Observation and Comparison of Pollen Submicroscopic Morphology of Seven Mulberry(Morus alba Linn.) Cultivars

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the submicroscopic structure and morphological characteristics of mulberry pollen. [Method] Mulberry pollen of seven cultivars were treated by glutaraldehyde fixing, alcohol gradient dehydration, freeze-drying and metal plating to observe the size and surface ornamentation under the scanning electron microscope （SEM）. [Result] The pollen surface characteristics and ornamentation were clearly visible, indicating that this method is suitable for SEM observation of mulberry pollen; experimental mulberry pollen was nearly spher- ical, with two germination apertures and processes on aperture membrane; polar axis was 15.99-22.63 μm long, and equatorial axis was 14.98-20.78 μm long; the pollen volume of ＂Yu No.2＇ was the maximum, while that of ＂Jinxuan No.7＇ was the minimum; the surface of mulberry pollen showed smooth and tumor-like protuberance ornamentations, covered with different densities of particles. [Conclusion] Glutaralde- hyde fixative-alcohol gradient dehydration is an ideal method for morphological char- acteristics of mulberry pollen. This study may provide useful information for palynology identification of Morus plants or even species-level systematic classification.

Effects of Different Flue-curing Technologies on Submicroscopic Structure of Flue-cured Tobacco Leaves

[ Objective] This study aimed to compare the effects of low-temperature low-humidity tobacco flue-curing technology, moderate-temperature moderate- humidity tobacco flue-curing technology and moderate-temperature high-humidity tobacco flue-curing technology on submicroscopic structure of flue-cured tobacco leaves to provide theoretical basis for tobacco flue-curing. [ Method] Middle leaves of tobacco cuhivar K326 were collected in Pengshui County of Chongqing City for flue-curing experiment using three flue-curing technologies. Leaf samples were collected regularly in the flue-curing process, to investigate the submicroscopic structure of flue-cured tobacco leaves. [ Result] Morphology changes and structural rupture of chloroplasts occurred at different time during three flue-curing proces- ses. In low-temperature low-humidity flue-curing process, morphology changes and structural rupture of chloroplasts occurred late but rapidly; in moderate-tempera- ture moderate-humidity flue-curing process and moderate-temperature high-humidity flue-curing process, morphology changes and structural rupture of chloroplasts occurred early but slowly. Among these three flue-curing processes, the speed of changes in mitochondria morphology, cristae number and membrane rupture pres- ented an upward order of low-temperature low-humidity flue-curing process 〈 moderate-temperature high-humidity flue-curlng process 〈 moderate-temperature moderate-humidity flue-curing process. In low-temperature low-humldity flue-curing process, starch granules in chloroplasts ruptured after flue-curing for 36 -48 h ; in moderate-temperature moderate-humidity flue-curing process, starch granules in chloroplasts ruptured after flue-curing for 24 - 36 h; in moderate-temperature high-humidity flue-curing process, starch granules in chloroplasts ruptured after flue-curing for 12 - 24 h. [ Conclusion ] Using low-temperature low-humidity flue- curing technology could prolong the maintenance duration of the submicroscopic structure integrity of flue-cured tobacco leaves, which was conducive to fully decom- posing and transforming substances in tobacco leaves and obtaining high-quality flue-cured tobacco leaves.

Submicroscopic 11p13 deletion including the elongator acetyltransferase complex subunit 4 gene in a girl with language failure, intellectual disability and congenital malformations: A case report

BACKGROUND We described the main features of an infant diagnosed with facial dysmorphic,language failure,intellectual disability and congenital malformations to strengthen our understanding of the disease.Currently,treatment is only rehabilitation and surgery for cleft lip and palate.CASE SUMMARY The proband was a 2-years-8-months-old girl.Familial history was negative for congenital malformations or intellectual disability.The patient had microcephaly,upward-slanting palpebral fissures,depressed nasal bridge,bulbous nose and bilateral cleft lip and palate.Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed cortical atrophy and band heterotopia.Her motor and intellectual development is delayed.A submicroscopic deletion in 11p13 involving the elongator acetyltransferase complex subunit 4 gene(ELP4)and a loss of heterozygosity in Xq25-q26.3 were detected.CONCLUSION There is no treatment for the ELP4 deletion caused by a submicroscopic 11p3 deletion.We describe a second case of deletion of the ELP4 gene without aniridia,which confirms the association between ELP4 gene with several defects and absence of this ocular defect.Additional clinical data in the deletion of the ELP4 gene as cleft palate,facial dysmorphism,and changes at level brain could be associated to this gene or be part of the effect of the recessives genes involved in the loss of heterozygosity region of Xq25-26.3.

Hidden reservoir of resistant parasites:the missing link in the elimination of falciparum malaria

Background:To successfully eliminate malaria,an integrated system that includes a number of approaches and interventions-aimed at overcoming the threat of antimalarial drug resistance-is required.Significant progress has been made in reducing malaria incidence through large-scale use of artemisinin-based combination therapies and insecticide-treated nets.To consolidate these gains,attention should be paid to the missing links in the elimination of malaria.One of these gaps is the residual reservoir of submicroscopic resistant parasites,which remains after case management or other control measures have been carried out.Therefore,the present opinion piece highlights the importance of exploring the role that submicroscopic resistant parasites could play in hindering malaria elimination by allowing the persistence of transmission,particularly in areas of low transmission or in the pre-elimination and/or elimination phase.Discussion:If malaria elimination interventions are to be effective,the relative role of the hidden reservoir of resistant parasites needs to be assessed,particularly in regions that are low-transmission settings and/or in pre-elimination and/or elimination phases.Various ongoing studies are focusing on the role of submicroscopic malaria infections in malaria transmission but overlook the possible build-up of resistance to antimalarial drugs among submicroscopic parasite populations.This is an important factor as it may eventually limit the effectiveness of malaria elimination strategies.Conclusions:An evidence-based estimation of the“true”reservoir of resistant parasites can help target the existing and emerging foci of resistant parasites before they spread.Emergence and spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Southeast Asia underline the need to contain drug resistance.