Bidirectional lncRNA Transfer between Cuscuta Parasites and Their Host Plant

Dodder species (Cuscuta spp.) are holoparasites that have extensive material exchange with their host plants through vascular connections. Recent studies on cross-species transfer have provided breakthrough insights, but little is known about the interaction mechanisms of the inter-plant mobile substances in parasitic systems. We sequenced the transcriptomes of dodder growing on soybean hosts to characterize the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transfer between the two species, and found that lncRNAs can move in high numbers (365 dodder lncRNAs and 14 soybean lncRNAs) in a bidirectional manner. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction further confirmed that individual lncRNAs were trafficked in the dodder–soybean parasitic system. To reveal the potential functions of mobile transcripts, the Gene Ontology terms of mobile lncRNA target genes were predicted, and mobile dodder target genes were found to be mainly enriched in “metabolic process”, “catalytic activity”, “signaling”, and “response to stimulus” categories, whereas mobile soybean target genes were enriched in organelle-related categories, indicating that specific mobile lncRNAs may be important in regulating dodder parasitism. Our findings reveal that lncRNAs are transferred between dodder and its host soybean plants, which may act as critical regulators to coordinate the host–dodder interaction at the whole parasitic level.

Gymnosperm Resprouting—A Review

Gymnosperms are generally regarded as poor resprouters, especially when compared to angiosperms and particularly following major disturbance. However, is it this clear-cut? This review investigates two main aspects of gymnosperm resprouting: (i) various papers have provided exceptions to the above generalization—how frequent are these exceptions and are there any taxonomic trends?; and (ii) assuming gymnosperms are poor resprouters are there any anatomical or physiological reasons why this is the case? Five of six non-coniferous gymnosperm genera and 24 of 80 conifer genera had at least one species with a well-developed resprouting capability. This was a wider range than would be expected from the usual observation ‘gymnosperms are poor resprouters’. All conifer families had at least three resprouting genera, except the monospecific Sciadopityaceae. Apart from the aboveground stem, buds were also recorded arising from more specialised structures (e.g., lignotubers, tubers, burls and underground stems). In some larger genera it appeared that only a relatively small proportion of species were resprouters and often only when young. The poor resprouting performance of mature plants may stem from a high proportion of apparently ‘blank’ leaf axils. Axillary meristems have been recorded in a wide range of conifer species, but they often did not form an apical dome, leaf primordia or vascular connections. Buds or meristems that did form often abscised at an early stage. While this review has confirmed that conifers do not resprout to the same degree as angiosperms, it was found that a wide diversity of gymnosperm genera can recover vegetatively after substantial disturbance. Further structural studies are needed, especially of: (i) apparently blank leaf axils and the initial development of axillary meristems; (ii) specialised regeneration structures; and (iii) why high variability can occur in the resprouting capacity within species of a single genus and within genera of the same family.

Treatment of an Elusive Symptomatic Sinus Pericranii: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Sinus pericranii (SP) are abnormal vascular connections between extracranial scalp venous channels and intracranial dural sinuses. This vascular abnormality rarely results in significant sequelae, but in select cases, it can be symptomatic. We describe the case of a 7-year-old girl with an SP who experienced intermittent visual, motor, and sensory symptoms not previously described in the literature. Her symptoms resolved after surgical treatment of the SP. We propose a mechanism for her symptoms and the rationale for the role of neurosurgical intervention along with a review of the literature.

Monitoring of the Reproductive Cycle in Captive-Bred Female Boa constrictor: Preliminary Ultrasound Observations

The Boa constrictor is one of the most common reptiles bred in captivity. To achieve a successful breeding season, thorough knowledge of the females’ reproductive activity is necessary. In this regard, information on the Boa constrictor is still rather scarce. The aim of the present study was to monitor the ovarian activity and the embryonic development of boas by ultrasound. We performed brief scans on thirty non-anaesthetized snakes using a portable ultrasound system and a 7.5–10 MHz linear array transducer (Esaote MyLab™ Classic). Ultrasound features, dimensions, and echogenicity of the preovulatory and postovulatory follicles were determined. As gestation progresses, the postovulatory follicle size increases, and the embryonic silhouette becomes increasingly recognizable. During the second month after ovulation, by using color Doppler, early embryos’ heart activity could be evaluated. It is possible to highlight vascular connections between the mother and the membrane covering the embryonic structures. Ultrasound also allows one to identify follicular regression or slugs (nonfertilized eggs) early. The present study suggests that ultrasound could be an excellent noninvasive technique to evaluate the reproductive activity of Boa constrictor, allowing us to precisely identify the correct time for mating, monitor embryo development and viability, and allow the early diagnosis of follicular regression.

Epistaxis etiology and treatment

Epistaxis occurs in approximately 60% of the general population. Every tenthperson requires treatment in a hospital setting. Epistaxis occurs in all age groups,reaching its peak in children around 10 years of age and in adults around 80years of age. The frequency and intensity of epistaxis are anatomically based onnumerous vascular connections. The cause of epistaxis in most cases can bedetermined on the basis of a detailed history and physical examination. Thereare a number of treatments available for nose bleeds. From widely availablemethods such as nasal tamponade to more advanced endovascular procedures.

Successful management of mandibular first molars with endodontic-periodontal lesions – Two case reports

The interrelationship between pulpal and periodontal disease primarily occurs through the intimate anatomic and vascular connections between the pulp and the periodontium. The purpose of this case report is to present the treatment of two cases of mandibular first molars displaying endodontic-periodontal lesions with and without the use of regenerative bone techniques. The endodontic treatments were performed under an operating microscope in two appointments. Later, periodontal therapy was performed with a non-surgical approach in one case and with guided bone regeneration in the other. A 12-month radiographic and clinical follow-up showed periapical and periodontal healing in both cases. The present case report demonstrates that an interdisciplinary approach can help improve the prognosis and maintain natural dentition. Moreover, periodontal regenerative therapy can be performed to guide the wound healing towards the regeneration of lost periodontal structures.

Heterogeneity of meningeal B cells reveals a lymphopoietic niche at the CNS borders

The meninges contain adaptive immune cells that provide immunosurveillance of the CNS. These cells are thought to derive from the systemic circulation. Through single-cell analyses, confocal imaging, bone marrow chimeras, and parabiosis experiments, we show that meningeal B cells derive locally from the calvaria, which harbors a bone marrow niche for hematopoiesis. B cells reach the meninges from the calvaria through specialized vascular connections. This calvarial–meningeal path of B cell development may provide the CNS with a constant supply of B cells educated by CNS antigens. Conversely, we show that a subset of antigen-experienced B cells that populate the meninges in aging mice are blood-borne. These results identify a private source for meningeal B cells. which may help maintain immune privilege within the CNS.

Volume Rendering of Angiographic Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Fovea Plana and Normal Foveal Pit

This paper aims to study adaptative vascular arrangements in idiopathic fovea plana with volume-rendered optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). A retrospective review of two cases of idiopathic fovea plana (mean age: 26.5 years) and two age-matched controls imaged with OCTA was conducted using spectral-domain OCTA (RTVue XR Avanti, Optovue, Inc., Fremont, CA) equipped with the AngioVue software. Both en face OCTA slabs and OCTA b scans were processed through Fiji software (http://fiji.sc; software version 2.0.0-rc-68/1.52e), and then extracted as image sequences for volume rendering reconstructions using the ImageVis3D volume rendering system (3.1.0 release). Eyes with idiopathic fovea plana demonstrated a regular superficial vascular plexus connecting to a single vascular monolayer representing the deeper vascular plexuses. At this location, several vertical short path connections were demonstrated, in contraposition with normal eyes where short path connections were infrequently observed. Advances in three-dimensional OCTA reconstruction increase the understanding of vascular connections and arrangement in retinal plexuses and possible anatomical variations that cannot be detected with conventional two-dimensional b scans.

Vascular Connections Into the Grape Berry: The Link of Structural Investment to Seededness

Vascular bundles in the grape pedicel and berry contain the conduits, phloem and xylem, for transport of water, sugar, nutrients and signals into and through the grape berry and play a critical role in berry growth and composition. Here, we assess the vascular anatomy within the proximal region of the berry. Guided using a 3D berry model generated by micro-CT, differential staining of transverse sections of berries and receptacles was followed by fluorescent microscopy. Morphometric and vascular characteristics were analyzed within the central proximal region (brush zone, a fibrous extension from the pedicel vascular system into the berry) of the seeded cultivars Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as the stenospermocarpic cultivars Ruby Seedless and Flame Seedless. Observations revealed a change in vascular arrangement from the receptacle into the berry brush zone and differences in xylem element size as well as xylem and phloem area relationships. Xylem anatomical and derived hydraulic parameters, as well as total tissue area of xylem and phloem varied between cultivars and in receptacle and berry components. Variation in vascular growth between grape pedicels and berries was independent of seededness. Differences in receptacle xylem vessel size and distribution could contribute to cultivar-dependent xylem backflow constraint.

Where do the buds get their water from during budburst? New perspectives from temperate forest species using water stable isotopes

<p>During winter dormancy in deciduous species, water stops flowing in the xylem and buds become isolated from the stem xylem conduits by a physical barrier made of callose deposits. During bud break, the plant builds new vascular connections between the growing buds and the xylem to support sap flow and transpiration in the developing leaves. However, little is known about the exact timing when these new vascular connections are made, or about the origin of the water supporting bud swelling prior to bud break. This information is particularly limited in forest tree species. We aimed to clarify the origin of the water entering the buds at different developmental stages in temperate forest tree species using water stable isotope tracing techniques to track water movement between soil, stem and buds. More specifically, we developed a method to collect sap water separately from water in other stem tissues (Barbeta et al. 2020). At different leaf phenological stages during the 2018 growing season, we collected soil, stem, bud and leaf samples from 5 adult trees and 3 species (<em>Fagus sylvatica</em>, <em>Quercus robur</em>, <em>Pinus pinaster</em>) growing in a riparian forest in Southwest France. We estimated the relative water content in each sample by extracting bulk water by cryogenic vacuum distillation, and also extracted sap water from stem samples using our new method. All water samples were then analysed for their stable isotope composition (δ<sup>18</sup>O, δ<sup>2</sup>H). These results, complemented by some additional labelling experiments, provide key information about the timing of hydraulic reconnection between the buds and the xylem and about the source of water supporting bud swelling and bud break, demonstrating the usefulness of water stable isotope measurements to understand water transport pathways during bud development and canopy leaf out.</p><p> </p><p>Reference:</p><p>Barbeta, A., Burlett, R., Martín-Gómez, P., Fréjaville, B., Devert, N., Wingate, L., Domec, J.-C., et al. (2020). Evidence for distinct isotopic composition of sap and tissue water in tree stems: Consequences for plant water source identification. <em>BioRxiv</em>, 2020.06.18.160002.</p>