Greenhouse covering cultivation promotes chlorophyll accumulation of tea plant (Camellia sinensis) by activating relevant gene expression and enzyme activity.

BACKGROUND: The tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is one of the most economically important woody crops. Plastic greenhouse covering cultivation has been widely used in tea areas of northern China. Chlorophyll is not only the crucial pigment for green tea, but also plays an important role in the growth and development of tea plants. Currently, little is known about the effect of plastic greenhouse covering cultivation on chlorophyll in tea leaves. RESULTS: To investigate the effect of plastic greenhouse covering cultivation on chlorophyll in tea leaves, color difference values, chlorophyll contents, gene expression, enzyme activities and photosynthetic parameters were analyzed in our study. Sensory evaluation showed the color of appearance, liquor and infused leaves of greenhouse tea was greener than field tea. Color difference analysis for tea liquor revealed that the value of ∆L, ∆b and b/a of greenhouse tea was significantly higher than field tea. Significant increase in chlorophyll content, intracellular CO2, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and net photosynthetic rate was observed in greenhouse tea leaves. The gene expression and activities of chlorophyll-metabolism-related enzymes in tea leaves were also activated by greenhouse covering. CONCLUSION: The higher contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll in greenhouse tea samples were primarily due to higher gene expression and activities of chlorophyll-metabolism-related enzymes especially, chlorophyll a synthetase (chlG), pheophorbide a oxygenase (PAO) and chlorophyllide a oxygenase (CAO) in tea leaves covered by greenhouse. In general, our results revealed the molecular basis of chlorophyll metabolism in tea leaves caused by plastic greenhouse covering cultivation, which had great significance in production of greenhouse tea.

The impact of anxiety and depression on lumbar spine surgical outcomes: a Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative study.

OBJECTIVE: The presence of depression and anxiety has been associated with negative outcomes in spine surgery patients. While it seems evident that a history of depression or anxiety can negatively influence outcome, the exact additive effect of both has not been extensively studied in a multicenter trial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a patient's history of anxiety and depression and their patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after lumbar surgery. METHODS: Patients in the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative registry undergoing lumbar spine surgery between July 2016 and December 2021 were grouped into four cohorts: those with a history of anxiety only, those with a history of depression only, those with both, and those with neither. Primary outcomes were achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function 4-item Short Form (PROMIS PF), EQ-5D, and numeric rating scale (NRS) back pain and leg pain, and North American Spine Society patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included surgical site infection, hospital readmission, and return to the operating room. Multivariate Poisson generalized estimating equation models were used to report incidence rate ratios (IRRs) from patient baseline variables. RESULTS: Of the 45,565 patients identified, 3941 reported a history of anxiety, 5017 reported a history of depression, 9570 reported both, and 27,037 reported neither. Compared with those who reported having neither, patients with both anxiety and depression had lower patient satisfaction at 90 days (p = 0.002) and 1 year (p = 0.021); PROMIS PF MCID at 90 days (p < 0.001), 1 year (p < 0.001), and 2 years (p = 0.006); EQ-5D MCID at 90 days (p < 0.001), 1 year (p < 0.001), and 2 years (p < 0.001); NRS back pain MCID at 90 days (p < 0.001) and 1 year (p < 0.001); and NRS leg pain MCID at 90 days (p < 0.001), 1 year (p = 0.024), and 2 years (p = 0.027). Patients with anxiety only (p < 0.001), depression only (p < 0.001), or both (p < 0.001) were more likely to be readmitted within 90 days. Additionally, patients with anxiety only (p = 0.015) and both anxiety and depression (p = 0.015) had higher rates of surgical site infection. Patients with anxiety only (p = 0.006) and depression only (p = 0.021) also had higher rates of return to the operating room. CONCLUSIONS: The authors observed an association between a history of anxiety and depression and negative outcome after lumbar spine surgery. In addition, they found an additive effect of a history of both anxiety and depression with an increased risk of negative outcome when compared with either anxiety or depression alone.

Does Tighter Glycemic Control Beyond Hemoglobin A1c of 8% Improve Outcome for Lumbar Spine Surgery? A MSSIC Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk of postoperative adverse outcomes. Previous studies have emphasized the role of glycemic control in postoperative complications. This study aims to ascertain whether controlling hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) lower than 8% preoperatively results in meaningful risk reduction or improved outcomes. METHODS: We used patient-level data from the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative registry, focusing on patients who underwent elective lumbar spine surgery between 2018 and 2021. The primary outcomes were length of stay and the occurrence of postoperative adverse events. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction, achievement of a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Physical Function, the EuroQol-5D and NRS of leg and back pain, and return to work. RESULTS: A total of 11 348 patients were included in this analysis. Patients with HbA1c above the thresholds before surgery had significantly higher risks of urinary retention for all 3 possible threshold values (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.30, P = .015; IRR = 1.35, P = .001; IRR = 1.25, P = .011 for the HbA1c cutoffs of 8%, 7.5%, and 7%, respectively). They also had longer hospital stay (IRR = 1.04, P = .002; IRR = 1.03, P = .001; IRR = 1.03, P < .001 for the HbA1c cutoffs of 8%, 7.5%, and 7%, respectively) and had higher risks of developing any complication with HbA1c cutoff of 7.5% (IRR = 1.09, P = .010) and 7% (IRR = 1.12, P = .001). Diabetics with preoperative HbA1c above all 3 thresholds were less likely to achieve Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System MCID at the 90-day follow-up (IRR = .81, P < .001; IRR = .86, P < .001; IRR = .90, P = .007 for the HbA1c cutoffs of 8%, 7.5%, and 7%, respectively) and less likely to achieve EuroQol-5D MCID at the 2-year follow-up (IRR = .87, P = .027; IRR = .84, P = .005 for the HbA1c cutoffs of 7.5% and 7%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that reducing HbA1c below 8% may have diminishing returns regarding reducing complications after spine surgery.

Variations of main quality components of matcha from different regions in the Chinese market.

Matcha has a unique aroma of seaweed-like, which is popular with Chinese consumers. In order to effectively understand and use matcha for drinks and tea products, we roundly analyzed the variation of main quality components of 11 matcha samples from different regions in the Chinese market. Most of matcha samples had lower ratio of tea polyphenols to amino acids (RTA), and the RTA of 9 samples of matcha was less than 10, which is beneficial to the formation of fresh and mellow taste of matcha. The total volatile compounds concentrations by HS-SPME were 1563.59 ~ 2754.09 mg/L, among which terpenoids, esters and alcohols were the top three volatile components. The total volatile compounds concentrations by SAFE was 1009.21 ~ 1661.98 mg/L, among which terpenoids, heterocyclic compounds and esters ranked the top three. The 147 volatile components with high concentration (>1 mg/L) and no difference between samples are the common odorants to the 11 samples of matcha. The 108 distinct odorants had differences among the matcha samples, which were important substances leading to the different aroma characteristics. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) showed that 11 samples of matcha were well clustered according to different components. Japanese matcha (MT, MY, ML, MR, MJ) could be clustered into two categories. The aroma composition of Guizhou matcha (GM1, GM2) was similar to that of Japanese matcha, 45 volatile components (decanal, pyrazine, 3,5-diethyl-2-methyl-, 1-hexadecanol, etc. were its characteristic aroma components. The aroma characteristics of Shandong matcha and Japanese matcha (ML, MR, MJ) were similar, 15 volatile components (γ-terpinene, myrtenol, cis-3-hexenyl valerate, etc.) were its characteristic aroma components. While Jiangsu matcha and Zhejiang matcha have similar aroma characteristics due to 225 characteristic aroma components (coumarin, furan, 2-pentyl-, etc). In short, the difference of volatile components formed the regional flavor characteristics of matcha. This study clarified the compound basis of the flavor difference of matcha from different regions in the Chinese market, and provided a theoretical basis for the selection and application of matcha in drinks and tea products.

Ipsilateral comminuted distal radius and comminuted radial head fractures with posterolateral elbow dislocation: A case report and literature review.

We report an uncommon case of ipsilateral comminuted distal radius and comminuted radial head fractures with posterolateral elbow dislocation. A 51-year-old female had a fall that resulted in a comminuted distal radius fracture with an ipsilateral comminuted radial head fracture and posterolateral dislocation of the elbow. Clinical evaluation revealed that her left elbow was posteriorly dislocated and her left wrist was deformed. Plain radiographs showed an intraarticular fracture of the distal end of the radius and a comminuted radial head fracture with a proximally migrated radius. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also showed lateral ulnar collateral ligament injuries. We addressed her distal radius with an anatomical locking plate and then treated her comminution radial head fracture with a radial head replacement. Postoperative radiographs showed a good reduction. The Cooney score was 90 at one year postoperatively.

Effect of thermal process on the key aroma components of green tea with chestnut-like aroma.

BACKGROUND: Chestnut-like aroma is one of the unique qualities of Chinese green tea and has become an important factor influencing consumer decisions. However, the chemical formation mechanism of chestnut-like aroma during green tea processing remains unclear. In this study, the dynamic changes of key components contributing to chestnut-like aroma and their precursors were analyzed in fresh leaves, fixation leaves, first baking tea leaves, and green tea. RESULTS: The thermal process had an important effect on volatile components in tea leaves, causing a significant decrease of alcohols and esters and a significant increase of ketones, acids, phenols, and sulfur compounds. Furthermore, 31 volatiles were identified as the key odorants responsible for chestnut-like aroma of green tea, including dimethyl sulfide, methyl isobutenyl ketone, 2-methylbutanal, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, d-limonene, methyl 2-methylvalerate, linalool, decanal, longifolene, phenylethyl alcohol, l-α-terpineol, jasmone, and so on. And the majority of these odorants were only formed in the drying stage. Additionally, isoleucine, theanine, methionine, and glucose were found to be involved in the formation of chestnut-like aroma of green tea. CONCLUSION: The drying process played a vital important role in the formation of chestnut-like aroma of green tea. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Aluminum Supplementation Mediates the Changes in Tea Plant Growth and Metabolism in Response to Calcium Stress.

Tea plants are more sensitive to variations in calcium concentration compared to other plants, whereas a moderate aluminum concentration facilitates the growth and development of tea plants. Aluminum and calcium show a competitive interaction with respect to the uptake of elements, consequently exerting physiological effects on plants. To further explore these interactions, in this study, we used the solution culture method to treat tea plants with two calcium concentrations (0.8 mM and 5.6 mM) and three aluminum concentrations (0 mM, 0.4 mM, and 1 mM). We then determined the influence of the combined treatments on root growth and quality compound accumulation in the tissues by a combination of phenotype, gene expression, and metabolite analyses. Moderate aluminum supplementation (0.4 mM) alleviated the inhibition of root growth caused by high calcium stress. High calcium stress significantly inhibited the accumulation of most amino acids (e.g., Glutamic acid, Citulline, and Arginine) and organic acids (e.g., a-ketoglutaric acid) in the roots, stems, and leaves, whereas aluminum deficiency significantly increased most amino acids in the roots and leaves (except Serine, Alanine, and Phenylalanine in the roots and Ser in the leaves), with a more than two-fold increase in Arg and Lysine. High calcium stress also induced the accumulation of secondary metabolites such as epigallocatechin gallate and procyanidin in the roots, whereas aluminum supplementation significantly reduced the contents of flavonol glycosides such as quercetin, rutin, myricitrin, and kaempferitrin, as well as caffeine, regardless of calcium concentration. Aluminum supplementation reversed some of the changes in the contents of leaf metabolites induced by calcium stress (e.g., 4-dihydroquercetin, apigenin C-pentoside, phenethylamine, and caffeine). Overall, calcium stress caused severe growth inhibition and metabolic disorders in tea plants, which could be reversed by aluminum supplementation, particularly in maintaining the root tips and the accumulation of secondary metabolites. These results provide a theoretical basis for improving calcium-aluminum nutrient management to promote tea plant growth and quality.

Hepatic dysfunctions in COVID-19 patients infected by the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Presently, the omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) dominates amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but its clinical characteristics with intrinsic severity and organ tropism remain understudied. Methods: We reported 1,001 mild COVID-19 patients that were infected with the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and hospitalized in China from February to June 2022, including their demographic information, medical/immunization history, clinical symptom, and hematological profile. Patients with one-, two- and three-dose vaccination were compared to assess the vaccine effectiveness. Importantly, liver damage caused by the omicron variant infection was evaluated, in comparison to that caused by the wild-type or the delta variant SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: For the reported COVID-19 patients infected by the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, their median age was 36.0 [interquartile range (IQR): 26.0-50.0] and 49.7% were female. Hypertension, diabetes, and bronchitis were the leading comorbidities, and asymptomatic patients took up a major portion (61.2%). While most hematological parameters revealed the alleviated pathogenicity, full vaccination or booster shot showed effective protection against clinical severity. Furthermore, liver damages caused by viral infection of the omicron variant were largely attenuated when compared to those by infection of the wild-type or the delta variant SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: Our results supported that the viremic effect of the omicron variant tended to be modest, while the liver damage caused by this strain became milder than the previous circulating variants.

Characterization of the Key Aroma Compounds of Shandong Matcha Using HS-SPME-GC/MS and SAFE-GC/MS.

Shandong matcha has the quality characteristics of bright green color, seaweed-like aroma and strong, fresh and brisk taste. In order to identify the characteristic aroma components and clarify the contribution of the grinding process to the aroma of Shandong matcha. Three grades of Shandong matcha and corresponding tencha material were firstly tested with sensory evaluation, and the volatile components were extracted with headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and analyzed using GC-MS. The sensory evaluation results showed that high-grade matcha (M-GS) had prominent seaweed-like, fresh and roasted notes, whereas medium and low-grade matcha (M-G1, M-G2) were gradually coupled with grassy, fatty and high-fired aromas. GC-MS results showed that in the HS-SPME method, heterocyclic compounds (45.84-65.35%) were the highest in Shandong matcha, followed by terpenoids (7.44-16.92%) and esters (6.91-15.27%), while in the safe method, esters were the highest (12.96-24.99%), followed by terpenoids (10.76-25.09%) and heterocyclic compounds (12.12-17.07%). As a whole, the composition of volatile components between M-G1 and M-G2 is relatively close, and there are more differences in volatile components between them and M-GS. The volatile components unique to M-GS were screened using the odor activity value (OAV) evaluation method, with components such as 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol, 3-ethyl-Phenol, 2-thiophenemethanethiol, 2,4-undecadienal, (E,E)-2,6-nonadienal, (E,Z)- being evaluated. There were other differentially volatile components, that is, volatile components that coexist in the three grades of matcha, but with different concentrations and proportions. M-G1 and M-G2 contained more volatile substances with high-fired aroma, such as 2-ethyl-3-methyl-pyrazine, coumarin and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline. The grinding process not only changes the appearance of tencha, but also increases the content of volatile components of matcha as a whole, enhancing the aroma and flavor characteristics of matcha. In this study, the contents of 24 volatile components in matcha were mainly increased, such as benzene, (2,2-dimethoxyethyl)-, cis-7-decen-1-al, safranal and fenchyl acetate. The dual factors of material tencha and matcha grinding technology are indispensable in forming the differences in aroma and flavor of Shandong matcha at different levels.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the calmodulin-binding transcription activator (CAMTA) family genes in tea plant.

BACKGROUND: As a type of calmodulin binding protein, CAMTAs are widely involved in vegetative and reproductive processes as well as various hormonal and stress responses in plants. To study the functions of CAMTA genes in tea plants, we investigated bioinformatics analysis and performed qRT-PCR analysis of the CAMTA gene family by using the genomes of 'ShuChaZao' tea plant cultivar. RESULTS: In this study, 6 CsCAMTAs were identified from tea plant genome. Bioinformatics analysis results showed that all CsCAMTAs contained six highly conserved functional domains. Tissue-specific analysis results found that CsCAMTAs played great roles in mediating tea plant aging and flowering periods. Under hormone and abiotic stress conditions, most CsCAMTAs were upregulated at different time points under different treatment conditions. In addition, the expression levels of CsCAMTA1/3/4/6 were higher in cold-resistant cultivar 'LongJing43' than in the cold-susceptible cultivar 'DaMianBai' at cold acclimation stage, while CsCAMTA2/5 showed higher expression levels in 'DaMianBai' than in 'LongJing43' during entire cold acclimation periods. CONCLUSIONS: In brief, the present results revealed that CsCAMTAs played great roles in tea plant growth, development and stress responses, which laid the foundation for deeply exploring their molecular regulation mechanisms.

Hydrogen Peroxide Activated by Biochar-Supported Sulfidated Nano Zerovalent Iron for Removal of Sulfamethazine: Response Surface Method Approach.

Biochar (BC)-supported sulfide-modified nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI/BC) was prepared using the liquid-phase reduction method for the application of the removal of sulfamethazine (SMZ) from water. The reaction conditions were optimized by the Box−Behnken response surface method (RSM). A model was constructed based on the influence factors of the removal rate, i.e., the carbon-to-iron ratio (C/Fe), iron-sulfur ratio (Fe/S), pH, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and the influence of each factor on the removal efficiency was investigated. The optimal removal process parameters were determined based on theoretical and experimental results. The results showed that the removal efficiency was significantly affected by the C/Fe ratio and pH (p < 0.0001) but relatively weakly affected by the Fe/S ratio (p = 0.0973) and H2O2 concentration (p = 0.022). The optimal removal process parameters were as follows: 0.1 mol/L H2O2, a pH of 3.18, a C/Fe ratio of 0.411, and a Fe/S ratio of 59.75. The removal rate of SMZ by S-nZVI/BC was 100% under these conditions. Therefore, it is feasible to use the Box−Behnken RSM to optimize the removal of emerging pollutants in water bodies by S-nZVI/BC.

Association Between Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and COVID-19 Severity in Delta Variant SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Studies have discovered that wild-type SARS-CoV-2 infections are commonly linked to abnormalities in the hematological profiles of COVID-19 patients, one such abnormality being characterized by elevations in red blood cell distribution width (RDW). Whether this linkage reoccurs in delta variant SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unexamined. Here we compared baseline blood parameters in COVID-19 patients infected by wild type and its delta variant, respectively. Our results here point to that although the delta variant has shown increased virulence, transmissibility, and vaccine escape, it has a minimally negative impact on RDW values that were previously found prognostic for COVID-19 severity.

A new torsion tester based on an electronic autocollimator for characterizing the torsional behaviors of microfibers.

Torsional properties of single fibers have considerable effects on the performance of fabrics. A new torsion tester with high resolution is developed based on the torsion-balance method and the autocollimation principle for measuring the torsional properties of single fibers. The tester can measure the torque accurately using the torsion wire of known torsional rigidity. The angular displacement of the torsion wire is measured by a non-contact electronic autocollimator. The calibration results show that the maximum torque capability is around 6 × 10-6 N m with a theoretical resolution of about 8 × 10-11 N m. The instrument's validity is verified by comparing the measurement result with that obtained by a torsion pendulum. Torsion tests on four industrially microfibers, including glass fiber, polyimide fiber, carbon fiber, and gold wire, are performed with the tester, which gives shear moduli 71.0 ± 0.4, 5.6 ± 0.1, 22.6 ± 3.1, and 34.3 ± 0.5 GPa, respectively. Young's moduli of these fibers are also provided. It is demonstrated that these fibers have a high anisotropy in mechanical properties.

Race, Ethnicity, Neighborhood Characteristics, and In-Hospital Coronavirus Disease-2019 Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Despite many studies reporting disparities in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) incidence and outcomes in Black and Hispanic/Latino populations, mechanisms are not fully understood to inform mitigation strategies. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to test whether neighborhood factors beyond individual patient-level factors are associated with in-hospital mortality from COVID-19. We hypothesized that the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a neighborhood census-block-level composite measure, was associated with COVID-19 mortality independently of race, ethnicity, and other patient factors. RESEARCH DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort study examining COVID-19 in-hospital mortality. SUBJECTS: Inclusion required hospitalization with positive SARS-CoV-2 test or COVID-19 diagnosis at three large Midwestern academic centers. MEASURES: The primary study outcome was COVID-19 in-hospital mortality. Patient-level predictors included age, sex, race, insurance, body mass index, comorbidities, and ventilation. Neighborhoods were examined through the national ADI neighborhood deprivation rank comparing in-hospital mortality across ADI quintiles. Analyses used multivariable logistic regression with fixed site effects. RESULTS: Among 5999 COVID-19 patients median age was 61 (interquartile range: 44-73), 48% were male, 30% Black, and 10.8% died. Among patients who died, 32% lived in the most disadvantaged quintile while 11% lived in the least disadvantaged quintile; 52% of Black, 24% of Hispanic/Latino, and 8.5% of White patients lived in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods.Living in the most disadvantaged neighborhood quintile predicted higher mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.74; 95% confidence interval: 1.13-2.67) independent of race. Age, male sex, Medicare coverage, and ventilation also predicted mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Neighborhood disadvantage independently predicted in-hospital COVID-19 mortality. Findings support calls to consider neighborhood measures for vaccine distribution and policies to mitigate disparities.

Properties of the overall hospital Star Ratings and consumer choice.

OBJECTIVES: To examine characteristics of the CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings related to their use by consumers for choosing hospitals. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study using secondary data analyses. METHODS: Hospital Star Rating data reported in February 2019 and additional quality data from California and New York were used, with a mix of analytical approaches including descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, and Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The distribution of hospitals' Star Rating summary scores was tightly compressed, with no hospitals at or near the scores that would be obtained if a hospital were either best or worst across all quality domains. Hospitals did not consistently perform well or poorly across the range of measures and quality groups included in the Star Ratings. On average, for a given quality measure included in the Star Rating program, 12% of 1-star hospitals received top-quartile scores and 16% of 5-star hospitals received bottom-quartile scores. No significant associations were found between hospitals' overall Star Ratings and their performance on a set of condition-specific quality measures for hospitals in California and New York State. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals' overall scores clustered in the middle of the potential distribution of scores; no hospitals were either best at everything or worst at everything. The Star Ratings did not predict hospital quality scores for separate quality measures related to specific medical conditions or health care needs. These 2 observations suggest that the Star Ratings are of limited value to consumers choosing hospitals for specific care needs.

A species-specific triplex PCR assay for authentication of Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum.

A triplex PCR assay was developed to identify animal species and adulteration of a natural medicine Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum (GGEC). Three species-specific primer sets were designed according to the difference in mitochondrial genome of Gallus gallus domesticus, Anas platyrhynchos and Anser anse. The PCR conditions were optimized and the assay was well validated for high specificity and sensitivity (1 mg/µL). Especially, when artificial adulterants made from the mixture of three species were analyzed, the assay has still exhibited strong capability of differentiation. By using this developed method, two batches out of fourteen commercial GGEC products were identified to be adulterated by Anser anse. The newly proposed assay showed sufficient merits as a regular tool for the identification of counterfeits or adulterants of GGEC product for their pulverized and processed form, and even Chinese patent medicines composed of these species.

Metabolomics analysis reveals the responses of tea plants to excessive calcium.

BACKGROUND: The proper growth and development of tea plants requires moderately acidic soils and relatively low calcium levels, and excessive calcium at high pH can damage tea plant roots. To reveal the effects of calcium on the responses of tea plant to three pH levels (3.5, 5.0 and 6.5), a repeated test of two factors was designed. RESULTS: Root growth and elemental analysis indicated that excessive calcium improved the growth of tea roots at low pH conditions, whereas it did not harm the growth of tea roots under normal and high pH conditions, especially at pH 6.5. Excessive calcium antagonized the absorption and utilization of magnesium by tea plants. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results showed that the addition of Ca2+ resulted in the primary metabolism in roots being more active at a low pH level. By contrast, it had obvious adverse effects on the accumulation of root metabolites with high calcium treatment at normal or high pH. Differential metabolites identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry indicated that flavonoids demonstrated the largest number of changes, and their biosynthesis was partially enriched with excessive calcium at low and high pH conditions, whereas it was down-regulated under normal pH conditions. Kaempferol 3-(2'-rhamnosyl-6'-acetylgalactoside) 7-rhamnoside, quercetin 3-(6'-sinapoylsophorotrioside) and delphinidin 3-(3'-p-coumaroylglucoside) showed the greatest increase. The results of gene expression related to root growth and calcium regulation were consistent with root growth and root metabolism. CONCLUSION: The overall results demonstrated that high Ca concentrations further aggravate the detrimental effects of high pH to tea roots. However, it is interesting that excessive calcium reduced the harm of a low pH on tea root growth to some extent. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of tea plant autophagy-related genes (CsARGs) demonstrates that they play diverse roles during development and under abiotic stress.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy, meaning 'self-eating', is required for the degradation and recycling of cytoplasmic constituents under stressful and non-stressful conditions, which helps to maintain cellular homeostasis and delay aging and longevity in eukaryotes. To date, the functions of autophagy have been heavily studied in yeast, mammals and model plants, but few studies have focused on economically important crops, especially tea plants (Camellia sinensis). The roles played by autophagy in coping with various environmental stimuli have not been fully elucidated to date. Therefore, investigating the functions of autophagy-related genes in tea plants may help to elucidate the mechanism governing autophagy in response to stresses in woody plants. RESULTS: In this study, we identified 35 C. sinensis autophagy-related genes (CsARGs). Each CsARG is highly conserved with its homologues from other plant species, except for CsATG14. Tissue-specific expression analysis demonstrated that the abundances of CsARGs varied across different tissues, but CsATG8c/i showed a degree of tissue specificity. Under hormone and abiotic stress conditions, most CsARGs were upregulated at different time points during the treatment. In addition, the expression levels of 10 CsARGs were higher in the cold-resistant cultivar 'Longjing43' than in the cold-susceptible cultivar 'Damianbai' during the CA period; however, the expression of CsATG101 showed the opposite tendency. CONCLUSIONS: We performed a comprehensive bioinformatic and physiological analysis of CsARGs in tea plants, and these results may help to establish a foundation for further research investigating the molecular mechanisms governing autophagy in tea plant growth, development and response to stress. Meanwhile, some CsARGs could serve as putative molecular markers for the breeding of cold-resistant tea plants in future research.