Molecular Advances of Bud Dormancy in Trees.

Seasonal bud dormancy in perennial woody plants is a crucial and intricate process that is vital for the survival and development of plants. Over the past few decades, significant advancements have been made in understanding many features of bud dormancy, particularly in model species, where certain molecular mechanisms underlying this process have been elucidated. In this review, we provide an overview of recent molecular progress in understanding bud dormancy in trees, with a specific emphasis on the integration of common signaling and molecular mechanisms identified across different tree species. Additionally, we address some challenges that have emerged in the in-depth understanding of bud dormancy and offer insights for future studies.

miR-183-5p promotes proliferation, invasion, and glycolysis of thyroid carcinoma cells by targeting FOXO1.

The aim of this study was to research the influences of miR-183-5p on the proliferation, invasion, and glycolysis of thyroid cancer (THCA) cells. Clinical specimens from 84 THCA patients were included. THCA cell lines (K1, SW1736, and TPC1) were cultured. siFOXO1, miR-183-5p mimic, or miR-183-5p inhibitors were transfected into THCA cells by Lipofectamine ™ 2000. qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays were used to detect miR-183-5p and FOXO1 expression. CCK-8 assay, colony formation, flow cytometry, Transwell, and wound healing experiment were utilized, respectively, to detect cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration. Glycolysis was evaluated by detecting glucose uptake, lactate production, ATP level, and glycolysis-related proteins expression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were employed to verify the target relationship between miR-183-5p and FOXO1. The effect of miR-183-5p on THCA cells growth in vivo was researched using nude mice. miR-183-5p was highly expressed in THCA tissues and cells, correlating with poor outcome. miR-183-5p up-regulation attenuated apoptosis, and accelerated proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis of THCA cells. Opposite results were found by miR-183-5p down-regulation. FOXO1 was a target gene of miR-183-5p, where expression was directly inhibited by miR-183-5p. FOXO1 silencing reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-183-5p inhibitor on THCA cells malignant phenotype. miR-183-5p down-regulation inhibited THCA cells growth in vivo. miR-183-5p accelerates progression and glycolysis of THCA by targeting FOXO1. miR-183-5p was a novel target for THCA treatment.

Antibacterial activity of chrysophsin-3 against oral pathogens and Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

Dental caries and pulpal diseases are common oral bacterial infectious diseases, the prevention and treatment of these diseases require the control of the causative pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Enterococcus faecalis. As a cationic antimicrobial peptide, Chrysophsin-3 has broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria which may cause a variety of oral infectious diseases. The present study evaluated the potential of chrysophsin-3 against several oral pathogens and S.mutans biofilms. The cytotoxic activity of chrysophsin-3 against human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) was investigated for potential oral application. We use minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and time-kill assay to evaluate the killing effect of chrysophsin-3. Then scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) were used to analyze the change of morphology and membrane of the pathogens, Live/Dead staining and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) was used to observe S. mutans biofilms. The results indicate that chrysophsin-3 has varying antimicrobial activities against different oral bacteria. Chrysophsin-3 did not cause obvious cytotoxicity in HGFs at concentrations of 32-128 µg/ml for 5 min or 8 µg/ml for 60 min. SEM revealed membranous blebs and pore formation on the bacterial cell surface, and TEM showed loss of the nucleoid and dissolution of the cytoplasmic space. Furthermore, the CSLM images indicate that chrysophsin-3 can reduce the viability of the cells within the biofilms significantly and had a comparatively lethal effect against S. mutans biofilms. Taken together, our finding suggests that chrysophsin-3 has potential clinical application in oral infectious disease, especially in preventing and treating dental caries.

Acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia complicated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis caused by chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP) is a rare lung condition that is associated with acute lung injury. Its etiology may be idiopathic or secondary to a series of conditions, including immune-related diseases, unclassified connective tissue diseases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, infections, hematological diseases and drug induced lung toxicity. We report for the first time a case of AFOP complicated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) caused by chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old man was admitted with a complaint of fever and dyspnea for 2 weeks. The patient presented with elevated serum aminotransferase levels, splenomegaly, progressive decrease of red blood cells and platelets, hyperferritinemia, hypofibrinogenemia, and elevated of Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sCD25). His chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed multiple patchy consolidation in both lungs and multiple lymphadenopathy in the mediastinum and hilum. The serology for antibodies of VCA-IgG was positive, EBV-DNA in peripheral blood was elevated, and EBV nucleic acid was detected in the alveolar lavage fluid. Histopathology of the lung tissue showed a dominant of intra-alveolar fibrin and organizing pneumonia. Hemophagocytic cells was found in the bone marrow smear and biopsy. EBV-DNA was detected in lung tissue and bone marrow using in situ hybridization with an EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) probe. After 50 days of hospitalization, he was improved in lung and hemogram. CONCLUSION: We report a case of AFOP with HLH caused by CAEBV in an immunocompetent adult, suggesting that AFOP may be a rare but serious complication caused by CAEBV, and glucocorticoid therapy may improve short-term prognosis.

Chills, fatigue, chest distress, and an abnormal increase in WBC, neutrophil, CRP, and PCT induced by terconazole: A case report.

The vaginal routes of administration of terconazole, a synthetic triazole derivative, is widely used by patients with uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). A 32-year-old woman suffered from chills, fatigue, and chest distress after receiving one 80-mg terconazole vaginal suppository for the treatment of uncomplicated VVC. Then, the symptom persisted for 10 hours until the residue of terconazole was removed, and the vagina was repeatedly washed with iodophor. In addition, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) were tested and showed marked increase when the patient visited our hospital again on the next day after the treatment with terconazole. Intriguingly, these parameters gradually decreased after a single dose of intravenous fluids (0.9% sodium chloride injection 500 mL and 10% glucose injection 500 mL) instead of the antibiotic therapy. On the third day, WBC and neutrophils returned to normal levels. Thus, according to the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale, terconazole was the probable cause of the symptoms and the elevated WBC, neutrophil, CRP, and PCT. To date, this is the first report that chest distress, and at the same time, elevation of WBC, neutrophil, CRP, and PCT were caused by terconazole. This would be beneficial to avoid the overuse of antibiotics. Resolving the adverse drug reaction with drug removal and intravenous fluids would be beneficial to avoid the overuse of antibiotics. Resolving the adverse drug reaction with drug removal and intravenous fluids would be beneficial to avoid the overuse of antibiotics.

Co-expression network analysis uncovers key candidate genes related to the regulation of volatile esters accumulation in Woodland strawberry.

MAIN CONCLUSION: FveERF (FvH4_5g04470.1), FveAP2 (FvH4_1g16370.1) and FveWRKY (FvH4_6g42870.1) might be involved in fruit maturation of strawberry. Overexpression of FveERF could activate the expression of AAT gene and ester accumulation. Volatile esters play an important role in the aroma of strawberry fruits, whose flavor is the result of a complex mixture of various esters. The accumulation of these volatiles is closely tied to changes in metabolism during fruit ripening. Acyltransferase (AAT) is recognized as having a significant effect in ester formation. However, there is little knowledge about the regulation network of AAT. Here, we collected the data of RNA-seq and headspace GC-MS at five time points during fruit maturation of Hawaii4 and Ruegen strawberry varieties. A total of 106 volatile compounds were identified in the fruit of woodland strawberries, including 58 esters, which occupied 41.09% (Hawaii4) or 33.40% (Ruegen) of total volatile concentration. Transcriptome analysis revealed eight transcription factors highly associated with AAT genes. Through the changes in esters and the weight co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), a detailed gene network was established. This demonstrated that ERF gene (FvH4_5g04470.1), AP2 gene (FvH4_1g16370.1) and one WRKY gene (FvH4_6g42870.1) might be involved in expression of AAT genes, especially ERF genes. Overexpression of FveERF (FvH4_5g04470.1) does activate expression of AAT genes and ester accumulation in fruits of strawberry. Our findings provide valuable clues to gain better insight into the ester formation process of numerous fruits.

Quercetin suppresses migration and invasion by targeting miR-146a/GATA6 axis in fibroblast-like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systematic autoimmune disease which may lead to joint dysfunction and disability. Aberrant migration and invasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) is one of the most predominant etiopathogenesis of RA. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid which is implicated in the development of RA, yet its role in regulating the migration and invasion of FLSs is still elusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of quercetin treatment on migration and invasion of FLSs and the underlying mechanism.Methods: Capacity of migration and invasion of FLSs were assessed using transwell assay. Immunofluorescence assay was used to determine the expression of F-actin. The RNA levels of miR-146a and GATA transcription factor 6 (GATA6) were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Western blot was used to examine the protein level of GATA6. The correlation between miR-146a and GATA6 was validated using luciferase reporter assay.Results: Transwell assay revealed that the migration and invasion of FLSs were significantly inhibited after quercetin treatment, which was also proved by decreased expression of F-actin. The RNA level of miR-146a was decreased in RA tissues and was negatively related to the expression of GATA transcription factor 6 (GATA6). Quercetin treatment elevated the RNA level of miR-146a, but suppressed the expression of GATA6 in FLSs. Further luciferase reporter assay validated that GATA6 is a downstream target of miR-146a. Besides, miR-146a inhibited the migration and invasion of FLSs, and further GATA6 over-expression abrogated the miR-146a-induced inhibition. In addition, specific anti-miR-146a inhibitor abolished quercetin-mediated suppression of migration and invasion of FLSs.Conclusion: Our study suggested that quercetin suppresses the migration and invasion of FLSs via regulating the miR-146a/GATA6 axis.

miR-206 inhibits thyroid cancer proliferation and invasion by targeting RAP1B.

Thyroid cancer (TC) is one of the primary tumors arisen from endocrine system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism by which RAP1B (Ras-related protein Rap-1b) modulates microRNA (miR)-206 related effects on TC cells. Expression of miR-206 and RAP1B was analyzed in cells and tissues. miR-206 mimics or inhibitors and RAP1B vector were used in functional experiments to investigate the effects of miR-206 and RAP1B on cell activities including proliferation, migration, and invasion. Luciferase assay was performed to explore the association between miR-206 and RAP1B. The influence of miR-206 on tumorigenesis of TC cells was investigated using an ex vivo model. Our results demonstrated the reduce of miR-206 in TC tissues and cell lines in which RAP1B was increased. Overexpression of miR-206 significantly inhibited the functional capacities of TPC-1 cells including proliferation, invasion, and migration, most likely, through reducing the expression of RAP1B. Xenograft experiment showed that increased miR-206 could effectively inhibit the tumorigenesis of TC cells. Our study showed that miR-206 negatively regulated cell activities of proliferation, invasion, and migration in TC via suppressing RAP1B expression, suggesting that miR-206 exerts a vital role in TC.

Defective Circulating Regulatory B Cells in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Newly identified IL-10-producing regulatory B cells (Bregs) have been shown to play an important role in the suppression of immune responses. Chronic immune activation participates in the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) but whether Bregs are involved in its development remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the circulating frequency and function of Bregs in DCM. METHODS: In total, 35 DCM patients (20 men and 15 women) and 44 healthy controls (23 men and 21 women) were included in the experiment, and the frequency of Bregs was detected using flow cytometry. RESULTS: According to our results, the frequency of circulating IL-10-producing Bregs was significantly lower in DCM patients compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, the CD24hiCD27+ B cell subset in which IL-10-producing Bregs were mainly enriched from DCM patients showed impaired IL-10 expression and a decreased ability to suppress the TNF-α production of CD4+CD25- Tconv cells and to maintain Tregs differentiation. Correlation analysis showed that the frequency of IL-10-producing Bregs and the suppressive function of CD24hiCD27+ B cells were positively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction and negatively correlated with NT-proBNP in DCM patients. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the reduced frequency and impaired functions suggest a potential role of Bregs in the development of DCM.

Efficacy and safety of LigaSure™ small jaw instrument in thyroidectomy: a 1-year prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety profiles of LigaSure™ small jaw instrument (LSJI) versus conventional technique in patients undergoing open thyroidectomy. METHODS: This single-center, prospective, observational study conducted in Zhejiang Provincial Cancer Hospital enrolled patients who underwent thyroidectomy between September 2013 and September 2014. The primary study outcomes included determination of blood loss, operative duration, length of hospital stay, and drainage volume. The secondary outcomes included evaluation of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, postoperative bleeding, and hypoparathyroidism. RESULTS: A total of 842 patients undergoing thyroidectomy either with conventional method (n = 440) or with LSJI (n = 402) were enrolled. A significantly reduced operative time and intraoperative blood loss were noted in the LSJI group (p < .001) compared with the conventional group. Further, the LSJI group also demonstrated a significantly lower postoperative drainage (p < .05) compared with the conventional group. Length of hospital stay and incidence of postoperative complications were similar in both the LSJI and conventional groups. CONCLUSION: LigaSure hemostasis in thyroidectomy appears to result in significantly reduced operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative drainage compared with the conventional method in Chinese patients.