Nitrogen nutrition diagnosis and estimation of seed cotton yield based on critical nitrogen concentration for drip irrigation cotton in Southern Xinjiang, China.

The stability and adaptability of the critical nitrogen concentration in drip-irrigated cotton fields in Southern Xinjiang were investigated by measuring the nitrogen uptake (Nuptake), nitrogen nutrition index (NNI), and accumulated nitrogen deficit (Nand). A two-year field study was conducted using five nitrogen levels (0, 75, 150, 300, and 450 kg·hm-2), with cotton cultivars 'Xinluzhong55' and 'Xinluzhong78' as the test materials. We analyzed the effects of nitrogen addition on plant dry matter (PDM) and critical nitrogen concentration dilution curves (PNCc). The Nuptake, NNI, and Nand models as well as a model of the relationships between NNI, Nand, and the relative seed cotton yield (RY) were established based on the PNCc for both cultivars. The results showed that the PNCc, maximum nitrogen concentration (PNCmax), and minimum nitrogen concentration (PNCmin) dilution models in drip-irrigated cotton showed power function relationships with plant dry matter (PDM), with determination coefficients (R2) of 0.905 and 0.960, 0.919 and 0.950, 0.934 and 0.969 for Xinluzhong55 and Xinluzhong78, respectively. Model validation with independent experimental data showed that the critical nitrogen concentrations in cotton grown under drip-irrigated conditions were simulated satisfactorily. The Xinluzhong55 and Xinluzhong78 1:1 line R2, root mean square error (RMSE) and relative estimation error (RE) of the simulated and observed critical nitrogen concentrations were 0.987, 0.051 g·kg-1, 1.95% and 0.984, 0.044 g·kg-1, 1.91%, respectively, showing good stability and adaptability between the two years. According to the Nuptake, NNI, and Nand model, we concluded that 300 kg·hm-2 was the optimum level of nitrogen application in drip-irrigated cotton in Southern Xinjiang. Based on the fitting results of nitrogen level and seed cotton yield, the theoretical appropriate nitrogen applications for Xinluzhong55 and Xinluzhong78 were 322.7 and 336.4 kg·hm-2, respectively. The R2 of NNI, Nand and RY in different growth stages were greater than 0.900, the NNI, Nand and RY estimation model of seed cotton yield based on 1:1 lines of R2, RMSE, and RE were 0.899-0.989, 0.05-0.13, and 4.1%-9.9% and 0.902-0.981, 0.04-0.12, and 5.1%-9.5%, all of which were highly significant. These results could provide new directions for the evaluation and diagnosis of optimum nitrogen application levels and nitrogen status, as well as the estimation of seed cotton yield in drip-irrigated cotton in Southern Xinjiang.

Effect of melatonin on oxidative stress indicators in animal models of fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Imbalance of oxidative stress has been detected in a range of fibrotic diseases. Melatonin as an indoleamine hormone plays an important role in regulating the circadian rhythm of human, while in recent years, its antioxidant effect has also attracted increasing attention. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the antioxidant effect of melatonin in animal models of fibrosis. METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and SinoMed databases were searched from inception to March 1st, 2022 to retrieve eligible studies that evaluated the effect of melatonin supplementation on the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) in animal models of fibrosis. RESULTS: A total of 64 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that melatonin supplementation significantly reduced the levels of oxidative indicators including MDA (P < 0.00001), LPO (P < 0.00001) and NO (P < 0.0001), and elevated the levels of antioxidant indicators including GSH (P < 0.00001), GPx (P < 0.00001) and SOD (P < 0.00001) in fibrotic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Our research findings showed that melatonin supplementation could significantly reduce the levels of oxidative indicators including MDA, LPO and NO and elevate the levels of antioxidant indicators including GSH, GPx and SOD so as to correct oxidative stress in animal models of fibrosis. However, no significant changes were observed in CAT level. More clinical studies are needed to further confirm the beneficial role of melatonin in fibrotic diseases.

Chemical Constituents of the Marine Fungus Penicillium sp. MCCC 3A00228.

One new (d-arabinitol-anofinicate, 1) and fourteen known (2-15) compounds were isolated from the marine Penicillium sp. MCCC 3A00228. The structure of the new compound was established mainly by extensive spectroscopic analyses. Compound 1 exhibited weak transcriptional effect on Nur77. While compound 13 showed moderate in vitro anti-proliferative effect against QGY7701, H1299, and HCT116 tumor cells with IC50 values of 21.2 µM, 18.2 µM, and 17.6 µM, respectively.

Polyprenylated xanthones from the twigs and leaves of Garcinia nujiangensis and their cytotoxic evaluation.

Inspired by the intriguing structures and bioactivities of polyprenylated xanthones, ten previously undescribed polyprenylated xanthones, nujiangxanthones G-P (1-10), and fifteen known ones (11-25) were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Garcinia nujiangensis. The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic data as well as comparison with the literature. Most of the isolates showed potent cytotoxicity against selected cancer cells. Compound 8 showed the highest effects against MDA-MB-231 and A549 cell lines with IC50 values of 4.12 and 2.67 µM and 16 demonstrated the most potent activity against MCF-7 cell line with an IC50 value of 3.36 µM.

MUC1 gene silencing inhibits proliferation, invasion, and migration while promoting apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of RNA interference in the inhibition of MUC1 gene expression in occurrence and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its in-depth mechanisms. The OSCC and normal oral mucosa tissues, as well as normal oral epithelial cell line HOK and OSCC cell line SCC-4, Cal-27, TSCCA, Tca8113 were obtained to detect the expression of MUC1. Slug expression in OSCC and normal oral mucosa tissues was also determined. The OSCC cells were grouped to investigate the role of MUC1 gene silencing on proliferation, DNA replication, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, colony formation ability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and migration of OSCC cells. We first found higher positive rate of MUC1 and Slug expression in OSCC tissues. Next, it was determined that higher expression of MUC1 was found in OSCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, silencing of MUC1 declined Slug expression, inhibited the proliferation, DNA replication, cell cycle progression, and EMT while inducing apoptosis of OSCC cells. Our study suggests that overexpression of MUC1 is found in OSCC, and MUC1 gene silencing could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration while inducing apoptosis of OSCC cells.

Ginkgo biloba extracts prevent aortic rupture in angiotensin II-infused hypercholesterolemic mice.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a chronic vascular disease characterized by pathological luminal dilation. Aortic rupture is the fatal consequence of AAAs. Ginkgo biloba extracts (GBEs), a natural herb extract widely used as food supplements, drugs, and cosmetics, has been reported to suppress development of calcium chloride-induced AAAs in mice. Calcium chloride-induced AAAs do not rupture, while angiotensin II (AngII)-induced AAAs in mice have high rate of aortic rupture, implicating potentially different mechanisms from calcium chloride-induced AAAs. This study aimed to determine whether GBE would improve aortic dilation and rupture rate of AngII-induced AAAs. Male apolipoprotein E (apoE) -/- mice were infused with AngII and administered either GBE or its major active ingredients, flavonoids and ginkgolides, individually or in combination. To determine the effects of GBE in mice with established AAAs, male apoE-/- mice were firstly infused with AngII for 28 days to develop AAAs, and then administered either GBE or vehicle in mice with established AAAs, which were continuously infused with AngII for another 56 days. GBE, but not the two major active components separately or synergistically, prevented aortic rupture, but not aortic dilation. The protection of GBE from aortic rupture was independent of systolic blood pressure, lipid, and inflammation. GBE also did not attenuate either aortic rupture or progressive aortic dilation in mice with established AAAs. GBE did not reduce the atherosclerotic lesion areas, either. In conclusion, GBE prevents aortic rupture in AngII-infused hypercholesterolemic mice, but only in the early phase of the disease development.

Genetic association of COL1A1 polymorphisms with high myopia in Asian population: a Meta-analysis.

AIM: To comprehensively evaluate the potential association of COL1A1 polymorphisms with high myopia by a systematic review and Meta-analysis. METHODS: All association studies on COL1A1 and high myopia reported up to June 10, 2014 in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Chinese Biomedical Database were retrieved. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were analyzed for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using fixed- and random- effects models according to between-study heterogeneity. Publication bias analyses were conducted by Egger's test. RESULTS: A total of four studies from reported papers were included in this analysis. The Meta-analyses for COL1A1 rs2075555, composed of 2304 high myopia patients and 2272 controls, failed to detect any significant association with high myopia. A total of 971 cases and 649 controls were tested for COL1A1 rs2269336. The association of COL1A1 rs2269336 with high myopia was observed in recessive model (CC vs CG+GG, P=0.03) and in heterozygous model (CG vs GG, P=0.04), but not in other models. CONCLUSION: This Meta-analysis shows that COL1A1 rs2269336 (CC vs CG+GG) affects individual susceptibility to high myopia, whereas there is no association detected between SNPs rs2075555 and high myopia. Given the limited sample size, further investigations including more ethnic groups are required to validate the association.

Paenibacillus abyssi sp. nov., isolated from an abyssal sediment sample from the Indian Ocean.

A Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain SCSIO N0306(T), was isolated from an abyssal sediment sample collected from the Indian Ocean. The isolate was found to grow optimally at 0-2 % (w/v) NaCl, pH 7.0 and 30 °C. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the isolate SCSIO N0306(T) belongs phylogenetically to the genus Paenibacillus, and to be most closely related to P. algorifonticola XJ259(T) (with 95.47 % sequence similarity), sharing less than 95.0 % sequence similarity with all other taxa of this genus. Chemotaxonomic analysis revealed MK-7 as the major isoprenoid quinone, the DNA G+C content was determined to be 45.5 mol%, and anteiso-C15:0, C16:0, and iso-C15:0 were identified as the major fatty acids. On the basis of this polyphasic taxonomic data, isolate SCSIO N0306(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus abyssi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SCSIO N0306(T) (= DSM 26238(T) = CGMCC 1.12987(T)).

Mangrovibacterium diazotrophicum gen. nov., sp. nov., a nitrogen-fixing bacterium isolated from a mangrove sediment, and proposal of Prolixibacteraceae fam. nov.

A nitrogen-fixing bacterium, designated strain SCSIO N0430(T), was isolated from a mangrove sediment sample. Analysis of the sequence of the nifH gene responsible for nitrogen fixation in this strain indicated a close relationship to an uncultured bacterium ZNZ-D11 (GenBank accession no. JF896696). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that this isolate had less than 93 % similarity to its closest relative, Sunxiuqinia elliptica DQHS4(T). A phylogenetic tree reconstructed based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SCSIO N0430(T) was a member of the phylum Bacteroidetes. Chemotaxonomic and physiological characteristics, including phospholipids and major fatty acids, readily distinguished the isolate from established members of the phylum Bacteroidetes. It is concluded that strain SCSIO N0430(T) represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Mangrovibacterium diazotrophicum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain of the species SCSIO N0430(T) ( = KCTC 32129(T) = DSM 27148(T) = JCM 19152(T)). Based on phylogenetic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene signature nucleotide patterns, the three genera Sunxiuqinia, Prolixibacter and Mangrovibacterium are proposed to make up a novel family, Prolixibacteraceae fam. nov., in the order Bacteroidales.

Bacillus oceani sp. nov., a new slightly halophilic bacterium, isolated from a deep sea sediment environment.

A strictly aerobic, Gram-stain positive, slightly halophilic strain, designated SCSIO 04524(T), was isolated from a deep sea sediment sample collected from the northern South China Sea at a depth of 3415 m. The isolate slightly embedded into the medium after 72 h incubation at 30 °C. Growth was found to occur on media with 0-10 % NaCl but extremely weak growth occurred without supplying NaCl. The predominant menaquinone was determined to be MK-7. The major cellular fatty acid identified was iso-C15:0. The diagnostic polar lipids were determined to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidyl methylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 38 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis showed that this strain had the highest similarities with Bacillus carboniphilus JCM 9731(T) (94.7 %) and Bacillus endophyticus 2DT(T) (94.3 %). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain SCSIO 04524(T) formed a distinct lineage with Bacillus chungangensis CAU 348(T) and B. carboniphilus JCM 9731(T). Physiological characteristics including utilization of sole nitrogen and carbon sources, and chemotaxonomic properties of cellular fatty acids and polar lipids could readily distinguish strain SCSIO 04524(T) from its most closely related species. Based on this polyphasic taxonomic data, a new species, Bacillus oceani sp. nov., is proposed, with the type strain SCSIO 04524(T) (=DSM 26213(T) = KCTC 33077(T)).

[Status and prospect of studies on habitat characteristics, parasitic mechanism and nutrient transport of Cistanche deserticola].

Cistanche Herba is one of precious traditional Chinese medicine, which original wild plant resources dropped sharply in recent years. It is urgent to make sustainable utilization. The genus of Cistanche is a total parasitic plant, its physiological ecology and nutrition transfer are very particular. The status of the studies on habitat characteristics, parasitic mechanism and nutrient transport of Cistanche was reviewed, prospect was also given. It can provide reference for the further basic and applied studies on the nutrition transfer, germplasm quality and agriculture practice.

[Environmental effects of combined sewage detention tank in central Shanghai].

Through measuring the processes of precipitation, discharge and pollutant concentration over 20 times from 2006 to 2008 in Chendulu combined sewerage system (CSS) along Suzhou Creek in central Shanghai, the environmental effects of Chendulu combined sewage detention tank (CSDT), the first running CSDT in China, were studied. The results show that CSDT could improve CSS discharge capacity effectively with promoted interception ratio from 3.87 to 6.90-9.92. The mean annual combined sewer overflow (CSO) reduction and reduction rate are 9.10 x 10(4) m3 and 9.00%, respectively, and those of sanitary waste discharged directly to Suzhou Creek in non-rain-weather are 8.37 x 10(4) m(3) and 100% , respectively. The mean annual pollutants decrease rate of COD, BOD5, SS, NH4+ -N and TP of CSO are 13.76%, 19.69%, 15.29%, 18.24% and 15.10%, respectively, and those CSO pollutants decrease 41.21 t, 12.37 t, 50.10 t, 2.12 t and 0.29 t annually, respectively. The CSDT also could decrease sanitary waste discharged to Suzhou Creek totally, and those decreased pollutants are 20.75 t, 4.87 t, 14.90 t, 4.49 t and 0.30 t annually, respectively. The analysis shows that the CSDT design standard, running models and rainfall characteristics are the important influencing factors to realize the environmental effects of CSDT.

[Hydrology and water quality of rainfall-runoff in combined sewerage system along Suzhou Creek in central Shanghai].

In order to obtain the processes of hydrology and water quality of urban combined sewerage system (CSS) in highly urbanized region, the precipitation, discharge and pollutant concentration of four different intensity rainfall (light rain, moderate rain, heavy rain and storm) were measured from Jul. to Sep. 2007 in the Chendulu CSS along Suzhou Creek in Shanghai. The results show that the shapes of runoff graph are similar to rainfall graph, with a weaker fluctuation range and a 15-25 min delay between rainfall and runoff graph. Runoff coefficients of the four different rainfall are 0.33, 0.62, 0.67 and 0.73, respectively. The 30/30 first flush phenomenon is found in Chendulu CSS. The peak of pollutant concentration graph lags rainfall peak about 30-40 min. The pH and event mean concentration (EMC) of Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni totally measure up to environmental quality standards V for surface water of China besides COD, BOD5, NH4(+) -N and TP, and the EMC of COD, BOD5, NH4(+) -N and TP are 225.0-544.1, 31.5-98.9, 8.9-44.2 and 1.98-3.52 mg x L(-1), respectively. The rainfall-runoff pollutant concentration in Chendulu CSS is close to those of other foreign cites. At the confidence level of p < 0.01, good relationships exist between SS and COD, BOD5, NH4(+) -N and TP, respectively, and the average proportion of particulate organic pollutant and nutrient is 70.21%.

[Effects of nutrient deficiency on principal components of ginseng root exudates].

By the method of solution culture, the effects of N, P, and K deficiency on the principol components in root exudates of ginseng at its early growth stage were studied. The results showed that in treatments N and K deficiency and control, no significant difference was observed in the principal components of ginseng root exudates, and 28, 29, and 27 principal chromatographic peaks were detected by GC-MS, respectively; while in treatment P deficiency, only 22 principal chromatographic peaks were detected. Furthermore compounds in the root exudates from treatments N, P, and K deficiency and control were identified, respectively. Compared with control, treatments N and K deficiency had more kinds of organic acids and phenolic acids in root exudates, while treatment P deficiency was in adverse, which suggested that at early growth stages, ginseng had more requirement to N and K than P, and N and K deficiency would accelerate the exudation of organic acids and phenolic acids by roots.