Parenchyma Research Articles

Ontogenetic differences in sun and shade galls of Clinodiplosis profusa on Eugenia uniflora leaves and the cytological antioxidant mechanisms in gall cells.

The gall-host Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae) is adaptable to different light conditions, enabling leaf production and survival in both sun and shade. Leaves of E. uniflora in shaded environments have more mesophyll layers, and galls of Clinodiplosis profusa (Cecidomyiidae) are larger and wider. Based on these previous observations, this study investigated the morphogenesis of galls induced by C. profusa on leaves of E. uniflora in different light conditions, revealing if the galls have a potential for acclimation, as observed with leaves. For this purpose, we compared the anatomical, histometric, and histochemical development of leaves and galls at different stages of development in sun and shade environments. Additionally, we analyzed the cytological features of the tissues composing the mature gall walls. Cells of shade galls expanded more toward the end of the developmental phase, which may explain the larger volume found for shade galls in a previous study. However, during the mature phase, these galls showed no significant differences in tissue thickness and final cell elongation in the contrasting light conditions. In the ultrastructural analyses, mature galls showed a gradient distinguishing the outer and inner parenchyma cells. The inner parenchyma had nutritive cells, with dense cytoplasm and abundant organelles. A higher accumulation of starch grains in nutritive cells, with evidence of hydrolysis of starch grains detected in the innermost layers leads to the accumulation of reducing sugars, which, with the presence of plastoglobules and protein bodies, are important mechanisms of oxidative stress dissipation in the cells in contact with the gall inducer.

Salvianolic acid B in fibrosis treatment: a comprehensive review.

Fibrosis is a public health issue of great concern characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, leading to the destruction of parenchymal tissue and organ dysfunction that places a heavy burden on the global healthcare system due to its high incidence, disability, and mortality. Salvianolic acid B (SalB) has positively affected various human diseases, including fibrosis. In this review, we concentrate on the anti-fibrotic effects of SalB from a molecular perspective while providing information on the safety, adverse effects, and drug interactions of SalB. Additionally, we discuss the innovative SalB formulations, which give some references for further investigation and therapeutic use of SalB's anti-fibrotic qualities. Even with the encouraging preclinical data, additional research is required before relevant clinical trials can be conducted. Therefore, we conclude with recommendations for future studies. It is hoped that this review will provide comprehensive new perspectives on future research and product development related to SalB treatment of fibrosis and promote the efficient development of this field.

Chemical analysis of different parts from agarwood columns by artificially agarwood-inducing method based on GC–MS and UPLC-TOF-MS

Agarwood is resin-containing wood produced by plants that have been injured. It is widely used in herbal medicine, incense, decorative items, and so on. In this study, we conducted resin area statistical analysis, determined starch particle and reducing sugar contents, and performed multivariate statistical analysis of chemical composition by GC–MS and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS to explore the different components in sections cut from an agarwood column, designated as A1–A4. The results showed that after stimulation by Agar-Bit inducer, the internal phloem parenchyma cells of the column started to form agarwood, and then starch granules were converted into soluble reducing sugars and agarwood resin. Section A1 showed rapid loss of starch granules, resulting in higher contents of reducing sugars and resin. The resin areas of agarwood in the respective sections were different, gradually decreasing on going from A1 to A4. Total numbers of metabolites of 87 and 63 were identified by GC–MS and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, respectively. Of these, 10 and 16 metabolites with significant differences (variable importance projection >1) were selected through multivariate statistical analysis. These metabolites included chromones, sesquiterpenes, alkanes, and fatty acids. Among them, 6-methoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone and 6,7-dimethoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone were significant markers detected by both GC–MS and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, which may be essential substances responsible for differences in the agarwood-forming capacities of the cut sections. In conclusion, there has been limited research on the different agarwood-forming capacities of agarwood columns. Here, we explored the differences in various sections of agarwood through chemical analysis to provide a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of its constitution.

Detailed three-dimensional analyses of tyloses in oak used for bourbon and wine barrels through X-ray computed tomography

American white (Quercus alba L.) oak casks have been used for liquid storage for centuries. Their use in aged spirits is critical to imparting flavor and mouthfeel to the final product. The reason that barrels retain liquid has been hypothesized to be the result of abundant physiological structures called tyloses in parenchyma tissues and medullary rays in white oak. Using non-destructive X-ray computed tomography (XRCT) imaging, we reveal an unprecedented view of tylose structure and quantify the pore-filling capacity of tyloses in white oak that underscores the liquid retention we observe in casks. We show that pores of white oaks are filled with sevenfold higher tylose volume compared to northern red oak (Q. rubra), consistent with prior literature that casks made from white oak retain liquid while red oak fails to do so. We propose that XRCT represents a methodological standard for observing these complex structures and should be employed to understand the many questions related to liquid losses from casks, cultural treatment of casks, and the influence of climate change on oak tyloses in the future.

Surviving the desert's grasp: Decipherment phreatophyte Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karst. Adaptive strategies for arid resilience

Phreatophytes play an important role in maintaining the ecological services in arid and semi-arid areas. Characterizing the interaction between groundwater and phreatophytes is critical for the land and water management in such areas. Therefore, the identification of key traits related to mitigating desertification in differently adapted T. aphylla populations was the focus. Fifteen naturally adapted populations of the prominent phreatophyte T. aphylla from diverse ecological regions of Punjab, Pakistan were selected. Key structural and functional modifications involved in ecological success and adaptations against heterogeneous environments for water conservation include widened metaxylem vessels in roots, enlarged brachy sclereids in stems/leaves, tissues succulence, and elevated organic osmolytes and antioxidants activity for osmoregulation and defense mechanism. Populations from hot and dry deserts (Dratio: 43.17−34.88) exhibited longer roots and fine-scaled leaves, along with enlarged vascular bundles and parenchyma cells in stems. Populations inhabiting saline deserts (Dratio: 38.59−33.29) displayed enhanced belowground biomass production, larger root cellular area, broadest phloem region in stems, and numerous large stomata in leaves. Hyper-arid populations (Dratio: 33.54−23.07) excelled in shoot biomass production, stem cellular area, epidermal thickness, pith region in stems, and lamina thickness in leaves. In conclusion, this research highlights T. aphylla as a vital model for comprehending plant resilience to environmental stresses, with implications for carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals reduced intercellular adhesion molecule crosstalk between activated hepatic stellate cells and neutrophils alleviating liver fibrosis in hepatitis B virus transgenic mice post menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation.

Liver fibrosis can cause hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) can ameliorate liver fibrosis through paracrine. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) may be used to explore the roadmap of activated hepatic stellate cell (aHSC) inactivation to target liver fibrosis. This study established HBV transgenic (HBV-Tg) mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and demonstrated that MenSCs migrated to the injured liver to improve serological indices and reduce fibrotic accumulation. RNA-bulk analysis revealed that MenSCs mediated extracellular matrix accumulation and cell adhesion. Liver parenchymal cells and nonparenchymal cells were identified by scRNA-seq in the control, CCl4, and MenSC groups, revealing the heterogeneity of fibroblasts/HSCs. A CellChat analysis revealed that diminished intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) signaling is vital for MenSC therapy. Specifically, Icam1 in aHSCs acted on Itgal/Itgb2 and Itgam/Itgb2 in neutrophils, causing decreased adhesion. The expression of Itgal, Itgam, and Itgb2 was higher in CCl4 group than in the control group and decreased after MenSC therapy in neutrophil clusters. The Lcn2, Pglyrp1, Wfdc21, and Mmp8 had high expression and may be potential targets in neutrophils. This study highlights interacting cells, corresponding molecules, and underlying targets for MenSCs in treating HBV-associated liver fibrosis.

Fruit anatomy and histogenesis in Mediterranean species of Arbutus (Ericaceae: Arbutoideae): ecological and morphogenetic aspects

Abstract Details of fruit anatomy and pericarp histogenesis were studied in Mediterranean species of Arbutus with the aim to determine the morphogenetic fruit type, to reveal the functional and ecological significance of fruit structure, and to suggest the most probable scenarios of fruit structural transformations in Arbutoideae (Ericaceae). The pericarp of the coenocarpous berries of Arbutus is differentiated into: one-layered exocarp, multilayered parenchymatous mesocarp with scattered solitary and groups of sclereids, and one-layered endocarp composed of thin-walled cells. The warts covering the fruit surface are formed by parenchymatous cells of the mesocarp and the exocarp. The process of pericarp development in Arbutus is divided into four periods, which correlate with the phenology and climatic factors of the Mediterranean region. The origin of the dormancy period in the middle part of fruit development in Arbutus is interpreted as an important adaptation to the arid Mediterranean climate. The data obtained suggest that both the berry of Arbutus and the pyrenariums of Arctostaphylos and Arctous are highly specialized fruit types that could not have derived from each other. The capsule of Hamamelis type of Enkianthoideae is recognized as the original fruit type of the berries and pyrenariums of Arbutoideae.

Designer cellular spheroids with DNA origami for drug screening.

Current in vitro models struggle to balance the complexity of human diseases with suitability for large-scale drug tests. While 3D cultures simulate human tissues, they lack cellular intricacy, and integrating these models with high-throughput drug screening remains a challenge. Here, we introduce a method that uses self-assembling nucleic acid nanostructures decorated living cells, termed NACs, to create spheroids with a customizable 3D layout. To demonstrate its uniqueness, our method effectively creates designer 3D spheroids by combining parenchymal cells, stromal cells, and immune cells, leading to heightened physiological relevance and detailed modeling of complex chronic diseases and immune-stromal interactions. Our approach achieves a high level of biological fidelity while being standardized and straightforward to construct with the potential for large-scale drug discovery applications. By merging the precision of DNA nanotechnology with advanced cell culture techniques, we are streamlining human-centric models, striking a balance between complexity and standardization, to boost drug screening efficiency.

Autophagy in erectile dysfunction: focusing on apoptosis and fibrosis.

In most types of erectile dysfunction, particularly in advanced stages, typical pathological features observed are reduced parenchymal cells coupled with increased tissue fibrosis. However, the current treatment methods have shown limited success in reversing these pathologic changes. Recent research has revealed that changes in autophagy levels, along with alterations in apoptosis and fibrosis-related proteins, are linked to the progression of erectile dysfunction, suggesting a significant association. Autophagy, known to significantly affect cell fate and tissue fibrosis, is currently being explored as a potential treatment modality for erectile dysfunction. However, these present studies are still in their nascent stage, and there are limited experimental data available. This review analyzes erectile dysfunction from a pathological perspective. It provides an in-depth overview of how autophagy is involved in the apoptotic processes of smooth muscle and endothelial cells and its role in the fibrotic processes occurring in the cavernosum. This study aimed to develop a theoretical framework for the potential effectiveness of autophagy in preventing and treating erectile dysfunction, thus encouraging further investigation among researchers in this area.

Routine Histopathology of Tonsillectomy Specimens, Is It Necessary? A Prospective Observational Study

Routine histopathology of tonsillectomy specimens is not standard practice due to cost and resource constraints. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal histopathologies in tonsillectomy specimens to determine the necessity of routine histopathology. A prospective observational study was conducted from January 2014 to August 2016 at a general tertiary care center after approval of Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC). Patients scheduled for tonsillectomy surgery as per the AAOHNS 2011 criteria were included in the study. All tonsillectomy specimens were sent for histopathology, and abnormal findings were documented. Statistical analysis was performed. A total of 111 patients were enrolled in this study, and 222 tonsillectomy specimens were analyzed. The most common finding was chronic tonsillitis, which justified the selection criteria in 91.89% of patients. Two patients with chronic tonsillitis were also found to have actinomycosis present on the surface without parenchymal tissue reaction. Abnormal histopathological findings were observed in 9 (8.10%) of patients, leading to further investigations or treatment in 8 cases. These abnormalities included chronic granuloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, early squamous cell carcinoma, and one choristoma. Tonsillar asymmetry, recent onset of symptoms and older age were found to be significantly correlated with abnormal histopathology and malignancy. Routine histopathology in tonsillectomy specimens helps to identify important findings that may require additional treatment. Based on the study we strongly recommend routine histopathology of tonsillectomy specimen. When significant cost constraints exist, risk-based approach can be adopted. Factors such as older age, asymmetry of tonsils, referred otalgia, duration of symptoms (recent onset) and a history of addiction should be considered for proceeding with histopathology.

Histopathologic Features and Viral Antigen Distribution of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Clade 2.3.4.4b from the 2022-2023 Outbreak in Iowa Wild Birds.

In 2022, a new epornitic of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus clade 2.3.4.4b emerged in U.S. domestic poultry with high prevalence in wild bird populations. We describe pathological findings of HPAI H5N1 in nine wild birds encompassing eight different species, including Accipitriformes (red-tailed hawk, bald eagle), Cathartiforme (turkey vulture), Falconiforme (peregrine falcon), Strigiforme (one adult great-horned owl, one juvenile great-horned owl), Pelecaniforme (American white pelican), and Anseriformes (American green-winged teal, trumpeter swan). All these birds died naturally (found dead, or died in transit to or within a rehabilitation center), except for the bald eagle and American green-winged teal, which were euthanized. Gross lesions were subtle, characterized by meningeal congestion observed in the turkey vulture, bald eagle, and adult great-horned owl. Histologically, encephalitis was observed in all cases (9/9, 100%). Leukocytoclastic and fibrinoid vasculitis with necrotizing encephalitis was observed in the red-tailed hawk, great-horned owls, and American white pelican (5/9, 55.6%), and perivascular lymphohistiocytic encephalitis was seen in the turkey vulture, peregrine falcon, green-winged teal, and bald eagle (4/9, 44.4%). Coagulative necrosis or lymphohistiocytic/lymphoplasmacytic inflammation was identified in the kidney (6/8, 75%), liver (6/9, 66.7%), heart (5/9, 55.6%), and lung (2/9, 22.2%). Immunopositive signals against Influenza virus A nucleoprotein were predominantly detected within the brain (9/9, 100%), air sac (7/9, 77.8%), lung (7/9, 77.8%), kidney (6/8, 75%), heart (6/9, 66.7%), and liver (5/9, 55.6%). Additionally, other organs, such as the pancreas, spleen, intestines, gonads, and adrenals occasionally exhibited positive viral protein signals. In these organs, in addition to parenchymal cells, viral protein signals were often identified in endothelial cells. Our results suggest that the 2022-2023 HPAIV H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b replicated systemically in all examined birds, with brain lesions being the most prevalent and associated with a subset of birds displaying clinical signs observed perimortem.

Bee pollination in the shadows: The role of pseudopollen and agamospermy in the mycoheterotrophic orchid Gastrodia elata

Societal Impact StatementThe family Orchidaceae is renowned for its reliance on specialized pollinators and mycorrhizal symbioses. This study examined how the nonphotosynthetic orchid Gastrodia elata thrives on the dim forest floor, focusing on its pollination biology, particularly the chemical properties of pseudopollen and reproductive assurance mechanisms. It was found that G. elata mainly relies on Lasioglossum bees, attracted by its starch‐rich pseudopollen. Additionally, G. elata in the studied population can produce fruit through agamospermy (seeds from unfertilized ovules). Overall, the findings reveal that G. elata relies on fungi for nutrition and employs reproductive strategies such as mimicking pollen to attract bees and resorting to asexual reproduction when pollinators are scarce.Summary Mycoheterotrophy is an adaptation that allows survival in environments with low irradiance and minimal competition from autotrophic plants. However, such environments can negatively impact bee pollination, as most bees prefer open habitats. Despite this, the mycoheterotrophic orchid Gastrodia elata is known to rely on Lasioglossum bees for pollination. We investigated the reproductive biology of G. elata to understand how it overcomes pollinator limitation. Our research focused on the chemical composition and anatomical basis of G. elata pseudopollen (a substance that mimics pollen and may facilitate pollination), based on micromorphological and nutritional analyses, as well as observations of pollinator behavior. Additionally, we explored the potential presence of autogamy or agamospermy as mechanisms for reproductive assurance. The pseudopollen in G. elata originates from the disintegration of the adaxial parenchymatous tissue of the callus and is rich in starch. This contrasts with pseudopollen in most orchids, which typically originates from lip hairs and whose potential attractant is protein. Lasioglossum bees pollinating G. elata visit multiple flowers and actively collect pseudopollen. Furthermore, agamospermy serves as a reproductive safeguard in shaded habitats where insect‐mediated pollination is infrequent, at least in the investigated population. Our findings suggest that Gastrodia elata pseudopollen plays an important role in enhancing insect‐mediated pollination, particularly in relatively open habitats, while agamospermy ensures fruit set in shaded environments of the investigated population. Both pseudopollen production and agamospermy likely help overcome the pollination constraints posed by the mycoheterotrophic lifestyle.

The immunology of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Understanding the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been a great challenge. Reductionist approaches to understand the nature of the disease have identified many pathogenetic contributors that parallel clinical heterogeneity. This Review outlines the immunological control of SLE and looks to experimental tools and approaches that are improving our understanding of the complex contribution of interacting genetics, environment, sex and immunoregulatory factors and their interface with processes inherent to tissue parenchymal cells. Efforts to advance precision medicine in the care of patients with SLE along with treatment strategies to correct the immune system hold hope and are also examined.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating immunity: a study based on artificial neural networks and single-cell sequencing

IntroductionHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by the complex pathogenesis, limited therapeutic methods, and poor prognosis. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) plays an important role in the development of HCC, therefore, we still need further study of molecular mechanism of HCC and ERS for early diagnosis and promising treatment targets.MethodThe GEO datasets (GSE25097, GSE62232, and GSE65372) were integrated to identify differentially expressed genes related to HCC (ERSRGs). Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) machine learning techniques were applied to screen ERSRGs associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress, and an artificial neural network (ANN) diagnostic prediction model was constructed. The ESTIMATE algorithm was utilized to analyze the correlation between ERSRGs and the immune microenvironment. The potential therapeutic agents for ERSRGs were explored using the Drug Signature Database (DSigDB). The immunological landscape of the ERSRGs central gene PPP1R16A was assessed through single-cell sequencing and cell communication, and its biological function was validated using cytological experiments.ResultsAn ANN related to the ERS model was constructed based on SRPX, THBS4, CTH, PPP1R16A, CLGN, and THBS1. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model in the training set was 0.979, and the AUC values in three validation sets were 0.958, 0.936, and 0.970, respectively, indicating high reliability and effectiveness. Spearman correlation analysis suggests that the expression levels of ERSRGs are significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration and immune-related pathways, indicating their potential as important targets for immunotherapy. Mometasone was predicted to be the most promising treatment drug based on its highest binding score. Among the six ERSRGs, PPP1R16A had the highest mutation rate, predominantly copy number mutations, which may be the core gene of the ERSRGs model. Single-cell analysis and cell communication indicated that PPP1R16A is predominantly distributed in liver malignant parenchymal cells and may reshape the tumor microenvironment by enhancing macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)/CD74 + CXCR4 signaling pathways. Functional experiments revealed that after siRNA knockdown, the expression of PPP1R16A was downregulated, which inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of HCCLM3 and Hep3B cells in vitro.ConclusionThe consensus of various machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence neural networks has established a novel predictive model for the diagnosis of liver cancer associated with ERS. This study offers a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

F-actin and heparan sulfate proteoglycan distribution in female mosquito salivary glands and ducts.

Directly involved in the "suck-and-spit" physiology, female mosquito salivary glands (SGs) primarily imbibe blood for egg development and release anticoagulants to keep blood flowing. Indirectly involved, mosquitoes can uptake arboviruses during blood feeding from a viremic host. This research examined the presence of the filamentous cytoplasmic contractile protein (F-actin) and heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), in the female mosquito SGs. Immunofluorescent antibody labeling of actin molecules or HSPG combined with anatomy suggests that F-actin forms a network in the SG lobe parenchymal cells attached to intralobar ducts by HSPG. In addition, F-actin twists around intralobar SG ducts in a beaded manner, altogether involved in the expulsion of SG secretions. This arrangement in female Aedes aegypti SGs, suggests that F-actin structures are integrally involved in transmitting infectious agents into hosts.

Investigating radial gradient variations of nanostructure of cellulose microfibrils in bamboo culm by synchrotron X-ray scattering

Bamboo is a swiftly renewable natural material. A thorough exploration of its functional hierarchical structure is helpful to improve its utilization efficiency. Previous studies have found that there are notable structural distinctions in bamboo fibers and parenchyma cell wall at the nanoscale. The fluctuation in cellulose microfibrils (CMF) within bamboo has been verified as a critical factor significantly impacting the mechanical properties of bamboo fibers. This study systematically examines the radial gradient variation in the cellulose supramolecular structures of bamboo culms through synchrotron X-ray scattering. The measured cellulose crystallinity index (CrI), the diameter and packing distance of CMF, the orientation parameter, and the distribution of microfibril angle (MFA) were found to be correlated with the radial distribution of fibers and parenchyma cells. In the radial direction, the relative CrI values of 004 reflection increased from 26 % for the innermost layer to 51 % for the outermost layer; the CMF diameter decreased from 2.75 nm to 2.66 nm; the packing distance of CMF’ cylinders was reduced from 3.68 nm to 3.35 nm. The measured mean MFA values exhibit a decrease from approximately 70° to around 5°. Moreover, the azimuthal X-ray scattering signals were effectively segregated from fiber and parenchyma cell wall using the non-negative matrix factorisation (NNMF) method. This methodology holds promise for nanostructure analysis in complex plant stems comprising fiber and parenchyma cells, including but not limited to wheat, corn stalks, and other biomaterials.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a high-resolution cell atlas of petals in Prunus mume at different flowering development stages.

Prunus mume (mei), a traditional ornamental plant in China, is renowned for its fragrant flowers, primarily emitted by its petals. However, the cell types of mei petals and where floral volatile synthesis occurs are rarely reported. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the gene expression landscape in petals of P. mume 'Fenhong Zhusha' at budding stage (BS) and full-blooming stage (FS). Six major cell types of petals were identified: epidermal cells (ECs), parenchyma cells (PCs), xylem parenchyma cells, phloem parenchyma cells, xylem vessels and fibers, and sieve elements and companion cells complex. Cell-specific marker genes in each cell type were provided. Floral volatiles from mei petals were measured at four flowering development stages, and their emissions increased from BS to FS, and decreased at the withering stage. Fifty-eight differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in benzenoid/phenylpropanoid pathway were screened using bulk RNA-seq data. Twenty-eight DEGs expression increased from BS to FS, indicating that they might play roles in floral volatile synthesis in P. mume, among which PmBAHD3 would participate in benzyl acetate synthesis. ScRNA-seq data showed that 27 DEGs mentioned above were expressed variously in different cell types. In situ hybridization confirmed that PmPAL2, PmCAD1, PmBAHD3,5, and PmEGS1 involved in floral volatile synthesis in mei petals are mainly expressed in EC, PC, and most vascular tissues, consistent with scRNA-seq data. The result indicates that benzyl acetate and eugenol, the characteristic volatiles in mei, are mostly synthesized in these cell types. The first petal single-cell atlas was constructed, offering new insights into the molecular mechanism of floral volatile synthesis.

Exploring the Interplay between Cellular Senescence, Immunity, and Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases: Challenges and Opportunities.

Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are characterized by the gradual and irreversible accumulation of scar tissue in the lung parenchyma. The role of the immune response in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. In recent years, substantial advancements have been made in our comprehension of the pathobiology driving fibrosing ILDs, particularly concerning various age-related cellular disturbances and immune mechanisms believed to contribute to an inadequate response to stress and increased susceptibility to lung fibrosis. Emerging studies emphasize cellular senescence as a key mechanism implicated in the pathobiology of age-related diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. Cellular senescence, marked by antagonistic pleiotropy, and the complex interplay with immunity, are pivotal in comprehending many aspects of lung fibrosis. Here, we review progress in novel concepts in cellular senescence, its association with the dysregulation of the immune response, and the evidence underlining its detrimental role in fibrosing ILDs.

Effect of girdling on phloem and xylem formation in a range of gymnosperms and angiosperms

Summary Girdling is often used as an experimental method to study source/sink controls of cambial growth. However, the phloem responses to girdling have not been well investigated. The aim of this research was to characterize the anatomical changes in the phloem and xylem of different species following trunk girdling. Different species of gymnosperm (Abies sibirica, Pinus sylvestris) and angiosperm (Alnus incana, Populus tremula) woody plants were selected. We girdled trunks during active growth and sampled tissues at two levels (1 cm and 35 cm) above the girdle at the end of the growing season. General responses to girdling were recorded for the studied species, such as increased phloem increments, parenchymatization of conducting tissues, reduction in the size of conducting elements, and an increase in the size of axial parenchyma cells in the phloem and xylem. We observed the suppression of xylogenesis in 3 out of 4 species. Differences in the structure of conducting tissues were found, which are due to species differences in the initial tissue structure. In gymnosperms, noticeable differences in the number of resin ducts in the xylem were observed between control and girdled trees. In angiosperms, we found the formation of cells with thickened cell walls in girdled trees (i.e., the formation of phloem and xylem fibers with thickened cell walls in aspen and sclereids in the phloem of alder). Based on the literature data, the observed responses may be due to both the wounding effect and the influence of the high sugar content above the girdle.

The Role of Glia in Wilson's Disease: Clinical, Neuroimaging, Neuropathological and Molecular Perspectives.

Wilson's disease (WD) is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and is caused by pathogenic variants of the ATP7B gene, which are responsible for impaired copper transport in the cell, inhibition of copper binding to apoceruloplasmin, and biliary excretion. This leads to the accumulation of copper in the tissues. Copper accumulation in the CNS leads to the neurological and psychiatric symptoms of WD. Abnormalities of copper metabolism in WD are associated with impaired iron metabolism. Both of these elements are redox active and may contribute to neuropathology. It has long been assumed that among parenchymal cells, astrocytes have the greatest impact on copper and iron homeostasis in the brain. Capillary endothelial cells are separated from the neuropil by astrocyte terminal legs, putting astrocytes in an ideal position to regulate the transport of iron and copper to other brain cells and protect them if metals breach the blood-brain barrier. Astrocytes are responsible for, among other things, maintaining extracellular ion homeostasis, modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity, obtaining metabolites, and protecting the brain against oxidative stress and toxins. However, excess copper and/or iron causes an increase in the number of astrocytes and their morphological changes observed in neuropathological studies, as well as a loss of the copper/iron storage function leading to macromolecule peroxidation and neuronal loss through apoptosis, autophagy, or cuproptosis/ferroptosis. The molecular mechanisms explaining the possible role of glia in copper- and iron-induced neurodegeneration in WD are largely understood from studies of neuropathology in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the mechanisms of glial involvement in neuroprotection/neurotoxicity is important for explaining the pathomechanisms of neuronal death in WD and, in the future, perhaps for developing more effective diagnostic/treatment methods.