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Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated considerable clinical efficacy in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Puping Qinghua prescription (PPQH), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, was found to be effective against clinical symptoms in patients with Omicron variant virus infection, Nonetheless, its safety and mechanism are unclear. To provide evidence of validity and adverse events associated with PPQH in treating SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants infection. Four hundred and eighty patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were randomised into the PPQH group (n = 240) and the LLQW group (n = 240). Basic information such as age, sex, vaccination status, symptoms, etc were registered. Laboratory tests for 142 patients, including cytokine levels and lymphocyte counts, liver and kidney function. After intervention, levels of NK cells, IFN-α, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-12p70 were reduced in the PPQH group, whereas the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-17A were reduced in the Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) group (P < 0.05). PPQH was more effective in shortening duration of fever and reducing degree of cough compared with LHQW (P < 0.05). Liver and kidney functions remained unimpaired before and after intervention in both groups (P > 0.05). In addition, the incidence of adverse reactions such as palpitations, dizziness and sweating was lower in the PPQH group (P < 0.05). The efficacy of PPQH is comparable to LHQW in patients infected with Omicron variant virus. More excitingly, PPQH demonstrates a higher level of security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forkhead box c1 (Foxc1) is a vital member of the Fox family of transcription factors which play important roles in numerous biological processes including metabolism, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and longevity. However, up to date, the role of Foxc1 in the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, the markedly higher expression of Foxc1 was observed in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) of RA compared to control. Besides, we found that Foxc1 had a co-localization with THY1 (a marker for fibroblast-like synoviocytes). Moreover, during the process of TNF-α-induced inflammatory response model, Foxc1 was progressively accumulated in FLSs which was in parallel with MMP-1, MMP-13. Consistently, cell inflammatory response was distinctly hindered by small interfering RNA. Even more importantly, we discovered that Foxc1 promoted cell proliferation by upregulation PI3K/AKT signaling, which was inflammation-dependent. In summary, these data implied that Foxc1 might regulates fibroblast-like synoviocytes proliferation by reducing PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and all above findings provide novel therapeutic effects in the treatment for RA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aberrant Pin1 expression is associated with CSPCs aging. • Overexpression of Pin1 attenuates CSPCs aging. • Knockdown of Pin1 promotes CSPCs aging. Cartilage stem/progenitor cells (CSPCs) was recently isolated and identified from the cartilage tissue. CSPCs is essential for repair and regeneration of cartilage in osteoarthritis (OA). Aging is a primary risk factor for cartilage damage and joint OA. Although studies have confirmed the link between cell aging and OA, the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating CSPCs aging are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the role of Pin1 in the aging of rat knee joint CSPCs. We isolated CSPCs from rat knee joints and demonstrated that, in long-term in vitro culture, Pin1 protein levels are significantly reduced. At the same time, expression of the senescence-related β-galactosidase and the senescence marker p16INK4A were markedly elevated. In addition, Pin1 overexpression reversed the progression of cellular senescence, as evidenced by the down-regulation of senescence-related β-galactosidase, increased EdU positive cells and diminished levels of p16INK4A. In contrast, Pin1 siRNA incorporation promoted CSPCs senescence. In addition, we also observed the distribution of cell cycles through flow cytometry and revealed that Pin1 deficiency results in cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, suggesting severe lack of proliferation ability, a sign of cellular senescence. Collectively, these results validated that Pin1 is an essential regulator of CSPCs aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Low temperature stress is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting the formation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber qualities, especially fiber length. To investigate the molecular adaptation mechanisms of cotton fiber elongation to low temperature stress, two cotton cultivars, Kemian 1 (low temperature-tolerant) and Sumian 15 (low temperature-sensitive), were planted in the field at two sowing dates (25 April and 10 June). The two sowing dates resulted in different growing conditions and the main environmental difference between them was temperature, particularly the mean daily minimum temperature (MDTmin). When the sowing date was delayed, the MDTmin decreased from 26.9°C (25 April) to 20.6°C (10 June). Low temperature stress (MDTmin of 20.6°C) shortened the fiber length significantly in two cultivars, but the decreased extent was larger in Sumian 15 than that in Kemian 1. Proteomic analysis of three developmental stages (10, 15 and 20 days post-anthesis [DPA]) showed that 37 spots changed significantly (p <0.05) in abundance under low temperature stress and they were identified using mass spectrometry. These proteins were involved in malate metabolism, soluble sugar metabolism, cell wall loosening, cellulose synthesis, cytoskeleton, cellular response, and redox homeostasis. The results suggest that the enhancement of osmoticum maintenance, cell wall loosening, cell wall components biosynthesis, and cytoskeleton homeostasis plays important roles in the tolerance of cotton fibers to low temperature stress. Moreover, low levels of PEPCase, expansin, and ethylene signaling proteins may potentially lead to the low temperature sensitivity of Sumian 15 at the proteomic level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A 1050 bp fragment upstream transcription start site of a transcription factor gene NAC1 in Arabidopsis thaliana was amplified and cloned into plasmid pRD420 to construct a green fluorescent protein(GFP) fusion system under the control of NAC1 promoter. Plasmids were introduced into tobacco by Agrobacterium-mediated method to regenerate plains with NAC1-GFP gene, and expression pattern of NAC1-GFP and its responses to auxin and gibberellin (GA) were observed. GFP was found to accumulate specifically in root, and was detected after treatment of auxin, N-1-Naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA, an auxin antagonist) or GA3. It was indicated that the expression of GFP driven by NAC1 promoter was induced not only by auxin but also by Gas, suggesting that NAC1 mediated both the auxin signaling and the GAs signaling involved in lateral roots development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A fast demagnetization method for power transformers combined with residual flux measurement is proposed. • The relationship between residual flux density and measurable parameter permeability is established through experiments. • The Jiles-Atherton model with variable parameters is used to characterize the magnetic characteristics of transformer cores, improving simulation accuracy. • A numerical simulation model of transformers has been developed, which can simulate transformers under different residual flux conditions. When power transformers are re-energized, the inrush current may be generated and damage electrical equipment. In order to suppress the generation of serious inrush current, the residual flux (RF) in the power transformer core needs to be eliminated. However, existing methods require first magnetizing the core to saturation to calibrate the magnetic flux due to the unknown residual flux density (B r), which increases demagnetization power and time. In addition, the lack of effective B r measurement methods makes it impossible to evaluate the demagnetization effect. Therefore, this paper proposes a demagnetization method that considers the amount of B r , which achieves accurate measurement and quantitative elimination of B r in the transformer core. The measurement is first performed by applying DC voltages of different polarities, and then a specific demagnetization DC voltage is applied based on the measurement results. The magnetic flux in the transformer core is reduced directly to zero without calibrating flux throughout the entire process. Experimental studies are performed on core-type transformers and 10 kV, 250 kVA power transformers, and the experiment results show that the B r is reduced to within 1 % of the knee-point flux and the measurement error is within 4 %, which proves the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared with existing methods, the demagnetization time can be reduced to less than 1 s and the demagnetization power can be reduced by 95 % using the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cottonseed is the main coproduct of cotton production. The carbohydrate metabolism provides carbon substrate for the accumulation of cottonseed kernel biomass which was the basis of cottonseed kernel development. However, the responses of drought stress on carbohydrate metabolism in kernels are still unclear. To address this, two cotton cultivars (Dexiamian 1 and Yuzaomian 9110) were cultivated under three water treatments including soil relative water content (SRWC) at (75 ± 5)% (control), (60 ± 5)% (mild drought) and (45 ± 5)% (severe drought) to investigate the effects of soil drought on cottonseed kernel carbohydrate metabolism and kernel biomass accumulation. Results suggested that drought restrained the accumulation of cottonseed kernel biomass which eventually decreased cottonseed kernel biomass at maturity. In detail, the down-regulation of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity led to the inhibition of sucrose synthesis, while the up-regulation of invertase (INV) promoted the sucrose decomposite, which reduced the sucrose content eventually under drought. Though hexose content was increased, phosphoenolpyruvic acid (PEP) content was decreased under drought by downregulating 6-phosphofructokinase (PFK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) activities, which hindered the conversion of hexose to PEP. The large decrease of sucrose and PEP contents hindered the accumulation of kernel biomass. The related substances contents and enzyme activities in carbohydrate metabolism of Yuzaomian 9110 were more susceptible to drought stress than Dexiamian 1. • The cottonseed kernel biomass was significantly decreased under soil drought. • Drought decreased sucrose content owing to the decreased sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity and increased invertase (INV) activity under soil drought in cottonseed kernel. • Drought decreased phosphoenolpyruvic acid (PEP) content by decreasing activities of phosphofructokinase (PFK) and pyruvate kinase (PK). • Yuzaomian 9110 exhibited a more sensitive response to drought stress than Dexiamian 1 in cottonseed kernel biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The work explored sucrose metabolism in the leaves subtending the cotton boll (SBL) and its role in boll weight after waterlogging in cotton. Results showed that net photosynthesis rate (Pn), relative water content, contents of Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b, initial ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco) activity and cytosolic fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase (cy-FBPase) activity decreased with waterlogging in the SBL on fruiting branches 2–3 (FB2–3) and FB6–7. Activities of sucrose synthase (SuSy) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) increased to the maximum up to 6 days of waterlogging then decreased with prolonged waterlogging. Rubisco activation and specific leaf weight increased and gene expressions of SuSy, SPS and rubisco activase (RCA) were all up-regulated with the duration of waterlogging, especially for the SBL on FB6–7. The induction of activity and gene expression of SuSy was most significant indicating its crucial role in sucrose metabolism after waterlogging. For the SBL in the later period of boll development on upper FB10–11 and FB14–15, the pattern seemed opposite to that of FB2–3 and FB6c7 as compensation effect in vegetative growth existed. Correlation analysis revealed that initial Rubisco activity and cy-FBPase activity were the main limitation to Pn reduction after waterlogging. Reduction in Pn, sucrose transformation rate and initial Rubisco activity directly decrease boll weight in waterlogged cotton. Besides the role in sucrose metabolism after waterlogging, SuSy also had a positive significant correlation with the duration of rapid-accumulation period for seed fiber weight (P <0.05). These findings elucidated mechanisms to waterlogging that affected seed fiber weight, which resulted from alteration in carbohydrates, enzymes and genes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Potassium (K) application can alleviate the negative effect of drought on fiber strength of cotton, but the involved physiological mechanism is still unclear. To explore this, two cotton varieties, Siza 3 and Simian 3, were planted under three K levels of 0, 150 and 300 kg K 2 O ha−1. These were exposed to two water regimes consisting of a well-watered level (WW) of 75 ± 5% soil relative water content (RSWC) and a short-term drought stress (DS) of 40 ± 5% SRWC at flowering and boll development stage of cotton. Results revealed that cotton fiber strength of the 7th main-stem fruiting branch (FB7, middle branch) and 3rd main-stem fruiting branch (FB3, lower branch) significantly decreased under drought conditions. The K application significantly increased cotton fiber strength on all FBs under both WW and DS conditions and alleviated the fiber strength decline on FB3 and FB7 under drought. Correspondingly, K application alleviated the DS-caused decrease of sucrose content, cellulose content, sucrose and callose conversion rate, and SuSy and β-1,3-glucanase activities. Correlation analysis also revealed that sucrose content was the most associated to final cotton fiber strength, followed by callose and sucrose conversion rate. Greater increase in enzymes activity, carbohydrate content and conversion rate, and final fiber strength by K application was observed in Siza 3 than in Simian 3 under DS. Summarily, since the carbohydrate content and enzymes activity under DS increased with the increase of K application, the negative effect of DS on fiber strength on FB3 and FB7 gradually reduced. Sustaining higher sucrose content and carbohydrate conversion rate (CCR) would be the strategy for K alleviating the DS-induced decline in fiber strength in cotton. • K increase carbohydrate contents, enzymes activity and fiber strength under DS. • Maximum sucrose content was most correlated to fiber strength. • Sustain higher sucrose content and CCR would be the strategy of K alleviating the DS-induced decline in fiber strength. • Siza3 exhibit a more positive response to K than Simian3 in fiber strength under DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen fertilization affects maize grain yield through regulating ear leaf senescence and nitrogen remobilization (RemN), yet few studies focus on how nitrogen alters the onset of leaf senescence and then affects leaf RemN to regulate grain-filling. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the onset of ear leaf senescence, ear leaf RemN, and grain-filling. A field experiment in Yancheng, China,with six nitrogen rates (0, 67.5, 136.5, 205.5, 274.5, and 343.5 kg N ha−1) were conducted and ear leaf senescence and grain-filling were analyzed in response to different N fertilizations. Optimal nitrogen fertilization (around 205.5 kg N ha−1) significantly increased grain yield (average 10359.2 kg ha−1) and harvest index (HI, average 0.58). Additionally, nitrogen application increased the nitrogen concentration of ear leaves and delayed senescence. The maximum delay was 3.4 days compared to the control. At the time of maximum grain yield, the onset of senescence could be delayed by 1.6–1.9 days. However, delayed senescence of ear leaves negatively impacted leaf RemN contribution to grain nitrogen, with a maximum limit of 16.0 observed at 205.5 kg N ha−1. Furthermore, nitrogen fertilization could reduce the maximum grain-filling rate (G max), the maximum grain weight (W max), and the time to reach the maximum grain-filling rate (T max). Higher grain yield and its response to nitrogen relied on a shorter time interval between the onset of senescence and T max. At a nitrogen fertilization rate of 196.85 kg N ha−1 (close to the optimal rate of 205.5 kg N ha−1), the minimum time interval could be reduced to about 2.4 days, resulting in a maximum relative yield response to nitrogen of 39.98%. Optimal nitrogen fertilization improved grain yield by delaying the onset of senescence of ear leaves and altering its RemN, thus impacting grain filling. It provided valuable insights for achieving higher yields under the optimal nitrogen fertilization by considering the onset of ear leaf senescence, the ability of RemN in relation to grain filling. • Nitrogen improved maize yield by delaying onset of senescence and changing leaf RemN. • Delayed onset of senescence negatively affected the ability of leaf N remobilization. • The delayed senescence onset and RemN of ear leaves were quantified by N fertilizer. • The time to reach the maximum grain-filling rate (T max) is influenced by nitrogen. • A shorter time interval between the onset of senescence and T max can increase yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The prebuckling deformation of structures is usually very small in conventional concepts, and is always neglected in the conventional buckling theory (CBT) and numerical method (CNM). In this paper, we find a class of structures from the emerging field of stretchable electronics, of which the prebuckling deformation becomes large and essential for determining the critical buckling load. Although great progress has been made for the buckling theory in the past hundred years, it is still challenging to analyze the buckling problems with finite prebuckling deformation (FPD buckling) straightforwardly. Here, the experimental stretch of a series of serpentine interconnects was firstly conducted as a representative example to show the FPD buckling behaviors and inapplicability of the CBT and CNM. The CNM can yield a huge error of 50% on the critical buckling load for the case with thickness-to-width ratio of the cross section h / b = 0.6. Most importantly, a systematic and straightforward theory (FPD buckling theory) is developed to analyze the FPD buckling behaviors of beams with the coupling of bending, twist and stretch/compression. As a comparison, various theoretical and numerical methods are applied to three classic problems, including lateral buckling of a three-point-bending beam, lateral buckling of a pure bending beam and Euler buckling. Our FPD buckling theory for beams is able to give a good prediction, while the CBT (by Timoshenko et al.) and CNM (by commercial program packages) yield unacceptable results (with 70% error for a three-point-bending beam with h / b = 0.8, for example). Discussion on the FPD buckling of bulk structures is deferred to a following paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• GDD was the most effective weather factor for low seed vigor, seed index and kernel index in cotton. • Cool temperature decreased kernel index mainly by reducing the Vmax of kernel biomass accumulation. • Cool temperature limited antioxidase activity to prolong the time of oxidative stress on the membrane. • POD played a main role in scavenging H 2 O 2 during cotton seed development at late planting date. Cotton in double cropping systems (rapeseed-cotton or wheat-cotton) is often late-planted and experiences a much longer period of cool temperature at the late growth stage, which impairs seed quality. A two-year field experiment with two planting dates (normal and late planting date) was conducted to investigate the effects of late planting on cottonseed vigor and its relationship with seed biomass accumulation and kernel antioxidant metabolism during seed development. With the delay of planting date and the increasing height of fruiting branches, the mean daily temperature during boll period decreased from 25.9 °C to 20.7°C. Meanwhile, the seed, kernel and vigor index decreased by 2.6–12.1%, 4.7–15.0% and 2.5–16.0% respectively. The direct path coefficient of growing degree days (GDD) and the indirect path coefficients via GDD for seed, kernel and vigor index were positive and high. Seed vigor was more sensitive to the change of kernel index than seed index and the cool temperature limited the accumulation of kernel biomass mainly via reducing the maximum velocity of kernel biomass accumulation (Vmax), which led to a significant decline in seed vigor especially in the late planting date. Under cool temperature caused by late planting, the time of the maximum activity for each H 2 O 2 -scavenging enzyme was postponed with their maximum activities being decreased, which caused slow reduction in the content of malondialdehyde and H 2 O 2 content during the late stage of seed development. In addition, peroxidase (POD) had the closest correlation with cottonseed vigor compared with catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase. Altogether, low seed vigor occurred in late planting could be attributed to the decreased kernel biomass and prolonged duration of oxidative damage on membranes caused by cool temperature. The GDD of boll period is valuable for estimating cottonseed harvesting time especially under late planting conditions and seeds with high POD activity are more tolerant to cool temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the natural course of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, sclerotic changes at the boundary of necrotic lesion gradually occur until femoral head collapse. This study aims to examine the effects of bone mineral density at the lateral boundary of necrotic lesion on a subsequent femoral head collapse. We developed patient-specific finite element models of 9 hips with subsequent collapse and 10 hips without subsequent collapse. Cubic regions of interest were selected at both subchondral areas of the lateral boundary and the adjacent necrotic lesion. Bone mineral density values of the regions of interest were quantitatively measured, and a ratio of bone mineral density values (lateral boundary/necrotic lesion) was calculated. Stress values at the lateral boundary were also evaluated. The ratio of bone mineral density values was significantly higher in hips with subsequent collapse than that without subsequent collapse (p = 0.0016). The median equivalent stress and shear stress were significantly higher in hips with subsequent collapse than that without subsequent collapse (p = 0.0071, and p = 0.0143, respectively). The ratio of bone mineral density values showed a promising value in predicting the occurrence of subsequent femoral head collapse (AUC = 0.97). Our results indicated that bone mineral density value at the lateral boundary of necrotic lesion may be associated with the occurrence of subsequent femoral head collapse in pre-collapse stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head. • Bone mineral density of the lateral sclerotic boundary in femoral head necrosis were evaluated. • Stress value at the lateral sclerotic boundary in femoral head necrosis were evaluated. • High bone mineral density at the lateral sclerotic boundary is associated with stress concentration. • Higher bone mineral density at the lateral sclerotic boundary might lead to femoral head collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-term waterlogging and chronic elevated temperature occur frequently in the Yangtze River Valley, yet the effects of these co-occurring environments on nitrogen metabolism of the subtending leaf (a major source leaf for boll development) have received little attention. In this study, plants were exposed to two temperature regimes (31.6/26.5 °C and 34.1/29.0 °C) and waterlogging events (0 d, 3 d, 6 d) during flowering and boll development. The results showed that the effects of waterlogging stress and elevated temperature in isolation on nitrogen metabolism were quite different. Waterlogging stress not only limited NR (EC 1.6.6.1) and GS (EC 6.3.1.2) activities through the down-regulation of GhNR and GhGS expression for amino acid synthesis, but also promoted protein degradation by enhanced protease activity and peptidase activity, leading to lower organ and total biomass (reduced by 12.01%–27.63%), whereas elevated temperature inhibited protein degradation by limited protease activity and peptidase activity, promoting plant biomass accumulation. Furthermore, 2–3 °C chronic elevated temperature alleviated the negative impacts of a brief (3 d) waterlogging stress on cotton leaves, with the expression of GhNiR up-regulated, the activities of NR, GS and GOGAT (EC 1.4.7.1) increased and the activities of protease and peptidase decreased, leading to higher protein concentration and enhanced leaf biomass for EW 3 relative to AW 3 . The results of the study suggested that exposure to slightly elevated air temperature improves the cotton plants’ ability to recover from short-term (3 d) waterlogging stress by sustaining processes associated with nitrogen assimilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Storage lipids and proteins in cottonseed have important industrial values and carbohydrate metabolism is the basis for the biosynthesis of oil and protein in cottonseed. In order to investigate the effects of potassium (K) fertilizer on carbohydrate metabolism of cottonseeds in two cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars with different K sensitivities, a two-year field experiment was conducted with a low K-tolerant cultivar (Simian 3) and a low K-sensitive cultivar (Siza 3) under three K levels (0, 150 and 300 kg K 2 O ha −1 ). Results showed that boll number and seed index were higher in the K application treatments (150 and 300 kg K 2 O ha −1 ) than in the 0 kg K 2 O ha −1 , resulting in high cottonseed yield. Embryo weight was increased by K application, but seed coat weight was not influenced. K application did not change protein content, but markedly increased oil and non-structural saccharide contents, and K concentration was positively correlated with oil and non-structural carbohydrate contents. In addition, higher non-structural carbohydrate content in the K application treatments than in the 0 kg K 2 O ha −1 was attributed to higher contents of starch, sucrose and fructose, and sucrose increased to a greater extent than other carbohydrates with K application. Higher fructose content in the K application treatments was closely related to higher sucrose synthase (SuSy) and acid invertase activities. Compared with Simian 3, the sensitivity of Siza 3 to K was evidenced in the following ways: (1) boll number, cottonseed yield, embryo biomass, and the seed coat to embryo ratio were increased more by K application for Siza 3 than Simian 3; (2) oil and carbohydrate accumulations in embryo were more responsive to K concentration in Siza 3 than Simian 3; (3) the increases in the contents of sucrose, starch and fructose and the activities of enzymes (SuSy and acid invertase) caused by K application were larger in Siza 3 than Simian 3; (4) the increases in sucrose phosphate synthase and alkaline invertase activities resulting from K application was only detected in Siza 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acupuncture has been widely used as a treatment for stroke in China for a long time. Recently, studies have demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) can accelerate intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced angiogenesis in rats. In the present study, we investigated the effect of EA on neurobehavioral function and brain injury in ICH rats. ICH was induced by stereotactic injection of collagenase type I and heparin into the right caudate putamen. Adult ICH rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: model control group (MC), EA at non-acupoint points group (non-acupoint EA) and EA at Baihui and Dazhui acupoints group (EA). The neurobehavioral deficits of ICH rats were assessed by modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and gait analysis. The hemorrhage volume and glucose metabolism of hemorrhagic foci were detected by PET/CT. The expression levels of MBP, NSE and S100-B proteins in serum were tested by ELISA. The histopathological features were examined by haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Apoptosis-associated proteins in the perihematomal region were observed by immunohistochemistry. EA treatment significantly promoted the recovery of neurobehavioral function in ICH rats. Hemorrhage volume reduced in EA group at day 14 when compared with MC and non-acupoint EA groups. ELISA showed that the levels of MBP, NSE and S100-B in serum were all down-regulated by EA treatment. The brain tissue of ICH rat in the EA group was more intact and compact than that in the MC and non-acupoint groups. In the perihematomal regions, the expression of Bcl-2 protein increased and expressions of Caspase-3 and Bax proteins decreased in the EA group vs MC and non-acupoint EA groups. Our data suggest that EA treatment can improve neurobehavioral function and brain injury, which were likely connected with the absorption of hematoma and regulation of apoptosis-related proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The level of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase 1 (β4GalT1) is up-regulated in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. It is reported that CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) can enhance the invasiveness of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aims to investigate the specific mechanism of β4GalT1 and relationship between β4GalT1 and CXCR3 in RA. Methods The model of CIA mice was established to explore the role of β4GalT1. The N-glycosylation of CXCR3 was detected by mass spectrometry and western-blot. The interaction between β4GalT1 and CXCR3 was tested by immunoprecipitation. The truncted MMP-1 was detected by ELISA. Flow cytometry analysis was applied to measure ligand-receptor interaction between CXCR3 and CXCL10. Results β4GalT1 can promote the inflammatory process of arthritis. CXCR3 was N-glycosylated and its glycosylation regulated by β4GalT1. β4GalT1 can enhance the invasiveness of FLS by modifying CXCR3. N-glycosylation of CXCR3 influences the ligand-receptor interaction between CXCR3 and CXCL10. Conclusions β4GalT1 can regulate N-glycans of CXCR3 in RA. N-glycans of CXCR3 affects CXCL10/CXCR3 ligand-binding which enhancing FLS invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-year field experiment was established to investigate the differences in the process of potassium (K) accumulation and photosynthetic physiology of functional leaves of two cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars with contrasting K sensitivity (Simian 3, low-K-tolerant cultivar and Siza 3, low-K-sensitive cultivar) under three K levels (0,150 and 300 kg K 2 O ha −1 ). Results in 2012 and 2013 indicated that the maximum theoretical accumulation of K, the maximum and average accumulation rate of K increased in the K-supply treatments (150 and 300 kg K 2 O ha −1 ), and the K accumulation in reproductive and reproductive organs was increased by K application. Decreased net photosynthetic rate ( P n ) in the 0 kg K 2 O ha −1 treatment was attributed to stomatal limitation at the boll setting stage for Simian 3 and at the peak flowering stage for Siza 3. After which, non-stomatal factors (low chlorophyll content, unbalanced chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b ratio, negative chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and decreased carboxylation efficiency) dominated the reduction in P n under K deficiency. High total and initial Rubisco, sucrose phosphate synthase and sucrose synthase (SuSy) (except SuSy in Simian 3) activities did not result in high hexose, sucrose and starch contents in the K-supply treatments, because of a higher rate of sucrose export. Compared with Simian 3, the sensitivity of Siza 3 to low-K was showed in the following aspects: (1) the duration of K rapid-accumulation was increased by K application; (2) P n , chl a + b and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, especially q N, under K deficiency were more negative; (3) the occurring time of non-stomatal limitation under K deficiency was earlier; (4) the net photosynthetic rate of unit chlorophyll was significantly promoted by K application; (5) Siza 3 needed higher leaf K content to maintain Rubisco activation state; and (6) SuSy activity was increased by K application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the changes in antioxidant metabolism related to leaf senescence under potassium (K) deficiency, field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 with contrasting two cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars in low-K sensitivity (Simian 3, low-K tolerant and Siza 3, low-K sensitive) under three K levels (0, 150 and 300 kg K 2 O ha −1 ). Results showed that K deficiency enhanced the early season flowering rate, earliness, shedding rate and yellow leaf rate, and decreased leaf number, leaf area, boll number, seed cotton weight per boll and lint percentage. The premature senescence of leaf subtending the cotton boll (LSCB) induced by K deficiency was characterized by early chlorophyll degradation and negative chlorophyll fluorescence. Despite higher activity of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) scavenging enzymes (catalase and peroxidase) and higher content of ascorbic acid (ASC) existed in the K-deficient leaf, higher H 2 O 2 content was observed, which caused higher malondialdehyde content. Although lower dehydroascorbate reductase activity was observed under K deficiency, high ASC content was attributed to lower ascorbate peroxidase activity. The differences between Siza 3 and Simian 3 in response to K deficiency were that: (1) the seed cotton weight per boll and lint percentage in Siza 3 decreased more obviously, (2) higher leaf K concentration was needed for maintaining chlorophyll content for Siza 3, (3) Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters was more easily damaged in Siza 3, especially non-photochemical quenching, and (4) superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase activities decreased markedly only in Siza 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the competition of temperature and light resources during the growing season of double cropping system (cotton-rapeseed or cotton-wheat), cotton is generally late-germinating and late-maturing and has to suffer from the two factors of declining temperature and low light especially in the late growth stage. In this study, late planting (LP) and shading were used to fit the two-factor interaction stress, and to investigate their effects on lint yield and fiber quality formation. Two cotton cultivars, Kemian 1 and Sumian 15, were grown in the field in 2010 and 2011 at three planting dates with three shading levels. Among the three yield components, boll weight and boll number were the most sensitive indices to cool temperature and low light, respectively. The two-factor interaction of cool temperature and low light had a significantly effect on boll weight and lint percentage. Fiber length under shading increased throughout the extended duration of fiber elongation ( T ( Len )) in the normal planting date of 25-April (NPD 25-April ), and by the decline of maximum fiber elongation rate ( V ( Len ) max ) in the late planting dates (LPD). Fiber strength was reduced under the two-factor interaction of NPD 25-April and shading due to the decrease of the duration and the mean strengthen rate of fiber strength growth periods. With further temperature decreasing, shading reduced strength mainly due to lower cellulose content and fiber biomass. In addition, compared to Sumian 15, Kemian 1 had higher V ( Len ) max and longer T ( Mic ) (data not shown) under the two-factor interaction of LP and shading, leading to longer fiber length and smaller decline of micronaire, and also had a lower decline in strength because of the smaller decline of fiber cellulose content and biomass. Therefore, cotton cultivar of Kemian 1 with a higher V ( Len ) max , longer T ( Mic ) and a less decline in cellulose content and biomass were more tolerant to the two-factor interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mechanistic model was developed to simulate the genotypic and environmental variations in the cotton embryo oil and protein accumulation with the boll development. Three sub-models, cotton boll maturation period model, cotton embryo oil accumulation model and protein accumulation model, were integrated. Genotypic characteristics, effects of temperature and solar radiation, nitrogen (N) supply, and soil water condition were considered. The effect of temperature and solar radiation was expressed by a function of photo-thermal index (PTI). The N supply effect was indicated by subtending leaf N concentration of cotton boll (LNC), while the effect of water condition was indicated by the predawn water potential of functional leaf (PLWP). Based on the relations between the critical LNC/PLWP and the actual LNC/PLWP, effects of N supply and water condition were quantified, respectively. The model calibrations and evaluations were conducted for cotton boll maturation period and the embryo oil and protein accumulation obtained from experiments with 4 cultivars in 2 locations (Nanjing and Anyang) belonging to two cotton growing areas in China. According to the indexes of goodness-of-fit, the model could well explain the observed genotypic and environmental variation in cotton embryo oil and protein accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 with two cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars (Simian 3, low-K tolerant; Siza 3, low-K sensitive) under three levels of potassium (K) fertilization (0, 150 and 300 kg K 2 O ha −1 ). Results showed that K application increased leaf K concentration, net photosynthetic rate ( Pn ), stomatal conductance ( Gs ), plant biomass and stimulated boll biomass (capsule wall, seed and lint biomass). K application increased the proportion of lint biomass, decreased the proportion of seed biomass, and did not affect the proportion of capsule wall biomass. Specific leaf weight (SLW), maximum/minimum sucrose contents and nonstructural carbohydrate (hexose, sucrose, starch) decreased, but sucrose transformation rate in LSCB increased in both cultivars after K application, the leaf critical K levels for hexose content, sucrose content and starch content were 1.1%, 1.3%, 1.2–1.4% in Simian 3 and were 1.6%, 1.7% and 1.7–1.8% in Siza 3, respectively. The activities of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco), cytosolic fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (cy-FBPase), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose synthase (SuSy) and amylase activities increased by K application, whereas soluble acid invertase (SAI) activity decreased. SPS and SuSy activities in Siza 3 were more sensitive than that in Simian 3. Correlation analysis revealed that higher Pn , sucrose transformation rate and SPS activity in LSCB were necessary to improve boll biomass, but the accumulation of sucrose in LSCB was not beneficial to boll biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cottonseed as the main by-product of cotton has important industrial utilization value due to the high protein content. Although previous studies found that high temperature or drought can affect cottonseed protein yield, reports on the detailed physiological mechanisms are limited. Moreover, the combination of the two stresses on cottonseed protein synthesis has received little attention. To address this, two cotton cultivars, Sumian 15 and PHY370WR, were exposed to two temperature regimes consisting of ambient temperature and elevated temperature (ambient temperature plus 2.5–2.7 °C), and three water treatments including soil relative water content (SRWC)(75 ± 5)% (optimum soil moisture), SRWC(60 ± 5)% (mild drought) and SRWC(45 ± 5)% (severe drought) were established under each temperature regime. Results showed that individual elevated temperature or drought had quite different effects on protein synthesis. Elevated temperature alone improved the kernel protein content by 3.90–8.53% for both cultivars compared with ambient temperature by increasing the maximum rate of protein accumulation (V m). Moreover, elevated temperature alone enhanced amino acid synthesis by increasing the activity of glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) and the expression of GhGS and GhGOGAT , which was also good for increasing protein content. Mild drought slightly affected the protein accumulation during cottonseed kernel development. Although the duration of protein rapid accumulation increased, severe drought significantly decreased the V m and the activity of GS and GOGAT as well as the expression of GhGS and GhGOGAT , finally leading to lower protein content. The interaction effect between the two stresses on protein synthesis was significant, since elevated temperature promoted protein synthesis under mild drought by increasing the V m , the activity of GS and GOGAT, and the expression of GhGS and GhGOGAT ; however, elevated temperature further reduced GS and GOGAT activities and GhGS and GhGOGAT expressions to inhibit protein synthesis under severe drought. • Protein content was positively and significantly correlated with the maximum rate of protein accumulation. • Elevated temperature promoted protein accumulation and synthesis under mild drought. • The combination of elevated temperature and severe drought limited protein accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Because reproductive growth could be influenced by sucrose metabolism of major source leaf (leaf subtending to cotton boll, LSCB), we hypothesized that decreased temperatures under field conditions would limit morphology and biomass distributions of the whole cotton plant by decreasing photosynthesis of LSCB and inhibiting sucrose metabolism in LSCB. To address this hypothesis, two cotton cultivars, Kemian 1 and Sumian 15, were grown at three planting dates (25 April, 25 May and 10 June) in 2009–2011 to obtain LSCB and bolls exposed to contrasting ambient temperatures while at the same developmental stage (white flowers on the first position of 6–7th fruiting branches). Sample collection and measurement were conducted during boll development at MDTmin of 25.9°C and 24.0°C for the early planting date of 25 April (optimal planting date in the Yangtze River Valley), 20.4°C and 18.4°C for the 25 May planting date, and 16.5°C and 16.0°C for the 10 June planting date in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Microclimate measurements included photosynthetic active radiation, relative humidity and air temperature. Late planting decreased boll number, boll weight, LAI, total biomass and harvest index (P <0.05), but increased leaf to shoot, leaf to stem and leaf to boll ratios. Cool temperature increased SLW and carbohydrate contents in LSCB, but decreased Pn and sucrose transformation rate in LSCB (P <0.05). Under cool temperatures (MDTmin of 20.4°C and 16.5°C in 2010, and 18.4°C and 16.0°C in 2011 during boll development) in the late planting dates (25 May and/or 10 June), the activities of Rubisco and cytosolic fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (cy-FBPase) increased, whereas sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase (SuSy) activities decreased, and their peak values were delayed. The variability of Pn, SPS activity, sucrose transformation rate in LSCB and boll weight under cool temperature for Sumian 15 was greater than those of Kemian 1. In addition, there was a significantly positive correlation between Pn and SPS in LSCB, as well as SPS and boll weight in 2010 and 2011 (P <0.05). It is concluded that, of the measured physiological and reproductive processes, the difference of sucrose metabolizing enzymes in LSCB for the two cotton cultivars under cool temperature due to late planting were mainly determined by SPS activity, while higher Pn and SPS in LSCB were necessary to improve boll weight. However, greater boll weight does not necessarily need high Pn, SPS and SuSy activities, and great sucrose transformation rate in LSCB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]