A comparison of decomposition dynamics among green tree leaves,partially decomposed tree leaf litter and their mixture in a warm temperate forest ecosystem

Decomposition dynamics were compared among green tree leaves, partially decomposed tree leaf litter （i.e., decayed tree leaf litter on forest floor） and a mixture of the two in a warm temperate forest ecosystem in central China to test the influence of litter chemical quality on the degree of decomposition. The study was conducted in situ at two contrasting forest sites, an oak forest dominated by Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata Maxim., and a mixed pine and oak forest dominated by Pinus armandii Franch. and Q. aliena var. acuteserrata. We found marked differences in the rate of decomposition among litter types at both forest sites; the litter decom- position constant, k, was about 39 % greater at the oak forest site and more than 70 % greater at the pine-oak forest site, for green leaves than for partially decomposed leaf litter. The decomposition dynamics and temporal changes in litter chemistry of the three litter types also greatly differed between the two forest sites. At both forest sites, the higher rate of decomposition for the green leaves was associated with a and lower carbon to N ratio higher nitrogen （N） content （C/N） and acid-unhydrolyz- able residue to N ratio （AUR/N）. We did not find any non- additive effects when mixing green leaves and partially decomposed leaf litter. Our findings support the con- tention that litter chemical quality is one of the most important determinants of litter decomposition in forest ecosystems at the local or regional scale, but the effect of litter chemical quality on decomposition differs between the contrasting forest types and may vary with the stage of decomposition.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ecophysiology of Lophira lanceolata Seeds Germination and Conservation Perspectives

Lophira lanceolata is a multi-purpose woody plant species used by local populations in Benin. Its seeds are used for the manufacture of edible vegetable oil and also for medicinal care. However, reproduction by seed of this plant species is compromised not only by the multiple uses made of the seeds, but also by the difficulties of germination in the natural environment. Several ecological factors could explain this difficulty of germination. In this study, we investigated the species seeds ecophysiology in order to develop seedlings production techniques for its reintroduction. Beta regression was performed to test the effect of water, light and provenance on seeds germination rate. The germination speed was expressed as the median germination time. The results showed that the germination rate was better under light conditions (β = 0.77674 ± 0.14954, Z = 5.194, p < 0.0000). The germination rate decreased as the frequency of watering increased (β = -0.28222 ± 0.14809, Z = -1.906, p = 0.0567). The best provenance was the phytodistrict of Atacora chain. The cumulative germination rate reached 50% after 54 days for seeds collected from Atacora chain and after 57 days under light conditions. Regarding the level of watering, the germination rate remained below 50% regardless the treatment. The germination speed was higher for seeds collected from Atacora chain and that have germinated under light conditions and watered twice a week. For the sustainable management of L. lanceolata, domestication by establishment of plantations by rural communities is recommended based on seeds from Atacora chain.

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.

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.

Ultraviolet humic-like component contributes to riverine dissolved organic matter biodegradation

Biological degradation of dissolved organic matter(DOM)regulates its structure and fate in river ecosystems.Previous views suggested that labile components were dominantly consumed by microbial metabolism.Here we provide new observations that a part of recalcitrant compounds largely contribute to riverine DOM biodegradation.The excitationemission matrix fluorescent spectroscopy combined with peak picking and parallel factor analysis are used to explore component variability during DOM incubation.Humic-like and tryptophan-like DOM are the primary components of riverine DOM,with proportion contributions of 39%–82% and 16%–61% for % of the maximumfluorescence intensity,respectively.After 56 days of aerobic incubation in the dark,large amounts of tyrosine-like DOM generation are observed.Elevated temperature enhances the decomposition of ultraviolet humiclike substance and further stimulates labile DOM bio-mineralization into carbon dioxide.Meanwhile,averaged proportions of amino acid compositions(peak B and T)markedly increase(p<0.05)as the humic-like compositions(peak A,M and C)decrease after DOM incubation,suggesting incomplete degradation of refractory DOM from high-molecular to low-molecular weight compounds.The findings support the new notion of the continuous DOM biodegradation in a mode as“steps by steps”,contributing to a new understanding of carbon cycling for the UN Sustainable Development Goal.

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.

Enhanced anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge with periodate-based pretreatment

The potential of periodate(PI)in sludge anaerobic digestion is not tapped,although it has recently attracted great research interest in organic contaminants removal and pathogens inactivation in wastewater treatment.This is the first work to demonstrate significant improvement in methane generation from waste activated sludge(WAS)with PI pretreatment and to provide underlying mechanisms.Biochemical methane potential tests indicated that methane yield enhanced from 100.2 to 146.3 L per kg VS(VS,volatile solids)with PI dosages from 0 to 100 mg per g TS(TS,total solids).Electron spin resonance showed PI could be activated without extra activator addition,which might be attributed to the native transition metals(e.g.,Fe2t)in WAS,thereby generating hydroxyl radical(-OH),superoxide radicals(-O2-),and singlet oxygen(1O2).Further scavenging tests demonstrated all of them synergistically promoted WAS disintegration,and their contributions were in the order of-O2->-OH>1O2,leading to the release of substantial biodegradable substances(i.e.,proteins and polysaccharides)into the liquid phase for subsequent biotransformation.Moreover,fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopy analyses indicated the recalcitrant organics(especially lignocellulose and humus)could be degraded by reducing their aromaticity under oxidative stress of PI,thus readily for methanogenesis.Microbial community analysis revealed some microorganisms participating in hydrolysis,acidogenesis,and acetoclastic methanogenesis were enriched after PI pretreatment.The improved key enzyme activities and up-regulated metabolic pathways further provided direct evidence for enhanced methane production.This research was expected to broaden the application scope of PI and provide more diverse pretreatment choices for energy recovery through anaerobic digestion.

Germination of lychee seeds after maturation and their ultrastructure observation

Lychee is one of the famous fruits in the subtropical regions. However, lychee seedsdo not undergo maturation desiccation during development, and cannot tolerate drying andchilling in storage. Under natural conditions, lychee seeds can only maintain viability forseveral days, and their germplasm conservation is rather difficult using conventional meth-ods. So they are called recalcitrant seeds.