Models Analyses for Allelopathic Effects of Chicory at Equivalent Coupling of Nitrogen Supply and pH Level on F. arundinacea, T. repens and M. sativa

Alllelopathic potential of chicory was investigated by evaluating its effect on seed germination, soluble sugar, malondialdehyde (MDA) and the chlorophyll content of three target plants species (Festuca arundinacea, Trifolium repens and Medicago sativa). The secretion of allelochemicals was regulated by keeping the donor plant (chicory) separate from the three target plant species and using different pH and nitrogen levels. Leachates from donor pots with different pH levels and nitrogen concentrations continuously irrigated the target pots containing the seedlings. The allelopathic effects of the chicory at equivalent coupling of nitrogen supply and pH level on the three target plants species were explored via models analyses. The results suggested a positive effect of nitrogen supply and pH level on allelochemical secretion from chicory plants. The nitrogen supply and pH level were located at a rectangular area defined by 149 to 168 mg/l nitrogen supply combining 4.95 to 7.0 pH value and point located at nitrogen supply 177 mg/l, pH 6.33 when they were in equivalent coupling effects; whereas the inhibitory effects of equivalent coupling nitrogen supply and pH level were located at rectangular area defined by 125 to 131 mg/l nitrogen supply combining 6.71 to 6.88 pH value and two points respectively located at nitrogen supply 180 mg/l with pH 6.38 and nitrogen supply 166 mg/l with pH 7.59. Aqueous extracts of chicory fleshy roots and leaves accompanied by treatment at different sand pH values and nitrogen concentrations influenced germination, seedling growth, soluble sugar, MDA and chlorophyll of F. arundinacea, T. repens and M. sativa. Additionally, we determined the phenolics contents of root and leaf aqueous extracts, which were 0.104% and 0.044% on average, respectively

Relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in serum phospholipids, systemic low-grade inflammation, and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Abstract Background There are inconsistent data about the role of serum phospholipid fatty acid composition in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between serum phospholipid fatty acid composition, systemic low-grade inflammation, and glycemic control in high-risk T2DM patients. Methods Seventy-four patients (26% women, mean age 65.6 ± 6.8 years) with T2DM (median diabetes duration 10 years) and documented ASCVD (74 with coronary artery disease, 26 with peripheral arterial disease) were enrolled in the study. Baseline HbA1c was estimated using turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay. According to the median value of HbA1c the patients were grouped into those with HbA1c < 7.0% (< 53 mmol/mol) (n = 38) and those with HbA1c ≥ 7.0% (≥ 53 mmol/mol) (n = 36). Serum phospholipid fatty acids were measured with gas chromatography. Results Patients with HbA1c ≥ 7.0%, compared with those with HbA1c < 7.0% had similar composition of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids, but had higher concentrations of linoleic acid (LA) and higher n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio as well as lower levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), total n-3 PUFAs, and the EPA/arachidonic acid ratio. We found that LA (r = 0.25; p = 0.03) and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (r = 0.28; p = 0.02) were positively correlated with HbA1c. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, hsCRP and T2DM duration were independent predictors of worse glycemic control in patients with T2DM and ASCVD. Conclusions This study showed that glycemic control in high-risk T2DM patients with ASCVD was significantly associated with unfavorable serum phospholipid n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio and greater systemic inflammation

Nitrogen and pH equivalent coupling effects of models for the coupling effects in terms of the MDA content in the target plants.

<p>Nitrogen and pH equivalent coupling effects of models for the coupling effects in terms of the MDA content in the target plants.</p

Effects of aquatic lixivium of different concentrations of chicory root and leaf extracts on germination potential, germination rate, and radicle and hypocotyl length of <i>M. sativa</i> under varying nitrogen and pH treatments.

<p>Effects of aquatic lixivium of different concentrations of chicory root and leaf extracts on germination potential, germination rate, and radicle and hypocotyl length of <i>M. sativa</i> under varying nitrogen and pH treatments.</p

Distribution surface of nitrogen and pH for the effects on the seedling growth, soluble sugar, MDA and chlorophyll in the target plants.

<p>Distribution surface of nitrogen and pH for the effects on the seedling growth, soluble sugar, MDA and chlorophyll in the target plants.</p

Effects of aquatic lixivium of different concentrations of chicory root and leaf extracts on the germination potential, germination rate, and radicle and hypocotyl length of <i>T. repens</i> under varying nitrogen and pH treatments.

<p>Effects of aquatic lixivium of different concentrations of chicory root and leaf extracts on the germination potential, germination rate, and radicle and hypocotyl length of <i>T. repens</i> under varying nitrogen and pH treatments.</p

Response surface and contour chart for the coupling effects of nitrogen and pH on soluble sugar content in the target plants.

<p>Response surface and contour chart for the coupling effects of nitrogen and pH on soluble sugar content in the target plants.</p

Response surface and contour chart for the coupling effects of nitrogen and pH on chlorophyll in content the target plants.

<p>Response surface and contour chart for the coupling effects of nitrogen and pH on chlorophyll in content the target plants.</p

Design for the orthogonal L₉ (3⁴) test.

<p>Design for the orthogonal L₉ (3⁴) test.</p

Contents of soluble sugar, MDA and chlorophyll in <i>T. repens</i>, <i>M. sativa</i> and <i>F. arundinacea</i> under orthogonal designed experiment.

<p>Note: (A) soluble sugar, (B) MDA and (C) chlorophyll.</p