Budding Rate Research Articles

Ecophenotypic variation in a cosmopolitan reef-building coral suggests reduced deep-sea reef growth under ocean change

Sensitivity of reef-building corals to environmental factors has far-reaching ecosystem implications, especially in the limited number of cold-water coral (CWC) species that form reefs in the deep sea. Understanding CWC responses to large-scale oceanographic variation in their natural habitat can elucidate their sensitivity to global anthropogenic stressors. Here, we use skeletal samples to analyse fine-scale phenotypic variation in the widespread reef-building CWC Desmophyllum pertusum (Lophelia pertusa) in relation to broad physicochemical gradients in different sites across the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. We find evidence, amidst local and regional differentiation, of species-wide growth responses to physicochemical factors, mainly affecting corallite length, width and their ratio (slenderness). Our results suggest that higher temperature and lower oxygen levels negatively affect skeletal linear extension and budding rate of polyps. As also hinted by the reduced corallite length and slenderness in less developed reefs, these widespread responses may lead to a general decline in CWC reef growth rates as a long-term consequence of ocean warming and deoxygenation. Given this relevance, such responses can be used to model reef growth in a changing ocean.

Metabolomics Reveals the Regulatory Mechanisms of Antioxidant Dipeptides Enhancing the Tolerance of Lager Yeast against Ethanol Stress.

The antioxidant dipeptides (Ala-His, AH; Thr-Tyr, TY; and Phe-Cys, FC) significantly enhanced the lager yeast tolerance of ethanol stress. The enhancement mechanisms were further elucidated through physiological responses and metabolomics analysis. The results indicated that antioxidant dipeptides significantly increased the lager yeast biomass and budding rate. The primary mechanisms by which antioxidant dipeptides improved lager yeast tolerance involved decreasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increasing energy metabolism. Specifically, the addition of FC resulted in a 27.44% reduction in intracellular ROS content and a 26.14% increase in the ATP level compared to the control. Metabolomics analysis further explored the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of FC, identifying 63 upregulated and 103 downregulated metabolites. The analysis revealed that FC altered intracellular metabolites related to glutathione metabolism, purine metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, and ABC transporters, thereby enhancing yeast stress tolerance. The results suggest that FC is an effective enhancer for improving lager yeast tolerance to ethanol stress.

Copper-induced oxidative stress inhibits asexual reproduction of Aurelia coerulea polyps

ObjectiveOur research aims to investigate the specific mechanisms by which copper inhibits the asexual proliferation of Aurelia coerulea polyps. MethodsAurelia coerulea polyps were exposed to various CuSO4 concentrations to study metamorphosis and budding proliferation. Oxidative stress markers (ROS, MDA, CAT, H2O2, T-AOC, SOD) were measured in polyps and early strobilae. Transcriptomic analysis were used to compare differences in gene expression and enrichment pathways between untreated and copper-exposed polyps. Additionally, RT-qPCR was used to analyze the expression of key molecules. Antioxidant L-Ascorbic acid was applied to determine the role of oxidative stress in asexual reproduction of Aurelia coerulea polyps when exposed to copper. ResultsCopper inhibited strobilization and budding of Aurelia coerulea polyps in a dose-dependent manner, in which oxidative stress was involved. Transcriptomic data suggested that the DNA replication pathway was significantly enriched in early strobilae compared to polyps. However, copper treatment repealed the difference of DNA replication pathway between early strobilae compared and polyps. Transcriptomic data suggested that alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism pathways were enriched in untreated budding polyps compared to copper-exposed polyps. After applying the antioxidant L-Ascorbic acid to copper-exposed polyps, various oxidative indicators changed to different extents, with increases in ROS, MDA, CAT, H2O2, and SOD and a decrease in T-AOC. Further more, the time required for polyps to develop into early strobila was shortened, indicating that the delay in metamorphosis caused by copper exposure was effectively alleviated. And the budding rate increased, indicating that the inhibition of budding proliferation caused by copper exposure was effectively alleviated. The expression of key genes were consist with the transcriptomic sequencing results. ConclusionCopper exposure causes oxidative stress resulting in the inhibition of asexual reproduction in Aurelia coerulea polyps, including metamorphosis and budding.

Gibberellic acid modulates the expression of flowering-related genes and the flower bud rate in apple (Malus domestica)

Gibberellic acid modulates the expression of flowering-related genes and the flower bud rate in apple (<i>Malus domestica</i>)

Straw-derived biochar incorporation improves seedcotton yield and fiber quality by optimizing photosynthetic carbon and nutrients partitioning and boll formation patterns

Synergistic improvement of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield and quality is necessary to meet the demands of the textile industry. Straw or biochar addition has been shown to increase boll number and hence yield, while optimizing reproductive growth processes (e.g., accelerating boll formation during the effective boll-setting period) is essential for improving fiber quality. However, it remains unclear how straw and biochar affect boll formation dynamics and whether they can simultaneously improve cotton yield and fiber quality. In order to reveal the mechanism of simultaneous improvement of cotton yield and quality, this study investigated the responses of plant photosynthetic carbon allocation, bud and boll dynamics, seedcotton yield, and fiber quality to different straw returning modes. A 7- year field experiment was performed with four straw treatments: no straw or biochar addition (CK); straw-derived biochar incorporation (SBI); straw incorporation (SI); and straw mulching (SM). The results suggested that SBI, SI and SM remarkably increased the seedcotton yield (24.5–30.7 %, 12.6–20.4 % and 4.7 %-11.0 %), fiber length (3.6–6.7 %, 4.0–9.5 % and 2.4–7.1 %) and fiber strength (8.0–13.0 %, 6.2–10.7 % and 4.4–5.7 %) from 2019 to 2021, compared with CK. There was a strong consistency between seedcotton yield and fiber strength among straw returning modes, and were highest under SBI, followed by SI and SM. Compared with CK, SBI significantly increased nutrients and photosynthetic carbon accumulation in cotton plant, and enhanced their distribution proportion in reproductive organs. This increased the number of fruiting branches, number of fruiting sites and ratio of fruiting sites to fruiting branches, accelerated budding and reduced the shedding rate of buds and bolls. Finally, SBI obtained the highest boll forming rate during the boll formation stage, as well as the highest effective boll number at the harvest stage. Overall, returning straw-derived biochar into soils optimized the allocation of nutrients and photosynthetic carbon in cotton plant, and accelerated the formation of cotton bolls from peak flowering stage to peak boll setting stage, thereby improving seedcotton yield and fiber quality. This work provides practical guidance for improving seedcotton yield, fiber quality, and the utilization of straw resources.

Notoginsenoside R1 promotes Lgr5+ stem cell and epithelium renovation in colitis mice via activating Wnt/β-Catenin signaling

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by persistent damage to the intestinal barrier and excessive inflammation, leading to increased intestinal permeability. Current treatments of IBD primarily address inflammation, neglecting epithelial repair. Our previous study has reported the therapeutic potential of notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), a characteristic saponin from the root of Panax notoginseng, in alleviating acute colitis by reducing mucosal inflammation. In this study we investigated the reparative effects of NGR1 on mucosal barrier damage after the acute injury stage of DSS exposure. DSS-induced colitis mice were orally treated with NGR1 (25, 50, 125 mg·kg−1·d−1) for 10 days. Body weight and rectal bleeding were daily monitored throughout the experiment, then mice were euthanized, and the colon was collected for analysis. We showed that NGR1 administration dose-dependently ameliorated mucosal inflammation and enhanced epithelial repair evidenced by increased tight junction proteins, mucus production and reduced permeability in colitis mice. We then performed transcriptomic analysis on rectal tissue using RNA-sequencing, and found NGR1 administration stimulated the proliferation of intestinal crypt cells and facilitated the repair of epithelial injury; NGR1 upregulated ISC marker Lgr5, the genes for differentiation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs), as well as BrdU incorporation in crypts of colitis mice. In NCM460 human intestinal epithelial cells in vitro, treatment with NGR1 (100 μM) promoted wound healing and reduced cell apoptosis. NGR1 (100 μM) also increased Lgr5+ cells and budding rates in a 3D intestinal organoid model. We demonstrated that NGR1 promoted ISC proliferation and differentiation through activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Co-treatment with Wnt inhibitor ICG-001 partially counteracted the effects of NGR1 on crypt Lgr5+ ISCs, organoid budding rates, and overall mice colitis improvement. These results suggest that NGR1 alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by promoting the regeneration of Lgr5+ stem cells and intestinal reconstruction, at least partially via activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway.Schematic diagram of the mechanism of NGR1 in alleviating colitis. DSS caused widespread mucosal inflammation epithelial injury. This was manifested by the decreased expression of tight junction proteins, reduced mucus production in goblet cells, and increased intestinal permeability in colitis mice. Additionally, Lgr5+ ISCs were in obviously deficiency in colitis mice, with aberrant down-regulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling. However, NGR1 amplified the expression of the ISC marker Lgr5, elevated the expression of genes associated with ISC differentiation, enhanced the incorporation of BrdU in the crypt and promoted epithelial restoration to alleviate DSS-induced colitis in mice, at least partially, by activating the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway.

Foliar applications improves grapevine plant cold hardiness

Understanding and enhancing the cold hardiness of vines is crucial for viticulture, as it directly impacts the sustainability and productivity of vineyards in diverse climatic regions. This study, therefore, meticulously examined grapevine responses to various treatments and sampling times, revealing nuanced dynamics in cold tolerance, physiological parameters, and growth outcomes. Our study found that treatments like K2SO4 significantly enhanced grapevine cold hardiness. Specifically, K2SO4 showed high R² values, indicating a substantial improvement in low-temperature hardiness for primary buds and in processes like bud burst and sprouting. Our results also revealed significant differences in cold hardiness across various treatments and sampling times, with K2SO4 leading to the highest LT50 value for primary buds. Additionally, in single-bud cuttings, K2SO4 application improved viability rates, root and shoot growth, and rooting rates, particularly observed in January. Growth parameters in single-bud cuttings further illustrated the impact of treatments, with the viability rate of primary buds being 61.5 % in the K2SO4 application and 62.0 % in the CaCl2 application. The highest root length of 2.5 cm and shoot length of 3.4 cm, along with a rooting rate of 61.0 %, root scale of 1.4, root number of 6.9, and basal callus rate of 24.6 % were obtained from the K2SO4 application. Our research found that the applications of K2SO4 and CaCl2 increased the cold hardiness of the buds and phloem tissue of the vine by approximately 1 °C compared to the control. It has been concluded that K2SO4 and CaCl2 applications during development can reduce the cold injury rate and economic losses in vines in areas with high risk of winter cold damaging events. The comprehensive findings of this study offer actionable insights that can significantly contribute to the refinement of vineyard management practices, promoting optimal grapevine performance and hardiness in the face of varying cold conditions.

The Impacts of Plant Growth Regulators on the Rapid Propagation of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. in Tissue Culture

The optimization of explant selection and adjustment of plant growth regulators (PGRs) ratio may enhance the efficiency of micro-propagation of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. The findings of the study suggest that the shoot tip proved to be the optimal explant for regenerating adventitious buds, with an impressive regeneration rate of 77.78% and the average number of adventitious buds being 2.86. The ideal medium consisted of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) at a 2 mg L−1, indoleacetic acid (IAA) at a 0.2 mg L−1, kinetin (KT) at 0.15 mg L−1, resulting in an outstanding regeneration rate of adventitious buds reaching up to 91.11%. For rooting purposes, the best medium was found be half-strength MS supplemented with indoleacetic acid (IAA) 0.5 mg L−1, achieving an rate for adventitious roots amounting to as high as 97.78%. The culture plantlets ultimately thrived, achieving an impressive transplanting survival rate of 93.33%. The application of PGRs was also found to enhance the regeneration of adventitious buds by increasing the ratios of endogenous hormones ZR/IAA and GA3/IAA. Additionally, it facilitated the differentiation of adventitious roots by elevating the ratios of endogenous hormones IAA/ZR, IAA/GA3, and ABA/GA3. Our study would provide a theoretical reference for the establishment of an efficient gardenia tissue culture system and the industrial production of gardenia.

Strontium ranelate retards disc degradation and improves endplate and bone micro-architecture in ovariectomized rats with lumbar fusion induced – Adjacent segment disc degeneration

ObjectivesAdjacent segment disc degeneration (ASDD) is one of the long-term sequelae of spinal fusion, which is more susceptible with osteoporosis. As an anti-osteoporosis drug, strontium ranelate (SR) has been reported to not only regulate bone metabolism but also cartilage matrix formation. However, it is not yet clear whether SR has a reversal or delaying effect on fusion-induced ASDD in a model of osteoporosis. Materials and methodsFifth three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent L4-L5 posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) with spinous-process wire fixation 4 weeks after bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) surgery. Animals were administered vehicle (V) or SR (900 mg/kg/d) orally for 12 weeks post-PLF as follows: Sham+V, OVX + V, PLF + V, OVX + PLF + V, and OVX + PLF + SR. Manual palpation and X-ray were used to evaluate the state of lumbar fusion. Adjacent-segment disc was assessed by histological (VG staining and Scoring), histomorphometry (Disc Height, MVD, Calcification rate and Vascular Bud rate), immunohistochemical (Col-II, Aggrecan, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4 and Caspase-3), and mRNA analysis (ColI, Col-II, Aggrecan, MMP-13 and ADAMTS-4). Adjacent L6 vertebrae microstructures were evaluated by microcomputed tomography. ResultsManual palpation and radiographs showed clear evidence of the fused segment's immobility. After 12 weeks of PLF surgery, a fusion-induced ASDD model was established. Low bone mass caused by ovariectomy can significantly exacerbate ASDD progression. SR exerted a protective effect on adjacent segment intervertebral disc with the underlying mechanism possibly being associated with preserving bone mass to prevent spinal instability, maintaining the functional integrity of endplate vascular microstructure, and regulating matrix metabolism in the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. DiscussionAnti-osteoporosis medication SR treatments not only maintain bone mass and prevent fractures, but early intervention could also potentially delay degenerative conditions linked to osteoporosis. Taken together, our results suggested that SR might be a promising approach for the intervention of fusion-induced ASDD with osteoporosis.

Identification of proteins associated with reducing regrowth and with the longevity of cane fields

Budding axillary buds are crucial for the establishment and longevity of commercial and industrial sugarcane varieties (Saccharum spp.). Increasing the longevity of sugarcane varieties beyond the fifth or sixth cutting stage without decreasing agricultural productivity is a promising economic outlook for producers. Identifying the factors that limit the longevity of cane fields can be an alternative to bypass the regrowth limits of axillary buds. This study aimed to evaluate the bud sprouting rates of axillary buds of the variety RB867515 from the first to the fifth cut and to identify the prevalent proteins in the axillary buds of sugarcanes of the first, third, and fifth cutting stages. The ultra-performance liquid chromatography in tandem with quadrupole-time-of-flight electrospray ionization from one-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1DE-UPLC-ESI-QTOF) mass spectrometry approach was used to obtain the proteome of the axillary buds in the first, third, and fifth cuts. The sprouting rate was evaluated using a caliper and considered positive when the budding of the axillary buds increased by at least 6 mm. Proteins were extracted in biological triplicate for each cutting stage, and the identification of proteins, based on acquired MS/MS spectra, was performed using the Mascot tool from Matrix Science against Viridiplantae within the SwissProt/UniProtKB and databases UP7305_Z_mays in Uniprot. The budding rate in the axillary buds of the first cut was 69.8%. In contrast, the germination rate of the axillary buds of the third cutting was 36.4%. Exclusive proteins were identified in the first, third, and fifth cutting stages, and a 49.3% reduction in the number of proteins was observed in the third cut compared to the first one. Absence of essential proteins/enzymes involved in i) carbohydrate metabolism, ii) folding and degradation of proteins (proteolytic functions), iii) 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits, and iv) proteins involved in biotic and abiotic stresses, are factors that may limit the longevity of cane fields from the third cut before the fifth or sixth cutting stage, when productivity in the field became economically unfeasible

PSV-8 Early Life Adversity Impacts Intestinal Epithelial Development and Stem Cells Activities in Pigs

Abstract Early life adversity significantly impacts organ development and predisposes animals towards greater risk of diseases later in life. In the previous research in pigs, long lasting intestinal barrier dysfunctions have been found to be associated with early weaning stress. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. Intestinal epithelial functions are associated with the number and maturation of multicellular components, including enterocytes, goblet cells, Paneth cells, and enteroendocrine cells (EEC). Intestinal epithelial stem cells (IESC) give rise to the whole epithelium within 5 to 7 days. Such rapid turnover rate allows intestinal adaptation to stress conditions. We hypothesized that the early life stress impacted stem cells activities which would contribute to the long-lasting post-stress functional changes in intestinal epithelium. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the epithelium component cells and IESC proliferation and differentiation activities in an early weaning stress model in pigs. Piglets (n = 18) were obtained from commercial litters and were pair-weaned at the age of d 15 (early weaning, EW) and d 26 (late weaning, LW). Piglets were co-housed and raised under the same conditions. At the age of d 35, ileal tissues were isolated and fixed for morphological measurements. Intestinal crypts were isolated and cultured in the Matrigel matrix to form enteroids. The proliferation activities of IESCs were measured by enteroids morphology; differentiation capacity was measured by quantification of epithelial cell markers with and without chemicals-induced enteroids differentiation. Gene expressions and (or) staining of specific markers for IESCs (Olfm4, BMI1), enterocytes (ALP1), goblet cells (Muc2), Paneth cells (LYZ), and EECs (ChgA) in ileal tissue and ileal enteroids were also quantified. Data were analyzed by the student’s t-test. Our results showed that EW significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) reduced ileal villus width and crypt fission rate, while no changes were found on villus height and crypt depth compared with LW control. The alterations of ileal epithelium components in EW pigs were indicated by significantly fewer number of EECs, greater number of the goblet cells, and reduced ALP1 marker expression. The enteroids formation and budding rates were both significantly suppressed in EW pigs, which indicated a reduced IESC proliferating activity. In the fully developed enteroids, gene expressions of LYZ, ALP1, BMI1, Olfm4, and Hes1 were least in EW, but Muc2 expression was greater compared with control. In the differentiation culture media, the enteroids from EW pigs exhibited significantly enhanced potential for goblet cell differentiation but reduced capacity for enterocyte differentiation compared with LW pigs. Overall, the results indicate that early weaning stress affects the programming and activity of IESCs, which leads to an altered epithelium cell population and intestinal functions. Further understanding of mechanisms regulating IESCs activity will shed light on novel strategies mitigating stress-associated intestinal dysfunctions.

Biological method of single-node cuttings for budburst in five fig cultivars subjected to artificial chilling

Fig orchard expansion requires knowledge of the thermal requirements of genotypes available in different climatic regions. The budburst of fig cultivars was assessed by biological single-node cutting and exposure to artificial chilling. Cuttings from five cultivars were collected during two crop seasons, subsequently packaged in a horizontal position in a cold chamber (8 ± 0.5ºC), and artificially chilled for 0, 40, 80, 120, and 160h. Cuttings were preserved under controlled conditions (23 ± 1°C, RH 85%, and 16h photoperiod). The variables evaluated were the budding velocity, average time and final rate of sprouting, vigorous shoot rate, and average time to leaf opening. The single-node cutting test allowed the assessment of dormancy, which is influenced by the accumulation of chilling in each crop season. The average time and final budding rate varied depending on the temperature requirements for budding. The cultivars were classified on an increasing scale according to their chilling requirements as follows: Pingo de Mel &lt; Roxo de Valinhos &lt; Brown Turkey &lt; White Genova &lt; Troyano. The traditional cultivar in Brazil is Roxo de Valinhos, but all of the cultivars studied had the potential to diversify the fig orchards in this region.

Effect of Different Hormones Concentration on In vitro Regeneration of Apricot Cultivars

The use of modern breeding methods along with appropriate cultivation techniques facilitates the acquisition and multiplication of varieties that possess the desired characteristics. Therefore, efforts towards the in vitro propagation of woody plants are increasing day by day. Today, plants such as Malus, Prunus, Pyrus, Ribes, Rubus, etc., can be successfully propagated in vitro. Apricot stands out as a stubborn species among Prunus types for shoot regeneration and genetic transformation. In this context, this study aims to determine how different plant growth regulators affect shoot regeneration of some native apricot varieties, which hold significant importance in apricot cultivation in our country. In the conducted study, mature cotyledons of Kabaaşı, Hacıhaliloğlu, and Hasanbey apricot varieties were used along with the culture medium consisting of MS. Different doses and ratios of plant growth regulators, including BAP and TDZ, in combination with NAA and GA3, were added to the culture media. At the end of the in vitro study, the callus and primordium formation rate (%), bud and shoot formation rate (%) and number of shoots per explant were recorded. According to the results, the variety with the highest callus formation was Kabaaşı, followed by Hasanbey and Hacıhaliloğlu. In all three varieties, the rate of callus formation decreased in media containing GA3. Regarding the stage of shoot regeneration from callus, the highest shoot formation with an average of 4 shoots per explant was observed in the Kabaaşı variety in the TDZ (1.0 mgL-1) + NAA (0.25 mgL-1) and TDZ (1.0 mgL-1) + NAA (0.50 mgL-1) media. Looking at the other varieties, the highest number of shoots, 1.6 shoots per explant, was obtained from the TDZ (2.0 mgL-1) + NAA (0.25 mgL-1) medium in Hasanbey and Hacıhaliloğlu varieties. As a result of the findings, the Kabaaşı variety showed the best result in terms of the regeneration capacity of apricot varieties. In contrast the best regeneration medium was obtained from the combinations of TDZ and NAA.

Root segments cuttings of &lt;i&gt;Vitex doniana&lt;/i&gt; Sweet: effect of origin and alignment

Vitex doniana (Verbanaceae) is one of the most popular local species among farmers in the high Guinean savannah of Cameroon. Unfortunately, it is under anthropogenic pressure and this tures to reduce its population. The objective of this work was to study the effect of the origin and the alignment of the cuttings of the root segments on budding and rooting. The origin of the cuttings (Dang, Poli) constituted the main treatment and their alignment in the substrate represented the secondary treatment. The cutting of the root segments was carried out according to an experimental device in split-plot with three replications. The experimental unit consists of 10 cuttings. A total of 180 cuttings of root segments (2×3×3×10) were handled. It emerged from this study that cuttings from root segments of different origins reacted differently to vegetative propagation by cuttings. Cuttings from Poli budded better (67.77±26.82%) than those from Dang (36.66±12.24%). The analysis of variance showed a significant difference (0.0001˂0.001) with regard to the origin of the cuttings. The alignment of the cuttings in the substrate also affected budding. The vertical and oblique alignment had the best budding rates (63.33%). The buds appeared mainly at the proximal pole of the cuttings (44.44±26.6%). As for rooting, the cuttings from Poli took better root (57.41±9.32%) than those from Dang (26.35±6.2%). These results contribute to the optimization of the domestication strategies of this species. The domestication of this species of socio-economic interest could contribute to improving the living conditions of local populations.

Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in colon adenocarcinoma tumor budding

ObjectiveIn this study, we investigated the relationship between programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression in colon adenocarcinoma tumor budding. MethodsThis study included 122 patients with colon adenocarcinomas. The largest sample of formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissues was selected for analysis. Expression of membranous PD-L1 (clone 22C3) and the Combined Positive Score (CPS) in tumor tissues was calculated and graded according to the percentages of peritumoral and intratumoral tumor cells (0 %, 1 %, 1–5 %, >5 %). The effects of these factors on the prognosis were analyzed. ResultsTumor budding was associated with adverse clinicopathological features and poor overall survival. PD-L1 (CPS%) peritumoral tumor budding (1 %/<1 %) was statistically significant in the univariate model (p = 0.004). Age, organ metastases (liver, lung, liver, lung, and peritoneum), and metastases were statistically significant in the multivariate model (p = 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.004, and p = 0.032, respectively). PD-L1 positive staining was mostly observed around the tumor and during tumor budding. PD-L1 peritumoral tumor budding rates and patients' survival rates differed significantly (log-rank = 12.07, p = 0.007). ConclusionWe found that patients with PD-L1 (CPS%) > 1 % in tumor budding had a shortened life expectancy and demonstrated the importance of including tumor budding areas in the samples used for biomarker evaluation. We previously reported that PD-L1 expression in tumor budding is associated with more aggressive cancer biology and poor survival, although overall survival is of limited statistical significance.

Association between primary tumor characteristics and histopathological growth pattern of liver metastases in colorectal cancer.

The microarchitecture of liver metastases (LMs), or histopathological growth pattern (HGP), has been demonstrated to be a significant prognostic factor in patients undergoing resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). Currently, however, HGP can be only determined on the operative specimen. Therefore, the development of new tools to predict the HGP of CRLMs before surgery and to understand the mechanisms that drive these patterns is important for improving individualization of therapeutic management. In this study, we analyzed data from a retrospective series of patients who underwent surgery for CRLMs to compare primary tumor characteristics, including markers of local aggressiveness and migratory capacity, and HGP of liver metastases. Data from a retrospective series of 167 patients who underwent curative-intent resection of CRLMs and in whom pathological samples from both primary tumor and liver metastases were available were reviewed. At the primary tumor level, KRAS mutational status, grade of differentiation, and tumor budding were assessed. HGP was scored in each resected CRLM, according to consensus guidelines, and classified as desmoplastic (dHGP) or non-desmoplastic (non-dHGP). Associations between primary tumor characteristics and HGP of CRLMs were evaluated using a binary logistic regression model. Overall survival and disease-free survival were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression analyses. CRLMs were classified as dHGP in 36% of the patients and as non-dHGP in 64%. Higher rates of moderately or poorly differentiated primary tumors were observed in the non-dHGP CRLM group (80%), as compared with the dHGP group (60%) (OR = 3.6; 95%CI: 1.6-7.05; p = 0.001). Higher rates of tumor budding were observed in the non-dHGP CRLM group, with a median tumor budding value of 4 as compared with 2.5 in the dHGP group (p = 0.042). In the entire series, 5-year overall and disease-free survival were 43% and 32.5%, respectively. The non-dHGP CRLM group had worse post-hepatectomy survival, with 5-year overall and disease-free survival of 32.2% and 24.6%, respectively, as compared with 60.8% and 45.9%, respectively, for the dHGP group (p = 0.02). Colorectal tumors with moderate or poor differentiation and those with high tumor budding are more frequently associated with CRLMs with a non-dHGP. This suggests that primary tumor characteristics of local aggressiveness and migratory capacity could preferentially promote the development of CRLMs with an infiltrating pattern and that these parameters should be considered as part of new scores for predicting HGP before surgery. This finding may stimulate new lines of research for more individualized therapeutic decision in patients with CRLM candidate to surgery.

Internode Length Is Correlated with GA3 Content and Is Crucial to the Harvesting Performance of Tea-Picking Machines.

High labor costs and labor shortages are limiting factors affecting the tea industry in Anhui Province. Thus, exploiting the full mechanization of shoot harvesting is an urgent task in the tea industry. Tea quality is greatly influenced by the integrity rate of tea leaves; therefore, it is important to choose tea cultivars suitable for machine picking. In this study, seven tea cultivars were used to investigate the relationship between internode length and blade angle with respect to newly formed tea shoots and machine harvesting in field experiments (Xuanchen City, Kuiling village) conducted throughout the year (in the autumn of 2021, in the early spring of 2022, and in the summer of 2022). Our results showed that the internode length (L2 or L4) had a significant and positive correlation with the integrity rate of tea buds and leaves in seven tea cultivars over three seasons. However, no significant correlation was found between the blade angle and the integrity rate of tea buds and leaves. In addition, a strong and positive correlation was found between the levels of GA1 (R2 > 0.7), GA3 (R2 > 0.85), and IAA (R2 > 0.6) regarding the internodes and internode lengths of the seven tea cultivars. Moreover, the relative expression levels of CsGA20ox, CsGA3ox1, and CsGA3ox2 in Echa1 (the longer internode) were significantly higher compared with those in Zhenong113 (the shorter internode). Overall, our results show that the internode length is an important factor for the machine harvesting of tea leaves and that the level of GA3 is strongly associated with internode length.

In vitro regeneration of Haloxylon ammodendron

Haloxylon ammodendron (C.A.Mey) Bunge is one of the important species of arid desert vegetation in China, and it is also an ideal material for studying plant stress resistance, which plays an extremely important role in protecting desert ecosystems and preventing land desertification. However, there are relatively few studies on the regeneration of the fusiform, and the genetic transformation system has not been successfully reported, which restricts the in-depth study of the molecular mechanism of shuttle propagation and stress resistance. In the present study, the seeds, hypocotyls, cotyledons, cotyledon nodes, terminal buds and fixed buds were used as explants, and a set of tissue culture and plant regeneration system was established by inducing adventitious buds, adventitious bud rooting and transplanting. The results showed that amongst different H. ammodendron explants, i.e., seeds, hypocotyls, cotyledons and cotyledon nodes, the last induced budding effect was better. The optimal medium for inducing clandine buds by cotyledon segment differentiation is 0.5 mg·L-1 NAA+0.5 mg·L-1 6-BA induced budding rate was high, reaching 61.90%, rooting medium was 1/2 MS+1 mg·L-1 NAA +1 mg·L-1 IBA + 1 mg·L-1 IAA with a rooting rate of 50%. The results of this study will provide a theoretical basis for the genetic transformation of H. ammodendron.

Don't panic any more: MORE PANICLES 3 increases rice yield at elevated CO2 levels.

Don't panic any more: MORE PANICLES 3 increases rice yield at elevated CO2 levels.

Effects of different phosphorus levels on tiller bud development in hydroponic Phyllostachys edulis seedlings.

An appropriate amount of phosphate fertilizer can improve the germination rate of bamboo buds and increase the bamboo shoot output. However, the underlying biological mechanisms of phosphate fertilizer in bamboo shoot development have not been systematically reported. Herein, the effects of low (LP, 1μM), normal (NP, 50μM) and high (HP, 1000μM) phosphorus (P) on the growth and development of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) tiller buds were first investigated. Phenotypically, the seedling biomass, average number of tiller buds and bud height growth rate under the LP and HP treatments were significantly lower than those under the NP treatment. Next, the microstructure difference of tiller buds in the late development stage (S4) at three P levels was analyzed. The number of internode cells and vascular bundles were significantly lower in the LP treatments than in the NP treatments. The relative expression levels of eight P transport genes, eight hormone-related genes and four bud development genes at the tiller bud developmental stage (S2-S4) and the tiller bud re-tillering stage were analyzed with real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the expression trends for most P transport genes, hormone-related genes and bud development genes from S2 to S4 were diversified at different P levels, and the expression levels were also different at different P levels. In the tiller bud re-tillering stage, the expression levels of seven P transport genes and six hormone-related genes showed a downward trend with increasing P level. REV expression level decreased under LP and HP conditions. TB1 expression level increased under HP condition. Therefore, we conclude that P deficiency inhibits tiller bud development and re-tillering, and that P depends on the expression of REV and TB1 genes and auxin, cytokinin and strigolactones synthesis and transporter genes to mediate tiller bud development and re-tillering.