Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of bioconverted Oenanthe javanica extract (BOE) using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SM4 on production of bioactive compounds. Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions including the extraction time, extraction temperature, and ethanol concentration for the enhancement of bioactive compounds production. The predicted optimum UAE conditions were extraction time of 26.0 min, extraction temperature of 92.8 °C, and 59.9% ethanol, respectively, and 5.14 mg GAE/g DM of TPC and 0.59 mg QE/g DM of TFC were produced under the optimum condition. Then, O. javanica extraction (OJE) has been bioconverted by using L. plantarum SM4 to increase the bioactive compounds. In HPLC-mass spectrometry analyses, higher concentration of p-coumaric acid was identified in BOE than in OJE, and chlorogenic acid in OJE was converted to quinic acid, confirming an increase in bioactive compounds by bioconversion. Thus, we have concluded that optimization of UAE and the BOE is an effective process for enhancement bioactive compounds from O. Javanica and this finding provides a scientific basis of bioactive compounds in natural product can be utilized as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical materials from BOE.

Resumo: O envelhecimento da semente durante o armazenamento ou transporte pode afetar o rendimento e o custo da produção agrícola. O milho doce é um mutante natural com fraca vitalidade da semente durante o armazenamento. Neste estudo, mostramos que a dinâmica do nível de hormônio endógeno de sementes de milho doce recém-colhidas e envelhecidas foi diferente durante o processo de geminação precoce. A análise transcriptômica revelou vários novos transcritos durante o estágio inicial da germinação do milho doce nas vias de transdução de sinal e processamento de RNA. O perfil transcriptômico comparativo revelou que a expressão de muitos genes foi ativada mais cedo nas sementes envelhecidas do que nas recém-colhidas. As análises funcionais mostraram que, como duas redes principais, a sinalização de hormônios vegetais e as vias de defesa eram diferentes entre sementes de milho doce recém-colhidas e envelhecidas. As vias de sinalização de auxina, citocinina, giberelina, ácido salicílico e ácido jasmônico foram ativadas mais cedo nas sementes envelhecidas do que nas recém-colhidas no primeiro dia após a embebição. Esses resultados forneceram conhecimento para a compreensão do processo de envelhecimento de sementes de milho doce e vários genes candidatos ao estudo genético do mecanismo de envelhecimento de sementes. Resumo agrícola recémcolhidas recém colhidas precoce RNA recémcolhidas. colhidas. principais auxina citocinina giberelina embebição

Abstract: Seed ageing during storage or shipping can affect the yield and cost of agricultural production. Sweet corn is a naturally mutated corn cultivar with weak seed vitality during storage. In this study, we have shown that endogenous hormone level dynamics of fresh and aged sweet corn seeds were different during early geminating process. Transcriptomic assembling uncovered several novel transcripts during early stage of sweet corn germination in signal transduction and RNA processing pathways. Comparative transcriptomic profiling revealed that expression of many genes was activated earlier in aged seeds than fresh ones. Functional analyses showed that, as two major networks, plant hormone signaling and defense pathways were different between fresh and aged sweet corn seeds. Auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signaling pathways were activated earlier in aged seeds than fresh ones on the first day after imbibition. These results provided knowledge for understanding the ageing process of sweet corn seeds and several candidate genes for genetic study of seed ageing mechanism. Abstract production networks Auxin cytokinin gibberellin imbibition mechanism

Abstract C. ternatea is often used as a natural food colouring besides improving the aesthetic value of foods. It contains various antioxidants and bioactive compounds, which exert many functions, such as counteracting oxidative stress, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of C. ternatea flower extract and its protective effect on bisphenol A (BPA)-induced oxidative injury in female murine reproductive system. DPPH free radical scavenging activity (EC50 12.47 ± 2.96 mg/mL) and total phenolic content (4.59 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g) of C. ternatea flower extract were determined. Then, Institute Cancer Research (ICR) dams were administered with BPA and/or C. ternatea extract for six weeks to study on uterine histomorphology, percentage of pregnancy and offspring development. It was found that the uterus weight to body weight ratio from dam co-administered with BPA and C. ternatea was lower than dam treated with BPA alone, although no histopathological effect was found. However, the percentage of pregnancy and litter size from C. ternatea-fed group were both higher compared to BPA-fed dam. In conclusion, C. ternatea extract showed high antioxidant activity and exert potential protective effects against BPA on the reproduction performance in terms of improving the percentage of pregnancy and litter size.

Abstract Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) flowers display a white or red color. The white flowers are a popular food in Chinese markets, while the red flowers have high ornamental value. In this study, combined analysis of the transcriptome and flavonoid metabolome was performed to investigate the key genes and metabolites involved in flower pigmentation in the red and white flowers of black locust. A total of 308 flavonoid metabolites were identified, and five anthocyanins were significantly higher in the red flowers compared to the white flowers. Transcriptome sequencing yielded about 66 Gb data, from which 53,992 unigenes were assembled. Compared with the white flowers, 1,394 unigenes were up-regulated and 1,201 unigenes were down-regulated in the red flowers. Three anthocyanin structural genes, F3'H, ANS, and 3GT, were significantly up-regulated in the red flowers, representing the key genes for anthocyanin accumulation in the red flowers. Nine MYB and four bHLH genes were up-regulated in the red flowers, representing the candidate genes regulating the anthocyanin pathway. These results provide a theoretical basis for the development of black locust flowers as a food and also provide a foundation for the study of anthocyanin regulation in black locust.

Abstract Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a maternally inherited trait that derives from the inability to produce functional pollen in higher plants. CMS results from recombination of the mitochondrial genome. However, understanding of the molecular mechanism of CMS in pepper is limited. In this study, comparative transcriptomic analyses were performed using a near-isogenic CMS line 14A (CMS-14A) and a maintainer line 14B (ML-14B) as experimental materials. A total of 17,349 differentially expressed genes were detected between CMS-14A and ML-14B at the PMC meiosis stage. Among them, six unigenes associated with CMS and 108 unigenes involved in energy metabolism were identified. The gene orf165 was found in CMS-14A. When orf165 was introduced into ML-14B, almost 30% of transgenic plants were CMS. In addition, orf165 expression in transgenic CMS plants resulted in abnormal function of some genes involved in energy metabolism. When orf165 in transgenic CMS plant was silenced, the resulted orf165-silenced plant was male fertile and the expression patterns of some genes associated with energy metabolism were similar to ML-14B. Thus, we confirmed that orf165 influenced CMS in pepper.

The associative effects resulting from the proportions of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and non-fibre carbohydrate (NFC) were explored and assessed by in vitro gas production. Total mixed rations (TMR) composed primarily of alfalfa and corn-soybean concentrate were fed to growing cashmere goats. Treatments were defined by three proportions of NFC and NDF, namely 2.00 (TMR1), 2.35 (TMR2), and 3.00 (TMR3) that were used to grow cashmere goats, and these TRMs were incubated for 48 hours to evaluate their influence on associative effects. The results indicated that the associative influences of these treatments on gas production occurred within the cultures predominantly at 2 - 8 hours, and disappeared gradually as culture time was extended. TMR2 and TMR3 incubation increased gas production compared with that observed in the other groups at all incubation times (P >0.05), and these groups exhibited positive associative effects, particularly during the early hours of incubation (P <0.05). TMR3 displayed the best associative effect.

Malt is the mature fruit of Hordeum vulgare L. after germination and drying and has been applied for treatment female abnormal galactorrhea. Previous studies have showed total alkaloids in malt have anti-HPRL effect. However, total alkaloids of malt change with the growth cycle, and the specified levels of total alkaloids in different bud length of malt have not been decided. To determine the definitive level of total alkaloids in different buds of malt and the most suitable bud length for clinical application by comparing effects on hyperprolactinemia rat. During the budding of malt, the content of total alkaloids first increased and then decreased, and it peaked at a bud length of 0.75 cm. Treated the HPRL model rats with different buds of malt, the PRL level was decreased, the number of PRLpositive cells and the mRNA expression level in the pituitary were significantly declined, and the number of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the hypothalamus was increased. The above changes were most significant in 0.75 cm bud. These results suggest that in terms of the content of effective substance and the effects on HPRL model rats, a malt bud length of 0.75 cm is optimal for clinical application.

Abstract The measurement of gene expression can provide important information about gene function and the molecular basis for developmental processes. We analyzed the transcriptomes at three different developmental stages of pepper flower [sporogenous cell division, stage (B1); pollen mother cell meiosis, stage (B2); and open flower (B3)]. In the cDNA libraries for B1, B2, and B3: 82718, 77061, and 91491 unigenes were assembled, respectively. A total of 34,445 unigene sequences and 128 pathways were annotated by KEGG pathway analysis. Several genes associated with nectar biosynthesis and nectary development were identified, and 8,955, 12,182, and 23,667 DEGs were identified in the B2 vs B1, B3 vs B1, and B3 vs. B2 comparisons. DEGs were involved in various metabolic processes, including flower development, nectar biosynthesis, and nectary development. According to the RNA-seq data, all 13 selected DEGs showed similar expression patterns after q-PCR analysis. Sucrose-phosphatase, galactinol-sucrose galactosyltransferase, and sucrose synthase played very important roles in nectar biosynthesis, and CRABS CLAW could potentially be involved in mediating nectary development. A significant number of simple sequence repeat and single nucleotide polymorphism markers were predicted in the Capsicum annuum sequences. The new results provide valuable genetic information about flower development in pepper.

ABSTRACT: Enhancing the plant rhizosphere microbial community function by increasing plant diversity in the field is a promising strategy for enhancing agricultural sustainability. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the intercropping of wheat in controlling cucumber Fusarium wilt disease. Bacterial community diversity and abundance in cucumber rhizosphere were estimated by high-throughput amplicon sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed that the intercropping of wheat inhibited the severity of cucumber seedling Fusarium wilt disease, increased the alpha diversity and altered the composition of the bacterial community in cucumber rhizosphere. Compared with monocropped cucumber, intercropped cucumber had higher relative abundances of Anaerolineae, Deltaproteobacteria, Phycisphaerae and Planctomycetacia, and lower Alphaproteobacteria and Cyanobacteria. Moreover, the intercropping of wheat promoted bacterial genera with plant-beneficial potential (e.g. Pseudomonas, Haliangium and Archangium spp.) in cucumber rhizosphere. Quantitative PCR confirmed that Pseudomonas spp. abundance was higher in intercropped cucumber rhizosphere than in monocropped cucumber rhizosphere. Overall, the intercropping of wheat decreased the severity of Fusarium wilt of cucumber and promoted potential plant-beneficial microbes in cucumber rhizosphere.

ABSTRACT Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), the vector of Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), is one of the major pests of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. lycopersicum), potentially causing up to 100% yield loss. The purpose of this research was to effectively reduce intrusion by B. tabaci and control damage from ToCV in protected cultivations. The treatments included the use of a regular solar greenhouse as a control (CK); greenhouses I and II with 60- and 80-mesh insect-proof nets, respectively, that were installed in both houses at the front and upper ventilations; and greenhouse III with the addition of not only the 80-mesh insect-proof net as in greenhouse II but also a ventilating pipeline to the back wall. The effects of mesh size and back wall ventilation on the greenhouse temperature and humidity, number of B. tabaci, and level of ToCV infection were studied. Under all conditions tested (from 2014-2016), the temperature of greenhouse III with installed netting was reduced by drilling holes through the back wall and nonsignificant difference existed in the average relative humidity between greenhouses II and III. Importantly, the number of B. tabaci and ToCV infection rate were effectively controlled in greenhouse III, ranging from 0.03 to 0.33 adults per sampled plant and from 0% to 6.67% of virus incidence. Thus, installing 80-mesh insect-proof netting at the front and upper ventilation areas as well as adding a ventilating pipeline to the back wall could effectively reduce the number of B. tabaci and prevent ToCV damage.

ABSTRACT Mori folium, the leaf of Morus alba L. (Moraceae), has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes from ancient times to the present. In this study, we examined the effects of water extract of Mori folium (WEMF) on the production of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. Our data indicated that WEMF significantly suppressed the secretion of NO and PGE2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages without any significant cytotoxicity. The protective effects were accompanied by a marked reduction in their regulatory gene expression at the transcription level. WEMF attenuated LPS-induced intracellular ROS production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. It inhibited the nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor-kappa B p65 subunit and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, WEMF reduced LPS-induced NO production and ROS accumulation in zebrafish. Although more efforts are needed to fully understand the critical role of WEMF in the inhibition of inflammation, the findings of the present study may provide insights into the approaches for Mori folium as a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory and antioxidant disorders.

Salt stress is one of major problem hampering plant growth and development to a significant level. In present study, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was exogenously applied to Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. plants at various concentrations (10, 50, and 100 mg L-1) to assess its effects on morphology, physiology, and biochemistry under salt stress conditions (150 mmol NaCl L-1) as compared with control. The results indicated that salt stress substantially impaired growth, physiology and biochemistry of L. chinensis plants; nonetheless, ALA application alleviated the adverse effects of salt stress. Application of ALA improved the leaf length, leaf area, leaf conductance, plant dry biomass, water contents, and root activity of L. chinensis under stress and no stress conditions. Additionally, biosynthesis of chlorophyll, carotenoids, free proline, soluble sugars and proteins of L. chinensis plants was also increased following ALA application as compared to control, under salt stress conditions. Moreover, we also observed an enhanced activity of antioxidant defense system in L. chinensis in response to ALA application. ALA elevated the activity of enzymatic antioxidants viz. ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) significantly scavenged reactive oxygen species thus reduced the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) under salt stress as compared to control under both normal and stressed conditions. The effect of ALA on all growth and biochemical attributes was concentration dependent and application of 50 as well as 100 mg L-1 ALA proved better. The results concluded that salt stress tolerance in L. chinensis plants can be increased by exogenously applied ALA at appropriate concentration. It was suggested that L. chinensis plants were treated with ALA application of 50-100 mg L-1 was more beneficial under both normal and saline conditions.

Plant growth regulating substances are involved in the physiological and metabolic processes of plants and enable them to cope with numerous environmental stresses. The effect of exogenously applied brassinolide (BR) with various concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg L-1) was studied on morphological and physiological traits of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvelev under room and high temperatures in pots. The experimental results revealed that high temperature stress substantially perturbed growth, photosynthetic pigments, and root activity of L. chinensis; however, the deleterious effects of high temperature were partially ameliorated by the foliar application of BR. Compared to room temperature, high temperature stress decreased the plant height, leaf area, plant fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a and b content, chlorophyll a/b ratio as well as root activity, while exacerbated the membrane damage as indicated by enhanced production of malondialdehyde (MDA). Accumulation of proline content, soluble protein and sugar content in L. chinensis improved by heat stress, compared with normal temperature; application of BR further improved their production thus aiding in the attainment of tolerance against heat stress. Elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) were observed under heat stress compared to room temperature, however, application of BR further proved beneficial in this regard. Our results indicated that BR could improve the growth and development of L. chinensis by enhancing the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes and antioxidant enzymes system in plants under both room and high temperature.

The levels of serum inflammatory cytokines and the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in heart tissues in response to different frequencies of intermittent hypoxia (IH) and the antioxidant tempol were evaluated. Wistar rats (64 males, 200-220 g) were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups and 2 control groups. Four groups were exposed to IH 10, 20, 30, or 40 times/h. The other 2 experimental groups were challenged with IH (30 times/h) plus tempol, either beginning on day 0 (IH30T0) or on day 29 (IH30T29). After 6 weeks of challenge, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and interleukin-10 were measured, and western blot analysis was used to detect NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α in myocardial tissues. Serum levels of TNF-α and ICAM-1 and myocardial expression of NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α were all significantly higher in IH rats than in controls (P<0.001). Increased IH frequency resulted in more significant changes. Administration of tempol in IH rats significantly reduced levels of TNF-α, ICAM-1, NF-κB and HIF-1α compared with the non-tempol-treated group (F=16.936, P<0.001). IH induced an inflammatory response in a frequency-dependent manner. Additionally, HIF-1α and NF-κB were increased following IH administration. Importantly, tempol treatment attenuated this effect.

Acute cerebral hemorrhage (ACH) is an important clinical problem that is often monitored and studied with expensive devices such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. These devices are not readily available in economically underdeveloped regions of the world, emergency departments, and emergency zones. We have developed a less expensive tool for non-contact monitoring of ACH. The system measures the magnetic induction phase shift (MIPS) between the electromagnetic signals on two coils. ACH was induced in 6 experimental rabbits and edema was induced in 4 control rabbits by stereotactic methods, and their intracranial pressure and heart rate were monitored for 1 h. Signals were continuously monitored for up to 1 h at an exciting frequency of 10.7 MHz. Autologous blood was administered to the experimental group, and saline to the control group (1 to 3 mL) by injection of 1-mL every 5 min. The results showed a significant increase in MIPS as a function of the injection volume, but the heart rate was stable. In the experimental (ACH) group, there was a statistically significant positive correlation of the intracranial pressure and MIPS. The change of MIPS was greater in the ACH group than in the control group. This high-sensitivity system could detect a 1-mL change in blood volume. The MIPS was significantly related to the intracranial pressure. This observation suggests that the method could be valuable for detecting early warning signs in emergency medicine and critical care units.