Iron toxicity-induced regulation of key secondary metabolic processes associated with the quality and resistance of Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius.

Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius can survive for long periods of time in iron toxicity-stressed environments, which cause rusty roots and reduced productivity. To reveal the proteomic changes in these two Panax species in response to iron toxicity stress, plants of these two species were divided into a control group and an iron toxicity-stress group. An isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomics approach was used to explore the changes in protein accumulation and the potential mechanisms underlying the response to iron toxicity stress in the two Panax species. Proteomic analyses revealed approximately 725 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the iron toxicity-stress and control groups, including 233 and 492 proteins whose expression was upregulated and downregulated, respectively. The expression of DEPs related to photosynthesis was significantly downregulated, and DEPs whose expression was significantly upregulated were associated with redox reactions. Many upregulated DEPs were also involved in pathways such as those involving phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, isoflavone and ginsenoside synthesis. The abundance of some ginsenoside monomers (Rg1 and Rb3) also significantly increased in P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius. Moreover, P. quinquefolius contained 455 DEPs whose expression was higher than that in P. ginseng, including many proteins related to the regulation of ion homeostasis, indicating that P. quinquefolius is more resistant to iron toxicity stress than P. ginseng is.

SLA-11 mutations are associated with litter size traits in Large White and Chinese DIV pigs.

Litter size is an important economic traits in pigs. SLA-11 gene is a member of SLA (swine leukocyte antigen) complex. In our previous study, the SLA-11 gene was differentially expressed in PMSG-hCG stimulated preovulatory ovarian follicles of Chinese Taihu and Large White sows. Here, we identified two mutations (c.754-132 T > C and c.1421 + 38 T > C) in SLA-11 gene and analyzed the associations of two SNPs with litter size traits in Large White (n = 263) and DIV (n = 117) sows. The results showed that in Large White pigs, SLA-11 c.754-132 CC sows produced 0.74 and 0.87 more pigs per litter for TNB and NBA of all parities than did TT sows (p < .05); In DIV pigs, SLA-11 c.754-132 CC sows produced 1.17 more pigs per litter for TNB of all parities than did TC sows (p < .05). In Large White pigs, SLA-11 c.1421 + 38 CC sows produced 0.9 more pigs per litter for TNB of all parities than did TT sows (p < .05), while in DIV pigs SLA-11 c.1421 + 38 CC sows produced 0.84 and 0.7 less pigs per litter for TNB and NBA of all parities than did TT sows (p < .05). Our research indicated that SLA-11 mutations were potential molecular markers for improving the litter size traits in pigs.

miR-17-5p affects porcine granulosa cell growth and oestradiol synthesis by targeting E2F1 gene.

Female fertility potential is based on the development and growth of ovarian follicles. Our previous study showed that miR-17-5p was significantly differently expressed in pre-ovulatory ovarian follicles of Large White (LW) and Chinese Taihu (CT) sows. In the present study, we investigated the role of miR-17-5p in ovarian follicle development. We demonstrated that miR-17-5p overexpression significantly decreased the luciferase reporter activity containing the E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) and suppressed the E2F1 expression, whereas the miR-17-5p inhibition increased the E2F1 expression in porcine granulosa cells (pGCs). Meanwhile, miR-17-5p overexpression or E2F1 knockdown promoted cell growth, follicular development marker genes (LHR, CYP19A1 and AREG) expression and oestradiol synthesis, and miR-17-5p inhibition suppressed cell growth, follicular development marker genes (LHR, CYP19A1 and AREG) expression and oestradiol synthesis in pGCs. Furthermore, E2F1 knockdown increased CYP19A1 promoter activity. This study suggests that miR-17-5p regulates pGC growth and oestradiol synthesis by targeting E2F1 gene.

[Photosynthetic characteristics and active ingredients differences of Asarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum under different light irradiance].

Chlorophyll content,leaf mass to per area,net photosynthetic rate and bioactive ingredients of Asarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum,a skiophyte grown in four levels of solar irradiance were measured and analyzed in order to investigate the response of photosynthetic capability to light irradiance and other environmental factors. It suggested that the leaf mass to per area of plant was greatest value of four kinds of light irradiance and decreasing intensity of solar irradiance resulted in the decrease of leaf mass to per area at every phenological stage. At expanding leaf stage,the rate of Chla and Chlb was 3. 11 when A. heterotropoides var. mandshuricum grew in full light irradiance which is similar to the rate of heliophytes,however,the rate of Chla and Chlb was below to 3. 0 when they grew in shading environment. The content of Chla,Chlb and Chl( a+b) was the greatest value of four kinds of light irradiance and decreasing intensity of solar irradiance resulted in its decreasing remarkably( P<0. 05). The rate of Chla and Chlb decreased but the content of Chla,Chlb and Chl( a+b) increased gradually with continued shading. The maximum value of photosynthetically active radiation appeared at 10: 00-12: 00 am in a day. The maximum value of net photosynthetic rate appeared at 8: 30-9: 00 am and the minimum value appeared at 14: 00-14: 30 pm at each phenological stage if plants grew in full sunlight. However,when plants grew in shading,the maximum value of net photosynthetic rate appeared at about 10: 30 am and the minimum value appeared at 12: 20-12: 50 pm at each phenological stage. At expanding leaf stage and flowering stage,the average of net photosynthetic rate of leaves in full sunlight was remarkably higher than those in shading and it decreased greatly with decreasing of irradiance gradually( P < 0. 05). However,at fruiting stage,the average of net photosynthetic rate of leaves in full sunlight was lower than those in 50% and 28% full sunlight but higher than those in 12% full sunlight. All photosynthetic diurnal variation parameters of plants measured in four kinds of different irradiance at three stages were used in correlation analysis. The results suggested that no significant correlation was observed between net photosynthetic rate and photosynthetically active radiation,and significant negative correlation was observed between net photosynthetic rate and environmental temperature as well as vapor pressure deficit expect for 12% full sunlight. Positive correlation was observed between net photosynthestic rate and relative humidity expect for 12% full sunlight. Significant positive correlation was observed between net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance in the four light treatments. Only,in 12% full sunlight,the net photosynthetic rate was significantly related to photosynthetically active radiation rather than related to environmental temperature,vapor pressure deficit and relative humidity. In each light treatment,a significant positive correlation was observed between environmental temperature and vapor pressure deficit,relative humidity as well as stomatal conductance. Volatile oil content was 1. 46%,2. 16%,1. 56%,1. 30% respectively. ethanol extracts was 23. 44%,22. 45%,22. 18%,21. 12% respectively. Asarinin content was 0. 281%,0. 291%,0. 279% and 0. 252% respectively. The characteristic components of Asarum volatile oil of plant in different light treatments did not change significantly among different groups.

Efficacy of neuromobilization in the treatment of low back pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability. Neuromobilization (NM) as a physical therapy technique, offers some degree of symptom improvement. However, some studies have shown that NM can significantly reduce the symptoms of LBP, while others have failed to find similar positive effects. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of NM for LBP. DATA SOURCES: A literature search was conducted across five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science) from their inception to December 2023. Study main measures assessed pain, disability, and straight leg raise angle to determine the degree of improvement in patients. RESULTS: Seven randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. The findings indicated that NM interventions in patients with LBP were more effective than control groups in improving Visual Analog Scale scores (mean difference = 0.62, 95% CI (0.03, 1.21)) and Oswestry Disability Index scores (mean difference = 7.54, 95% CI (4.98, 10.10)). There was no significant difference in straight leg raise results (mean difference = 0.18, 95% CI (-0.08, 0.44)). CONCLUSIONS: NM demonstrated effectiveness in improving Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index outcomes in patients with LBP, but straight leg raise outcomes are still uncertain and until more high-quality studies are included, the effectiveness of NM for SLR remains unknown.

Physiological and molecular mechanisms of silicon and potassium on mitigating iron-toxicity stress in Panax ginseng.

Iron plays a crucial role in plant chlorophyll synthesis, respiration, and plant growth. However, excessive iron content can contribute to ginseng poisoning. We previously discovered that the application of silicon (Si) and potassium (K) can mitigate the iron toxicity on ginseng. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of how Si and K alleviate iron toxicity stress in ginseng. We investigated the physiological and transcriptional effects of exogenous Si and K on Panax ginseng. The results suggested that the leaves of ginseng with Si and K addition under iron stress increased antioxidant enzyme activity or secondary metabolite content, such as phenylalanine amino-lyase, polyphenol oxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, total phenols and lignin, by 6.21%-25.94%, 30.12%-309.19%, 32.26%-38.82%, 7.81%-23.66%, and 4.68%-48.42%, respectively. Moreover, Si and K increased the expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with resistance to both biotic and abiotic stress, including WRKY (WRKY1, WRKY5, and WRKY65), bHLH (bHLH35, bHLH66, bHLH128, and bHLH149), EREBP, ERF10 and ZIP. Additionally, the amount of DEGs of ginseng by Si and K addition was enriched in metabolic processes, single-organism process pathways, signal transduction, metabolism, synthesis and disease resistance. In conclusion, the utilization of Si and K can potentially reduce the accumulation of iron in ginseng, regulate the expression of iron tolerance genes, and enhance the antioxidant enzyme activity and secondary metabolite production in both leaves and roots, thus alleviating the iron toxicity stress in ginseng.

Effect of aqueous extract of sanweitanxiang powder on calcium homeostasis protein expression in ischemic-reperfusion injury rat heart.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the underlying mechanism of reduced myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats using the traditional Tibetan medicine Sanweitanxiang powder (SWTX). METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10) as follows: (a) propranolol dinitrate control group, given propranolol dinitrate 0.02 g/kg for 10 days before I/R, (b) SWTX with a high dose group, given SWTX 1.5 g/kg for 10 days before I/R, (c) SWTX with a medium dose group, given SWTX 1.25 g/kg for 10 days before I/R, (d) sham group (Sham), in which the rat heart was exposed by pericardiotomy but without I/R, (e) SWTX with a low dose group, given SWTX 1.0 g/kg for 10 days before I/R, and (f) I/R injury group. Rats were intragastrically pretreated with propranolol dinitrate or SWTX. After that, the operation to cause ischemia and reperfusion was conducted. The histopathologic changes of rat hearts were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy. Ca2+ homeostasis protein expression was determined by western blot. RESULTS: After SWTX pretreatment, the development of ultrastructural pathological changes from IR injury was attenuated. A decrease in the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein, and an increase in the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 were observed. An increased activation of extracellular signal regulated kinases were found. Compared with the sham group, the expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase, phospholamban, and calsequestrin were all up-regulated after pretreatment with SWTX. CONCLUSION: The protective mechanism of SWTX pretreatment on myocardial I/R injury might be related to its effect on maintaining the balance of calcium homeostasis in rat heart.

Mechanism, application and effect evaluation of nerve mobilization in the treatment of low back pain: A narrative review.

Lower back pain is a prevalent condition affecting people across all age groups and causing significant personal and societal burdens. While numerous treatments exist, nerve mobilization has emerged as a promising approach for managing lower back pain. Nerve mobilization involves applying gentle and rhythmic movements to the affected nerves, promoting normal nerve function and releasing tension. It has been well documented that nerve mobilization can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with lower back pain, but the underlying mechanisms have not been clarified. This study aims to review the mechanisms of nerve mobilization in the management of lower back pain, its application, and effectiveness evaluation, and provide a potential solution for managing lower back pain.

Exploring the latest advancements in physical therapy techniques for treating cervical spondylosis patients: A narrative review.

Cervical spondylosis is a widespread medical condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Treatment options include surgical and conservative approaches, with conservative treatment often being the preferred choice. Rehabilitation therapy is an essential component of conservative treatment, and advancements in technology have the way to the development of new physiotherapy techniques. The effectiveness of treatment largely hinges on the patient's ability to improve their dysfunction. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the use of new physical therapy techniques, such as Sling Exercises Training (SET), fascia manipulation, muscle energy technique (MET), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), that aid the rehabilitation of cervical spondylosis. By scrutinizing the current research status of these techniques, this study aims to present innovative ideas enhancing the rehabilitation process and outcomes for patients suffering from cervical spondylosis.

EGPI-1, a novel eIF4E/eIF4G interaction inhibitor, inhibits lung cancer cell growth and angiogenesis through Ras/MNK/ERK/eIF4E signaling pathway.

eIF4E plays an important role in regulating tumor growth and angiogenesis, and eIF4E is highly expressed in a variety of lung cancer cell lines. siRNA eIF4E can significantly inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells, indicating that inhibition of eIF4E may become a novel anti-tumor target. In the previous study, we synthesized a series of small molecule compounds with the potential to inhibit eIF4E. Among them, the compound EGPI-1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of a variety of lung cancer cells such as A549, NCI-H460, NCI-H1650 and 95D without inhibiting the proliferation of HUVEC cells. Further studies found that EGPI-1 interfered with the eIF4E/eIF4G interaction and inhibited the phosphorylation of eIF4E in NCI-H460 cells. The results of flow cytometry showed that EGPI-1 induced apoptosis and G0/G1 cycle arrest in NCI-H460 cell. Interestingly, we also found that EGPI-1 induced autophagy and DNA damage in NCI-H460 cells. The mechanism results showed that EGPI-1 inhibited the Ras/MNK/ERK/eIF4E signaling pathway. Moreover, EGPI-1 inhibited tube formation of HUVECs, as well as inhibited the neovascularization of CAM, proving the anti-angiogenesis activity of EGPI-1. The NCI-H460 xenograft studies showed that EGPI-1 inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo by regulating Ras/MNK/ERK/eIF4E pathway. Our studies proved that eIF4E was a novel target for regulating tumor growth, and the eIF4E/eIF4G interaction inhibitor EGPI-1 was promising to develop into a novel anti-lung cancer drug.

Group delay dispersion measurement of a dispersive mirror by spectral interferometry: comparison of different signal processing algorithms.

We built a dispersive white-light spectral interferometer for precisely measuring the dispersion properties of a multilayer thin-film structure. A novel algorithm with improved robustness to measurement errors is presented by combining a windowed Fourier transformation with wavelet-based differentiation. Compared with previously published algorithms, this method shows substantial resistance to measurement errors. The group delay dispersion properties of bulk materials and a homemade chirped mirror are measured by our apparatus, and the measurement result manifests considerable accuracy and robustness. The technique shows reasonable potential for the characterization of ultrabroadband chirped mirrors.

Regularized frequency-stabilizing method for single closed-fringe interferogram demodulation.

We present a simple and fast regularized frequency-stabilizing method for single open- or closed-fringe interferogram demodulation. The proposed method recovers the phase maps of interferograms by establishing a cost function, according to prior knowledge. Because only the phase field to be estimated is employed in the cost function, the optimization process is fast. Moreover, the recovered phase is continuous, and no further phase unwrapping is necessary. Computer simulation and experimental results have demonstrated both the rapidity and the efficiency of the method.

A novel external esophageal perfusion model for reflux-associated respiratory symptoms.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been linked to a number of extra-esophageal symptoms and disorders, primarily in the respiratory tract. Current animal models of reflux esophagitis are adapted to diseases of the digestive system, rather than to reflux-associated respiratory symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel external esophageal perfusion model to induce esophageal, tracheal and pneumonic histological injury similar to that associated with GERD. METHODS: Twenty guinea pigs were randomized to the acid-treated or PBS-treated group. Esophageal catheters were used to perfuse the esophageal lumen of guinea pigs with hydrochloric acid containing 1 g/l pepsin or PBS for 14 days. The total cell number and cell differential counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined 24 h after the last perfusion. Histological changes in the esophageal, tracheal and pneumonic tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS: The numbers of lymphocytes, eosinophils and total inflammatory cells in the BALF were significantly higher in acid-perfused than PBS-perfused animals. Histological evidence suggested esophageal and pneumonic inflammations were prominent in acid-treated animals. CONCLUSION: Repetitive, acid-perfused, esophageal events copied the animal models of reflux esophagitis, and elicited inflammatory responses in the airways and lungs of guinea pigs.

Nerve growth factor mediated SH2-Bbeta/Akt signal pathway activated in allergic airway challenge in mice.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Nerve growth factor (NGF) contributes to airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction in allergic asthma. The Src homology 2beta/serine/threonine kinase (SH2-Bbeta/Akt) pathway is one of the avenues through which NGF regulates the biological activity of pheochromocytoma (PC)12 cells. It has also been reported that NGF upregulates the expression of SH2-Bbeta in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice. The present study investigated the effects of NGF and SH2-Bbeta on Akt activation during allergic airway challenge. METHODS: BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. The effects of NGF and SH2-Bbeta on Akt in allergic airway challenge were assessed by intravenously administering anti-NGF antibody or a mutant of SH2-Bbeta (R555E) to these mice. Pulmonary histological changes were then assessed and the inflammatory cells in the BAL fluid (BALF) were counted. Additionally, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) expression was determined by fluorescence microscopy, western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR. Airway resistance was also measured using closed-type body plethysmography. RESULTS: We observed p-Akt overexpression in the lungs after allergen challenge by fluorescence microscopy, Western blotting and RT-PCR, as compared with the control. However, after treatment with anti-NGF or R555E, p-Akt levels and allergen-induced airway inflammation were reduced in comparison with those of allergen-challenged mice. Anti-NGF and R555E also decreased airway hyperresponsiveness caused by allergen challenge in response to methacholine (MCH). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that SH2-Bbeta regulation of Akt partly participates in the NGF-mediated development of allergic airway challenge.

A case report of lineage switch from T-cell acute leukemia to B-cell acute leukemia.

RATIONALE: ALL is the most common form of leukemia (75% to 80%), it is characterized by clonal expansion of the lymphoid blasts in bone marrow, blood, and other tissues, which can be divided into T lineage and B lineage. Although relapse of acute leukemia is common, a change of immunophenotype at relapse only occurs rarely. Some of these cases have been labeled "lineage switch". PATIENT CONCERNS: A 31-year-old man had multiple lymph nodes in the neck, and the lymph nodes on the right side adhered to the surrounding tissues. His lymphocytes ratio in blood was up to 86.3%. Flow cytometry of the bone marrow aspirate showed positive results for CD2, CD5, CD7, cCD3, TDT, CD4, CD8, and CD10, negative results for CD34, CD117, CD33, HLA-DR, CD19, and CD20. Twenty six months later, the patient felt pain in the neck and shoulder after touching. His lymphocytes of blood were 109.9×109 /L. 43 fusion genes and positive BCR/ABL was detected. Flow cytometry of the bone marrow aspirate showed pro B lymphocytes accounted for 85.54%, and positive expression of CD38, CD10, CD34, CD33, TDT, CD9, and HLA-DR. Moreover, the RT-PCR data showed the patient expressed high level of T cell and B cell development transcription factors. DIAGNOSES: Upon examination, the patient was initially diagnosed with T-lineage pro cell ALL. BM morphologic analysis presented complete remission (CR) after systemic chemotherapy. Twenty six months later, we discovered the patient was diagnosed with B-lineage acute lymphocytic leukemia. INTERVENTIONS: Systemic chemotherapy is first given when a patient was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After the patient happened linage switch, we adjusted the treatment plan, and the patient was complete remission after 1 course of treatment. OUTCOMES: Our case provides information of lineage switch from T-ALL to B-ALL in this report, which is never seen in our knowledge. LESSONS: This lineage switch from T-ALL to B-ALL is never reported beforemoreover, the RT-PCR data showed the patient expressed high level of T cell and B cell development transcription factors. Its early recognition can let doctor provides appropriate therapy to patient.

[The expression of substance P in airway mucosa of guinea pigs with repetitive esophageal stimulation by hydrochloric acid].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of substance P (SP) in the airway mucosa of guinea pigs with repetitive esophageal stimulation by hydrochloric acid (HCL). METHODS: Twenty adult guinea pigs were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 10 each): (1) The HCL model group: On the day of experimentation, guinea pigs were maintained under ketamine anesthesia. A 5F catheter was inserted orally into the lumen of the middle and lower esophagus. The esophagus of each animal was perfused with HCl-P for 20 min/d for 14 d. (2) The PBS control group: The esophagus of each animal was perfused with PBS instead. The bronchial responsiveness to Ach given intravenously with increasing doses (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 microg/kg) was measured after the last perfusion. The left lung was isolated for pathological examination. Lung sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and other sections were prepared for immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against SP. RESULTS: In response to increasing doses of ACh, all guinea pigs showed dose-dependent increases in R(L). However, when the dose of ACh was increased to 25 microg/kg, the airway responsiveness increased significantly in the HCl-P model animals compared with the PBS control group (t values = 43.057, 51.410, 57.359 respectively, all P<0.01). The mean gray values of SP decreased significantly in the tracheal epithelia and the distal airway walls of the model group compared with the PBS control group (t values = 3.44, 2.16 respectively, all P<0.01). CONCLUSION: There was airway neurogenic inflammation in guinea pigs with repetitive esophageal stimulation by HCL, which maybe closely related to the pathogenesis of gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Co(II)-grafted Ag3PO4 photocatalysts with unexpected photocatalytic ability: Enhanced photogenerated charge separation efficiency, photocatalytic mechanism and activity.

Since the photocatalytic capability is determined by the separation and transmission efficiency of photoinduced charges, its improvement remains a challenge for development of efficient photocatalysts. Here, we made large improvement on the surface of Ag3PO4 using Co(II)-grafted Ag3PO4 by a hydrothermal method. During the photocatalytic process, Co(II) was oxidized to Co(III) by the photogenerated holes under visible light radiation, which enhanced the separation efficiency of photogenerated charges. Meanwhile, the Co(III) as-formed could oxidize dye molecules, which recovered the Co(II). The synergy of Co(II) and Ag3PO4 greatly promoted the separation and transmission efficiency of the photogenerated charges, and severely improved the photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4. The surface grafted Co(II) on Ag3PO4 is responsible for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity.

Super-high photocatalytic activity, stability and improved photocatalytic mechanism of monodisperse AgBr doped with In.

Monodisperse In(3+) doped AgBr (In-AgBr) nanoparticles were synthesized by a hydrothermal route. The pure AgBr and In-AgBr samples were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, measurement of total organic carbon, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry. In-AgBr was more photocatalytically active than pure AgBr in photodegradation of 20 mg/L methyl orange under visible light irradiation (λ>420 nm). The 0.05 mol/L In-AgBr sample showed the highest photodegradation efficiency and high stability. The doped In(3+) expanded the light absorption range, reduced the band gap of AgBr and improved the utilization of photons. The additional In(3+) can inhibit the formation of Ag particles on the surface of AgBr, which can further stabilize AgBr. The doped In(3+) in AgBr served as a temporary site for trapping of photoinduced electrons, and thereby obviously restrained the recombination of photoinduced electron-hole pairs on the surface of AgBr. The enhanced photocatalytic ability of In-AgBr may be mainly attributed to the improved separation efficiency of photogenerated charges.

Developmental characteristics and aluminum resistance of root border cells in rice seedlings.

The developmental characteristics of root border cells (RBCs) and their role in protection of root apices of rice seedling from Al toxicity were evaluated in two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars differing in Al tolerance. Root elongation and RBCs viability were used as indicators for Al effects. The formation of RBCs and the emergence of the root tip occurred almost simultaneously. Treatment of the root with Al inhibited root elongation and increased Al accumulation in the root tips. Physical removal of RBCs from root tips resulted in a more severe inhibition of root elongation and a higher Al accumulation in the root tips. These effects were more pronounced in the Al-sensitive rice cultivar (II You 6216) than that in the Al-tolerant rice cultivar (II You 838). The relative viability of attached and detached RBCs decreased with increasing Al concentrations. Al also induced a thicker mucilage layer surrounding attached RBCs of both cultivars, and detached RBCs did not. Maintaining the abundant live RBCs encapsulated root tip and enhancing their mucilage secretion, appear to be important in alleviating Al toxicity and in allowing exclusion of Al from the rice root apex.

Response and tolerance of root border cells to aluminum toxicity in soybean seedlings.

Root border cells (RBCs) and their secreted mucilage are suggested to participate in the resistance against toxic metal cations, including aluminum (Al), in the rhizosphere. However, the mechanisms by which the individual cell populations respond to Al and their role in Al resistance still remain unclear. In this research, the response and tolerance of RBCs to Al toxicity were investigated in the root tips of two soybean cultivars [Zhechun No. 2 (Al-tolerant cultivar) and Huachun No. 18 (Al-sensitive cultivar)]. Al inhibited root elongation and increased pectin methylesterase (PME) activity in the root tip. Removal of RBCs from the root tips resulted in a more severe inhibition of root elongation, especially in Huachun No. 18. Increasing Al levels and treatment time decreased the relative percent viability of RBCs in situ and in vitro in both soybean cultivars. Al application significantly increased mucilage layer thickness around the detached RBCs of both cultivars. Additionally, a significantly higher relative percent cell viability of attached and detached RBCs and thicker mucilage layers were observed in Zhechun No. 2. The higher viability of attached and detached RBCs, as well as the thickening of the mucilage layer in separated RBCs, suggest that RBCs play an important role in protecting root apices from Al toxicity.