequently, aiming at the problem of missing heritability, which is common in the genetic studies of eggplant quantitative traits, this paper puts forward the development strategies of eggplant GWAS in the future based on the hot spots of application of four GWAS strategies in the research of agronomics traits related to eggplant fruits. Lastly, the application of GWAS strategy in the field of eggplant molecular breeding is expected to provide a theoretical basis and reference for the future use of GWAS to analyze the genetic basis of various eggplant fruit-related traits and to select fruit materials that meet consumer needs.
Solanum melongena/genetics* ; Fruit/genetics* ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Plant Breeding ; Agriculture ; Vegetables

TCP (teosinte branched1/cincinnata/proliferating cell factor) is a group of plant-specific transcription factors that play important roles in plant growth and development. To date, there are no report about TCP transcription factors in eggplant (Solanum melongena L). In this study, twenty-nine eggplant TCP (SmTCP) family genes distributed on 11 chromosomes were identified from the genome database of eggplant using bioinformatics methods. The results showed that all members of the family contained sequences encoding TCP conserved domains with length of amino acids ranging from 201 to 538 and exon numbers of 1 or 2. Subcellular localization revealed that three SmTCP proteins (SmTCP02/03/21) were located in the cytoplasm and the other SmTCP proteins were located in the nucleus. The 29 TCP transcription factors were divided into ClassⅠ (PCF) and ClassⅡ (CIN and CYC/TB1) by phylogenetic tree and sequence analysis. Collinearity analysis showed that 17 pairs (21) of SmTCP genes had collinearity, and these collinearity genes belonged to segmental duplication. Analysis of gene expression patterns showed that all 29 members of SmTCP gene family were expressed in 15 tissues or organs, but the expression patterns were different. Among them, four gene (SmTCP18/19/20/25) of CIN subfamily were highly expressed in leaves at different growth stages. Analysis of cis-acting elements in the promoter region of SmTCP showed that there were four types of cis-acting elements, which were light response related cis-acting elements, growth and development related cis-acting elements, hormone response related cis-acting elements and stress related cis-acting elements. In summary, the molecular basis of SmTCP genes in eggplant and the influence of TCP gene on the growth and development of eggplant provided a theoretical basis for molecular breeding of eggplant.
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Solanum melongena/metabolism* ; Transcription Factors/metabolism*

To investigate the changes of aortic stiffness and its influencing factors in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD).Eightyfour patients with CKD from Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were divided into the dialysis group (CKD stage 5,=48) and non-dialysis group (CKD stage 3-5,=36). Clinical data, biochemical parameters and echocardiography findings were collected. SphygmoCor pulse wave analysis system was used to obtain pulse wave analysis (PWA) parameters including central aortic systolic blood pressure (CSP), central pulse pressure (CPP), augmented pressure (AP), augmentation index (AIX), and heart rate 75-adjusted augmentation index (HR75AIX). The influencing factors of aortic stiffness were analyzed by spearman correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis.CSP, CPP, AP, AIX and HR75AIX in dialysis patients had no significant differences compared with those in non-dialysis group (all>0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that CSP was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, left atrial diameter (LA),left ventricular systolic diameter (LVDs), left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVDd), and negatively correlated with calcium and hemoglobin levels. CPP was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, age, LA, LVDd, and negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. AP was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, age, LA, LVDd, and negatively correlated with hemoglobin levels. AIX was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, age, sodium, and negatively correlated with phosphorus levels. HR75AIX was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, sodium, cholesterol, and negatively correlated with hemoglobin and albumin levels. Multiple regression analysis showed that higher systolic blood pressure was the independent risk factor for CSP (β=0.944,<0.01); lower diastolic blood pressure (β=0.939,<0.01) and higher systolic blood pressure (β=-1.010,<0.01) were the independent risk factors for CPP; older age (β=0.237,<0.01) and higher systolic blood pressure (β=0.200,<0.01) were the independent risk factors for AP; higher systolic blood pressure (β=0.163 and 0.115,<0.05 and<0.01) and higher sodium (β=0.646 and 0.625, all<0.05) were independent risk factors for both AIX and HR75AIX.No significant correlation is observed between aortic stiffness and CKD of different stages. Control blood pressure and restrict sodium intake may be effective means of delaying arterial stiffness in patients with CKD.
Age Factors ; Aorta ; pathology ; Blood Pressure ; physiology ; Cholesterol ; Dialysis ; Female ; Heart Atria ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Regression Analysis ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; complications ; Risk Factors ; Sodium, Dietary ; adverse effects ; Vascular Stiffness ; physiology

Objective: To investigate the changes of aortic stiffness and its influencing factors in patients with chronic kidney diseases ( CKD) .Methods:Eighty-four patients with CKD from Department of Nephrology , Zhejiang Provincial People ’ s Hospital were divided into the dialysis group ( CKD stage 5 , n=48 ) and non-dialysis group ( CKD stage 3 -5 , n =36 ) . Clinical data , biochemical parameters and echocardiography findings were collected .SphygmoCor pulse wave analysis system was used to obtain pulse wave analysis ( PWA ) parameters including central aortic systolic blood pressure ( CSP ) , central pulse pressure ( CPP ) , augmented pressure ( AP ) , augmentation index ( AIX ) , and heart rate 75 -adjusted augmentation index ( HR75 AIX ) .The influencing factors of aortic stiffness were analyzed by spearman correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis .Results: CSP, CPP, AP, AIX and HR75 AIX in dialysis patients had no significant differences compared with those in non-dialysis group (all P>0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that CSP was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure , diastolic blood pressure , cholesterol , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol , left atrial diameter ( LA ) , left ventricular systolic diameter ( LVDs ) , left ventricular diastolic diameter ( LVDd ) , and negatively correlated with calcium and hemoglobin levels . CPP was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure , age, LA, LVDd, and negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure and hemoglobin levels . AP was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, age, LA, LVDd, and negatively correlated with hemoglobin levels .AIX was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure , age, sodium, and negatively correlated with phosphorus levels .HR75AIX was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure , sodium , cholesterol , and negatively correlated with hemoglobin and albumin levels .Multiple regression analysis showed that higher systolic blood pressure was the independent risk factor for CSP (β=0.944, P<0.01);lower diastolic blood pressure (β=0.939, P<0.01) and higher systolic blood pressure (β=-1.010, P<0.01) were the independent risk factors for CPP; older age (β=0.237, P <0.01) and higher systolic blood pressure (β=0.200,P<0.01) were the independent risk factors for AP; higher systolic blood pressure (β=0 .163 and 0 .115 , P<0 .05 and P<0.01 ) and higher sodium (β=0.646 and 0.625, all P <0.05 ) were independent risk factors for both AIX and HR 75 AIX.Conclusions: No significant correlation is observed between aortic stiffness and CKD of different stages .Control blood pressure and restrict sodium intake may be effective means of delaying arterial stiffness in patients with CKD .

Objective To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-free three dimensional time-of-flight (3D-TOF-MRA) with VR at 3.0 T in the detection of intracranial aneurysms in a large cohort of patients prospectively.Methods Four hundred and eleven patients with suspected aneurysms and other cerebral vascular diseases received contrast-free 3D-TOF-MRA examinations at 3.0 T MRA 2 weeks prior to DSA examination.2D-DSA and VR-DSA were regarded as the gold standard.Six patients were excluded because of motion artifacts,and 36 patients were excluded due to lack of VR-DSA data.Accuracy,sensitivity an specificity in detecting intracranial aneurysms were determined by patient-,aneurysm-,and aneurysm sizebased (＜ 3 mm,3-5 mm,＞ 5-10 mm,＞ 10 mm) evaluations.Results In 369 enrolled patients,VR-DSA revealed 306 aneurysms in 246 patients (66.7％) and no aneurysm in 123 patients; VR 3D-TOF-MRA revealed 311 aneurysms in 249 patients and no aneurysm in 120 patients.The patient-based evaluation of VR 3 D-TOF-MRA at 3.0T yielded accuracy of 97.6％ (360/369),sensitivity of 99.2％ (242/244),and specificity of 94.4％ (118/125) in the detection of intracranial aneurysms.The aneurysm-based evaluation yielded accuracy of 98.3％ (524/533),sensitivity of 99.3％ (304/306),and specificity of 96.1％(220/229).The evaluation based on aneurysm sizes (＜ 3 mm) yielded accuracy of 96.4％ (214/222),sensitivity of 98.2％ (112/114),and specificity of 94.4％ (102/108).Conclusion VR 3D-TOF-MRA at 3.0 T MR can detect intracranial aneurysms accurately and may replace DSA as a contrast-free,noninvasive and non-radiation-based modality for the diagnosis and screening of intracranial aneurysms.

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of Willis covered stent implantation and coil embolization in the treatment of cranial internal carotid artery (CICA) aneurysm. Methods Eighty-nine patients with CICA aneurysms were selected for treatment with Willis covered stents (n = 43, group A) or coil embolization (n =46, group B) according to the patients'will. Data on the technical success, initial procedure time and in-hospital interval, initial and final angiographic results, mortality, morbidity, and final clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed for the two groups at 6 months post-procedure. Results Endovascular covered stent placement and coil embolization were technically successful in all patients,except for one patient in group A. The initial angiographic results showed complete occlusion in 34 patients of group A (81%, 95% CI: 69%, 93% ) and 24 patients of group B (52%, 95% CI: 37%, 67% ) ( P ＜0. 05). The final angiographic results indicated complete occlusion in 39 patients of group A (39/41,95%,95% CI: 88%, 102% ) and 22 patients of group B (22/45,49%, 95% CI: 34%, 64% ,P ＜0. 01 ). The average procedure time was(103 ± 13)min in group A and (143 + 39) min in group B (P＜0. 01). No significant differences were seen between the two groups in technique success, mortality, morbidity, or final clinical outcomes. Conclusion In this nonrandomized, prospective trial, CICA aneurysm treatment with covered stents yielded midterm angiographic results that were superior to those of coil embolization.

Objective To present our single-center experience in treating traumatic direct carotidcavemous fistulas (TDCCFs)by using detachable balloon,coil and Willis covered stent via arterial route.Methods During the last five years,transarterial endovascular treatment by using detachable balloon,coil and Willis covered stent was performed in fifty-one consecutive patients of traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistulas.with a total of 54 TDCCFs.The detachable balloon was the material of first choice,while Willis covered stents and coils were regarded as the back-up materials.A clinical and angiographic follow-up for 348 months (mean 20.8 months) was conducted to evaluate the arterial patency and the stability of embolization.The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.Results By using the detachable balloon alone via transarterial route.85%TDCCFs were successfully treated with good preservation of ICA.A total of 98% TDCCFs in this study were successfully treated by using detachable balloon,coil and/or Willis coveted stent,the fistulas became occluded,and ICAs were preserved except one patient.Forty TDCCFs were treated with detachable balloons alone,two TDCCFs with the Willis covered stent alone,and one DCCF with coils alone.Eight TDCCFs were treated with detachable balloons together with Willis covered stent.Of these eight TDCCFs,two were treated with a single session,three were treated with detachable halloons in combination with coils,and one had to receive Willis covered stent.Second and third times of endovascular treatment were needed in 12 TDCCFs.The TDCCF-rel(at)ed symptoms were gradually relived or improved within 1 day to 6 months after treatment,except for five patients who suffered from ipsilateral moderate visual loss or cranial nerve deficit.No perioperative complications.such as vessel rupture,distal embolization or new neurologic deficits,occurred.During the follow-up period lasting for six months,neither delayed neurologic or vascular complications nor recurrence of the lesions developed.Conclusion Via the transarterial route,using detachable balloon to occlude the fistula and at the same time to preserve ICA remains the optimal treatment for TDCCFs.When the standard treatment fails.various coils and the Willis covered stents can be used as an effective alternative or remedial tool in the treatment of TDCCFs,which can preserve ICA.Willis covered stent deployment seems to be an effective,safe,feasible and economical endovasculal treatment for TDCCF,but more clinical studies are needed before we can further clarify its specifications and indications.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and mid-term follow-up results of endovascular treatment with Willis covered stent for traumatic pseudoaneurysms located in the internal carotid artery (ICA).Methods ICA angiogmphy was performed in 38 patients with traumatic brain and neck injury.Of the 38 patients.13 delayed traumatic pseudoaneurysms were found.All the pseudoaneurysms were treated with Willis covered stents.Follow-up angiography was performed at 1,3,6 and 12 months after the procedure,and the results were categorized as complete or incomplete occlusion.Clinical manifestations were graded as full recovery,improvement,unchanged and aggravation.Results Willis covered stent placement was technically successful in all traumatic pseudoaneurysms.No procedure-related complications occurred.The initial angiographic results showed a complete occlusion in 9 patients,and an incomplete occlusion in 4.The angiographic follow-up within 3-12 months exhibited a complete occlusion in 12 patients and the parent arteries remained patency in all patients.The clinical follow-up observation demonstrated that full recovery wag obtained in 11 patients,clinical improvement in one,and unchanged condition in one.No morbidity or mortality occurred.Conclusion Willis covered stent implantation iS a feasible and practical treatment for traumatic pseudoaneurysms located in the ICA.This technique can well preserve the parent artery with excellent therapeutic results.

Objective To evaluate the mid- and long-term radiological outcomes of cerebral aneurysms with GDCs embolization.Methods One hundred and sixty-two patients with 173 aneurysms embolized with GDCs underwent angiographic follow-up from 1 to 54 months post-operatively and were retrospectively reviewed. Three neuro-radiologists reviewed each angiogram and made a comparison between initial and follow-up angiograms. Morphological outcomes were evaluated as follows: unchanged; progressive thrombosis; and re-opening or re-growth. Results Of 173 aneurysms with GDC embolization, 142 aneutysms had total or nearly total occlusion, 23 subtotal occlusion and 8 partial occlusion shown on initial angiograms. The incidence of re-opening was 17.1% (13/76) in less than 3 months, and 6.2% (6/97) between 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Four aneurysms showed recurrency(2.3%) on second follow-up angiography in one year after procedure and one-year cumulative recurrent rate was 13.3% of 56 aneurysms with the third follow-up angiography in the post-operation period of 12 to 54 months, four showed a little enlargement and the cmnulative recurrent rate so far was 20.2% (35/173). Conclusions The direct and main causes for aneurysmal recurrence are incomplete and loosening packing. The first angiographic follow-up is recommended to be performed at 3 months or earlier after the procedure, especially in aneurysms with initial incomplete occlusion. Re-treatment with balloon- or stent-assisted coil embolization is recommended in re-opening aneurysms. (J Intervent Radiol,2005,14:472-479)