Analysis of the complete genome sequence of Paenibacillus sp. lzh-N1 reveals its antagonistic ability.

BACKGROUND: Plant diseases caused by pathogenic fungi are devastating. However, commonly used fungicides are harmful to the environment, and some are becoming ineffective due to fungal resistance. Therefore, eco-friendly biological methods to control pathogenic fungi are urgently needed. RESULTS: In this study, a strain, Paenibacillus sp. lzh-N1, that could inhibit the growth of the pathogenic fungus Mycosphaerella sentina (Fr) Schrorter was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of pear trees, and the complete genome sequence of the strain was obtained, annotated, and analyzed to reveal the genetic foundation of its antagonistic ability. The entire genome of this strain contained a circular chromosome of 5,641,488 bp with a GC content of 45.50%. The results of species identification show that the strain belongs to the same species as P. polymyxa Sb3-1 and P. polymyxa CJX518. Sixteen secondary metabolic biosynthetic gene clusters were predicted by antiSMASH, including those of the antifungal peptides fusaricidin B and paenilarvins. In addition, biofilm formation-related genes containing two potential gene clusters for cyclic lactone autoinducer, a gene encoding S-ribosylhomocysteine lyase (LuxS), and three genes encoding exopolysaccharide biosynthesis protein were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Antifungal peptides and glucanase biosynthesized by Paenibacillus sp. lzh-N1 may be responsible for its antagonistic effect. Moreover, quorum sensing systems may influence the biocontrol activity of this strain directly or indirectly.

A high concentrate diet inhibits forkhead box protein A2 expression, and induces oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial unfolded protein response in the liver of dairy cows.

High-concentrate diet induce subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and cause liver damage in ruminants. It has been reported that forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) can enhance mitochondrial membrane potential but its function in mitochondrial dysfunction induced by high concentrate diets is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of high-concentrate (HC) diet on hepatic FOXA2 expression, mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. A total of 12 healthy mid-lactation Holstein cows were selected and randomized into 2 groups: the low concentrate (LC) diet group (concentrate:forage = 4:6) and HC diet group (concentrate:forage = 6:4). The trial lasted 21 d. The rumen fluid, blood and liver tissue were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that the rumen fluid pH level was reduced in the HC group and the pH was lower than 5.6 for more than 4 h/d, indicating that feeding HC diets successfully induced SARA in dairy cows. Both FOXA2 mRNA and protein abundance were significantly reduced in the liver of the HC group compared with the LC group. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, G6PDH, T-SOD, Cu/Zn SOD, Mn SOD) and mtDNA copy number in the liver tissue of the HC group decreased, while the level of H2O2 significantly increased, this increase was accompanied by a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The balance of mitochondrial division and fusion was disrupted in the HC group, as evidenced by the decreased mRNA level of OPA1, MFN1, and MFN2 and increased mRNA level of Drp1, Fis1, and MFF. At the same time, HC diet downregulated the expression level of SIRT1, SIRT3, PGC-1α, TFAM, and Nrf 1 to inhibit mitochondrial biogenesis. The HC group induced UPRmt in liver tissue by upregulating the mRNA and protein levels of CLPP, LONP1, CHOP, Hsp10, and Hsp60. In addition, HC diet could increase the protein abundance of Bax, CytoC, Caspase 3 and Cleaved-Caspase 3, while decrease the protein abundance of Bcl-2 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Overall, our study suggests that the decreased expression of FOXA2 may be related to UPRmt, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the liver of dairy cows fed a high concentrate diet.

Endovascular treatment of systematic isolated mesenteric artery dissection with a patent false lumen: Bare stents alone versus stent-assisted coiling.

OBJECTIVES: Bare stent treatment and bare stent-assisted coiling treatment have not been directly compared in symptomatic isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection with a patent false lumen. Thus, we compared the early and mid-term outcomes of bare stent treatment and bare stent-assisted coiling treatment to determine the most effective remedy for patients with this condition. METHODS: Consecutive patients diagnosed with systematic isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection with a patent false lumen admitted to the study hospital between January 2016 and December 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Their demographic data, clinical findings, treatment options, early outcomes, and follow-up results were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients (83 men) were included. 34.1% (n = 29) adopted bare stent treatment and 65.9% (n = 56) underwent bare stent-assisted coiling treatment. The symptoms were relieved in all patients (100%) with bare stent treatment and bare stent-assisted coiling treatment. There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the two endovascular treatments (p = 0.354). The cumulative complete remodeling rate was 100% in bare stent-assisted coiling treatment vs. 70.4% in bare stent treatment (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of adverse events for abdominal pain recurrence (none in BST or bare stent-assisted coiling treatment), and formation of the aneurysm (two in bare stent treatment, and none in bare stent-assisted coiling treatment) showed no significant difference at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Both bare stent treatment and bare stent-assisted coiling treatment for symptomatic isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection with a patent false lumen have the same satisfying early outcome. In the midterm follow-up, bare stent-assisted coiling treatment has the higher cumulative complete remodeling rate which could be prioritized to treat this condition.

Physical and mental health impairments experienced by operating surgeons and camera-holder assistants during laparoscopic surgery: a cross-sectional survey.

Introduction: Surgeons may experience physical and mental health problems because of their jobs, which may lead to chronic muscle damage, burnout, or even withdrawal. However, these are often ignored in camera-holder assistants during laparoscopic surgery. We aimed to analyze the differences between operating surgeons and camera-holder assistants. Methods: From January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate the muscle pain, fatigue, verbal scolding, and task load for operating surgeons and camera-holder assistants. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Space Administration Task Load Index, and the Surgical Task Load Index (SURG-TLX) were combined in the questionnaire. Results: 2,184 operations were performed by a total of 94 operating surgeons and 220 camera assistants. 81% of operating surgeons and 78% of camera-holder assistants reported muscle pain/discomfort during the procedure. The most affected anatomic region was the shoulders for operating surgeons, and the lower back for camera-holder assistants. Intraoperative fatigue was reported by 41.7% of operating surgeons and 51.7% of camera-holder assistants. 55.2% of camera-holder assistants reported verbal scolding from the operating surgeons, primarily attributed to lapses in laparoscope movement coordination. The SURG-TLX results showed that the distributions of mental, physical, and situational stress for operating surgeons and camera-holder assistants were comparable. Conclusion: Like operating surgeons, camera-holder assistants also face similar physical and mental health impairments while performing laparoscopic surgery. Improvements to the working conditions of the camera-holder assistant should not be overlooked.

Secondary metabolites from the Cordyceps-colonizing fungus Aspergillus versicolor ZJUTE2.

Two new polyketides versicolorones A-B (1-2), one new diketopiperazine derivative aspergiamide B methyl ester (3), along with twenty known compounds 4-23, were obtained from the EtOAc extract of the Cordyceps-colonizing fungus Aspergillus versicolor ZJUTE2. The structures of 1-3 were established by detailed interpretation of the spectroscopic data and their absolute configurations were established by comparative analyses of the calculated and experimental ECD spectra. In the in-vitro bioassay, compounds 8 and 21 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against the Escherichia coli ß-glucuronidase (EcGUS) with IC50 values of 54.73 ± 2.69 and 56.59 ± 1.77 µM, respectively.

Early results of cyanoacrylate adhesive ablation versus laser ablation for the treatment of great saphenous vein insufficiency in the Chinese mainland population.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we present our early outcomes of cyanoacrylate ablation (CA) versus endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency in the Chinese mainland population. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 108 patients (53 patients in the CA group and 55 patients in the EVLA group) with GSV insufficiency who were treated with CA and EVLA between May 2020 and May 2021. The Venous Clinical Severity Score and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire were used to assess clinical symptoms and quality of life, respectively. Total closure rates and procedure-related adverse events were also recorded in both groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between patients treated with CA or EVLA in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. The average procedure time was 17 min in the CA group and 35 min in the EVLA group (p < 0.001). The CA group had lower pain scores during the procedure and 3 days afterward than the EVLA group (p < 0.001). At month 12, the CA group had a 90.4% closure rate, while the EVLA group had an 83.0% closure rate, with no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the Venous Clinical Severity Score or Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score between the groups (p > 0.05). During follow-up, neither group experienced any significant adverse events, such as pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis. The incidence of ecchymosis and paresthesia was significantly lower in the CA group than in the EVLA group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cyanoacrylate ablation has a high feasibility profile and is an effective approach to accomplish complete GSV target vein closure at early follow-up in the Chinese patients. Compared to EVLA, the improvement in quality-of-life outcomes is also sustained and similar, with less pain and fewer complications due to the absence of tumescence anesthesia and postprocedural compression stockings.

The regulation of plant lignin biosynthesis under boron deficiency conditions.

Boron (B) is a required micronutrient that is crucial for the growth and development of vascular plants. A deficiency in B is generally regarded as a limiting factor affecting agricultural production in many parts of the world. Boron is involved in the metabolism of plant lignin and additionally, B deficiency can lead to the excessive accumulation of lignin in plant leaves/roots, resulting in corking symptoms and inhibited growth. However, the effect of B on lignin biosynthesis is not as well characterized as the specific function of B in the cell wall. In this article, recent studies on the regulation of lignin biosynthesis in plants under low-B stress conditions are reviewed. Moreover, the following possible mechanisms underlying the lignin synthesis promoted by B deficiency are discussed: (1) the accumulation of phenolic substances during B deficiency directly enhances lignin synthesis; (2) excess H2 O2 has a dual function to the enhancement of lignin under boron deficiency conditions, serving as a substrate and a signaling molecule; and (3) B deficiency regulates lignin synthesis through the expression of genes encoding transcription factors such as MYBs. Finally, future studies regarding physiology, molecules, and transcriptional regulation may reveal the mechanism(s) mediating the relationship between lignin synthesis and B deficiency. This review provides new insights and important references for future research and the enhancement of plant B nutrition.

The mechanism analysis of exogenous melatonin in limiting pear fruit aroma decrease under low temperature storage.

Exogenous melatonin (MT) is widely used in fruit preservation, and can increase the storage time and delay the quality deterioration. Firstly, it was found that 150 µM MT was the optimal concentration to treat 'Xinli No.7' under storage at 4 °C for 60 days. MT could significantly improve oxidase activity and inhibit the reduction of physiological indexes, including pulp hardness, weight loss, titratable acid and soluble solid content. MT could also reduce ethylene release and limit the reduction of fruit aroma. The average content of fruit aroma substance increased by 43.53%. A relevant RNA-Seq database was built to further explore the regulation mechanism of MT. A total of 2,761 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. DEGs were enriched in 64 functional groups and 191 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. DEGs were mainly enriched in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and plant hormone signal transduction pathway. The gene pycom09g05270 belonging to long chain acyl-CoA synthetase family and participating in fatty acid metabolism pathway was identified, and its expression level was consistent with fragments per kilobase per million mapped reads (FPKM) values, implying that pycom09g05270 might play a vital role in maintaining quality during the storage process.

α-Glucosidase and Bacterial ß-Glucuronidase Inhibitors from the Stems of Schisandra sphaerandra Staph.

α-Glucosidase (AGS) is a therapeutic target for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that tends to complicate with other diseases. Some medications for the treatment of T2DM complications have the risk of inducing severe adverse reactions such as diarrhea via the metabolism of intestinal bacterial ß-glucuronidase (BGUS). The development of new AGS and/or BGUS inhibitors may improve the therapeutic effects of T2DM and its complications. The present work focused on the isolation and characterization of AGS and/or BGUS inhibitors from the medicinal plant Schisandra sphaerandra. A total of eight compounds were isolated and identified. Sphaerandralide A (1) was obtained as a previously undescribed triterpenoid, which may have chemotaxonomy significance in the authentication of the genus Schisandra and Kadsura. 2'-acetyl-4',4-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-carbaldehyde (8) was obtained from a plant source for the first time, while compounds 2-7 were isolated from S. sphaerandra for the first time. In the in vitro assay, compounds 1-5 showed potent to moderate activity against AGS. Interestingly, compound 3 also exhibited significant BGUS inhibitory activity, demonstrating the potential of being developed as a bifunctional inhibitor that may find application in the therapy of T2DM and/or the diarrhea induced by medications for the treatment of T2DM complications.

[Effects of exogenous methylglyoxal on chesnut seedlings under drought stress]. / å¤–æºç”²åŸºä¹™äºŒé†›å¯¹å¹²æ—±èƒè¿«ä¸‹æ¿æ —å¹¼è‹—çš„å½±å“.

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a novel signaling molecule with multiple functions in plants. To explore the effects of MG on Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) under drought stress, two-year-old 'Huangpeng' chestnut seedlings were treated with 15% polyethylene glycol (PEG) coupled with MG or its scavenger N-acetyl-L-cys-teine (NAC). We measured the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR), and glyoxalase enzymes, including glyoxalase Ⅰ (GlyⅠ) and glyoxalase Ⅱ(GlyⅡ). Contents of antioxidants such as endogenous MG, malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2, and O2-· as well as the osmotic adjustment substances including proline (Pro), soluble sugar (SS), glycine betaine (GB) were also detected. The results showed that 0.5 mmol·L-1 MG significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, APX, GR) and glyoxalase enzymes (GlyⅠ, GlyⅡ) in leaves of chestnut seedlings under drought stress, elevated the contents of osmotic adjustment substances (Pro, SS, GB) and antioxidant substances (ASA, GSH), and reduced the contents of MG, MDA, H2O2, O2-· and dehydroascorbate (DHA). Drought stress induced damages such as membrane lipid peroxidation and osmotic stress was alleviated by MG, leading to an overall improved adaptability of chestnut to drought stress. Moreover, the addition of MG scavenger NAC could reverse the effects induced by MG, indicating that MG had positive impacts on drought resistance of chestnut plants. Our study provided a theoretical basis for further exploring the mechanism of MG in alleviating drought stress induced symptoms in chestnut.

Diverse diterpenoids with α-glucosidase and ß-glucuronidase inhibitory activities from Euphorbia milii.

Four undescribed regular rosane-type diterpenoids euphominoids M-P and three undescribed rearranged rosane-type diterpenoids euphomilones C-E were isolated from the whole plants of Euphorbia milii Des Moul., along with nine known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by detailed interpretation of the NMR and mass spectroscopy. The absolute configurations were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments, as well as comparative analyses of calculated and experimental ECD spectra. Euphominoid M featured a highly oxygenated ring A and a rare four-membered oxygen ring while euphomilones C-E possessed 7/5/6 or 5/7/6 fused ring systems, which were rarely occurring in rosane-type diterpenoids. In the in-vitro bioassays, 19-norrosa-1,3,5(10),15-tetraene-2,3-diol and antiquorin showed more potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than the positive control acarbose while euphominoid C exhibited significant inhibitory activity against both α-glucosidase and ß-glucuronidase. To the best of our knowledge, it was the first time that rosane-type diterpenoids were reported as ß-glucuronidase inhibitors.

Cloning, sequencing, and expression analysis of 32 NAC transcription factors (MdNAC) in apple.

BACKGROUND: NAC transcription factors play important roles in the regulation of plant growth, development, abiotic and biotic stress responses. The transcriptional level of MdNACs in different tissues and under various biotic and abiotic stress treatments was determined to provide a solid foundation for studying the function of MdNACs. METHODS: Thirty-two full-length cDNA sequences of Md NACs were isolated by homologous comparison and RT-PCR confirmation, and the obtained cDNA sequences and the deduced amino acid sequences were analyzed with bioinformatics methods. The prediction of subcellular locations of MdNAC proteins was performed using CELLO v.2.5, PSORT, and SoftBerry ProtComp 9.0. Expression levels of MdNACs were detected in 16 different tissues using an array. Expression patterns of MdNACs were detected in response to Alternaria alternata apple pathotype (AAAP) infection using RNA-seq, and the expression of MdNACs was analyzed under NaCl and mannitol treatments using RT-qPCR. RESULTS: The sequencing results produced 32 cDNAs (designated as MdNAC24-39, MdNAC54-65, and MdNAC67-70 with GenBank accession No. MG099861-MG099876, MG099891-MG099902, and MG099904-MG099907, respectively). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that MdNAC34 belonged to the ATAF group, MdNAC63 belonged to the AtNAC3 group, MdNAC24, MdNAC26-30, MdNAC32-33, MdNAC35, MdNAC37-39, MdNAC56-57, MdNAC59-62, MdNAC64-65, and MdNAC67-70 belonged to the NAM group, and MdNAC25, MdNAC36, MdNAC54-55, and MdNAC58 belonged to the VND group. Predictions of subcellular localization showed that MdNAC24-27, MdNAC29-30, MdNAC33-37, MdNAC39, MdNAC54-65, and MdNAC67-70 proteins were located in the nucleus, MdNAC28 proteins were located in the cytoplasm, MdNAC31-32 proteins were located in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and MdNAC38 proteins were located in the nucleus and plasma membrane. Array results indicated that 32 MdNACs were expressed in all examined tissues at various expression levels. RNA-seq results showed that expression levels of MdNAC26-28, MdNAC33-34, MdNAC60, MdNAC62-65, and MdNAC68 were induced, but MdNAC24, MdNAC32, and MdNAC58 were down-regulated in response to AAAP infection. Under salt treatment, MdNAC24, MdNAC27, MdNAC29, MdNAC34, MdNAC37, MdNAC39, MdNAC54, MdNAC59, and MdNAC63 transcription levels were induced. Under mannitol treatment, MdNAC32 and MdNAC54 transcription levels were induced, but MdNAC24, MdNAC28, MdNAC30, MdNAC33, MdNAC35, MdNAC37, MdNAC55, MdNAC56, MdNAC58, and MdNAC59 were down-regulated. Taken together, the results indicated that the cloned MdNAC genes were expressed constitutively in all examined tissues. These genes were up-regulated or down-regulated in response to AAAP infection and to salt or mannitol, which suggested they may be involved in the regulation of growth, development, and stress response in apple.

Isolation, sequencing, and expression analysis of 30 AP2/ERF transcription factors in apple.

BACKGROUND: AP2/ERF transcription factors are involved in the regulation of plant growth, development, and stress responses. Our research objective was to characterize novel apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) genes encoding AP2/ERF transcription factors involved in regulation of plant growth, development, and stress response. The transcriptional level of apple AP2/ERF genes in different tissues and under various biotic and abiotic stress was determined to provide valuable insights into the function of AP2/ERF transcription factors in apple. METHODS: Thirty full-length cDNA sequences of apple AP2/ERF genes were isolated from 'Zihong Fuji' apple (Malus × domestica cv. Zihong Fuji) via homologous comparison and RT-PCR confirmation, and the obtained cDNA sequences and the deduced amino acid sequences were analyzed with bioinformatics methods. Expression levels of apple AP2/ERF genes were detected in 16 different tissues using a known array. Expression patterns of apple AP2/ERF genes were detected in response to Alternaria alternata apple pathotype (AAAP) infection using RNA-seq with existing data, and the expression of apple AP2/ERF genes was analyzed under NaCl and mannitol treatments using qRT-PCR. RESULTS: The sequencing results produced 30 cDNAs (designated as MdERF3-8, MdERF11, MdERF16-19, MdERF22-28, MdERF31-35, MdERF39, MdAP2D60, MdAP2D62-65, and MdRAV2). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that MdERF11/16, MdERF33/35, MdERF34/39, and MdERF18/23 belonged to groups A-2, A-4, A-5, and A-6 of the DREB subfamily, respectively; MdERF31, MdERF19, MdERF4/25/28/32, MdERF24, MdERF5/6/27, and MdERF3/7/8/17/22/26 belonged to groups B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, and B-6 of the ERF subfamily, respectively; MdAP2D60 and MdAP2D62/63/64/65 belonged to the AP2 subfamily; and MdRAV2 belonged to the RAV subfamily. Array results indicated that 30 apple AP2/ERF genes were expressed in all examined tissues to different degrees. RNA-seq results using previously reported data showed that many members of the apple ERF and DREB subfamilies were induced by Alternaria alternate apple pathotype (AAAP) infection. Under salt treatment, many members in the apple ERF and DREB subfamilies were transcriptionally up or down-regulated. Under mannitol treatment, many members of the apple ERF, DREB, and AP2 subfamilies were induced at the transcriptional level. Taken together, the results indicated that the cloned apple AP2/ERF genes were expressed in all examined tissues. These genes were up-regulated or down-regulated in response to AAAP infection and to salt or mannitol treatment, which suggested they may be involved in regulating growth, development, and stress response in apple.

Transmural pressure drives proliferation of human arterial smooth muscle cells via mechanism associated with NADPH oxidase and Survivin.

Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays an important role in various vascular diseases. Abnormal hemodynamic factors are important stimulus for promoting proliferation of VSMCs. In this study, we show that transmural pressure (TP) promotes the proliferation of human arterial smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and its related mechanism. HASMCs were treated with different TPs (0,100,120,140,160,180 and 200 mmHg) in a custom-made pressure loading apparatus for 6 h. Results showed that proliferation of HASMCs was significantly promoted when the TP was over 160 mmHg compared with 0 mmHg (atmosphere pressure). In like manner, the expressions of NADPH oxidase 2(Nox2) and Survivin (SVV) and production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were all elevated distinctly when TP exceeded 160 mmHg. Moreover, ROS scavenger NAC reduced TP-induced proliferation of HASMCs and expression of SVV largely, and slightly down-regulated expression of NOX2. NOX inhibitor apocynin (Apo) also significantly reduced TP-induced proliferation of HASMCs and expression of SVV and almost completely eliminated TP-induced production of ROS. These results demonstrate that TP drives proliferation of HASMCs via mechanism associated with NOX and SVV.

Genome-wide identification, expression, and interaction analysis for ovate family proteins in peach.

Ovate family proteins (OFPs), which are involved in aspects of plant development and growth, is a class of plant-specific transcription factors. Although OFPs have been reported in some species, little is known about their evolution, structure, fruit developmental expression, and interactions among OFP members in peach (Prunus persica). In this study, 15 peach OFP (PpOFP) genes were identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 716 OFPs from 32 species were divided into 15 subgroups; 10 subgroups (Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, Ie, If, Ig, Ih, Ii, and Ij) were composed of dicotyledonous plants only and five (IIa, IIb, IIc, IId, and IIe) were composed of monocotyledonous plants only. Structure analysis showed that the OFP genes in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants had no introns. Chromosomal localization analysis showed that 15 PpOFP genes were unevenly mapped on seven chromosomes. Furthermore, eight of the 15 PpOFP genes were cloned successfully by the RT-PCR method. To some extent, eight PpOFPs were expressed in all the detected peach tissues. In addition, analysis by Y2H and BiFC technologies indicated that both PpOFP4 and PpOFP5 formed homodimers with themselves, and PpOFP5 interacted with PpOFP7 or PpOFP8 to form heterodimers. These results serve as the theoretical basis for the analysis of the biological function and regulation of peach OFP transcription factors in the growth, development and other conditions, as well as evolution studies of OFP transcription factors in higher plants.

Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus velezensis Lzh-a42, a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium Isolated from Tomato Rhizosphere.

The plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Bacillus velezensis strain Lzh-a42, which has antimicrobial activity, was isolated from tomato rhizosphere. Here, we report its genome sequence, which includes several predicted functional genes related to secondary metabolite biosynthesis, antimicrobial activity, and biofilm synthesis.

[Efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloon angioplasty in treatment of lower extremity arterial occlusive disease: a meta-analysis of 11 trials].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty versus uncoated balloon (UCB) angioplasty in treatment of lower extremity arterial occlusive disease (LEAOD). METHODS: Randomized controlled trial comparing DCB and UCB angioplasty for treatment of LEAOD were searched in online databases. Literature screening and quality assessment was carried out according to the established inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. Restenosis rate at 6 months after surgery, late lumen loss, target lesion revascularization rate, patency rate, mortality rate, and amputation rate at 1 year after operation were compared between DCB group and UCB group using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Eleven trials involving a total of 1853 patients with 2150 lesions were included, with 1110 patients (1288 lesions) in DCB group and 743 patients (862 lesions ) in UCB group. Meta-analysis showed that the restenosis rate at 6 months after the operation (15.2% vs 39.0%; OR: 0.28; 95%CI: 0.17 to 0.48; P<0.00001), late lumen loss (range -0.05 to 0.56 vs 0.54 to 1.7; WMD: -0.57; 95%CI: -0.93 to -0.21), and target lesion revascularization rate at 1 year after operation (13.0% vs 28.1%; OR: 0.39; 95%CI: 0.23 to 0.64; P=0.0002) were significantly lower in DCB group than in UCB group. The patency rate at 1 year after the operation was significantly higher in DCB group than in UCB group (71.8% vs 52.9%; OR: 2.32; 95%CI: 1.21 to 4.43; P=0.001). The mortality rate (4.8% vs 5.0%; OR: 1.00; 95%CI: 0.62 to 1.63; P=0.99) and amputation rate at 1 year after the operation (3.4% vs 2.9%; OR:1.41; 95%CI: 0.74 to 2.70; P=0.30) did not differ significantly between DCB and UCB group. CONCLUSION: DCB angioplasty is more effective than UCB angioplasty in endovascular treatment of LEAOD with similar treatment safety.

MhNCED3 in Malus hupehensis Rehd. induces NO generation under osmotic stress by regulating ABA accumulation.

Abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis has been widely characterized in plants, whereas the effects of ABA biosynthesis on nitric oxide (NO) generation in osmotic stress are less well understood. In this study, Malus hupehensis Rehd. 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase gene (MhNCED3) which is the key gene in ABA biosynthesis was transformed into wild type (WT) and 129B08/nced3 mutant (AtNCED3 deficient), respectively, and two transgenic Arabidopsis lines were obtained. The transgenic Arabidopsis lines displayed higher endogenous ABA content, NO generation rate, AtNIA1 transcript level and nitrate reductase (NR) activity than WT and 129B08/nced3 mutant. Ectopic expression of MhNCED3 reduced the electrolyte leakage and relieved Arabidopsis damage caused by 20% PEG on the growth and development. The ABA content, NO generation rate, AtNIA1 expression and NR activity increased after 20% PEG treatment, importantly, their increases amplitude relative to that in control were higher in two transgenic lines. Additionally, during the treatment for the four genotype Arabidopsis, the time of ABA contents reaching the highest peak was earlier than the time of NO generation, AtNIA1 expression and NR activity reaching their highest peak. These results show that NCED gene indirectly induced endogenous NO generation in osmotic-stressed Arabidopsis partially contributing to the up-regulation of AtNIA1 expression and NR activity.

MhNCED3, a gene encoding 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase in Malus hupehensis Rehd., enhances plant tolerance to Cl- stress by reducing Cl- accumulation.

High Cl(-) concentrations in tissues can be toxic to crop plants and may lead to reduced growth rates and yields. 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) is thought to be involved in the biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA), which is an important regulator of plant adaptive responses to stress. Here, the expression of MhNCED3 in Malus hupehensis Rehd. and the effects of MhNCED3 on plant tolerance to Cl(-) stress were explored. The results showed that MhNCED3 expression and ABA biosynthesis in M. hupehensis Rehd. were induced by Cl(-) stress. Ectopic expression of MhNCED3 in Arabidopsis complemented the phenotypic defects of the 129B08/nced3 mutant and enhanced WT tolerance to Cl(-) stress. The transgenic Arabidopsis showed improved growth and developmental status, increased ABA contents, and reduced transpiration rates and relative water content. Furthermore, ectopic expression of MhNCED3 decreased Cl(-) accumulation and oxidative damage, and up-regulated the expression levels of AtCLCc (chloride channel protein) and AtSLAH3 (slow anion channel 1 homolog 3) genes in Arabidopsis. These observations suggest that MhNCED3 has critical role in enhancing plant tolerance to Cl(-) stress by reducing Cl(-) accumulation.