Transcriptome analysis for understanding the mechanism of dark septate endophyte S16 in promoting the growth and nitrate uptake of sweet cherry

Sweet cherry is one of the most popular fresh fruits in the world.Previously,we isolated a soilborne dark septate endophyte(DSE)strain,S16,which promoted the growth of Gisela 5 sweet cherry rootstock.However,little is known about the molecular mechanism of the effect of S16 on the growth of sweet cherry.In this study,the physiological parameters and transcript profiles of sweet cherry roots were analyzed under S16 treatment compared with a control to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the effect of this strain on sweet cherry growth.After inoculation with S16,sweet cherry seedlings exhibited more vigorous growth.Moreover,we identified 4249 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between S16-treated plants and the control.Many of the DEGs are involved in pathways related to plant growth,such as cellular metabolic and plant hormone pathways.Additionally,some genes involved in nitrate regulation were also enriched;and these genes may be involved in the regulation of nitrate uptake in plants.Physiological index detection demonstrated that S16 could improve the nitrate assimilation of sweet cherry via NO3–transporters.This RNA-seq dataset provides comprehensive insight into the transcriptomic landscape to reveal the molecular mechanisms whereby the DSE influences the growth of sweet cherry.

Tree species as hosts for arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate endophyte fungi

A survey of 35 tree species （belonging to 28 genera in 19 families） in Aliyar, South India was carried out to ascertain their arbuscular mycorrhizal （AM） and dark septate endophyte （DSE） fungal status. All the tree species examined had AM association. AM and DSE coloni- zation is reported for the first time in 20 and 14 species respectively. Co- occurrence of AM and DSE was observed in 14 （40%） tree species. The extent of DSE colonization was inversely related to the extent of AM fungal colonization. Six tree species had Arum-type, 18 had intermediate- type and 11 had typical Paris-type AM morphology. AM fungal spore morphotypes belonging to 11 species in two genera were isolated from the rhizosphere soil. AM fungal spore numbers were not related to the ex- tent of AM colonization and Glomus dominated spore diversity. AM association individually and along with DSE were found respectively in the 63% and 44% of the economically important tree species. The occur- rence of AM and DSE fungal association in economically important indigenous tree species indicates the possibility of exploiting this asso- ciation in future conservation programmes of these species.

Term Pregnancy in a Patient with Septate Uterus: Incidental Finding at Caesarean Section

Mullerian duct anomalies are the most common congenital anomalies of the reproductive system and septate uterus is the most frequently diagnosed Müllerian anomaly. The true incidence of Mullerian duct anomalies is difficult to state because some cases may be asymptomatic and there are pitfalls associated with various diagnostic methods. This is a case report of a 17-year-old primigravida with septate uterus diagnosed at caesarean section performed at term for cephalo-pelvic disproportion. Baby was delivered with bilateral talipes equinovarus.

Septate uterus with cervical duplication and longitudinal vaginal septum:A two case series

Müllerian duct anomalies consist of a set of structural malformations resulting from abnormal development of the paramesonephric or Müllerian ducts.Failures in lateral fusion may result in uterus didelphys,bicornuate uterus or arcuate uterus while,reabsorption failure results in a uterus with a partial or complete septum.We reported a series of two cases of a woman with a septate uterus,cervical duplication and longitudinal vaginal septum undergoing an in vitro fertilization procedure.Septate uterus with double cervix and longitudinal vaginal septum is a rare anomaly.We reported its endoscopic management in two infertile women.Hysteroscopic metroplasty which is a safe and simple approach for the removal of the uterine septum can improve reproductive outcomes but in vitro fertilization can be an alternative approach for these patients.

Interaction between a Dark Septate Endophytic Isolate from Dendrobium sp. and Roots of D. nobile Seedlings

Interactions between an isolate of dark septate endophytes （DSE） and roots of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. seedlings are reported in this paper. The isolate was obtained from orchid mycorrhizas on Dendrobium sp. in subtropical forest. The fungus formed typical orchid mycorrhiza in aseptic co-culture with D. nobile seedlings on modified Murashige-Skoog （MMS） medium. Anatomic observations of the infected roots showed that the DSE hyphae invaded the velamen layer, passed through passage cells in exodermis, entered the cortex cells, and then formed fungal pelotons of orchid mycorrhiza. D. nobile seedlings＇ plant height, stem diameter, new roots number and biomass were greatly enhanced by inoculating the fungus to seedlings. The fungus was identified as Leptodontidium by sequencing the polymerase chain reaction-amplified rDNA ITS1-5,8S-ITS2 （internal transcribed spacer （ITS）） regions and comparison with similar taxa.

Zinc Accumulation Characteristics of Two Exophiala Strains and Their Antioxidant Response to Zn²⁺Stress

Zinc is an essential element, which is toxic for organisms in their natural environments in excessive amounts. The zinc accumulation characteristics of a Zn-tolerant strain (H93, EC50 = 1010 mg·L–1 Zn2+) and a Zn-sensitive strain (B40-3, EC50 = 26 mg·L–1 Zn2+), Exophiala spp. and their antioxidant response to Zn2+ stress were comparatively characterized. Under their respective Zn2+ median effective concentrations, H93 absorbed 2.5-fold and accumulated 5.2-fold more Zn than B40-3. An elution experiment using CaCl2 revealed that Zn mainly accumulated intracellularly in the mycelia of the two fungal strains. The modulation of antioxidant components and antioxidant enzyme activities of the two fungal strains were comparatively analyzed under different Zn2+ concentrations. The activity of the total superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and glutathione of H93 was always higher than that of B40-3, and the malondialdehyde content in H93 was also higher than that of B40-3. The current results suggested that the Zn tolerance of Exophiala strain may be attributed to their various instinctive behaviors with different rates of Zn accumulation and modulation of antioxidant components.

Sonographic evaluation of mullerian anomalies in women with polycystic ovaries

Background: Mullerian anomalies are relatively common and contributing to the problems of infertility and poor pregnancy outcomes. But their molecular pathophysiology has been insufficiently studied. On the other hand, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is found in nearly 80% of women with hyperandrogenism and also in 8%-25% of normal ones. It seems that anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) which inhibits the formation of the mullerian ducts in male increases in women with PCOS. Therefore, the aim of the study is whether PCOS is associated with mullerian anomalies. Methods: In this case-control study, 83 women with PCOS and 83 cases without PCOS were evaluated with transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) for the diagnosis of mullerian anomalies. The results of each group were compared with other groups. Results: In the PCOS patients, TVS revealed mullerian anomalies in the uterine cavity in 29 out of 83 women. Among 29 patients who had lesions in their uterine cavity, 27 cases had septate uterus and two had arcuate uterus. In the healthy women, TVS revealed 6 septate uterus and 4 arcuate uterus abnormality cases of the uterine cavity. There were significant correlation between polycystic ovary syndrome of the patients and the mullerian anomalies lesions (i.e. septate and arcuate uterus) which were seen in them. Conclusion: Mullerian anomalies were more common in women with PCOS and the most common anomaly was uterine septum. In fact, the present results revealed that it seemed a cause-effect relationship between the mullerian anomalies and PCO syndrome may in fact exist.

Sonographic Evaluation of Pleural Effusion

Background: Although at times small amounts of pleural fluid is detected on the lateral decubitus chest radiograph, this may be impossible to obtain in severely ill patients. Because of its ready availability and ability for bedside imaging, ultrasonography has become a crucial imaging modality not only in detecting the presence of pleural fluid but also as a guide to aspiration. Aims: To sonographically determine the nature of pleural effusions. To analyze predictability of both benign and malignant pleural effusions and to study statistical value of various ultrasound characteristics in differentiating exudative and transudative as well as benign and malignant effusions in correlation with thoracocentesis. Material and Methods: Sonographic feature as well as fluid cytology was evaluated. Following categorization into exudates or transudate as well as benign or malignant the diagnosis was then correlated biochemically. Results: Transudates were anechoic, while an anechoic effusion may be either a transudate or an exudate. Complex septation, internal echoes, thickened pleura or homogeneously echogenic patterns were always exudates. Sonographic findings of pleural nodules and associated parenchymal lesions in the lung and liver were indicative of malignancy. Conclusions: Ultrasound in addition to being highly sensitive for pleural effusion also aided in characterizing the nature and minimizing the complications during thoracocentesis. Pleural effusions were categorized into exudates and transudate as well as benign and malignant with a certain degree of confidence based on sonographic findings.

Knockdown of Na,K-ATPase β-subunits in Oncopeltus fasciatus induces molting problems and alterations in tracheal morphology

The ubiquitously expressed transmembrane enzyme Na,K-ATPase(NKA)is vital in maintaining functionality of cells.The association of α-and β-subunits is believed to be essential for forming a functional enzyme.In the large milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus fourα1-paralogs and four β-subunits exist that can associate into NKA complexes.This diversity raises the question of possible tissue-specific distribution and function.While the α1-subunits are known to modulate cardenolide-resistance and ion-transport efficiency,the functional importance of the β-subunits needed further investigation.We here characterize all four different β-subunits at the cellular,tissue,and whole organismal scales.A knockdown of different β-subunits heavily interferes with molting success resulting in strongly hampered phenotypes.The failure of ecdysis might be related to disrupted septate junction(SJ)formation,also reflected in β2-suppression-induced alteration in tracheal morphology.Our data further suggest the existence of isolated β-subunits forming homomeric or β-heteromeric complexes.This possible standalone and structure-specific distribution of the β-subunits predicts further,yet unknown pump-independent functions.The different effects caused byβknockdowns highlight the importance of the various β-subunits to fulfill tissue-specific requirements.

Endophytic mediation of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant activity in plants:a review

Reactive oxygen species are in all types of organisms from microbes to higher plants and animals.They are by-products of normal metabolism,such as photosynthesis and respiration,and are responsive to abiotic and biotic stress.Accumulating evidence suggests reactive oxygen species play a vital role in programmed cell death,stress responses,plant defense against pathogens and systemic stress signaling in conjunction with antioxidant production.Here,we propose that reactive oxygen species and antioxidants,as both universal and evolutionarily conserved,are likely to play important role(s)in symbiotic interactions.To support this hypothesis we review the root and foliar fungal endophyte literature specific to fungal-plant symbiotum production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants in response to stress.These asymptomatic fungi can produce antioxidants in response to both biotic and abiotic stress when grown in culture as well as in planta.In addition,there is a growing but nascent literature reporting a significant impact of endophyte colonization on the antioxidant activity of colonized(E+)hosts when compared to uncolonized(E-)hosts,especially when exposed to stress.Here we summarize general patterns emerging from the growing literature specific to antioxidant activity of endophytes in colonized hosts and bring up possible future research questions and approaches.The consequences of changes in reactive oxygen species production and increased antioxidant activity in the symbiotum appear to be beneficial in many instances;but costs are also indicated.Unexplored questions are:1)to what extent do antioxidants originating from the fungal endophyte mediate host metabolism,and thereby control host responses to endophyte colonization;(2)what role do fungal,plant,or symbiotum produced reactive oxygen species and antioxidants have in determining symbiotic outcome between extremes of pathogenicity and mutualism;and(3)what role if any,do the production of reactive oxygen species and their antioxidant counterparts play in the symbiotum’s ability to respond to changing selection pressures?If as the literature suggests,such endophyte imposed mediation can be utilized to foster increases in plant production in resource limited habitats then the utilization of fungal endophytes may prove useful in agronomic and conservation settings.

Clinical Analysis of 16 Cases with Duplex Uterus

Objective To explore the diagnosis and treatment of duplex uterus. Methods Totally 16 cases with duplex uterus were diagnosed and treated with hysteroscopy and laparoscopic technology simultaneously. Results Sixteen cases were finally diagnosed with hysteroscopy and B-ultrasound examination. Of the 16 cases, 12 cases underwent vaginal septum resection and hysteroscopic transcervical resection of septum （TCRS）, 2 cases underwent lysis of pelvic adhesions, vaginal septum resection and hysteroscopic transcervical resection of septum, and 2 unmarried cases underwent hysteroscopy in women with intact-hymen. All the 16 cases underwent the surgery successfully. Conclusion Hysteroscopy in combination with B-ultrasound examination is a major option for duplex uterus diagnosis, and hysteroscopic transcervical resection of septum and vaginal septum resection under B-ultrasound monitoring is the primary surgery treatment alternative for duplex uterus.

Septation and shortening of outflow tract in embryonic mouse heart involve changes in cardiomyocyte phenotype and α-SMA positive cells in the endocardium

Background Studies on human, rat and chicken embryos have demonstrated that during the period of outflow tract septation, retraction of the distal myocardial margin of the outflow tract from the junction with aortic sac to the level of semilunar valves leads to the shortening of the myocardial tract. However, the mechanism is not clear. So we investigated the mechanism of outflow tract shortening and remodeling and the spatio-temporal distribution pattern of α-SMA positive cells in the outflow tract cushion during septation of the outflow tract in the embryonic mouse heart Methods Serial sections of mouse embryos from embryonic day 9 (ED 9) to embryonic day 16 (ED 16) were stained with monoclonal antibodies against α-SCA, α-SMA, or desmin, while apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxyribonucleotidy transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay Results Between ED 11 and ED 12, the cardiomyocytes in the distal portion of the outflow tract were observed losing their myocardial phenotype without going into apoptosis, suggesting that trans-differentiation of cardiomyocytes into the cell components of the free walls of the intrapericardial ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk The accumulation of α-SMA positive cells in the cardiac jelly began on ED 10 and participated in the ridge fusion and septation of the outflow tract Fusion of the distal ridges resulted in the formation of the facing walls of the intrapericardial ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk Fusion of the proximal ridges was accompanied by the accumulation of α-SMA positive cells into a characteristic central whorl, in which cell apoptosis could be observed Subsequent myocardialization resulted in the formation of the partition between the subaortic and subpulmonary vestibules Conclusions The shortening of the embryonic heart outflow tract in mice may result not from apoptosis, but from the trans-differentiation of cells with cardiomyocyte phenotype in the distal portion of the outflow tract into the cell components of the free walls of the intrapericardial ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk The primary roles of α-SMA positive cells in the septation and remodeling of the outflow tract may assure proper fusion of the outflow ridges and form the facing walls of the intrapericardial ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk