Biochar addition and reduced irrigation modulates leaf morpho-physiology and biological nitrogen fixation in faba bean-ryegrass intercropping.

Intercropping legume with grass has potential to increase biomass and protein yield via biological N2-fixation (BNF) benefits, whereas the joint effects of biochar (BC) coupled with deficit irrigation on intercropping systems remain elusive. A 15N isotope-labelled experiment was implemented to investigate morpho-physiological responses of faba bean-ryegrass intercrops on low- (550 °C, LTBC) or high-temperature BC (800 °C, HTBC) amended sandy-loam soil under full (FI), deficit (DI) and partial root-zone drying irrigation (PRD). LTBC and HTBC significantly reduced intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUE) by 12 and 14 %, and instantaneous WUE by 8 and 16 %, respectively, in faba bean leaves, despite improved photosynthetic (An) and transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (gs). Compared to FI, DI and PRD lowered faba bean An, gs and Tr, but enhanced leaf-scale and time-integrated WUE as proxied by the diminished shoots Δ13C. PRD enhanced WUE as lower gs, Tr and guard cell length than DI-plants. Despite higher carbon ([C]) and N concentration ([N]) in faba bean shoots amended by BC, the aboveground C- and N-pool of faba bean were reduced, while these pools increased for ryegrass. The N-use efficiency (NUE) in faba bean shoots was reduced by 9 and 14 % for LTBC and HTBC, respectively, but not for ryegrass. Interestingly, ryegrass shoots had 52 % higher NUE than faba bean shoots. The N derived from atmosphere (% Ndfa) was increased by 2 and 9 % under LTBC and HTBC, respectively, while it decreased slightly by reduced irrigation. Quantity of BNF in faba bean aboveground biomass decreased with HTBC coupled with reduced irrigation, mainly towards decreased biomass and soil N uptake by faba bean. Therefore, HTBC might not be a feasible option to improve WUE and BNF in faba bean-ryegrass intercropping, but PRD is permissible as the clear trade-off between BC and PRD.

Perceived COVID-19 Stress and Suicidal Ideation Among College Students: Meditation Roles of Family Cohesion and Unmet Interpersonal Needs.

Purpose: Few studies examined variables that might explain the link between perceived COVID-19 stress and suicidal ideation. The present study tested a multiple-sequence mediation model with family cohesion, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness as mediators. Methods: The current study surveyed 1098 college students in China using questionnaires concerning perceived COVID-19 stress, family cohesion, unmet interpersonal needs, and suicide ideation. Results: Perceived COVID-19 stress was significantly associated with family cohesion, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and suicidal ideation. Family cohesion, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness mediated the relationship between perceived COVID-19 stress and suicidal ideation separately. These factors also had multiple sequence-mediated effects between perceived COVID-19 stress and suicidal ideation. Conclusion: The study revealed pathways from perceived COVID-19 stress to suicidal ideation and suggested that interventions to increase family cohesion and reduce one's unmet interpersonal needs were beneficial in decreasing individuals' suicidal ideation.

An Ultrathin Composite Polymer Electrolyte Dual-Reinforced by a Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIM-1) and Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) Porous Membrane.

The performances of solid-state polymer electrolytes are urgently required to be further improved for high energy density lithium metal batteries. Herein, a highly reinforced ultrathin composite polymer electrolyte (PLPP) is successfully fabricated in a large scale by densely filling the well-dispersed mixture of polyethylene oxide (PEO), Li-salt (LiTFSI) and a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) into porous poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) matrix. Based on the macro-plus-micro synergistic enhancement of the PTFE with excellent mechanical properties and the soluble PIM-1 with suitable functional groups, the PLPP electrolyte exhibits excellent properties including mechanical stress, thermal stability, lithium-ion transference number, voltage window and ionic conductivity, which are all superior to the typical PEO/LiTFSI electrolytes. As a result, the Li/PLPP/Li symmetric cell can stably cycle for > 2000 h, and the LiFePO4 /PLPP/Li full cell exhibits excellent rate performance (>10 C) and high cycling stability with an initial capacity of 158.8 mAh g-1 and a capacity retention of 78.8% after 300 cycles. In addition, the excellent mechanical properties as well as the wide voltage window reasonably result in the stable operation of full cells with either high-loading cathode up to 28.1 mg cm-2 or high voltage cathode with high energy density.

Irisin ameliorates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by modulating gut microbiota and intestinal permeability in rats.

Recently, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury was suggested associated with intestinal flora. However, irisin has demonstrated beneficial effects on myocardial I/R injury, thus increasing interest in exploring its mechanism. Therefore, whether irisin interferes in gut microbiota and gut mucosal barrier during myocardial I/R injury was investigated in the present study. Irisin was found to reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells and fracture in myocardial tissue, myocardial enzyme levels, and the myocardial infarction (MI) area. In addition, the data showed that irisin reverses I/R-induced gut dysbiosis as indicated by the decreased abundance of Actinobacteriota and the increased abundance of Firmicutes, and maintains intestinal barrier integrity, reduces metabolic endotoxemia, and inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Based on the results, irisin could be a good candidate for ameliorating myocardial I/R injury and associated diseases by alleviating gut dysbiosis, endothelial dysfunction and anti-inflammatory properties.

Biochar amendment combined with partial root-zone drying irrigation alleviates salinity stress and improves root morphology and water use efficiency in cotton plant.

An adsorption experiment and a pot experiment were executed in order to explore the mechanisms by which biochar amendment in combination with reduced irrigation affects sodium and potassium uptake, root morphology, water use efficiency, and salinity tolerance of cotton plants. In the adsorption experiment, ten NaCl concentration gradients (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, and 500 mM) were set for testing isotherm adsorption of Na+ by biochar. It was found that the isotherms of Na+ adsorption by wheat straw biochar (WSP) and softwood biochar (SWP) were in accordance with the Langmuir isotherm model, and the Na+ adsorption ability of WSP (55.20 mg g-1) was superior to that of SWP (47.38 mg g-1). The pot experiment consisted three factors, viz., three biochar amendments (no biochar, WSP, and SWP), three irrigation strategies (deficit irrigation, partial root-zone drying irrigation - PRD, full irrigation), and two NaCl concentrations gradients (0 mM and 200 mM). The findings indicated that salinity stress lowered K+ concentration, root length, root surface area, and root volume (RV), but increased Na+ concentration, root average diameter, and root tissue density. However, biochar amendment decreased Na+ concentration, increased K+ concentration, and improved root morphology. In particular, the combination of WSP and PRD increased K+/Na+ ratio, RV, root weight density, root surface area density, water use efficiency, and partial factor productivity under salt stress, which can be a promising strategy to cope with drought and salinity stress in cotton production.

Biochar amendment alters root morphology of maize plant: Its implications in enhancing nutrient uptake and shoot growth under reduced irrigation regimes.

Introduction: Biochar amendment provides multiple benefits in enhancing crop productivity and soil nutrient availability. However, whether biochar addition affects root morphology and alters plant nutrient uptake and shoot growth under different irrigation regimes remain largely unknown. Methods: A split-root pot experiment with maize (Zea mays L.) was conducted on clay loam soil mixed with 2% (w/w) of wheat-straw (WSP) and softwood (SWP) biochar. The plants were subjected to full (FI), deficit (DI), and alternate partial root-zone drying (PRD) irrigation from the fourth leaf to the grain-filling stage. Results and discussion: The results showed that, compared to plants grown in unamended soils, plants grown in the biochar-amended soils possessed greater total root length, area, diameter, volume, tips, forks, crossings, and root length density, which were further amplified by PRD. Despite a negative effect on soil available phosphorus (P) pool, WSP addition improved soil available nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) pool and cation exchange capacity under reduced irrigation. Even though biochar negatively affected nutrient concentrations in shoots as exemplified by lowered N, P, K (except leaf), and Ca concentration, it dramatically enhanced plant total N, P, K, Ca uptake, and biomass. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the modified root morphology and increased soil available nutrient pools, and consequently, the higher plant total nutrient uptake might have facilitated the enhanced shoot growth and yield of maize plants in biochar-added soils. Biochar amendment further lowered specific leaf area but increased leaf N concentration per area-to-root N concentration per length ratio. All these effects were evident upon WSP amendment. Moreover, PRD outperformed DI in increasing root area-to-leaf area ratio. Overall, these findings suggest that WSP combined with PRD could be a promising strategy to improve the growth and nutrient uptake of maize plants.

Multiresidue Pesticide Analysis in Tea Using GC-MS/MS to Determine 12 Pesticide Residues (GB 2763-2021).

Pesticides are widely used on tea plants, and pesticide residues are of significant concern to consumers. The National Food Safety Standard Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Food (GB 2763-2021) was recently amended. However, detection methods for pesticides newly added to the list of residues in beverages have not yet been established. For that reason, this study developed a solid-phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method for determining the residues of 12 pesticides, including four newly added, in black and green tea. Sample preparation processes (sample extraction, SPE clean-up, elution solvent, and elution volume) were optimized to monitor these residues reliably. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used for GC-MS/MS electron impact (EI) mode determination. Finally, satisfactory recoveries (70.7-113.0% for green tea and 72.0-99.1% for black tea) were achieved at three concentrations (10 µg/kg, 20 µg/kg, and 100 µg/kg). The LOQs were 0.04-8.69 µg/kg, and the LODs were 0.01-3.14 µg/kg. This study provides a reliable and sensitive workflow for determining 12 pesticide residues in tea, filling a gap in the newly revised National Standards.

Two New Zn(II)/Cd(II) Complexes: Luminescent Properties and Treatment Activity on Cardiovascular Disease.

Two new supramolecular frameworks, namely [Zn(HBTC)(H2O)2]n·n(MA) (1) and {[Cd(OBDC)2(MA)(H2O)Cl](HMA)3(H2O)10(DMA)}n (2) (H3BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, H2OBDC = phthalic acid, MA = melamine, DMA = N,N'-dimethylacetamide), have been solvothermally prepared. In addition, the solid-state luminescent properties of 1-2 at room temperature was discussed in this article as well. Their application values on the cardiovascular disease treatment were explored and we also discussed the corresponding mechanism simultaneously. Firstly, the IL-6 and IL-18 released into the plasma was measured with indicated ELISA assay. Besides, the real time RT-PCR was also performed, while activation levels of AMPK signaling pathway was determined after compound treatment.

High tumor mutation burden indicates a poor prognosis in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is malignancies of the biliary duct system and constitutes approximately 10%-20% of all primary liver cancers. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) is a useful biomarker across many cancer types for the identification of patients who will benefit from immunotherapy. Despite the role of TMB in calculating the effectiveness and prognosis of immune checkpoint inhibitors has been confirmed in multiple human cancer types, the prognostic value of TMB in ICC patients is rare investigated. AIM: To investigate the prognostic value of TMB in patients with ICC. METHODS: Data of 412 patients with ICC were included in the study. TMB was calculated as the total number of somatic non-silent protein-coding mutations divided by the coding region. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze overall survival (OS), and relapse free survival (RFS). The cut-off value of TMB was determined by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Cox regression was performed for multivariable analysis of OS. The nomogram and calibration curve were analyzed to construct and evaluate the prognostic model. RESULTS: In the analysis of the time-dependent ROC curve, we defined 3.1 mut/Mb as the cut-off value of TMB. The Kaplan-Meier plot revealed that patients with high TMB had poor OS (HR = 1.47, P = 0.002) and RFS (HR = 1.42, P = 0.035). Cox regression analysis also demonstrated that TMB was an independent risk predictor for ICC (HR = 1.43, P = 0.0240). Furthermore, independent prognostic factors of ICC included CA19-9 (HR = 1.78, P = 0.0005), chronic viral hepatitis (HR = 1.72, P = 0.0468), tumor resection (HR = 2.58, P < 0.0001) and disease progression (metastatic disease vs. solitary liver tumor; HR = 2.55, P = 0.0002). The nomogram and calibration curve also indicated the effectiveness of the constructed prognostic model. CONCLUSION: TMB was an independent prognostic biomarker in patients with ICC. Moreover, patients with ICC with high TMB had poor OS and RFS as compared to those with low TMB.

[Determination of nine food-borne stimulant drug residues in pork, egg, and milk by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

ß-Agonists, ß-blockers, and protein assimilators are classified as stimulant drugs. Their illegal use during animal feeding and slaughtering leads to food-borne stimulant drug residues, which are harmful to human health. At present, methods for the detection of ß-agonists and protein assimilators are prevalent, but those for the detection of ß-blockers are rare. There is no national standard for the detection of ß-blockers in food products of animal origin. A method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of nine food-borne stimulant drug residues, including ß-agonists, ß-blockers, and protein assimilators, in pork, egg, and milk. The optimal extraction conditions for this method were as follows: The samples were hydrolyzed with ß-glucuronidase/aryl sulfate esterase in pH 5.2 ammonium acetate buffer. Enzymatic hydrolysis was carried out in a constant-temperature (37 ℃) water bath oscillator for 16 h. The enzymolyzed samples were cooled to room temperature and then extracted with acetonitrile, which was adjusted to pH 9.5 with NaOH solution. After extraction and homogeneous mixing, the extract was added to a salt package for salting out stratification. The clear supernatant was cleaned up using an enhanced lipid removal tube (EMR-lipid), which was pre-activated by water. Then, anhydrous magnesium sulfate was added to ensure dehydration of the extract and concentrated to near dryness under nitrogen flow. The residue was dissolved in 1 mL acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (1∶9, v/v). Separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.8 µm) with gradient elution using methanol-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution as the mobile phase. The analytes were detected in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode after being ionized by an electrospray positive ion (ESI+). Quantitative analysis was performed by the internal standard method using matrix-matched calibration curves. The effects of the extraction solvent and pH on the extraction efficiency during pretreatment were optimized. The influence factors of different types of chromatographic column, mobile phase and dissolved solution in the process of instrumental analysis were discussed in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the method showed good linearity in the range of 0.5 to 20 µg/L, with correlation coefficients (r2) greater than 0.99. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were in the range of 0.3-0.6 µg/kg and 1.0-2.0 µg/kg, respectively. The average recoveries of all the compounds ranged from 65.2% to 117.0% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) in range of 1.3%-14.4% at spiked levels of 1, 2, and 5 times the LOQs. The established method was used to determine the quality of animal-origin foods such as pork, eggs, and milk purchased from the market. The nine stimulant drug residues were not detected in these food samples. The analytical method is rapid, sensitive, accurate, and stable. It can be used for the determination of the nine food-borne stimulant drugs residue in pork, egg, and milk.

Biochar and alternate wetting-drying cycles improving rhizosphere soil nutrients availability and tobacco growth by altering root growth strategy in Ferralsol and Anthrosol.

Biochar has been advocated as a sustainable and eco-friendly practice to improve soil fertility and crop productivity which could aid in the mitigation of climate change. Nonetheless, the combined effects of biochar and irrigation on tobacco growth and soil nutrients in diverse soil types have been incompletely explored. We applied a split-root experiment to investigate the impacts of amendment with 2% softwood- (WBC) and wheat-straw biochar (SBC) on growth responses and rhizosphere soil nutrients availability of tobacco plants grown in a Ferralsol and an Anthrosol. All plants within same soil type received same amount of water daily by either conventional deficit irrigation (CDI) or alternate wetting-drying cycles irrigation (AWD). Compared to the un-amended controls, SBC addition enhanced biomass, carbon (C)-, phosphorus (P)- and potassium (K)-pool in the aboveground organs especially in Anthrosol, despite a negative effect on aboveground nitrogen (N)-pool. Regardless of soil type, biochar combined with AWD lowered root diameter while increased root tissue mass density to engage the plant in an acquisitive strategy for resources, therefore altered leaves stoichiometry as exemplified by lowered N/K, C/P and N/P and increased C/N. The addition of SBC induced a liming effect by increasing Anthrosol soil pH which was further amplified by AWD, but was unaffected on Ferralsol. Moreover, compared to the controls, SBC and AWD increased available P and K, and total C, total N and C/N ratio in the rhizosphere soil which coincided with the lowered soil C and N isotope composition (δ13C and δ15N), though a slight reduction in C and N stocks under AWD. However, such effects were not evident with WBC might be associated with its natures. Thus, combined SBC/AWD application might be an effective strategy to synergistically overcome nutrients restriction and improve tobacco productivity by intensifying nutrients cycling and optimizing plant growth strategies.

Effects of biochar amendment and reduced irrigation on growth, physiology, water-use efficiency and nutrients uptake of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) on two different soil types.

Biochar has shown beneficial effects in agricultural production, yet the combined effects of biochar and reduced irrigation on crop growth and water-use efficiency (WUE) in diverse soil types have not been fully explored. A split-root pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of addition of 2% softwood (SWB) and wheat straw biochar (WSB) on growth, physiology, WUE and nutrients uptake of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants grown in a Ferrosol and an Anthrosol, respectively, under three irrigation treatments. The plants were either irrigated daily to 90% of water-holding capacity (FI), or irrigated with 70% volume of water used for FI to the whole root-zone (DI) or alternately to half root-zone (PRD). The results showed that plants grown in Anthrosol possessed greater leaf gas exchange rates, dry biomass and WUE while lower nutrients content compared to those grown in Ferrosol. Despite a negative effect on plant N content and WUE, WSB addition increased water-holding capacity, consequently improved leaf gas exchange, water uptake, biomass and K content resulting in an improved in the leaf quality of tobacco as exemplified by an increased leaf K content and a more appropriate N to K stoichiometric ratio. However, these effects were not evident upon SWB addition. Moreover, these responses to biochar addition were stronger in Ferrosol than in Anthrosol might be associated with its lower pH. Compared to FI, PRD slightly reduced photosynthetic rate but significantly decreased stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and leaf area, leading to a significant increase in intrinsic, instantaneous and plant WUE. Additionally, PRD was superior over DI in improving yield, WUE, N uptake under a same irrigation volume. It was concluded that WSB combined with PRD could be a promising practice to synergistically improve tobacco yield, quality and WUE by improving soil hydro-physical properties and nutrients bioavailability.

Trajectories of paternal self-efficacy for educational involvement in late childhood: Effects of fathers' time and energy.

Parental self-efficacy beliefs develop over time. Most research, however, has focused mainly on the trajectories and predictors of trajectories of maternal self-efficacy, while little is known about those of paternal self-efficacy. This study examined the change in paternal self-efficacy for educational involvement during children's elementary school period, analyzing whether the change is influenced by fathers' long working hours (i.e., work hours on workdays and work hours on nonworkdays) and fathers' perceptions of time and energy. Data from 1,684 Chinese fathers of fourth grade children were collected every half year for two-and-a-half consecutive years. The results of a latent growth curve analysis revealed that paternal self-efficacy for educational involvement increased over the elementary school period. Fathers' working hours on nonworkdays were negatively associated with the initial level of paternal self-efficacy for educational involvement, but this negative effect was nonsignificant after fathers' perceived time and energy were added to the final model. Fathers' perceived time and energy were positively associated with the initial level of paternal self-efficacy for educational involvement and negatively associated with the growth rate of paternal self-efficacy for educational involvement. The findings advance the theory of parental self-efficacy, underlining the need to consider fathers' perceived time and energy to understand changes in paternal self-efficacy for educational involvement. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Polymorphism of MTHFR C677T Gene and the Associations with the Severity of Essential Hypertension in Northern Chinese Population.

OBJECTIVE: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme of homocysteine metabolism and is closely related to the occurrence of hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate the polymorphism of the (MTHFR) C677T and the factors influencing the severity of hypertension. Material and Methods. A total of 985 subjects were enrolled to analyze the polymorphisms of the MTHFR C677T gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 306 people with essential hypertension were selected from 985 subjects to estimate the severity of hypertension by the ordinal multivariate logistical regression model. RESULTS: The frequencies of CC, CT, and TT genotypes were 19.5%, 49.95%, and 30.46%, respectively. The allelic frequency of mutant T was 55.43%. The plasma homocysteine level of the homozygous TT in individuals was significantly higher than in those with CC or CT (P < 0.01). MTHFR677CT genotype, MTHFR677TT genotype, smoking, family history of hypertension, Hcy, and triglycerides (TG) were independent risk factors for the severity of hypertension (OR = 2.29, 2.24, 2.04, 1.81, 1.04, 1.26). CONCLUSION: MTHFR gene, smoking, family history of hypertension, Hcy, and triglycerides could be important genetic and high-risk factors of the development of severe hypertension in northern Chinese. These factors will contribute to the identification of high-risk populations of hypertension and facilitate the development of hypertension control strategies.

Protective Effects Oncorneal Endothelium During Intracameral Irrigation Using N-(2)-l-alanyl-l-Glutamine.

Corneal endothelial disease is a global sight-threatening disease, and corneal transplantation using donor corneas remains the sole therapeutic option. A previous work demonstrated that N (2)-alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) protected against apoptosis and cellular stress, and maintained intestinal tissue integrity. In this pursuit, the present study aimed to examine the effect of Ala-Gln in the protection of the corneal endothelium and expand its range of potential clinical applications. Mice in the control group were intracamerally irrigated with Ringers lactate injection, whereas those in the experimental group were irrigated with Ringers lactate injection containing Ala-Gln. The mean intraocular pressure increased to 44 ± 3.5 mm Hg during intracameral irrigation (normal range 10.2 ± 0.4 mmHg). In vivo confocal microscopy results showed that the addition of Ala-Gln protected the morphology, structure, and density of the corneal endothelial cells. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) measurements showed that corneal thickness was not significantly different between the two groups, because of the immediate corneal edema after irrigation, but the addition of Ala-Gln obviously promoted the recovery of the corneal edema. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the corneal endothelial cells were severely ruptured and exfoliated in the Ringer's group accompanied with cellular edema, when compared with the Ala-Gln group. The intracameral irrigation using Ala-Gln protected the structure and expression of cytoskeleton and Na-K-ATPase, which exhibited a regular distribution and significantly increased expression in comparison to Ringer's group. Furthermore, Ala-Gln maintained the mitochondrial morphology and increased the activity of mitochondria. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy showed that intracameral irrigation of Ala-Gln reversed the ultrastructural changes induced by the acute ocular hypertension in mice. Our study demonstrates that the intracameral irrigation of Ala-Gln effectively maintained the corneal endothelial pump function and barrier function by protecting the mitochondrial function and preventing the rearrangement of cytoskeleton in acute ocular hypertension in mice.