Decomposition characteristics of organic materials and their effects on labile and recalcitrant organic carbon fractions in a semi-arid soil under plastic mulch and drip irrigation

Labile organic carbon （LC） and recalcitrant organic carbon （RC） are two major fractions of soil organic carbon （SOC） and play a critical role in organic carbon turnover and sequestration. The aims of this study were to evaluate the variations of LC and RC in a semi-arid soil （Inner Mongolia, China） under plastic mulch and drip irrigation after the application of organic materials （OMs）, and to explore the effects of OMs from various sources on LC and RC by probing the decomposition characteristics of OMs using in-situ nylon mesh bags burying method. The field experiment included seven treatments, i.e., chicken manure （CM）, sheep manure （SM）, mushroom residue （MR）, maize straw （MS）, fodder grass （FG）, tree leaves （TL） and no OMs as a control （CK）. Soil LC and RC were separated by Huygens D＇s method （particle size-density）, and the average soil mass recovery rate and carbon recovery rate were above 95%, which indicated this method was suitable for carbon pools size analysis. The LC and RC contents significantly （P〈0.01） increased after the application of OMs. Moreover, LC and RC contents were 3.2%-8.6% and 5.0%-9.4% higher in 2016 than in 2015. The applications of CM and SM significantly increased （P〈0,01） LC content and LC/SOC ratio, whereas they were the lowest after the application of TL. However, SOC and RC contents were significantly higher （P〈0.01） after the applications of TL and MS. The correlation analysis indicated the decomposition rate of OMs was positively related with LC content and LC/SOC ratio. In addition, lignin, polyphenol, WOM （total water-soluble organic matter）, WHA （water-soluble humic acid）, HSL （humicdike substance） and HAL （humic acid-like） contents in initial OMs played important roles in SOC and RC. In-situ nylon mesh bags burying experiment indicated the decomposition rates of CM, SM and MS were significantly higher than those of MR, FG, and TL. Furthermore, MS could result in more lignin derivatives, WHA, and HAL polymers in shorter time during the decomposition process. In conclusion, the application of MS in the semi-arid soil under a long-term plastic mulch and drip irrigation condition could not only improve soil fertility, but also enhance soil carbon sequestration.

Somatic Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration from Two Recalcitrant Genotypes of Gossypium hirsutum L.

An improved protocol has been developed for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration of recalcitrant cotton cultivars. High callus frequencies and embryogenic tissue were developed in MSB medium supplemented with gradient concentrations of KT and 2,4-D, their concentration decreasing from 0.1 to 0.01 mg·L^-1. Somatic embryos were successfully incubated in 1/2 macronutrient MSB suspension supplemented with 0.5 g· L^-1 glutamine and 0.5 g·L^-1 asparagine. Decrease in macronutrient concentration of MSB significantly alleviated browning and was beneficial to suspension cells. Transformation of somatic embryos into plants was induced in MSB medium supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0.5 g·L^-1 glutamine, 0.5 g·L^-1 asparagine, and 6.0 g·L^-1 agar. The effect of sucrose as carbohydrate was better than that of glucose for plant germination. Using this protocol, regenerated plantlets from the CCRI521 and Zhongzhi86-6 reached to as much as 19.6 and 18.5% somatic embryos, respectively.

Treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater containing recalcitrant compounds in a Fenton-coagulation process

The advanced treatment using integrated Fenton＇s reaction and coagulation process was investigated in this study. Before the advancement, the pharmaceutical wastewater containing lincomycin hydrochloride was pretreated by UASB （upflow anaerobic sludge bed） and a SBR （sequencing batch reactor） process. The residual recalcitrant compounds, measured by gas chromatographymass spectrometry （GC-MS）, mainly consisted of alcohols, phenols, and nitrogenous and sulfur compounds. The experimental results indicated that when the Fenton＇s reaction was conducted at pH=3.0, H2O2CODOcr=0.27, H2O2/Fe^2＋=3：1 and 30 min of reaction time, and the coagulation process operated at a sulfate aluminum concentration of 800 mg/L and pH value of 5.0, the color and COD in the wastewater decreased by 94% and 73%, respectively; with a finale COD concentration of 267 mg/L and color level of 40 units, meeting the secondary standard of GB8978-1996 for industrial wastewater.

Contribution of soil fauna to the degradation of recalcitrant components in Cinnamomum camphora foliar litter in different-sized gaps in Pinus massoniana plantations

Forest gaps are important in forest dynamics and management, but little is known about how soil fauna influence the degradation of recalcitrant litter components in different-sized forest gaps. This investigation uses litterbags with two different mesh sizes (0.04 and 3 mm) to control the meso- and microfauna entering the bags to quantify the contribution of soil fauna to the degradation of recalcitrant components (including condensed tannins, total phenol, lignin and cellulose) during litter decomposition. The experiment was conducted in seven different forest gap sizes in Pinus massoniana plantations over 1 year. One closed-canopy site (CC) and forest gap sizes of 100, 225, 400, 625, 900, 1225 and 1600 m^2 were created in a P. massoniana plantation in the Sichuan basin of China;the CC was treated as the control. Cinnamomum camphora foliage from local native trees was used in all forest gap experiments. We found the following:(1) Gap size had significant effects on the degradation rates (E) of condensed tannins and lignin and on the contributions of soil fauna;medium-sized gaps also presented high degradation rates. Soil fauna obviously contributed to the degradation of recalcitrant foliar litter components in medium-sized gaps.(2) The highest contribution to degradation (40.98%) was recorded for lignin, and the lowest contribution (0.29%) was recorded for condensed tannins. The results indicate that medium-sized gaps (900 m^2) were conducive to the degradation of recalcitrant litter components by soil fauna.

Calophyllum inophyllum: recalcitrant or intermediate seed?

We studied seed storage behaviour of a multipurpose tree Calophyllum inophyllum （Clusiaseae）. Seeds were collected at Roslyn bay （2307′60＂ S, 150°43′60＂ E） Central Queensland. Seed drying and desieeation tolerance tests were carried out according to International Seed Testing Association （ISTA） rules. We found C. inophyllum seeds to be recalcitrant and vulnerable to chilling injury, hence, unsuited for cold storage. C. inophyllum seeds maintained their viability for an appreciable period （〉 8 months） if stored in wanner environments.

Managing Recalcitrant Warts: Facts about Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii (Mw Vaccine), and Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) as Immunotherapy

Recalcitrant warts can accurately be defined as warts that persist after six months of conventional therapy. Up to one-third of non-genital warts, especially periungual and plantar warts, become recalcitrant. Traditional treatment options for warts include topical salicylic acid, cryotherapy, and electrocautery;however, patients with recalcitrant warts remain a major therapeutic challenge. There is evidence that immunotherapy can clear recalcitrant warts if traditional treatment fails. Given this, clinical studies published in PubMed and Google Scholar that used Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii (Mw vaccine), and purified protein derivative (PPD) as immunotherapy for wart, were reviewed in this study. Neither of these treatments has been subjected to a randomized controlled trial, thus to date, there are no standardized protocols to use them. Our review highlights the scientific facts in the clinical applications of the previous options to treat recalcitrant warts and investigate the differences among them, concerning efficacy, adverse effects, dosage, and route of administration.

Huge Recalcitrant Warts Treated with Pulse Dye Laser after Conventional Therapies and Others Destructive Physical Modalities Failed

Cutaneous infections with the human papilloma virus, despite being almost always asymptomatic, can induce slow-growing lesions knowed as warts that can remain subclinical for long periods of time. There are several therapeutical options namely keratolytics, retinoids, imiquimod, cryotherapy, electrosurgery, lasers and classic surgery, but none has antiviral effects. We describe the case of a patient with large warts located on the dorsal surface of the right hand, treated with cryotherapy, CO2 laser and topical imiquimod having either no clinical response or quick relapse. Treatment with PDL was started and after 13 sessions, the patient was without lesions, with a good cosmetic result and so far without relapse. This case report is relevant to us and deserves to be published because of the size of the lesions and the great response to PDL despite all the failures with the other treatments.

Application of Wox2a in transformation of recalcitrant maizegenotypes

The genetic transformation plays an important role in plant gene functional analysis and its geneticimprovement. However, only a limited number of maize germplasms can be routinely transformed. Themaize gene Wuschel-like homeobox protein 2a (Wox2a) was shown to play a crucial role in promotingthe formation of embryonic cells and enhancing the efficiency of genetic transformation in maize. Thiscommentary discusses the mechanism by which the Wox2a gene contributes to the variation inembryogenic tissue culture response among different maize inbred lines. In addition, the frequency andintensity of Wox2a or Wus2/Bbm vector-induced somatic embryogenesis was also discussed. Theapplication of Wox2a in transformation of recalcitrant maize genotypes could well accelerate thedevelopment of maize genetic improvement.

Management of the recalcitrant upper lip

The aim of this study was to present our experience in the management of the recalcitrant upper lip and describe the surgical technique. We took a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent reconstruction of the recalcitrant upper lip after maxillectomy and radiation therapy. Three female patients were identified. All patients had a history of malignant maxillary tumors, mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 1), verrucous carcinoma (n = 1), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1). Tumor extirpation was carried out through total maxillectomy (n = 2), and bilateral subtotal maxillectomy (n = 1). Primary reconstruction was accomplished with scapula free flap (n = 1), fibula free flap (n = 1), and nonvascularized iliac crest bone graft (n = 1). Two patients underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. All patients developed recalcitrant upper lip. All patients had secondary reconstruction to correct of the recalcitrant upper lip using radial forearm free flap. All patients had successful dental rehabilitation. The mean follow-up was 5 years (range 3-7 years). Subjective functional and aesthetic outcome was assessed in all patients at the last follow up visit. All patients reported subjective improvement in speech, mastication and aesthetics. Free tissue transfer provides an ideal method to reconstruct the recalcitrant upper lip. Favorable functional and aesthetic outcomes can be successfully achieved using the technique described in this series.

Recalcitrant cubital tunnel syndrome

Ulnar nerve neuropathy at the elbow represents the second most frequent compression neuropathy of the upper extremity.Of the five different anatomical areas responsible for ulnar nerve compression at the elbow region,the epitrochlear-olecranon channel and Osborne’s arcade are the most common.An additional cause of nerve damage is a dynamic process in which the ulnar nerve dislocates anteriorly at the epitrochlear-olecranon level during elbow flexion,partially or completely,causing nerve friction and constriction leading to chronic neuropathic pain.Failure after primary surgery is generally secondary to procedural errors or technical omissions,frequently represented by incomplete nerve decompression,failure to recognize nerve instability after nerve decompression,loosening of the nerve anchor after superficial nerve transposition with consequent spontaneous nerve relocation in the epitrochlear-olecranon channel,perineural fibrosis and neurodesis,which creates new nerve compression.In association with the clinical evaluation,electromyography studies,magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound are useful tools that may aid in the decision-making process when considering revision surgery.Superficial anterior transposition is the most commonly employed technique but also has a high failure rate,as opposed to anterior deep transposition that is the method of choice for many surgeons despite being more technically demanding.The results of revision surgery following recalcitrant ulnar nerve compression at the elbow are inferior to those obtained after primary surgery.Nonetheless,the clinical advantages remain relevant provided that the revision surgery is performed by an expert surgeon.To avoid misinterpretation,the patient is completely informed of the quality of results.

The Response Difference of Mitochondria in Recalcitrant Antiaris toxicaria Axes and Orthodox Zea mays Embryos to Dehydration Injury

Long-term preservation of recalcitrant seeds is very difficult because the physiological basis on their desiccation sensitivity is poorly understood. Survival of Antiaris toxicaria axes rapidly decreased and that of immature maize embryos very slowly decreased with dehydration. To understand their different responses to dehydration, we examined the changes in mitochondria activity during dehydration. Although activities of cytochrome （Cyt） c oxidase and malate dehydrogenase of the A. toxicaria axis and maize embryo mitochondria decreased with dehydration, the parameters of maize embryo mitochondria were much higher than those of A. toxicaria, showing that the damage was more severe for the A. toxicaria axis mitochondria than for those of maize embryo. The state I and III respiration of the A. toxicaria axis mitochondria were higher than those of maize embryo, the former rapidly decreased, and the latter slowly decreased with dehydration. The proportion of Cyt c pathway to state III respiration for the A. toxicaria axis mitochondria was low and rapidly decreased with dehydration, and the proportion of alternative oxidase pathway was high and slightly increased with dehydration. In contrast, the proportion of Cyt c pathway for maize embryo mitochondria was high, and that of alternative oxidase pathway was low. Both pathways decreased slowly with dehydration.

Seed Recalcitrance:a Current Assessment

Seeds have been categorized as orthodox, recalcitrant and intermediate seeds according to their dehydration behaviors. Identification of desiccation-tolerance and -sensitivity of seeds is the basis making storage strategy of seeds and long-term conservation of species gene resources. In addition to the inherent characteristics of the species, developmental status of the seeds, dehydration rate, and the conditions under which they are dried and subsequently re-imbibed are very important factors influencing desiccation tolerance of seeds. Survival, electrolyte leakage rate, and germination/growth rate produced by survived seeds are a excellent synthetic parameter when discussing desiccation tolerance of seeds. Desiccation tolerance of seeds is a quantitative feature. The term 'critical water content' is incorrect and has caused some confusion in assessment of seed recalcitrance. A new working approach to quantify the degree of seed recalcitrance has been proposed in this paper.

Prospective comparison of prophylactic antibiotic use between intravenous moxifloxacin and ceftriaxone for high-risk patients with post-ERCP cholangitis

BACKGROUND: The use of prophylactic antibiotics before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) is recommended by all major international gastroenterological societies, especially in the presence of an obstructed biliary system. This study compared the occurrence rate of post-procedural complications, including cholangitis and septicemia between prophylactic intravenous moxifloxacin and ceftriaxone in patients with bile duct obstruction scheduled for therapeutic ERCP.METHODS: From November 2013 to July 2015, 86 consecutive patients with biliary obstruction with one or more factors predicting benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to ERCP were included in the current randomized open-label non-inferiority trial(Clinical Trial.gov identifier NCT02098486). Intravenous moxifloxacin(400 mg/day) or ceftriaxone(2 g/day)were given 90 minutes before ERCP, and were administered for more than 3 days if the patient developed symptoms and signs of cholangitis or septicemia. Recalcitrant cholangitis was defined as persistence of cholangitis for more than 5 days after ERCP or recurrence of cholangitis within 30 days after ERCP.RESULTS: Recalcitrant cholangitis occurred in 1(2.3%) and 2(4.8%) patients receiving intravenous moxifloxacin and ceftriaxone group, respectively(P=0.612). Septicemia was noted in1(2.3%) and 1(2.4%) patient in intravenous moxifloxacin and ceftriaxone group, respectively(P=1.0). The mean hospital stay was also not significantly different between the moxifloxacin and ceftriaxone groups(8.8±7.2 vs 9.1±9.4 days, P=0.867). Antibiotic resistance of the isolated pathogens by in vitro activity assay was noted in 1(2.3%) and 2(4.8%) patients in the moxifloxacin and ceftriaxone group, respectively(P=0.612). CONCLUSION: Intravenous moxifloxacin is not inferior to intravenous ceftriaxone for the prophylactic treatment of post-ERCP cholangitis and cholangitis-associated morbidity.

Conservation and fruit biology of Sichou oak {Quercus sichourensis,Fagaceae)- A critically endangered species in China

Several conservation programs have been started for the critically endangered Sichou oak(Quercus sichourensis) since 2007.These programs include detailed field investigations,seedling cultivation and research on the fruit biology of the species.In this study,we first report on the five mature individual trees found in our 9-year field investigation.Thus far,a total of 10 mature individuals have been recorded.All Q.sichourensis trees are healthy and most produce healthy acorns.Acorns of Q.sichourensis are large with dry masses of 8.0-14.0 g.These acorns had high moisture contents at collection and died shortly after(7-28 d) when dried with silica gel.Characteristics of Q,sichourensis acorns varied between populations.Compared with the acorns from Funing,the acorns collected from Ceheng were bigger,more viable(germination percentage was up to 96%),less sensitive to desiccation,and germinated faster.Q.sichourensis occurs in regions with a distinct 5-6 month dry season.Habitat degradation is largely responsible for the rareness of Quercus sichorensis,but desiccation sensitivity of the acorns may also limit the regeneration of the species and potentially lead to its continued rareness.As a species with extremely small populations(PSESP),Q.sichourensis is facing high risk of extinction and should be defined as a Critically Endangered species in the global IUCN Red List.

Stable Transformation of Three Cultivars of Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) by Particle Bombardment of Mature Seed-Derived Highly Regenerative Callus

High embryogenic calli of three cutivars of Kentucky bluegrass, Md, Bd, and Gm, were induced from mature embryos, and were proliferated on medium K3 and K5. Embryogenic calli were transformed with plamids pDM803 and pBY520 by microprojectile bombardment. Fourty-two transgenic lines had been obtained. The highest efficiency of transformation reached to 3.7% for cv. Md, 2.8% for cv. Gm, and 5 % for cv. Bd. The micro nutriment of Cupric had significant effect on transformation. The embryogenic callus cultured in dim-light condition had higher transformation efficiency than the green callus cultured in light condition for one month before transformation. The selective regime and selective pressure on the putative transgenic plants were important for obtaining the desire number of transgenic plants. It also affected the copy number of integrated genes in the genomic DNA of transgenic plants.

Factors limiting the recruitment of Quercus schottkyana,a dominant evergreen oak in SW China

Quercus schottkyana is a dominant species of oak in the Asian evergreen broad-leaved forests in southwestern China but seedlings are uncommon and recruitment is rare. Annual acorn production by Q. schottkyana is variable and the acorns are exposed to a series of mortality risks. Understanding the factors that limit recruitment of the oak requires knowledge of the oak's life cycle from acorn production to germination and seedling establishment. In this study, we first tested the effects of acorn density on establishment of seedlings by placing batches of acorns at different densities throughout the study area.Second, we tested the effects of herbivores on seedling survival by erecting fences around both natural and transplanted seedling populations. Our results show that even though the rate of seedling establishment increases as acorn density increases(for 32-8000 acorns?m^(-2)), survival rates of seedlings in the field were generally low(0-0.6%). We show that seedling recruitment of Q. schottkyana is mainly limited to the acorn stage where 88% of the acorns died from the combined effects of desiccation and predation by weevils(Curculio) and bark beetles(Coccotrypes sp.). Herbivory results in the death of some seedlings and consequently also affects the recruitment of seedlings of Q. schottkyana.

Seed storage behavior of Knema attenuata, an endemic species of Western Ghats, India

We performed desiccation and storage trials to better understand storage behavior of Knema attenuata seeds. Mature seeds with moisture content （MC） of 31% exhibited 73% germination. During the period of desiccation （open lab condition） seeds with MC 23% showed 40% germination. After further drying to MC 21% germination was reduced to 16%. Complete loss in viability resulted when seed moisture was reduced to 18%. The seeds stored at -10℃, 0℃, 10℃ and 28±2℃ （open lab condition） lost their viability within 10 days. Seeds stored in sealed polythene hags and moist sand retained viability for more days than did seeds stored under all other storage conditions. Sensitivity of seeds to lower temperature and desiccation suggest that the storage behavior of K. attenuata seeds is recalcitrant. Seeds stored in moist conditions can, at best, be stored for a period of two months.

Optimal cytokinin/auxin balance for indirect shoot organogenesis of Eucalyptus cloeziana and production of ex vitro rooted micro-cuttings

Shoot organogenesis is critical for the shortening of long breeding cycles and circumvent the barrier of cloning mature Eucalyptus cloeziana trees.It enables large-scale production of plants from transformed tissues.This study evaluates the effect ofα-naphthaleneacetic acid(NAA),thidiazuron(TDZ)and benzylaminopurine(BAP)on the organogenesis of E.cloeziana from hypocotyls and cotyledonary leaves.In the induction stage,hypocotyls and cotyledonary leaves were established in a Murashige and Skoog(MS)culture medium supplemented with NAA or TDZ.Callus tissues were cultivated in a MS culture medium containing only BAP or different concentrations of BAP/NAA in the differentiation stage.Adventitious buds were multiplied in vitro and elongated in a WPM culture medium supplemented with 0.89μM BAP and 0.05μM NAA.Cotyledonary leaves exhibited the best in vitro regeneration.The induction of adventitious buds occurred only in calluses induced from TDZ.In the differentiation stage,4.4μM BAP treatment promoted an increase of adventitious bud regeneration.Micro-cuttings from regenerated shoots were acclimatized and rooted ex vitro in mini-incubators.The results confirm the establishment of an efficient protocol for the in vitro regeneration of E.cloeziana by indirect organogenesis,providing new insights regarding cloning of this species.

Calcaneal osteochondroma masquerading as plantar fasciitis: An approach to plantar heel pain-A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Heel pain is a common orthopaedic complaint,and if left untreated can be a source of chronic morbidity.Accurate diagnosis can be challenging,owing to the complex anatomy and multiple pain generators present in the foot.We aim to share our clinical experience managing an unusual case of chronic heel pain secondary to osteochondroma.CASE SUMMARY A 41-year-old obese male who works as a porter presented with a long-standing history of left plantar heel pain.He was assessed to have point tenderness over the plantar insertion of the calcaneus as well as a positive Silfverski?ld test.He was treated for plantar fasciitis and tight gastrocnemius but failed conservative therapies as well as surgical intervention.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a pedunculated bony protrusion over the plantar aspect of the calcaneus.The decision was made for excision of the osteochondroma,and the patient has been pain-free since.CONCLUSION Osteochondromas are rarely symptomatic in skeletally mature patients.While most are benign with a very low risk of malignant transformation,surgical excision can yield excellent results and significant pain relief in symptomatic patients.

Troubleshooting and Optimization of High-Strength Inhibitory Chemical Wastewater Treatment Process

Wastewaters from the chemical industry are usually of high-strength and may contain minor inhibitory and recalcitrant organics that are at times not readily identifiable. This paper describes the experience of a biological waste water treatment plant （WWTP） processing a COD concentration of 43000 mg·L^-1 wastewater from an oxochemical manufacturing plant. Stage improvements of the plant process by dilution of the inhibitory influent using other chemical wastewater streams resulting in a synergistic process effect, and removal of inhibitory organics by phase separation via acidification, effectively achieved process optimization producing a high quality effluent. In particular, the COD removal efficiency of granular sludge based anaerobic reactors increased from 56% to 90%. The final effluent COD decreased from 250mg·L^-1 to 50mg·L^-1, consistently meeting the COD concentration of 100 mg·L^-1 regulatory discharge limit. The success of the process enhancements supports the hypothesis that long-chain quaternary carboxylic acids act as substrate inhibitors in the biological process.