Doses Of Zn Research Articles

Zinc biofortification of Genovese basil: Influence on mineral profile and estimated daily intake in adults and children

Despite the well-known beneficial function of Zn in human health, its deficiency is an increasingly recognized worldwide concern. In this work, we evaluated the agronomic biofortification of two basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars (‘Aroma 2’ and ‘Eleonora’) using nutrient solutions with different Zn concentrations (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50 µM). We focused on the impact of biofortification on the mineral profile quantified by ICP OES. Compared to the control, biofortification treatments increased Zn concentration by 22.03 % (on average). Consumption of one serving of 50 µM of Zn biofortified basil ‘Aroma 2’ guarantees an estimated daily intake (EDI) of 275.746 and 91.915 µg day−1 in adults and children, respectively. Furthermore, Zn biofortification positively affected the mineral profile of the leaves. Compared to the control, the B50 dose of Zn (50 μM of Zn) increased the EDI of macro and microelements in adults and children. This aspect highlights how biofortified basil consumption would improve consumers’ nutritional status.

Impact of Maternal and Offspring Dietary Zn Supplementation on Growth Performance and Antioxidant and Immune Function of Offspring Broilers.

The current study investigated the effects of the maternal Zn source in conjunction with their offspring's dietary Zn supplementation on the growth performance, antioxidant status, Zn concentration, and immune function of the offspring. It also explored whether there is an interaction between maternal Zn and their offspring's dietary Zn. One-day-old Lingnan Yellow-feathered broilers (n = 800) were completely randomized (n = 4) between two maternal dietary supplemental Zn sources [maternal Zn-Gly (oZn) vs. maternal ZnSO4 (iZn)] × two offspring dietary supplemental Zn doses [Zn-unsupplemented control diet (CON), the control diet + 80 mg of Zn/kg of diet as ZnSO4]. oZn increased progeny ADG and decreased offspring mortality across all periods, especially during the late periods (p < 0.05). The offspring diet supplemented with Zn significantly improved ADG and decreased offspring mortality over the whole period compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). There were significant interactions between the maternal Zn source and offspring dietary Zn with regards to progeny mortality during the late phase and across all phases as a whole (p < 0.05). Compared with the iZn group, the oZn treatment significantly increased progeny liver and serum Zn concentrations; antioxidant capacity in the liver, muscle, and serum; and the IgM concentration in serum; while also decreasing progeny serum IL-1 and TNF-α cytokine secretions (p < 0.05). Similar results were observed when the offspring diet was supplemented with Zn compared with the CON group; moreover, adding Zn to the offspring diet alleviated progeny stress by decreasing corticosterone levels in the serum when compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal Zn-Gly supplementation increased progeny performance and decreased progeny mortality and stress by increasing progeny Zn concentration, antioxidant capacity, and immune function compared with the same Zn levels from ZnSO4. Simultaneously, Zn supplementation in the progeny's diet is necessary for the growth of broilers.

Nutritional enrichment of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) through Zinc (Zn) and Boron (B) Fertilization

The influence of micronutrients namely zinc (Zn) and boron (B) with or without farmyard manure (FYM) on growth, yield and quality parameters viz. ascorbic acid and carotene content of tomato was evaluated. A field experiment was conducted with graded doses of Zn (soil and soil + foliar application) and B (soil application) application with or without FYM for the two consecutive years (2012 and 2013). Results revealed that application of Zn and B significantly enhanced fruit yield and different growth parameters as well as plant tissue concentration of Zn and B in tomato. The highest increase in fruit yield over control (27.6%) was observed with the conjoint application of Zn (soil + foliar), B (2.0 kg ha−1) and FYM. Soil application of Zn at higher doses (10 kg ha−1) as well as its application through both soil + foliar method has an edge over control or its application at comparatively lower doses in increasing the fruit yield of tomato. Results further revealed that combined application of Zn and B can significantly increase the important quality parameters viz. carotene and ascorbic acid content in tomato. Such increase in carotene content to the tune of 25 and 35% and ascorbic acid content to the tune of 7 and 30% over control were observed with soil + foliar application of Zn and 2 kg ha−1 B, respectively. Therefore, optimization of Zn and B doses can improve the yield and quality of tomato as well as helps in correcting the micronutrients malnutrition vis-à-vis nutritional disorders in humans by enriching the antioxidants.

Phasing of Zn Application on Yield, Sustainability Index and Soil Zn Fractions Under a Rice-Rice Cropping System Grown in an Inceptisols

ABSTRACT Presence of Zn deficiency in soils and its subsequent management forms the basis of the present investigation. To find out the optimum dose and frequency of Zn application a field experiment was conducted by taking fou graded doses of Zn applied in phasing through three frequencies upto 5 year to a rice-rice cropping system grown in an Inceptisols of central farm,OUAT,Bhubaneswar,Odisha. Zinc fractionation study was conducted in initial and post harvest soil to address the possible fate of Zn application on various Zn pools and on yield of rice – rice cropping system. Results after five cropping cycles revealed that rice crop responded to Zn application both to increasing dose and frequency of Zn by producing highest mean grain yield of 4.3 t/ha as well as cumulative yield of 21.3 t/ha in the treatment of every year Zn application @ 5 kg/ha with highest gross return of 1.33 per rupee investment. Highest response of 37% over no Zn application was observed in the same treatment. Among the soil Zn pools affected by Zn application was organic and amorphous oxide bound forms. Residual fraction constituted the highest percent of total Zn among all fractions. Nominal increase in DTPA extractable Zn in post harvest soil under every year Zn application was noticed. Hence for rice growing lowland soils of Odisha application of small dose Zn@ 5 kg/ha every year to the first crop of a rice-rice cropping system can produce a sustainable yield upto 5 year without any adverse effect on soil.

Exploring Zinc and Boron Chemo-Priming Effects on Low-Vigour Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Poor germination and suboptimal seedling growth constitute as prime factors in lowering the achene yield and seed oil content of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), while chemo-priming with micronutrients might serve as a biological viable strategy provided source and dose optimization are performed. A trial was executed to appraise the comparative impact of seed priming with different doses of micronutrients like boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on sunflower germination and seedling growth traits of sunflower. The experiment was comprised of six treatments of B (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.20 ppm) and Zn (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 mM) each, while seed germination, root and seedling growth related traits were taken as experimental variables. The results revealed that all treatments remained ineffective regarding seed germination and seed vigour of sunflower, while B and Zn doses of 0.2 ppm and 12 mM respectively, enhanced seedling emergence rate and vigour. The Zn (8 mM) significantly improved root length along with their fresh and dry weights, while all doses of B imparted antagonistic effects on root attributes. Likewise, Zn (8 mM) remained superior for shoot length, fresh and dry weights, while higher doses of B remained contra-productive for shoot growth of sunflower.

Integration analysis of metabolome and transcriptome reveals the effect of exogenous supplementation with mixtures of vitamins ADE, zinc, and selenium on follicular growth and granulosa cells molecular metabolism in donkeys (Equus asinus).

Vitamins and microelements play essential roles in mammalian ovarian physiology, including follicle development, ovulation, and synthesis and secretion of hormones and growth factors. However, it is nevertheless elusive to what extent exogenous supplementation with mixtures of vitamins ADE, zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) affects follicular growth and granulosa cells (GCs) molecular function. We herein investigated their effect on follicular growth and GCs physiological function. We showed that follicular growth and ovulation time was accelerated and shortened with the increases of vitamins ADE, Zn, and Se doses by continually monitoring and recording (one estrus cycle of about 21 days) with an ultrasound scanner. Integrated omics analysis showed that there was a sophisticated network relationship, correlation expression, and enrichment pathways of the genes and metabolites highly related to organic acids and their derivatives and lipid-like molecules. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) results showed that vitamin D receptor (VDR), transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily m member 6 (TRPM6), transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily v member 6 (TRPV6), solute carrier family 5 member 1 (SLC5A1), arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) had a strong correlation between the transcriptome data. Combined multi-omics analysis revealed that the protein digestion and absorption, ABC transporters, biosynthesis of amino acids, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, mineral absorption, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and ovarian steroidogenesis were significantly enriched. We focused on the gene-metabolite interactions in ovarian steroidogenesis, founding that insulin receptor (INSR), phospholipase a2 group IVA (PLA2G4A), adenylate cyclase 6 (ADCY6), cytochrome p450 family 1 subfamily b member 1 (CYP1B1), protein kinase camp-activated catalytic subunit beta (PRKACB), cytochrome p450 family 17 subfamily a member 1 (CYP17A1), and phospholipase a2 group IVF (PLA2G4F) were negatively correlated with β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T) (P < 0.05). while ALOX5 was a positive correlation with E2, P4, and T (P < 0.05); cytochrome p450 family 19 subfamily a member 1 (CYP19A1) was a negative correlation with cholesterol (P < 0.01). In mineral absorption, our findings further demonstrated that there was a positive correlation between solute carrier family 26 member 6 (SLC26A6), SLC5A1, and solute carrier family 6 member 19 (SLC6A19) with Glycine and L-methionine. Solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1) was a negative correlation with Glycine and L-methionine (P < 0.01). TRPV6 and ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit alpha 1 (ATP1A1) were positively associated with Glycine (P < 0.05); while ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit beta 3 (ATP1B3) and cytochrome b reductase 1 (CYBRD1) were negatively related to L-methionine (P < 0.05). These outcomes suggested that the vitamins ADE, Zn, and Se of mixtures play an important role in the synthesis and secretion of steroid hormones and mineral absorption metabolism pathway through effects on the expression of the key genes and metabolites in GCs. Meanwhile, these also are required for physiological function and metabolism of GCs. Collectively, our outcomes shed new light on the underlying mechanisms of their effect on follicular growth and GCs molecular physiological function, helping explore valuable biomarkers.

Zinc biofortification of hydroponically grown basil: Stress physiological responses and impact on antioxidant secondary metabolites of genotypic variants.

Ocimum basilicum L. is an aromatic plant rich in bioactive metabolites beneficial to human health. The agronomic biofortification of basil with Zn could provide a practical and sustainable solution to address Zn deficiency in humans. Our research appraised the effects of biofortification implemented through nutrient solutions of different Zn concentration (12.5, 25.0, 37.5, and 50 µM) on the yield, physiological indices (net CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll fluorescence), quality, and Zn concentration of basil cultivars 'Aroma 2' and 'Eleonora' grown in a floating raft system. The ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP antioxidant activities were determined by UV-VIS spectrophotometry, the concentrations of phenolic acids by mass spectrometry using a Q Extractive Orbitrap LC-MS/MS, and tissue Zn concentration by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Although increasing the concentration of Zn in the nutrient solution significantly reduced the yield, this reduction was less evident in 'Aroma 2'. However, regardless of cultivar, the use of the maximum dose of Zn (50 µM) increased the concentration of carotenoids, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity on average by 19.76, 14.57, and 33.72%, respectively, compared to the Control. The significant positive correlation between Zn in the nutrient solution and Zn in plant tissues underscores the suitability of basil for soilless biofortification programs.

Zinc supplement reduces allergic responses through modulating the p38 MAPK pathway activation in an allergic rhinitis mouse model

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa mediated by a variety of inflammatory mediators. Zinc (Zn) is one of the main essential trace elements in the human body and plays a variety of biological functions including the inhibition of inflammatory responses. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of Zn on the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model. MethodIn this study, we established a model of AR by treating mice with OVA after feeding them with different doses of Zn. ELISA, real-time quantitative PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the protein expression and mRNA transcription level of IgE, inflammatory cytokines and p38, respectively. ResultsThe authors identified that immunoglobulin E concentrations were significantly higher in the Zn-deficient mice than in the Zn-normal group; Zn supplementation significantly reversed the increase in IgE concentrations caused by Zn deficiency. The increased concentrations of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in serum caused by Zn deficiency were reduced by Zn supplementation. The study further found that Zn deficiency could significantly increase the expression and activity of the p38 MAPK protein, while its levels were significantly decreased after Zn supplementation. The role of Zn supplement in the inflammatory response induced by Zn deficiency was verified by Zn-deficient mice with a p38 pathway inhibitor (SB203580), and it was observed that the elevated concentrations of IgE and inflammatory cytokines induced by Zn deficiency could be significantly reversed. ConclusionOur data indicated that Zn exerted anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the p38 MAPK activation in the AR mouse model. The findings provided evidence that Zn might be beneficial in regulating AR.

Evaluating Zinc Nutrition In Perennial Ryegrass Grown In An Andisol

Zinc is an essential nutrient for humans, animals, and plants. Zinc uptake by crops is dictated by zinc availability in the soil, which in turn may be dictated, at least in part, by soil mineralogy. Little is known about the phytoavailability of Zn in Andisols, which are important agricultural soils in volcanic regions, such as Japan, New Zealand, and southern Chile. In this study, we assessed the vegetative growth response of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne, L.) to Zn fertilization in an Andisol from southern Chile. Ryegrass was grown in a greenhouse pot experiment with twelve rates of Zn application from 0 to 6075 mg Zn/kg soil. After 63 days, shoot length, specific leaf area, and biomass were measured. Foliar Zn concentrations were measured and correlated with plant-available Zn as measured by a diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-soil extraction (DTPA-Zn hereafter). Zinc toxicity to ryegrass was assessed using the Toxicity Relationship Analysis Program. This study demonstrated that a DTPA-Zn level of 1 mg Zn/kg soil was not limiting for ryegrass growth. Although Zn fertilization did not improve ryegrass growth in the studied Andisol, this study still has practical implications. Zinc deficiency in humans is a global problem and increasing Zn in staple food and forage crops may require Zn fertilization. This study suggests that Andisols can be fertilized with high doses of Zn without a risk of causing Zn toxicity to crops. However, a DTPA-Zn level of &gt;489 mg Zn/kg soil decreased shoot length, indicating a toxicity response.

S3309 Acute on Chronic Liver Failure From Wilson’s Disease After Initial Therapy with Ammonium Tetrathiomolybdate Followed by Zinc Monotherapy for 35 Years: A Case Report

Introduction: Wilson’s disease (WD) is an inherited disease of toxic accumulation of Cu mainly affecting the brain and liver. We describe a case of acute on chronic liver failure caused by WD despite being stable on Zn maintenance therapy for 35 years after initial treatment with ammonium (NH4) tetrathiomolybdate. Case Description/Methods: A 58-year-old Caucasian male with WD presented to a local hospital with acute onset of jaundice and dark urine. He is a minimal alcohol drinker. He had no exposures to hepatotoxicity and no prior evidence of liver fibrosis or decompensation. He was diagnosed WD at age 18 with neurologic symptoms and was treated in a clinical trial with NH4 tetrathiomolybdate at the time of diagnosis followed by Zn monotherapy. His Zn dosage was monitored by his PCP based on its level. On admission, his vitals were stable. Exam revealed jaundice, scleral icterus, and abdominal distension. No sign of encephalopathy or asterixis. Labs were notable for INR 2.4, ALP/AST/ALT 86/148/47 IU/L, Tbili 12.6 mg/dL, Cr 0.9 mg/dL, elevated Cu, and normal ceruloplasmin. CT noted cirrhotic liver morphology. On Day 4, he was transferred to our hospital for an urgent liver transplant (LT) evaluation. On arrival, his condition rapidly progressed with active hemolysis and elevated Tbili (peaked at 60.1) and Cr (Figure 1). Other precipitating causes including viral and autoimmune hepatitis were ruled out. On Day 5, he was sent to ICU for dialysis and was listed for transplant as Status 1A. On Day 8, he successfully underwent deceased donor LT. Liver explant showed cholestatic hepatitis on chronic hepatitis with cirrhosis consistent with WD. On Day 22, he was discharged home. Discussion: NH4 tetrathiomolybdate is proposed to be a more efficacious treatment option for neurologic predominant WD but it is not yet commercially available. Zn monotherapy is shown to be comparable to penicillamine in preventing neurologic and hepatic decompensation by inhibiting Cu uptake by intestinal mucosa. Close monitoring is paramount for patients on Zn due to risk of treatment failure. AASLD and EASL recommend monitoring liver function test, serum Cu, ceruloplasmin and physical exam twice yearly, and urine Cu yearly. However, parameters for treatment failure of Zn need to be clearly defined to consider alternative treatment before disease progression occurs. LT is the only effective option for WD patients with decompensated liver disease unresponsive to medical therapy. One-year survival following LT ranges from 79-87%.Figure 1.: Trend of patient’s total bilirubin, creatinine, and INR during hospitalization.

Assessment of Polluted Soil Remediation Using Bacterial Community Tolerance to Heavy Metals as an Indicator

The assessment of remediation on metal-polluted soils is usually focused on total and/or bioavailable metal content. However, these chemical variables do not provide direct information about reductions in heavy metals pressure on soil microorganisms. We propose the use of bacterial communities to evaluate the efficiency of three remediation techniques: crushed mussel shell (CMS) and pine bark (PB) as soil amendments and EDTA-washing. A soil sample was polluted with different doses of Cu, Ni, and Zn (separately). After 30 days of incubation, the remediation techniques were applied, and bacterial community tolerance to heavy metals determined. If bacterial communities develop tolerance, it is an indicator that the metal is exerting toxicity on them. Soil bacterial communities developed tolerance to Cu, Ni, and Zn in response to metal additions. After remediation, bacterial communities showed decreases in bacterial community tolerance to Cu, Ni, and Zn for all remediation techniques. For Cu and Ni, soil EDTA-washing showed the greatest reduction of bacterial community tolerance to Cu and Ni, respectively, while for Zn the soil amendment with PB was the most effective remediation technique. Thus, bacterial community tolerance to heavy metals successfully detect differences in the effectiveness of the three remediation techniques.

Insights into the kinetic regulation of Zn bioaccumulation at trace levels: Lighting up Saccharomycescerevisiae

Zn displays a double-edged effect by acting both as a micronutrient and a toxic metal, and quantitative analysis of its kinetic flux under low environmental concentrations is critical to understand its intracellular regulation. In the present study, we employed a Zn sensitive model eukaryote, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which responded to intracellular Zn levels by increasing its autofluorescence, to quantify Zn influx, transportation between labile and storage pools, and efflux under different Zn exposure levels (<1 μM). We demonstrated that the yeast regulated Zn uptake from the extracellular source by a gradually decreased accumulation following an initial high accumulation rate. The subsequent reduced accumulation rate resulted in a steady-state Zn accumulation at 0.061 and 0.073 μg Zn/μg P as the threshold values for the control yeast and Zn-depleted yeast, respectively, independently of the extracellular Zn concentration. Compared with the control yeast, the Zn-depleted yeast possessed a higher accumulation rate, but the difference of bioaccumulation was maintained at approximately 0.01 μg Zn/μg P under different concentrations of extracellular Zn. In contrast, transportation between labile Zn and storage Zn pools or Zn efflux to the extracellular environment was not obvious after Zn exposure, indicating that the Zn dose was below a basal requirement. Such stabilized Zn accumulation was only induced by controlling the Zn influx at the bio-interface. With the novel monitoring of the kinetic changes of autofluorescence, our study demonstrated a remarkably tight Zn regulation system in yeast, providing enlightenment for Zn homeostasis in eukaryotes under low Zn exposure in aqueous environments.

Effect of Application of Zinc on Seedlings of Eucalyptus urophylla

Eucalyptus represents a species with consolidated cultivation in the Cerrado and that has been cultivated in several states that cover this Biome. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the growth and development of Eucalyptus urophylla seedlings in response to soil and foliar zinc application in a Cerrado Red Latosol. Two experiments were set up in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and seven replications. The first experiment consisted of five doses of Zn, in the form of zinc sulfate for both experiments, 0; 2.5; 5; 10 and 20 mg/dm³ applied via soil and the second experiment consisted of five doses of Zn, 0; 2.5; 5; 10 and 20 mg/L applied via foliage plus an extra dose of 20 mg/dm³ of Zn applied via soil, this dose being necessary due to the low zinc content in the soil and which could compromise the initial development of seedlings that would receive applications via leaf. The experiments were carried out in a greenhouse and after 80 days of planting, the following were evaluated: stem diameter (neck), height, root length, number of leaves, shoot and root dry matter, total dry matter, of macro and micronutrients in leaves and gas exchange: internal carbon concentration, stomatal conductance, transpiration and net photosynthesis rate. Even though Eucalyptus urophylla seedlings did not show statistically significant differences, part of the evaluated variables showed a positive response to the application of zinc, analyzing the linear and quadratic regression graphs, mainly at doses of 10 and 20 mg/L and 10 and 20 g/dm³.

Heavy metal exposure to a migratory waterfowl, Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), in two peri-urban wetlands

In this study, the heavy metal exposure risk model was employed to assess the exposure risk to a predominantly herbivore waterfowl, Northern Pintail, wintering in two wetland habitats in the Purulia district of West Bengal, located on overlapping Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). Both wetlands were important staging and roosting grounds for migratory waterfowl for ages. The exposure model was used to quantify the risk of exposure to metals through oral ingestion. Exposure doses of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr through food plants ingestion and food-associated sediment consumption pathways were two potent sources of heavy metal exposure in the waterfowl under study. Exposure through water intake was ignored as metals were either of negligible concentrations or below the detection limit in water samples. Heavy metal concentrations showed significant positive correlations between bottom sediment and plant at both sites. At Purulia Sahebbandh (Site 1), the total exposure dose of all four metals was much higher than their conforming tolerable daily intake (TDI), and thereby, the metals might pose threats to the migratory wintering herbivorous waterfowl populations. However, in Adra Sahebbandh (Site 2), total exposure doses of Pb, Zn and Cu were much below their corresponding TDI. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) of Cr was highest followed by nonessential toxic Pb and these two elements could be considered as priority pollutants at Site 1. Prioritize threats were decreased in the following sequence: Cr > Pb > Cu > Zn at Site 1 and Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu at Site 2. Hazard Index was found to be >5 at Site 1 and for much higher metal loads a significant correlation between metal concentrations in plants, bottom sediment and exposure doses were also recorded. Therefore, the peri-urban Purulia Sahebbandh wetland could immediately be considered for risk control and demanded holistic management of important waterfowl habitats.

Post-transcriptional regulation of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) biosynthesis pathway, silicon, and heavy metal transporters in response to Zn in fragrant rice.

Fragrant rice (Oryza sativa L.) has a high economic and nutritional value, and the application of micronutrients regulates 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) production, which is responsible for aroma in fragrant rice. Alternative splicing (AS) is an important post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism to generate transcript variability and proteome diversity in plants. However, no systematic investigation of AS events in response to micronutrients (Zn) has been performed in fragrant rice. Furthermore, the post-transcriptional regulation of genes involved in 2-AP biosynthesis is also not known. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of AS events under two gradients of Zn treatment in two different fragrant rice cultivars (Meixiangzhan-2 and Xiangyaxiangzhan) was performed based on RNA-seq analysis. A total of 386 and 598 significant AS events were found in Meixiangzhan-2 treated with low and high doses of Zn, respectively. In Xiangyaxiangzhan, a total of 449 and 598 significant AS events were found in low and high doses of Zn, respectively. Go analysis indicated that these genes were highly enriched in physiological processes, metabolism, and cellular processes in both cultivars. However, genotype and dose-dependent AS events were also detected in both cultivars. By comparing differential AS (DAS) events with differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we found a weak overlap among DAS and DEGs in both fragrant rice cultivars indicating that only a few genes are post-transcriptionally regulated in response to Zn treatment. We further report that Zn differentially regulates the expression of 2-AP biosynthesis-related genes in both cultivars and Zn treatment altered the editing frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in the genes involved in 2-AP biosynthesis. Finally, we showed that epigenetic modifications associated with active gene transcription are generally enriched over 2-AP biosynthesis-related genes. Similar to the 2-AP pathway, we found that heavy metal transporters (genes related to silicon, iron, Zn and other metal transport) are also regulated at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in response to Zn in fragrant rice. Taken together, our results provide evidence of the post-transcriptional gene regulation in fragrant rice in response to Zn treatment and highlight that the 2-AP biosynthesis pathway and heavy metal transporters may also be regulated through epigenetic modifications. These findings will serve as a cornerstone for further investigation to understand the molecular mechanisms of 2-AP biosynthesis and regulation of heavy metal transporters in fragrant rice.

Catalytic performance of Zn-containing MFI zeolites in acetone-to-aromatics reactions

MFI metallosilicates AlMFI and FeMFI were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis, and Zn species were introduced into these MFI-type zeolites by ion exchange. Acetone-to-aromatics (ATA) reactions were carried out using the MFI-type zeolites before and after Zn ion exchange treatment. We examined the effects of zeolite Brønsted acid strength, Zn species, and Zn dose on (1) selective production of benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX) from acetone, and (2) catalyst lifetime. AlMFI selectively produced BTX due to its strong Brønsted acidity, and the introduction of Zn further enhanced its BTX selectivity. In contrast, FeMFI showed high selectivity for light olefins even after Zn ion exchange treatment. Increasing the Zn dose added to AlMFI did not improve its BTX selectivity but did suppress the catalytic deactivation rate. Together, the effects of Zn addition and AlMFI's strong Brønsted acidity resulted in highly selective BTX production and long catalyst lifetimes in the ATA reaction.

Effect of Different Dosages and Frequency of Zinc Application on Yields, Zinc Concentration, and Uptake of Rice-Wheat Rotation and Changes in Soil Chemical Fractions of Zinc

ABSTRACT Under intensive rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS), the information on the optimum Zn dose and frequency of application is needed for sustainable productivity of the system and maintenance of soil fertility. In a 6-year field study carried out on a sandy loam (Typic hapludoll), the effect of different dosages (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg Zn ha−1) and frequency of Zn applications (once, alternate year, and every year) were investigated on yield and Zn nutrition of rice-wheat crops and changes in chemical fractions of Zn in soil. Based on the average grain yields of rice and wheat, it was concluded that application of 7.5 kg Zn ha−1 as zinc sulfate heptahydrate to rice in alternate years was the best practice in a typic hapludoll as it resulted in an average production of 5.67 t of rice grain and 4.53 t of wheat grain ha−1. The practice resulted in a benefit:cost ratio of 14.2: 1 and also helped to maintain the optimum level of Zn in soil. Application of Zn markedly increased the residual Zn fraction in soils. The use of medium (5 kg Zn/ha) and high doses (7.5 and 10.0 kg Zn ha−1) in all years brought a significant increase in water soluble + exchangeable, organically bound, and sesquioxide bound fractions of Zn. Soil application of 7.5 kg Zn ha−1 to alternate year rice crop can be recommended under RWCS on typic hapludoll for higher grain yields, profitability, and maintenance of Zn availability.

Root Dipping, Foliar and Soil Application of Zinc Increase Growth, Yields, and Grain Zinc in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grown in Moderate Zinc Soil of Inceptisol Order

ABSTRACT Zinc (Zn) fertilization not only increased yield of rice but also serves as an economical source of Zn to fight Zn deficiency problems in humans and cattle. A pot experiment was conducted during 2016 (kharif) to study the response of different methods of Zn application on growth, yield, and zinc concentration of rice. Treatments consisted of T1 – without fertilizers (WF); T2 – recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); T3 – RDF+soil application of 5.0 kg Zn ha−1 (SA5); T4 – RDF + soil application of 7.5 kg Zn ha−1 (SA7.5); T5 – RDF + soil application of 10 kg Zn ha−1 (SA10); T6 – RDF + root dipping in 2% ZnO (RD); T7 – RDF + SA5 + RD; T8 – RDF + foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 at tillering and flowering stage (2FA); T9 – RDF + foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 at tillering, flowering, and milking stage (3FA); T10 – RDF + SA5 + foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 at tillering stage (1FA); T11 – RDF + SA5 + 2FA; and T12 – RDF + SA5 + 3FA. Significantly higher grain and straw yield was obtained in T7 and T6, with a corresponding increase of 17.6 and 30.0% over RDF. Conjoint application of Zn (T7) increased the Zn concentration in grain and straw as compared to RDF, but FA of Zn was more effective than SA. Higher doses of Zn applied increased Zn and manganese (Mn), but decreased the concentration of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) in grain. Application of 10 kg Zn ha−1 (T5) significantly increased (1.78 folds) the DTPA extractable Zn content in postharvest soil over RDF.

113 Effects of Maternal Parity and Prebiotics on the Microbiome of Nursery Pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal parity on sow and offspring microbiomes, and the influence of parity on pig fecal microbiome and performance in response to a prebiotic post-weaning. Fecal and vaginal swabs were collected from 22 primiparous and 74 multiparous sows in a commercial farm at weaning. Fecal swabs were also collected from 48 randomly selected piglets (n = 24, from primiparous and multiparous sows respectively) at d 0, 21, and 42 post-weaning. At weaning, piglets were allotted into 3 dietary treatment groups: a standard nursery diet including pharmacological doses of Zn and Cu (CTRL), a group fed a commercial prebiotic only (PRE), and a group fed the prebiotic plus Zn and Cu (PRE+ZnCu). Extracted DNA was sequenced on the MiSeq platform targeting the V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene, and sequence data were analyzed using DADA2 plus various packages within the R statistical software. Although there were no differences in vaginal microbiome composition between primiparous and multiparous sows, fecal microbiome composition was different (PERMANOVA, R2 = 0.02, P = 0.03). The fecal microbiomes of primiparous offspring displayed significantly higher bacterial diversity compared with multiparous offspring at d0 and d21 (Shannon’s H, P &amp;lt; 0.01), with differences in community composition observed at d21 only (PERMANOVA, R2 = 0.03, P = 0.04). When analyzing the effects of maternal parity within each treatment, only the PRE diet showed significant compositional distinctions between primiparous and multiparous microbiomes (d21: PERMANOVA, R2 = 0.13, P = 0.01; d42: PERMANOVA, R2 = 0.19, P = 0.001). Compositional differences in pig fecal microbiomes between treatments, regardless of maternal parity, were observed only at d21 (PERMANOVA, R2 = 0.12, P = 0.001). No significant differences in growth performance between treatment groups were observed. These results indicate that maternal parity influences pig gut microbiomes post-weaning, and may influence the effects of dietary prebiotics on nursery pig microbiomes.

Effect of zinc nutrition on economic productivity of rice (Oryza sativa) and soil biological properties

Based on our findings, it can be concluded that application of Zn in transplanted rice is essential to harvest profitable yield under acidic soils of NEH region of India. Combined application (soil and foliar) was more effective instead of soil or foliar application alone. Successive yield increment of rice was noticed up to the application of Zn 7.5 kg/ha + foliar spray of Zn @0.5% at panicle initiation and booting stages. Thereafter productivity of rice slightly declined with increases of Zn doses in acidic soils. The application Zn @7.5 kg/ha + foliar spray of Zn @0.5% significantly improved yield attributing parameters of rice over control. Among the Zn nutrition treatments, application of Zn @7.5 kg/ha + foliar spray of Zn @0.5% registered 4.5% higher grain yield over its soil application. With regards to the soil biological properties successive increase of Zn doses improved the soil biological properties up to the application of Zn @10 kg/ha + foliar spray of Zn @0.5%. However, it remains statistically at par with Zn @7.5 kg/ha + foliar spray of Zn @0.5% at most of the growth stages of rice. Hence, application of Zn @7.5 kg/ha + foliar spray of Zn @0.5% at panicle initiation and booting stages is a profitable option for sustainable rice production in NEH, India besides sustaining the soil biological properties.