Quercus Salicina Extract

Although cryopreservation is a reliable method used in assisted reproduction to preserve genetic materials, it can stimulate the occurrence of oxidative stress, which affects sperm structure and function. This research was conducted to explore the effects of quinoa seed extracts (QSE) on ram sperm quality, oxidative biomarkers, and the gene expression of frozen-thawed ram sperm. Semen samples were diluted in extenders supplemented with 0 (QSE0), 250 (QSE1), 500 (QSE2), 750 (QSE3), and 1000 (QSE4) µg of QSE /mL, and then frozen according to the typical procedure. The findings indicate that the QSE3 and QSE4 groups provided the optimal results in terms of sperm viability and progressive motility. Sperm kinematics were considerably enhanced in the QSE3 group compared to the other groups (P<0.01). QSE (500-1000 µg/mL) significantly decreased the apoptosis-like changes (higher viable and lower apoptotic sperm) in ram sperm (P<0.001). The percentage of live sperm with intact acrosomes was significantly increased, while the percentage of detached and intact acrosomes in live and dead sperm were significantly decreased respectively by the QSE addition (P<0.001). All QSE groups had higher TAC and lower MDA and H₂O₂ levels than the control group (P<0.001). The expressions of SOD1, CAT, GABPB1, and GPX1 genes in sperm samples were significantly increased, while the CASP3 gene was significantly decreased in all QSE-supplemented samples. Our data suggest that QSE has beneficial effects on sperm quality of cryopreserved ram semen, which are achieved by promoting sperm antioxidant-related genes and reducing apoptosis-related gene.

This field study explored safe rice production in Cd-contaminated red paddy soil by application of the combined Si-/Se- containing foliar inhibitors (Si or Se) and the mixture amendments of quicklime (Q), polyacrylamide (A), or/and sepiolite (S) at low (1) and high (2) application rates. The results showed that all treatments increased soil pH and decreased total P and soil organic matter (excluding QSe2). With the increasing application rates, QAS significantly decreased the available Cd because of the enhanced stabilization, while QSi and QSe significantly increased the available Cd because of the inhibited plant uptake. After remediation, QA1, QSi2, and QSe2 most effectively decreased the uptake Cd by rice to meet the threshold of National Food Safety Standard of China. The treatments excluding Q1, QA1, QSi1, and QSi2 did not dramatically change the bacterial community structure in soil. Collectively, QSe2 was recommended for remediating Cd-contaminated red paddy soil.