Cytological, Biochemical, and Transcriptomic Analyses of a Novel Yellow Leaf Variation in a Paphiopedilum (Orchidaceae) SCBG COP15

The genus Paphiopedilum, belonging to the Orchidaceae, has high ornamental value. Leaf variations can considerably improve the economic and horticultural value of the orchids. In the study, a yellow leaf mutant of a Paphiopedilum hybrid named P. SCBG COP15 was identified during the in vitro plant culture process; however, little is known about their molecular mechanisms. For this, RNA-seq libraries were created and used for the transcriptomic profiling of P. SCBG COP15 and the yellow mutant. The Chl a, Chl b, and carotenoid contents in the yellow leaves decreased by approximately 75.99%, 76.92%, and 56.83%, respectively, relative to the green leaves. Decreased chloroplasts per cell and abnormal chloroplast ultrastructure were observed by electron microscopic investigation in yellowing leaves; photosynthetic characteristics and Chl fluorescence parameters were also decreased in the mutant. Altogether, 34,492 unigenes were annotated by BLASTX; 1,835 DEGs were identified, consisting of 697 upregulated and 1138 downregulated DEGs. HEMA, CRD, CAO, and CHLE, involved in Chl biosynthesis, were predicted to be key genes responsible for leaf yellow coloration. Our findings provide an essential genetic resource for understanding the molecular mechanism of leaf color variation and breeding new varieties of Paphiopedilum with increased horticultural value.

Effects of Tamiflu and Adamine on histology and ultrastructure of the liver of albino mice

Background Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) and Adamine (Amantadine HCl) are antiviral drugs which are used for prevention and treatment for influenza. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Tamiflu and Adamine on the liver of adult male albino mice from the histological and ultrastructural points of views. Results Histological examination of liver sections treated with Tamiflu and Adamine included enlargement and congestion of central and hepatic veins in addition to erosion of their endothelial lining cells, cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes, pyknosis of their nuclei, and dilatation of hepatic sinusoid. The electron microscopic investigation illustrated mitochondrial swelling, fragmented rough endoplasmic reticulum, cytoplasmic vacuolation, the nuclei with irregular envelope and condensed heterochromatin, dilated microvilli in sinusoid, in addition to active Kupffer cells have many lysosomes and filopodia in its membrane. Conclusion The study suggested that both drugs induced histopathological and ultrastructural alterations in hepatic tissue. In conclusion, Tamiflu and Adamine have pathological effects on liver of albino mice (Mus musculus).

Features of the architectonics of the microstructure of the primary remex of Owls (Strigiformes) due to the specifics of the flight

Conducted electron microscopic investigation of the primary remex fine structure of thirteen species of Owls (Strigiformes), using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). It is shown that Owls (Strigiformes) have a number of specific primary remex microstructural characteristics. First of all, these are the features of the structure of the pennaceous barb: a cross section configuration, a pith architectonics on the cross section and longitudinal sections, a cuticular structur of the barb. A number of the unique features in the microstructure of the vanules of the pennaceous barb have been found for the first time (at the scanning electron microscope level, at a large SEM magnification). First of all, these are the structural features of the distal barbules and the structure of the apical portion of the barb with the elongated proximal barbules and the distal barbules tightly contiguous to the ramus and closed with each other. Mentioned characteristics make for the thick velvet-like dorsal surface of the vane and the presence of a complex of peculiar “bunches” (fringes) forming the cleft edge (a fringed edge) of the inner vane – exceptionally specific adaptive characteristics in Strigiformes. Рresentenced original research results suggest that Owls (Strigiformes) have a number specific microstructural characteristics of the primary remex and also a number of the unique features in the microstructure of the primary remex which reflecting the ecological and morphological adaptations conditioned by the flight specificity.

CAPNODIUM VARIEGATUM – A NEW FOLIICOLOUS SPECIES OF SOOTY MOULD INFECTING BAUHINIA VARIEGATA L. FROM CHHATTISGARH, INDIA

A survey for the study of foliicolous fungal forms of Ambikapur, north Chhattisgarh was conducted in November 2018, and came across an interesting fungal form of sooty mould infecting living leaves of Bauhinia variegata L. which upon detailed mycotaxonomic treatment proved to be an undescribed species of Capnodium. Sooty mould diminish photosynthesis of host plant. Capnodiaceae is the most specialized family of sooty mould which includes 5 genera,149 species from the world and only 10 species described from India. Phenotypic observations, microscopic and Scanning Electron Microscopic investigation revealed the drastic differences with the earlier known allied taxa so much so to dispose it as a new taxon of species rank Capnodium variegatum sp.nov.

Features of formation of nanodisperse granular structure during РТ-sintering of hexagonal diamond (lonsdaleite) powder

Results of an electron microscopic investigation of particles of lonsdaleite powder with additives of cubic diamond and polycrystalline specimens based on it at Р = 7,7 GPa in the temperature range 1700―1900 °С are presented. Lonsdaleite particles are characterized by a predominantly ternary texture [1120]l of different degree of perfection. Structural mechanisms of transformations in lonsdaleite particles, which cause the formation on nanograined structure in sintering, have been established. The initial stage is the mechanical dispersion of particles and dispersion as a result of plastic faulting deformation, which promotes their fragmentation without breakdown of continuity. The indicated processes lead to the destruction of texture in particles. Beginning from 1700 °С, the lonsdaleitecubic diamond phase transformation with the orientation ratio (111)dII (001)l occurs. It is realized within rods as elements of the substructure of lonsdaleite. At 1900 °С, the size of detected elements of the structure (grains) is 5―15 nm. Beginning from 2000 °С, the self-association of such grains into aggregates with sizes up to 70 nm and the subsequent process of coalescence of grains in aggregates with the formation of the monocrystalline state occur. The next stage of formation of the granular structure is caused by the formation of grain boundaries and development of collective recrystallization. After sintering at Т = 2100 °С, the grain size in specimens does not exceed 100 nm. It has been established that the transformation in lonsdaleite proceeds by structural mechanisms that are characteristic of wurtzite modifications of boron nitride and silicon carbide (strong disordering in the direction of the basal axis, plastic faulting deformation, and formation of multilayer polytypes during the hexagonal-to-cubic phase transformation). Keywords: lonsdaleite, particles, sintering, fragmentation, grains, coalescence.

Case Report: Sustained mitochondrial damage in cardiomyocytes in patients with severe propofol infusion syndrome

Introduction: Propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS) is rare but a potentially lethal adverse event. The pathophysiologic mechanism is still unknown. Patient concerns: A 22-year-old man was admitted for the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome. On day six, he required mechanical ventilation due to progressive muscle weakness; propofol (3.5 mg/kg/hour) was administered for five days for sedation. On day 13, he had hypotension with abnormal electrocardiogram findings, acute kidney injury, hyperkalemia and severe rhabdomyolysis. Diagnosis and interventions: The patient was transferred to our intensive care unit (ICU) on suspicion of PRIS. Administration of noradrenaline and renal replacement therapy and fasciotomy for compartment syndrome of lower legs due to PRIS-rhabdomyolysis were performed. Outcomes: The patient gradually recovered and was discharged from the ICU on day 30. On day 37, he had repeated sinus bradycardia with pericardial effusion in echocardiography. Cardiac 18F-FDG PET on day 67 demonstrated heterogeneous 18F-FDG uptake in the left ventricle. Electron microscopic investigation of endomyocardial biopsy on day 75 revealed mitochondrial myelinization of the cristae, which indicated mitochondrial damage of cardiomyocytes. He was discharged without cardiac abnormality on day 192. Conclusions: Mitochondrial damage in both morphological and functional aspects was observed in the present case. Sustained mitochondrial damage may be a therapeutic target beyond the initial therapy of discontinuing propofol administration.