Multi-genome evolutionary study of the ABC1 gene family and identification of the pleiotropic effects of OsABC1-13 in rice development

In four rice genomes,85 ABC1-family genes were identified by comparative genomics,evolution,genetics,and physiology.One,OsABC1-13,was shown by knockdown and knockout experiments to affect plant height,grain size,and photosynthetic capability.

Auxin signaling module OsSK41-OsIAA10-OsARF regulates grain yield traits in rice

Auxin is an important phytohormone in plants, and auxin signaling pathways in rice play key roles in regulating its growth, development, and productivity. To investigate how rice grain yield traits are regulated by auxin signaling pathways and to facilitate their application in rice improvement, we validated the functional relationships among regulatory genes such as OsIAA10, OsSK41, and OsARF21 that are involved in one of the auxin(OsIAA10) signaling pathways. We assessed the phenotypic effects of these genes on several grain yield traits across two environments using knockout and/or overexpression transgenic lines.Based on the results, we constructed a model that showed how grain yield traits were regulated by OsIAA10 and OsTIR1, OsAFB2, and OsSK41 and OsmiR393 in the OsSK41-OsIAA10-OsARF module and by OsARF21 in the transcriptional regulation of downstream auxin response genes in the OsSK41-OsIAA10-OsARF module. The population genomic analyses revealed rich genetic diversity and the presence of major functional alleles at most of these loci in rice populations. The strong differentiation of many major alleles between Xian/indica and Geng/japonica subspecies and/or among modern varieties and landraces suggested that they contributed to improved productivity during evolution and breeding. We identified several important aspects associated with the genetic and molecular bases of rice grain and yield traits that were regulated by auxin signaling pathways.We also suggested rice auxin response factor(OsARF) activators as candidate target genes for improving specific target traits by overexpression and/or editing subspecies-specific alleles and by searching and pyramiding the ‘best' gene allelic combinations at multiple regulatory genes in auxin signaling pathways in rice breeding programs.

Evaluation of an innovative pediatric isolation(PI)bed using fluid dynamics simulation and aerosol isolation efficacy

Airborne transmission is an important mechanism of spread for both viruses and bacteria in hospitals,with nosocomial infections putting a great burden on public health.In this study,we designed and manufactured a bed for pediatric clinic consultation rooms providing air isolation to protect patients and medical personnel from pathogen transmission.The pediatric isolation bed has several primary efficiency filters and a high-efficiency particulate air filter in the bedside unit.The air circulation between inlet and outlet forms negative pressure to remove the patient's exhaled air timeously and effectively.A computational fluid dynamics model was used to calculate the speed of the airflow and the angle of sampler.Following this,we conducted purification experiments using cigarette smoke,Staphylococcus albus(S.albus)and human adenovirus type 5(HAdV-5)to demonstrate the isolation efficacy.The results showed that the patient's head should be placed as close to the air inlet hood as possible,and an air intake wind speed of 0.86 m/s was effective.The isolation efficacy of the pediatric isolation bed was demonstrated by computational fluid dynamics technology.The isolation efficiency against cigarette smoke exceeded 91.8%,and against S.albus was greater than 99.8%,while the isolation efficiency against HAdV-5 was 100%.The pediatric isolation bed could be used where isolation wards are unavailable,such as in intensive care units and primary clinical settings,to control hospital acquired infections.

Design of an air isolation and purification (AIP) desk for medical use and characterization of its efficacy in ambient air isolation and purification

The incidences of nosocomial infections(NIs)are increasing throughout the world,especially for those airborne diseases caused by pathogens or air particulates that float in air.In this study,we designed and manufactured a desk for clinic consultation room air purification and air isolation between doctor and patient.The air isolation and purification(AIP)desk has a high efficiency particulate air(HEPA)filter on the tope and several primary efficiency filters on the sides for air purification.The air circulating between inlet and outlet forms a wind-curtain between doctor and patient.The Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD)model was used to calculate the speed of the air flow and the angle of sampler.We tested the air purification function of the AIP desk in rooms sized about 3.6×2.8×2.8 m(L×W×H)and found that the AIP desk could significantly remove the tested air pollutants like smoke particulates and microorganisms like Staphylococcus albus(S.albus)and human adenovirus type 5(HAdV-5).The wind-curtain can significantly block the exhale air of patient being transmitted to the respiratory area of doctor setting in the opposite of AIP desk.Thus,the AIP desk can be used in hospital setting to reduce the risk of NIs and protect both doctors and patients.