Level Of Accumulation Research Articles

Does Removing Large Wood From Streams Reduce Large‐Magnitude Flood Risk? A Case Study From North Carolina, USA

ABSTRACTLarge wood (LW) removal from streams is one of the most common river channel management activities and is often undertaken with little analysis of the impacts. A primary objective of LW removal is often flood risk reduction, but reports of actual flood reduction benefits have varied widely and were often anecdotal in nature. The objective of this study was to quantify the flood reduction impacts of removing LW from the stream channel. Uncalibrated two‐dimensional hydraulic models were used to simulate the impact of various levels of wood accumulation at three study sites and one‐dimensional modeling was used to conduct a sensitivity analysis of channel slope, floodplain width, and channel blockage across a range of flood‐frequency return periods. The existing accumulation resulted in very little change in upstream water surface elevations (WSE). Theoretical LW blockages were added to the model and resulted in a maximum of 0.3 m rise in upstream WSE for the most severe channel blockage scenario of 75%. Sensitivity analysis showed that the impact of LW blockage is greatest for steeper streams with narrower floodplains, although backwater conditions propagated only short distances upstream compared to streams with lower slopes. Overall, we recommend moving away from blanket removal of LW and toward limited strategic removal that will result in the desired outcomes. A strategic approach will require a comprehensive evaluation of proposed LW removal projects, including documenting flooding concerns, the channel and floodplain morphology, and adjacent infrastructure. The results of this study will help quantify the potential flood reduction of LW removal and provide guidance for when the removal of LW from rivers may or may not provide flood reduction benefits.

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses uncover the key pathways of Limonium bicolor in response to salt stress.

Salinity significantly inhibits plant growth and development. While the recretohalophyte Limonium bicolor can reduce its ion content by secreting salt, the metabolic pathways it employs to adapt to high salt stress remain unclear. This study aims to unravel this enigma through integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of L. bicolor under salt stress conditions. The results showed that compared to the control (S0), low salt treatment (S1) led to a significant increase in plant growth, photosynthesis efficiency and antioxidant enzyme activity but caused no significant changes in organic soluble substance and ROS contents. However, high salt treatments (S3 and S4) led to a significant decrease in plant growth, photosynthesis efficiency and antioxidant enzyme activity, accompanied by a significant increase in organic soluble substance and ROS contents. A significant increase in phenolic compounds, such as caffeoyl shikimic acid and coniferin, upon the treatments of S1, S3 and S4, and a decrease and increase in flavonoids upon the treatments of S1 and S3 were also observed, respectively. This study also demonstrated that the expression patterns of key genes responsible for the biosynthesis of these metabolites are consistent with the observed trends in their accumulation levels. These results suggest that under low salt stress conditions, the halophyte L. bicolor experiences minimal osmotic and oxidative stress. However, under high salt stress conditions, it suffers severe osmotic and oxidative stress, and the increase in organic soluble substances and flavonoids serves as a key response to these stresses and also represents a good strategy for the alleviation of them.

The disordered effector RipAO of Ralstonia solanacearum destabilizes microtubule networks in Nicotiana benthamiana cells.

Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt, a devastating disease in solanaceous crops. The pathogenicity of R. solanacearum depends on its type III secretion system, which delivers a suite of type III effectors into plant cells. The disordered core effector RipAO is conserved across R. solanacearum species and affects plant immune responses when transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. Specifically, RipAO impairs pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered reactive oxygen species production, an essential plant defense mechanism. RipAO fused to yellow fluorescent protein initially localizes to filamentous structures, resembling the cytoskeleton, before forming large punctate aggregates around the nucleus. Consistent with these findings, tubulin alpha 6 (TUA6) and tubulin beta-1 (TUB1), building blocks of microtubules, were identified as a putative targets of RipAO in immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analyses. In the presence of RipAO, TUA6-labeled microtubules fragmented into puncta, mimicking the effects of oryzalin, a microtubule polymerization inhibitor. These effects were corroborated in a N. benthamiana transgenic line constitutively expressing GFP-labeled TUA6, where RipAO reduced microtubule density and stability at an accumulation level that did not induce aggregation. Moreover, oryzalin treatment further enhanced RipAO's impairment of ROS production, suggesting that RipAO disrupts microtubule networks via its association with tubulins, leading to immune suppression. Further research into RipAO's interaction with the microtubule network will enhance our understanding of bacterial strategies to subvert plant immunity.

Optimization of hydrogen production using a coculture of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and activated sludge bacteria

The production of biophotolytic hydrogen (H2) relies on the effective management of oxygen (O2) levels. Coculturing bacteria with microalgae helps mitigate the excess O2 produced by algal cells. After depleting O2, the bacteria activate the enzyme hydrogenase in microalgae, leading to H2 production. In this study, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was cocultured with indigenous bacteria from activated sludge at varying algae-to-bacteria ratios (1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:2.5, and 1:3 v/v), with an illumination intensity of 2.8 mmol/m2/s (31 × 103 lux). The 1:1.5 v/v ratio yielded the highest H2 volume (1162 mL/L) and the highest O2 concentration (153.2 mL/L) over a 6-day period. Production of all gaseous components ceased for all ratios as the pH dropped below 4 due to acetate accumulation, and the concentration of acetate reached approximately 1 g/L by the end of each experiment. Gas composition analysis after the first day of coculture revealed that H2, CO2, N2, and O2 constituted 25%–46%, 20%–40%, 5%–30%, and 1%–10% of the total gas volume, respectively. Glucose (10 g/L) was introduced as an external carbon source for all cultures. After 6 days, the coculture maintained a high total organic carbon (TOC) level of 3.1 g/L, whereas the initial TOC ranged between 3.9 and 4.3 g/L. The findings illustrated a significant correlation between H2 production, acetate accumulation levels, and O2 consumption. The algae–activated sludge coculture method substantially enhanced H2 production compared with previously published methods employing only one or two types of bacterial cultures, underscoring its potential for more efficient biophotolytic H2 production.

Coarse microplastic accumulation patterns in agricultural soils during two decades of different urban composts application

Plastic pollution, a global threat to environmental and human health, is now ubiquitous in the environment, including agricultural soils receiving urban compost amendments. Yet, the accumulation pattern of microplastics in soils are still to be disentangled, with regards to their sources and/or their physical properties such as morphotypes. The aim of this study was to identify the accumulation patterns of coarse microplastics resulting from the long-term amendment of soil with urban waste composts. To this end, we used a field experiment receiving three different urban composts derived from municipal solid waste, biowaste, and a mixture of sewage sludge and green waste. We isolated 1417 coarse microplastic particles from a 21-year archive of soil and compost samples, using density fractionation followed by oxidation, and used Py-GC/MS for polymer identification. Different compost types led to different coarse microplastics accumulation levels. The accumulation pattern showed increasing CMP contents in soils over time. After 21 years of experiment, the calculated number of CMP was in accordance with the estimated values for all three compost types but it was not the case for the CMP mass. No difference of evolution pattern was found between films and fragments. We proposed that biotic transport or abiotic weathering and fragmentation could explain such differences in CMP evolution pattern.

137Cs distribution in the system “agrochernozem clayey-illuvial – potato” in the area of radioactive contamination of the Tula region

The features of vertical distribution of 137Cs in the profile of clayeyilluvial agrochernozem, as well as biogenic migration of the radionuclide in the system “soil–plant” of potato agrocenosis have been studied. The research was conducted on the field, occupied by potato variety “Gala”, located in the central part of Plavsky radioactive hotspot of Tula region. It is shown that 35 years after the Chernobyl accident the density of surface radioactive contamination of arable soils in the region exceeds the permissible level by ≈5 times. The depth of 137Cs penetration down the soil profile is mainly determined by methods of agrotechnical soil treatment, and the main part of its inventories is concentrated in the upper 30-cm arable layer. This results in the direct contact of the radionuclide with underground organs of potato (roots, stolons and tubers). However, no more than 0.02% of the total 137Cs inventories contained in the system “agrochernozem–potato” is transferred to potato plants. It was also established that potato plants are characterized by contrasting distribution of 137Cs specific activity values wich varies with organs and tissues. Stolons and thin roots accumulate the radionuclide to the greatest extent per biomass, while tubers, on the contrary, – to the least extent. In general, the levels of 137Cs accumulation in the raw and dry weight of potato tubers, as well as in the products that have undergone culinary processing (boiling the unpeeled and peeled potatoes), correspond to sanitaryhygienic norms, which substantiates the low ecological risks of including potatoes in crop rotations on agricultural land in the area of the Plavsky radioactive hotspot of the Tula region.

Stem cell factor-mediated upregulation of SIRT1 protects melanin-deprived keratinocytes against UV-induced DNA damage in individuals with vitiligo.

Despite the loss of melanocytes, individuals with vitiligo have a significantly lower risk of developing skin malignancies compared to ethnicity-matched controls. The study investigated the molecular mechanisms that protect skin cells (keratinocytes) from UV-B-induced DNA damage in individuals with vitiligo. The study found that upregulation of stem cell factor (SCF) signaling significantly reduced γ-H2AX positivity and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation and improved mitochondrial health (elongated mitochondria, reduced reactive oxygen species [ROS] and lipid peroxidation) in keratinocytes upon UV-B exposure. Interestingly, SCF treatment also reduced lipid droplet accumulation and triacylglyceride levels by upregulating lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Further, siLPL increased DNA damage and lipid droplet (LD) accumulation, while NO-1886, an LPL agonist, reversed both, suggesting a direct link between lipid metabolism and DNA damage. Downregulation of NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin1 (SIRT1) with siRNA or with Ex-527, a pharmacological inhibitor of SIRT1, diminished the protective effects mediated by SCF and NO-1886, suggesting SIRT1 to be the final effector protein in the SCF-LPL-SIRT1 signaling axis. Analysis of clinical samples of vitiligo corroborated the upregulation of SCF and LPL in lesional epidermis. In conclusion, our study demonstrates a novel SCF-LPL-SIRT1 signaling axis that confers protection to vitiligo keratinocytes from the harmful effects of UV-B radiation.

Accumulation of Acyl Plastoquinol and Triacylglycerol in Six Cyanobacterial Species with Different Sets of Genes Encoding Type-2 Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase-like Proteins.

Recently, acyl plastoquinol (APQ) and plastoquinone-B (PQ-B), which are fatty acid esters of plastoquinol and plastoquinone-C respectively, have been identified as the major neutral lipids in cyanobacteria. In Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, Slr2103 having homology with the eukaryotic enzyme for triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis, diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), was identified as responsible for the synthesis of these plastoquinone-related lipids. On the other hand, TAG synthesis in cyanobacteria remains controversial due to the low accumulation level within cyanobacterial cells together with the high contamination level from the environment. In this study, to quantify more precisely and elucidate the relationship between the accumulation of neutral lipids and the presence or absence of DGAT2-like genes, plastoquinone-related lipids and TAG were analyzed directly from total lipids of six cyanobacterial species with different sets of genes encoding DGAT2-like proteins belonging to two distinct subclades. The results showed that the synthesis of these neutral lipids is highly dependent on clade A DGAT2-like proteins under the culture conditions used in this study, although accumulation level of TAG was quite low. In contrast to APQ highly abundant in saturated fatty acids, the fatty acid composition of TAG was species-specific and partly reflected the total lipid composition. Gloeobacter violaceus PCC 7421, which lacks a DGAT2-like gene, accumulated APQ with a high proportion of C18:0, suggesting APQ synthesis by an unidentified acyltransferase.

Patchouli essential oil extends the lifespan and healthspan of Caenorhabditis elegans through JNK-1/DAF-16

AimsPatchouli essential oil (PEO) is the major active ingredient of a famous medicinal plant Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. This study aims to investigate the anti-aging activities of PEO and its major component, and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Main methodsThe anti-aging activities of PEO and its main component patchouli alcohol (PA) were investigated by examining the lifespan, senescence associated indicators as well as stress resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans. RNA-Sequencing was performed to analyze differentially expressed genes and the enrichments of GO and KEGG pathways in nematodes treated with PEO. The potential anti-aging target was predicted using a network pharmacology method and molecular docking. The underlying mechanism of senescence-delaying action was explored using C. elegans mutants and GFP transgenic strains. Key findingsPEO modulated lifespan and healthspan extension of worms, ameliorated the senescence characterizations, and increased the survival in stress resistance assays. PEO reduced spawning, lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of nematodes. The levels of anti-oxidative genes and proteins were obviously upregulated after PEO treatment. Moreover, PA was identified to be an ingredient for PEO-mediated nematode longevity. The JNK-1/DAF-16 signaling pathway played a critical role in PEO/PA-mediated longevity. SignificanceThe findings revealed that PEO and its major component PA showed significant anti-aging activity through modulating the JNK-1/DAF-16 signaling pathway, which provides a promising strategy to treat aging and age-related diseases.

Small intestine structural and functional responses to environmental heavy metal stress in tree sparrow Passer montanus nestlings.

Tree sparrow nestlings predominantly consume protein-rich insect larvae, making them vulnerable to environmental heavy metal contamination through the food web, potentially affecting their growth. Understanding the effects of heavy metals on the structure and function of the small intestine, the principal organ responsible for protein digestion and absorption, is therefore crucial. This study investigated tree sparrow nestlings at three developmental stages (3, 6, and 12days old) in Liujiaxia (LJX), a comparatively unpolluted area, and Baiyin (BY), a heavy metal polluted area, to elucidate the factors and mechanisms by which heavy metals affect nutrient absorption. We compared heavy metal accumulation levels, structural integrity, and protein digestion and absorption functions of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The increase of fluctuating asymmetry and decrease in body condition in tree sparrow nestlings were found to be associated with environmental heavy metal accumulation in the small intestine. Structural impairments of villi and crypts were observed in the duodenum and jejunum of tree sparrow nestlings at 3-, 6-, and 12-day-old in the polluted site BY. Conversely, structures related to the ileum were elevated, and the small intestine of nestlings at all stages exhibited abnormally elevated protein digestibility but diminished absorption of amino acids. However, there was no significant difference in small peptide absorption. These findings indicate that environmental heavy metal pollution impacts the structure of the small intestine in tree sparrow nestlings through the food chain and further affects their digestion and absorption function of proteins.

Antiviral properties and molecular docking studies of eco-friendly biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles against alfalfa mosaic virus

BackgroundNanotechnology has been recognized as a viable technology for enhancing agriculture, particularly in the plant pathogen management area. Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) is a global pathogen that affects many plant species, especially economically valuable crops. Currently, there is less data on the interaction of nanoparticles with phytopathogens, particularly viruses. The current study looked into how copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs)-mediated Haloxylon salicornicum aqueous extract can fight AMV infections on tobacco plants.ResultsScanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses showed that CuO-NPs have a spherical and hexagonal structure ranging from 20 to 70 nm in size. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that the produced CuO-NPs have many functional groups and a lot of secondary plant metabolites. Under greenhouse conditions, the foliar application of CuO-NPs (100 ppm) enhanced tobacco growth and decreased viral symptoms. Treatment with CuO-NPs 48 h before (protective treatment) or 48 h after (curative treatment) AMV infection significantly reduced AMV accumulation levels by 97%. Additionally, the levels of total chlorophyll, phenolic, and flavonoid contents, as well as DPPH, exhibited a significant increase in tobacco leaves 30 days after inoculation in comparison to untreated plants. Moreover, considerable differences in levels of different antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, PPO, POX, and CAT, were also observed. On the other hand, the oxidative stress markers (MDA and H2O2) were significantly reduced in CuO-NPs-treated plants compared with non-treated plants. It was also found that the protective treatment increased the expression levels of genes involved in the jasmonic pathway (JERF3 and WRKY1). On the other hand, the curative treatment increased the expression levels of polyphenolic pathway acid (CHI and HQT) and the SA-signaling pathway genes (PR-2 and POD). The study of molecular docking interactions with four AMV target proteins showed that CuO-NPs had high binding energy with the viral replication protein 1a, measured at -3.2 kcal/mol. The binding with these proteins can suppress AMV replication and spread, potentially clarifying the mechanism behind the antiviral effect.ConclusionsThe overall analysis results indicate that the curative treatment is more influential and successful than the protective treatment in combating AMV infection. Consequentially, CuO-NPs could potentially be employed in foliar sprays for the effective and environmentally friendly management of plant virus infections.

Influence of different plant growth retardants in Mexican lawn grass (Zoysia matrella) for reducing the mowing frequency and better visual qualities

Mexican lawn grass (Zoysia matrella) is a perennial mat-forming species suited for the landscaping industry due to its versatile adaptability. The pleasing appearance of the lawn grasses can be achieved through mowing at regular intervals to avoid a shabby appearance, which requires skilled persons and ends up with expensive operation. Under these circumstances, the experiment was intended with the commonly available growth regulators for their efficiency in the reduction of the mowing cycle without losing or hampering their visual quality attributes. The application of 1.0% chlormequat chloride (T4) produced a mean grass leaf length of 2.00 cm, which was remarkably lower than that of control (T9), i.e., 4.87 cm. The same pattern of growth was exhibited during the 45th and 90th days after spraying. The mean turf shoot length (7.80 cm) and root length (13.40 cm) were observed in the control plots, while the application of 1.0% chlormequat chloride (T4) produced 3.83 cm and 7.94 cm, respectively, determining its ability to hamper the growth of turf grass. The Z. matrella grass failed to produce flower heads by the application of 1.0% mepiquat chloride (T2), 0.5% chlormequat chloride (T3), 1.0% chlormequat chloride (T4), 0.5% maleic hydrazide (T7) and 1.0% maleic hydrazide (T8). The control plots devoid of growth regulators initiate flower heads after 70 days. From the study, the application of 0.5% chlormequat chloride (T3) and 1.0% chlormequat chloride (T4) exerted a low level of thatch accumulation and no flower head formation was observed with maximal visual scoring, leading to the commercial expeditions for the turf industry.

Inhibition of CISD2 enhances sensitivity to doxorubicin in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by regulating ferroptosis and ferritinophagy.

CDGSH iron-sulfur domain 2 (CISD2), an iron-sulfur protein with a [2Fe-2S] cluster, plays a pivotal role in the progression of various cancers, including Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the mechanisms by which CISD2 regulates the occurrence and development of DLBCL remain to be fully elucidated. The potential role of CISD2 as a predictive marker in DLBCL patients treated with the R-CHOP regimen was investigated through bioinformatics analysis and clinical cohort studies. DLBCL cell lines (SUDHL-4 and HBL-1) were employed in this research. Adenoviral (AV) plasmids were used to either silence or overexpress CISD2 in these DLBCL cell lines. Additionally, the induction of ferroptosis in DLBCL cell lines was assessed. Various parameters, including cell proliferation, intracellular free iron levels, lipid peroxides, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), were measured. Furthermore, the expression of proteins associated with ferroptosis and ferritinophagy was analyzed. Drug-resistant DLBCL cell lines were developed by gradually increasing doxorubicin (DOX) concentration over 6months. The biological role of CISD2 in these drug-resistant DLBCL cell lines was subsequently assessed. Elevated CISD2 levels were found to be associated with decreased sensitivity of DLBCL patients to the R-CHOP regimen, as indicated by bioinformatics and clinical cohort analysis. Silencing CISD2 significantly reduced cell proliferation, increased iron accumulation, depleted glutathione (GSH), and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, alongside the accumulation of ROS and increased MMP. Additionally, BECN1 and NCOA4 expressions were upregulated, while p62, FTH1, and GPX4 expressions were downregulated. Conversely, overexpression of CISD2 reversed these effects. Treatment of DLBCL cell lines with Erastin led to decreased CISD2 levels. Notably, in drug-resistant DLBCL cell lines, CISD2 knockdown promoted ferroptosis and ferritinophagy, restoring sensitivity to DOX and enhancing the efficacy of Erastin treatment. Our findings suggest that CISD2 may play a role in the drug resistance observed in DLBCL patients. Inhibition of CISD2 could enhance ferroptosis and ferritinophagy, potentially improving the sensitivity of DLBCL cells to DOX treatment.

Short-Term Flow Velocity Stress on the Behavioral, Physiological, and Biochemical Responses of the Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

Flow velocity is a key environmental factor that affects the behavioral strategies and physiological homeostasis of fish. To study the effects of flow velocity on the behavioral changes and blood physiology of the yellow croaker, the behavioral patterns of yellow croakers in response to flow velocity stress were obtained by analyzing changes in tail wagging frequency and amplitude. Differences in blood glucose, lactate, and cortisol were compared to determine their appropriate flow rate ranges. The juvenile stage of the large yellow croaker is crucial, as environmental changes can affect the physiology of fish. Therefore, juvenile yellow croakers were selected as the experimental subjects for this study. Twenty-four healthy and uniformly sized large yellow croakers with body weights of (90.26 ± 9.91) g and body lengths of (19.91 ± 0.69) cm were randomly assigned to one control group and three experimental groups, with five fish in each group. The experimental group was set with three flow rates, namely 1 bl/s (20 cm/s), 2 bl/s (40 cm/s), and 3 bl/s (60 cm/s), with a flow rate stress duration of 1 h. The results showed that: (1) Under different flow velocities, the fish exhibited different tail wagging patterns. At low flow velocities, their tail fins exhibited a “C”-shaped swing, while at high flow velocities, their bodies exhibited an “S”-shaped swing. (2) Oscillation frequency and amplitude both increased with increasing flow velocity. At a flow velocity of 2 bl/s, the oscillation frequency significantly increased. When the flow velocity reached 3 bl/s, the oscillation amplitude significantly increased (p < 0.05). (3) Blood physiology showed significant changes with increased flow rate, and blood glucose content continuously decreased with increased flow rate, significantly decreasing at a flow rate of 2 bl/s (p < 0.05). Lactic acid and cortisol both increased with increasing flow rate, and significantly increased at a flow rate of 3 bl/s (p < 0.05). In summary, under high-flow velocity stress, significant changes occurred in the behavior and physiology of large yellow croakers, which were consistent with physiological changes in the blood. A flow rate higher than 2 bl/s can lead to intense swimming behavior, decreased blood sugar concentration, and increased lactate accumulation and stress levels. Therefore, the short-term tolerance of yellow croakers is 2 bl/s, and a flow rate of 1 bl/s is more suitable.

Abstract 4129675: Effective Transcatheter Intracoronary Delivery of mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticle Targeting on The Heart

Introduction: mRNA has great potential to provide new medical innovations in the treatment of heart failure. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are an established and effective mRNA delivery system. However, effectively delivering LNPs to the heart remains a significant challenge. We evaluated the efficacy of transcatheter intracoronary (IC) administration compared to intravenous (IV) and intramyocardial (IM) administration as methods for delivering. Methods: Normal rabbits were used to examine each route of administration. Fluorescence (ATTO 700)-labeled LNP encapsulating Firefly Luciferase (FLuc) mRNA (25 ug/kg) were used to confirm the in vivo mRNA-LNP dynamics. The LNP accumulation and FLuc expression were verified using an in vivo imaging system (IVIS) 4 hours post-administration, followed by immunohistochemical analysis. The same experiments were conducted in an ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) model. Results: In the normal model, IVIS spectrum data showed that LNPs accumulated in the order of IM, IC and IV groups, with FLuc expression significantly higher in the IC group than in the IV group and comparable to the IM group (A). Histological analysis revealed that FLuc-expressing cells were mainly found in troponin T-positive cardiomyocytes at the injection site in the IM group and throughout the heart in the IC group (B). In the I/R model, LNP accumulation and FLuc expression were increased in the IV group compared to the normal model, whereas, in the IC and IM groups LNP accumulation and FLuc expression levels were similar to those in the normal model (C). Histological analysis revealed more FLuc-expressing cells in the infarcted area in all groups, but higher FLuc expression was observed in remote areas in the IC group (D). Conclusions: IC administration effectively delivered mRNA-LNPs not only to the damaged area but also to the remote area (non-damaged area) in the diseased heart, suggesting a safe and useful method for delivery to a wider range of cardiomyocytes in the heart.

Characterization of oil body microstructure, accumulation level and chemical composition in walnut fruit during growth

Oil body (OB) is composed of phospholipids, proteins and neutral lipids. However, the changes of these components in walnut OB (WOB) during walnut growth have not been studied. In this paper, CLSM, TEM and LC-MS/MS were used to observe and quantify the microstructure, accumulation level and biochemical composition of WOB during the growth of walnut (Wen 185 cultivar). The results showed that WOB accumulated near the cell wall on day 60 and then toward the center of cell until it occupied the entire cell on day 88. Afterwards, the WOB began to grow and fuse. Analysis of the chemical composition of WOB indicated that phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylserine and oleosins, caleosins, and steroleosins made up the WOB membrane. The core of the WOB consisted of 22 free fatty acids and monoacylglycerol, diglyceride, triglyceride. Phosphatidylcholine, triglyceride and oleosin contents continued to increase. The contents of phosphatidylglycerol, unsaturated fatty acids, caleosins and steroleosins continued to decline. The content of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine remained basically unchanged. These findings provided a basis for understanding the dynamic pattern of WOB bioaccumulation in walnut kernel at different developmental stages.

40 Hz light preserves synaptic plasticity and mitochondrial function in Alzheimer’s disease model

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia. Its causes are not fully understood, but it is now known that factors like mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and compromised ion channels contribute to its onset and progression. Flickering light therapy has shown promise in AD treatment, though its mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we used a rat model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced AD to evaluate the effects of 40 Hz flickering light therapy. Rats received intracerebroventricular (ICV) STZ injections, and 7 days after, they were exposed to 40 Hz flickering light for 15 min daily over seven days. Cognitive and memory functions were assessed using Morris water maze, novel object recognition, and passive avoidance tests. STZ-induced AD rats exhibited cognitive decline, elevated reactive oxygen species, amyloid beta accumulation, decreased serotonin and dopamine levels, and impaired mitochondrial function. However, light therapy prevented these effects, preserving cognitive function and synaptic plasticity. Additionally, flickering light restored mitochondrial metabolites and normalized ATP-insensitive mitochondrial calcium-sensitive potassium (mitoBKCa) channel activity, which was otherwise downregulated in AD rats. Our findings suggest that 40 Hz flickering light therapy could be a promising treatment for neurodegenerative disorders like AD by preserving synaptic and mitochondrial function.

Association between lipid accumulation products and stress urinary incontinence: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2005 to 2018

BackgroundStress urinary incontinence (SUI), a common disorder of the pelvic floor, often results in anxiety, poor quality of life, and psychological issues among its sufferers. The relationship between lipid accumulation products (LAP) and stress-related urine incontinence remains unclear. This research aimed to investigate any possible correlation between the risk of SUI and the level of lipid accumulation products.MethodsFor this cross-sectional research, people with SUI who were 20 years of age or older were recruited using information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018. A weighted multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the findings. As a potential biomarker, lipid accumulation product levels were sorted among individuals in ascending order and subjected to a trend test (P for trend). Additionally, a nonlinear analysis was conducted using smooth curve-fitting methods. Lipid accumulation products' effectiveness in predicting SUI was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Finally, a subgroup analysis was performed to confirm that the connection between SUI and lipid accumulation products was consistent across all demographic groups.ResultsA thorough survey performed on 14,945 participants indicated that 23.61% of the respondents had SUI. A noteworthy association was observed between higher lipid accumulation product values and a greater probability of SUI in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Specifically, the stratification of lipid accumulation products into quartiles demonstrated a substantial positive correlation between the upper and lower quartiles, as evidenced by an elevated odds ratio for SUI (OR = 1.92; 95%CI 1.51–2.44; P < 0.0001). The subgroup analysis supported link consistency across all cohorts under investigation. Finally, the ROC curve indicated that lipid accumulation products (AUC = 0.67, 95%CI 0.654–0.690) had a superior predictive effect on the likelihood of SUI.ConclusionsIncreased lipid accumulation product values are associated with a higher chance of SUI in adult participants. This suggests that lipid accumulation products could be a valuable marker for detecting SUI, offering new perspectives for its evaluation and treatment.

DGT and kinetic analyses differentiate Se and Cd bioavailability in naturally enriched paddy soils

Naturally selenium (Se)-rich soils often contain elevated cadmium (Cd) levels, complicating safe production of Se-enriched rice. This study employed diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) and DGT-induced fluxes in soils (DIFS) model to determine Se and Cd bioavailability in paddy soils. We investigated desorption kinetics and accumulation patterns in rice using paired rhizosphere and grain samples from 65 field sites in Guangxi, China, encompassing Se-enriched karst and non-karst soils. Despite greater total Se and Cd contents in karst soils, their elevated pH, along with greater soil organic matter and total Fe, Mn, and Ca contents, constrained Se and Cd bioavailability, resulting in similar accumulation levels in rice grains from both soil categories. DIFS-derived kinetic data revealed that Se was replenished 75.4 times faster than Cd, but Cd had an 83.2 times larger labile pool, leading to a stronger overall Cd resupply capacity. DGT-based labile Se:Cd molar ratios showed that rice Cd content declined sharply as the ratio increased from 0.7 to 4.0, stabilizing at its lowest level when exceeding 20. Moreover, DGT measurements demonstrated stronger correlations with grain Se and Cd concentrations compared to traditional methods. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of DGT and kinetic analyses in determining Se and Cd bioavailability in high-background paddy soils, offering insights for balancing Se fortification and Cd risk mitigation in rice production.

Source-oriented risks of heavy metals and their effects on resistance genes in natural biofilms

Heavy metal (HM) introduction from various land-use patterns can be a major source of metal resistance genes (MRGs) entering river environments. This influx can trigger the occurrence of other resistomes, such as antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), by improving co-resistant conjugative transfer. Biofilms, which form at water–solid interfaces, could serve as potential hotspots for HMs and resistance genes. However, the enrichment of HMs from various sources within biofilms and their effect on resistomes remain undocumented. This study aims to investigate the physicochemical properties of biofilm samples collected from the Heihui River, a tributary of the Lancang River, and to analyze the concentrations of nine HMs (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) within these biofilms. The 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic high-throughput sequencing techniques were integrated to uncover the association between HM accumulation levels in biofilms and ecological and health risks, considering the presence of two resistance genes. Natural sources (Co, Cr), industrial (As, Cu, V), agricultural (Cd, Ni), and transportation activities (Pb, Zn) markedly contributed to HM presence within biofilms, with industrial activities posing higher noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than other sources. The network–correlation analyses revealed higher levels of ARG–MRG coexistence in biofilms, with the ecological and health risk index of HMs in biofilms closely associated with the abundance of both resistance genes. Furthermore, the biofilm As concentration markedly affected the abundance and expression of ARGs and MRGs, with elevated As levels within biofilms significantly and positively influencing all four functional categories of MRGs. Water pH also indirectly impacted these functional types by modulating the ionic form of HMs within the biofilm matrix. Our findings underscore the significance of integrating biofilms into environmental management practices and standards for assessing environmental quality.