Intercropping improves maize yield and nitrogen uptake by regulating nitrogen transformation and functional microbial abundance in rhizosphere soil

Intercropping-driven changes in nitrogen (N)-acquiring microbial genomes and functional expression regulate soil N availability and plant N uptake. However, present data seem to be limited to a specific community, obscuring the viewpoint of entire N-acquiring microbiomes and functions. Taking maize intercropped with legumes (peanut and soybean) and non-legumes (gingelly and sweet potato) as models, we studied the effects of intercropping on N transformations and N-acquiring microbiomes in rhizosphere soil across four maize growth stages. Meanwhile, we compiled promising strategies such as random forest analysis and structural equation model for the exploitation of the associations between microbe-driven N dynamics and soil-plant N trade-offs and maize productivity. Compared with monoculture, maize intercropping significantly increased the denitrification rate of rhizosphere soils across four maize growth stages, net N mineralization in the elongation and flowering stages, and the nitrification rate in the seedling and mature stages. The abundance of most N-acquiring microbial populations was influenced significantly by intercropping patterns and maize growth stages. Soil available N components (NH4+-N, NO3--N, and dissolved organic N content) showed a highly direct effect on plant N uptake, which mainly mediated by N transformations (denitrification rate) and N-acquiring populations (amoB, nirK3, and hzsB genes). Overall, the adaptation of N-acquiring microbiomes to changing rhizosphere micro-environments caused by intercropping patterns and maize development could promote soil N transformations and dynamics to meet demand of maize for N nutrient. This would offer another unique perspective to manage the benefits of the highly N-effective and production-effective intercropping ecosystems.

Biodiversity and core microbiota of key-stone ecological clusters regulate compost maturity during cow-dung-driven composting

The primary objectives of this study were to explore the community-level succession of bacteria, fungi, and protists during cow-dung-driven composting and to elucidate the contribution of the biodiversity and core microbiota of key-stone microbial clusters on compost maturity. Herein, we used high-throughput sequencing, polytrophic ecological networks, and statistical models to visualize our hypothesis. The results showed significant differences in the richness, phylogenetic diversity, and community composition of bacteria, fungi, and eukaryotes at different composting stages. The ASV191 (Sphingobacterium), ASV2243 (Galibacter), ASV206 (Galibacter), and ASV62 (Firmicutes) were the core microbiota of key-stone bacterial clusters relating to compost maturity; And the ASV356 (Chytridiomycota), ASV470 (Basidiomycota), and ASV299 (Ciliophora) were the core microbiota of key-stone eukaryotic clusters relating to compost maturity based on the data of this study. Compared with the fungal taxa, the biodiversity and core microbiota of key-stone bacterial and eukaryotic clusters contributed more to compost maturity and could largely predict the change in the compost maturity. Structural equation modeling revealed that the biodiversity of total microbial communities and the biodiversity and core microbiota of the key-stone microbial clusters in the compost directly and indirectly regulated compost maturity by influencing nutrient availability (e.g., NH4+-N and NO3--N), hemicellulose, humic acid content, and fulvic acid content, respectively. These results contribute to our understanding of the biodiversity and core microbiota of key-stone microbial clusters in compost to improve the performance and efficiency of cow-dung-driven composting.

Effectiveness of a 10-year continuous reduction of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer on production, nitrogen loss and utilization of double-cropping rice

Considerable literature has demonstrated the advantage of controlled-release nitrogen (CRN) fertilizer in improving crop productivity. However, few researches have explored the long-term impacts of using CRN fertilizers as alternative to common urea on production and N utilization in double-cropping paddy. To address this gap, our study utilized a database derived from a 10-year field experiment from 2013 to 2022. During early and late rice seasons, compared to common urea (early rice, 150 kg hm-2; late rice, 180 kg hm-2), CRN fertilizer (150 kg hm-2; 180 kg hm-2) input significantly increased yield by 7.4 %, and 11.7 %, as well as N use efficiency (NUE) from 23.0 % and 24.6 % to 33.0 % and 37.5 %, respectively. CRN application significantly reduced N losses, evidenced by decrease in runoff (23.1 % and 19.4 %), leaching (12.7 % and 12.1 %), ammonia volatilization (28.9 % and 30.2 %), and N2O emissions (10.4 % and 16.1 %). A reduction of 10 % in CRN fertilizer input maintained yield. Compared with normal amount, reducing 10, 20, and 30 % CRN input increased NUE by 7.0-7.6 %, 7.3-7.4 %, and 11.6-12.6 %; reduced runoff loss by 16.1-17.9 %, 27.9-30.7 %, and 35.0-37.2 %; decreased leaching loss by 7.6-12.8 %, 18.1-22.6 %, and 26.5-31.4 %; decreased ammonia volatilization by 9.9-12.3 %, 16.3-22.7 %, and 23.2-29.3 %, and decreased N2O loss by 7.8-13.3 %, 12.8-32.8 %, and 20.3-36.9 %, respectively. Soils with CRN input showed higher total and inorganic N contents than the soils with common urea, and the content increased in parallel with CRN fertilizer input. Soil N content and N runoff loss were significantly related to yield and N uptake, and N runoff and leaching losses were significantly related to NUE. These results support the sustainable use of CRN fertilizers as a viable alternative to common urea, indicating that application rate of 135 and 162 kg N hm-2 of early and late rice, respectively, maintain yield and enhance N utilization in double-season paddy of southern China.

Potential low toxic alternative for Na-Cl cotransporter inhibition: A diuretic effect and mechanism study of Pyrrosia petiolosa

BACKGROUND

Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic commonly used for the treatment of hypertension, is often associated with serious metabolic side effects. Pyrrosia petiolosa (Christ) Ching is a traditional Chinese medicine that possesses diuretic properties, without any obvious side effects.

AIM

To evaluate the diuretic effect of P. petiolosa (Christ) Ching and to elucidate its underlying mechanism of action.

METHODS

Extracts obtained from different polar components of P. petiolosa (Christ) Ching were analyzed for toxicity in a Kunming mouse model. The diuretic effects of the extracts were compared to that of hydrochlorothiazide in rats. In addition, compound isolation procedures, cell assays of Na-Cl cotransporter inhibition and rat diuretic test of monomeric compounds were conducted to identify the active ingredients in the extract. Subsequently, homology modeling and molecular docking were performed to explain the reason behind the diuretic activity observed. Finally, LC-MS analysis was used to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action of P. petiolosa (Christ) Ching.

RESULTS

No toxicity was observed in mice administered P. petiolosa (Christ) Ching extracts. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the most significant diuretic effect. Similar results were obtained during the analysis for Na+ content in rat urine. Further separation of P. petiolosa (Christ) Ching components led to the isolation of methyl chlorogenate, 2',3'-dihydroxy propyl pentadecanoate, and β-carotene. Results from cell assays showed that the Na-Cl cotransporter inhibitory activity of methyl chlorogenate was greater than that of hydrochlorothiazide. This result was again confirmed by the diuresis tests of monomeric compounds in rats. The molecular simulations explain the stronger interactions between the methyl chlorogenate and Na-Cl cotransporter. Of the compounds determined using LC-MS analysis, 185 were identified to be mostly organic acids.

CONCLUSIONS

P. petiolosa possesses significant diuretic activities without any obvious toxicity, with least two possible mechanisms of action. Further study on this herb is warranted.

[Therapeutic mechanism of Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ for renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease: a study with network pharmacology, molecular docking and validation in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ for improving renal function and pathology in rats with 5/6 nephrectomy and analyze its therapeutic mechanism for renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking.

METHODS

Forty male SD rats were randomized into two groups to receive two-staged 5/6 nephrectomy (n=30) or sham operation (n=10), and 2 weeks after the final operation, serum creatinine level of the rats was measured. The rats with nephrectomy were further randomized into Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ group, losartan group and model group for daily treatment with the corresponding drugs via gavage starting at 1 week after 5/6 nephrectomy. After 16 weeks of treatment, serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels of the rats were measured, and HE staining and Western blotting were used to examine the changes in renal pathology and fibrosis-related factors. Network pharmacology combined with molecular docking study was performed to explore the therapeutic mechanism Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ against renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease, and Western blotting was used to verify the expressions of the core targets.

RESULTS

Compared with those in the model group, the rats receiving 5/6 nephrectomy and Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ treatment showed significantly reduced serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, lessened renal pathologies, and improvement of the changes in epithelial mesenchymal transition-related proteins. Network pharmacological analysis showed that the main active ingredients of Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ were acacetin, apigenin, eupatilin, quercetin, kaempferol and luteolin, and the key targets included STAT3, SRC, CTNNB1, PIK3R1 and AKT1. Molecular docking study revealed that the active ingredients of Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ had good binding activity to the key targets. Western blotting showed that in rats with 5/6 nephrectomy, treatment with Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ obviously restored the protein expression of STAT3, PI3K, and AKT in renal tissue.

CONCLUSION

Shenbing Decoction Ⅲ can reduce renal injury induced by 5/6 nephrectomy in rats, and its therapeutic effects are mediated possibly by its main pharmacologically active ingredients that alleviate renal fibrosis via modulating multiple targets including STAT3, PIK3R1, and AKT1.

Biochar amendments combined with organic fertilizer improve maize productivity and mitigate nutrient loss by regulating the C-N-P stoichiometry of soil, microbiome, and enzymes

Coupled amendments of biochar and organic fertilizers may be one of the effective practice to ensure high cropland productivity and resource use efficiency, but there is little field-based evidence for this. Herein, we employed a eight-years (2014-2021) field experiment to explore the effectiveness of biochar and organic fertilizer amendments on crop productivity and nutrient runoff losses, as well as to further explored their relationships with the carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry of soil, microbiome, and enzymes. Experiment treatments include No fertilizer (CK), chemical-only fertilizer (CF), CF + biochar (CF + B), 20% chemical N was replaced by organic fertilizer (OF), and OF + biochar (OF + B). Compared with the CF, the CF + B, OF, and OF + B treatments increased average yield by 11.5%, 13.2%, and 32%, average N use efficiency by 37.2%, 58.6%, and 81.4%, average P use efficiency by 44.8%, 55.1%, and 118.6%, average plant N uptake by 19.7%, 35.6%, and 44.3%, as well as average plant P uptake by 18.4%, 23.1%, and 44.3%, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). Compared with the CF, the CF + B, OF, and OF + B decreased average average total N losses by 65.2%, 97.4%, and 241.2%, and average total P losses by 52.9%, 77.1%, and 119.7%, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). Organic-amended treatments (CF + B, OF, and OF + B) significantly changed soil total and available C, N, and P content, soil microbial C, N, and P content, as well as the potential activities of soil C-, N-, and P-acquiring enzymes. Plant P uptake and P-acquiring enzyme activity were the main drivers of maize yield, which was influenced by the contents and stoichiometric ratios of soil available C, N, and P. These findings suggest that organic fertilizer applications combined with biochar have the potential to maintain high crop yields while reducing nutrient losses by regulating the stoichiometric balance of soil available C and nutrients.

The effectiveness of eight-years phosphorus reducing inputs on double cropping paddy: Insights into productivity and soil-plant phosphorus trade-off

Abundant evidence has demonstrated the feasibility of reducing phosphorus (P) input to face diminishing phosphate rock resources and deteriorating environmental quality in double-cropping paddy. However, the sustainability of reduced P input in the context of maintaining productivity and P efficient utilization is not yet clear. Herein, an 8-year (2013-2021) field-based database was built to explore the effects of reduced P input on rice productivity and the soil-plant P trade-off in double-cropping paddy. In the early and late rice seasons, compared with conventional P fertilization (early rice, 90 kg hm^-2; late rice, 60 kg hm^-2), the average yield of reduced 10 % P treatment increased by 4.3 % and 2.1 %, respectively; reduced 10-30 % P treatments increased average P use efficiency by 17.1-18.4 % and 14.0-17.2 %, decreased average total P runoff loss by 14.9-33.2 % and 20.8-36.4 %, and decreased average total P leaching loss by 18.5-49.0 % and 24.0-46.1 %, respectively. Compared with conventional fertilization, reduced P fertilizer input by 10 % significantly increased the content of the soil labile-P fraction while reducing that of the soil stable-P fraction. Soil ligand-P and exchangeable-P content decreased with the gradient reduction of P fertilizer input (10-30 %). The main predictors of the change in rice yield and plant P uptake were soil ligand-P and exchangeable-P content, respectively. The dominant predictor of both the P runoff loss and the P activation coefficient was the inorganic P content extracted by NaHCO₃. These findings suggest that reduced P input by 10 % could maintain rice productivity and P use efficiency in the double-cropping paddy, and the transformations between soil P components and increases in P bioavailability may be the key drivers maintaining rice productivity and P utilization under the context of reduced P loading.

[Analysis of the efficacy and safety of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of the spinal nerve in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of spinal nerve in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: A total of 102 PHN patients (42 males and 60 females) aged (69.7±9.4) years who underwent CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of spinal nerve in the Department of Pain Medicine of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University from January 2017 to April 2020 were retrospectively included. Patients were followed up, and numerical rating scale (NRS) score, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), satisfaction score and complications before surgery (T₀) and at 1 d (T₁), 3 months (T₂), 6 months (T₃), 9 months (T₄) and 12 months (T₅) after surgery were recorded. Results: The NRS score of PHN patients at T₀, T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, and T₅ [M(Q₁, Q₃)] was 6(6, 7), 2(2, 3), 3(2, 4), 3(2, 4), 2(1, 4), 2(1, 4), respectively. Likewise, the PSQI score [M(Q₁, Q₃)] at aforementioned time points was 14(13, 16), 4(3, 6), 6(4, 8), 5(4, 6), 4(2, 8), 4(2, 9), respectively. Compared with T₀, the NRS and PSQI scores at all time points from T₁ to T₅ were lower, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.001). The overall effective rate of surgery at 1 year postoperatively was 71.6% (73/102) with a satisfaction score of 8(5, 9), and the recurrence rate was 14.7% (15/102) with a recurrence time of (7.5±0.8) months. The main postoperative complication was numbness, with an incidence of 86.0% (88/102), and the degree of numbness gradually decreased with time. Conclusion: CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of spinal nerve for PHN has a high effective rate and a low recurrence rate, with high safety profile, and may be a feasible surgical option for the treatment of PHN.

[Efficacy of transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation in neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation in the treatment of neonatal pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS). Methods: The clinical data on surgical treatment and follow-up in 16 patients with PA-IVS who underwent transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation in Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao University from October 2018 to October 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The right ventricular systolic pressure and percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were compared before and after operation. In addition, the SpO₂ and echocardiographic data at preoperative and the last follow-up were compared. Comparisons between groups were performed using paired-samples t test. Results: Among the 16 patients (10 males and 6 females) with the age at operation of 19 (14, 26) days, 12 cases underwent transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation successfully, 2 cases were transferred to surgery department for open-heart pulmonary valvulotomy, and the remaining 2 cases were transmitted to surgery department for transthoracic pulmonary valve perforation. The age at operation of the 12 patients who underwent transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation was 18 (14, 27) days, and the weight was (3.6±0.4) kg. The immediate postoperative right ventricular systolic pressure decreased significantly ((57±16) vs. (95±19) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), t=7.49, P<0.001), and the postoperative SpO₂ was improved effectively (0.90±0.48 vs.0.75±0.09, t=-5.61, P<0.001). The follow-up time was 22 (7, 33) months for 12 patients who underwent transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation successfully. At the last follow-up, the ratio of right to left ventricular transverse diameter was significantly higher than that before operative (0.55±0.05 vs. 0.45±0.05, t=-3.27,P=0.007). Furthermore, the Z-scores of pulmonary valvular diameter (-0.78±0.23 vs. -1.73±0.56, t=-8.52, P<0.001) and the tricuspid valvular diameter (-0.52±0.12 vs. -1.46±0.38, t=-10.40, P<0.001) were all significantly higher than preoperative data. At last, all the patients achieved biventricular circulation without death or major complications. Conclusion: Transcatheter pulmonary valve perforation is a safe and effective therapy for neonatal PA-IVS, and its curative effect has been confirmed by the medium follow-up data.

Community succession of microbial populations related to CNPS biological transformations regulates product maturity during cow-manure-driven composting

The main objective of present study was to understand the community succession of microbial populations related to carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus-sulfur (CNPS) biogeochemical cycles during cow-manure-driven composting and their correlation with product maturity. The abundance of microbial populations associated with C degradation, nitrification, cellular-P transport, inorganic-P dissolution, and organic-P mineralization decreased gradually with composting but increased at the maturation phase. The abundance of populations related to N-fixation, nitrate-reduction, and ammonification increased during the mesophilic stage and decreased during the thermophilic and maturation stages. The abundance of populations related to C fixation and denitrification increased with composting; however, the latter tended to decrease at the maturation stage. Populations related to organic-P mineralization were the key manipulators regulating compost maturity, followed by those related to denitrification and nitrification; those populations were mediated by inorganic N and available P content. This study highlighted the consequence of microbe-driven P mineralization in improving composting efficiency and product quality.

Dissolved organic matter evolution can reflect the maturity of compost: Insight into common composting technology and material composition

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) can clearly reflect composting components changes, thus it is supposed to indicate the humification process during composting. To demonstrate this, three compost mixtures and two techniques were arranged. DOM evolution was detected by three spectral techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the crystal structure substances decreased gradually during the composting, including cellulose, struvite, sylvine, quartz, and calcite; Specifically, the struvite was found, which was conducive to the fixation of nitrogen and phosphorus. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-EEM) further showed that pig manure-based mixtures, added cabbage, and windrow composting are beneficial to sugar, protein, fulvic acid, and soluble microbial by-products decompose and humic acids produce. This process was closely related to the change of physical-chemical parameters (temperature; pH; moisture content; and NH₄⁺-N content) and maturity index (C/N ratio, E₄/E₆ and GI). Therefore, DOM evolution could quickly reflect the maturity process of compost. In subsequent research, the quantitative analysis of DOM components can be considered to modify DOM spectral parameters, or to build a model, so as to achieve rapid evaluation of compost maturity.

Synergistically mitigating nitric oxide emission by co-applications of biochar and nitrification inhibitor in a tropical agricultural soil

Agricultural soils are the hotspots of nitric oxide (NO) emissions, which are related to atmospheric pollution and greenhouse effect. Biochar application has been recommended as an important countermeasure, however, its mitigation efficiency is limited as biochar, under certain conditions, can stimulate soil nitrification. Therefore, biochar co-applied with nitrification inhibitor could optimize the mitigation potential of biochar. Herein, a laboratory-scale experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of co-application of biochar and nitrification inhibitor on NO emission, nitrogen cycling function and bacterial community in a tropical vegetable soil. Results showed that a single application of biochar or nitrification inhibitor significantly decreased NO emissions, and this mitigation effectiveness was amplified by their co-applications. Soil NO₂^--N intensity, along with abundances of AOB-amoA and nirK were significantly and positively correlated with cumulative NO emissions. The stimulated activity of ammonia monooxygenase and growths of AOB and total comammox Nitrospira by biochar were weakened by nitrification inhibitor, implying decreased nitrification-driven NO production. The nitric oxide reductase activity and related qnorB abundance in nitrification inhibitor-added soils were increased by biochar, indicating promoted NO consumption during denitrification. The nirK abundance and NO₂^--N intensity were decreased more by co-applications of biochar or nitrification inhibitor. Moreover, both biochar and nitrification inhibitor changed bacterial β-diversity, and their co-application synergistically enriched Armatimonadetes and Verrucomicrobia abundances and decreased WPS-2 abundance. This study highlights that co-applications of biochar and nitrification inhibitor can make their respective advantages complementary to each other, thereby achieving a larger mitigation of NO emissions from agricultural soils in tropical regions.

The effectiveness of reed-biochar in mitigating phosphorus losses and enhancing microbially-driven phosphorus dynamics in paddy soil

Biochar is a promising novel material for mitigating phosphorus (P) loss and enhancing P retention in chemical-amended agricultural soils. However, the optimal application rate for aforesaid effectiveness and potential drivers of the process are not well understood. Herein, a column-based pot experiment was carried out to investigate how and to what extent reed-biochar is effective in positively triggering P loss and availability in paddy soils treated by chemical fertilizer. Compared with chemical-only treatment, the accumulated leakage of total P, dissoluble P, and particulate P in chemical fertilizer coupled with 1-4% reed-biochar treatment decreased by 5.3-13.3%, 8.3-10.4%, and 3.0-15.4%, respectively. The accumulated leakage of total P and dissoluble P in 6-8% rate treatments was increased by 5.6-7.5% and 18.3-32.9%, respectively. Increasing reed-biochar rate from 1% to 8% caused an enhancement in soil total P and available P content and P activation coefficient, and the 4% rate achieved a similar effectiveness to the higher rate. Reed-biochar application increased the abundance and diversty of soil phoD-harboring microbes (P < 0.05), while the increment had little to do with the application rate. Soil phoD-harboring community composition and total C content were the main predictors of the P leaching losses, and meanwhile, the total C content was the dominated predictor of soil P retention and availability. These results suggest that adding 1-4% reed-biochar was more beneficial to mitigate paddy P loss and to enhance soil P availability. This study highlights the importance of understanding how microbial populations mediate P transformation to decipher the biochar-driven improvement of soil P utilization.

Understanding how reed-biochar application mitigates nitrogen losses in paddy soil: Insight into microbially-driven nitrogen dynamics

Biochar application to chemical-amended paddy soils has been proposed as a potential strategy to enhance nitrogen (N) retention and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by crops. However, optimal concentrations for these enhancements and the potential drivers are not well understood. Herein, a column-based pot experiment was carried out to investigate the impacts of reed-biochar application rate on N losses and dynamics in paddy soils treated by chemical fertilizer, and particularly, to explore the dominant factors of the processes. The addition of 2-4% reed-biochar had the most significant effects on mitigating N loss by leaching. Reed-biochar amendment increased soil total N and mineral N (NH₄⁺-N and NO₃^--N) content, and denitrifying gene abundance, and the increments of those variables were positively related to the application rate. Soil treated with 1-4% reed-biochar at harvest period showed higher gene abundances of ammonia-oxidizing and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) and higher activity of β-1,4-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) and leucine aminopeptidase compared with the 4-8% application rate. The amoA-AOA gene abundance, NAG activity, and total carbon (C) content were the main predictors of total N and mineral N accumulated leakage. Total C content was the main predictor of soil total N and mineral N content, followed by the pH and NAG activity. These results suggest that adding 2-4% reed-biochar was more beneficial to mitigate N loss and thus enhance soil N storage and availability. This study highlights the importance of understanding how microbial populations mediate N transformation to decipher biochar-driven NUE enhancement in paddy soils.

Deciphering the dominant components and functions of bacterial communities for lignocellulose degradation at the composting thermophilic phase

The decomposition and transformation of organic matters during composting process are performed by various microorganisms. However, the bacterial communities and their functions usually vary with composting materials. Here the dominant bacterial genera and their functions were identified at the thermophilic phase during composting of mulberry branches with silkworm excrement (MSE), pig manure (MPM) and cow manure (MCD). The activities of β-glucosidase and endoglucanase were highest for MCD (1.31 and 17.15 µg g^-1 min^-1) and lowest for MPM (0.92 and 14.22 µg g^-1 min^-1). Random Forest model and correlation analysis revealed that Stenotrophomonas, Bacillus, and Sinibacillus were the dominant bacterial genera involved in lignocellulose degradation regardless of composting materials. Carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and DNA replication and repair were primary functions of the bacterial communities for the three types of composting. The quantification of lignocellulose degradation genes further verified the dominant functions of the bacterial communities.

Deciphering the diversity and functions of plastisphere bacterial communities in plastic-mulching croplands of subtropical China

Considering the inhomogeneity of plastisphere and surrounding soil, it is plausible that the microbial community colonizing it also varies, affecting soil services and sustainability. Herein, we analyzed the soil and film residue from fifty-five plastic-mulching croplands in the subtropical areas of China. Based on the outcomes of this analysis, we explored the diversity and functions of the associated bacterial communities. Alpha-diversity and phylogenetic diversity of the plastisphere bacterial community was significantly lower than the surrounding soil. The average net relatedness and net nearest taxa indices of samples were less than zero. Four phyla and twenty genera were enriched in the plastisphere compared to the surrounding soil. Ecological networks of the plastisphere community showed multiple nodes, but fewer interactions, and the members of Bradyrhizobium, Rhodospirillaceae, and Bacillus were indicated as the hub species. Predicted pathways related to human disease, as well as the metabolisms of cofactors, vitamins, amino acids, and xenobiotic biodegradation, were reinforced in the plastisphere, and meanwhile, accompanied by an increase in abundance of genes related to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles. These results demonstrated the diversity and functions of the plastisphere microbiome and highlighted the necessity for exploring the ecological and health risks of plastic residue in croplands.

Forest conversion to plantations: A meta-analysis of consequences for soil and microbial properties and functions

Primary or secondary forests around the world are increasingly being converted into plantations. Soil microorganisms are critical for all biogeochemical processes in ecosystems, but the effects of forest conversion on microbial communities and their functioning remain unclear. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the impacts that converting forests to plantations has on soil microbial communities and functioning as well as on the associated plant and soil properties. We collected 524 paired observations from 138 studies globally. We found that conversion leads to broad range of adverse impacts on soils and microorganisms, including on soil organic carbon (-24%), total nitrogen (-29%), bacterial and fungal biomass (-36% and -42%, respectively), microbial biomass carbon (MBC, -31%) and nitrogen (-33%), and fungi to bacteria ratio (F:B, -16%). In addition, we found impacts on the ratio of MBC to soil organic C (qMBC, -20%), microbial respiration (-18%), N mineralization (-18%), and enzyme activities including β-1,4-glucosidase (-54%), β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (-39%), and acid phosphatase (ACP; -34%). In contrast, conversion to plantations increases bacterial richness (+21%) and microbial metabolic quotient (qCO₂ , +21%). The effects of forest conversion were consistent across stand ages, stand types, and climate zone. Soil C and N contents as well as the C:N ratio were the main factors responsible for the changes of microbial C, F:B, and bacterial richness. The responses of qCO₂ , N mineralization, and ACP activity were mainly driven by the reductions in F:B, MBC, and soil C:N. Applying macro-ecology theory on ecosystem disturbance in soil microbial ecology, we show that microbial groups shifted from K to r strategists after conversion to plantations. Our meta-analysis underlines the adverse effects of natural forests conversion to plantations on soil microbial communities and functioning, and suggests that the preservation of soil functions should be a consideration in forest management practices.

Microbial generalist or specialist: Intraspecific variation and dormancy potential matter

Microbial generalists and specialists coexist in the soil environment while having distinctive impacts on microbial community dynamics. In microbial ecology, the underlying mechanisms as to why a species is a generalist or a specialist remain ambiguous. Herein, we collected soils across a national scale and identified bacterial generalists and specialists according to niche breadth at the species level (OTU level), and the single-nucleotide differences in each species were measured to investigate intraspecific variation (at zero-radius OTU level). Compared with that of the specialists, the intraspecific variation of the generalists was much higher, which ensured their wider niche breadth and lower variability. The higher asynchrony and different niche preferences of conspecific individuals and the higher dormancy potential within the generalists further contributed to their stability in varying environments. Besides, generalists were less controlled by environmental filtering, which was indicated by the stronger signature of stochastic processes in their assembly, and had higher diversification and transition rates that allowed them to adapt to environmental changes to a greater extent than specialists. Overall, this study provides a new comprehensive understanding of the rules of assembly and the evolutionary roles of bacterial generalists and specialists. It also highlights the importance of intraspecific variation and the dormancy potential in the stability of species.

[Interim follow-up of fetal cardiac intervention in five fetuses with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum]

Objective: To summarize the interim outcome and right heart development of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) in children after fetal cardiac intervention (FCI). Methods: The clinical data of 5 live births underwent FCI from October 2018 to April 2019 in Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao University were analyzed retrospectively. The development of right ventricle (RV) and tricuspid valve (TV) in uterus after FCI, at birth, the age of 6 months, 1 year and 2 years, and the final outcome were assessed. Results: Five PA-IVS fetuses were included in this study. The first evaluation was performed at 24-26 weeks of gestational age, and the FCI was performed at 26-28 weeks of gestational age. During the follow-up of 6 weeks after FCI, the minimum diameter of tricuspid annulus increased from 0.85 cm to 0.92 cm, and the minimum Z-score of tricuspid annulus decreased from -0.03 to -1.62. The minimum values of TV/mitral valve annular diameter and RV/left ventricular length ratios of all fetuses increased from 0.57, 0.52 to 0.88, 0.82, respectively. The maximum tricuspid regurgitation velocity decreased from 4.60 m/s to 3.64 m/s. No severe hemodynamic change was found in any of the fetuses. All 5 fetuses were born alive. Three cases underwent percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV) and stent implantation for ductus arteriosus. Two cases received PBPV alone. At follow-up (26 to 32 months), obvious development of TV was observed 6 months to 1 year after birth in 5 cases with the growth rate ranging from 19.64% to 40.00%. Meanwhile, the RV development was relatively slow at 6 months with the growth rate ranging from 9.41% to 21.42%. There were individual differences in RV development at 2 years. The growth and development of all children were equal to healthy children of the same age with the body mass index less than 18.4 kg/m². At the last follow-up, all children had a transcutaneous oxygen saturation of greater than 0.95, three became biventricular circulation and two had circulation approximation to biventricular circulation with almost closed stent. Conclusions: The findings support the potential of development of right ventricular and tricuspid valve for fetuses with PA-IVS underwent FCI. All fetuses underwent FCI received intervention after birth, and biventricular circulation can be realized finally. The development of right ventricular and tricuspid valve is not proportional. In utero, the right ventricle develops rapidly, and the development of tricuspid valve is more advantageous after birth.

Individualized Supplement of Folic Acid Based on the Gene Polymorphisms of MTHER/MTRR Reduced the Incidence of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Newborn Defects

Background

The association between conventional folic acid supplement (FAS) in pregnancy and the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, newborn defects has been proven. However, recent researches have reported a weakened association. Based on the different maternal metabolism capability of folic acid, it's beneficial for clinicians to provide pregnant women with different doses of FAS, that's individualized FAS.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 2,677 pregnant women in Dazu, Chongqing, China were recruited in this cohort study. 1,539 women volunteered to receive individualized FAS, in which FAS dose increased with the risk level of maternal genotype? specify MTHFR and MTRR (write in full then abbreviate bracket open and close) while 1,138 women received conventional FAS with unified FAS dose. Additionally, 1,964 pregnant women without FAS were retrospectively analyzed as the control. Finally, the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and newborn defects were recorded.

Results

Based on the genotype of MTHFR and MTRR, women were identified as five risk levels of folic acid metabolism. The distributions of genotype and risk levels were not significantly different between FAS-individualized supplement group and FAS-unified supplement group. However, compared with control or FAS-unified supplement group, the incidence of spontaneous abortion, prolonged pregnancy, premature labor, fetal macrosomia and congenital heart disease were significantly decreased in FAS-individualized supplement group. In subgroup analysis, individualized FAS significantly improved pregnancy outcomes for women between 20-40 years old and inhibited the occurrence of newborn defects in both women of the first gestation and women of ≥2 gestations.

Conclusions

The application of individualized FAS based on gene polymorphisms was more effective in preventing adverse outcomes in the mother and child.

Notoginsenoside R1 protects hypoxia-reoxygenation deprivation-induced injury by upregulation of miR-132 in H9c2 cells

BACKGROUND

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common perioperative complication of heart and great vessels surgery, aggravating the original myocardial damage and seriously affecting the postoperative recovery of cardiac function. The aim of this study was to reveal the functional effects and potential mechanisms of notoginsenoside R1 (NG-R1) in myocardial cells injured by hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R).

METHODS

The rat cardiomyocyte line H9c2 was subjected to H/R with or without NG-R1 treatment. The levels of miR-132 and HBEGF in the cell were altered by microRNA or short-hairpin RNA transfection. Cell viability, apoptosis, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were monitored. Dual luciferin was used to detect the relationship between miR-132 and HBEGF.

RESULTS

NG-R1 (20 μM) had no impact on H9c2 cells, but cell viability was significantly reduced at 80 μM. NG-R1 (20 μM) protected H9c2 cells against H/R-induced cell damage, accompanied by increased cell viability, reduced cell apoptosis, and downregulation of LDH and MDA. Furthermore, the level of miR-132 was decreased in response to H/R exposure but then increased after NG-R1 treatment. When miR-132 was overexpressed, H/R-induced cell damage could be recovered. Downregulation of miR-132 limited the protective effect of NG-R1 on H/R damage. We also found that HBEGF was a direct target of miR-132. The expression of HBEGF was increased upon H/R damage, and this increase was reversed after NG-R1 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that NG-R1 markedly protected H9c2 cells against H/R-induced damage via upregulation of miR-132 and downregulation of its target protein HBEGF.

Community-level dormancy potential regulates bacterial beta-diversity succession during the co-composting of manure and crop residues

This study aimed to disclose the bacterial diversity succession during the co-composting of manure and crop residues and to provide new insight into the role of community-level dormancy potential in diversity succession. Illumina sequencing and PICRUSt-estimated metagenomes were used for this purpose. The bacterial richness and phylogenetic diversity decreased in the early and middle stages of composting and were maintained to a stable status in the late stage. Both composting phases and raw materials impacted the aforementioned alpha diversity significantly, while the composting phases had a greater (80%-94%) impact than the raw materials (1%-18%). Bacterial beta-diversity succession exhibited selectivity as the composting proceeded, and the dominant taxa changed into salt- and heat-resistant genera such as Bacillus, Glycomyces, and Halocella. Meanwhile, Georgenia, Actinomadura, and Ruminofilibacter were identified as the dominant predictor taxa of bacterial community succession in composting. Roughly, the abundance of genes underlying dormancy strategies, including sporulation factors (spo0A gene), toxin-antitoxin systems (dinJ/yafP, mazF/E, hipA/O, and relA/E genes), and resuscitation-promoting factors (rpfC gene), increased as composting proceeded and reached the highest in the thermophilic or maturation phases. Co-occurring relationships between bacterial communities and genes underlying dormancy strategies in different composting phases comprised multiple associations dominated by positive edges (50%-97%). The stability in genes underlying dormancy strategies and aggregate dormancy potential had a positive linear correlation with that in bacterial beta diversity (R² = 0.26-0.42; P < 0.05), but not related significantly to that in richness and phylogenetic diversity. This study highlighted the importance of understanding how community-level dormancy strategies mediated microbial succession in composting to better predict compost maturity and product quality.

Reactive-oxygen-species-scavenging nanomaterials for resolving inflammation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediate multiple physiological functions; however, the over-accumulation of ROS causes premature aging and/or death and is associated with various inflammatory conditions. Nevertheless, there are limited clinical treatment options that are currently available. The good news is that owing to the considerable advances in nanoscience, multiple types of nanomaterials with unique ROS-scavenging abilities that influence the temporospatial dynamic behaviors of ROS in biological systems have been developed. This has led to the emergence of next-generation nanomaterial-controlled strategies aimed at ameliorating ROS-related inflammatory conditions. Accordingly, herein we reviewed recent progress in research on nanotherapy based on ROS scavenging. The underlying mechanisms of the employed nanomaterials are emphasized. Furthermore, important issues in developing cross-disciplinary nanomedicine-based strategies for ROS-based inflammatory conditions are discussed. Our review of this increasing interdisciplinary field will benefit ongoing studies and clinical applications of nanomedicine based on ROS scavenging.

ECT2 promotes proliferation and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via the RhoA-ERK signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the effect of epithelial cell transformation sequence 2 (ECT2) on the proliferation, invasion and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) was investigated by interfering the expression of ECT2.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Interfering with the expression level of ECT2 in human squamous cell carcinomas KYSE140 and EC9706 cell lines, the changes of KYSE140 and EC9706 cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were measured using the CCK-8 method, transwell test, and scratch test, respectively. The effects of ECT2 on the Ras homolog gene family, member A-extracellular regulated protein kinases (RhoA-ERK) signaling pathway were also observed.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of EC9706 and KYSE140 cells after ECT2 knockout were significantly reduced (p <0.05). The knockdown of ECT2 expression in ESCC cell lines suppressed the activation of RhoA-ERK signaling pathway and protein expression of VEGF and MMP9.

CONCLUSIONS

ECT2 could regulated the expression of VEGF and MMP9 to inhibit cells proliferation, invasion, migration and tumor development through RhoA-ERK signaling pathway. Therefore, ECT2 could be an available marker, and provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment of ESCC.

Fungal community succession contributes to product maturity during the co-composting of chicken manure and crop residues

The succession of the fungal community during the co-composting of chicken manure and crop residues and its role in relation to compost maturity was deciphered using Illumina sequencing and FUNGuild (Fungi + Functional + Guild) tool. In the maturation phase of composting, the relative abundance of pathogenic and symbiotrophic fungi decreased by 68%-85% and 145%-622%, respectively, as compared to the initial phase, which showed 574%-720% increase in the saprotrophic guild. The pathogenic and saprotrophic fungi abundance was correlated to compost maturity represented by germination index and humic spectroscopic ratio (p < 0.05). Random forest analysis and structural equation modeling elucidated the positive effects of the aforementioned fungal taxa on compost maturity, and these effects were mediated by the micro-environmental variables, such as temperature, NH₄⁺-N/NO₃^--N ratio and total organic carbon content. Our study outlines the importance of fungal community succession for improving composting performance and efficiency.

Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.46 ppm

We present the first results of the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) Muon g-2 Experiment for the positive muon magnetic anomaly a_{μ}≡(g_{μ}-2)/2. The anomaly is determined from the precision measurements of two angular frequencies. Intensity variation of high-energy positrons from muon decays directly encodes the difference frequency ω_{a} between the spin-precession and cyclotron frequencies for polarized muons in a magnetic storage ring. The storage ring magnetic field is measured using nuclear magnetic resonance probes calibrated in terms of the equivalent proton spin precession frequency ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'} in a spherical water sample at 34.7 °C. The ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with known fundamental constants, determines a_{μ}(FNAL)=116 592 040(54)×10^{-11} (0.46 ppm). The result is 3.3 standard deviations greater than the standard model prediction and is in excellent agreement with the previous Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) E821 measurement. After combination with previous measurements of both μ^{+} and μ^{-}, the new experimental average of a_{μ}(Exp)=116 592 061(41)×10^{-11} (0.35 ppm) increases the tension between experiment and theory to 4.2 standard deviations.

Paeoniflorin Sensitizes Breast Cancer Cells to Tamoxifen by Downregulating microRNA-15b via the FOXO1/CCND1/β-Catenin Axis

Background

Paeoniflorin (Pae) possesses anti-tumor activity in various malignancies. However, it is unclear whether Pae plays a sensitizer role in breast cancer (BC) and the molecular mechanisms involved in this process. Our oligonucleotide microarray revealed that microRNA (miR)-15b is the most significantly downregulated miRNA in MCF-7/4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) cells treated with Pae. This paper summarized the relevance of Pae in BC cell endocrine resistance to tamoxifen (Tam) and the molecular mechanisms involved miR-15b expression.

Materials and Methods

4-OHT-resistant BC cell lines were developed and treated with different concentrations of Pae. Flow cytometry, lactose dehydrogenase activity, caspase-3 activity, colony formation, and EdU assays were carried out to assess the impact of Pae on BC cells. Differentially expressed miRNAs in BC cells treated with Pae were analyzed by microarray. Targeting mRNAs of screened miR-15b as well as the binding of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) to the cyclin D1 (CCND1) promoter sequence were predicted through bioinformatics analysis. Finally, the expression of β-catenin signaling-related genes in cells was detected by Western blotting.

Results

Pae (100 μg/mL) inhibited the clonality and viability of BC cells, while enhancing apoptosis in vitro. Pae also repressed miR-15b expression. Overexpression of miR-15b restored the growth and resistance of BC cells to 4-OHT. Moreover, Pae promoted FOXO1 expression by downregulating miR-15b, thereby transcriptionally inhibiting CCND1 and subsequently blocking β-catenin signaling.

Conclusion

Pae inhibits 4-OHT resistance in BC cells by regulating the miR-15b/FOXO1/CCND1/β-catenin pathway.

[Fetal cardiac intervention and perioperative management of fetus with hypoplastic right heart syndrome]

Objective: To summarize the experience of perioperative management strategy of fetal pulmonary valvuloplasty (FPV) for hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS). Methods: In the retrospective study of perioperative data, 13 fetuses of HRHS were treated with FPV in Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital from July 2018 to June 2019. Results: (1) The evaluation indexes of the right ventricle in 13 fetuses before FPV: the mean ratio of tricuspid/mitral annulus, right/left ventricular length, pulmonary/aortic annulus, and tricuspid inflow time/cardiac cycle were 0.81±0.04, 0.56±0.14, 0.69±0.06, and 0.35±0.03, respectively. (2) All pregnant mothers underwent general anesthesia. The basic fetal heart rate was (156±12) beats per minutes before FPV, and 9 fetuses showed bradycardia during the operation, and recovered to normal after drug resuscitation. On the first day after FPV, two cases had bradycardia and pregnancy was terminated. The fluctuation of systolic blood pressure of pregnant mother was less than 20%, and there was no significant difference between preoperative and intraoperative pulse pressure [(36.0±5.6) vs (35.8±6.9) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa); t=8.102, P=0.951]. (3) All cases of HRHS fetus successfully underwent FPV. The average gestational age was (27.3±0.8) weeks. The average operation time was (23.2±1.0) minutes. The ratio of tricuspid to mitral annulus (t=-2.513, P=0.022) and the ratio of right to left ventricular length (t=-3.373, P=0.003) were significantly improved at 6 weeks postoperatively. Ten fetuses were delivered, and there was no death after early intervention. (4) Of 13 pregnant women, 3 cases were nausea and vomiting on the day of FPV operation, the treatment of the symptoms was improved by tropisetron; one case had tolerable abdominal pain and improved without special treatment. Pregnant women had no major complications such as cardiac failure, abortion and death. (5) Chromosome karyotype analysis and microarray analysis of amniotic fluid was retained during the operation. No typical chromosome abnormality or other abnormal genetic diagnosis was found. Conclusions: FPV colud be used as an effective intervention measure to promote the development of right ventricle in HRHS fetuses. The scientific management of multidisciplinary professional technical team in perioperative period is particularly important to ensure the success of FPV and the safety of pregnant women and fetuses.

The effect of meditative movement on the quality of life in patients recovering from COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The outbreak of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)-infected pneumonia is currently ongoing all over the world. The treatment scheme is generally isolation treatment and symptomatic support treatment. While the majority of patients recover from this disease through methods above, COVID-19 Infection severely affect the physical and mental health of rehabilitation patients, as well as their living quality. Thus, meditative movement is needed to improve outcome of COVID-19 patients in recovery period.

METHODS

We will conduct systematic searches to identify all relevant studies without any language limitation from the following electronic databases from inception to October 2020: Medline, Ovid, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System and Wan fang Database. At the same time, we will search the following Clinical trial registries to identify records of on-going or completed but not yet published trials, including WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), Trials Register of Promoting Health Interventions (TRoPHI) and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR). No limits will be placed on language. The article will study the effect of meditative movement on the quality of life of convalescent patients. The main outcome will be the effect of meditative movement on the quality of life of patients in recovery period. The secondary results will select accompanying symptoms (including myalgia, cough, sputum, runny nose, pharyngalgia, anhelation, chest distress, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea), disappearance rate, negative COVID-19 results rate on 2 consecutive occasions (not on the same day), the quality of life improved, CT image improvement, average hospitalization time, occurrence rate of common type to severe form, clinical cure rate, and mortality. Data collection and management 3 authors will independently carry out data from eligible studies in a pretested and standardized Microsoft Excel sheet, with reciprocal validation of data extraction results. Data analysis and quantitative data synthesis will be performed using RevMan software (V.5.3).

RESULTS

The findings of the study will provide new and relatively high-quality evidence in meditative movement treatment for COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion of systematic review will provide evidence to judge whether meditative movement is an effective intervention for patient with COVID-19 in recovery period.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020210256.

Negative Correlation Between Serum Levels of Homocysteine and Apolipoprotein M

BACKGROUND

Homocysteine (Hcy) has been suggested as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein M (apoM) is a constituent of the HDL particles. The goal of this study was to examine the serum levels of homocysteine and apoM and to determine whether homocysteine influences apoM synthesis.

METHODS

Serum levels of apoM and Hcy in 17 hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) patients and 19 controls were measured and their correlations were analyzed. Different concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy) and LY294002, a specific phosphoinositide 3- kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, were used to treat HepG2 cells. The mRNA levels were determined by RT-PCR and the apoM protein mass was measured by western blot.

RESULTS

We found that decreased serum apoM levels corresponded with serum HDL levels in HHcy patients, while the serum apoM levels showed a statistically significant negative correlation with the serum Hcy levels. Moreover, apoM mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased after the administration of Hcy in HepG2 cells, and this effect could be abolished by addition of LY294002.

CONCLUSIONS

Present study demonstrates that Hcy downregulates the expression of apoM by mechanisms involving the PI3K signal pathway.

Negative effects of the simulated nitrogen deposition on plant phenolic metabolism: A meta-analysis

Phenolic compounds constitute probably the largest group of plant secondary metabolites and have key roles in plant metabolism. Simulated nitrogen (N) deposition is important to agriculture and has considerable impacts on plant phenolic metabolism but a systematic understanding of such effects is lacking. We here synthesized results from 123 articles and evaluated the responses of plant biomass, in vivo N status, soluble sugar concentrations, carbon (C)/N ratios and multiple phenolic compounds to the simulated N deposition. This meta-analysis showed that the simulated N deposition significantly increased plant biomass and N content but reduced the concentrations of phenolic compounds in a dose-depended manner. This was linked to the suppression of phenolic generating phenylalanine ammonia_lyase activity and key associated gene expression by the simulated N deposition. Total phenolic concentrations were negatively related to biomass but were positively correlated with C/N and soluble sugar contents. Overall, our results indicated adverse effects of simulated N deposition on phenolic metabolism which could compromise key aspects of crop quality and are apparently hidden by positive effects on plant biomass. Our findings have significant ecological and biological implications for plant phenolic metabolism facing global N deposition.

0773 Why Did Pandemrix Trigger Narcolepsy? A Structural Approach

Introduction

The 2009 Pandemrix influenza A pH1N1 vaccine has been linked to an increased number of Narcolepsy type I onsets in children across Europe whereas administration of a very similar adjuvanted vaccine, Arepanrix, had little effects in Canada. One possible explanation for the difference may be vaccine composition differences that could modify peptide binding to narcolepsy associated HLA-DQ0602 allele, as viral extracts for these two vaccines used distinct processes in different factories. Other explanations may involve differences in vaccination timing in relation to the pandemic H1N1 infection wave, or other environmental factors. We have previously compared the amino acid sequence of the Hemagglutinin (HA) component of the Pandemrix and the 2010 Arepanrix vaccine, finding possible contributors, but excluding most of these after DQ0602-tetramer analysis of T cell reactivity in narcolepsy versus controls.

Methods

Mass spectrometric characterization of multiple additional batches of Pandemrix and Arepanrix used during 2009 influenza pandemic vaccination campaign was performed.

Results

In addition to confirming previously published results such as increased deamidation of hemagglutinin (HA) (146N&gt;D) in Pandemrix (p=2.1e-9), we identified novel differences, including a significant 2-fold post-translation deamidation increase in 277N in Arepanrix versus Pandemrix (p=0.032), together with increased 2-fold glycosylation in the 286-323 positions in Arepanrix (p=0.00036). The 277 N to D/isoD substitution is located in pocket 1 of the binding core of a strong binder NAGSGIIIS, (&lt; 10% rank) for HLA-DQ0602 allele and abolishes epitope binding. The increased glycosylation in Arepanrix occurs in the immediate flanking area of the same 277N epitope and could also reduce DQ0602 presentation of the same epitope through differential binding and/or proteolysis of HA in this region of the molecules. As CD4 T cells recognizing this epitope have been reported to be significantly increased in narcolepsy versus DQ0602 controls, with possible mimicry with homologous hypocretin sequence.

Conclusion

These changes could explain why Arepanrix was less narcolepsy inducing. Confirmatory studies, as well as studies of all novel changes observed, are ongoing, but this is a promising result.

Support

Wake Up Narcolepsy

Apolipoproteins, as the carrier proteins for lipids, are involved in the development of breast cancer

Apolipoproteins, the key components of lipoproteins, play vital roles in the combination and transportation of lipids. Numerous research articles have accumulated solid evidence that lipoproteins are closely related to various types of tumorigenesis. In this review, we focused on the associations between several apolipoproteins and breast carcinoma and distinguished the effects and significance of apolipoproteins in different locations to validate their roles in breast carcinoma development. For example, apoD and apoE in serum are viewed as risk factors for breast carcinoma. ApoD, apoE and apoA-I in mammary tissues inhibit tumor growth. Moreover, apoB, apoJ and apoA-I have the potential to function as diagnostic or prognostic markers in the clinic. ApoEdp and apoJ treatment on breast carcinoma could significantly restrict tumor growth. In general, the aim of this review was to further analyze the associations between some members of the apolipoprotein family and breast cancer.

[Application of arterial duct stent in ductus-dependent hypoplastic right heart syndrome]

Objective: To summarize the experience of arterial duct (AD) stenting in children with ductus-dependent hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS). Methods: Seven children including 4 cases of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) with HRHS and 3 cases of critical pulmonary stenosis (CPS)-IVS with HRHS underwent AD stenting in Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital between January 2012 and January 2019. During the same period, 9 patients of PA-IVS with HRHS received Blalock Taussig (B-T) shunt. Two groups of children on the operation time, hospital stay time, intensive care time and mortality were compared.T test or Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in the age (18 (7-100) vs. 17 (1-142) d, U=31.000, P>0.05) and weight ((3.8±1.1) vs. (3.7±1.3) kg, t=0.272, P>0.05) between the AD stenting group and the B-T group.The operation time ((108±7) vs. (160±49) min, t=-4.304), intensive care time ((3.4±1.0) vs. (6.3±4.5) d, t=-8.692) and total hospitalization time ((10.3±1.0) vs. (26.3±1.0) d, t=-7.822) in the AD stenting group were differed significantly compared with the B-T group (all P<0.05). The transcutaneous oxygen saturation improved significantly (0.723±0.125 vs. 0.926±0.005, t=-6.044, P<0.05) after AD stenting. The diameter of AD stent ranged from 3.5 to 4.0 mm, and the length of AD stent was 16-21 mm. There were no complications such as vascular injury, acute thrombus, catheter spasm and death in the AD stenting group. The mortality of children in the B-T group was 3 in 9 cases. Three cases in the AD stenting group received pulmonary valvulotomy and bilateral Glenn operation at 6, 9 and 9 months after AD stenting, respectively. Conclusions: AD stenting is a feasible, effective, safe and minimally invasive procedure for children with ductus-dependent HRHS. It can even be used as an alternative to B-T shunt.

Determination of Ephedrine Alkaloids in Botanicals and Dietary Supplements by HPLC-UV: Collaborative Study

An international collaborative study was conducted of a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV method for the determination of the major (ephedrine [EP] and pseudoephedrine [PS]) and minor (norephedrine [NE], norpseudoephedrine [NP], methylephedrine [ME], and methylpseudoephedrine [MP]) alkaloids in selected dietary supplements representative of the commercially available products. Ten collaborating laboratories determined the ephedrine-type alkaloid content in 8 blind replicate samples. Five products contained ephedra ground herb or ephedra extract. These 5 products included ground botanical raw material of Ephedra sinica, a common powdered extract of Ephedra sinica, a finished product containing only Ephedra sinica ground botanical raw material, a complex multicomponent dietary supplement containing Ma Huang, and a high-protein chocolate flavored drink mix containing Ma Huang extract. In addition, collaborating laboratories received a negative control and negative control spiked with ephedrine alkaloids at high and low levels for recovery studies. Test extracts were treated to solid-phase extraction using a strong-cation exchange column to help remove interferences. The HPLC analyses were performed on a polar-embedded phenyl column using UV detection at 210 nm. Repeatability relative standard deviations (RSD r) ranged from 0.64–3.0% for EP and 2.0–6.6% for PS, excluding the high protein drink mix. Reproducibility relative standard deviations (RSD R) ranged from 2.1–6.6% for EP and 9.0–11.4% for PS, excluding the high protein drink mix. Recoveries ranged from 84.7–87.2% for EP and 84.6–98.2% for PS. The data developed for the minor alkaloids are more variable with generally unsatisfactory HORRATS (i.e., &gt;2). However, since these alkaloids generally add little to the total alkaloid content of the products, the method gives satisfactory results in measuring total alkaloid content (RSD r 0.85–3.13%; RSDR 2.03–10.97%, HORRAT 0.69–3.23, exclusive of the results from the high protein drink). On the basis of these results, the method is recommended for Official First Action for determination of EP and PS in dietary supplements exclusive of the high protein drinks.

Determination of Ephedrine Alkaloids in Human Urine and Plasma by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Collaborative Study

A collaborative study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy and precision of a method for ephedrine-type alkaloids (i.e., norephedrine, norpseudoephedrine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, methylephedrine, and methylpseudoephedrine) in human urine and plasma. The amount of ephedrine-type alkaloids present was determined using liquid chromatography (LC) with tandem mass selective detection. The test samples were diluted to reflect a concentration of 5.00–100 ng/mL for each alkaloid. An internal standard was added and the alkaloids were separated using a 5 μm phenyl LC column with an ammonium acetate, glacial acetic acid, acetonitrile, and water mobile phase. Eight blind duplicates of human urine and eight blind duplicates of human plasma were analyzed by 10 collaborators. In addition to negative controls, test portions of urine and plasma were fortified at 3 different levels with each of the 6 ephedrine-type alkaloids at approximately 1, 2, and 5 μg/mL for urine and 100, 200, and 500 ng/mL for plasma. On the basis of the accuracy and precision results for this collaborative study, it is recommended that this method be adopted Official First Action for the determination of 6 different ephedrine-type alkaloids in human urine and plasma.

Determination of Ephedrine Alkaloids in Dietary Supplements and Botanicals by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Collaborative Study

An interlaboratory study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy and precision of a method for ephedrine-type alkaloids [i.e., norephedrine (NE), norpseudoephedrine (NPE), ephedrine (E), pseudoephedrine (PE), methylephedrine (ME), and methylpseudoephedrine (MPE)] in dietary supplements and botanicals. The amount of ephedrine-type alkaloids present was determined using liquid chromatography with tandem mass selective detection. The samples were diluted to reflect a concentration of 0.0200 to 1.00 μg/mL for each alkaloid. An internal standard was added and the alkaloids were separated using a 5 μm phenyl LC column with an ammonium acetate, glacial acetic acid, acetonitrile, and water mobile phase. Eight blind duplicates of dietary supplements or botanicals were analyzed by 10 collaborators. Included was a negative control, ephedra nevadensis, and negative controls fortified at 2 different levels with each of the 6 ephedrine-type alkaloids. The spike levels were approximately 100 and 1000 μg/g for NE, 100 and 600 μg/g for NPE, 6500 and 65 000 μg/g for E, 1000 and 10 000 μg/g for PE, 300 and 3000 μg/g for ME, and 100 and 1000 μg/g for MPE. On the basis of the accuracy and precision results for this interlaboratory study, it is recommended that this method be adopted Official First Action for the determination of 6 different individual ephedrine-type alkaloids in dietary supplements and botanicals.

[Mid-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass surgery with left radial artery bypassed to right main coronary artery of severe stenosis]

Objective: To evaluate the mid-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with left radial artery (RA) graft bypassed to right main coronary artery (RCA) of severe stenosis. Methods: Between September 2014 and April 2019, a total of consecutive 47 patients who had severe stenosis (≥90%) of RCA underwent total arterial revascularization, with left RA bypassed to RCA. There were 31 males and 16 females, with a mean age of (56.5±9.7) years old. The perioperative outcomes were observed and mid-term results were followed up. Results: A total of 46 left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts, 47 left radial artery (LRA), and 40 right RA grafts (RRA) were harvested with pedicles. LIMA was bypassed to LAD in 43 patients, RRA was to diagonal branches, ramus or oblique marginal in 37 cases, and LRA was to RCA. All grafts (except 3 composite Y or T grafts) were single. Mean graft number was 2-4 (2.7±0.9). There was one death due to cardiac tamponade. Three patients had postoperative atrial fibrillation, 1 had a forearm hematoma, 1 had acute renal insufficiency, and 2 had acute myocardial infarction. The mean tracheal intubation duration was 3.5-20.3 (8.3±4.7) hours, and the mean hospital stay was 6-13 (7.1±2.9) days. The average follow-up was 3-47 (23.3±7.5) months, with a follow-up rate of 86.96% (40/46). There were no major cardiovascular events during the follow-up. Three month after surgery, the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly improved than that of pre-operation (60.0%±4.0% vs 42.4%±7.5%, P=0.003). Computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination showed that 58.7% (27/46) of patients had patent LRA after a mean follow-up duration of (19.5±7.3) months. Conclusion: CABG with LRA bypassed to RCA of severe stenosis proves to be safe and effective, with good mid-term outcomes.

Melanoma-associated antigen A2 is overexpressed in glioma and associated with poor prognosis in glioma patients

Malignant glioma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor and the overall prognosis for glioma patients remains poor. Clarification of the molecular mechanism responsible for glioma progression is critical for the effective treatment of glioma. Melanoma antigen gene (MAGE)-A2 (MAGEA2) is a member of the MAGE-A family proteins widely studied for cancer vaccine development and identification of tumor markers. However, MAGEA2 clinical significance  and biological function in glioma remain unclear, especially for the prognosis of glioma patients. This study investigates MAGEA2 expression in glioma tissue samples and its significance in predicting glioma patient prognosis. MAGEA2 protein expression in tissue samples was measured by immunohistochemistry and western blotting, and MAGEA2 mRNA expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our results confirmed that MAGEA2 mRNA and protein expression levels were upregulated in glioma tissues, compared with normal brain tissue. The high expression of MAGEA2 in glioma tissues significantly correlated with World Health Organization advanced grade. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that high MAGEA2 expression is an independent prognostic factor for glioma patient poor overall survival. The P53 mRNA expression levels were downregulated in glioma tissues compared to noncancerous brain tissue and MAGEA2 expression negatively correlated with P53 expression. Taken together, our results suggest that MAGEA2 plays an oncogenic role in glioma progression, and they provide insight into MAGEA2 application as a novel predictor of clinical outcomes and a potential glioma biomarker.