Resumen Antecedentes: El fotosistema II (PSII) es susceptible al estrés por calor. Las plantas acumulan trehalosa para mejorar la tolerancia al estrés, pero se desconoce el mecanismo por el cual la trehalosa afecta al PSII por calor. Preguntas: ¿Cómo afecta la trehalosa al PSII durante estrés por calor? Especie estudiada: Triticum aestivum L. Lugar y fechas del estudio: Shanghái, China. 2019-2021. Métodos: Las plántulas de trigo pretratadas se sometieron a estres por calor y midieron sus parámetros fotosintéticos. Resultados: El estrés por calor provocó reducción en eficiencia fotoquímica de PSII, tasa de transferencia de electrones (ETR(II)), rendimiento cuántico de disipación de energía regulada Y(NPQ) y coeficiente de enfriamiento fotoquímico (qP), pero aumentó rendimiento cuántico de no- disipación de energía regulada de PSII (Y[NO]). Se alteró la forma de la curva de la cinética de inducción de fluorescencia de clorofila rápida (OJIP) y redujó rendimiento máximo de la fotoquímica primaria de PSII (Fv/Fo) y indicador de rendimiento de PSII PIabs. Disminuyeron: actividad de PSII y cadena de transporte de electrones, cantidad de estructuras de hélice α ordenadas y contenido de proteína D1. En trigo pretratado con trehalosa, la proteína D1 y estructuras secundarias de la proteína del PSII se protegieron; mejoraron el transporte de electrones del PSII y de toda la cadena y mantuvieron mayores valores de los parámetros de fluorescencia. Se obtuvieron menores Y(NO) y OJIP más estables. Conclusiones: Trehalosa exógena desempeñó un papel vital en la protección de la función del PSII, generando mayor capacidad fotosintética bajo estrés por calor.

Abstract Background: Photosystem II (PSII) is susceptible to heat stress. Plants naturally accumulate trehalose to improve stress tolerance. However, the mechanism by which trehalose affects PSII during heat stress is still unknown. Questions: How does trehalose affect PSII during heat stress? Studied species: Triticum aestivum L. Study site and dates: Shanghai, China. 2019-2021. Methods: Trehalose -pretreated wheat seedlings suffered from heat stress and their photosynthetic parameters were measured. Results: Heat stress caused a reduction in the photochemical efficiency of PSII, the electron transfer rate (ETR(II)), the quantum yield of regulated energy dissipationY(NPQ) and the coefficient of photochemical quenching (qP), but increased the quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation of PSII (Y[NO]). The shape of the fast chlorophyll fluorescence induction kinetics (OJIP) curve in the heat-stressed wheat was altered and the primary photochemistry maximum yield of PSII (Fv/Fo) and the PSII performance indicator PIabs were reduced. Accordingly, the activities of PSII and electron transport chain, the amount of ordered α-helix structures and the content of D1 protein also decreased. However, in trehalose-pretreated wheat, D1 protein and protein secondary structures of PSII were both protected, the electron transport activities of PSII and the whole chain were improved and greater fluorescence parameters values were maintained. Lower Y(NO) and more stable OJIP were obtained. Conclusions: Exogenous trehalose acted a vital role in the protection of the function of PSII, resulting in higher photosynthetic capacity under heat stress.

Resumo: O envelhecimento da semente durante o armazenamento ou transporte pode afetar o rendimento e o custo da produção agrícola. O milho doce é um mutante natural com fraca vitalidade da semente durante o armazenamento. Neste estudo, mostramos que a dinâmica do nível de hormônio endógeno de sementes de milho doce recém-colhidas e envelhecidas foi diferente durante o processo de geminação precoce. A análise transcriptômica revelou vários novos transcritos durante o estágio inicial da germinação do milho doce nas vias de transdução de sinal e processamento de RNA. O perfil transcriptômico comparativo revelou que a expressão de muitos genes foi ativada mais cedo nas sementes envelhecidas do que nas recém-colhidas. As análises funcionais mostraram que, como duas redes principais, a sinalização de hormônios vegetais e as vias de defesa eram diferentes entre sementes de milho doce recém-colhidas e envelhecidas. As vias de sinalização de auxina, citocinina, giberelina, ácido salicílico e ácido jasmônico foram ativadas mais cedo nas sementes envelhecidas do que nas recém-colhidas no primeiro dia após a embebição. Esses resultados forneceram conhecimento para a compreensão do processo de envelhecimento de sementes de milho doce e vários genes candidatos ao estudo genético do mecanismo de envelhecimento de sementes. Resumo agrícola recémcolhidas recém colhidas precoce RNA recémcolhidas. colhidas. principais auxina citocinina giberelina embebição

Abstract: Seed ageing during storage or shipping can affect the yield and cost of agricultural production. Sweet corn is a naturally mutated corn cultivar with weak seed vitality during storage. In this study, we have shown that endogenous hormone level dynamics of fresh and aged sweet corn seeds were different during early geminating process. Transcriptomic assembling uncovered several novel transcripts during early stage of sweet corn germination in signal transduction and RNA processing pathways. Comparative transcriptomic profiling revealed that expression of many genes was activated earlier in aged seeds than fresh ones. Functional analyses showed that, as two major networks, plant hormone signaling and defense pathways were different between fresh and aged sweet corn seeds. Auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signaling pathways were activated earlier in aged seeds than fresh ones on the first day after imbibition. These results provided knowledge for understanding the ageing process of sweet corn seeds and several candidate genes for genetic study of seed ageing mechanism. Abstract production networks Auxin cytokinin gibberellin imbibition mechanism

RESUMO: A aplicação combinada de fertilizante químico e o orgânico é uma forma eficaz de melhorar a fertilidade do solo, o rendimento e a qualidade da colheita. Neste estudo, um experimento de campo foi conduzido para avaliar o rendimento, a qualidade e a eficiência do uso de fertilizantes em repolho (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata L.) cultivado sob diferentes proporções de fertilizante orgânico em substituição ao químico a uma taxa de 225 kg N ha-l em 2019 e 2020. Os tratamentos de fertilizantes incluíram N0 (fertilizante sem nitrogênio), CK (apenas fertilizante composto foi aplicado, N: P: K = 15,0%: 6,5%: 12,4%), T1, T2 e T3 (fertilizante orgânico substituído 15%, 30% e 45% de fertilizante químico, respectivamente) e T4 (a entrada total de nutrientes foi reduzida em 10% em T2). Os resultados mostraram que o T2 apresentou o maior rendimento comercial e eficiência no uso de fertilizantes, bem como a melhor qualidade. O rendimento comercializável, teor de vitamina C, teor de açúcar solúvel, REN (eficiência de absorção aparente de fertilizante N) e AEN (eficiência de uso de N agronômico) de T2 aumentaram 32,2%, 14,9%, 5,5%, 97% e 55,6%, respectivamente, em contraste, as fibras brutas diminuíram 34,0%, em comparação com a CK nos dois anos. Além disso, o T4 garantiu o rendimento e melhorou moderadamente a qualidade do repolho, em comparação com o CK. Portanto, podemos alternativamente aplicar fertilização de acordo com o objetivo de obter o maior rendimento ou fertilizante em declínio adequado para sustentar a textura e a produtividade do solo.

ABSTRACT: The combined application of chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer is an effective way to improve soil fertility, crop yield and quality. In this study, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the yield, quality and fertilizer use efficiency of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) grown under different ratios of organic fertilizer replacing chemical fertilizer at a rate of 225 kg N ha-l in 2019 and 2020. The fertilizer treatments included N0 (non nitrogen fertilizer), CK (only compound fertilizer was applied, N:P:K=15.0 %:6.5 %:12.4 %), T1, T2 and T3 (organic fertilizer replaced 15 %, 30 % and 45 % chemical fertilizer, respectively), and T4 (total nutrient input was reduced by 10 % under T2). Results showed that T2 had the highest marketable yield and fertilizer use efficiency, as well as the best quality. The marketable yield, vitamin C content, soluble sugar content, REN (apparent uptake efficiency of fertilizer N) and AEN (agronomic N use efficiency) of T2 increased by 32.2 %, 14,9 %, 5.5 %, 97. % and 55.6 %, respectively, in contrast, the crude fibers decreased by 34.0 %, compared with CK in the two years. In addition, T4 guaranteed the yield and moderately improved the quality of cabbage, compared with CK. Therefore, we can alternatively apply fertilization according to the purpose of capturing the highest yield or properly declining fertilizer to sustain soil texture and productivity.

Abstract LaoXiangHuang (LXH) is a medical pickled fruit made of fresh finger citron (Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis) in Chaozhou, China. Aging is a process to strengthen the efficacy of Laoxianghuang (LXH), which is related to the activity of microorganisms. In this study, the changes of the microbial community of LXH within the three-years aging process were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing (HTS). According to alpha diversity results, bacterial abundance and diversity were higher than those of fungi. A total of 3 phyla and 13 bacterial genera were identified whereas 2 phyla and 4 fungal genera were identified. Meta-taxonomic of the overall bacterial communities in samples revealed that Halomonas spp. was the most abundant genus in all samples, which showed the first decresed, and then increased and decreased finally. The followed by Nitriliuptor spp., Nesterenkonia spp., Weissella spp., Notinibacter spp., Streptococcus spp., Nocardiopsis spp., Acinetobacter spp., Ralstonia spp., Lactobacillus spp. and unassigned genus. The unassigned genera (through the whole three-years fermentation period), Ustilago spp., Malassezia spp., Aspergillus spp. and Schizophyllum spp. were the predominant fungal genera. The result of PCOA and T-test analysis exhibited that the samples with different aging times have significant differences and are mainly reflected in Halomonas, unassigned bacterial genera, Nitriliruptor, Nesterenkonia, Weissella, Intestinibacter, Streptococcus and Nocardiopsis, Lactobacillus, Acinetobacter, Ralstonia, unassigned fungal genera, Ustilago spp. Malassezia spp. Aspergillus spp. and Schizophyllum spp., which may have important potential in promoting the aging process of LXH. This study helps us to understand the dynamic change of microorganisms of LXH during the aging process and provides a research basis for shortening the aging time of LXH in the future.

Vineyard row orientation plays a critical role in determining cluster microclimate. This study aimed to figure out how cluster positions determined by vineyard row orientation affect grape flavonoids and aroma profiles of Cabernet Sauvignon and Italian Riesling grapes. Three cluster positions (two canopy sides and the inner canopy) of NS and EW oriented row Cabernet Sauvignon and NS oriented row Italian Riesling were selected for the experiment. Microclimate data was monitored around clusters from both canopy sides of different row orientations. The south canopy side had higher daytime temperatures and PAR than the north canopy side in EW row orientation. Flavonoids of grape skins and seeds were separated and determined by LC-MS, and aroma compounds of grape must were determined by GC-MS. Results showed that flavanols were affected by orientations, and EW orientation had higher berries skin flavanol concentration than NS orientation. EW-IN berries had fewer glucuronide form flavonols and 3'-hydroxylated flavonols than the other two positions in EW orientation. Inner canopy berries had lower flavonol concentration than other positions in EW orientation of CS and NS orientation of IR. To aromas, C6/C9 were the main compounds significantly affected by row orientations. EW orientation berries had higher C6 alcohols concentration such as (E)-3-Hexen-1-ol, (E)-2-Hexen-1-ol and (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol than NS orientation, while NS orientation berries had higher C6 aldehyde concentrations such as Hexanal and (E)-2-hexenal than EW orientation. EW-IN berries had more abundant C6/C9 compounds than the other two positions. The study provided preliminary scientific evidence for vineyard viticulture practice and harvest strategy.

Abstract Purpose: Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (Ml/R) injury is a leading cause of damage in cardiac tissues, with high rates of mortality and disability. Biochanin A (BCA) is a main constituent of Trifolium pratense L. This study was intended to explore the effect of BCA on Ml/R injury and explore the potential mechanism. Methods: In vivo MI/R injury was established by transient coronary ligation in Sprague-Dawley rats. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining (TTC) was used to measure myocardial infarct size. ELISA assay was employed to evaluate the levels of myocardial enzyme and inflammatory cytokines. Western blot assay was conducted to detect related protein levels in myocardial tissues. Results: BCA significantly ameliorated myocardial infarction area, reduced the release of myocardial enzyme levels including aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase (CK-MB) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). It also decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6 and TNF-α) in serum of Ml/R rats. Further mechanism studies demonstrated that BCA inhibited inflammatory reaction through blocking TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Conclusion: The present study is the first evidence demonstrating that BCA attenuated Ml/R injury through suppressing TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 signaling pathway-mediated anti-inflammation pathway.

RESUMO: O conhecimento da estrutura da população é essencial para o mapeamento de associação de resistência a doenças para a população de trigo. Neste estudo, a técnica de DART-seq™ foi usada para genotipar o genoma inteiro de cultivares de trigo. Finalmente, 30,485 marcadores (6486 SNPs e 23999 dardos) foram obtidos, e dois grupos de variedades de trigo foram identificados por meio de análise principal-coordenadas (PCoA) do nível de todo o genoma e o nível 6AS cromossomo. O grupo I foi composto por linhas não T6VS/6Al de diferentes origens, enquanto o Grupo II foi composto de linhas T6VS/6Al, sendo que da maioria destes realizados os genes Yr26 e PM21 originários de Guizhou.

ABSTRACT: Understanding genetic variability in existing wheat accessions is critical for collection, conservation and use of wheat germplasms. In this study, 138 Chinese southwest wheat accessions were investigated by genotyping using two resistance gene makers (Pm21 and Yr26) and DArT-seq technique. Finally, about 50% cultivars (lines) amplified the specific allele for the Yr26 gene (Gwm11) and 40.6% for the Pm21 gene (SCAR1265). By DArT-seq analysis, 30,485 markers (6486 SNPs and 23999 DArTs) were obtained with mean polymorphic information content (PIC) value 0.33 and 0.28 for DArT and SNP marker, respectively. The mean Dice genetic similarity coefficient (GS) was 0.72. Two consistent groups of wheat varieties were identified using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) at the level of both the chromosome 6AS and the whole-genome, respectively. Group I was composed of non-6VS/6AL translocation lines of different origins, while Group II was composed of 6VS/6AL translocation (T6VS/6AL) lines, most of which carried the Yr26 and Pm21 genes and originated from Guizhou. Besides, a model-based population structure analysis revealed extensive admixture and further divided these wheat accessions into six subgroups (SG1, SG2, SG3, SG4, SG5 and SG6), based on their origin, pedigree or disease resistance. This information is useful for wheat breeding in southwestern China and association mapping for disease resistance using these wheat germplasms in future.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who experience brain metastases are usually associated with poor prognostic outcomes. This retrospective study proposed to assess whether bevacizumab or gefitinib can be used to improve the effectiveness of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in managing patients with brain metastases. A total of 218 NSCLC patients with multiple brain metastases were retrospectively included in this study and were randomly allocated to bevacizumab-gefitinib-WBRT group (n=76), gefitinib-WBRT group (n=77) and WBRT group (n=75). Then, tumor responses were evaluated every 2 months based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.0. Karnofsky performance status and neurologic examination were documented every 6 months after the treatment. Compared to the standard WBRT, bevacizumab and gefitinib could significantly enhance response rate (RR) and disease control rate (DCR) of WBRT (P<0.001). At the same time, RR and DCR of patients who received bevacizumab-gefitinib-WBRT were higher than those who received gefitinib-WBRT. The overall survival (OS) rates and progression-free survival (PFS) rates also differed significantly among the bevacizumab-gefitinib-WBRT (48.6 and 29.8%), gefitinib-WBRT (36.7 and 29.6%) and WBRT (9.8 and 14.6%) groups (P<0.05). Although bevacizumab-gefitinib-WBRT was slightly more toxic than gefitinib-WBRT, the toxicity was tolerable. As suggested by prolonged PFS and OS status, bevacizumab substantially improved the overall efficacy of WBRT in the management of patients with NSCLC.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of antidepressants in treating post-stroke depression (PSD) by performing a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the current literature. Eligible studies were retrieved from online databases, and relevant data were extracted. The primary outcome was efficacy as measured by the mean change in overall depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes included discontinued treatment for any reason and specifically due to adverse events. Fourteen trials were eligible, which included 949 participants and 9 antidepressant treatments. Few significant differences were found for all outcomes. For the primary outcome, doxepin, paroxetine, and nortriptyline were significantly more effective than a placebo [standardized mean differences: −1.93 (95%CI=−3.56 to −0.29), −1.39 (95%CI=−2.59 to −0.21), and −1.25 (95%CI=−2.46 to −0.04), respectively]. Insufficient evidence exists to select a preferred antidepressant for treating patients with post-stroke depression, and our study provides little evidence that paroxetine may be the potential choice when starting treatment for PSD. Future studies with paroxetine and larger sample sizes, multiple medical centers, and sufficient intervention durations is needed for improving the current evidence.

ABSTRACT Hydroxydihydrobovolide (HDB) was for the first time isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. and then its cytotoxicity against SH-SYTY cells was studied. Moreover, a rapid and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) method with bergapten as internal standard (IS) was developed and validated to investigate the pharmacokinetics of HDB in rats after intravenous and oral administrations of extract (POE). The UHPLC analysis was performed on a Diamonsil C18 analytical column, using acetonitrile-water (35:65, v/v) as the mobile phase with UV detection at 220 nm. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 0.2-25 µg/mL in rat plasma. The average extraction recovery was from 90.1 to 98.9%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the intra- and inter-day precisions were less than 4.7 and 4.1%, respectively. The results showed that 50 µM HDB had significant cytotoxicity on the SH-SY5Y cells, which was rapidly distributed with a Tmax of 11 min after oral administration and presented a low absolute bioavailability, 4.12%.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether exogenous retinoic acid (RA) can upregulate the mRNA and protein expression of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), thereby promoting brain functional recovery in a rat distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemia. A total of 216 male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 300–320 g were divided into 3 groups: sham-operated group, MCAO+vehicle group and MCAO+RA group. Focal cortical infarction was induced with a distal MCAO model. The expression of GAP-43 mRNA and protein in the ipsilateral perifocal region was assessed using qPCR and immunocytochemistry at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after distal MCAO. In addition, an intraperitoneal injection of RA was given 12 h before MCAO and continued every day until the animal was sacrificed. Following ischemia, the expression of GAP-43 first increased considerably and then decreased. Administration of RA reduced infarction volume, promoted neurological functional recovery and upregulated expression of GAP-43. Administration of RA can ameliorate neuronal damage and promote nerve regeneration by upregulating the expression of GAP-43 in the perifocal region after distal MCAO.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of heme oxygenase-1 recombinant Lactococcus lactis (LL-HO-1) on the intestinal barrier of rats with hemorrhagic shock. One hundred Sprague-Dawley male rats (280–320 g) were randomly divided into healthy control group (N group) and hemorrhagic shock group (H group). Each group was subdivided into HO1t, HO2t, HO3t, PBS and LL groups in which rats were intragastrically injected with LL-HO-1 once, twice and three times, PBS and L. lactis (LL), respectively. The mortality, intestinal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, intestinal contents of TNF-α, IL-10 and HO-1, and intestinal Chiu's score were determined. Results showed that in N group, the HO-1 content increased after LL-HO-1 treatment, and significant difference was observed in HO1t group and HO2t group (P<0.05). In H groups, MPO activity and Chiu's score decreased, but IL-10 content increased in LL-HO-1-treated groups when compared with PBS and LL groups (P<0.05). When compared with N group, the MPO activity reduced dramatically in LL-HO-1-treated groups. Thus, in healthy rats (N group), intragastrical LL-HO-1 treatment may increase the intestinal HO-1 expression, but has no influence on the intestinal barrier. In hemorrhagic shock rats, LL-HO-1 may significantly protect the intestinal barrier, and repeating the intragastrical LL-HO-1 treatments twice has the most obvious protection.

Objectives: Coronilla varia L., a leguminous herb, is widely used in vegetation restoration programs on road embankments to enhance soil nutrients. Our hypothesis is that, under identical climatic conditions,plant and soil properties are determined by the slope aspect and stand age of legume plantations. Methods: We collected soil samples and investigated plant diversity in an age sequence of 0-, 4-, 10- and 20-year-old C. varia L. plantations and natural grasslands. Results: Stand age, rather than slope aspect, was found to be the main factor influencing the soil and plant feedback on the embankments. Planting C.varia L. on the embankments could enhance soil nutrients and improve the soil quality to the level ofa natural grass l and after 20 years of plantation.The plant diversity and species number were steady after C.varia L. had been established for 10 years. Conclusions: Planting C. varia L. on embankments is an effective method foren hancing soil nutrients and maintaining ecosystem stability in the Guanzhong Basin, China.

This study aims to explore the effect of microRNA-21 (miR-21) on the proliferation of human degenerated nucleus pulposus (NP) by targeting programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) tumor suppressor. NP tissues were collected from 20 intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) patients, and from 5 patients with traumatic spine fracture. MiR-21 expressions were tested. NP cells from IDD patients were collected and divided into blank control group, negative control group (transfected with miR-21 negative sequences), miR-21 inhibitor group (transfected with miR-21 inhibitors), miR-21 mimics group (transfected with miR-21 mimics) and PDCD4 siRNA group (transfected with PDCD4 siRNAs). Cell growth was estimated by Cell Counting Kit-8; PDCD4, MMP-2,MMP-9 mRNA expressions were evaluated by qRT-PCR; PDCD4, c-Jun and p-c-Jun expressions were tested using western blot. In IDD patients, the expressions of miR-21 and PDCD4 mRNA were respectively elevated and decreased (both P<0.05). The miR-21 expressions were positively correlated with Pfirrmann grades, but negatively correlated with PDCD4 mRNA (both P<0.001). In miR-21 inhibitor group, cell growth, MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expressions, and p-c-Jun protein expressions were significantly lower, while PDCD4 mRNA and protein expressions were higher than the other groups (all P<0.05). These expressions in the PDCD4 siRNA and miR-21 mimics groups was inverted compared to that in the miR-21 inhibitor group (all P<0.05). MiR-21 could promote the proliferation of human degenerated NP cells by targeting PDCD4, increasing phosphorylation of c-Jun protein, and activating AP-1-dependent transcription of MMPs, indicating that miR-21 may be a crucial biomarker in the pathogenesis of IDD.

This study aimed to explore the correlations between cadherin-17 (CDH17) protein expression and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with sporadic gastric cancer (GC). Nine relevant studies of 1,960 patients were identified using electronic database searches supplemented with a manual search in strict accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA 12.0 statistical software. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were determined, and Z test was used to measure the significance of the overall effect size. A total of nine eligible cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. The expression of CDH17 in patients with diffuse GC was significantly higher than in those with intestinal-type GC. Moreover, the tumor depth of invasion differed significantly between patients with positive CDH17 (CDH17+) and negative CDH17 (CDH17-) GC. However, there were no significant differences between CDH17+ and CDH17- GC patients with respect to tumor node metastasis clinical stages, histological grades, or lymph node metastasis. Despite the differences in invasive depth, there was no significant difference in 5-year survival rates between CDH17+ and CDH17- GC patients. Our meta-analysis provides evidence that CDH17 protein expression may be associated with the development of GC, suggesting that CDH17 is an important biomarker that could be useful for the early diagnosis of GC. However, CDH17 levels do not appear to impact overall survival.