Clerodane Furanoditerpenoids from Tinospora bakis (A.Rich.) Miers (Menispermaceae).

Tinospora bakis (A.Rich.) Miers (Menispermaceae) has traditionally been used to alleviate headaches, rheumatism, mycetoma, and diabetes, among others. Despite its extensive use, the active components of the plant have never been investigated. In this work, a series of furanoditerpenoids (1-18) and five compounds from other classes (19-23) were isolated from T. bakis. Notably, two new compounds were discovered and named: tinobakisin (1) and tinobakiside (10). Their molecular structures were elucidated with NMR, MS, UV, IR, and ECD spectra. Additionally, known compounds (2-9 and 11-23) were corroboratively identified through spectral comparisons with previously reported data, while highlighting and addressing some inaccuracies in the prior literature. Remarkably, compounds 6, 7, 13, and 17 exhibited a superior anti-glycation effect, outperforming established agents like rutin and quercetin in a lab model of protein glycation with glucose. The overall findings suggest that furanoditerpenoids play a crucial role in the antidiabetic properties of T. bakis. This research marks the first comprehensive phytochemical investigation of T. bakis, opening the door for further investigation into furanoditerpenoids and their biological mechanisms.

New anti-inflammatory and non-cytotoxic metabolites of methylstenbolone obtained by microbial transformation.

A synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid, methylstenbolone (1), was structurally transformed into a series of nine analogues, 2,17α-dimethyl-7α,17ß-dihydroxy-5α-androst-1-en-3-one (2), 2,17α-dimethyl-15ß,17ß-dihydroxy-5α-androst-1-en-3-one (3), 2,17α-dimethyl-6α,9α,17ß-trihydroxy-5α-androst-1-en-3-one (4), 2-methyl-17ß-hydroxy-17α-(hydroxymethyl)-5α-androst-1-en-3-one (5), 2-methyl-11ß,17ß-dihydroxy-17α-(hydroxymethyl)-5α-androst-1-en-3-one (6), 2-methyl-17ß-hydroxy-17α-(hydroxymethyl)-5α-androst-1-en-3,6-dione (7), 2-methyl-17ß-hydroxy-17α-(hydroxymethyl)-5ß-androst-1-en-3,6-dione (8), 2,17α-dimethyl-7ß,17ß-dihydroxy-5α-androst-1-en-3-one (9), and 2,17α-dimethyl-12ß,17ß-hydroxy-5α-androst-1-en-3,7-dione (10) by fungal cell suspension cultures, Macrophomina phaseolina and Cunninghamella blakesleeana for the first time. Among those, compounds 2-4 and 6-10 were identified as new. Herein, spectral data of metabolite 5 was reported for the first time. Their structures were elucidated by NMR, MS, UV, and IR spectroscopic methods. Substrate 1 (IC50 10.1 ± 0.3 µg/mL) was identified as a potent anti-inflammatory agent against nitric oxide (NO) production. Its transformed products 3 (IC50 as 27.8 ± 1.1 µg/mL) and 9 (26.9 ± 0.4 µg/mL) displayed good inhibition. Compounds 2 (IC50 = 45.9 ± 0.8 µg/mL) and 6 (IC50 = 36.6 ± 1.2 µg/mL) were also active moderately against NO production, in comparison to standard LNMMA (IC50 = 24.2 ± 0.8 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity assay showed 1 was active to cancer cell line MCF7 (IC50 = 12.26 ± 0.35 µg/mL), compared to the standard Doxorubicin having IC50 as 1.25 ± 0.11 µg/mL. However, it is also toxic to human normal cell line (BJ) with IC50 as 8.69 ± 0.02 µg/mL. More importantly, all transformed products are non-cytotoxic on BJ. Therefore, biotransformation can be an efficient approach to reduce the toxicity of methylstenbolone.

A Critical Review: Recent Advancements in the Use of CRISPR/Cas9 Technology to Enhance Crops and Alleviate Global Food Crises.

Genome editing (GE) has revolutionized the biological sciences by creating a novel approach for manipulating the genomes of living organisms. Many tools have been developed in recent years to enable the editing of complex genomes. Therefore, a reliable and rapid approach for increasing yield and tolerance to various environmental stresses is necessary to sustain agricultural crop production for global food security. This critical review elaborates the GE tools used for crop improvement. These tools include mega-nucleases (MNs), such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), and transcriptional activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). Specifically, this review addresses the latest advancements in the role of CRISPR/Cas9 for genome manipulation for major crop improvement, including yield and quality development of biotic stress- and abiotic stress-tolerant crops. Implementation of this technique will lead to the production of non-transgene crops with preferred characteristics that can result in enhanced yield capacity under various environmental stresses. The CRISPR/Cas9 technique can be combined with current and potential breeding methods (e.g., speed breeding and omics-assisted breeding) to enhance agricultural productivity to ensure food security. We have also discussed the challenges and limitations of CRISPR/Cas9. This information will be useful to plant breeders and researchers in the thorough investigation of the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to boost crops by targeting the gene of interest.

Biochar mitigates the N2O emissions from acidic soil by increasing the nosZ and nirK gene abundance and soil pH.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a pervasive greenhouse gas, and soil management practices greatly affect its release into the atmosphere. Soil pH management (particularly increasing the pH) using biochar can seriously affect soil N2O emissions. The current incubation experiment was conducted to explore the response of N2O emissions from acidic soils using various doses of biochar. Soil with a pH of 5.48 was treated with rice straw biochar at different doses (0%, 1% and 2%) and incubated with 60% water-filled pore spaces (WFPS). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The soil N2O emissions, pH, NH4+-N, NO3--N, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and nosZ and nirK gene abundance were determined at various intervals throughout the study. The biochar application (2%) increased the soil pH (from 5.48 to 6.11), triggered the transformation of nitrogen, and augmented the abundance of nosZ and nirK genes. Higher magnitudes of cumulative soil N2O emissions (48.60 µg kg-1) were noted in the control (no biochar) compared to 1% (28.10 µg kg-1) and 2% (14.50 µg kg-1) biochar application. The 2% biochar application more effectively decreased the soil N2O emissions, mainly because of the increased nosZ and nirK gene abundance at higher soil pH levels. The findings suggest that the amelioration of acidic soil with rice straw biochar can considerably control soil N2O emissions by elevating the soil pH and the abundance of nosZ and nirK genes.

Evaluating short-term effects of rice straw management on carbon fractions, composition and stability of soil aggregates in an acidic red soil with a vegetable planting history.

Red soils are characterised by acidic pH and limitations in carbon, nitrogen, water, and soil structure. To overcome such limitations, improved soil aggregation is the key to improving the physical and chemical properties of soil. Applying organic amendments such as straw can lead to corresponding soil aggregation and stability changes. Therefore, we explored the short-term effects of rice straw amendment, either alone or in combination with biochar, on improving the carbon fractions, stability, and composition of soil aggregates in red soil with a history of vegetable planting. The study consisted of four treatments: control (no organic material, CK), biochar alone (5% homemade straw biochar, B), straw alone (12% rice straw, S), and biochar with straw (5% homemade straw biochar + 12% rice straw, BS). Our results showed that equal amounts of straw and biochar substantially reduced the number of mechanically stable aggregates (MSA), mean weight diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter (GMD) of the soil. BS treatment reduced >0.25 mm aggregate content (R0.25), MWD and GMD by 24.06%, 56.81%, and 62.19%, respectively, compared with that of the control. The addition of straw greatly enhanced the water-stable macromolecular content and stability coefficient of the soil, but treatment B had no obvious effect. The S treatment had the greatest effect on R0.25, MWD and GMD, increasing them by 143.94%, 246.67%, and 181.82%, respectively, compared with that of the control. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was significantly increased by straw addition and carbonisation treatment, and the effect of the BS treatment was the best, with an increase of 325.63% compared with that of the control. The organic carbon content in the aggregates of different particle sizes treated with different organic materials also increased significantly. In the soil reactive organic carbon fraction, applying biochar alone did not affect microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), or easily oxidized organic carbon (EOC) but could increase the particulate organic carbon (POC) content. All the treatments with straw application significantly increased the MBC, DOC, EOC, and POC content, and the highest effect was obtained by applying both straw and biochar in an integrated form, i.e., the BS treatment. In conclusion, the co-application of biochar and straw sequestered more carbon and revamped soil C pools than either biochar or straw alone and could be a promising option for the sustainable use of red soils to ameliorate the aforementioned limitations associated with this soil type.

Correction to "Mitigation of Salinity Stress and Lead Toxicity in Maize by Exogenous Application of the Sorghum Water Extract".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09495.].

Mitigation of Salinity Stress and Lead Toxicity in Maize by Exogenous Application of the Sorghum Water Extract.

The increased concentration of lead (Pb) in soils is a serious threat to human beings and plants all over the world. Salinity stress is also a major issue across the globe, which limits crop productivity. The use of allelochemicals has become an effective strategy to mitigate the toxic effects of abiotic stresses. Sorghum is an important crop grown across the globe, and it also possesses an appreciably allelopathic potential. Therefore, this study was planned to determine the impacts of the sorghum water extract (SWE) on improving maize growth under Pb and salinity stress. The experiment included different treatments; control, SWE (3%), and different levels of Pb and salinity stress; T1: control, T2: 50 mM NaCl, T3: 100 mM NaCl, T4: 250 µM Pb, and T5: 500 µM Pb. Lead and salinity stress reduced the maize growth by the genesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as evidenced by higher production of malondialdehyde (MDA: 39.1 and 32.28%) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2: 20.62 and 17.81%). Spraying plants with SWE improved the maize growth by increasing antioxidant activities (ascorbate peroxidase: APX, catalase: CAT, peroxidase: POD and superoxide dismutase: SOD), photosynthetic pigments, relative water contents (RWC), osmolyte accumulation (proline, total soluble proteins: TSP, free amino acids: FAA), potassium accumulation, and decreasing MDA, H2O2, sodium, chloride, and Pb accumulation. In conclusion, the application of SWE mitigates adverse impacts of Pb and salinity stresses by improving chlorophyll synthesis and osmolyte accumulation, activating the antioxidant defense system, and preventing the entry of toxic ions.

A new sesquiterpene, prosoterpene, from Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub.

A new sesquiterpene (Prosoterpene, 1) and eleven reported compounds (2-12) of several classes, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and long-chain alcohols, were isolated from the BuOH extract of Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub. Compounds 2-10 were reported for the first time from this plant. Isomers 11 and 12 were separated for the first time. Extensive spectroscopic techniques and literature comparisons were used to characterise their structures. Furthermore, compounds 3, 5-8, and 10-12 were performed for anti-glycation and cytotoxicity activities. Compound 3 (quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside) exhibited moderate anti-glycation activity. All tested compounds were non-cytotoxic against MCF-7 (breast cancer), NCI-H460 (lung cancer), Hela (cervical cancer), and BJ (normal human fibroblast) cell lines.

The effect of winter crop incorporation on greenhouse gas emissions from double rice-green manure rotation in South China.

Chemical fertilizer plays a vital role in increasing crop yield. However, the environmental risk and the adverse effect on soil caused by excessive chemical fertilizer can be mitigated by using organic fertilizer (green manure Chinese milk vetch) and straw returning. Therefore, this field study was conducted to determine the impact of winter crop incorporation with mineral fertilizers on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and the related genes (mcrA, pmoA, AOA, AOB, nirS, nirK, and nosZ) as well as the relationship among greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, related genes, and soil properties. The study comprised winter crop incorporation with mineral fertilizer at the reduced rate of 0% (MRN1), 12.5% (MRN2), and 25% (MRN3). The results indicated that the early and late rice yield from treatments MRN2 and MRN3 increased by 25% and 4% compared with control CK (winter fallow, without green manure incorporation, and conventional nitrogen fertilizer amount). CH4 annual cumulative emission increased by 34% resulting from increased abundance of mcrA genes of methanogens. Furthermore, N2O annual cumulative emission increased due to soil microbial biomass nitrogen, AOA (amoA), AOB(amoA), nirK, and nirS abundance. The global warming potential (GWP) increased by 34%; however, there was no significant difference on the GHGI from all the treatments resulting from the increased yield. Therefore, winter crop incorporation with different rate of reduced mineral fertilizer significantly increased the crop yield and increased the SOC and MBC content. Meanwhile, winter crop incorporation increased CH4 and N2O annual cumulative emission mainly resulting from the increased abundance of mcrA genes of methanogens, soil microbial biomass nitrogen, AOA(amoA), AOB(amoA), nosZ, nirK, and nirS abundance.

Soil acidification and salinity: the importance of biochar application to agricultural soils.

Soil acidity is a serious problem in agricultural lands as it directly affects the soil, crop production, and human health. Soil acidification in agricultural lands occurs due to the release of protons (H+) from the transforming reactions of various carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur-containing compounds. The use of biochar (BC) has emerged as an excellent tool to manage soil acidity owing to its alkaline nature and its appreciable ability to improve the soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties. The application of BC to acidic soils improves soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), nutrient uptake, microbial activity and diversity, and enzyme activities which mitigate the adverse impacts of acidity on plants. Further, BC application also reduce the concentration of H+ and Al3+ ions and other toxic metals which mitigate the soil acidity and supports plant growth. Similarly, soil salinity (SS) is also a serious concern across the globe and it has a direct impact on global production and food security. Due to its appreciable liming potential BC is also an important amendment to mitigate the adverse impacts of SS. The addition of BC to saline soils improves nutrient homeostasis, nutrient uptake, SOM, CEC, soil microbial activity, enzymatic activity, and water uptake and reduces the accumulation of toxic ions sodium (Na+ and chloride (Cl-). All these BC-mediated changes support plant growth by improving antioxidant activity, photosynthesis efficiency, stomata working, and decrease oxidative damage in plants. Thus, in the present review, we discussed the various mechanisms through which BC improves the soil properties and microbial and enzymatic activities to counter acidity and salinity problems. The present review will increase the existing knowledge about the role of BC to mitigate soil acidity and salinity problems. This will also provide new suggestions to readers on how this knowledge can be used to ameliorate acidic and saline soils.

Plant Adaptation to Flooding Stress under Changing Climate Conditions: Ongoing Breakthroughs and Future Challenges.

Climate-change-induced variations in temperature and rainfall patterns are a serious threat across the globe. Flooding is the foremost challenge to agricultural productivity, and it is believed to become more intense under a changing climate. Flooding is a serious form of stress that significantly reduces crop yields, and future climatic anomalies are predicted to make the problem even worse in many areas of the world. To cope with the prevailing flooding stress, plants have developed different morphological and anatomical adaptations in their roots, aerenchyma cells, and leaves. Therefore, researchers are paying more attention to identifying developed and adopted molecular-based plant mechanisms with the objective of obtaining flooding-resistant cultivars. In this review, we discuss the various physiological, anatomical, and morphological adaptations (aerenchyma cells, ROL barriers (redial O2 loss), and adventitious roots) and the phytohormonal regulation in plants under flooding stress. This review comprises ongoing innovations and strategies to mitigate flooding stress, and it also provides new insights into how this knowledge can be used to improve productivity in the scenario of a rapidly changing climate and increasing flood intensity.

How Does Zinc Improve Salinity Tolerance? Mechanisms and Future Prospects.

Salinity stress (SS) is a serious abiotic stress and a major constraint to agricultural productivity across the globe. High SS negatively affects plant growth and yield by altering soil physio-chemical properties and plant physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes. The application of micronutrients is considered an important practice to mitigate the adverse effects of SS. Zinc (Zn) is an important nutrient that plays an imperative role in plant growth, and it could also help alleviate the effects of salt stress. Zn application improves seed germination, seedling growth, water uptake, plant water relations, nutrient uptake, and nutrient homeostasis, therefore improving plant performance and saline conditions. Zn application also protects the photosynthetic apparatus from salinity-induced oxidative stress and improves stomata movement, chlorophyll synthesis, carbon fixation, and osmolytes and hormone accumulation. Moreover, Zn application also increases the synthesis of secondary metabolites and the expression of stress responsive genes and stimulates antioxidant activities to counter the toxic effects of salt stress. Therefore, to better understand the role of Zn in plants under SS, we have discussed the various mechanisms by which Zn induces salinity tolerance in plants. We have also identified diverse research gaps that must be filled in future research programs. The present review article will fill the knowledge gaps on the role of Zn in mitigating salinity stress. This review will also help readers to learn more about the role of Zn and will provide new suggestions on how this knowledge can be used to develop salt tolerance in plants by using Zn.

Structural transformation of methasterone with Cunninghamella blakesleeana and Macrophomina phaseolina.

An anabolic-androgenic synthetic steroidal drug, methasterone (1) was transformed by two fungi, Cunninghamella blakesleeana and Macrophimina phaseclina. A total of six transformed products, 6ß,7ß,17ß-trihydroxy-2α,17α-dimethyl-5α-androstane-3-one (2), 6ß,7α,17ß-trihydroxy-2α,17α-dimethyl-5α-androstane-3-one (3), 6α,17ß-dihydroxy-2α,17α-dimethyl-5α-androstane-3,7-dione (4), 3ß,6ß,17ß-trihydroxy-2α,17α-dimethyl-5α-androstane-7-one (5), 7α,17ß-dihydroxy-2α,17α-dimethyl-5α-androstane-3-one (6), and 6ß,9α,17ß-trihydroxy-2α,17α-dimethyl-5α-androstane-3-one (7) were synthesized. Among those, compounds 2-5, and 7 were identified as new transformed products. MS, NMR, and other spectroscopic techniques were performed for the characterization of all compounds. Substrate 1 (IC50 = 23.9 ± 0.2 µg mL-1) showed a remarkable anti-inflammatory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production, in comparison to standard LNMMA (IC50 = 24.2 ± 0.8 µg mL-1). Whereas, its metabolites 2, and 7 showed moderate inhibition with IC50 values of 38.1 ± 0.5 µg mL-1, and 40.2 ± 3.3 µg mL-1, respectively. Moreover, substrate 1 was found to be cytotoxic for the human normal cell line (BJ) with an IC50 of 8.01 ± 0.52 µg mL-1, while metabolites 2-7 were identified as non-cytotoxic. Compounds 1-7 showed no cytotoxicity against MCF-7 (breast cancer), NCI-H460 (lung cancer), and HeLa (cervical cancer) cell lines.

A new steroidal alkaloid from Fritillaria michailovskyi Fomin.

A new steroidal alkaloid, michainine (1), was isolated from Fritillaria michailovskyi Fomin, along with nine known compounds 2-10 of different classes, including ribonucleoside, steroids, and fatty acids, which were isolated for the first time from this plant. Their structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic techniques, as well as by comparing the data in the literature. Furthermore, the dichloromethane fraction of F. michailovskyi showed a positive butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, along with non-cytotoxicity against 3T3 cell line.

Management Strategies to Mitigate N2O Emissions in Agriculture.

The concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere has been increasing since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the mightiest GHGs, and agriculture is one of the main sources of N2O emissions. In this paper, we reviewed the mechanisms triggering N2O emissions and the role of agricultural practices in their mitigation. The amount of N2O produced from the soil through the combined processes of nitrification and denitrification is profoundly influenced by temperature, moisture, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen contents. These factors can be manipulated to a significant extent through field management practices, influencing N2O emission. The relationships between N2O occurrence and factors regulating it are an important premise for devising mitigation strategies. Here, we evaluated various options in the literature and found that N2O emissions can be effectively reduced by intervening on time and through the method of N supply (30-40%, with peaks up to 80%), tillage and irrigation practices (both in non-univocal way), use of amendments, such as biochar and lime (up to 80%), use of slow-release fertilizers and/or nitrification inhibitors (up to 50%), plant treatment with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (up to 75%), appropriate crop rotations and schemes (up to 50%), and integrated nutrient management (in a non-univocal way). In conclusion, acting on N supply (fertilizer type, dose, time, method, etc.) is the most straightforward way to achieve significant N2O reductions without compromising crop yields. However, tuning the rest of crop management (tillage, irrigation, rotation, etc.) to principles of good agricultural practices is also advisable, as it can fetch significant N2O abatement vs. the risk of unexpected rise, which can be incurred by unwary management.

Melatonin-Induced Protection Against Plant Abiotic Stress: Mechanisms and Prospects.

Global warming in this century increases incidences of various abiotic stresses restricting plant growth and productivity and posing a severe threat to global food production and security. The plant produces different osmolytes and hormones to combat the harmful effects of these abiotic stresses. Melatonin (MT) is a plant hormone that possesses excellent properties to improve plant performance under different abiotic stresses. It is associated with improved physiological and molecular processes linked with seed germination, growth and development, photosynthesis, carbon fixation, and plant defence against other abiotic stresses. In parallel, MT also increased the accumulation of multiple osmolytes, sugars and endogenous hormones (auxin, gibberellic acid, and cytokinins) to mediate resistance to stress. Stress condition in plants often produces reactive oxygen species. MT has excellent antioxidant properties and substantially scavenges reactive oxygen species by increasing the activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants under stress conditions. Moreover, the upregulation of stress-responsive and antioxidant enzyme genes makes it an excellent stress-inducing molecule. However, MT produced in plants is not sufficient to induce stress tolerance. Therefore, the development of transgenic plants with improved MT biosynthesis could be a promising approach to enhancing stress tolerance. This review, therefore, focuses on the possible role of MT in the induction of various abiotic stresses in plants. We further discussed MT biosynthesis and the critical role of MT as a potential antioxidant for improving abiotic stress tolerance. In addition, we also addressed MT biosynthesis and shed light on future research directions. Therefore, this review would help readers learn more about MT in a changing environment and provide new suggestions on how this knowledge could be used to develop stress tolerance.

Versatile roles of polyamines in improving abiotic stress tolerance of plants.

In recent years, extreme environmental cues such as abiotic stresses, including frequent droughts with irregular precipitation, salinity, metal contamination, and temperature fluctuations, have been escalating the damage to plants' optimal productivity worldwide. Therefore, yield maintenance under extreme events needs improvement in multiple mechanisms that can minimize the influence of abiotic stresses. Polyamines (PAs) are pivotally necessary for a defensive purpose under adverse abiotic conditions, but their molecular interplay in this remains speculative. The PAs' accretion is one of the most notable metabolic responses of plants under stress challenges. Recent studies reported the beneficial roles of PAs in plant development, including metabolic and physiological processes, unveiling their potential for inducing tolerance against adverse conditions. This review presents an overview of research about the most illustrious and remarkable achievements in strengthening plant tolerance to drought, salt, and temperature stresses by the exogenous application of PAs. The knowledge of underlying processes associated with stress tolerance and PA signaling pathways was also summarized, focusing on up-to-date evidence regarding the metabolic and physiological role of PAs with exogenous applications that protect plants under unfavorable climatic conditions. Conclusively, the literature proposes that PAs impart an imperative role in abiotic stress tolerance in plants. This implies potentially important feedback on PAs and plants' stress tolerance under unfavorable cues.

Pulmonary Functions in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease and their Effect after Hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pulmonary functions in patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and the associated factors including the acute effects of hemodialysis. STUDY DESIGN: Observational, cross-sectional study.   Place and Duration of Study: Nephrology Department in collaboration with Pulmonology Department, Shalamar Hospital, Lahore,  from October to November 2019. METHODOLOGY:  All patients of age 18-75 years, on regular hemodialysis (HD) for more than three months, who quitted smoking 10 years back and stable, were included in the study. Demographic data was collected and blood samples were sent for hematological and biochemical laboratory parameters. Pulmonary functions were assessed by spirometry for Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in first second (FEV1) and FVC/FEV1 before and after dialysis. RESULTS:  Out of 102 patients, 62 (60.8%) were males and 79 (77.5%) were on twice-weekly dialysis. DM 44 (43.1%) and chronic glomerulonephritis 21 (19.5%) were the major causes of ESRD in these patients. In this study, FVC and FEV1 were abnormal in majority of the patients 73 (71.6%) and 76 (74.5%), which was statistically significant (p<0.05) supporting restrictive lung disease (RLD). Factors associated with RLD were male gender (p=0.006) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.003). Hemodialysis did not improve pulmonary functions significantly. FEV1 and FVC had a negative correlation with age and body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSION: Restrictive lung disease is the most common pulmonary dysfunction among ESRD patients.  Factors associated with pulmonary dysfunctions were male gender and diabetes mellitus. Hemodialysis did not improve pulmonary functions. Key Words: ESRD, Pulmonary functions, Restrictive lung disease, Fluid overload.

Paddy-upland rotation with Chinese milk vetch incorporation reduced the global warming potential and greenhouse gas emissions intensity of double rice cropping system.

It is a common practice to maintain soil fertility based on the paddy-upland rotation with green manure in the subtropical region of China. However, rare studies are known about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the paddy-upland rotation with green manure incorporation. Therefore, we conducted a field experiment of two years to compared with the effect of two kinds of green manure (CV: Chinese milk vetch and OR: Oilseed rape), and two kinds of cropping system (DR: double rice system and PR: paddy-upland rotation) on greenhouse gases emissions. We have found that the annual accumulation of CH4 of Chinese milk vetch-rice-sweet potato || soybean was significantly reduced by 32.95%∼63.22% compared with other treatments, mainly because Chinese milk vetch reduced the abundance of methanogens by reducing soil C/N ratio. Meanwhile increasing soil permeability resulting from paddy-upland rotation also reduced soil CH4 emission. However, The annual accumulation of N2O of Chinese milk vetch-rice-sweet potato || soybean was increased by 17.39%∼870.11% compared with other treatments, mainly attributed to paddy-upland rotation decreased soil pH and nosZ abundance and increased nirK and nirS, thus enhancing N2O emission, meanwhile the Chinese milk vetch incorporation and its interaction with the paddy-upland rotation has greatly enhanced the contents of NO3--N and abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA). The area-scaled global warming potential (GWP) and the biomass-scaled greenhouse gas emissions intensity (GHGI) of Chinese milk vetch-rice-sweet potato || soybean was reduced by 19.01%∼50.69% and 5.38%∼35.77% respectively. Thereby, the Chinese milk vetch-rice-sweet potato || soybean cropping system was suitable for agricultural sustainable development.

The genus Schefflera: A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Schefflera is the largest genus in the family Araliaceae, which contains 602 known species indigenous to Asia, Africa, and the southwest Pacific region, several of which are used in traditional medicine. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The review discusses current knowledge of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of Schefflera species, to assess the medicinal potential of this genus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature were explored using the keyword "Schefflera" in SciFinder®, Google Scholar®, and PubMed® databases. The taxonomy of all reported plants was authenticated using "The Plant List". Additional data on traditional uses was obtained from secondary references including books and online resources. RESULTS: Fourteen species were documented as traditional medicines in China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, specifically to manage rheumatism, pain, and trauma. Other species are used in the treatment of liver disorders, skin conditions, respiratory infections, cancer, diarrhea, malaria, paralysis, and many other conditions. The main phytochemical constituents identified were triterpenoids and saponins, with sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, and lignans. Pharmacological properties of extracts and pure isolated compounds included analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antimalarial, and antiallergic effects. CONCLUSION: The reported biological activities of Schefflera species support their traditional uses, although the available data, even for medicinal species, was limited. Reports of chemical constituents or biological activities could be found for only about 20 species, but suggest that further investigation of efficacy and safety of the largely unexplored genus Schefflera is necessary.