Article
Plant Sciences
Miroslav Ovecka, Jiri Sojka, Michaela Ticha, George Komis, Jasim Basheer, Cintia Marchetti, Olga Samajova, Lenka Kubenova, Jozef Samaj
Summary: The documentation of plant growth and development requires integrative and scalable approaches. Recent developments in mesoscopy, microscopy and nanoscopy methods have been applied to imaging of plant subcellular compartments, cells, tissues, and organs. However, the current LSFM and SRM modalities have limitations and there is a trend towards designing integrated microscopic modalities for broader multiscale plant imaging.
Review
Plant Sciences
Yaning Cui, Xi Zhang, Xiaojuan Li, Jinxing Lin
Summary: New imaging methodologies with high contrast and molecular specificity have enabled researchers to analyze dynamic processes in plant cells at various scales. This review focuses on selected microscopy techniques, discussing their principles, applications, pros and cons, and methods for quantitative analysis. It provides guidance for plant scientists in selecting appropriate techniques to study structures and dynamic processes in plants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Z. Pacia, Natalia Chorazy, Magdalena Sternak, Benedikt Fels, Michal Pacia, Mariusz Kepczynski, Kristina Kusche-Vihrog, Stefan Chlopicki
Summary: In this study, the role of Rac1 in TNF-induced vascular inflammation was investigated. It was found that Rac1 mediated the formation of lipid droplets and nanostructural alterations associated with vascular inflammation.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Kimberly Bellingham-Johnstun, Erica Casey Anders, John Ravi, Christina Bruinsma, Caroline Laplante
Summary: This study used single molecule localization microscopy in live cells to elucidate the molecular organization of cytokinesis proteins and their impact on the function of the contractile ring. The research revealed that an excess number of Myo2p heads bound to actin filaments hindered constriction, thus reducing the constriction rate. The predictive correlation between the molecular organization of nodes and the behavior of the contractile ring was established.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yu-Jui Fan, Han-Yun Hsieh, Sheng-Fang Tsai, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Chia-Ming Lee, Yen-Ting Liu, Chieh-Han Lu, Shu-Wei Chang, Bi-Chang Chen
Summary: The study developed a continuous cell-imaging system with subcellular resolution by integrating a microfluidic platform with lattice lightsheet microscopy (LLSM). By using a microfluidic channel sealed with a water refractive index-matched thin film, aberrations of the lightsheet entering the device were reduced, leading to clearer cell images.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sophie A. Meredith, Takuro Yoneda, Ashley M. Hancock, Simon D. Connell, Stephen D. Evans, Kenichi Morigaki, Peter G. Adams
Summary: This paper investigates the behavior of LH proteins at the micro- and nanoscale using a model system and evaluates the efficacy of the model. By combining fluorescence lifetime imaging and atomic force microscopy, differences between native thylakoid and hybrid membranes, the mechanism of LH protein incorporation into the developing hybrid membranes, and the nanoscale structure of the system are revealed. The study also highlights potential issues with commonly used photochemical assays for testing photosystem II's electron transfer activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ewa Stanek, Marta Z. Pacia, Agnieszka Kaczor, Krzysztof Czamara
Summary: Spectroscopy-based analysis of cells' chemical composition provides unique information about cell identity. Through monitoring stem cell differentiation, researchers have found significant chemical and functional changes. However, stem cell-derived adipocytes have a different chemical composition compared to mature primary adipocytes.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Konrad Birkmeier, Tobias Hertel, Achim Hartschuh
Summary: Excitonic states play a crucial role in the optical response of low-dimensional nanomaterials, and understanding their decay dynamics is important for various applications. In this study, the authors investigate the exciton decay dynamics in single carbon nanotubes using advanced techniques and develop a unified microscopic model. The findings provide insights into the behavior of excitons in nanotubes and contribute to the development of nanomaterials for energy harvesting and lighting.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Meng Zhang, Vasilena E. Getova, Francisco Drusso Martinez-Garcia, Theo Borghuis, Janette K. Burgess, Martin C. Harmsen
Summary: The researchers investigated vascularization in cardiac left ventricular ECM hydrogels by seeding different numbers of HPMEC, and found that a combination of various methods can help understand vascular network formation in organ-derived ECM hydrogels. Fluoromicrographs obtained by inverted fluorescence microscopy and 3D confocal laser scanning microscopy played a crucial role in qualitative and quantitative analysis of the networks.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wenkun Dou, Manpreet Malhi, Qili Zhao, Li Wang, Zongjie Huang, Junhui Law, Na Liu, Craig A. Simmons, Jason T. Maynes, Yu Sun
Summary: Heart-on-a-chip platforms show promise for establishing cardiac cell/tissue models in vitro. However, challenges remain in accurately evaluating the contractile functions of these models. Developing new platforms and technologies is essential for understanding cell/tissue physiologies, drug responses, and cardiac diseases. This review discusses recent advances in biosensing platforms and their applications in fundamental research, drug testing, and disease modeling. The challenges and future prospects of heart-on-a-chip platforms for measuring cardiac functional properties are also discussed.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kamalapani Darshani Degambada, Amila Saman Prasad Kumara Peramune Arachchilage, Nazeera Salim, Udumalagala Gamage Chandrika, Ajita Mahendra Abeysekera
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the distribution of Camptothecin (CPT) in different parts of Nothapodytes nimmoniana and compare the efficiency of different extraction methods. The results showed that the root had the highest accumulation of CPT, while the leaves, twigs, and stembark had lower accumulation. The ultrasonic-assisted extraction with 90% methanol yielded the highest amount of CPT in the roots.
PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Gergana Mihailova, Magdalena Tchorbadjieva, Goritsa Rakleova, Katya Georgieva
Summary: Haberlea rhodopensis, a resurrection plant, is able to lose more than 95% of water in its cells and quickly restore its metabolism upon rehydration. This study investigated the accumulation of small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) in H. rhodopensis under desiccation at different temperatures. It was found that dehydration at high temperature induced the accumulation of 14 different sHSPs, indicating their crucial role in protecting the plant under extreme dehydration at high temperatures.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Nicholas E. Buglak, Jennifer Lucitti, Pablo Ariel, Sophie Maiocchi, Francis J. Miller, Edward S. M. Bahnson
Summary: The study highlights the importance of evaluating preclinical models of vascular disease for successful translation of novel treatments. The use of light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) allows for more precise measurements compared to traditional histological methods, providing a novel and robust 3D imaging platform for visualizing and quantifying arterial injury. LSFM outperforms classic histology in precision and quantitative capabilities while minimizing user bias associated with 2D histological analysis.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Hyejeong Rosemary Kim, Samantha J. Warrington, Ana Lopez-Guajardo, Khairat Al Hennawi, Sarah L. Cook, Zak D. J. Griffith, Deebie Symmes, Tao Zhang, Zhipeng Qu, Ying Xu, Ruihuan Chen, Annica K. B. Gad
Summary: The stability of vimentin filaments and the soluble pool of vimentin regulate the speed and directionality of cell migration and the capacity of cells to migrate in a mechanically cohesive manner.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sampa Kundu, Taposhi Hazra, Tapan Chakraborty, Subir Bera, Mahasin Ali Khan
Summary: This study describes the discovery of a new fossil species of the Equisetum from the Siwalik sediments of the Himalayas. The fossil specimens show morphological and epidermal characters that confirm their close affinity to the Equisetum. The findings provide important insights into the evolution of vascular plants and indicate environmental changes and competition that may have limited the distribution of Equisetum.
Article
Ecology
Matjaz Hladnik, Nikola Unkovic, Tamara Janakiev, Milica Ljaljevic Grbic, Alenka Baruca Arbeiter, Slavisa Stankovic, Peda Janackovic, Milan Gavrilovic, Dragana Rancic, Dunja Bandelj, Ivica Dimkic
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the interaction between olive trees and the Venturia oleaginea fungus, understand the plant's defense mechanisms against the pathogen, and characterize the fungal communities on infected and symptomless leaves. The results revealed that certain fungal species may have antagonistic effects on Venturia oleaginea.
Article
Plant Sciences
Marina Macukanovic-Jocic, Danijela Stesevic, Dragana Rancic, Miloje Sundic
Summary: This study examined the pollen grains of Leiotulus aureus using light and scanning electron microscopy, contributing to the taxonomical and melissopalynological studies of the species. Flower visitors and their pollination types were also observed and analyzed, with a focus on the species' contribution to bee pasture. The pollen grains of L. aureus were found to be isopolar, radially symmetrical, medium to large in size, and had a rugulate-microperforate sculpturing pattern. Honey bees were the most frequent visitors of the flowers, mainly during midday.
ACTA BOTANICA CROATICA
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Julien Ruffault, Jean-Marc Limousin, Francois Pimont, Jean-Luc Dupuy, Miquel De Caceres, Herve Cochard, Florent Mouillot, Chris J. Blackman, Jose M. Torres-Ruiz, Russell A. Parsons, Myriam Moreno, Sylvain Delzon, Steven Jansen, Albert Olioso, Brendan Choat, Nicolas Martin-StPaul
Summary: Fuel moisture content is a crucial factor for forest fires worldwide, however, its dynamics and determinants in forest canopies remain poorly understood. This study integrated a FMC module into the SurEau-Ecos model to predict leaf live fuel moisture content and canopy fuel moisture content based on leaf water potential. The results showed that drought-induced foliage mortality is expected to increase as the climate gets drier.
Article
Plant Sciences
Cora F. Carmesin, Fabian Port, Samuel Boehringer, Kay-Eberhard Gottschalk, Volker Rasche, Steven Jansen
Summary: This study aims to quantify the stiffness of intervessel pit membranes and found that their material stiffness is lower than previously estimated, and it undergoes an irreversible mechanical aging process with increasing growth rings.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Oskar Franklin, Peter Fransson, Florian Hofhansl, Steven Jansen, Jaideep Joshi
Summary: Forests and vegetation in many parts of the world face water limitations and plants need to avoid hydraulic failure. However, plants take hydraulic risks by operating at water potentials that partially damage their water conduits. This article introduces an eco-evolutionary optimality principle for xylem conduit design which explains this phenomenon based on the idea that conductive efficiency and safety are optimally adapted to the environment. The model explains the relationship between tolerance to negative water potential (psi(50)) and the minimum psi (psi(min)) across different species and within individuals of two species.
Article
Plant Sciences
Claire Fortunel, Clement Stahl, Sabrina Coste, Camille Ziegler, Geraldine Derroire, Sebastien Levionnois, Isabelle Marechaux, Damien Bonal, Bruno Herault, Fabien H. Wagner, Lawren Sack, Jerome Chave, Patrick Heuret, Steven Jansen, Grace John, Christine Scoffoni, Santiago Trueba, Megan K. Bartlett
Summary: Water stress can cause persistent declines in plant function, even after rehydration. Traits characterizing leaf resilience to drought can also predict resilience in whole-plant function. The coordination between resilience and resistance observed globally is also present within ecosystems.
Article
Agronomy
Vesna Kandic, Jasna Savic, Dragana Rancic, Dejan Dodig
Summary: Post-anthesis drought affects wheat production primarily by limiting grain filling. Drought-induced remobilization of stem reserves can provide carbon sources for grain filling. This study aimed to assess the ability of different wheat genotypes to remobilize stem dry matter under water-stressed conditions and estimate its contribution to grain weight. The results showed that defoliated plants had enhanced stem reserve contribution to grain weight, and F6:7 families had higher grain-filling rate and weight compared to parental genotypes. Traits related to chlorenchyma and phloem area were positively associated with grain weight under defoliation.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ana Carolina Petisco-Souza, Fernanda Thiesen Brum, Vinicius Marcilio-Silva, Victor P. Zwiener, Andressa Zanella, Arildo S. Dias, Andres Gonzalez-Melo, Steven Jansen, Guilherme G. Mazzochini, Ulo Niinemets, Valerio D. Pillar, Enio Sosinski, Marcia C. M. Marques, Marcos B. Carlucci
Summary: Biodiversity shortfalls occur due to uneven sampling in time and space, as well as human bias towards certain species. These knowledge gaps can hinder the understanding of the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services, impacting conservation and restoration efforts. In this study, we investigated the drivers of trait data gaps in the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot, focusing on plant functional traits and their association with range size and economic use. Our findings suggest that species with smaller ranges and no economic use have larger trait gaps. Geographically, locations with more species of economic use show lower trait gaps, especially in the eastern Atlantic Forest. This research highlights the need to prioritize sampling efforts for functional traits in certain species and areas to advance conservation and restoration in the Atlantic Forest.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Chris M. Smith-Martin, Robert Muscarella, William M. Hammond, Steven Jansen, Timothy J. Brodribb, Brendan Choat, Daniel M. Johnson, German Vargas-G, Maria Uriarte
Summary: There is high hydraulic diversity of woody plants in tropical rainforests, which is largely independent of water availability and can influence species growth and ecosystem resilience.
Article
Plant Sciences
Luciano Pereira, Lucian Kaack, Xinyi Guan, Luciano de Melo Silva, Marcela T. Miranda, Gabriel S. Pires, Rafael V. Ribeiro, H. Jochen Schenk, Steven Jansen
Summary: Intervessel pits serve as valves to prevent embolism and optimize transport in xylem. The trade-off between safety and efficiency in hydraulic transport is non-linear, with the intervessel pit area and membrane thickness playing crucial roles, and this trade-off can be adjusted depending on environmental conditions.
Article
Plant Sciences
S. S. Paligi, R. M. Link, E. Isasa, P. Bittencourt, J. S. Cabral, S. Jansen, R. S. Oliveira, L. Pereira, B. Schuldt
Summary: The increasing frequency of global change-type droughts has created a need for fast, accurate and widely applicable techniques for estimating xylem embolism resistance to improve forecasts of future forest changes. This study compared two rapid methods for constructing xylem vulnerability curves and evaluated their agreement and sensitivity to measurement duration. The results highlight the value of the Pneumatron as an easy and reliable tool to estimate embolism thresholds for a wide range of temperate angiosperms.
Article
Agronomy
Katarina Jovanovic-Radovanov, Dragana Rancic
Summary: A bioassay study found that sugar beet, white mustard, and rapeseed oil were most sensitive to simulated imazethapyr residues based on morphological and anatomical parameters. Wheat was the least sensitive while corn and sunflower were less sensitive. The measured anatomical parameters supported the different sensitivities of the tested plants. An imazethapyr residue level equivalent to ED20 did not cause significant changes in less sensitive plants, suggesting that ED20 could be considered as an acceptable residue level for safe sowing.
Article
Forestry
Yang Wei, Ya-Jun Chen, Zafar Siddiq, Jiao-Lin Zhang, Shu-Bin Zhang, Steven Jansen, Kun-Fang Cao
Summary: The water capacitance of trunk sapwood is essential for the physiological function of the canopy, and it is linked to the hydraulic and gas exchange traits of branches.
Article
Forestry
Rodrigo T. Avila, Cade N. Kane, Timothy A. Batz, Christophe Trabi, Fabio M. Damatta, Steven Jansen, Scott A. M. McAdam
Summary: This study investigates the correlation between the relative vessel area of xylem and the resistance to embolism in different species from the genera Acer, Cinnamomum, Ilex, Quercus, and Persea. The results show that a low vessel lumen fraction (VLF) increases the resistance to gas movement and reduces the likelihood of embolism propagation, while a high VLF enhances gas transport and connectivity between conduits. Gas movement rate due to local pressure differences and xylem network connectivity is identified as a central driver of embolism propagation in angiosperm vessels.
Article
Forestry
Dongmei Yang, Luciano Pereira, Guoquan Peng, Rafael Ribeiro, Lucian Kaack, Steven Jansen, Melvin T. Tyree
Summary: The pneumatic method is used to quantify embolism resistance in plant xylem. A modeling approach, the UPPn model, is developed to accurately estimate changes in xylem embolism during dehydration.
