Distinct Accumulation Patterns Research Articles

Distinct accumulation patterns, translocation efficiencies, and impacts of nano-fertilizer and nano-pesticide in wheat through foliar versus soil application

The use of nano-chemicals in agriculture has been shown to enhance crop production through soil additions or foliar sprays. However, the accumulation pattern, translocation efficiency, mode of action of nanomaterials (NMs) via different application methods remain unclear. In this study, wheat was treated with CuO-NPs/CeO2-NPs (50 and 100 nm) for 21 days using soil and foliar application separately. Foliar spray resulted in higher accumulation and more efficient translocation of NMs compared to soil addition. Smaller NMs exhibited higher accumulation and transfer capabilities under the same application method. The accumulation of CuO-NPs was approximately 20 times greater than that of CeO2-NPs, particularly under the soil addition treatment. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that NMs could directly enter wheat leaves via stomata during foliar application. Wheat growth was inhibited by roughly 15 % following CuO-NPs exposure, whereas no significant effects on growth were observed with CeO2-NPs. By integrating nontargeted metabolomics analysis with targeted physiological characteristics assessments, it was revealed that CuO-NPs mainly disturbed nitrogen metabolism pathways and induced oxidative damage. In contrast, CeO2-NPs enhanced carbohydrates related biological processes such as starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis, and TCA cycle, which are crucial for carbon metabolism. These findings suggest that the type of nanomaterial is a crucial factor to consider when evaluating their foliar or soil application in agriculture.

Accumulation Characteristics of Natural Ophiocordyceps sinensis Metabolites Driven by Environmental Factors.

The environment is an important factor affecting the composition and abundance of metabolites in O. sinensis, which indirectly determines its edible function and medicinal potential. This study integrated metabolomics and redundancy analysis (RDA) to analyze the metabolite profile characteristics and key environmental factors influencing O. sinensis in various production areas. A total of 700 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified, primarily comprising lipids, organic acids, and organoheterocyclic compounds. Results from hierarchical cluster analysis and KEGG indicated distinct accumulation patterns of these DAMs in O. sinensis from different regions, with enrichment in pathways such as tryptophan metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Environmental factors like annual mean precipitation, pH, temperature, and altitude were found to significantly influence metabolite composition, particularly lipids, organic acids, and nucleosides. Overall, this study highlights the impact of environmental factors on metabolite diversity in O. sinensis and sheds light on the evolutionary processes shaping its metabolic landscape.

Fate of pharmaceuticals and personal care products like metronidazole, naproxen, and methylparaben and their effect on the physiological characteristics of two wetland plants

Plants play a vital role in the phytoremediation process, attenuating various pollutants. However, the dynamic root uptake and fate of emerging pollutants in plants, along with their effects on plant characteristics, have received limited research attention. This study explores the potential of Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver) and Colocasia esculenta (Taro) in mitigating pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) - metronidazole (MNZ), naproxen (NAP), and methylparaben (MeP), under hydroponic conditions. Both plants demonstrated similar specific uptake potentials for the target pollutants (5.23 to 5.76 mg/g of biomass dry weight), with pollutant accumulation in plants remaining very low (<10 %). Notably, a substantial fraction of pollutants (66.27 % to 78.42 %) underwent metabolism. Qualitative analysis identified five MNZ and NAP metabolites and six MeP metabolites in plant tissues. Over a 28-day PPCPs exposure, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulted in reduced chlorophyll content, root activity, protein, and carbohydrates, alongside increased oxidative stress levels. The study highlighted distinct accumulation patterns, with NAP (anion) primarily in roots and MeP (cation) and MNZ (neutral) predominantly in aerial parts. Phloroglucinol staining confirmed the intact endodermis (Casparian Strips) in Vetiver roots, indicating symplastic transport of PPCPs to aerial parts. Moreover, significant morphological alterations were observed in plant roots exposed to target pollutants. During recuperation, a decrease in accumulated ROS indicates partial self-recovery from oxidative damage. In conclusion, both Vetiver and Taro emerge as promising candidates for removing specified PPCPs, emphasizing the critical role of addressing emerging contaminants for sustainable development and preserving the environment and human wellbeing.

Comparative analysis of metabolome and transcriptome in the fruits and leaves of Elaeocarpus braceanus

The utilization of Elaeocarpus braceanus fruits and leaves as medicinal and dietary resources by ethnic minorities in southwestern China has been well-documented throughout history. However, due to the lack of understanding regarding the specific chemical constituents and synthetic processes involved, comprehensive metabolome and transcriptomic assays were conducted on the fruits and leaves. The findings revealed the presence of 749 compounds in these plant parts, with 424 metabolites displaying differential accumulation between fruits and leaves. Among these, 316 metabolites were up-regulated while 108 were down-regulated. A total of 100 phenolic acids and 104 flavonoids exhibited distinct accumulation patterns in fruits and leaves, respectively. Subsequent KEGG enrichment analysis revealed alterations in 77 pathways, with significant differential expression observed in genes associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and flavonol biosynthesis pathways between fruits and leaves. These findings contribute to our comprehension of metabolite accumulation and offer valuable insights for investigating the food and medicinal properties of E. braceanus.

Concentrations and biomagnification of persistent organic pollutants in three granivorous food chains from an abandoned e-waste recycling site.

The distinct accumulation patterns of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) among granivorous groups and the biomagnification of POPs from crops to granivorous species are still unclear. In this study, occurrence and biomagnification of POPs in three granivorous species including spotted dove (Spilopelia chinensis), scaly-breasted munia (Lonchura punctulata), and reed vole (Microtus fortis Buechner) from a former e-waste recycling site were investigated. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in granivorous species ranged from 41.5 to 1370 and 21.1 to 3890ng/g lipid weight, respectively. PCBs and PBDEs were the main POPs in birds and vole, while decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and PBDEs were predominant POPs in crops. The dominance of BDE 209 was observed in samples, with few exceptions. Biomagnification factors (BMFs) of POPs in birds and vole were measured. BMFs of most POPs in vole were higher than those in birds, indicating that POPs had greater biomagnification potential in vole. Species-specific biomagnification of POPs might be affected by many factors, such as physiochemical properties and metabolic capability of POPs. There was significant correlation between concentration ratios of POPs in muscle/air and log KOA, which demonstrated that respiratory elimination to air affects biomagnification of POPs in granivorous birds and vole.

Distinctive Accumulation Patterns of Trace Elements in Sediments of Bedrock Rivers (Miño River, NW Iberian Peninsula)

Sediment compositions and enrichment patterns are investigated in an urban reach of a bedrock river, the Miño River passing through Ourense City, Spain. This study focuses on the trace element distribution in different fractions to gain insights into trace element enrichment. To assess enrichment, a context-specific approach was employed, based on the mean, the standard deviation of the estimated background, and the empirical rule, avoiding the pitfalls of general and arbitrary thresholds. Notably, the &lt;0.063 mm and &lt;2 mm fractions showed differential accumulation patterns. Both fractions serve to detect enrichments that can be indicative of contamination, but they measure different things, the maturity of sediments and postdepositional processes being key factors in understanding the sediment composition and enrichments. These findings also highlight the role of rock cavities, particularly those hosting permanent deposits, as traps for trace elements and their potential significance in assessing environmental enrichment. This work contributes to understanding sediment compositions and enrichment dynamics in bedrock rivers. It also underscores the significance of considering site-specific approaches for enrichment assessment and the necessity for further research to unravel the mechanisms driving differential accumulation within distinct depositional environments.

Geochemical characteristics and enrichment regularity of bedrock reservoir in the central paleo-uplift, north songliao basin

The Central Paleo-Uplift is a key target for exploration in the deep layers of the Songliao Basin. Our study focused on the systematic analysis of the forming conditions and accumulation patterns of bedrock reservoirs. We conducted this analysis using data such as gas composition, isotopes, slices, and CT scans, while also considering factors such as source rock, hydrocarbon supply window, and transport channels. By analyzing these factors, we were able to gain insights into the geological processes that led to the formation of these reservoirs. Our findings reveal that the gas in the Central Paleo-Uplift is primarily coal-formed and highly mature. These gases originate from two main sources - the Xujiaweizi Fault Depression as the primary source, and the Gulong Fault Depression as the secondary source. We identified two types of gas reservoirs in the area, namely weathering reservoirs and inside bedrock reservoirs. The weathering reservoirs primarily contain gas trapped in erosion pores and fractures, while the inside bedrock reservoirs mainly contain gas in fractures. The Central Paleo-Uplift area is surrounded by favorable source rocks, with greater hydrocarbon supply windows on the east side compared to the west. The efficient transport channels have facilitated the accumulation of gas, while the presence of a steady mudstone cap has been advantageous for the preservation of gas reservoirs. The region contains various traps that are favorable for gas accumulation, with higher concentrations found at elevated positions. Our study identified three distinct accumulation patterns in the north, middle, and south regions of the Central Paleo-Uplift. The Wangjiatun Bulge, Changde Bulge, and Zhaozhou Bulge are particularly promising areas for exploration in this region.

Transposable Elements in Bats Show Differential Accumulation Patterns Determined by Class and Functionality.

Bat genomes are characterized by a diverse transposable element (TE) repertoire. In particular, the genomes of members of the family Vespertilionidae contain both active retrotransposons and active DNA transposons. Each TE type is characterized by a distinct pattern of accumulation over the past ~40 million years. Each also exhibits its own target site preferences (sometimes shared with other TEs) that impact where they are likely to insert when mobilizing. Therefore, bats provide a great resource for understanding the diversity of TE insertion patterns. To gain insight into how these diverse TEs impact genome structure, we performed comparative spatial analyses between different TE classes and genomic features, including genic regions and CpG islands. Our results showed a depletion of all TEs in the coding sequence and revealed patterns of species- and element-specific attraction in the transcript. Trends of attraction in the distance tests also suggested significant TE activity in regions adjacent to genes. In particular, the enrichment of small, non-autonomous TE insertions in introns and near coding regions supports the hypothesis that the genomic distribution of TEs is the product of a balance of the TE insertion preference in open chromatin regions and the purifying selection against TEs within genes.

Metabolic Profiles Reveal Changes in the Leaves and Roots of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Seedlings under Nitrogen Deficiency.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is an important oil crop species and plays a crucial role in supplying edible oil worldwide. However, rapeseed production in the field is often severely inhibited due to nitrogen (N) deficiency. Metabolites play key roles in plant growth and resistance to environmental stress, but little is known about the differential synthesis and accumulation of metabolites underlying rapeseed adaptation to N deficiency. Here, we studied the phenotypic response and used LC–electrospray ionization (ESI), ESI–MS/MS, and widely untargeted metabolomic approaches to detect differences in rapeseed under normal N (HN) and N-deficient (LN) conditions. The results showed that N deficiency severely inhibited rapeseed shoot growth and promoted rapeseed root architectural changes under LN conditions. In total, 574 metabolites were detected, and there were 175 and 166 differentially accumulated metabolites in the leaves and roots between the HN and LN conditions, respectively. The significantly differentially accumulated metabolites were involved in four primary metabolic pathways, namely, sucrose, phenylalanine, amino acid, and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism. Notably, we found that plant hormones have distinct accumulation patterns in rapeseed and coordinate to play crucial roles in both maintaining growth and protecting against damage from plant disease under HN and LN conditions. Moreover, our results indicated that flavonoid compounds, especially anthocyanins and rutin, may play important roles in increasing root cell resistance to oxidative damage and soil pathogen infections. Overall, this work provides valuable information for understanding the overall metabolite changes in rapeseed under N deficiency conditions, which may be beneficial for improving and producing new varieties of rapeseed capable of high yields under low N conditions.

Mass Spectroscopy Imaging of Hair Strands Captures Short-Term and Long-Term Changes in Emtricitabine Adherence.

Most measures of adherence to antiretroviral therapy require a blood sample, and none capture longitudinal daily adherence. A new noninvasive method for measuring daily adherence to antiretroviral regimens containing emtricitabine (FTC) was developed for intact hair strands using infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). A directly observed therapy study of daily and intermittent (3, 1, and 0 doses/week) FTC dosing (n = 12) benchmarked adherence in hair, revealing distinct accumulation patterns and median FTC signal abundance (1,702, 495, 352, and 0, respectively) with each dosing frequency. A threshold value of FTCsignal abundance of 500 differentiated daily dosing from 3 or fewer doses/week (specificity, 100%; sensitivity, 100% over 30 days and 80% over 60 days). Using these criteria, daily FTC hair adherence was classified in young men (n = 8) who have sex with men (YMSM) engaged in or initiating preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Four types of adherence profiles were observed in sequential 30-day periods: consistently high, occasional missed doses, improvement following study initiation, and intermittent. Discrete days of nonadherence were identified across the 60-day window, with the average number of consecutive days classified as nonadherent increasing across the four profile types (1, 2, 19, and 58 days, respectively). Additionally, cumulative FTC response in hair (60-day average) significantly correlated with dried blood spot tenofovir diphosphate concentrations collected simultaneously (rs = 0.79, P = 0.03). Based on these data, IR-MALDESI FTC adherence classification in hair strands can better delineate short-term changes in adherence behaviors over a long retrospective window, offering great potential for noninvasive adherence monitoring and quick supportive interventions.

Terpenoid and lipid profiles vary in different Phytophthora cactorum – strawberry interactions

Specialized metabolites are essential components in plant defence systems, serving as signalling molecules and chemical weapons against pathogens. The manipulation of plant defence metabolome or metabolites can thus be an important virulence strategy for pathogens. Because of their central role, metabolites can give valuable insights into plant-pathogen interactions. Here, we have conducted nontargeted metabolite profiling with UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS to investigate the metabolic changes that have taken place in the crown tissue of Fragaria vesca L. (woodland strawberry) and Fragaria × ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier (garden strawberry) during 48 h after Phytophthora cactorum challenge. Two P. cactorum isolates were compared: Pc407 is highly virulent to F. × ananassa and causes crown rot, whereas Pc440 is mildly virulent. In total, 45 metabolites differentially accumulated between the treatment groups were tentatively identified. Triterpenoids and various lipid compounds were highly represented. The levels of several triterpenoids increased upon inoculation, some of them showing distinct accumulation patterns in different interactions. Triterpenoids could either inhibit or stimulate P. cactorum growth and, therefore, triterpenoid profiles might have significant impact on disease progression. Of the lipid compounds, lysophospholipids, linoleic acid and linolenic acid were highly accumulated in the most compatible Pc407 - F. × ananassa interaction. As lysophospholipids promote cell death and have been linked to susceptibility, these compounds might be involved in the pathogenesis of crown rot disease. This metabolite analysis revealed potential factors contributing to the outcome of P. cactorum – strawberry interactions. The information is highly valuable, as it can help to find new breeding strategies and new solutions to control P. cactorum in strawberry.

Accumulation patterns of sedentary time and breaks and their association with cardiometabolic health markers in adults.

Breaking up sedentary time with physical activity (PA) could modify the detrimental cardiometabolic health effects of sedentary time. Our aim was to identify profiles according to distinct accumulation patterns of sedentary time and breaks in adults, and to investigate how these profiles are associated with cardiometabolic outcomes. Participants (n=4439) of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 at age 46years wore a hip-worn accelerometer for 7 consecutive days during waking hours. Uninterrupted ≥1-min sedentary bouts were identified, and non-sedentary bouts in between two consecutive sedentary bouts were considered as sedentary breaks. K-means clustering was performed with 65 variables characterizing how sedentary time was accumulated and interrupted. Linear regression was used to determine the association of accumulation patterns with cardiometabolic health markers. Four distinct groups were formed as follows: "Couch potatoes" (n=1222), "Prolonged sitters" (n=1179), "Shortened sitters" (n=1529), and "Breakers" (n=509). Couch potatoes had the highest level of sedentariness and the shortest sedentary breaks. Prolonged sitters, accumulating sedentary time in bouts of ≥15-30min, had no differences in cardiometabolic outcomes compared with Couch potatoes. Shortened sitters accumulated sedentary time in bouts lasting <15min and performed more light-intensity PA in their sedentary breaks, and Breakers performed more light-intensity and moderate-to-vigorous PA. These latter two profiles had lower levels of adiposity, blood lipids, and insulin sensitivity, compared with Couch potatoes (1.1-25.0% lower values depending on the cardiometabolic health outcome, group, and adjustments for potential confounders). Avoiding uninterrupted sedentary time with any active behavior from light-intensity upwards could be beneficial for cardiometabolic health in adults.

Quantification of N-terminal amyloid-β isoforms reveals isomers are the most abundant form of the amyloid-β peptide in sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

Plaques that characterize Alzheimer’s disease accumulate over 20 years as a result of decreased clearance of amyloid-β peptides. Such long-lived peptides are subjected to multiple post-translational modifications, in particular isomerization. Using liquid chromatography ion mobility separations mass spectrometry, we characterized the most common isomerized amyloid-β peptides present in the temporal cortex of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease brains. Quantitative assessment of amyloid-β N-terminus revealed that > 80% of aspartates (Asp-1 and Asp-7) in the N-terminus was isomerized, making isomerization the most dominant post-translational modification of amyloid-β in Alzheimer’s disease brain. Total amyloid-β1–15 was ∼85% isomerized at Asp-1 and/or Asp-7 residues, with only 15% unmodified amyloid-β1–15 left in Alzheimer’s disease. While amyloid-β4–15 the next most abundant N-terminus found in Alzheimer’s disease brain, was only ∼50% isomerized at Asp-7 in Alzheimer’s disease. Further investigations into different biochemically defined amyloid-β-pools indicated a distinct pattern of accumulation of extensively isomerized amyloid-β in the insoluble fibrillar plaque and membrane-associated pools, while the extent of isomerization was lower in peripheral membrane/vesicular and soluble pools. This pattern correlated with the accumulation of aggregation-prone amyloid-β42 in Alzheimer’s disease brains. Isomerization significantly alters the structure of the amyloid-β peptide, which not only has implications for its degradation, but also for oligomer assembly, and the binding of therapeutic antibodies that directly target the N-terminus, where these modifications are located.

Incidence of hyperaccumulation and tissue-level distribution of manganese, cobalt, and zinc in the genus Gossia (Myrtaceae)

The rare phenomenon of plant manganese (Mn) hyperaccumulation within the Australian flora has previously been detected in the field, which suggested that the tree genus Gossia (Myrtaceae) might contain new Mn hyperaccumulators. We conducted the first growth experiment on Gossia using a multi-factorial dosing trial to assess Mn, cobalt (Co) and zinc (Zn) (hyper)accumulation patterns in selected Gossia species (G. fragrantissima and G. punctata) after a systematic assessment of elemental profiles on all holdings of the genus Gossia at the Queensland Herbarium using handheld X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. We then conducted detailed in situ analyses of these elemental distributions at the macro (organ) and micro (cellular) levels with laboratory- and synchrotron-based X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy (XFM). Gossia pubiflora and G. hillii were newly discovered to be Mn hyperaccumulator plants. In the dosing trial, G. fragrantissima accumulated 17400µg g-1 Mn, 545µg g-1 Co and 13 000µg g-1Zn. The laboratory based XFM revealed distinct patterns of accumulation of Co, Mn and Zn in G. fragrantissima, while the synchrotron XFM showed their localization in foliar epidermal, and in the cortex and phloem of roots. This study combined novel analytical approaches with controlled experimentation to examine metal hyperaccumulation in slow-growing woody species, thereby enabling insight into the phenomenon not possible through field studies.

Warming yields distinct accumulation patterns of microbial residues in dry and wet alpine grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

High altitude alpine grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) contain high soil organic C (SOC) stocks that are extremely vulnerable to climate warming. Microbial residues are increasingly recognized as a major source of SOC, however, how climate warming affects this component of SOC in this region remains largely unknown. In this study, we examined the response of microbial residues to a 3-year experimental warming and the degree to which they contributed to SOC storage in two Tibetan ecosystems—alpine steppe (AS) and swamp meadow (SM). The number of microbial residues was indicated by amino sugar analysis. Our results revealed that warming yielded divergent microbial residue accumulation that significantly altered their contribution to SOC storage in the two alpine grasslands. Warming increased microbial residue abundance by approximately 17.6% across 0 to 20 cm depth in SM soils, while causing a significant decline (about 6.2%) in AS soils. The higher microbial residue accumulation in SM could lessen potential positive feedbacks from climate warming, while the decrease in microbial residues in AS may indicate greater loss of microbial-derived C inputs in warmed soils. Moreover, we found that warming selectively increased fungal residues as compared with bacterial despite inconsistent responses to warming in the two grasslands. These changes were accompanied by significant shifts in fungal to bacterial residue C ratios and their contribution to SOC pool, indicating an alteration of SOC composition and stability in alpine grassland ecosystems. These findings demonstrate that a microbial-derived C feedback to climate change is ecosystem-specific that alters the direction and magnitude of the microbial community.

Activity Accumulation and Cardiometabolic Risk in Youth: A Latent Profile Approach

This cross-sectional study aimed to i) identify and characterize youth according to distinct physical activity (PA) and sedentary (SED) accumulation patterns, and ii) investigate associations of these derived patterns with cardiometabolic risk factors. ActiGraph accelerometer data from 7- to 13-yr-olds from two studies were pooled (n = 1219; 843 (69%) with valid accelerometry included in analysis). Time accumulated in ≥5- and ≥10-min SED bouts, ≥1- and ≥5-min bouts of light, and ≥1-min bouts of moderate and vigorous PA was calculated. Frequency of breaks in SED was also obtained. Latent profile analysis was used to identify groups of participants based on their distinct accumulation patterns. Linear and logistic regression models were used to test associations of group accumulation patterns with cardiometabolic risk factors, including adiposity indicators, blood pressure, and lipids. Total PA and SED time were also compared between groups. Three distinct groups were identified: "prolonged sitters" had the most time in sustained SED bouts and the least time in vigorous PA bouts; "breakers" had the highest frequency of SED breaks and lowest engagement in sustained bouts across most PA intensities; and "prolonged movers" had the least time accumulated in SED bouts and the most in PA bouts across most intensities. Although breakers engaged in less time in PA bouts compared with other groups, they had the healthiest adiposity indicators. No associations with the remaining cardiometabolic risk factors were found. Youth accumulate their daily activity in three distinct patterns (prolonged sitters, breakers, and prolonger movers), with those breaking up sitting and least time in prolonged PA bouts across the day having a lower adiposity risk. No relationships with other cardiometabolic risk factors were identified.

Tandem Mass Spectrometry Imaging Reveals Distinct Accumulation Patterns of Steroid Structural Isomers in Human Adrenal Glands.

Visualizing tissue distribution of steroid hormones is a promising application of MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). On-tissue chemical derivatization using Girard's T reagent has enhanced the ionization efficiency of steroids. However, discriminating between structural isomers with distinct bioactivities remains a challenge. Herein, we used ion trap MS/tandem MS (MS3) to distinguish a mineralcorticoid aldosterone (Aldo) and a glucocorticoid cortisol (F), from their structural isomers. Our method is also useful to detect hybrid steroids (18-hydroxycortisol [18-OHF] and 18-oxocortisol) with sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. The clinical applicability of the tandem MS method was evaluated by analyzing F, Aldo, and 18-OHF distributions in human adrenal glands. In such clinical specimens, small Aldo-producing cell clusters (APCCs) were identified and were first found to produce a high level of Aldo and not to contain F. Moreover, a part of APCCs produced 18-OHF, presumably converted from F by APCC-specific CYP11B2 activity. Catecholamine species were also visualized with another derivatization reagent (TAHS), and those profiling successfully discriminated pheochromocytoma species. These tandem MSI-methods, coupled with on-tissue chemical derivatization has proven to be useful for detecting low-abundance steroids, including Aldo and hybrid steroids and thus identifying steroid hormone-producing lesions.

Human pharmaceuticals in three major fish species from the Uruguay River (South America) with different feeding habits

The accumulation of 17 human pharmaceuticals (HPs) was investigated in the muscle of three fish species characteristic of the “Rio de la Plata Basin” with different feeding habits and of relevance for human consumption: Megaleporinus obtusidens, Salminus brasiliensis, and Prochilodus lineatus. Fish were sampled in fall and spring from 8 localities distributed along 500 Km of the Uruguay River. Atenolol and carbamazepine were the most frequently detected HPs (>50%), but at concentrations always below 1 μg/kg wet weight (w/w). Hydrochlorothiazide, metoprolol, venlafaxine, propranolol, codeine, and the carbamazepine metabolite, 2-hydroxycarbamazepine, were accumulated at higher levels showing maximum concentrations between 1 and 10 μg/kg (w/w), but infrequently (<50%). The other HPs were always below 1 μg/kg (w/w) and at frequencies lower than 50%. Distinctive accumulation patterns were observed among species at different trophic levels. However, biomagnification trends were not identified for any compound. The highest number and concentration of HPs were found in M. obtusidens (omnivorous), followed by P. lineatus (detritivorous), and lastly S. brasiliensis (piscivorous). The most recurrent HPs (i.e. carbamazepine and atenolol) were present in all species, but others exclusively in one. Geographical variations were only found for carbamazepine and atenolol in M. obtusidens and P. lineatus, showing higher concentrations in localities closer to the Rio de la Plata estuary. Differences in the HPs concentrations among seasons were not identified. Acceptable daily intake and predicted no effect concentrations would indicate that measured muscle concentrations in fish from the Uruguay River do not pose a serious risk for human consumption nowadays. Further studies will be necessary for assessing the potential adverse effects on studied fish species.

New approach for mapping and physiological test of silica nanoparticles accumulated in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) by LA-ICP-MS

Behavior of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in sweet basil was studied using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) as an in situ monitoring tool. Although the use of SiNP for environmental applications is interesting, detailed studies in plants for distributional mapping and quantitative determination have been difficult because the detection of 28Si+ suffers from severe molecular interference and high background in ICP-MS. In this work, yttrium/fluorescein-isothiocyanate-doped silica nanoparticles (Y/FITC-doped SiNPs) synthesized in our lab were used to substitute for undoped SiNP, allowing the doped 89Y+ to be monitored instead of 28Si+, while retaining the same surface properties. Based on this model, the physiological influence was studied by nourishing them with a nutrient solution spiked with the synthesized SiNPs and a co-pollutant, Cs ion. Mapping images obtained by LA-ICP-MS showed distinct accumulation patterns associated with exposure. For example, Cs was distributed widely over the leaves, whereas SiNPs were concentrated in specific regions such as main veins, leaf margins, and tips. Furthermore, the possible effect of SiNP and Cs on the photochemical reaction was confirmed through monitoring the change of the concentration of chlorophyll and carotenoid and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.

Dynamic trajectories of volatile and non‐volatile specialised metabolites in ‘overnight’ fragrant flowers of Murraya paniculata

Ephemeral flowers, especially nocturnal ones, usually emit characteristic scent profiles within their post-anthesis lifespans of a few hours. Whether these flowers exhibit temporal variability in the composition and profile of volatile and non-volatile specialised metabolites has received little attention. Flowers of Murraya paniculata bloom in the evenings during the summer and monsoon, and their sweet, intense fragrance enhances the plant's value as an ornamental. We aimed to investigate profiles of both volatile and non-volatile endogenous specialised metabolites (ESM) in nocturnal ephemeral flowers of M.paniculata to examine whether any biochemically diverse groups of ESM follow distinct patterns of accumulation while maintaining synchrony with defensive physiological functions. Targeted ESM contents of M.paniculata flowers were profiled at ten time points at 2-h intervals, starting from late bud stage (afternoon) up to the start of petal senescence (mid-morning). Emitted volatiles were monitored continuously within the whole 20-h period using headspace sampling. The ESM contents were mapped by time point to obtain a highly dynamic and biochemically diverse profile. Relative temporal patterns of ESM accumulation indicated that the active fragrance-emitting period might be divided into 'early bloom', 'mid-bloom' and 'late bloom' phases. Early and late bloom phases were characterised by high free radical generation, with immediate enhancement of antioxidant enzymes and phenolic compounds. The mid-bloom phase was relatively stable and dedicated to maximum fragrance emission, with provision for strong terpenoid-mediated defence against herbivores. The late bloom phase merged into senescence with the start of daylight; however, even the senescent petals continued to emit fragrance to attract diurnal pollinators. Our study suggests that dynamic relations between the different ESM groups regulate the short-term requirements of floral advertisement and phytochemical defence in this ephemeral flower. This study also provided fundamental information on the temporal occurrence of emitted volatiles and internal pools of specialised metabolites in M.paniculata flowers, which could serve as an important model for pollination biology of Rutaceae, which includes many important fruit crops.