Variations of soil metal content, soil enzyme activity and soil bacterial community in Rhododendron delavayi natural shrub forest at different elevations.

BACKGROUND: Rhododendron delavayi is a natural shrub that is distributed at different elevations in the karst region of Bijie, China, and that has an important role in preventing land degradation in this region. In this study, we determined the soil mineral element contents and soil enzyme activities. The composition of the soil bacterial community of R. delavayi at three elevations (1448 m, 1643 m, and 1821 m) was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing, and the interrelationships among the soil bacterial communities, mineral elements, and enzyme activities were determined. RESULTS: The Shannon index of the soil bacterial community increased and then decreased with increasing elevation and was highest at 1643 m. Elevations increased the number of total nodes and edges of the soil bacterial community network, and more positive correlations at 1821 m suggested stronger intraspecific cooperation. Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla at all three elevations. The Mantel test and correlation analysis showed that Fe and soil urease significantly affected bacterial communities at 1448 m; interestingly, Chloroflexi was positively related to soil urease at 1448 m, and Actinobacteria was positively correlated with Ni and Zn at 1821 m. Fe and soil urease significantly influenced the bacterial communities at lower elevations, and high elevation (1821 m) enhanced the positive interactions of the soil bacteria, which might be a strategy for R. delavayi to adapt to high elevation environments. CONCLUSION: Elevation significantly influenced the composition of soil bacterial communities by affecting the content of soil mineral elements and soil enzyme activity.

Regulation of mineral elements in Hordeum brevisubulatum by Epichloë bromicola under Cd stress.

In this study, wild barley (Hordeum brevisubulatum) infected (E+) and uninfected (E-) by Epichloë bromicola were used for hydroponic experiments during the seedling stage. Various attributes, such as the effect of fungal endophyte on the growth and development of wild barley, the absorption of cadmium (Cd) and mineral elements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn), subcellular distribution, and chemical forms were investigated under CdCl2 stress. The results showed that the fungal endophy significantly reduced the Ca content and percentage of plant roots under Cd stress. The Fe and Mn content of roots, the mineral element content of soluble fractions, and the stems in the pectin acid or protein-chelated state increased significantly in response to fungal endophy. Epichloë endophyte helped Cd2+ to enter into plants; and reduced the positive correlation of Ca-Fe and Ca-Mn in roots. In addition, it also decreased the correlation of soluble components Cd-Cu, Cd-Ca, Cd-Mg in roots, and the negative correlation between pectin acid or protein-chelated Cd in stems and mineral elements, to increase the absorbance of host for mineral elements. In conclusion, fungal endophy regulated the concentration and distribution of mineral elements, while storing more Cd2+ to resist the damage caused by Cd stress. The study could provide a ground for revealing the Cd tolerance mechanism of endophytic fungal symbionts.

The present study is the first to study the effect of fungal endophy on essential mineral elements of plants under heavy metal stress, filling a gap in the existing research. The study could be helpful to reveal the mechanism of endophytic fungi to improve the host's tolerance to heavy metals and provide a foundation for the grass-endophyte symbionts to improve heavy metal-contaminated soils as ecological grasses.

Short- and mid-term outcomes of abdominoperineal resection with perineal mesh insertion: a single-centre experience.

PURPOSE: Abdominoperineal resection (APR) remains a key procedure for the treatment of low rectal/anorectal cancers. However, perineal wound closure remains challenging, particularly in extralevator abdominoperineal resection (ELAPR) due to gapped tissue planes. Different approaches have been attempted to improve perineal wound repair. The aim of this study is to report our 6-year experience in perineal wound closure utilising biological mesh. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study using data from our prospectively maintained database, including patients who underwent APR with perineal mesh closure between 2016 and 2021. RESULTS: 49  patients underwent APR with perineal mesh reconstruction for low rectal cancer during the 6-year period. Of these, 63% were males, with a mean age of 68 (± 11), and a mean BMI of 27.9 (± 13.7). 49% (24) of patients received neoadjuvant therapy. 88% (43) of patients underwent standard "S-APR" and only 12% (6) underwent ELAPR. Majority of procedures were laparoscopic (87.8%) with conversion rate of 6.9%. Mean length of stay was 11.7 (± 11.6). The perineal wound infection rate was 30% and only two patient required mesh removal due to entero-cutaneous perineal fistula and pelvic abscess. Perineal hernia was found in only two patients (4.1%). CRM was negative in 81.6% of the patients. Mean follow-up period was 29.2 (± 16.5) months, and disease recurrence occurred in 9 (18.3%) patients with average number of months for recurrence of 21 (± 7). Overall survival during the follow-up period was 91%. CONCLUSION: Our series shows a favourable short- and medium-term outcome with routine insertion of mesh for perineal wound closure.

Differences in the Characteristics and Pathogenicity of Pyrenophora Species Associated with Seeds of Italian Ryegrass.

Pyrenophora is a genus of pathogens that cause leaf damage and a common seedborne fungus of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). To elucidate the main seedborne Pyrenophora species, 36 seed samples of Italian ryegrass were collected; in total, 113 strains, representing 12.3% of all isolated strains (921), were identified as Pyrenophora species using the identity of ITS sequences in NCBI and the similarity of morphological characteristics. P. dictyoides (97) was the most frequent species. By pure culture technique, 24 representative pure isolates were obtained for further study. Based on DNA analysis of multiple loci (ITS, LSU, GPDH, CHS-1, and RPB1) and morphological characters, eight Pyrenophora species were identified, P. avenicola, P. chaetomioides, P. dictyoides, P. lolii, P. nobleae, P. teres, P. triseptata, and P. tritici-repentis; among them, P. avenicola, P. tritici-repentis, and P. triseptata were newly reported on Italian ryegrass worldwide. Seed inoculation showed that P. dictyoides, P. lolii, and P. teres remarkably decreased the final germination percentages and germination indexes compared with control treatments (P ≤ 0.05); and plant inoculation showed that P. dictyoides, P. lolii, and P. nobleae could cause typical brown spot in vivo with a higher infection rate (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, pathogenicity tests showed that all Pyrenophora species could both inhibit seed germination and infect Italian ryegrass to different degrees; among them, P. dictyoides was the most important seedborne pathogen based on the combination of its isolation and infection rate, followed by P. lolii and P. nobleae. The data generated in this study are helpful for the accurate identification of Pyrenophora species and the development of seedborne disease management strategies.

Diplocarpon mespilicola sp. nov. Associated with Entomosporium Leaf Spot on Hawthorn in China.

Entomosporium leaf spot (ELS) is a serious hawthorn disease that mainly causes premature leaf senescence in various hawthorn growing areas worldwide. Diplocarpon mespili is the most commonly reported pathogen causing hawthorn ELS. From 2016 to 2018, hawthorn ELS disease surveys and samplings were carried out in five regions in three provinces of China. The disease incidence was about 20 to 95%. A total of 186 single-spored Diplocarpon isolates were obtained and identified using morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that all isolates clustered, suggesting a distinct species that is here proposed as D. mespilicola sp. nov. This is the first report of the pathogen causing ELS on hawthorn in China, and it is similar to the species D. mespili. To explore the influence of temperature on the epidemiology of D. mespilicola, we studied the continuous influence of temperature and time on the germination of conidia by using nine time points and eight temperature gradient observations. This study indicated that the optimum temperature for conidial germination was 20.4°C, and the minimum germination time was 4.9 h. Using this information to develop a predictive model may provide a basis for disease management in hawthorn production in the future.

Elucidating the Molecular Mechanisms by which Seed-Borne Endophytic Fungi, Epichloë gansuensis, Increases the Tolerance of Achnatherum inebrians to NaCl Stress.

Seed-borne endophyte Epichloë gansuensis enhance NaCl tolerance in Achnatherum inebrians and increase its biomass. However, the molecular mechanism by which E. gansuensis increases the tolerance of host grasses to NaCl stress is unclear. Hence, we firstly explored the full-length transcriptome information of A. inebrians by PacBio RS II. In this work, we obtained 738,588 full-length non-chimeric reads, 36,105 transcript sequences and 27,202 complete CDSs from A. inebrians. We identified 3558 transcription factors (TFs), 15,945 simple sequence repeats and 963 long non-coding RNAs of A. inebrians. The present results show that 2464 and 1817 genes were differentially expressed by E. gansuensis in the leaves of E+ and E- plants at 0 mM and 200 mM NaCl concentrations, respectively. In addition, NaCl stress significantly regulated 4919 DEGs and 502 DEGs in the leaves of E+ and E- plants, respectively. Transcripts associated with photosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, amino acids metabolism, flavonoid biosynthetic process and WRKY TFs were differentially expressed by E. gansuensis; importantly, E. gansuensis up-regulated biology processes (brassinosteroid biosynthesis, oxidation-reduction, cellular calcium ion homeostasis, carotene biosynthesis, positive regulation of proteasomal ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolism and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis) of host grass under NaCl stress, which indicated an increase in the ability of host grasses' adaptation to NaCl stress. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the molecular mechanism for E. gansuensis to increase the tolerance to salt stress in the host, which provides a theoretical basis for the molecular breed to create salt-tolerant forage with endophytes.

Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum with a foreign body mimicking acute appendicitis: A rare complication.

Meckel's diverticulum mimicking acute appendicitis is a very rare condition encountered in practice. MD is asymptomatic in most of cases and only about 4 to16% of cases develop complications. Perforation of MD by a foreign body is even rarer being only reported in few cases in the literature. The surgical management might be wedge resection or segmental resection and primary anastomoses depending on the intra operative findings. We report a case with foreign body impaction in MD with perforation mimicking acute appendicitis.

Role of pelvic X-ray in blunt trauma patients -- A university hospital experience in Oman.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the safety of the advanced trauma life support algorithm by comparing the incidence of pelvic fractures diagnosed by pelvic X-ray and computed tomography and to evaluate the need of pelvic X-ray in the management of haemodynamically stable polytrauma patients in whom computed tomography is deemed necessary. METHODS: The prospective study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman, from January to December 2012, and comprised stable blunt trauma patients treated according to advanced trauma life support guidelines. All the patients underwent pelvic X-ray on presentation and later had computed tomography scan of abdomen and pelvis. Radiology reports were filed by the on-call radiologist prospectively. The reports were reviewed retrospectively. Data was analysed using SPSS 19. RESULTS: Of the 67 patients, 59(88%) were male and 8(12%) were females. The overall mean age was 32.09±12.28 years (range: 14-77 years) Pelvic X-rays showed no fracture in 62(92.5%) cases compared to 55(82.1%) scans. All cases that were positive on pelvic X-ray were detected by scan. Pelvic X-ray revealed only 4(6%) patients as having only pelvic fracture and 1(1.5%) as femoral head fracture. Computed tomography scan was able to detect 6(9%) pelvic fractures, 2(3%) femoral fractures and 4(6%) lumbar fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography scan was found to be superior in detecting pelvic, femoral and lumbar fractures.

Diagnostic dilemmas in Intraductal papillomas of the breast - Experience at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in the Sultanate of Oman.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to correlate the significance and accuracy of the colour of nipple discharge and breast ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis of intraductal papilloma. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 34 patients who underwent 36 microdochectomies in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) in the Sultanate of Oman, over a 4 year period of January 2009 till December 2012. The confounders considered were patient age, physical examination findings, nipple discharge cytology result, ultrasound results and biopsy report following microdochectomy. Comparisons analysis, charts and graphs were made using the SPSS software (version 20). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 44(27-73) years old. Twenty-seven out 36 (75%) patients had presented with nipple discharge, 14 out 27 (52%) had blood stained nipple discharge and 13(48%) with coloured discharge (yellow, brown and green), 9 patients had no discharge. The final histopathology showed intraductal papilloma 13 (36%), duct ectasia 18(50%), DCIS 1 (2.7%), fibrocystic disease 3(8.3%) and LCIS 1(2.7%). Thirteen out of 36 had intraductal papilloma on final histopathology. The correlation between blood stained discharge and final histopathology of intraductal papilloma was insignificant (p=0.44). CONCLUSION: Nipple discharge is irrelevant to the diagnosis of intraductal papilloma. Spontaneous nipple discharge regardless of color is to be referred to breast surgeon and to be assessed with triple assessment. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment.

Molecular assessment of oat head blight fungus, including a new genus and species in a family of Nectriaceae.

Head blight (HB) of oat (Avena sativa) has caused significant production losses in oats growing areas of western China. A total of 314 isolates, associated with HB were collected from the major oat cultivating areas of Gansu, Qinghai, and Yunnan Provinces in western China. Based on morphological characters, the isolates were initially classified into three genera, as differentiation to species was a bit difficult. Taxonomic analysis of these isolates based on muti-gene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, TEF1, TUB2, and RPB2) revealed four known Fusarium species, F. proliferatum, F. avenaceum, F. poae, and F. sibiricum, and one Acremonium specie (A. sclerotigenum). In addition, a new genus Neonalanthamala gen. nov., similar to genus Nalanthamala was introduced herein with a new combination, Neonalanthamala graminearum sp. nov., to accommodate the HB fungus. The molecular clock analyses estimated the divergence time of the Neonalanthamala and Nalanthamala based on a dataset (ITS, TUB2, RPB2), and we recognized the mean stem ages of the two genera are 98.95 Mya, which showed that they evolved from the same ancestor. N. graminearum was the most prevalent throughout the surveyed provinces. Pathogenicity test was carried out by using two different methods: seed inoculation and head inoculation. Results showed that F. sibiricum isolates were the most aggressive on the seed and head. A. sclerotigenum isolates were not pathogenic to seeds, and were developed less symptoms to the head compared to other species. Data analyses showed that the correlation of the germination potential, germination index, and dry weight of seed inoculation and disease index of plant inoculation had a highly significant negative correlation (P < 0.001). These results showed that the development of HB might be predicted by seed tests for this species. A. sclerotigenum and N. graminearum causing HB are being firstly reported on oat in the world. Similarly, F. proliferatum, F. avenaceum, F. poae and F. sibiricum causing oat HB are firstly reported in China.

Interactions between Epichloë endophyte and the plant microbiome impact nitrogen responses in host Achnatherum inebrians plants.

The clavicipitaceous fungus Epichloë gansuensis forms symbiotic associations with drunken horse grass (Achnatherum inebrians), providing biotic and abiotic stress protection to its host. However, it is unclear how E. gansuensis affects the assembly of host plant-associated bacterial communities after ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) treatment. We examined the shoot- and root-associated bacterial microbiota and root metabolites of A. inebrians when infected (I) or uninfected (F) with E. gansuensis endophyte. The results showed more pronounced NH4+-N-induced microbial and metabolic changes in the endophyte-infected plants compared to the endophyte-free plants. E. gansuensis significantly altered bacterial community composition and ß-diversity in shoots and roots and increased bacterial α-diversity under NH4+-N treatment. The relative abundance of 117 and 157 root metabolites significantly changed with E. gansuensis infection under water and NH4+-N treatment compared to endophyte-free plants. Root bacterial community composition was significantly related to the abundance of the top 30 metabolites [variable importance in the projection (VIP) > 2 and VIP > 3] contributing to differences between I and F plants, especially alkaloids. The correlation network between root microbiome and metabolites was complex. Microorganisms in the Proteobacteria and Firmicutes phyla were significantly associated with the R00693 metabolic reaction of cysteine and methionine metabolism. Co-metabolism network analysis revealed common metabolites between host plants and microorganisms.IMPORTANCEOur results suggest that the effect of endophyte infection is sensitive to nitrogen availability. Endophyte symbiosis altered the composition of shoot and root bacterial communities, increasing bacterial diversity. There was also a change in the class and relative abundance of metabolites. We found a complex co-occurrence network between root microorganisms and metabolites, with some metabolites shared between the host plant and its microbiome. The precise ecological function of the metabolites produced in response to endophyte infection remains unknown. However, some of these compounds may facilitate plant-microbe symbiosis by increasing the uptake of beneficial soil bacteria into plant tissues. Overall, these findings advance our understanding of the interactions between the microbiome, metabolome, and endophyte symbiosis in grasses. The results provide critical insight into the mechanisms by which the plant microbiome responds to nutrient stress in the presence of fungal endophytes.

Comparative Analyses of Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Microula sikkimensis and Related Species of Boraginaceae.

The present study provides a detailed analysis of the chloroplast genome of Microula sikkimensis. The genome consisted of a total of 149,428 bp and four distinct regions, including a large single-copy region (81,329 bp), a small single-copy region (17,261 bp), and an inverted repeat region (25,419 bp). The genome contained 112 genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes, and some exhibited duplication in the inverted repeat region. The chloroplast genome displayed different GC content across regions, with the inverted repeat region exhibiting the highest. Codon usage analysis and the identification of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) offer valuable genetic markers. Comparative analysis with other Boraginaceae species highlighted conservation and diversity in coding and noncoding regions. Phylogenetic analysis placed M. sikkimensis within the Boraginaceae family, revealing its distinct relationship with specific species.

Pheochromocytoma in the organ of Zuckerkandl with distant skeletal metastases - A case report.

Pheochromocytomas are rare catecholamine-secreting neuroendocrine tumors that originate from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. They cause severe hypertension and various clinical manifestations. While most arise in the adrenal medulla, some occur in extra-adrenal locations.We present a case report with clinical, laboratory and radiographic data, along with a brief literature review. We report a 33-year-old woman who presented with flushing and sharp lower abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasound and urinary metanephrines suggested a pheochromocytoma. Subsequent Computed tomography (CT) and Ga-DOTATATE Positron emission tomography/Computed tomography (PET/CT) scans confirmed a pheochromocytoma in the organ of Zuckerkandl with distant bony metastasis. Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas, or paragangliomas, are rare tumors found in specific anatomical locations. Their diagnostic challenges stem from variable clinical presentations and imaging findings. CT scans and Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT scans are crucial in diagnosis and prognosis. Surgical resection can cure localized cases, while metastatic disease requires palliative options, such as chemotherapy and I131-MIBG, due to a poorer prognosis.

Discovery of Epichloë as novel endophytes of Psathyrostachys lanuginosa in China and their alkaloid profiling.

The Epichloë genus represents a significant group of above-ground endophytes extensively researched for their potential applications in agriculture and ecology. Additionally, Epichloë species synthesize bioactive alkaloids, which generally cause health problems in livestock and have detrimental effects on the performance of insect herbivores. Psathyrostachys lanuginosa serves as a valuable forage grass for livestock owing to its high nutritional value and resilience in adverse environmental conditions. Nevertheless, to date, no reports have documented Epichloë as endophytes of P. lanuginosa. In this study, four strains (PF5, PF9, QG2, and QG4) were isolated and identified through morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic analyses as endophytes of P. lanuginosa. Morphological analysis indicated colony characteristics and conidia features consistent with symbiotic Epichloë, with no significant differences observed in growth rates or conidia dimensions among the four strains. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed all strains as E. bromicola. Additionally, alkaloid biosynthetic genes were detected, revealing differences in the potential synthesis of peramine and indole diterpenoid alkaloids among strains from different geographic origins. However, all four E. bromicola strains exhibited similar potential for synthesizing ergot alkaloids, but not loline alkaloids. Overall, this study identified P. lanuginosa as a novel host for E. bromicola and provided insights into the alkaloid profiles of these strains, laying a solid foundation for the scientific and rational utilization of Epichloë resources.

Effects of Grazing and Leaf Spot Disease on the Structure and Diversity of Phyllosphere Microbiome Communities in Leymus chinensis.

Leymus chinensis is a high-quality forage with wide distribution. Disease is an important factor affecting the yield and quality of L. chinensis. To investigate the effect of grazing on the phyllosphere microbiome community and leaf spot disease in L. chinensis, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to study the differences in the composition and structure of the phyllosphere fungal and bacterial communities of healthy and diseased leaves under different grazing intensities. The results showed that grazing significantly reduced leaf spot disease incidence and severity. There were significant differences in the phyllosphere microbiome composition between healthy and diseased leaves, and interestingly, diseased leaves showed more complex microbial activity. Grazing altered the relative abundance of micro-organisms and affected microbial dispersal and colonization either directly through behavior or indirectly by altering plant community structure. In this study, we found that the phyllosphere microbiome responded strongly to pathogen infection, and that plants recruited beneficial microbes to protect themselves after disease development. Grazing could regulate microbial community composition and structure, either directly or indirectly, and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of L. chinensis.

Cost-Effectiveness of Routine Histopathological Analysis of Doughnuts after Colorectal Surgery Three-Year Single-Centre Experience.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of routine histological examination of stapled colorectal anastomotic doughnuts in patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery (RCS). Justification of biopsy examination could form part of the strategies of NHS net zero practice with effort to reduce wastage and carbon footprint. Method: A data analysis of all patients undergoing RCS during 2019-2021 at our institute was performed. We also analysed the cost of preparing and reviewing histology slides. Results: 52 patients underwent anterior resection during the aforementioned period. Doughnuts were sent in 37 (71%) patients. 23 (62%) patients were male, and 14 (38%) were female. The median age at diagnosis was 68 (range 54-84) years. All resected specimens were adenocarcinomas. Of the 37 patients, 18 (49%) underwent low anterior resection and 19 (51%) underwent high anterior resection. Proximal doughnuts were sent in 26 (70%) patients, whereas distal doughnuts were sent in all cases. Mean distal microscopic resection margin from tumour was 22 mm (range 6-45 mm). Each doughnut required 3 slides, each costing £50 and requiring 82 minutes to fix and read. This incurred a cost of £13,650 and required 19,656 hours of preparation time. All of the doughnuts as well as resection margins were negative for malignancy. Conclusion: Routine histopathological examination of doughnuts is time and cost-intensive however provides little or no clinical value (particularly analysis of the proximal doughnut). Distal doughnuts should only be sent for histological examination in exceptional circumstances.

Accuracy of references: comparison between two premier Pakistani medical journals.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two premier Pakistani medical journals for errors in references of original articles published in the year 2008. METHODS: All original articles of the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association and the Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan published in 2008 were included in the study. References pertaining to journals were included in the study, whereas references pertaining to other sources such as books internet articles, websites and newspapers were excluded. Errors were categorised into author error, article title error, journal title error, year of publication error, volume error and page number error. The data was analysed through SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: References from 200 original articles (100 each from both journals) were evaluated. Only 19 (9.5%) articles were found to be free of error with no significant difference between the two journals. On evaluation of 3783 references, the overall reference error was found to be 1015 (26.8%): 531 (31%) in JPMA and 484 (23.4%) in JCPSP. The author error was the commonest error among these references (n = 490; 13%), followed by page error (n = 297; 7.9%), article title error (n = 222; 5.9%), and journal title error (n = 189; 5%). JCPSP had statistically significant more article errors, whereas JPMA had statistically significant more journal title and page errors. CONCLUSION: Reference errors constitute an avoidable but substantial lapse of medical literature. The magnitude of reference errors is much higher than expected.

Soil microbial community compositions and metabolite profiles of Achnatherum inebrians affect phytoremediation potential in Cd contaminated soil.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination poses serious risks to soil ecosystems and human health. Herein, the effect of two drunken horse grasses (Achnatherum inebrians) including endophytes Epichloë gansuensis infected (E+ ) and uninfected (E-) on the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils were analyzed by coupling high-throughput sequencing and soil metabolomics. The results showed that the high-risk soil Cd decreased and the medium- and low-risk Cd fraction increased to varying degrees after planting E+ and E- plants in the soil. Meanwhile, total Cd content decreased by 19.7 % and 35.1 % in E+ and E- A. inebrians-planted soils, respectively. Principal coordinate analysis revealed a significant impact of E+ and E- plants on the soil microbial community. Most stress-tolerant and gram-positive functional bacterial taxa were enriched to stabilize Cd(II) in E+ planted soil. Several beneficial fungal groups related to saprotroph and symbiotroph were enriched to absorb Cd(II) in E- soil. Soil metabolomic analysis showed that the introduction of A. inebrians could weaken the threat of CdCl2 to soil microbe metabolism and improve soil quality, which in turn promoted plant growth and improved phytoremediation efficiency in Cd-contaminated soil. In conclusion, A. inebrians plants alleviate soil Cd pollution by regulating soil microbial metabolism and microbial community structure. These results provide valuable information for an in-depth understanding of the phytoremediation mechanisms of A. inebrians.

Effect of Fungal Endophyte Epichloë bromicola Infection on Cd Tolerance in Wild Barley (Hordeum brevisubulatum).

Hydroponic Hordeum brevisubulatum (wild barley) was used as material in the greenhouse to study the effects of endophyte infection on plant growth, Cd absorption and transport, subcellular distribution, and Cd chemical forms under CdCl2 stress. Endophytic fungi respond positively to chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency under Cd stress. The order of Cd absorption in different parts of the plant was: roots > stems > leaves. Endophyte infection increased the plant's absorption and transport of Cd while causing a significant difference in the stem, which was associated with the distribution density of endophyte hyphae. The proportion of organelle Cd in endophyte-infected wild barley was significantly higher, which facilitated more Cd transport to aboveground. Cd stress showed a slight effect on the chemical forms of Cd in leaves. The proportion of phosphate, oxalate, and residual Cd increased in the stem. Cd existed in the form of inorganic salt, organic acid, pectin, and protein in roots. Endophyte infection reduced the Cd content of the more toxic chemical forms to protect the normal progress of plant physiological functions. Therefore, the isolation of cell walls and vacuoles is a key mechanism for plant Cd tolerance and detoxification. As endophyte infections have more ability to absorb Cd in plants, H. brevisubulatum−Epichloë bromicola symbionts can improve heavy metal contaminated soil and water.