Biochar promotes microbial CO2 fixation by regulating feedback inhibition of metabolites.

Chemoautotrophs, the crucial contributors to biological carbon fixation, derive energy from reducing specific inorganic substances and utilize CO2 for growth. However, the release of extracellular free organic carbon (EFOC) by chemoautotrophic microorganisms can inhibit their own growth and metabolism. To reduce the feedback inhibition effect, a low-release biochar (BC-LR) was applied to adsorb EFOC. BC-LR not only adsorbed EFOC, but also selectively adsorbed the main inhibitory component, low molecular weight organics, in EFOC. In contrast, ordinary biochar could not effectively adsorb EFOC and its addition inhibited microbial growth and CO2 fixation. In Transwell culture, BC-LR promoted microbial growth by 190% and CO2 fixation by 29%, and exhibited better economic advantage, when compared with granular activated carbon. These findings provide a novel insight into the interaction between biochar and autotrophic microbial metabolism, offering an economically feasible approach to mitigate feedback inhibition of metabolites and promoting biological CO2 fixation.

Nanobubbles improve peroxymonosulfate-based advanced oxidation: High efficiency, low toxicity/cost, and novel collaborative mechanism.

Cl- activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) oxidation technology can effectively degrade pollutants, but the generation of chlorinated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) limits the application of this technology in water treatment. In this study, a method of nanobubbles (NBs) synergistic Cl-/PMS system was designed to try to improve this technology. The results showed the synergistic effects of NBs/Cl-/PMS were significant and universal while its upgrade rate was from 12.89% to 34.97%. Moreover, the synergistic effects can be further improved by increasing the concentration and Zeta potential of NBs. The main synergistic effects of NBs/Cl-/PMS system were due to the electrostatic attraction of negatively charged NBs to Na+ from NaCl, K+ from PMS, and H+ from phenol, which acted as a "bridge" between Cl- and HSO5- as well as phenol and Cl-/HSO5-, increasing active substance concentration. In addition, the addition of NBs completely changed the oxidation system of Cl-/PMS from one that increases environmental toxicity to one that reduces it. The reason was that the electrostatic attraction of NBs changed the active sites and degradation pathway of phenol, greatly reducing the production of highly toxic DBPs. This study developed a novel environmentally friendly oxidation technology, which provides an effective strategy to reduce the generation of DBPs in the Cl-/PMS system.

A novel mycelial pellet applied to remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: High adsorption performance & its mechanisms.

Mycelial pellets formed by Penicillium thomii ZJJ were applied as efficient biosorbents for the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are a type of ubiquitous harmful hydrophobic pollutants. The live mycelial pellets were able to remove 93.48 % of pyrene at a concentration of 100 mg/L within 48 h, demonstrating a maximum adsorption capacity of 285.63 mg/g. Meanwhile, the heat-killed one also achieved a removal rate of 65.01 %. Among the six typical PAHs (pyrene, phenanthrene, fluorene, anthracene, fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene), the mycelial pellets preferentially adsorbed the high molecular weight PAHs, which also have higher toxicity, resulting in higher removal efficiency. The experimental results showed that the biosorption of mycelial pellets was mainly a spontaneous physical adsorption process that occurred as a monolayer on a homogeneous surface, with mass transfer being the key rate-limiting step. The main adsorption sites on the surface of mycelia were carboxyl and N-containing groups. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by mycelial pellets could enhance adsorption, and its coupling with dead mycelia could achieve basically the same removal effect to that of living one. It can be concluded that biosorption by mycelial pellets occurred due to the influence of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, consisting of five steps. Furthermore, the potential applicability of mycelial pellets has been investigated considering diverse factors. The mycelia showed high environmental tolerance, which could effectively remove pyrene across a wide range of pH and salt concentration. And pellets diameters and humic acid concentration had a significant effect on microbial adsorption effect. Based on a cost-effectiveness analysis, mycelium pellets were found to be a low-cost adsorbent. The research outcomes facilitate a thorough comprehension of the adsorption process of pyrene by mycelial pellets and their relevant applications, proposing a cost-effective method without potential environmental issues (heat-killed mycelial pellets plus EPS) to removal PAHs.

Effect of angiotensin II on irradiation exacerbated decompression sickness.

In some complicated situations, decompression sickness (DCS) combined with other injuries, such as irradiation, will seriously endanger life safety. However, it is still unclear whether irradiation will increase the incidence of DCS. This study was designed to investigate the damage effects of irradiation on decompression injury and the underlying mechanism. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to irradiation followed by hyperbaric decompressing and the mortality and decompression symptoms were observed. Lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected to detect the lung lesion, inflammation response, activity of the angiotensin system, oxidative stress, and relative signal pathway by multiple methods, including Q-PCR, western blot, and ELISA. As a result, pre-exposure to radiation significantly exacerbated disease outcomes and lung lesions of DCS. Mechanically, the up-regulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme expression and angiotensin II levels was responsible for the exacerbated DCS and lung lesions caused by predisposing irradiation exposure. Oxidative stress and PI3K/AKT signal pathway activation in pulmonary tissue were enhanced after irradiation plus decompression treatment. In conclusion, our results suggested that irradiation could exacerbate lung injury and the outcomes of DCS by activating the angiotensin system, which included eliciting oxidative stress and activation of the PI3K/AKT signal pathway.

Effects of functional group loss on biochar activated persulfate in-situ remediation of phenol pollution in groundwater and its countermeasures.

Biochar is considered a good activator for use in advanced oxidation technology. However, dissolved solids (DS) released from biochar cause unstable activation efficiency. Biochar prepared from saccharification residue of barley straw (BC-SR) had less DS than that prepared directly from barley straw (BC-O). Moreover, BC-SR had a higher C content, degree of aromatization, and electrical conductivity than BC-O. Although the effects of BC-O and BC-SR on activation of Persulfate (PS) to remove phenol were similar, the activation effect of DS from BC-O was 73% higher than that of DS from BC-SR. Moreover, the activation effect of DS was shown to originate from its functional groups. Importantly, BC-SR had higher activation stability than BC-O owing to the stable graphitized carbon structure of BC-SR. Identification of reactive oxygen species showed that SO4•-, •OH, and 1O2 were all effective in degradation by BC-SR/PS and BC-O/PS systems, but their relative contributions differed. Furthermore, BC-SR as an activator showed high anti-interference ability in the complex groundwater matrix, indicating it has practical application value. Overall, this study provides novel insight that can facilitate the design and optimization of a green, economical, stable, and efficient biochar-activated PS for groundwater organic pollution remediation.

Influence of Different Pretreatment Steps on the Ratio of Phenolic Compounds to Saccharides in Soluble Polysaccharides Derived from Rice Straw and Their Effect on Ethanol Fermentation.

The complex structure of rice straw is such that its bioconversion requires multiple physical and chemical pretreatment steps. In this study, it was found that a large amount of soluble polysaccharides (SPs) are formed during the pretreatment of straw. The yield of NaOH-based SPs (4.8%) was much larger than that of ball-milled SPs (1.5%) and H2SO4-based SPs (1.1%). For all the pretreatments, the ratio of phenolic compounds to saccharides (P/S) for each type of SPs increased upon increasing the concentration of ethanol in the order of 90% > 70% > 50%. The yield of NaOH-based SPs was much higher than that of acid-based and ball-milled SPs. The changes in the 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) of SPs follow the same rule, i.e., the higher the P/S ratio, the higher the antioxidant values of the SPs. The flow cytometry and laser scanning microscopy results show that the P/S ratio can significantly influence the effect of SPs on microbial growth and cell membrane permeability. Upon varying the ethanol concentration in the range of 50-90%, the P/S ratio increased from 0.02 to 0.17, resulting in an increase in the promoting effects of the SPs on yeast cell growth. Furthermore, H2O2, NAD+/NADH, and NADP+/NADPH assays indicate that SPs with a high P/S ratio can reduce intracellular H2O2 and change the intracellular redox status.

Treatment of degenerative lumbar lateral recess stenosis with full endoscopic lamina fenestration discectomy / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy of full endoscopic lamina fenestration discectomy (Endo-LOVE) with full endoscopic transforaminal approach discectomy in the treatment of degenerative lumbar lateral recess stenosis.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis of 48 patients with degenerative lumbar lateral recess stenosis between March 2018 and March 2019 was performed. There were 32 males and 16 females, aged from 60 to 83 years old with an average of (72.9±6.5) years, course of disease ranged from 5 to 16 years with an average of (8.0±2.8) years. The patients were divided into observation group and control group according to surgical approaches. There were 28 cases in observation group, underwent Endo-LOVE surgery;and 20 cases in control group, underwent full endoscopic foraminal approach discectomy. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization day and complications were observed between two groups. Visual analgue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA), Oswestry Disability Index(ODI), lateral crypt angle were compared between two groups. And clinical effects were evaluated by modified Macnab standard.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in follow-up and operation time between two groups (P>0.05). Intraoperative blood loss was from 5 to 15 ml with an average of (8.4±3.6) ml in observation group and 5 to 25 ml with an average of (11.5±5.4) ml in control group. The hospitalization day was from 5 to 8 days with an average of (6.0±1.0) days in observation group and 6 to 9 days with an average (7.2±1.1) days in control group. Intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization day were significantly lower in observation group(P<0.05). There were no serious complications in both groups. The VAS, JOA scores, and ODI at 3-month and final follow-up were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05), and observation group was significantly better than control group (P<0.05). The skeletal lateral crypt angle and soft lateral crypt angle were significantly greater than the preoperative angle at 3 days postoperatively(P<0.05), and observation group was significantly better than control group(P<0.05). At the final follow-up, the modified Macnab criteria was used to assess clinical efficacy, in observation group, 22 patients obtained excellent results, 5 good and 1 fair;while 11 excellent, 4 good and 5 fair in control group;the clinical efficacy of observation group was significantly better than that of control group(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Both surgical methods are performed under direct vision, with high safety and good clinical efficacy. However, Endo-LOVE enlarged the lateral crypt more fully.

Leonurine inhibits ferroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells by activating p62/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the protective effect and the potential mechanism of leonurine(Leo) against erastin-induced ferroptosis in human renal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2 cells), an in vitro erastin-induced ferroptosis model was constructed to detect the cell viability as well as the expressions of ferroptosis-related indexes and signaling pathway-related proteins. HK-2 cells were cultured in vitro, and the effects of Leo on the viability of HK-2 cells at 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μmol·L~(-1) were examined by CCK-8 assay to determine the safe dose range of Leo administration. A ferroptosis cell model was induced by erastin, a common ferroptosis inducer, and the appropriate concentrations were screened. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effects of Leo(20, 40, 80 μmol·L~(-1)) and positive drug ferrostatin-1(Fer-1, 1, 2 μmol·L~(-1)) on the viability of ferroptosis model cells, and the changes of cell morphology were observed by phase contrast microscopy. Then, the optimal concentration of Leo was obtained by Western blot for nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) activation, and transmission electron microscope was further used to detect the characteristic microscopic morphological changes during ferroptosis. Flow cytometry was performed to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS), and the level of glutathione(GSH) was measured using a GSH assay kit. The expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), p62, and heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) in each group were quantified by Western blot. RESULTS:: showed that Leo had no side effects on the viability of normal HK-2 cells in the concentration range of 10-100 μmol·L~(-1). The viability of HK-2 cells decreased as the concentration of erastin increased, and 5 μmol·L~(-1) erastin significantly induced ferroptosis in the cells. Compared with the model group, Leo dose-dependently increased cell via-bility and improved cell morphology, and 80 μmol·L~(-1) Leo promoted the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Further studies revealed that Leo remarkably alleviated the characteristic microstructural damage of ferroptosis cells caused by erastin, inhibited the release of intracellular ROS, elevated GSH and GPX4, promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and significantly upregulated the expression of p62 and HO-1 proteins. In conclusion, Leo exerted a protective effect on erastin-induced ferroptosis in HK-2 cells, which might be associated with its anti-oxidative stress by activating p62/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Risk factors for heart failure in patients with hemodialysis and construction of nomogram model / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To analyze the risk factors for heart failure in patients with hemodialysis, and to construct a nomogram model.Methods:The clinical data of 218 patients with hemodialysis in Xianyang Central Hospital from January 2021 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 83 cases developed heart failure (heart failure group), and 135 cases did not develop heart failure (control group). The relevant clinical data were recorded, including age, sex, body mass index, disease duration, concurrent infection, blood calcium, blood phosphorus, soluble CD 146 (sCD 146), soluble growth-stimulated expression gene 2 protein (sST2), N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP), time-averaged urea concentration (TACurea), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), blood creatinine and 24 h urine volume. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the efficacy of each index in predicting heart failure in patients with hemodialysis. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of heart failure in patients with hemodialysis. R language software 4.0 "rms" package was used to construct the nomogram model for predicting the heart failure in patients with hemodialysis, the calibration curve was internally validated, and the decision curve was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the nomogram model. Results:There were no statistical difference in gender composition, age, body mass index, disease duration, 24 h urine volume and blood creatinine between the two groups ( P>0.05); the rate of concurrent infection, blood phosphorus, sCD 146, sST2, NT-proBNP, TNF-α and TACurea in heart failure group were significantly higher than those in control group: 39.76% (33/83) vs. 8.89% (12/135), (1.53 ± 0.34) mmol/L vs. (1.27 ± 0.24) mmol/L, (43.60 ± 10.24) μmol/L vs. (28.08 ± 7.99) μmol/L, (49.00 ± 9.41) μg/L vs. (34.53 ± 8.05) μg/L, (38.57 ± 6.79) μg/L vs. (29.72 ± 5.64) μg/L, (5.18 ± 0.92) μg/L vs. (4.07 ± 1.13) μg/L and (24.28 ± 4.37) mmol/L vs. (17.96 ± 2.52) mmol/L, the blood calcium was significantly lower than that in control group: (1.95 ± 0.36) mmol/L vs. (2.31 ± 0.39) mmol/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). ROC curve analysis result showed that the optimal cut-off values of blood calcium, blood phosphorus, sCD 146, sST2, NT-proBNP, TNF-α and TACurea for heart failure in patients with hemodialysis were 2.01 mmol/L, 1.42 mmol/L, 34.15 μmol/L, 40.37 μg/L, 35.37 μg/L, 4.33 μg/L and 20.74 mmol/L. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that the blood calcium (≤2.01 mmol/L), blood phosphorus (>1.42 mmol/L), sCD 146 (>34.15 μmol/L), sST2 (>40.37 μg/L), NT-proBNP (>35.37 μg/L), TNF-α (>4.33 μg/L) and TACurea (>20.74 mmol/L) were independent risk factors for heart failure in patients with hemodialysis ( OR = 1.183, 1.582, 1.915, 1.105, 1.459, 1.347 and 1.717; 95% CI 1.102 to 1.191, 1.274 to 1.868, 1.716 to 2.105, 1.072 to 1.141, 1.225 to 1.703, 1.132 to 1.574 and 1.482 to 1.935; P<0.05 or <0.01). The blood calcium, blood phosphorus, sCD 146, sST2, NT-proBNP, TNF-α and TACurea were used as predictors to construct a nomogram model for predicting heart failure in patients with hemodialysis. Internal validation result showed that the nomogram model predicted the heart failure with good concordance in patients with hemodialysis (C-index = 0.811, 95% CI 0.675 to 0.948); the nomogram model predicted the heart failure in patients with hemodialysis at a threshold>0.18, provided a net clinical benefit, and all had higher clinical net benefits than blood calcium, blood phosphorus, sCD 146, sST2, NT-proBNP, TNF-α and TACurea. Conclusions:The nomogram model constructed based on blood calcium, blood phosphorus, sCD 146, sST2, NT-proBNP, TNF-α and TACurea has better clinical value in predicting the heart failure in patients with hemodialysis.

Disposable disinfection cap for preventing catheter-related blood stream infections: a Meta-analysis / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of disposable disinfection cap in preventing catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSIs).Methods:Literature on the prevention of CRBSIs by disposable disinfection caps were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science databases. The retrieval period was from the database construction to June 30, 2022. After literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation were independently carried out by 2 researchers, RevMan5.4 software was used for analysis.Results:A total of 12 articles were included, including 9 832 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with conventional manual disinfection, disposable disinfection cap could reduce the incidence of CRBSIs, and the difference was statistically significant ( RR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.43-0.79, P<0.01). Disposable disinfection cap could reduce the incidence of CRBSIs in adults, but there was no significant difference in the incidence of CRBSIs in children ( P>0.05). It could reduce the incidence of CRBSIs in patients with indwelling vascular catheters in ICU ( RR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.38-0.89, P<0.05), but there was no statistical difference in the incidence of CRBSIs in patients without indwelling vascular catheters in ICU ( P>0.05). In addition, the compliance of the use of disinfection caps by nursing staff was improved by 80% - 90% and the treatment cost was saved by about 282 - 464 dollars. Conclusions:Disposable disinfection caps can reduce the occurrence of CRBSIs, improve the disinfection compliance of nursing staff, and save the hospitalization cost of patients. It is suggested to be popularized in clinical practice.

Historical Tracing and Textual Research on Ancient Classic Formula Zhenwutang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ZHANG Zhongjing's Zhenwutang is a classic formula for warming Yang and excreting water. It is composed of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata， Poria， Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma， Paeoniae Radix Alba， and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens. Physicians of later generations have inherited and developed this formula by detailed recording and application. This paper adopted bibliometrics method to analyze Zhenwutang in terms of history， indications， dosage， drug processing， usage， and modification. The results showed that Zhenwutang was most widely used in Ming and Qing dynasties. Many physicians have inherited ZHANG Zhongjing's theory regarding the application of Zhenwutang in disease treatment， and a few physicians have used it to treat diphtheria and water-related diseases. Some physicians modified this formula to treat maculae， intermittent dysentery， jaundice and so on. Zhenwutang was mainly used to treat diseases of the circulatory system， respiratory system and urinary system in modern clinical practice. The processing of herbal medicines in this formula was clear. Specifically， the raw material of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata needed to be processed and peeled， while those of Poria， Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma， Paeoniae Radix Alba， and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens can be used directly. Although being different， most of the dosages were consistent with those in Treatise on Febrile Diseases. According to the textual research， it is suggested that the reference dosage of this prescription in clinical practice is 41.25 g for Poria， Paeoniae Radix Alba， and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， respectively， 27.5 g for Atractylodes macrocephala， and 15 g for Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. The medicinal materials should be decocted in 1 600 mL water to reach a volume of 600 mL. After removal of the residues， the decoction should be taken warm with 140 mL each time， three times a day. The textual research of Zhenwutang is expected to provide a theoretical reference for the clinical application and formulation of Zhenwutang.

Comparative study on the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment between foldable capsular body and scleral buckling / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the effectiveness and complications of treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)with foldable capsule body(FCB)and scleral buckling(SB).METHODS: The clinical data of 81 patients(82 eyes)with RRD who underwent surgery at our hospital from March 2019 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The differences in retinal reattachment rate, best-corrected visual acuity, the absorption of subretinal fluid, postoperative discomfort and incidence of complications between the two treatments were compared.RESULTS: The retinal reattachment rate was 96% in the FCB group and 92% in the SB group, with no significant difference between the two groups(P&#x003E;0.05). The best corrected visual acuity of the affected macular eyes was different in the both groups(P&#x003C;0.01). Both groups effectively promoted the absorption of subretinal fluid. The operation time of FCB group was 16.50(12.75, 25.00)min, while it was 38.00(36.25, 41.75)min in the SB group(P&#x003C;0.001). Patients in the FCB group also had significantly lower eyelid swelling and pain symptoms than those in the SB group(P&#x003C;0.001). The visual analogue scale(VAS)score at 1d after operation was 1.00(0.00, 2.00)in the FCB group and 3.00(2.00, 3.00)in the SB group(P&#x003C;0.001).CONCLUSION: FCB is a safe and effective surgical method to treat RRD that can alleviate patient's pain. Furthermore, FCB has a significantly shorter operation time and milder postoperative adverse reactions than SB.

The bZIP transcription factors in Liriodendron chinense: Genome-wide recognition, characteristics and cold stress response.

The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) is a transcription factor family that plays critical roles in abiotic and biotic stress responses as well as plant development and growth. A comprehensive genome-wide study in Liriodendron chinense was conducted to identify 45 bZIP transcription factors (LchibZIPs), which were divided into 13 subgroups according the phylogenetic analysis. Proteins in the same subgroup shared similar gene structures and conserved domains, and a total of 20 conserved motifs were revealed in LchibZIP proteins. Gene localization analysis revealed that LchibZIP genes were unequally distributed across 16 chromosomes, and that 4 pairs of tandem and 9 segmental gene duplications existed. Concluding that segmental duplication events may be strongly associated with the amplification of the L. chinense bZIP gene family. We also assessed the collinearity of LchibZIPs between the Arabidopsis and Oryza and showed that the LchibZIP is evolutionarily closer to O. sativa as compared to the A. thaliana. The cis-regulatory element analysis showed that LchibZIPs clustered in one subfamily are involved in several functions. In addition, we gathered novel research suggestions for further exploration of the new roles of LchibZIPs from protein-protein interactions and gene ontology annotations of the LchibZIP proteins. Using the RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR we analyzed the gene expression patterns of LchibZIP genes, and showed that LchibZIP genes regulate cold stress, especially LchibZIP4 and LchibZIP7; and LchibZIP2 and LchibZIP28 which were up-regulated and down-regulated by cold stress, respectively. Studies of genetic engineering and gene function in L. chinense can benefit greatly from the thorough investigation and characterization of the L. chinense bZIP gene family.

CRISPR-Based Genome Editing and Its Applications in Woody Plants.

CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing technology provides straightforward, proficient, and multifunctional ways for the site-directed modification of organism genomes and genes. The application of CRISPR-based technology in plants has a vast potential value in gene function research, germplasm innovation, and genetic improvement. The complexity of woody plants genome may pose significant challenges in the application and expansion of various new editing techniques, such as Cas9, 12, 13, and 14 effectors, base editing, particularly for timberland species with a long life span, huge genome, and ploidy. Therefore, many novel optimisms have been drawn to molecular breeding research based on woody plants. This review summarizes the recent development of CRISPR/Cas applications for essential traits, including wood properties, flowering, biological stress, abiotic stress, growth, and development in woody plants. We outlined the current problems and future development trends of this technology in germplasm and the improvement of products in woody plants.

Polydopamine-modified chitin conduits with sustained release of bioactive peptides enhance peripheral nerve regeneration in rats.

The introduction of neurotrophic factors into injured peripheral nerve sites is beneficial to peripheral nerve regeneration. However, neurotrophic factors are rapidly degraded in vivo and obstruct axonal regeneration when used at a supraphysiological dose, which limits their clinical benefits. Bioactive mimetic peptides have been developed to be used in place of neurotrophic factors because they have a similar mode of action to the original growth factors and can activate the equivalent receptors but have simplified sequences and structures. In this study, we created polydopamine-modified chitin conduits loaded with brain-derived neurotrophic factor mimetic peptides and vascular endothelial growth factor mimetic peptides (Chi/PDA-Ps). We found that the Chi/PDA-Ps conduits were less cytotoxic in vitro than chitin conduits alone and provided sustained release of functional peptides. In this study, we evaluated the biocompatibility of the Chi/PDA-Ps conduits. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor mimetic peptide and vascular endothelial growth factor mimetic peptide synergistically promoted proliferation of Schwann cells and secretion of neurotrophic factors by Schwann cells and attachment and migration of endothelial cells in vitro. The Chi/PDA-Ps conduits were used to bridge a 2 mm gap between the nerve stumps in rat models of sciatic nerve injury. We found that the application of Chi/PDA-Ps conduits could improve the motor function of rats and reduce gastrocnemius atrophy. The electrophysiological results and the microstructure of regenerative nerves showed that the nerve conduction function and remyelination was further restored. These findings suggest that the Chi/PDA-Ps conduits have great potential in peripheral nerve injury repair.

Effect of dissolved solids released from biochar on soil microbial metabolism.

Dissolved solids released from biochar (DSRB), including organic and inorganic compounds, may affect the role of biochar as a soil amendment. In this study, the effects of DSRB on soil microbe metabolism, especially CO2 fixation, were evaluated in liquid soil extract. DSRB were found to be released in large amounts (289.05 mg L-1 at 1 hour) from biochar over a short period of time before their rate of release slowed to a gradual pace. They increased the microbial biomass and provided energy and reducing power to microbes, while reducing their metabolic output of extracellular proteins and polysaccharides. DSRB inputs led to the redistribution of metabolic flux in soil microorganisms and an increased organic carbon content in the short term. This content gradually decreased as it was utilized. DSRB did not improve microbial CO2 fixation but, rather, enhanced its release, while promoting specific soil microorganism genera, including Cupriavidus, Flavisolibacter, and Pseudoxanthomonas. These heterotrophic genera may compete with autotrophic microorganisms for nutrients but have positive synergistic relationships with autotrophs during CO2 fixation. These results demonstrated that reducing the DSRB in biochar can improve its role as a soil amendment by enhancing soil carbon storage and CO2 fixation capabilities.

Antibacterial Effect of Phenolic Acids Derived from Rice Straw and in Combination with Antibiotics Against Escherichia coli.

Many studies have demonstrated that natural plant extracts have inhibitory effects on microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of phenolic acids from rice straw (PAs) on Escherichia coli and their synergistic effect in combination with antibiotics. PAs can inhibit the growth of E. coli effectively by inducing the formation of H2O2; PA-treated cells had a tenfold greater intracellular H2O2 concentration than the control group. The synergistic effect caused by the interaction of PAs and antibiotics on inhibiting the growth of E. coli was significant. This effect may be caused by a PA-induced change in the permeability of E. coli cell membrane. The treatment with PAs made the extracellular K+ concentration reached 15 mg/L within 30 min, while the K+ concentration in the control group was very low and did not change significantly over time. Similarly to the extracellular K+, the extracellular protein concentration exceeded 150 mg/L in the PA treatment group, while it remained very low in the control group. Due to the increased cell permeability, more antibiotics can enter the cell. Hence, this study may provide a novel method of improving the safe use of antibiotics.

ICE-CBF-COR Signaling Cascade and Its Regulation in Plants Responding to Cold Stress.

Cold stress limits plant geographical distribution and influences plant growth, development, and yields. Plants as sessile organisms have evolved complex biochemical and physiological mechanisms to adapt to cold stress. These mechanisms are regulated by a series of transcription factors and proteins for efficient cold stress acclimation. It has been established that the ICE-CBF-COR signaling pathway in plants regulates how plants acclimatize to cold stress. Cold stress is perceived by receptor proteins, triggering signal transduction, and Inducer of CBF Expression (ICE) genes are activated and regulated, consequently upregulating the transcription and expression of the C-repeat Binding Factor (CBF) genes. The CBF protein binds to the C-repeat/Dehydration Responsive Element (CRT/DRE), a homeopathic element of the Cold Regulated genes (COR gene) promoter, activating their transcription. Transcriptional regulations and post-translational modifications regulate and modify these entities at different response levels by altering their expression or activities in the signaling cascade. These activities then lead to efficient cold stress tolerance. This paper contains a concise summary of the ICE-CBF-COR pathway elucidating on the cross interconnections with other repressors, inhibitors, and activators to induce cold stress acclimation in plants.

Oligosaccharides in straw hydrolysate could improve the production of single-cell protein with Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

BACKGROUND: Using agricultural wastes to produce single-cell proteins (SCP) can reduce production costs effectively. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of enzyme loading on the components of rice straw (RS) hydrolysate and their effects on the growth of yeast. RESULTS: At the same glucose concentration, the dry weight of cells produced in the hydrolysate was 2.89 times higher than that in 2 g L-1 yeast extract (YE) medium, indicating that the hydrolysate was a suitable substrate for yeast growth. Ethanol precipitation followed by analysis showed that there were many oligosaccharides in the hydrolysate. The amount of cellulase had an important effect on the production of monosaccharides but had a smaller effect on the amounts and compositions of oligosaccharides. Adding oligosaccharides to the medium had no effect on ethanol production, but it promoted yeast growth and increased SCP production effectively. The results indicate that oligosaccharides were an important growth factor for yeast in the hydrolysate. Compared with YE medium, the cost of the medium with the hydrolysate was reduced by 68.47% when the same dry cell weight was obtained. CONCLUSION: Oligosaccharides in the hydrolysate can improve SCP production with low nutrient cost. This finding could reduce the amounts of cellulase required during saccharification and nutrients during culture, providing a new low-cost method for SCP production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Protective effect of tert-butylhydroquinone on retinal morphology and function in early diabetic rats and its mechanism / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of an antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) on the morphology and function of retina in early-stage experimental diabetic rats, and to explore the mechanism of its protective effect.Methods:Forty-five healthy SD rats of clean degree were randomized into normal control group, diabetes model group and tBHQ intervention group, with 15 rats in each group according to a random number table.The diabetes model was established via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in diabetes model group and tBHQ intervention group.Normal control group was intraperitoneally administered with an equal-volume injection of sodium citrate buffer.Rats in the tBHQ intervention group maintained a diet with 1% tBHQ for 2 weeks before the STZ injection, and the other two groups were fed with normal rat food only.Blood from tail vein was collected to assay the blood glucose level at 72 hours, 2 weeks and 4 weeks following modeling.Rat electroretinogram (ERG) was detected at 4 weeks after modeling.Morphological changes of rat retina were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining.The apoptosis of retinal cells in different layers was detected by TUNEL assay.The expression of protein kinase B (Akt), p-Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and p-eNOS was detected by Western blot.Müller cell line rMC-1 cells cultured in vitro were divided into 5 groups, including normal control group (72-hour culturing in normal medium), mannitol control group (72-hour culturing in medium containing 5.5 mmol/L glucose and 24.5 mmol/L mannitol), high glucose group (72-hour culturing in high-glucose medium), tBHQ intervention group (24-hour culturing in normal-glucose medium containing 5 μmol/L tBHQ, 72-hour culturing in high-glucose medium containing 5 μmol/L tBHQ), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor group (6-hour culturing in normal medium containing 5 μmol/L LY294002, 24-hour culturing in normal-glucose medium containing 5 μmol/L LY294002 and 5 μmol/L tBHQ, 72-hour culturing in high-glucose medium containing 5 μmol/L LY294002 and 5 μmol/L tBHQ). The expression of Akt, p-Akt, eNOS and p-eNOS in the cells was detected by western blot.The use and care of animals complied with Regulations for the Administration of Laboratory Animals in Southwest Medical University.The study protocol was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Southwest Medical University (No.201711189). Results:The blood glucose level at 72 hours, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after modeling was higher in diabetic model group than tBHQ intervention group and normal control group (all at P<0.01). Four weeks after modeling, the scotopic ERG a-wave and b-wave amplitudes of diabetic model group were lower than those of normal control group and tBHQ intervention group (all at P<0.05). With edema and thickening of inner plexiform layer, thinning of inner nuclear layer and outer nuclear layer, as well as loosely arrangement and disorder of retinal layers, the number of retinal ganglion cells was decreased in diabetic model group in comparison with normal control group, all of which were improved in tBHQ intervention group in comparison with diabetic model group.There were more apoptotic retinal cells in diabetic model group than normal control group and tBHQ intervention group (both at P<0.05), which mainly existed in the outer nuclear layer.The relative expressions of p-Akt/Akt and p-eNOS/eNOS in rat retina of normal control group, diabetic model group and tBHQ intervention group were 0.76±0.11 and 0.83±0.06, 0.52±0.10 and 0.52±0.08, 1.14±0.31 and 1.03±0.13, respectively.The relative expressions of p-Akt/Akt and p-eNOS/eNOS in diabetic model group were lower than those of normal control group and tBHQ intervention group (all at P<0.01). The relative expressions of p-Akt/Akt and p-eNOS/eNOS in normal glucose group, mannitol control group, high glucose group, tBHQ intervention group and PI3K inhibitor group were 0.95±0.38 and 0.86±0.11, 0.94±0.27 and 0.74±0.29, 0.33±0.25 and 0.45±0.29, 1.32±0.37 and 1.28±0.22, 0.24±0.09 and 0.73±0.29, respectively.The relative expressions of p-Akt/Akt and p-eNOS/eNOS were significantly lower in high glucose group than those in normal glucose group and tBHQ intervention group (all at P<0.05), which were significantly lower in PI3K inhibitor group compared with tBHQ intervention group (both at P<0.01). Conclusions:tBHQ has protective effects on the morphology and function of retina in early diabetic rats, and the mechanism may be related to the activation of Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.