Anthracnose of Macleaya cordata Caused by Colletotrichum aenigma in China.

Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. is a perennial herbaceous medicinal plant (Papaveraceae) commercially cultivated in China which has been studied for detumescence, detoxification, and insecticidal effect (Lin et al. 2018). In August 2021, anthracnose was observed in 2-year-old M. cordata plants in Benxi county, northeast China (41°45'48″N, 123°69'15″E). Dozens of irregular reddish-brown spots (3-11 mm) were observed on each diseased leaf. The lesions were covered with a layer of gray-white mycelia. As the disease progressed, the spots became necrosis and perforation or they would merged into large lesions, ultimately resulting in wilted leaves (Fig. 1). More than 33% of the plants in a 16-ha field were infected in 2021. The diseased leaves were collected and cut into 3-8 mm pieces, surface-disinfested by immersing them into 1% NaOCl for 2 min, and rinsed three times with sterile distilled water. They were then dried with sterilized absorbent paper, placed on PDA medium amended with chloramphenicol (40 mg/L), and incubated in darkness at 25°C with a 12-h photoperiod. Twenty isolates (BLH1 to 20) were obtained and purified using a single-spore method. Isolate BLH12 was identified and used for the pathogenicity test. Colonies were sparsely fluffy with smooth edges, and gradually became gray to pale orange from the initial white. The underside of the colonies was pale orange towards the center. Conidia were single-celled, cylindrical, and transparent with broadly blunt ends, measuring (15.13 ± 1.14) × (5.80 ± 0.60) µm (n=50). Appressoria were single-celled, brown-to-dark brown, usually elliptical or irregular, and sometimes lobed. Setae were not observed. The isolate was initially identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides complex (Prihastuti et al. 2009). The identification was confirmed as described previously (Weir et al. 2012). The rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (OP415560), the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (OP433642), chitin synthase (OP433643), calmodulin (OP433644), actin (OP433645), glutamine synthetase (OP433646), ß-tubulin (OP433647), and superoxide dismutase (OP433648) gene sequences were obtained (Carbone & Kohn 1999; Weir et al. 2012), and BLAST searches revealed 99-100% homology with the type culture ICMP 18608 (JX010244, JX010044, JX009683, JX009443, JX009744, JX010078, JX010389, and JX010311). A phylogenetic analysis of combining all loci indicated BLH12 and the type strain of C. aenigma were clustered in one group (Fig. 2). Based on the basis of morphological characteristics and phylogenetic relationships, BLH12 was identified as C. aenigma. For the pathogenicity test, healthy 2-year-old plants were sprayed with a BLH12 spore suspension (1 × 105/mL). Control plants were sprayed with sterile water.There were three replicates (five plants each) per treatment. All plants were incubated at 25°C (12-h photoperiod and 86% relative humidity) and examined after 7 days. The experiment was repeated twice. The inoculated plants showed lesions on the leaf surface, similar to those in the field, whereas the control plants were asymptomatic. The pathogen was successfully reisolated and identified as the methods mentioned above. This fungus reportedly infects the leaves of many woody plants in China (Wang et al. 2020; Zhang et al. 2021). This is the first report of C. aenigma causing anthracnose on M. cordata, which will provide an guideline for developing effective field control practices for the disease.

Response of microbial community structure to chromium contamination in Panax ginseng-growing soil.

Chromium (Cr) contamination in soil poses a serious security risk for the development of medicine and food with ginseng as the raw material. Microbiome are critical players in the functioning and service of soil ecosystems, but their feedback to Cr-contaminated ginseng growth is still poorly understood. To study this hypothesis, we evaluated the effects of microbiome and different Cr exposure on the soil microbial community using Illumina HiSeq high-throughput sequencing. Our results indicated that 2467 OTUs and 1785 OTUs were obtained in 16S and ITS1 based on 97% sequence similarity, respectively. Bacterial and fungal diversity were affected significantly in Cr-contaminated soil. Besides, Cr contamination significantly changed the composition of the soil bacterial and fungal communities, and some biomarkers were identified in the different classification level of the different Cr-contaminated treatments using LEfSe. Finally, a heatmap of Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) indicated that Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicobia, and Parcubacteria in phylum level and Acidimicrobiia, Gemmatimonadetes, and Deltaproteobacteria in class level were positively correlated with AK, AP, and NO3--N (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), but negatively correlated with total Cr and available Cr (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Similarly, in the fungal community, Tubaria, Mortierellaceae, and Rhizophagus in the phylum level and Glomeromycetes, Agaricomycetes, and Exobasidiomycetes in the class level were positively correlated with AK, AP, and NO3--N (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), but negatively correlated with total Cr and available Cr (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Our findings provide new insight into the effects of Cr contamination on the microbial communities in ginseng-growing soil.

Effects of cadmium contamination on bacterial and fungal communities in Panax ginseng-growing soil.

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil poses a serious safety risk for the development of medicine and food with ginseng as the raw material. Microorganisms are key players in the functioning and service of soil ecosystems, but the effects of Cd-contaminated ginseng growth on these microorganisms is still poorly understood. To study this hypothesis, we evaluated the effects of microorganisms and Cd (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mg kg-1 of Cd) exposure on the soil microbial community using Illumina HiSeq high-throughput sequencing. RESULTS: Our results indicated that Cd-contaminated soil affected the soil microbial diversity and composition, and bacterial diversity was affected more than fungal diversity in Cd-contaminated soil, especially according to Shannon indices. The abundance of the soil microbial community decreased and the composition changed according to the relative abundances at the phylum level, including those of Saccharibacteria and Gemmatimonadetes in bacteria and Mortierellomycota in fungi. The LEfSe algorithm was used to identify active biomarkers, and 45 differentially abundant bacterial taxonomic clades and 16 differentially abundant fungal taxonomic clades were identified with LDA scores higher than 4.0. Finally, a heatmap of Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) indicated that some key biomarkers, Arenimonas, Xanthomonadales, Nitrosomonadaceae, Methylophilales, Caulobacterales, Aeromicrobium, Chitinophagaceae, Acidimicrobiales, Nocardioidaceae, Propionibacteriales, Frankiales, and Gemmatimonadaceae, were positively correlated with the total and available Cd (p<0.05) but negatively correlated with AK, AP, and pH (p<0.05) in the bacterial community. Similarly, in the fungal community, Tubaria, Mortierellaceae, and Rhizophagus were positively correlated with the total and available Cd but negatively correlated with AK, AP, TK, and pH. CONCLUSION: Cd contamination significantly affected microbial diversity and composition in ginseng-growing soil. Our findings provide new insight into the effects of Cd contamination on the microbial communities in ginseng-growing soil.

[Progress of studies on ATP-binding cassette transporters and transportation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants].

ATP-binding cassette(ABC) transporters are one of the largest protein families in organisms, with important effects in regulating plant growth and development, root morphology, transportation of secondary metabolites and resistance of stress. Environmental stress promotes the biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites, which determines the quality of medicinal plants. Therefore, how to improve the accumulation of secondary metabolites has been a hotspot in studying medicinal plants. Many studies have showed that ABC transporters are extremely related to the transportation and accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants. Recently, with the great development of genomics and transcriptomic sequencing technology, the regulatory mechanisms of ABC transporters on secondary metabolites have attached great attentions in medicinal plants. This paper reviewed the mechanisms of different groups of ABC transporters in transporting secondary metabolites through cell membranes. This paper provided key theoretical basis and technical supports in studying the mechanisms of ABC transporters in medicinal plant, and promoting the accumulation of secondary metabolites, in order to improve the quality of medicinal plants.

[Study on Chemical Constituents of Panzeria alaschanica].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of the ethyl acetate extract from Panzeria alaschanica. METHODS: The chemical constituents of ethyl acetate extract from Panzeria alaschanica were isolated and purified by silica gel. Their structures were i- dentified by means of spectra. RESULTS: Nine compounds were obtained and identified as 7-Methoxy coumarin (1), Isorhamnetin (2), Caf- feic acid (3), 5-Hydroxy-7,3',4'-trimethoxyflavone (4), 5-Hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone (5),Kaempferol (6), Isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-D- glucoside (7) Kaempferol-3-O-ß-D-glucoside (8), and Isorhamnetin-7-O-ß-D-glucuronyl-(1-->6)-O-α-L-rhamnoside (9). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-4,6,7 and 9 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Study on allelopathic effect of ginseng root exudates against its root callus].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of ginseng root exudates against its root callus and provide theoretic basis for allelopathic mechanism and continuous cropping obstacle. METHODS: We cultured ginseng root callus with MS culture medium whose concentration was equal to soil concentration of 80, 40, 20, 10, 5 gDW/mL and chose the optimum concentration for further study on allelopathic effect of ginseng root exudates against its root callus content of MDA and DNA. The root callus which was treated at different time was observed with paraffin slice method. RESULTS: The content of MDA increased quickly after cultured one day and was significantly different from control (P < 0.01), then gradually reduced. The content of DNA gradually reduced with culturing time and was dramatically different in the treatment (P < 0.01). The nucleolus gradually decreased, disaggregated and disappeared. CONCLUSION: The allelopathy of ginseng root exudates can destroy ginseng root callus membranous function and influence the amount of nucleolus. The cell division and differentiation are checked and the growth of ginseng root callus is inhibited.

[Study on Modified Xiaoyao Decoction combining Clomipramine treating depression].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of Modified Xiaoyao Decoction (MXD) combining clomipramine in treatment of depression. METHODS: One hundred and five depression patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The treated group (53 patients), all were differentiated as Gan-qi stagnation syndrome type and treated with MXD combining clomipramine 25-50 mg/d. The control group (52 patients) treated with clomipramine 75-225 mg/d alone. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks in both groups. Scores of depression was assessed with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) before treatment and at the 2nd, 4th, 8th week of the treatment, efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated with Global Impression of Change (CGI) and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) respectively. RESULTS: After treatment the scores in both groups were significantly different from those before treatment (P < 0.01), but no significant difference was found between the two groups (P > 0.05). Main adverse reactions were dry mouth, constipation in the treated group, much less than those in the control group, which were mainly dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, insomnia, blurred vision and prolonged Q-T interval (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: MXD combining clomipramine has the efficacy on depression similar to clomipramine, but has less adverse reactions.

Study on Modified Xiaoyao Decoction combining Clomipramine treating depression / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the efficacy of Modified Xiaoyao Decoction (MXD) combining clomipramine in treatment of depression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and five depression patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The treated group (53 patients), all were differentiated as Gan-qi stagnation syndrome type and treated with MXD combining clomipramine 25-50 mg/d. The control group (52 patients) treated with clomipramine 75-225 mg/d alone. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks in both groups. Scores of depression was assessed with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) before treatment and at the 2nd, 4th, 8th week of the treatment, efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated with Global Impression of Change (CGI) and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment the scores in both groups were significantly different from those before treatment (P < 0.01), but no significant difference was found between the two groups (P > 0.05). Main adverse reactions were dry mouth, constipation in the treated group, much less than those in the control group, which were mainly dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, insomnia, blurred vision and prolonged Q-T interval (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MXD combining clomipramine has the efficacy on depression similar to clomipramine, but has less adverse reactions.</p>

[Observation on therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on obesity induced by antipsychotics].

OBJECTIVE: To find out an effective therapy for obesity induced by antipsychotic agents. METHODS: One hundred and one cases of obesity who were being treated with antipsychotic agents were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. The observation group were treated with electroacupuncture at Quchi (LI 11), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and Xiajuxu (ST 39), once a day for 8 weeks; and no treatment was given to the control group. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was used for assessment of therapeutic effect and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) for adverse effects. RESULTS: The clinically effective rate of the observation group (54.9%) was superior to the control group (10.0%) with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The BPRS score-reducing rate was 24.92% and 28.62% in the both groups respectively, and with no adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture has a good therapeutic effect on obesity induced by antipsychotic agents, and it improves the patient's compliance with no adverse effect.

Observation on therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on obesity induced by antipsychotics / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To find out an effective therapy for obesity induced by antipsychotic agents.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and one cases of obesity who were being treated with antipsychotic agents were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. The observation group were treated with electroacupuncture at Quchi (LI 11), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and Xiajuxu (ST 39), once a day for 8 weeks; and no treatment was given to the control group. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was used for assessment of therapeutic effect and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) for adverse effects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The clinically effective rate of the observation group (54.9%) was superior to the control group (10.0%) with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The BPRS score-reducing rate was 24.92% and 28.62% in the both groups respectively, and with no adverse effects.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electroacupuncture has a good therapeutic effect on obesity induced by antipsychotic agents, and it improves the patient's compliance with no adverse effect.</p>