Ring finger protein 157 is a prognostic biomarker and is associated with immune infiltrates in human breast cancer

Background: The protein encoded by ring finger protein 157 (RNF157) is known to function as an E3 ubiquitinligase. However, whether the level of RNF157 expression in breast cancer correlates with prognosis and immune cellinfiltration among breast cancer patients remains to be further explored. Methods: In this study, publicly availabledatasets were used for evaluating RNF157 expression in different tumors compared with normal samples. Severalindependent datasets were screened for investigating the relationship between RNF157 and breast cancer survival,different mutation profiles, and tumor immune cell infiltration. We conducted a pathway enrichment analysis toidentify signaling pathways associated with RNF157. Results: Analysis of public and online databases revealed thatRNF157 expression markedly decreased in breast cancer tissue samples compared to non-carcinoma counterparts.Consistently, immunohistochemistry assays also demonstrated this RNF157 down-regulation in breast cancer samples.RNF157 up-regulation could predict the improved survival of breast cancer cases. Further, different RNF157expression level groups exhibited different mutational profiles. Pathway enrichment profiling of RNF157-related genessuggested its possible involvement in regulating breast cancer via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)pathway. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data and genomic enrichment analysis showed that RNF157 downregulatedseveral genes positively associated with the MAPK signaling pathway. We also explored RNF157 expression andimmune cell infiltration in breast cancer and found that RNF157 mRNA levels were negatively related to non-Timmune cell infiltration. Conclusion: According to our work, RNF157 may be a promising diagnostic biomarker andtherapeutic target for breast cancer.

Advances in the Correlation between Intestinal Microbiota and Breast Cancer Development

The intestinal microbiota has a symbiotic relationship with humans. It participates in some important physiological activities in the human body and has an important impact on human health. It has become a hot topic of research by scientists in recent years. Among them, the research on the correlation between intestinal microbiota and cancer has increased rapidly. At present, the incidence rate of breast cancer is increasing, which seriously endangers the health of women. More and more studies have found that the occurrence of breast cancer is related to intestinal microbiota, and its possible mechanism includes intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, estrogen metabolism changes, immune regulation, and the participation of intestinal microbiota metabolites, etc. With the further development of high-throughput sequencing technology, the research on the correlation between intestinal microbiota and breast cancer has become more in-depth, from a structural level confined to microorganisms to a more comprehensive system structure and function level. These research results provide a new research direction for the treatment of breast cancer. In order to further study the interaction between intestinal microbes and breast cancer, this article will comprehensively describe the intestinal microbiota and breast cancer from four aspects: intestinal microbial dysbiosis, altered estrogen metabolism, immune regulation, and intestinal microbial metabolites. It also reviews the application research of intestinal microbiota in breast cancer treatment, including the influence of intestinal microbiota on the effects of breast cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy, probiotic therapy, and dietotherapy.

Application of 16s rDNA Sequencing in the Analysis of Pathogenic Bacteria in Sputum of Severe Bacterial Pneumonia

Objective: 120 patients with severe pneumonia who were kept in the comprehensive ICU of our hospital in 2018 were selected, and 16s rDNA sequencing was performed to analyze the composition of pathogenic bacteria in the sputum of severe pneumonia. Methods: The sputum samples of patients with severe bacterial pneumonia were collected, and the diversity of pathogens in the samples was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and high-throughput sequencing (16s rDNA PCR-DGGE). Results: Sequence showed that sputum samples contained a relatively large number of species, and there were many species that were not detected by sequencing. The dominant bacteria were Streptococcus, Sphingomonas, Corynebacterium, Denatobacteria, Aquobacteria, Acinetobacteria, Prevotella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, etc. Conclusion: Bacteria caused by sputum of severe bacterial pneumonia are complex and diverse, which provides new methods and ideas for individualized treatment of patients with severe pneumonia.

Application of 16S rDNA Sequencing Technology in the Analysis of Pathogenic Bacteria in Sputum of Severe Pneumonia

The diagnosis of pathogenic bacteria in severe pneumonia is difficult and the prognosis is poor. Its outcome is closely related to bacterial pathogenicity and the timeliness and pertinence of antibiotic treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis is of great significance to the prognosis of patients. Sputum examination and culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis of pathogens of severe pneumonia. However, due to the long time of bacterial culture, the early use of antibiotics, the change of bacteria species, mixed infection and other problems, the results of bacterial culture in sputum are often false negative. With the continuous application of new molecular biology techniques in clinical detection, the classification of bacteria and microorganisms has deepened from the identification of phenotypic characteristics to the classification of gene characteristics. Sequencing analysis with 16S rDNA sequencing technology has the characteristics of high sequencing flux, large amount of data obtained, short cycle, and can more comprehensively reflect the species composition of microbial community, real species distribution and abundance information. In this paper, 16S rDNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the bacterial population composition in the sputum of severe pneumonia, and to explore a new method of etiological diagnosis.

Comparison of Hematological Parameters and Critical Value Analysis in the Prevention and Control of Thalassaemia in Hainan Li and Han Nationalities

Objective: To compare the distribution of “mean corpuscular hemoglobin”-MCV, “mean corpuscular volume”-MCH, “hemoglobin”-HGB, “hemoglobin A”-HbA and “hemoglobin A2”-HbA2 in α and β thalassemia hematology screening between Li and Han nationality, and analyze the best diagnostic cut-off value. Methods: Select 7816 middle school students from Li nationality area as the research object, collect peripheral blood for blood cell analysis, hemoglobin electrophoresis and thalassaemia gene detection, and compare the difference in hematological parameters of common thalassemia genotype between Li and Han nationalities. Taking the genetic test results as the gold standard, construct the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) of relevant hematology parameters, calculate the Youden index and take its maximum diagnostic cut-off point as the best critical value. Results: Comparison of hematological parameters of common thalassemia genotypes showed that the average value of MCH and MCV of -α3.7/-α4.2 type in Li nationality was lower than that of Han nationality, and the average value of HbA2 of CD41-42/βN type was higher than that of Han nationality, there was no significant difference among other genotypes. ROC curve analysis shows that the MCH, MCV, and HGB values have poor diagnostic efficiency for thalassaemia, HbA has a slightly better diagnostic efficiency for α thalassaemia, and the optimal cut-off values of HbA for Li and Han nationalities are 96.95% and 97.75%, respectively;HbA2 has better screening efficiency for β-thalassemia, and the optimal cut-off values of HbA2 for Li and Han nationalities are 4.20% and 3.45% respectively. Conclusion: In the prevention and control screening of thalassaemia in the Li and Han nationalities, hemoglobin electrophoresis technology has a better diagnostic efficiency.

Investigation of Surface Damage in Forming of High Strength and Galvanized Steel Sheets

Powdering/exfoliating of coatings and scratching galvanized steels and high strength steels （HSS）, are the main forms of surface damage in the forming of which result in increased die maintenance cost and scrap rate. In this study, a special rectangular box was developed to investigate the behavior and characteristics of surface damage in sheet metal forming （SMF） processes. U-channel forming tests were conducted to study the effect of tool hardness on surface damage in the forming of high strength steels and galvanized steels （hot-dip galvanized and galvannealed steels）. Experimental results indicate that sheet deformation mode influences the severity of surface damage in SMF and surface damage occurs easily at the regions where sheet specimen deforms under the action of compressive stress. Die corner is the position where surface damage initiates. For HSS sheet, surface damage is of major interest due to high forming pressure. The HSS and hot-dip galvanized steels show improved ability of damage-resistance with increased hardness of the forming tool. However, for galvannealed steel it is not the forming tool with the highest hardness value that performs best.

SLCO1B1 &ApoE Gene Polymorphism Analysis of the Li People in Hainan Island and Its Clinical Significance

Objective: To analyze the distribution characteristics and clinical significance of SLCO1B1 and ApoE gene polymorphisms of the Li people in Hainan Island. Method: Selecting 502 high school students of the Li people from five cities and counties in Hainan Island (namely, Qiongzhong County, Dongfang City, Ledong County, Baoting County and Wuzhishan City) as research subjects in September, 2019;Applying PCR-fluorescence probe method to detect SLCO1B1 and ApoE genotypes of the Li people in Hainan Island, and statistically analyzing the distribution characteristics of gene frequency and the distribution differences in gene polymorphisms between different genders. Meanwhile, detecting the SLCO1B1 and ApoE gene of 527 people from the Han people in five regions mentioned before, so as to analyze the distribution differences of the SLCO1B1 and ApoE gene between the Han people and the Li people. Results: The frequency of each genotype of SLCO1B1 in the Li people in Hainan Island is: *1a/*1a 6.77%, *1a/*1b 27.09%, *1b/1b 41.63%, *1a/*5 0.00%, *1a/*15 4.78%, *1b/15 16.93%., *5/*5 0.00%, *5/*15 0.00%, *15/*15 2.79%;And that of ApoE is: e2/e2 0.40%, e2/e3 17.73%, e2/e4 2.39%, e3/e3 65.54%, e3/e4 12.55%, e4/e4 1.39%. There is no significant difference (P > 0.05) in other genotypes except weak metabolic genotypes (*5/*5, *5/*15 and *15/*15) between the Han and the Li peoples. Conclusion: The gene frequency of SLCO1B1 weak metabolic genotype is dramatically higher in the Li people of Hainan Island than that of the Han people in both Hainan Island and Central and South China, but there is no significant difference in ApoE gene frequency among them. Therefore, clinicians should adjust the dosage of statins and select the types of lipid-lowering drugs according to the differences in patients’ genotypes, and strengthen the management of patients with ApoE4 risk gene.

Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Diagnostic Value of Fungal Serology in Patients with Invasive Candidiasis

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of (1 - 3)-β-D glucan and mannan assay for invasive candidiasis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 32 cases in the disease group (18 proven invasive candidiasis and 14 probable invasive candidiasis) and 48 cases in the control group. The subjects were recruited from January 2018 to March 2019 in Clinical Laboratory of Hainan General Hospital. All subjects were detected by (1 - 3)-β-D glucan and mannan assay. Results: The mean concentration of (1 - 3)-β-D glucan in the disease group was 97.45 (43.23, 224.35) pg/ml and it was significantly higher than the mean concentration of the control group which was 49.85(41.91, 56.07) pg/ml (P = 0.005). The mean concentration of mannan in the disease group and the control group were 161.36 (34.96, 224.49) pg/ml and 25.80 (25.00, 29.31) pg/ml, respectively, which were significantly different (P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of (1 - 3)-β-D glucan assay were 59.38%, 89.58%, 79.17%, 76.79%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of mannan assay were 65.63%, 95.83%, 91.30%, 80.70%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of combination of two types of assays were 81.25%, 85.42%, 78.79% and 87.23%, respectively. Conclusions: Combination of (1 - 3)-β-D glucan and mannan assay can improve diagnostic specificity and it has essential clinical diagnostic value for invasive candidiasis.

Synergistic Effects of Targeting Survivin and CDK1 on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma <i>in Vitro</i>and <i>in Vivo</i>

Background: To explore the impact of pU6-based tandem survivin and CDK1-specific short hairpin RNA on the biological behaviors of CNE-2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Patients and Methods: The vectors of pU6-survivinshRNA, pU6-CDK1shRNA and pU6-survivinshRNA-CDK1shRNA were constructed and transfected into CNE-2 cells with Lipofectamine TM 2000, respectively. The mRNAs and proteins of CDK1 and survivin were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting, accordingly. MTT assay was employed to evaluate the proliferation of CNE-2 cells, and flow cytometry was performed to determine the apoptosis of CNE-2 cells. The effects of interfering survivin and CDK1 on tumorigenesis were evaluated by tumor xenografts experiments. Results: Effective plasmids were successfully constructed knocking down survivin and/or CDK1. The proliferation inhibition of CNE-2 cells by pU6-survivinshRNA-CDK1shRNA (32.5%) was higher than that of by pU6-survivinshRNA (25.6%) and pU6-CDK1shRNA (15.6%), and apoptosis in CNE-2 cells simultaneously interfering survivin and CDK1 (15.2%) dramatically increased when compared to those of interfering survivin (5.4%) or CDK1 (4.7%) alone. Furthermore, simultaneously interfering survivin and CDK1 is more effective than interfering alone component in inhibiting tumor growth of fBalb/C nude mice xenografted with CNE-2 cells. Conclusion: The results altogether indicate that interfering survivin and CDK1simutaneously can produce synergistic effects of anti-nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which could be a potential therapeutic method.

Mutation Analysis of STR Locus on 23 Autosomes in Hainan Population

[Objective] To analyze the mutation signature and regularity of STR locus on 23 autosomes in paternity testing cases in Hainan. [Methods] A total of 2715 paternity testing cases accepted by the Forensic Medical Identification Centre of our hospital from 2017 to 2020 derived from counties and cities in Hainan Province were collected, the cases containing gene mutations were selected, the mutation rate and details of each locus were counted, and the mutation regu-larity of 23 STR loci was analyzed. [Results] Of the 2715 cases identified as “support”, 1487 were triplet cases and 1640 were dyad cases, totaling 4614 meioses;There were 50 gene mutation events (including 17 triplet mutations and 33 dyad mutations), with an average mutation rate of 0.0047% and a cumulative mutation rate of 1.0837%. A total of 19 of the 23 STR loci were mutated, with a mutation rate of 0.1301% at the D12S391 locus and 0.0217% at five loci, TPOX, D1S1656, D2S441, D22S1045, and PentaD, while no muta-tion events were found at four loci, D19S433, TH01, D13S317, and D7S820. Of the 50 mutation events, 47 were one-step mutations, 1 was two-step, and 2 were three-step. There were 35 paternal mutations (13 triplets and 22 dyads), 6 maternal mutations (4 triplets and 2 dyads), and 9 indeterminate pater-nal/maternal mutations, with a paternal to maternal mutation ratio of 5.83:1. [Conclusion] The mutation rate of D12S391 locus is the highest, and the muta-tion rate of TPOX, D1S1656, D2S441, D22S1045 and PentaD loci is the lowest in Hainan population, and paternal mutations are more than maternal muta-tions. In the paternity test, if 1 - 3 STR loci do not conform to the genetic law, especially when the mutant locus is homozygous or the next of kin is identi-fied, it is necessary to use other kits to review and increase the number of loci or use the second-generation sequencing technology to confirm, carefully de-termine the mutation and ensure the accuracy of the identification conclusion.

Associations between Placental Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Gene Expression, DNA Methylation and Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a common fetal development disorder which has great impact on neonatal health. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) has an important role in regulating fetal growth. Whether IGF1 DNA methylation was associated with IUGR has not been studied. Placenta samples from IUGR (n = 27) and normal delivery (n = 29) were collected whereas basic information of mothers and infants were also collected. RT-PCR was performed to examine IGF1 transcriptions and bisulfite sequencing PCR was used for DNA methylation analysis. Gene expression analysis found IUGR had significantly lower IGF1 transcription compared to control group (IUGR: 0.330 ± 0.351;control group: 1.001 ± 0.800, t = 3.995, P IGF1 were all highly methylated and there is no difference on DNA methylation rate between IUGR and control group (IUGR: 75%;control group: 81%;P = 0.09). Interestingly, in both IUGR and control groups, male fetus had significantly higher methylation rate than female fetus (IUGR: male: 87%;female: 74%, P = 0.016;control: male: 82%;female: 69%, P = 0.012). There was no correlation between IGF1gene expression and DNA methylation rate (r = 0.095, P = 0.063). Intrauterine fetal growth restriction placenta had significantly lower IGF1gene expression;however, IGF1 DNA methylation level was similar. A potential fetus gender difference was also found in IGF1 DNA methylation rate.

High Expression of hsMAD2 in the Villi of Spontaneously Aborted Embryo with Chromosomal Abnormality

Objective: To investigate the changes of hsMAD2 protein and gene expression levels during chromosome segregation of human embryos. Method: The embryos of spontaneous abortion were collected in our hospital from 2009 to 2013, the chromosomal numbers of the embryonic villi were subsequently detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The patients were then divided into the normal and abnormal groups based on the chromosome number. The hsMAD2 protein and gene expression levels in the villi tissues of the two embryo groups were detected by western blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively. The hsMAD2 protein and gene levels in the embryonic villus tissue of the patient were detected. Results: From 2009 to 2013, we collected 50 embryos from spontaneous abortion patients. The chromosome abnormality and no abnormality were 36 cases (abnormal number of 28 cases (56.0%) and chimerism in 8 cases (16.0%)) and 14 cases (28.0%), respectively. The expression of hsmad2 protein and its gene in the villi of spontaneously aborted embryo with chromosomal abnormality in the abnormal group was significantly higher than that in those without chromosomal abnormalities (0.88 ± 0.20 vs 0.61 ± 0.19, P < 0.05), (23.46 ± 0.07 vs 18.35 ± 0.10, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Abnormal number of chromosomes is closely related to spontaneous abortion Linked, hsMAD2 factor has a card effect on the cell cycle, can block the mitotic process of cells, and play an important role in maintaining the normal separation and stability of chromosomes.

Consistency Analysis of Detection Results of Two Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type II Nucleic Acid Detection Kits

Objective: The objective of the study is to verify the clinical validity of the following kits with the comparative experimental analysis and evaluate whether their performance can meet the clinical requirements, i.e. Class III in vitro diagnostic reagent “Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type II Nucleic Acid Detection Kit (PCR-Fluorescence Probe Method)” of Daan Gene Co., Ltd. (Daan kit for short) and “Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type II Nucleic Acid Detection Kit (Fluorescence PCR Method)” of Wuhan Biot Gene Co., Ltd. (Biot kit for short). Method: In the study process, the samples were divided into positive and negative groups according to the control test results, and the clinical application performance of Daan kit and Biot kit was evaluated by comparing their test results. Results: The results show that two kits indicate the same test results, i.e. 26 positive and 107 negative samples in a total of 133 male urethral discharge samples, and 32 positive and 238 negative samples in a total of 270 female cervical secretion samples. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the clinical test that Daan and Biot Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type II Nuc- leic Acid Test Kits are reliable, accurate, safe, convenient for use, stable and high-value in the clinical application.

Multiple pollutants from crop and livestock production in the Yangtze River: status and challenges

The rapid increase in the proportion of cash crops and livestock production in the Yangtze River Basin has led to commensurate increases in fertilizer and pesticide inputs. Excessive application of chemical fertilizer, organophosphorus pesticides and inappropriate disposal of agricultural waste induced water pollution and potentially threaten Agriculture Green Development(AGD). To ensure food security and the food supply capacity of the Yangtze River Basin, it is important to balance green and development, while ensuring the quality of water bodies. Multiple pollutants affect the transfer, adsorption, photolysis and degradation of each other throughout the soil-plant-water system. This paper considers the impact of multi-pollutants on the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles especially for crops, which are related to achieving food security and AGD. It presents prospective on theory, modeling and multi-pollutant control in the Yangtze River Basin for AGD that are of potential value for other developing regions.

Strategies to reduce nutrient pollution from manure management in China

As the demand for livestock products continues to increase in China,so too does the challenge of managing increasing quantities of manure.Urgent action is needed to control point source(housing,storage and processing)and diffuse(field application)pollution and improve the utilization of manure nutrients and organic matter.Here,we review strategies to improve management at each stage of the manure management chain and at different scales.Many strategies require infrastructure investment,e.g.,for containment of all manure fractions.Engineering solutions are needed to develop advanced composting systems with lower environmental footprints and design more efficient nutrient stripping technologies.At the field-scale,there is an urgent need to develop a manure nutrient recommendation system that accounts for the range of manure types,cropping systems,soils and climates throughout China.At the regional scale,coordinated planning is necessary to promote recoupling of livestock and cropping systems,and reduce nutrient accumulation in regions with little available landbank,while minimizing the risk of pollution swapping from one region to another.A range of stakeholders are needed to support the step change and innovation required to improve manure management,reduce reliance on inorganic fertilizers,and generate new business opportunities.

A quantitative evaluation of the biochar’s influence on plant disease suppress:a global meta-analysis

Numerous studies have demonstrated that soil applications of biochar contribute to plant disease suppression and growth promotion.Here,we quantitatively evaluated the performance of biochars on plant disease suppression and production using meta-analysis of literature data.The results indicated that biochar amendment dramatically reduced disease severity(DS)by 47.46%while increasing plant biomass by 44.05%.The highest disease suppression was achieved with soil application of straw-derived biochar compared to biochar from other feedstocks,while no significant increase in yield was found with straw-derived biochar.Biochars pyrolyzed at medium temperatures(350-600℃)facilitate both disease controlling and growth promotion.Soil application of biochars between 3 and 5%significantly decreased plant DS by 59.11%,and inverted U-shaped biochar dose/DS suppression curve and biochar dose/growth curve were observed.In cash crop fields,the DS of plants amended with biochar was reduced over 50%,which was significantly higher than that of grain crops and perennial trees.Furthermore,biochar performance on plant disease suppression was higher for airborne pathogens than for soilborne pathogens,possibly due to the systemic activation of plant defences by biochar amendment.Additionally,a reduction of DS by biochar was observed on plants grown in agricultural soils.Our work contributes to the standardization of biochar production and provides a reference for improving the function of biochar in disease control.

SUSTAINABLE SUGARCANE CROPPING IN CHINA

Demand for sugar is projected to grow in China for the foreseeable future.However,sugarcane production is unlikely to increase due to increasing production cost and decreasing profit margin.The persisting sugarcane yield plateau and the current cropping system with fertilizer overuse,soil acidification and pests and diseases remain the major productivity constraints.Sugarcane agriculture supports the livelihood of about 28 million farmers in South China;hence,sustaining it is a socioeconomic imperative.More compellingly,to meet the ever-increasing Chinese market demand,annual sugar production must be increased from the current 10 Mt to 16 Mt by 2030 of which 80% to 90% comes from sugarcane.Therefore,increasing sugar yield and crop productivity in an environmentally sustainable way must be a priority.This review examines the current Chinese sugarcane production system and discuss options for its transition to a green,sustainable cropping system,which is vital for the long-term viability of the industry.This analysis shows that reducing chemical inputs,preventing soil degradation,improving soil health,managing water deficit,provision of clean planting material,and consolidation of small farm holdings are critical requirements to transform the current farming practices into an economically and environmentally sustainable sugarcane cropping system.

SUSTAINABLE NITROGEN MANAGEMENT FOR VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN CHINA

Inappropriate nitrogen fertilizer management for the intensive Chinese vegetable production has caused low N use efficiency(NUE),high reactive nitrogen(Nr)losses and serious environmental risks with limited yield increase.Innovative N management strategy is an urgent need to achieve sustainable vegetable production.This paper summarizes recent studies on Nr losses and identifies the limitations from Chinese vegetable production systems and proposes three steps for sustainable N management in Chinese vegetable production.The three N management steps include,but are not limited to,(1)knowledge-based optimization of N fertilizer rate strategy,which maintains soil N supply to meet the dynamic vegetable demand in time,space and quantity;(2)innovative products and technology,which regulates the soil N forms and promotes the vegetable root growth to reduce the Nr loss;(3)integrated knowledge and products strategy(IKPS).The knowledge-based optimization of N fertilizer rate strategy and innovative products and technology,can maintain or increase vegetable yield,significantly improve NUE,and mitigate the region-specific and crop-specific Nr losses.More importantly,IKPS,based on combination of in-season root-zone N management strategy,innovative products and technology,and best crop cultivation management,is needed to produce more vegetables with lower Nr losses.

CLIMATE-CHANGE-INDUCED TEMPORAL VARIATION IN PRECIPITATION INCREASES NITROGEN LOSSES FROM INTENSIVE CROPPING SYSTEMS: ANALYSIS WITH A TOY MODEL

A simple‘toy’model of productivity and nitrogen and phosphorus cycling was used to evaluate how the increasing temporal variation in precipitation that is predicted(and observed)to occur as a consequence of greenhouse-gasinduced climate change will affect crop yields and losses of reactive N that can cause environmental damage and affect human health.The model predicted that as temporal variability in precipitation increased it progressively reduced yields and increased losses of reactive N by disrupting the synchrony between N supply and plant N uptake.Also,increases in the temporal variation of precipitation increased the frequency of floods and droughts.Predictions of this model indicate that climate-change-driven increases in temporal variation in precipitation in rainfed agricultural ecosystems will make it difficult to sustain cropping systems that are both high-yielding and have small environmental and human-health footprints.

GREEN AGRICULTURE AND BLUE WATER IN CHINA:REINTEGRATING CROP AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION FOR CLEAN WATER

Crop and livestock production are essential to maintain food security.In China,crop and livestock production were integrated in the past.Today,small backyard systems are still integrated but the larger livestock farms are landless and largely geographically separated from crop production systems.As a result,there is less recycling of animal manures and there are lower nutrient use efficiencies in the Chinese food production systems.This,in turn,results in considerable losses of nutrients,causing water pollution and harmful algal blooms in Chinese lakes,rivers and seas.To turn the tide,there is a need for agricultural“green”development for food production through reintegrating crop and livestock production.An additional wish is to turn the Chinese water systems“blue”to secure clean water for current and future generations.In this paper,current knowledge is summarized to identify promising interventions for reintegrating crop and livestock production toward clean water.Technical,social,economic,policy and environmental interventions are addressed and examples are given.The paper highlights recommended next steps to achieve“green”agriculture and“blue”water in China.