Defense against Paramecium predation via long filament morphology favors the survival of Raphidiopsis raciborskii populations.

Raphidiopsis blooms are notorious for cyanotoxin formation and strong invasiveness, threatening the stability of aquatic ecosystems and human health. The protozoa Paramecium can potentially serve as an organism for controlling Raphidiopsis blooms owing to its grazing effect. However, the grazing ability of Paramecium is largely determined by the size of the prey, and the population of Raphidiopsis consists of filaments of varying lengths and sizes. The selective grazing behavior of Paramecium toward short-length or small-sized filaments in the Raphidiopsis population, as opposed to long filaments, remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we co-cultured the predator Paramecium sp. with different initial abundances and the prey Raphidiopsis raciborskii to explore this knowledge gap. Our results suggested that: (1) the population of R. raciborskii declined under the selective grazing effect of Paramecium sp. on short filaments, whereas R. raciborskii with long filaments survived; (2) the growth of Paramecium sp. feeding on the same abundance of R. raciborskii was reduced at higher initial abundances, whereas its carrying capacity exhibited an opposite trend; (3) under ingestion by Paramecium sp., the morphology of R. raciborskii developed in the direction of becoming larger, and higher initial abundances of Paramecium sp. intensified this process; (4) increasing initial abundance of Paramecium sp. aggravated the decline of R. raciborskii photosynthetic activity. Therefore, the grazing effect of Paramecium sp. on R. raciborskii mainly affects filaments of short length or small size. Collectively, these results clarify the inter-species interaction between the protozoa Paramecium and filamentous cyanobacteria Raphidiopsis, including population dynamics and morphological and physiological changes in the predator and prey. Such insights into the interactions between Paramecium and R. raciborskii may have implications for the biological control of blooms caused by filamentous cyanobacteria.

Bio-availability of potential trace elements in urban dust, soil, and plants in arid northwest China.

Potential trace elements pollution in cities poses a threat to the environment and human health. Bio-availability affects toxicity levels of potential trace elementss on organisms. This study focused on exploring the relationship between soil, plant, and atmospheric dust pollution in Urumqi, a typical city in western China. It aims to help reduce pollution and protect residents' health. The following conclusions were drawn: 1) potential trace elementss like Cr, Pb, As, and Ni are more prevalent in atmospheric dust and soil than in plants. Chromium was in the first group, Cadmium and Mercury were in the second, and Plumb, Arsenic, and Nickel were in the third. Atmospheric dust and soil exhibit a significantly higher heavy metal content than plants. For example, The atmospheric dust summary Chromium content was up to 88 mg/kg. 2) Soil, atmospheric dust, and plants have the highest amount of residual form. Residual form had the highest percentage average of 53.3%, whereas Organic matter bound form had the lowest percentage of just 7.7%. The plants contained less residual heavy metal than the soil and atmospheric dust. 3) The correlation coefficient between the carbonated form content of Cd of soil and atmospheric dust is 0.95, which is closely related. Other potential trace elements show similar correlations in their bio-available contents in soil, plants, and atmospheric dust.This study suggests that in urban area, the focus should be on converting potential trace elements into residual form instead of increasing plants' absorption of potential trace elements.

The current research in China primarily examines heavy metal pollution in the atmosphere, soil, and plants individually. Although there is significant international research on heavy metal bio-availability in the environment, few studies have focused on the presence of heavy metals in soil, vegetation, and atmospheric dust.Therefore, this study focused on Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, a typical oasis city in the arid region. To understand the bio-availability and morphological characteristics of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, As, Ni) in the soil-plant-atmosphere of its urban expressway.This study aims to establish a theoretical basis for understanding the pollution hazards caused by heavy metals in oasis cities. It will have practical significance in maintaining urban ecology, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding citizens' health.

The posterior condyle grows in the direction of the increasing posterior condylar offset and the inclination angle of the ACL changes accordingly.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to reveal the changes in the shape of the posterior femoral condyle and the morphology of the ACL, both before and after epiphyseal closure. The hypothesis of this study is that the morphological change of the posterior femoral condyle and that of the ACL may be correlated to some extent. METHODS: Eighty-one patients who underwent surgery for the knee joint (meniscal repair, arthroscopic synovectomy, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction) between 2016 and 2021 were included in this study, 48 patients aged 13 years or under (before epiphysis closure; mean age: 10.9 (range: 7-13) and 33 patients aged over 18 years or over (after epiphysis closure; mean age: 21.7 (range: 18-30). The shape of the posterior femoral condyle was evaluated via lateral view radiographs, and the morphology of the ACL was measured via sagittal and coronal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. RESULTS: The morphology of the posterior condyle in the lateral view radiograph in patients aged 13 and under was larger in the direction of the short axis of the femur compared with that in those aged 18 and over (p < 0.001). The mean value of the inclination angle of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the sagittal plane was significantly smaller in patients aged 13 and under (41.7° ± 3.7) than in those aged 18 and over (48.5° ± 4.2) (p < 0.001). The mean values of the inclination angle of the ACL in the coronal plane were significantly smaller in patients aged 13 and under (55.7° ± 6.4) than in those aged 18 and over (63.4° ± 4.4) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study evaluates and compares the shape of the posterior femoral condyle and the morphology of the ACL fiber before and after epiphyseal closure. The posterior femoral condyle grew posteriorly rather than longitudinally, and the inclination of the ACL fibers was thought to change accordingly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level Ⅲ.

Anthropometric and Somatotype Profile of Elite Finn Class Sailors.

Determining the reference base of anthropometric parameters on a sample of elite athletes is one of the foundations of further research and forming a clearer picture of each sport and sports discipline. In this study, the aim was to describe the anthropometric and somatotype profiles of elite Finn class sailors and to determine the differences in the measured parameters between sailors at different levels of general competitive success. The subject sample included 57 Finn class sailors who competed at the open Finn European Championship. A set of 25 anthropometric variables were applied. The sailors were divided into three groups according to their level of general competitive success using World Sailing Rankings. Finn sailors had higher average values in almost all morphological characteristics when compared to the sailors in other Olympic classes. Considering the average values of somatotype categories, we determined that Finn sailors fit the endomorphic mesomorph somatotype category (3.94 ± 1.19 - 5.50 ± 1.19 - 1.63 ± 0.74). Significant differences were observed between more-successful, medium, and less-successful sailors in the variables of age, body mass, muscle mass, arm muscle mass, and endomorphy rating. These results indicate the possibility of selection processes and/or adaptation to sailing occurring in the Finn class. The anthropometric characteristics of Finn sailors compared to sailors in Olympic classes further "support" the Finn class being called the "heavy dinghy" male class. This study on anthropometric parameters, determined via a sample of top Finn sailors, may be of great help to coaches and young sailors when deciding on the selection of an adult sailing class.

An Efficient and Rapid Protocol for Somatic Shoot Organogenesis from Juvenile Hypocotyl-Derived Callus of Castor Bean cv. Zanzibar Green.

Aseptic seedlings of different ages derived from surface-sterilized mature seeds were applied as an explant source. Various explants such as 7- and 21-day-old hypocotyl fragments, 42-day-old nodal stem segments, and transverse nodal segments of stem, as well as leaf petioles, were cultured on the agar-solidified Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L IAA, 5 mg/L AgNO3 and different types and concentrations of cytokinin (1 mg/L zeatin, 0.25 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ), and 5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP)). Consequently, it was found that 7- and 21-day-old hypocotyl fragments, as well as nodal stem segments obtained from adult aseptic seedlings, are characterized by a high explant viability and callus formation capacity with a frequency of 79.7-100%. However, the success of in vitro somatic shoot organogenesis was significantly determined not only by the culture medium composition and explant type but also depending on its age, as well as on the size and explant preparation in cases of hypocotyl and age-matched nodal stem fragments, respectively. Multiple somatic shoot organogenesis (5.7 regenerants per explant) with a frequency of 67.5% was achieved during 3 subcultures of juvenile hypocotyl-derived callus tissue on MS culture medium containing 0.25 mg/L TDZ as cytokinin source. Castor bean regenerants were excised from the callus and successfully rooted on ½ MS basal medium without exogenous auxin (81%). In vitro plantlets with well-developed roots were adapted to ex vitro conditions with a frequency of 90%.

Longitudinal and transversal intramuscular variation of muscle fiber and meat quality characteristics in bovine M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum.

This study evaluates longitudinal and transversal intramuscular variations in muscle fiber and meat quality characteristics in bovine M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL). The LTL muscles (n = 5) from the left side of the beef carcass were cut at intervertebral segment intervals (between 1st thoracic vertebra (TV) and 6th lumbar vertebra (LV)). The pennation angle demonstrated an increasing trend from the anterior to posterior regions regardless of the medial (M-zone) and lateral (L-zone) regions (P < 0.05). The M -zone had a higher pennation angle than the L-zone in the TV and 1st LV (P < 0.05). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of muscle fibers, excluding type I, was larger in the posterior region than the anterior region (P < 0.05). A larger CSA of type I/IIA, IIA, IIAX, and IIX was observed on the lateral side than on the medial side of the 13th TV (P < 0.05). Fiber types were more oxidative (types I and IIA) in the anterior region and more glycolytic (types IIA/IIX and IIX) in the posterior region. Fat content was higher in the anterior region than in the posterior region (P < 0.05). The lowest redness, yellowness, and Warner-Bratzler shear force values were observed in the middle of the muscle, whereas the lightness value was lower in the posterior region regardless of the transversal region (P < 0.05). Therefore, bovine LTL muscles exhibit unique morphological properties and contribute to understanding meat quality associated with morphological and muscle fiber characteristics in relation to their intramuscular variations.

Upper eyelid morphology and age-related changes in Japanese and Chinese females.

BACKGROUND: Many consumers use cosmetic eye products to counteract age-related changes in appearance. Measurements of eyelid shape in Asian women have been reported in the frontal view or 45-degree profile only. The aim of this study was to describe morphological characteristics of the upper eyelid in Japanese and Chinese females from the frontal and profile aspects and examine morphological changes with age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized digital photographs of 772 Japanese and 346 Chinese women (15-79 years of age) were acquired in frontal and 90-degree profile aspects. Eleven upper eyelid parameters (e.g., width, length, depth, aperture, and curvature) were measured using image analysis to determine age-related changes and compare by ethnicity. RESULTS: Eyelid width, area between eyebrow and eyelid, and eyelid curvature were comparable for both ethnicities under age 40, but the aging effect was more pronounced in Chinese subjects. Eyelid height, depth, and upper eyelid aperture angle were also comparable for both ethnicities under age 40, but the aging effect was more evident in Japanese subjects. Upper eyelid incline angle, eye orientation, and upper eyelid protrusion angle changed comparably with age for both ethnicities. No prominent age-related changes were evident for eyelid length or area between eyebrow and eye with the eye closed. CONCLUSION: Upper eyelid morphology changes with age in Japanese and Chinese females, starting around 40 years of age. Ethnic differences are limited in younger age groups but become more prominent with age. The findings suggest that aging affects some upper eyelid features earlier than others.

Transcriptomic-metabolomic analysis reveals the effect of copper toxicity on fermentation properties in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Copper is one of the unavoidable heavy metals in wine production. In this study, the effects on fermentation performance and physiological metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under copper stress were investigated. EC1118 was the most copper-resistant among the six strains. The ethanol accumulation of EC1118 was 26.16-20 mg/L Cu2+, which was 1.90-3.15 times higher than that of other strains. The fermentation rate was significantly reduced by copper, and the inhibition was relieved after 4-10 days of adjustment. Metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis revealed that amino acid and nucleotide had the highest number of downregulated and upregulated differentially expressed metabolites, respectively. The metabolism of fructose and mannose was quickly affected, which then triggered the metabolism of galactose in copper stress. Pathways such as oxidative and organic acid metabolic processes were significantly affected in the early time, resulting in a significant decrease in the amount of carboxylic acids. The pathways related to protein synthesis and metabolism under copper stress, such as translation and peptide biosynthetic process, was also significantly affected. In conclusion, this study analyzed the metabolite-gene interaction network and molecular response during the alcohol fermentation of S. cerevisiae under copper stress, providing theoretical basis for addressing the influence of copper stress in wine production.

Mendelian randomization analyses support causal relationships between tinnitus of different stages and severity and structural characteristics of specific brain regions.

This study aims to delineate the causal relationships between idiopathic tinnitus in different stages and severity and the morphological properties in specific brain regions. We utilized a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to ascertain the causal effects of brain structural attributes on varying severities and stages of tinnitus. Our approach involved harnessing genetic variables derived from extensive genome-wide association studies as instrumental variables, centered mainly on pertinent single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with tinnitus. Subsequently, we integrated this data with brain structural imaging inputs to facilitate the MR analysis. We also applied reverse MR analysis to pinpoint the critical brain regions implicated in the onset of tinnitus. Our analysis revealed a demonstrable causal relationship between tinnitus and brain structural alterations, including changes primarily within the auditory cortex and hub regions of the limbic system, as well as portions of the frontal-temporal-occipital circuit. We found that individuals exhibiting cortical thickness alterations in the bilateral peri-calcarine and right superior occipital gyrus might have previously experienced tinnitus. Changes in the cortical areas of the right rectus, left inferior frontal gyrus, and right pars-orbitalis appeared unrelated to tinnitus. Furthermore, moderate tinnitus patients showed more pronounced structural alterations. This study substantiates that tinnitus could instigate substantial structural alterations mainly within the auditory-limbic-frontal-visual system, while the reciprocal causality was not supported. Moreover, the data underscores that moderate, rather than severe, tinnitus precipitates the most significant structural changes. Morphological alterations in several specific brain areas either indicate a history of tinnitus or bear no relation to it.

Enzymatically produced acylglycerol and glycerin monostearate additives improved the characteristics of gelatin-stabilized omega-3 emulsions and microcapsules.

The impacts of enzymatically produced acylglycerol and glycerin monostearate on the characteristics of gelatin-stabilized omega-3 emulsions and microcapsules were investigated. Tuna oil was enzymatically produced and the resulting acylglycerol was mixed with tuna oil at 12.5% (w/w) to prepare a novel oil phase. This oil phase was stabilized by gelatin to prepare oil-in-water emulsions and subsequent microcapsules via complex coacervation. The tuna oil with glycerin monostearate (GMS) at 1 and 2% (w/w) were used as controls. Results showed that both acylglycerol and GMS significantly reduced the emulsion droplet size and zeta potential, while increasing the viscoelasticity and stability. The diacylglycerol/monoacylglycerol were involved in the oil/water interfacial layer formation by lowering interfacial tension and increasing droplet surface hydrophobicity. Overall, the changed emulsion properties promoted the complex coacervation and contributed to the formation of microcapsules with improved oxidative stability. Therefore, enzymatically produced acylglycerol can develop high-quality stable omega-3 microencapsulated novel food ingredients.

The complete chloroplast genome of Mussaenda pubescens and phylogenetic analysis.

The chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of Mussaenda pubescens, a promising resource that is used as a traditional medicine and drink, is important for understanding the phylogenetic relationships among the Mussaenda family and genetic improvement and reservation. This research represented the first comprehensive description of the morphological characteristics of M. pubescens, as well as an analysis of the complete cp genome and phylogenetic relationship. The results indicated a close relationship between M. pubescens and M. hirsutula based on the morphological characteristics of the flower and leaves. The cp was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. The results indicated the cp genome of M. pubescens spanned a total length of 155,122 bp, including a pair of inverted repeats (IRA and IRB) with a length of 25,871 bp for each region, as well as a large single-copy (LSC) region and a small single-copy (SSC) region with lengths of 85,370 bp and 18,010 bp, respectively. The results of phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that species within the same genus displayed a tendency to group closely together. It was suggested that Antirhea, Cinchona, Mitragyna, Neolamarckia, and Uncaria might have experienced an early divergence. Furthermore, M. hirsutula showed a close genetic connection to M. pubescens, with the two species having partially overlapping distributions in China. This study presents crucial findings regarding the identification, evolution, and phylogenetic research on Mussaenda plants, specifically targeting M. pubescens.

[Pyloric gland adenoma - a rare tumor of the upper gastrointestinal tract with a high risk of malignancy]. / Adenoma piloricheskikh zhelez ­ redkaya opukhol' verkhnikh otdelov zheludochno-kishechnogo trakta s vysokim riskom malignizatsii.

BACKGROUND: Pyloric gland adenomas (PGA) are rare neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. According to the literature, these lesions may be underdiagnosed, and their true frequency of occurrence is underestimated. OBJECTIVE: Clinical and morphological analysis of eight PGA cases of the upper gastrointestinal tract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 8 cases of detection of PGA. In 7 out of 8 cases, the tumor was diagnosed by examining endoscopic biopsies, in 1 case, PGA was an accidental finding in the surgical material after proximal gastric resection. RESULTS: 6 out of 8 patients were female, the median age was 65 years (minimum 36 years and maximum 78 years). In 6 cases, PDA was localized in the stomach, in 1 - in the esophagus and in 1 - in the duodenum The size of the tumors ranged from 0.6 cm to 7.5 cm. 4 out of 6 stomach tumors appeared on the background of confirmed autoimmune gastritis, 1 - on the background of lymphocytic gastritis. 4 tumors were found in the body of the stomach, 1 - in the cardia, 1 - in the bottom of the stomach. In 2 out of 8 cases, there were signs of malignancy of the tumor with the transition to a highly differentiated adenocarcinoma. According to the results of the IHC study, the absence of a p53 mutation was noted in these cases. CONCLUSION: PGA should be considered as neoplasms with a high risk of transformation into invasive adenocarcinoma. Increasing the recognition of PGA among pathologists and further understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in their neoplastic transformation will improve the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology.

Comparative plastomes of eight subgenus Chamaesyce plants and system authentication of Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba.

Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba (EHH) was provided with medicinal and edible uses, but frequently was adulterated with its closely related species. Hence, this study sought to identify EHH via an integrated approach comprising data from its morphological evaluation, HPLC analysis, comparative plastomes analysis and allele-specific PCR identification. First, the morphological characteristics of 8 subgenus Chamaesyce plants were summarized. Then, HPLC analysis showed that 18 batches of EHH were adulterated or unqualified. Furthermore, the plastomes of the 8 subg. Chamaesyce species were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a sister relationship among the 8 subg. Chamaesyce species. The allele-specific PCR authentication was developed by the nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions or deletions (InDels) analysis. The results of allele-specific PCR showed that 27 batches of EHH were adulterated, indicating that the superior sensitivity of molecular authentication over the other methods used. This study provided a reference for rational use and phylogenetic research of EHH.

A modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based model from the radiologist's perspective: improved performance in determining the surgical resectability of advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Complete resection of all visible lesions during primary debulking surgery is associated with the most favorable prognosis in patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer. An accurate preoperative assessment of resectability is pivotal for tailored management. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the potential value of a modified model that integrates the original 8 radiologic criteria of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center model with imaging features of the subcapsular or diaphragm and mesenteric lesions depicted on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and growth patterns of all lesions for predicting the resectability of advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer. STUDY DESIGN: This study included 184 patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer who underwent preoperative diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging between December 2018 and May 2023 at 2 medical centers. The patient cohort was divided into 3 subsets, namely a study cohort (n=100), an internal validation cohort (n=46), and an external validation cohort (n=38). Preoperative radiologic evaluations were independently conducted by 2 radiologists using both the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center model and the modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based model. The morphologic characteristics of the ovarian tumors depicted on magnetic resonance imaging were assessed as either mass-like or infiltrative, and transcriptomic analysis of the primary tumor samples was performed. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the study cohort, both the scores derived using the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.980 and 0.959, respectively; both P<.001) and modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based models (intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.962 and 0.940, respectively; both P<.001) demonstrated excellent intra- and interobserver agreement. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center model (odds ratio, 1.825; 95% confidence interval, 1.390-2.395; P<.001) and the modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based model (odds ratio, 1.776; 95% confidence interval, 1.410-2.238; P<.001) independently predicted surgical resectability. The modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based model demonstrated improved predictive performance with an area under the curve of 0.867 in the study cohort and 0.806 and 0.913 in the internal and external validation cohorts, respectively. Using the modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based model, patients with scores of 0 to 2, 3 to 4, 5 to 6, 7 to 10, and ≥11 achieved complete tumor debulking rates of 90.3%, 66.7%, 53.3%, 11.8%, and 0%, respectively. Most patients with incomplete tumor debulking had infiltrative tumors, and both the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based models yielded higher scores. The molecular differences between the 2 morphologic subtypes were identified. CONCLUSION: When compared with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center model, the modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based model demonstrated enhanced accuracy in the preoperative prediction of resectability for advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Patients with scores of 0 to 6 were eligible for primary debulking surgery.

Characterization of Fusarium solani Associated with Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Root Rot in Henan, China.

The aim of this study was to characterize the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) population obtained from tobacco roots with root rot symptoms by morphological characteristics, molecular tests, and assessment of pathogenicity. Cultures isolated from roots were white to cream with sparse mycelium on potato dextrose agar, with colony growth of 21.5 ± 0.5 to 29.5 ± 0.5 mm after 3 days. Sporodochia were cream on carnation leaf agar (CLA) and Spezieller Nährstoffarmer agar (SNA), and macroconidia formed in sporodochia were 3 to 6 septate and straight to slightly curved, with wide central cells, a slightly short blunt apical cell, and a straight to almost cylindrical basal cell with a distinct foot shape, ranging in size from 20.92 to 64.37 × 3.91 to 6.57 µm. Microconidia formed on CLA were reniform and fusiform, with 0 or 1 to occasionally 2 septa, that formed on long monophialidic conidiogenous cells, with a size range of 5.99 to 32.32 × 1.76 to 5.84 µm. Globose to oval chlamydospores were smooth- to rough-walled, 6.5 to 13.3 ± 0.37 µm in diameter, and terminal or intercalary and occurred singly, in pairs, or occasionally in short chains on SNA. Molecular tests consisted of sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the translation elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α), RNA polymerase II largest subunit, and second largest subunit regions. All the obtained sequences revealed 98.14 to 100% identity to F. solani in both Fusarium ID and Fusarium MLST databases. Phylogenetic trees of the EF-1α gene and concatenated three-locus data showed that isolates from tobacco in Henan grouped in the proposed group 5, which is nested within FSSC clade 3 (FSSC 5). Twenty-seven of the 28 isolates caused root rot in artificially inoculated tobacco seedlings, with a disease severity index ranging from 15.00 ± 1.67 to 91.11 ± 2.22. Cross-pathogenicity tests showed that three representative isolates were virulent to six species of Solanaceae and two species of Poaceae, with disease severity indexes ranging from 6.12 ± 0.56 to 84.44 ± 0.00, indicating that these isolates have a wide host range. The results may inform the control of tobacco root rot through improved crop rotations.

Identification of Fusarium oxysporum Causing Leaf Blight on Dendrobium chrysotoxum in Yunnan Province, China.

Leaf-blight disease caused by the Fusarium oxysporum is an emerging problem in Dendrobium chrysotoxum production in China. Symptoms of leaf blight were observed on seedlings of D. chrysotoxum cultivated in a nursery in Ruili City, Yunnan Province, China. In this study, we isolated the Fusarium sp. associated with leaf-blight disease of D. chrysotoxum from the diseased seedlings. A pathogenicity test was performed to fulfill Koch's postulates to confirm the pathogenicity of isolated strains and identified using morphological and molecular techniques. The results revealed that all four isolated Fusarium sp. isolates (DHRL-01~04) produced typical blight symptoms followed by marginal necrosis of leaves on the D. chrysotoxum plants. On the PDA medium, the fungal colony appeared as a white to purplish color with cottony mycelium growth. Microconidia are oval-shaped, whereas macroconidia are sickle-shaped, tapering at both ends with 2-4 septations. The phylogenetic trees were construed based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor (EF-1α), and RNA polymerase subunit genes RPB1 and RPB2 genes, respectively, and blasted against the NCBI database for species confirmation. Based on the NCBI database's blast results, the isolates showed that more than 99% identify with Fusarium oxysporum. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the identification of Fusarium oxysporum as the causal agent of Dendrobium chrysotoxum leaf blight in Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological and molecular characteristics.

Morphological Characterization of the Antenna and Scent Patch of Three Danaus Species (Papilionoidea: Nymphalidae, Danainae).

The scent system of Danaus is important for the study of butterfly sexual communication and relevant investigations in biomimetics due to its involvement with mimicry. Using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy, the morphological characteristics of Danaus' antennae and scent patches of the scent system for three species, D. chrysippus, D. genutia, and D. plexippus, were investigated herein. Their apical clubs of the flagellums contain sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica, and sensilla coeloconica. The scent patch scales typically have a tree-like structure in its lumen at the nano-scale. Comparisons were made between the androconial scales and the other scales in scent patches. Rank sum tests showed significant differences in scent patch scales' characteristics between the species, as well as in the ultrastructure of antennal segments between species and sexes. Spearman's correlation tests showed significant correlations between the morphological characteristics of androconial scales in scent patches. Moreover, the antennal characteristics were significantly correlated. The morphological characteristics of the females' antennae were significantly correlated with those of the males' antennae and androconial scales. However, the significance and coefficient of these correlations were inconsistent across species and sexes. This study provides fundamental morphological information that helps in understanding the pheromone recognition system of Danaus.

DNA barcoding, identification, and validation of the pufferfish (Order: Tetraodontiformes) in China coastal waters.

The order Tetraodontiformes are one of the most unique groups of teleostean fish, exhibiting highly derived and greatly diversified phenotypes. It is a difficult task for both professionals and nonprofessionals to accurately identify these species only according to morphological characteristics. DNA barcoding can identify species at the molecular level to overcome the limitations of morphological classification. In this study, we collected 616 specimens of pufferfish from the coastal waters of China. According to the morphological characteristics, they were preliminarily identified as 50 species. Further analysis using DNA barcodes identified these specimens as 46 species, belonging to 23 genera, 6 families. According to the species classification results of DNA barcoding, the three species identified by morphology as Takifugu pseudommus, Takifugu chinensis, and Takifugu rubripes should be the same species. Similarly, Lagocephalus wheeleri is the synonym of Lagocephalus spadiceus. Another important discovery of DNA barcoding analysis is that there are closer interspecific genetic distances within the genus Takifugu. If T. rubripes, T. pseudommus, and T. chinensis are taken as one species, the average interspecific to intraspecific genetic distance ratio of Takifugu is only 6.21 times, which does not reach the DNA barcoding threshold of more than 10 times proposed previously. Although the interspecific genetic distance in the genus Takifugu is relatively small, each species can be clustered into independent clades in the NJ tree. In conclusion, this study not only found that there are synonymous phenomena in the order Tetraodontiformes but also provided molecular evidence for the valid species names of Takifugu rubripes and Lagocephalus Spadiceus. The results can provide reliable DNA barcoding information for the identification of pufferfish species, help solve the problem of classification confusion in this order, and provide technical support for the identification of the original components of related commodities on the aquatic product market.

Anatomical Mechanisms of Leaf Blade Morphogenesis in Sasaella kogasensis 'Aureostriatus'.

There are limited studies on the cytology of bamboo leaf development from primordium to maturity. This study delves into the leaf morphological characteristics and growth patterns of Sasaella kogasensis 'Aureostriatus' and provides a three-dimensional anatomical analysis of cell division, expansion, and degradation. Leaves on the same branch develop bottom-up, while individual leaves develop the other way around. Like bamboo shoots and culms, the leaves follow a "slow-fast-slow" growth pattern, with longitudinal growth being predominant during their development. The growth zones of individual leaves included division, elongation, and maturation zones based on the distribution of growth space. By measuring 13,303 epidermal long cells and 3293 mesophyll cells in longitudinal sections of rapidly elongating leaves, we observed that in the rapid elongation phase (S4-S5), the division zone was located in the 1-2 cm segment at the bottom of the leaf blade and maintained a constant size, continuously providing new cells for leaf elongation, whereas in the late rapid elongation phase (S6), when the length of the leaf blade was approaching that of a mature leaf, its cells at the bottom of the blade no longer divided and were replaced by the ability to elongate. Furthermore, to gain an insight into the dynamic changes in the growth of the S. kogasensis 'Aureostriatus' leaves in the lateral and periclinal directions, the width and thickness of 1459 epidermal and 2719 mesophyll cells were counted in the mid-cross section of leaves at different developmental stages. The results showed that during the early stages of development (S1-S3), young leaves maintained vigorous division in the lateral direction, while periplasmic division gradually expanded from the bottom to the top of the leaf blade and the number of cell layers stabilized at S4. The meristematic tissues on both sides of the leaf were still able to divide at S4 but the frequency of the division gradually decreased, while cell division and expansion occurred simultaneously between the veins. At S6, the cells at the leaf margins and between the veins were completely differentiated and the width of the leaf blade no longer expanded. These findings revealed changes in cell growth anisotropically during the leaf development of S. kogasensis 'Aureostriatus' and demonstrated that leaf elongation was closely related to the longitudinal expansion of epidermal cells and proliferative growth of mesophyll cells, whereas the cell division of meristematic tissues and expansion of post-divisional cells contributed to the increases in blade width and thickness. The presented framework will facilitate a further exploration of the molecular regulatory mechanisms of leaf development in S. kogasensis 'Aureostriatus' and provide relevant information for developmental and taxonomic studies of bamboo plants.

Multifunctionality of angiosperm floral bracts: a review.

Floral bracts (bracteoles, cataphylls) are leaf-like organs that subtend flowers or inflorescences but are of non-floral origin; they occur in a wide diversity of species, representing multiple independent origins, and exhibit great variation in form and function. Although much attention has been paid to bracts over the past 150 years, our understanding of their adaptive significance remains remarkably incomplete. This is because most studies of bract function and evolution focus on only one or a few selective factors. It is widely recognised that bracts experience selection mediated by pollinators, particularly for enhancing pollinator attraction through strong visual, olfactory, or echo-acoustic contrast with the background and through signalling the presence of pollinator rewards, either honestly (providing rewards for pollinators), or deceptively (attraction without reward or even trapping pollinators). However, studies in recent decades have demonstrated that bract evolution is also affected by agents other than pollinators. Bracts can protect flowers, fruits, or seeds from herbivores by displaying warning signals, camouflaging conspicuous reproductive organs, or by providing physical barriers or toxic chemicals. Reviews of published studies show that bracts can also promote seed dispersal and ameliorate the effects of abiotic stressors, such as low temperature, strong ultraviolet radiation, heavy rain, drought, and/or mechanical abrasion, on reproductive organs or for the plants' pollinators. In addition, green bracts and greening of colourful bracts after pollination promote photosynthetic activity, providing substantial carbon (photosynthates) for fruit or seed development, especially late in a plant's life cycle or season, when leaves have started to senesce. A further layer of complexity derives from the fact that the agents of selection driving the evolution of bracts vary between species and even between different developmental stages within a species, and selection by one agent can be reinforced or opposed by other agents. In summary, our survey of the literature reveals that bracts are multifunctional and subject to multiple agents of selection. To understand fully the functional and evolutionary significance of bracts, it is necessary to consider multiple selection agents throughout the life of the plant, using integrative approaches to data collection and analysis.