Parenchyma Research Articles

Carryover effects of maternal late-gestation heat stress on granddaughters' growth and mammary gland development

Maternal (F0) exposure to late-gestation heat stress reduces their daughter's (F1) mammary gland fat pad mass (FP), parenchyma (PAR) mass, and epithelial cell proliferation when evaluated at birth and weaning, and go on to produce less milk in their first lactation. Herein, we investigated the effect of maternal late-gestation heat stress on whole-body growth and mammary development of their granddaughters (F2). Multiparous F0 cows had access to heat abatement (n = 41, shade, and active cooling via fans and water soakers) or not (n = 41, shade only) for the last 56 d of gestation during a subtropical summer. Consequently, the F1 daughters, born to F0 cows, were heat-stressed (HTF1, n = 36) or cooled (CLF1, n = 37) in utero during the last 2 mo of gestation. All F1 heifers were raised as an identically managed cohort until first calving. The F2 granddaughters, born to HTF1 (HTF2, n = 12) or CLF1 (CLF2, n = 17), were raised as an identically managed cohort until 70 d of age. Dry matter intake (DMI), body weight, hip height, wither height, chest girth, head circumference, mammary gland teat length, and left-right and front-rear teat distances were measured. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated for the pre-weaned period (0-49 d). Mammary ultrasounds were performed on d 21, 49, and 70 (n = 9/group) on the rear left and right quarters to quantify PAR and FP areas. Mammary biopsies were collected for histological evaluation of epithelial structures (H&E staining), and to quantify cells positive for ERα (estrogen receptor, α subunit), cell proliferation (Ki67), and apoptosis (TUNEL). Heifer growth from birth to d 49 was similar between CLF2 and HTF2 for all parameters evaluated. Distances between teats and teat length were not different between groups. On d 70, CLF2 tended to have a greater average PAR (right and left quarters) relative to HTF2. Although the left FP was smaller in HTF2 relative to CLF2, the average FP was not different. The lumenal and non-lumenal epithelial structures in the PAR of HTF2 were significantly smaller than those of CLF2. In addition, HTF2 had a reduced percentage of proliferating cells in the epithelial and stromal compartments and a greater percentage of apoptotic cells, particularly in the stroma. The percentage of ERα positive cells was significantly reduced in HTF2. In summary, although HTF2 heifer's DMI was similar and they grew at the same rate as CLF2 heifers throughout the pre-weaning phase, their mammary glands had smaller PAR areas with fewer epithelial structures characterized by reduced cell turnover and lower ERα expression. These early changes in the microstructure and cellular turnover of the mammary gland may partly explain the reduction in lactation performance relative to CLF2 counterparts at maturity.

Effects of Selenium on the Lignin Deposition Pattern and Stem Mechanical Properties of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).

Lignin provides structural support to plants; however, it reduces their utilization rate. According to our previous studies, selenium (Se) reduces lignin accumulation in alfalfa, but the specific mechanism involved remains unclear. Therefore, at the seedling stage, four root irrigation treatments using 2.5, 50, and 5 μmol/L sodium selenite (S-RI), selenomethionine (SS-RI), Se nanoparticles (SSS-RI), and deionized water (CK-RI) were performed. At the branching stage, four treatments of foliar spraying with the three Se fertilizers described above at a concentration of 0.5 mmol/L (S-FS, SS-FS, and SSS-FS) and deionized water (CK-FS) were administered. The results revealed that all Se treatments chiefly reduced the level of deposition of syringyl (S) lignin in the first internode of alfalfa stems. SS-FS and SSS-FS treatments mainly reduced the deposition of S and guaiacyl (G) lignins in the sixth internode of alfalfa stems, respectively, while S-FS treatment only slightly reduced the deposition of G lignin. S, SS, and SSS-RI treatments reduced the level of deposition of S and G lignins in the sixth internode of alfalfa stems. Se application increased plant height, stem diameter, epidermis (cortex) thickness, primary xylem vessel number (diameter), and pith diameter of alfalfa but decreased primary xylem area and pith parenchyma cell wall thickness of the first internode, and SS(SSS)-FS treatment reduced the mechanical strength of alfalfa stems. Therefore, Se application could decrease lignin accumulation by regulating the organizational structure parameters of alfalfa stems and the deposition pattern of the lignin monomers.

Sustainable high-strength and dimensionally stable composites through in situ regulation and reconstitution of bamboo-derived lignin and hemicellulose contents

The development of modern construction and transportation industries demands increasingly high requirements for thin, lightweight, high-strength, and highly tough composite materials, such as metal carbides and concrete. Bamboo is a green, low-carbon, fast-growing, renewable, and biodegradable material with high strength and toughness. However, the density of its inner layer is low due to the functional gradient (the volume fraction of vascular bundles decreases from the outer layer to the inner layer), resulting in low performance, high compressibility, and significant amounts of bamboo waste. We utilized chemical and mechanical treatments of bamboo's low-density, low-strength inner layers to create lightweight, ultra-thin, high-strength, and high-toughness composites. The treatment included the partial removal of lignin and hemicellulose to alter the chemical components, followed by mechanical drying and hot pressing. The treated bamboo had 100.8 % higher tensile strength (150.35 MPa), 47.7 % higher flexural strength (97.67 MPa), and 132.0 % higher water resistance and was approximately 68.9 % thinner than the natural bamboo. The excellent physical and mechanical properties of the treated bamboo are attributed to the contraction of parenchyma cells during delignification, the interlocking due to the collapse of parenchyma cells during mechanical drying, and an increase in the density of hydrogen bonds between cellulose molecular chains during hot pressing. Our research provides a new strategy for obtaining sustainable, ultra-thin, lightweight, high-strength, and high-toughness composite materials from bamboo for construction and transportation applications.

Neuroimmunology of Cardiovascular Disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death and chronic disability worldwide. Yet, despite extensive intervention strategies the number of persons affected by CVD continues to rise. Thus, there is great interest in unveiling novel mechanisms that may lead to new treatments. Considering this dilemma, recent focus has turned to the neuroimmune mechanisms involved in CVD pathology leading to a deeper understanding of the brain's involvement in disease pathology. This review provides an overview of new and salient findings regarding the neuroimmune mechanisms that contribute to CVD. The brain contains neuroimmune niches comprised of glia in the parenchyma and immune cells at the brain's borders, and there is strong evidence that these neuroimmune niches are important in both health and disease. Mechanistic studies suggest that the activation of glia and immune cells in these niches modulates CVD progression in hypertension and heart failure and contributes to the inevitable end-organ damage to the brain. This review provides evidence supporting the role of neuroimmune niches in CVD progression. However, additional research is needed to understand the effects of prolonged neuroimmune activation on brain function.

Sugar beet PMT5a and STP13 carriers suitable for proton-driven plasma membrane sucrose and glucose import in taproots.

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) is the major sugar-producing crop in Europe and Northern America, as the taproot stores sucrose at a concentration of around 20%. Genome sequence analysis together with biochemical and electrophysiological approaches led to the identification and characterization of the TST sucrose transporter driving vacuolar sugar accumulation in the taproot. However, the sugar transporters mediating sucrose uptake across the plasma membrane of taproot parenchyma cells remained unknown. As with glucose, sucrose stimulation of taproot parenchyma cells caused inward proton fluxes and plasma membrane depolarization, indicating a sugar/proton symport mechanism. To decipher the nature of the corresponding proton-driven sugar transporters, we performed taproot transcriptomic profiling and identified the cold-induced PMT5a and STP13 transporters. When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, BvPMT5a was characterized as a voltage- and H+-driven low-affinity glucose transporter, which does not transport sucrose. In contrast, BvSTP13 operated as a high-affinity H+/sugar symporter, transporting glucose better than sucrose, and being more cold-tolerant than BvPMT5a. Modeling of the BvSTP13 structure with bound mono- and disaccharides suggests plasticity of the binding cleft to accommodate the different saccharides. The identification of BvPMT5a and BvSTP13 as taproot sugar transporters could improve breeding of sugar beet to provide a sustainable energy crop.

Thermal behavior analysis and reaction mechanism in the preparation of activated carbon by ZnCl2 activation of bamboo fibers

In this study, bamboo powder (BP), bamboo parenchyma cells (PCs), and bamboo fibers (BFs) were used as precursors to prepare activated carbon by ZnCl2 one-step activation to investigate the differences in the pore structures of the three. The results showed that BFs-based activated carbon had a higher specific surface area (2129 m2/g). Subsequently, the activation reaction paths of the BFs-based activated carbon preparation process were analyzed and explored by TGA, XRD, TG-MS-FTIR, EA, and other analytical methods, and the reaction mechanism was inferred. The results showed that the main reaction below 220 °C was the breaking of molecular bonds of oxygen-containing functional groups on hemicellulose, and the pyrolysis by-products at this stage were dominated by small molecules such as H2O, CO2, CH4, CH3OH, and HCHO. The pyrolysis of cellulose and the activation reaction of ZnCl2 were the main reactions between 220 °C and 650 °C. ZnCl2 was a strong dehydrating agent that can form ZnOCl2·2 H2O with intramolecular water molecules, and gradually decompose to form ZnO with the increase in temperature, the main gaseous products in this temperature interval were mainly H2O, CO, CO2, C3H4, and CH4. Above 650 °C, pyrolysis was basically completed and continued to shift to the aromatic structure, with the gaseous products mainly being H2, H2O, CO2, CH4, CO, C3H4, and a small amount of CH3OH and HCHO.

Parenchymal cues define Vegfa-driven venous angiogenesis by activating a sprouting competent venous endothelial subtype

Formation of organo-typical vascular networks requires cross-talk between differentiating parenchymal cells and developing blood vessels. Here we identify a Vegfa driven venous sprouting process involving parenchymal to vein cross-talk regulating venous endothelial Vegfa signaling strength and subsequent formation of a specialized angiogenic cell, prefabricated with an intact lumen and pericyte coverage, termed L-Tip cell. L-Tip cell selection in the venous domain requires genetic interaction between vascular Aplnra and Kdrl in a subset of venous endothelial cells and exposure to parenchymal derived Vegfa and Apelin. Parenchymal Esm1 controls the spatial positioning of venous sprouting by fine-tuning local Vegfa availability. These findings may provide a conceptual framework for understanding how Vegfa generates organo-typical vascular networks based on the selection of competent endothelial cells, induced via spatio-temporal control of endothelial Kdrl signaling strength involving multiple parenchymal derived cues generated in a tissue dependent metabolic context.

An oligo peptide transporter family member, OsOPT7, mediates xylem unloading of Fe for its preferential distribution in rice.

Iron (Fe) needs to be delivered to different organs and tissues of above-ground parts for playing its multiple physiological functions once it is taken up by the roots. However, the mechanisms underlying Fe distribution are poorly understood. We functionally characterized OsOPT7, a member of oligo peptide transporter family in terms of expression patterns, localization, transport activity and phenotypic analysis of knockdown lines. OsOPT7 was highly expressed in the nodes, especially in the uppermost node I, and its expression was upregulated by Fe-deficiency. OsOPT7 transports ferrous iron into the cells coupled with proton. Immunostaining revealed that OsOPT7 is mainly localized in the xylem parenchyma cells of the enlarged vascular bundles in the nodes and vascular tissues in the leaves. Knockdown of OsOPT7 did not affect the Fe uptake, but altered Fe distribution; less Fe was distributed to the new leaf, upper nodes and developing panicle, but more Fe was distributed to the old leaves. Furthermore, knockdown of OsOPT7 also resulted in less Fe distribution to the leaf sheath, but more Fe to the leaf blade. Taken together, OsOPT7 is involved in the xylem unloading of Fe for both long-distance distribution to the developing organs and local distribution within the leaf in rice.

Iron overload syndrome. Ethiopatogenesis. magnetic resonance imaging techniques for quantitative assessment of iron overload status: a review

INTRODUCTION: The development of iron overload syndrome may be due to both hereditary and acquired factors. The danger of this condition is manifested in the irreversible loss of parenchymatous pool as a result of cirrhotic transformation and marked fibrosis, caused by the consequent accumulation of iron complexes, of such important internal organs as the liver and heart. The amount of iron in the body is assessed by detecting serum ferritin concentration or by measuring liver and heart iron concentration by biopsy (LIC — liver iron concentration; HIC — heart iron concentration). Insufficient diagnostic significance of the serum ferritin concentration criterion, as well as the invasiveness and traumatization of biopsies, are limitations to the widespread use of these methods.OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to present the main etio-pathogenetic factors of iron overload, the impact of this metabolic disorder on the body, and to reflect the basic principles of diagnosis and the leading role of quantitative MRI in the assessment of iron overload of vital internal organs.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Performed literature search in Russian and English languages for the period from 2001 to 2022 years in Medline/PubMed, RINC/Elibrary, CyberLeninka, Google Scholar databases by keywords: iron overload syndrome, liver, liver cirrhosis, ferritin, hemosiderin, MR diagnostics iron overload, MR relaxometry, R2*/T2*, thesaurismoses, magnetic resonance tomography, SIR (signal intensity ratio), LIC (liver iron concentration), biopsy, chronic diffuse liver diseases, DIOS.RESULTS: The final analysis included 27 publications devoted to various etio-pathogenetic aspects of iron overload syndrome. The forms of iron complexes residence in liver parenchymatous tissue are presented. Characteristics of MR-signal behavior depending on the severity of inhomogeneity of the magnetic field created by iron complexes are characterized. The areas of application of magnetic resonance imaging scanning modes for detection and quantitative diagnostics of iron overload are reflected.CONCLUSION: The ferritin-iron complex, also called ferrihydride, has high paramagnetic properties that provide high contrast MR images in the state of tissue iron overload. The leading methods for quantitative assessment of iron overload are the signal intensity ratio (SIR) method and T2*/R2*-relaxometry. Advantages and disadvantages of these methods, consisting in the limits of determining the degree of overload, make it possible to cover a wide range of overload values by complementing each other. Also the influence of parenchyma architectonics disturbances and concomitant accumulation diseases contribute to the formation of diagnostic inaccuracies. Therefore, the development of complex qualitative-quantitative MR diagnostics in order to isolate highly selective biomarkers will play an important role in MR diagnostics of iron overload syndrome.

CGAS suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma independent of its cGAMP synthase activity.

Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a key innate immune sensor that recognizes cytosolic DNA to induce immune responses against invading pathogens. The role of cGAS is conventionally recognized as a nucleotidyltransferase to catalyze the synthesis of cGAMP upon recognition of cytosolic DNA, which leads to the activation of STING and production of type I/III interferon to fight against the pathogen. However, given that hepatocytes are lack of functional STING expression, it is intriguing to define the role of cGAS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the liver parenchymal cells derived malignancy. In this study, we revealed that cGAS was significantly downregulated in clinical HCC tissues, and its dysregulation contributed to the progression of HCC. We further identified cGAS as an immune tyrosine inhibitory motif (ITIM) containing protein, and demonstrated that cGAS inhibited the progression of HCC and increased the response of HCC to sorafenib treatment by suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 pathway in cellular and animal models. Mechanistically, cGAS recruits SH2-containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP1) via ITIM, and dephosphorylates p85 in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which leads to the suppression of AKT-mTORC1 pathway. Thus, cGAS is identified as a novel tumor suppressor in HCC via its function independent of its conventional role as cGAMP synthase, which indicates a novel therapeutic strategy for advanced HCC by modulating cGAS signaling.

Assessment of Density and Anatomical Features of Young and Old Bambusa vulgaris (Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl.) Culm Heights as Sustainable Structural Material in Ghana

This study sought to assess the density and anatomical features of young and old Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex JC Wendl. culm heights and, therefore, evaluate their influence on the utilization potential of the culm as a sustainable structural material. Bambusa vulgaris culm of 2-year and 4-year-old were harvested and prepared to the required length of 6 meters for the study. Basic density and anatomical features were carried out. The results showed that the basic density of old bamboo ranges from 652.91 kg/m³ to 729.06 kg/m³, while the young bamboo ranges from 342.33 kg/m³ to 509.52 kg/m³. The vascular bundle arrangement was found to be in Type III and Type IV for the culm heights of both young and old bamboo. The average vascular bundle radial diameter ranged from 761.13 μm to 890.78 μm for the old culm and 727.16 μm to 844.83 μm for the young culm. The average vascular bundle tangential diameter ranged from 499.44 μm to 533.49 μm for the old culm and 425.56 μm to 483.56 μm for the young culm. The radial diameter of the metaxylem vessel of the old culm ranged from 216.81 μm to 54.74 μm, while 214.23 μm to 73.86 μm were for the young culm. Parenchyma tissues ranged from 35%– to 70% for the old bamboo culm and 45% to 75% for the young bamboo culm. Vessel proportion ranged from 6%–12% for the old culm while the young culm ranged from 5%–11%. Fiber proportion ranged from 22% to 54% for the old culm and 19% to 44% for the young culm. Old bamboo had better vascular bundle properties than that of young bamboo. The density is significantly correlated positively to the anatomical properties. Old bamboo is more suitable to be used as the engineered composite material due to its better anatomical features across the culm wall thickness.

Abstract LB121: Endothelial cells mediated paracrine signaling alters immune cell modulators on colorectal cancer cells

Abstract Background: Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the US. Various factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play significant roles in progression of CRC tumors and their response to various therapies. Previous studies from our laboratory and other groups have demonstrated that blood vessels and their constituent endothelial cells (ECs) exert strong effects on CRC cells by altering stemness, enhancing drug resistance, and increasing cell survival. Although ECs have also been shown to affect immune cell function or alter the tumor immune environment by direct or indirect mechanisms, their role in altering immune-modulating effectors on tumor cells, especially CRC cells, are poorly understood. Thus, elucidating the role of ECs in regulating immune-modulators in CRC cells and understanding the underlying mechanisms by which this occurs will provide important insights into the role of ECs on altering the immune-microenvironment of CRC tumors that likely affects tumor progression and, possibly, response to immunotherapies. Methods: A panel of CRC cells lines were exposed to conditioned media (CM) from CRC or multiple primary or immortalized liver parenchymal endothelial cells (LPECs), and alterations in some of the known immune-inhibitory ligands were measured by western blotting or flow cytometry. Molecular size-based fractionation of CRC-CM or LPEC-CM were performed and various sized fractions were utilized to detect fractions harboring inducers of immune-inhibitory ligands. Mass spectrometry was performed to identify possible factors in LPEC-CM. Western blotting of CRC cell lysates was performed to identify possible signaling changes following LPEC-CM treatment. Results: Our studies demonstrated that ECs were more efficient in inducing PD-L1 expression in CRC cells compared to other cell types present in the CRC tumor microenvironment. LPEC-CM induced PD-L1 expression in multiple CRC cells regardless of their genetic mutations or MSI-H/MSS status. Initial studies indicate that LPEC-CM can also enhance MHC-1 expression in CRC cells. Size-fractionation studies indicate that inducer/s of PD-L1 expression are present in a fraction >100kDa. Mass-spectrometry of this fraction has identified prospective candidates that can possibly induce PD-L1 on CRC cells. CRC cells treated with LPEC-CM led to enhanced levels of pSTAT3, a known PD-L1 transcription factor. Conclusions: Our studies, for the first time, demonstrate that ECs, through paracrine signaling, can educate CRC cells to overexpress immune-modulatory ligands. Further studies are being conducted to elucidate the molecular factors involved in these processes. These studies not only shed light on the complex role played by ECs in modulating the TME, but also warrants further investigations into the effects of these changes in CRC tumor progression and responses to therapies. Citation Format: FanFan, Lee M. Ellis, Rajat Bhattacharya. Endothelial cells mediated paracrine signaling alters immune cell modulators on colorectal cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB121.

Erythropoietin as antihypoxic cytokine

This study analyzed the potential for the widespread use of erythropoietin, the main antihypoxic cytokine produced by renal parenchyma cells, and possible complications associated with its use. Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein heterodimer whose main function is the regulation of the formation and differentiation of erythroid germ cells and formation of the primary physiological response to hypoxia. The main effects of this cytokine are summarized, and the main points of application of the hormone, mechanisms of content regulation, and its use in medicine as a natural pharmacological agent in pharmacological preconditioning are highlighted. Attention is also drawn to the increasing role of hypoxia — one of the most dangerous typical pathological processes in the formation of life-threatening conditions, which has found its use in medicine, particularly as a physiological agent in combating vascular diseases, which are gaining enormous importance in our time.

Effect of growth promotors on morphogenesis, photosynthetic apparatus, productivity and residual substances content in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruits

The use of plant growth promoting substances in order to optimize crop performance is one of the leading tasks of modern plant physiology. The effect of 0.005% 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (1-NAA), 0.005% gibberellic acid (GA3), 0.005% 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) foliar treatment on morphogenesis, leaf parameters, photosynthetic pigments content, photosynthetic apparatus activity indices, and residual amounts of the used substances in the sweet pepper Capsicum annuum L. variety Antey fruits was investigated. The field experiment was laid on plots of 32 m2. The treatment of plants was carried out at the budding stage. Morphometric indices were determined at the flowering and fruit formation stages. The mesostructure of the middle tier leaves was studied at the fruit formation stage. The content of the chlorophylls was determined in the fresh leaf tissue by the spectrophotometric method. Indices of photosystem II (PSII) activity were determined by registration of chlorophyll fluorescence induction, using a portable single-beam fluorimeter. The assay of the residual content growth of promotors in the fruits was carried out on a Shimadzu GC gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometric detector – GCMS-QP2020 EI. It was revealed that treatment with GA3 increased plant height. All substances increased the number of leaves on the plant, their fresh and dry weight, the leaf area, and the canopy leaf area index. All growth promoting substances thickened leaf laminas due to the growth of chlorenchyma. GA3 and 6-BAP increased the volume of columnar parenchyma cells, and 1-NAA and GA3 increased the size of leaf spongy parenchyma cells. 6-BAP increased the total chlorophyll (a + b) content in the leaves, and under the GA3 treatment this index tended to decrease. 6-BAP increased the chlorophyll index of plants at the fruit formation stage, and GA3 decreased it at the flowering stage. The net photosynthetic rate increased under the influence of 1-NAA and 6-BAP, and decreased under GA3 treatment. GA3 reduced photorespiration and transpiration in leaves, 6-BAP increased transpiration, and 1-NAA decreased it. All substances increased dark respiration. Treatment with GA3 and 6-BAP reliably increased the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemical reactions. 1-NAA and 6-BAP increased the actual quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry. The coefficient of chlorophyll fluorescence photochemical quenching significantly increased at flowering under the application of 1-NAA, and tended to increase at the stage of fruit formation under the treatment of 1-NAA and 6-BAP. When GA3 was applied, the rate of chlorophyll fluorescence photochemical quenching was significantly reduced. The index of PSII reaction centers fraction that do not reduce the QB acceptor did not change with the use of 1-NAA and GA3 and tended to decrease after the use of 6-BAP. All growth promotors increased the whole plant dry weight. They reduced the net photosynthetic efficiency at the flowering stage, and at the stage of fruit formation it significantly increased under the treatment with 6-BAP. The 6-BAP caused the redistribution of plastic substances into the fruits due to the decrease in the dry weight of vegetative organs. Treatment with 1-NAA increased the proportion of root dry weight. 1-NAA, GA3 and 6-BAP increased the yield of fruits from one plant by 17%, 22% and 20% respectively due to the increase in the number of fruits per plant. The residual amounts of 1-NAA and 6-BAP in ripe sweet pepper fruits did not exceed the maximum permissible sanitary standards.

Protocupressinoxylon baii sp. nov., a gymnospermous fossil trunk from the Upper Shihhotse Formation (Permian) of Yangquan City, Shanxi Province, North China

A new permineralized gymnospermous fossil trunk with only secondary xylem being preserved, Protocupressinoxylon baii sp. nov., is described from the Upper Shihhotse Formation (Permian) in Yangquan City, Shanxi Province, North China. The pith, primary xylem, and bark are not preserved. The wood is pycnoxylic, composed of tracheids, rays, and axial parenchyma. True growth rings are absent. However, growth interruptions are well-developed. In cross section, tracheids in the growth interruption vary gradually in diameter from thin-walled, larger cells to thick-walled, smaller cells, and change at an opposite direction, forming a symmetrical boundary. Radial tracheidal pitting is uni- to biseriate. When uniseriate, pits are contiguous or separately arrayed. When biseriate, pits are mostly alternately arranged. Rims of Sanio and tangential pits are absent. The percentage of abietinean pitting of current fossil wood is 23.6%, and the araucarian pitting is 76.4%. Axial parenchymatous cells are irregularly distributed among the xylem tracheids with opaque contents. Rays are homogeneous, commonly uniseriate, and are 1–24 cells high. The cross-field pitting is mainly of the cupressoid type, and there are commonly 1–2, rarely 3–4 pits in each cross-field unit. The fossil trunk represents the first record of Protocupressinoxylon Eckhold from the Permian of the Cathaysia. Fungal hyphae present in tracheids and rays, demonstrating the association between the current trunk and fungi. The absence of true growth rings, and the presence of growth interruptions suggest suitable climatic conditions with episodic drought for the flourishing of plants during the time when the Upper Shihhotse Formation was deposited in the Permian.

Laryngeal and oropharyngeal adenocarcinoma with pulmonary metastases in a common raven (Corvus corax).

A captive 15-year-old male common raven (Corvus corax) was presented for post-mortem examination. It had been previously presented to a local veterinarian due to a 3-4 weeks long history of abnormal respiratory sounds. Upon admission, the bird demonstrated severe dyspnea and a massive amount of mucous in the oropharynx. After symptomatic treatment, dyspnea deteriorated dramatically, and euthanasia was elicited because of poor prognosis. The necropsy revealed a 2.65 x 2.15 x 2.18 cm expansile and poorly delineated cauliflower-shaped mass around the glottis and extending inside the tracheal lumen. Additionally, a dilated salivary gland in the adjacent tissue and multifocal reddish-fleshy areas in the lung parenchyma were detected. Histopathological examination identified the mass as moderately differentiated, tubular adenocarcinoma with invasive growth and moderate to marked cellular atypia and numerous mitoses. The presumptive origin of the neoplasia was one of the salivary glands. Multiple metastases were identified in the lung both macroscopically and histologically. Bacterial culture and molecular testing for West Nile and Usutu viruses were negative. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of metastatic laryngeal and oropharyngeal adenocarcinoma in a common raven.

Correspondence on Letter regarding "Both liver parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells express JCAD proteins under various circumstances".

Correspondence on Letter regarding "Both liver parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells express JCAD proteins under various circumstances".

Microscopic investigation and pharmacognostic evaluation of leaves of Anemone rupicola Camb.

There is almost no scientific literature available on the phytochemistry and pharmacognosy of this plant so the basic aim of the study is to analyze pharmacognostic features of dried leaves of Anemone rupicola Camb. Morphology was studied by using the features like margins, shape, length, width, surface and so forth. For anatomical examination leaves were preserved in formalin acetic alcohol (FAA) and cutting the thin section of leaves and petiole with razor blade. Macroscopic characters of powdered drug were evaluated through organoleptic method. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was done by adopting the standard procedures. The antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract of Anemone rupicola Camb. was performed by Agar well diffusion method. The powder microscopic study showed epidermal cells, trichomes, various type of tracheids, pitted vessels, and sclerenchymatous fibers. Transverse cutting of leaves and petiole revealed the presence of different cells such as epidermis, palisade parenchyma, spongy parenchyma cells, aerenchyma, collenchyma, trichomes, and vascular bundles. The investigation of phytochemicals in distilled water, methanol and in ethanol solvent indicated the presence of various secondary compounds such as phenols, saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, coumarins, and flavonoids. The methanolic extract of Anemone rupicola Camb. has potential as an antimicrobial agent. However, further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. This study can be used as powerful tool for the identification and authentication of this plant. For the purity and quality control these results will be helpful tool. This will also shed light into new areas where researchers can intervene in developing new drugs for future use. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Morphological Features of the Anemone rupicola Anatomical examination of leaves of Anemeone rupicola Microscopic features of powdered drug of leaves of Anemone rupicola Qualitative Phytochemical analysis of the leaves of Anemone rupicola.

Toxoplasma type II effector GRA15 has limited influence in vivo.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that establishes a long-term infection in the brain of many warm-blooded hosts, including humans and rodents. Like all obligate intracellular microbes, Toxoplasma uses many effector proteins to manipulate the host cell to ensure parasite survival. While some of these effector proteins are universal to all Toxoplasma strains, some are polymorphic between Toxoplasma strains. One such polymorphic effector is GRA15. The gra15 allele carried by type II strains activates host NF-κB signaling, leading to the release of cytokines such as IL-12, TNF, and IL-1β from immune cells infected with type II parasites. Prior work also suggested that GRA15 promotes early host control of parasites in vivo, but the effect of GRA15 on parasite persistence in the brain and the peripheral immune response has not been well defined. For this reason, we sought to address this gap by generating a new IIΔgra15 strain and comparing outcomes at 3 weeks post infection between WT and IIΔgra15 infected mice. We found that the brain parasite burden and the number of macrophages/microglia and T cells in the brain did not differ between WT and IIΔgra15 infected mice. In addition, while IIΔgra15 infected mice had a lower number and frequency of splenic M1-like macrophages and frequency of PD-1+ CTLA-4+ CD4+ T cells and NK cells compared to WT infected mice, the IFN-γ+ CD4 and CD8 T cell populations were equivalent. In summary, our results suggest that in vivo GRA15 may have a subtle effect on the peripheral immune response, but this effect is not strong enough to alter brain parasite burden or parenchymal immune cell number at 3 weeks post infection.

Low metal content and hierarchically porous structure of “Fabaceae-Plants” derived activated carbon for high-performance supercapacitors

Plants with naturally ordered tissues and unique cell structures have become good precursors as activated carbon (AC) electrodes for supercapacitors. The various inherent plants derived ergastic substances induce numerous impurities in ACs, seriously impeding electrochemical performance. Aiming at elevating electrochemical activities, we herein, select suitable “Fabaceae-Plants” precursors via pre-leaching and carbonization-KOH activation for purer AC supercapacitor electrodes. The inherent parenchyma tissues and intrinsic low metal ion properties ensure “Fabaceae-Plants” derived ACs have large specific surface areas (SSA) (> 3000 m2 g−1) and low self-discharge rates. After ethanol reflux, most ergastic substances were removed, leading to a lower metal ion content that meets the standard procedure in Chinese GB/T 37386-2019 codes and higher mesopore volumes due to the better KOH activation effect. The mung bean sprouts-based activated carbon (AC) prepared by ethanol reflux exhibits higher capacitance (370 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1), excellent rate performance (81.8 % from 0.5 to 50 A g−1), and an impressively low open circuit voltage attenuation rate (19.9 mV h−1). These characteristics are attributed to the synergistic effect of low metal ion impurities and higher mesopore volumes. Hence, the “Fabaceae-Plants” derived ACs are potential materials for clean energy storage and conversion systems, and the pre-leaching strategy may propose a strategy for high value-added utilization of biomass.