PpMYB52 negatively regulates peach bud break through the gibberellin pathway and through interactions with PpMIEL1.

Bud dormancy, which enables damage from cold temperatures to be avoided during winter and early spring, is an important adaptive mechanism of deciduous fruit trees to cope with seasonal environmental changes and temperate climates. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of bud break in fruit trees is highly important for the artificial control of bud break and the prevention of spring frost damage. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the involvement of MYB TFs during the bud break of peach is still unclear. In this study, we isolated and identified the PpMYB52 (Prupe.5G240000.1) gene from peach; this gene is downregulated in the process of bud break, upregulated in response to ABA and downregulated in response to GA. Overexpression of PpMYB52 suppresses the germination of transgenic tomato seeds. In addition, Y2H, Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays verified that PpMYB52 interacts with a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase, PpMIEL1, which is upregulated during bud break may positively regulate peach bud break by ubiquitination-mediated degradation of PpMYB52. Our findings are the first to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of MYB TFs in peach bud break, increasing awareness of dormancy-related molecules to avoid bud damage in perennial deciduous fruit trees.

Prunus persica transcription factor PpNAC56 enhances heat resistance in transgenic tomatoes.

Members of the NAC (NAM, ATAF1,2 and CUC2) transcription factor family are involved in numerous processes of plant growth and development and play an important role in the response to abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought and heat, but little research on this topic has been done in peach. In this study, we analyzed the expression patterns of PpNAC56 under abiotic stress and found that PpNAC56 responded to high-temperature stress. To verify the function of PpNAC56, we overexpressed this gene in tomato plants and found that, compared with WT plants, the transgenic tomato plants could accumulate more osmoregulatory substances after high-temperature treatment and thus were more heat resistance. Then, using Y2H, BIFC, and pull-down assays, we found that PpNAC56 could interact with PpMIEL1. In addition, Y1H and dual-luciferase assays verified that PpNAC56 could activate the expression of PpHSP17.4 and PpSnRK2D. The above experimental results demonstrate that PpNAC56 plays an important role in the plant response to heat stress.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of the Prunus persica ferredoxin gene family and its role in improving heat tolerance.

Ferredoxin is involved in many biological processes, such as carbon fixation, nitrogen assimilation, chlorophyll metabolism, and fatty acid synthesis, and it plays a role in plant resistance to stress. However, the functions of Fds in peach during stress are unclear. In this study, 11 members of the peach Fd gene family were identified and divided into six groups (I- VI). We carried out bioinformatics analysis on these sequences, analyzed the physical and chemical properties of PpFd protein and the cis-elements in its promoter region, and predicted and compared the differences in gene structure and conserved protein motifs among groups. The results showed that the PpFd protein was highly conserved in plant species. In addition, overexpression of PpFd08 significantly increased the tolerance of transgenic tomato to high-temperature stress. The transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR results of PpFd08 transgenic apple calli showed that PpFd08 might enhance heat resistance by modulating the expression of heat tolerance related genes. The results of this study provide a new understanding for the further study of the function of PpFd protein in peach and a candidate gene for improving the heat resistance of peach.

Prunus persica Terpene Synthase PpTPS1 Interacts with PpABI5 to Enhance Salt Resistance in Transgenic Tomatoes.

Terpene synthase (TPS) is related to the production of aromatic substances, but there are few studies on the impact of abiotic stress on TPS and its molecular mechanism, especially in peaches. This study found that salt resistance and abscisic acid (ABA) sensitivity of transgenic tomatoes were enhanced by overexpression of PpTPS1. Moreover, it was found that PpTPS1 interacted with and antagonized the expression of the bZIP transcription factor ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (PpABI5), which is thought to play an important role in salt suitability. In addition, PpTCP1, PpTCP13, and PpTCP15 were found to activate the expression of PpTPS1 by yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase assays, and they could also be induced by ABA. In summary, PpTPS1 may be involved in the ABA signaling regulatory pathway and play an important role in salt acclimation, providing a new reference gene for the improvement of salt resistance in peaches.

Anemochore Seeds Harbor Distinct Fungal and Bacterial Abundance, Composition, and Functional Profiles.

Many plants adapted to harsh environments have evolved low seed mass ('light seeds') with specific dispersal strategies, primarily either by wind (anemochory) or water (hydrochory). However, the role of their seed microbiota in their survival, and their seed microbial abundance and structure, remain insufficiently studied. Herein, we studied the light seed microbiome of eight anemochores and two hydrochores (as controls) collected from four provinces in China, using qPCR and metagenomic sequencing targeting both bacteria and fungi. Substantial variations were found for seed endophytic fungi (9.9 × 1010~7.3 × 102 gene copy numbers per seed) and bacteria (1.7 × 1010~8.0 × 106). Seed microbial diversity and structure were mainly driven by the plant genotype (species), with weak influences from their host plant classification level or dispersal mode. Seed microbial composition differences were clear at the microbial phylum level, with dominant proportions (~75%) for Proteobacteria and Ascomycota. The light seeds studied harbored unique microbial signatures, sharing only two Halomonas amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and two fungal ASVs affiliated to Alternaria and Cladosporium. A genome-level functional profile analysis revealed that seed bacterial microbiota were enriched in amino acid, nucleoside, and nucleotide biosynthesis, while in fungal communities the generation of precursor metabolites and respiration were more highly represented. Together, these novel insights provide a deeper understanding of highly diversified plant-specific light seed microbiota and ecological strategies for plants in harsh environments.

OVATE Family Protein PpOFP1 Physically Interacts With PpZFHD1 and Confers Salt Tolerance to Tomato and Yeast.

The OVATE family protein (OFP) genes (OFPs) have been shown to respond to salt stress in plants. However, the regulatory mechanism for salt tolerance of the peach (Prunus persica) OFP gene PpOFP1 has not been elucidated. In this study, using yeast two-hybrid screening, we isolated a nucleus-localized ZF-HD_dimer domain protein PpZFHD1, which interacts with the PpOFP1 protein in the peach cultivar "Zhongnongpan No.10". A segmentation experiment further suggested that the interaction happens more specifically between the N-terminal, contains ZF-HD_dimer domain, of PpZFHD1 and the C-terminal, consists of OVATE domain, of PpOFP1. Additionally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments indicate that transcription of these two genes are induced by 200 mmol/L (mM) NaCl treatment. Heterogeneous transformation experiments suggested that the growth status of transformed yeast strain over-expressing each of these two genes was more robust than that of control (CK). Furthermore, transgenic tomato plants over-expressing PpOFP1 were also more robust. They had a higher content of chlorophyll, soluble proteins, soluble sugars, and proline. Activities of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) in these plants were higher, and tissues from these plants exhibited a lower relative conductivity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. These results suggest that PpOFP1 physically interacts with PpZFHD1 and confers salt tolerance to tomato and yeast, thus revealing a novel mechanism for regulating salt tolerance in peach and other perennial deciduous trees.

BTB-TAZ Domain Protein PpBT3 modulates peach bud endodormancy by interacting with PpDAM5.

The dormancy-associated MADS-box (DAM) gene DAM5 has crucial roles in bud endodormancy; however, the molecular regulatory mechanism of PpDAM5 in peach (Prunus persica) has not been elucidated. In this study, using yeast two-hybrid screening, we isolated a BTB-TAZ Domain Protein PpBT3, which interacts with PpDAM5 protein, in the peach cultivar 'Chun xue'. As expected, we found that abscisic acid (ABA) maintained bud endodormancy and induced expression of the PpDAM5 gene, and that over-expressing PpDAM5 in Arabidopsis thaliana repressed seed germination. In contrast, over-expressing PpBT3 in A. thaliana promoted seed germination, and conferred resistance to ABA-mediated germination inhibition. Additionally, a qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) experiment suggested that the transcript level of PpBT3 gradually increased towards the endodormancy release period, which is the opposite trend of the expression pattern of PpDAM5. Our results suggest that PpBT3 modulates peach bud endodormancy by interacting with PpDAM5, thus revealing a new mechanism for regulating bud dormancy of perennial deciduous trees.

Laparoscopic specimen extraction in vitro: preliminary experience.

BACKGROUND: The last procedure performed by the surgeon in laparoscopic surgery is to extract the specimen through the smallest incision possible. This experiment aimed to explore the maximum diameter of specimens that can be extracted through auxiliary incisions of different lengths and shapes by in vitro physical experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the abdominal wall with the muscle layer, fixed on a square wooden frame, to simulate the human abdominal wall. Then, specimen extraction ports were made with circular, inverted Y-shaped and straight-line incisions of different sizes and lengths, and specimens of different sizes were made from tissues of different species. These specimens were extracted from different incisions with a force gauge. The tension value (N) was measured, and records were made of the length or diameter of the smallest auxiliary incision through which a given specimen could pass, as well as the largest specimen diameter that could pass through an incision of a given size. This experiment provides us with preliminary experience-based knowledge of how to choose the appropriate auxiliary incision for surgical specimen extraction according to the diameter of the specimen. RESULTS: The maximum diameters of specimens that could be extracted with circular ostomy diameters of 2.4, 2.7 and 3.3 cm were 4.0, 4.5 and 6.0 cm, respectively. Specimens with diameters of 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0 cm could be extracted through inverted Y-shaped incisions with a length around the umbilicus of 1 cm and an extension length of 1.0, 3.0, and 4.0 cm, respectively. Moreover, these same specimens could be extracted through inverted Y-shaped incisions with a length around the umbilicus of 2 cm and extension lengths of 0.0, 1.0 and 2.0 cm. Tough tissue specimens (made from chicken gizzards) with diameters of 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 cm, respectively, could be removed through straight-line incisions measuring 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 cm in length. CONCLUSION: Along with preoperative imaging, surgical planning and trocar position, the shape and length of auxiliary incisions can be used to improve the extraction of specimens via laparoscopic surgery.

18F-FDG PET/CT features of ureteral metastases from breast cancer: a case report.

Breast cancer metastasis to the ureter is rare. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET)/computed tomography (CT) is widely used to identify primary lesions of metastatic tumours, however, 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging features of ureteral metastasis from breast cancer are rarely reported. Herein, the case of a 46-year-old woman with recurrent left flank pain for 5 months, who was admitted to the Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University and Guangxi Cancer Research Institute, is described. She had undergone right radical mastectomy 5 years previously and had received tamoxifen treatment for 5 years. Assessment by 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed tumours on the ureter presenting as a long segmental lesion, radioactive concentrations, and a low maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), with no radioactive concentrations in the urine and no significant change in the ureteral contour. The severity of the ureteral lesion was not consistent with the severity of hydronephrosis. A tumour biopsy was performed laparoscopically, and postoperative pathological examination confirmed a primary breast cancer tumour. The patient did not consent to treatment and was lost to follow-up.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the prostate with bladder invasion shortly after androgen deprivation: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: To summarize the imaging, morphological and biological characteristics of sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) of the prostate with bladder invasion not long after castration. CASE SUMMARY: Our two cases were initially diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate due to dysuria. However, prostate SC was diagnosed after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and castration after only 5 and 10 mo, respectively. Distinctive liver-like tissues appeared in the second TURP procedure in case 1, while a white, fish flesh-like, narrow pedicled soft globe protruded from the prostate to the bladder in case 2. CONCLUSION: The sarcomatoid component of SC may arise from one of the specific groups of cancer cells that are resistant to hormonal therapy. Morphological characteristics of SCs can present as "red hepatization" and "fish flesh". SCs grow rapidly and have a poor prognosis, and thus, extensive TURP plus radiation may be the treatment of choice.

Unilateral T-shaped incomplete duplex nephrectomy in an adolescent under laparoscopy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Duplicate kidneys are the most common congenital abnormality of the urinary system. The location of duplicate kidneys varies. We report a case of an adolescent with upper and lower kidneys that are arranged vertically and approximately T-shaped. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 16-year-old male teenager was examined for pain in the left side of the waist. The Computed Tomography scan revealed that the left kidney was incompletely duplicated and fused; the left upper urinary tract was incompletely obstructed. DIAGNOSIS: The abdominal tomography confirmed the diagnosis of incomplete duplicate kidney. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery. The failure to ligate the renal pedicle resulted in increased bleeding during the operation and an open ureteral stump. OUTCOMES: No urine leakage occurred after the operation. Doppler ultrasound of the urinary system showed no hydronephrosis, and the patient was asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Through this case report, we found that the duplicate kidneys could be arranged in a T-shape under laparoscopy. Although only the supply of the duplicate renal arteries can be ligated during surgical resection, the renal pedicle must also be ligated during the operation if there is a lot of bleeding.

PpNUDX8, a Peach NUDIX Hydrolase, Plays a Negative Regulator in Response to Drought Stress.

Drought stress is a serious abiotic stress source that affects the growth and fruit quality of peach trees. However, the molecular mechanism of the NUDIX hydrolase family in peaches in response to drought stress is still unclear. Here, we isolated and identified the PpNUDX8 (Prupe.5G062300.1) gene from the peach NUDIX hydrolase family, and found that PpNUDX8 has a typical NUDIX hydrolase domain. In this study, we performed 15% PEG6000 drought treatment on peach seedlings, and qRT-PCR analysis showed that 15% PEG6000 induced the transcription level of PpNUDX8. Overexpression of PpNUDX8 reduced the tolerance of calli to 4% PEG6000 treatment. Compared with wild-type apple calli, PpNUDX8 transgenic apple calli had a lower fresh weight and higher MDA content. After 15% PEG6000 drought treatment, PpNUDX8 transgenic tobacco had a greater degree of wilting and shorter primary roots than Under control conditions. The chlorophyll, soluble protein, and proline contents in the transgenic tobacco decreased, and the MDA content and relative conductivity increased. At the same time, PpNUDX8 negatively regulated ABA signal transduction and reduced the transcriptional expression of stress response genes. In addition, PpNUDX8 was not sensitive to ABA, overexpression of PpNUDX8 reduced the expression of the ABA synthesis-related gene NCED6 and increases the expression of the ABA decomposition-related gene CYP1 in tobacco, which in turn leads to a decrease in the ABA content in tobacco. In addition, Under control conditions, overexpression of PpNUDX8 destroyed the homeostasis of NAD and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) in tobacco. After 15% PEG6000 drought treatment, the changes in NAD and NADH in PpNUDX8 transgenic tobacco were more severe than those in WT tobacco. In addition, PpNUDX8 also interacted with PpSnRk1γ (Prupe.6G323700.1).

Marsdenia yarlungzangboensis (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), a new species from Xizang, China.

Marsdenia yarlungzangboensis (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), a new species from Motuo County, southeastern Xizang of China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to M. medogensis, M. tenii and M. yuei, the major differences between the new species and the morphological relatives are outlined and discussed. A diagnostic key to the new species and its closely related species in China is provided.