NP Treatment Research Articles

Stable Colloidal Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: A New Green Nanofertilizer and Therapeutic Nutrient for Eggplant Immune Response Against Fusarium Wilt Disease

Cultivating crops often presents numerous challenges, including resource loss such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides, as well as the spread and escalation of infections. Nanotechnology offers promising solutions to enhance plant immunity and resolve agricultural issues. In this study, in order to prevent Fusarium-wilt disease in eggplants, we concentrated on the simple manufacture of colloidal ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) as a promising nanofertilizers. To evaluate the effectiveness of systemic resistance (SR) development, we evaluated markers of metabolic resistance, photosynthetic pigments, plant protection, and disease index (DI). Positively, Fe2O3 NPs exhibit significant antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum. However, when applied at a concentration of 20 µg/mL, Fe2O3 NPs proved to be the most effective treatment, reducing the percent disease index (PDI) from 82.5% in infected control plants to 22.5%. Similar results were observed with a concentration of 10 µg/mL Fe2O3 NPs. In both healthy and diseaseed plants, Fe2O3 NP treatments also showed beneficial effects on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, osmolytes, and photosynthetic pigments. Notably, compared to untreated Fusarium-infected plants, the application of Fe2O3 NPs at a concentration of 20 µg/mL significantly increased the levels of osmolyte, comprising soluble sugar, proline, and soluble protein, by 32.88%, 47.09%, and 31.34%, respectively. Furthermore, in both healthy and diseased eggplants, Fe2O3 NPs at a concentration of 20 µg/mL increased the levels of photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enzymes. Overall, our research findings indicates that Fe2O3 NPs can successfully decreased the harmful effects that F. oxysporum causes to infected eggplants. With their promising therapeutic potential, these nanoparticles provide a secure and effective substitute for chemical fungicides in the management of Fusarium wilt disease.

Efficacy of Uridine Monophosphate, Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid in the Treatment of Pain in Chronic Neuropathy and Radiculopathy: A Review of the Literature and an Observational Pilot Study on Radiculopathy

Peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy are frequently observed conditions in outpatients primary care and can cause significant discomfort and functional deficits with strong impact on quality of life. The role of nutraceutics and supplements as additional tool for treating chronic pain has grown up in popularity in the past 10 years. Uridine monophosphate as well as acetyl_L-carnitine and also alpha lipoic acid have shown efficacy in treatment of pain due to neuropathies and symptomatic peripheral entrapments. In this survey a review of the literature is reported. In addiction, based on the cited evidences on efficacy of these ingredients in treatment of NP, an observational pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of combined Uridine Monofosphate, acetyl-L-carnitine and Alpha-lipoic-acid in reducing pain even in chronic radiculopathy is presented.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated copper nanoparticles dose-dependently conferred tolerance to wheat under salinity and/or drought stress by improving photochemical activity and antioxidant system

Copper (Cu) is one of the essential micronutrients for plants and has been used extensively in agricultural applications from the past to the present. However, excess copper causes toxic effects such as inhibiting photosynthesis, and disrupting biochemical processes in plants. Nanotechnology applications have offered a critical method for minimizing adverse effects and improving the effectiveness of copper nanoparticles. For this purpose, this study investigated the physiological and biochemical effects of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated Cu nanoparticles (PVP–Cu NP, N1, 100 mg L−1; N2, 400 mg L−1) in Triticum aestivum under alone or combined with salt (S, 150 mM NaCl) and/or drought (D, %10 PEG-6000) stress. Salinity and water deprivation caused 51% and 22% growth retardation in wheat seedlings. The combined stress condition (S + D) resulted in an approximately 3-fold reduction in the osmotic potential of the leaves. PVP-Cu NP treatments to plants under stress, especially N1 dose, were effective in restoring growth rate and regulating water relations. All stress treatments limited gas exchange in stomata and suppressed the maximal quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm). More than 50% improvement was observed in stomatal permeability and carbon assimilation rate under S + N1 and S + N2 applications. Examination of OJIP transient parameters revealed that N1 treatments protected photochemical reactions by reducing the dissipated energy flux (DIo/RC) in drought and S + D conditions. Exposure to S and/or D stress caused high hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and lipid peroxidation in wheat leaves. The results indicated that S + N1 and S + N2 treatments reduced oxidative damage by stimulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Although similar effects were observed at D and S + D conditions with 100 mg L−1 PVP-Cu NP treatments (N1), the curative effect of the N2 dose was not observed. In D + N1 and S + D + N1 groups, AsA regeneration and GSH redox status were maintained by triggering APX, GR, and other enzyme activities belonging to the AsA-GSH cycle. In these groups, N2 treatment did not contribute to the availability of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. As a result, this study revealed that N1 dose PVP-Cu NP application was successful in providing stress tolerance and limiting copper-induced adverse effects under all stress conditions.

Efficacious role of silica nanoparticles in improving growth and yield of wheat under drought stress through stress-gene upregulation

Climate change is now evident and severe water shortage due to unpredictable raining season along with extended summers is expected to hamper crop production across the globe. Application of nanoparticle based formulations is one of the most sought after approach that is being explored currently to alleviate drought stress impact on plants. The present study was aimed to evaluate the potential of biosynthesized silica nanoparticles (silica NPs) in improving the drought tolerance of wheat. Four different concentrations of silica NPs (30, 60, 90, and 120 ppm) were used to treat wheat plants grown under two irrigation regimes- 50% soil moisture content (drought) and 100% soil moisture content (well-watered). The induced drought caused a prominent reduction in both - the crop yield and the morphological parameters of the crop. Foliar application of silica NPs at all concentrations, increased the plant's tolerance towards water stress but 60 ppm concentration was found to be most effective amongst all. After treatment with silica NPs at 60 ppm concentration, the plant height increased by 8.28%, spikes per plant by 98%, seeds per spike by 12.4%, and thousand seed weight by 37.5% as compared to the control. Besides this, expression levels of four drought-stress responsive genes-ABC1, Wdhn13, CHP, and EXP2 was also studied. We observed an enhanced expression of all the stress genes after treatment with silica nanoparticles in wheat plants grown under water deficient conditions, clearly supporting the influence of NP treatment at gene/molecular level. In nutshell, we conclude that silica nanoparticles have the potential to significantly ameliorate the negative impact of drought stress by reviving plant growth and modulating gene expression.

160 Effect of Nexpro on Immune Response and Performance of Finishing Steers

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effect of NexPro on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and markers of immune function in finishing cattle. Angus-cross steers (n = 210) weighing 465 ± 48 kg were used for this 89-day study. Steers were blocked by BW into four treatments: SBM; a control diet with 11% soybean meal on DM basis; NP9 (9% NexPro), NP12 (12%), and NP15 (15%). NexPro replaced dry-rolled corn in the diet as NP inclusion increased. NexPro treatments each had 9 pens and SBM had 8 pens (6 steers per pen). On day 0, steers were implanted with Component TE-200 (Elanco Animal Health). The BW of all steers and bunk refusals were measured on d -1, 0, 26, 61, 75, and 89 and were used to calculate pen gain, DMI and feed efficiency for each period. One steer per pen was selected for blood collection and muscle biopsies collected on d 26 and 75. From d 61 to 89 steers received 300 mg/d of ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC; Actogain; Zoetis). Fresh blood samples were used for immune cell population determination using flow cytometry. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedures of SAS with pen as the experimental unit and fixed effects of treatment and block. Performance data were analyzed using d 0 BW as covariate. During the pre-RAC period (d 0 to 61) steers fed the SBM treatment ate more (P < 0.001) than steers fed the NP diets. Steers on the SBM diet had the greatest ADG, with NP12 and NP15 intermediate, and NP9 lowest (P ≤ 0.06), with no treatment differences in G:F (P = 0.26). However, during RAC DMI improved in all NP treatments, and were not different (P = 0.32) from SBM. During the RAC period, ADG tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in NP15 than all other treatments, and G:F was improved (P = 0.01) in NP15 compared with other treatments. Carcass-adjusted BW and ADG, and HCW were less in NP9 (P ≤ 0.02) but similar between SBM, NP12 and NP15. Carcass-adjusted G:F did not differ by treatment (P = 0.50). On d 26, NP12 and NP15 had greater frequencies of live gamma-delta T cells, and on d 75, NP15 had the greatest frequency of these cells (P ≤ 0.016). All NexPro treatments had greater percentages of CD45RO positive B cells on d 75 (P = 0.03) and increased frequency of live total natural killer cells from d 26 to 75 (P = 0.06). The less than expected DMI and greater rumen undegradable protein in NexPro may have caused NP9 to be RDP deficient. However, the greater inclusions of NexPro supported excellent cattle gains, similar or better than SBM.

Genotoxicity Evaluation of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles In Vivo and In Vitro: A Meta-Analysis.

Recent studies have raised concerns about genotoxic effects associated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), which are commonly used. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the potential genotoxicity of TiO2 NPs and explore influencing factors. This study systematically searched Chinese and English literature. The literature underwent quality evaluation, including reliability evaluation using the toxicological data reliability assessment method and relevance evaluation using routine evaluation forms. Meta-analysis and subgroup analyses were performed using R software, with the standardized mean difference (SMD) as the combined effect value. A total of 26 studies met the inclusion criteria and passed the quality assessment. Meta-analysis results indicated that the SMD for each genotoxic endpoint was greater than 0. This finding implies a significant association between TiO2 NP treatment and DNA damage and chromosome damage both in vivo and in vitro and gene mutation in vitro. Subgroup analysis revealed that short-term exposure to TiO2 NPs increased DNA damage. Rats and cancer cells exhibited heightened susceptibility to DNA damage triggered by TiO2 NPs (p < 0.05). TiO2 NPs could induce genotoxicity, including DNA damage, chromosomal damage, and in vitro gene mutations. The mechanism of DNA damage response plays a key role in the genotoxicity induced by TiO2 NPs.

Effects of nanoscale zinc oxide treatment on growth, rhizosphere microbiota, and metabolism of Aconitum carmichaelii.

Trace elements play a crucial role in the growth and bioactive substance content of medicinal plants, but their utilization efficiency in soil is often low. In this study, soil and Aconitum carmichaelii samples were collected and measured from 22 different locations, followed by an analysis of the relationship between trace elements and the yield and alkaloid content of the plants. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between zinc, trace elements in the soil, and the yield and alkaloid content of A. carmichaelii. Subsequent treatment of A. carmichaelii with both bulk zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) demonstrated that the use of ZnO NPs significantly enhanced plant growth and monoester-type alkaloid content. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects, metabolomic analysis was performed, resulting in the identification of 38 differentially expressed metabolites in eight metabolic pathways between the two treatments. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the rhizosphere bacterial communities, with Bacteroidota and Actinobacteriota identified as valuable biomarkers for ZnO NP treatment. Covariation analysis further revealed significant correlations between specific microbial communities and metabolite expression levels. These findings provide compelling evidence that nanoscale zinc exhibits much higher utilization efficiency compared to traditional zinc fertilizer.

Continuous potassium fertilization combined with straw return increased soil potassium availability and risk of potassium loss in rice-upland rotation systems

Crop residues perform an essential role in the material cycling and energy exchange processes and are commonly used as an organic soil amendment and potassium (K) substitute to enhance field productivity in rice-upland rotation systems. Elucidating the effects of continuous K fertilization combined with straw return on the fate of soil K is of great significance to the scientific application of K fertilization and the sustainable development of the ecological environment. A short-(5 years) and a long-term (38 years) field experiments at the Wuxue (WX) and Wangcheng (WC) sites respectively were conducted to study the effects of continuous K fertilization combined with straw return on soil potassium (K) fertility and loss. Results showed that K fertilization and straw return improved soil K supply capacity significantly. K fertilization (NPK) and straw return (NPK + ST) at WX and WC sites significantly increased soil exchangeable K content (KE) by 27.7%–102.1% and 36.6%–100.0%, respectively, compared with that of the treatment without K (NP). K release kinetics showed that most K+ was released in soil of the NPK+ST treatment, indicating a stronger soil K+ supplying capacity. Long-term K deficit resulted in the conversion of illite to interlayer minerals and kaolinite, which were not detected at the short-term experiment site. Integrated K fertilizer and straw return reduced soil bulk density (BD) and degree of anisotropy (DA), increased fractal dimension (FD) and optimized soil pore structure distribution. Nonetheless, continuous sufficient K input raised the amount of total K loss through runoff and leaching. Compared with that of NP treatment, the total K loss of NPK and NPK + ST treatments were increased by 160.3% and 227.5%, respectively. This strategy contributed to the conversion of bio-waste into resources, sustainable soil K management and scientific K fertilizer application for agricultural production.

Impacts of upslope inflow and soil pipe collapse on slope water erosion in the typical Chinese Mollisol region

Understanding the effects of upslope runoff and soil pipe collapse on slope water erosion can provide scien-tific basis for preventing Mollisol degradation caused by soil erosion. We conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of upslope inflow rate and soil pipe collapse on slope water erosion and to quantify the contribution of soil pipe erosion to slope soil erosion. The experiment included three inflow rates (30, 40, and 50 L·min-1) and three near-surface soil hydrological conditions (without soil pipe: NP; with soil pipe but no pipe flow: PF0; with pipe flow: PF1). The results showed that: 1) Slope soil erosion increased with increasing inflow rates; when the inflow rate increased from 30 L·min-1 to 40 and 50 L·min-1, slope soil erosion increased by 100.0%-111.5% and 214.8%-289.2%, respectively. 2) The soil pipe occurrence and pipe flow formation aggravated the slope water erosion process. At inflow rates of 30, 40, and 50 L·min-1, slope soil loss under the PF0 and PF1 treatments were 1.4-1.6 times and 1.7-2.1 times of that under the NP treatment. The contribution of soil pipe erosion to slope soil loss was 26.7%-37.6% under the PF0 treatment and 40.5%-51.9% under the PF1 treatment. 3) Soil pipe collapse intensified the rill erosion process. Compared with the NP treatment at 30, 40, and 50 L·min-1 inflow rate, rill erosion amounts under the PF0 and PF1 treatments increased by 38.1%-66.0% and by 93.7%-128.4%, respectively. Our results suggested that increasing upslope inflow rate resulted in higher surface runoff velocity, which promoted runoff detachment and transport capacity, and then aggrandized the amount of slope soil erosion. Moreover, soil pipe collapse exacerbated rill erosion process. When the soil pipe collapsed, all surface runoff was converted to soil pipe flow, which accelerated flow velocity and slope soil erosion process, and then increased the amount of slope soil erosion.

A novel biostimulant from chitosan nanoparticles and microalgae-based protein hydrolysate: Improving crop performance in tomato

Biostimulant compounds act on plant's growth and metabolism, increasing tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, besides allowing higher crop yields. Some of these compounds are unstable under certain environmental conditions, degrading during field applications. Nanoparticles have been applied in several areas including agriculture, allowing to preserve active compounds, increasing their solubility and stability, as well as the efficiency in delivering bioactive molecules to plants. This study firstly developed two lecithin/chitosan-based nanoparticle formulations (NP) as carriers of a Arthrospira platensis protein hydrolyzate (PH - 68.9 mg mL− free amino acids) and further evaluated their effects on tomato plants metabolism and growth. The NP formulations containing the hydrolyzate did not differ as to their polydispersion index, zeta potential, and mean particle size. To test the effects on plant growth, tomato plants were transplanted into soil and weekly sprayed with PH (2 mg mL−1), its nanoderivative forms (NP) containing free amino acids (0.3, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 mg mL−1), and NP control (without amino acids). NP and PH were effective in stimulating tomato growth, increasing by up to 49.5 % plant height in the vegetative phase. In the fruitage stage, NP treatments (0.3 and 0.8 mg mL−1) exhibited optimal outcomes, enhancing chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoid, and epigallocatechin amounts in leaves, alongside increased lycopene content in fruits. This confirms the growth-stimulating impact of the developed NPs on tomato plants both in vegetative and fruiting phases. These findings resonate with nanoliposome-encapsulated active compounds' exceptional efficiency, highlighting their potential for sustainable agricultural practices.

Size, Surface Properties, and Ion Release of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Effects on Cytotoxicity, Dopaminergic Gene Expression, and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition in Neuronal PC-12 Cells.

The extensive applications of zinc oxidenanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have resulted in a substantial risk of human exposure. However, the knowledge of the toxicity of these NPs in the nervous system is still limited. A comparative analysis of ZnO NPs of various sizes and NPs of the same size, with and without surface coating, and the potential role of released zinc ions is yet to be thoroughly explored. As a result, we have studied the cellular toxicity of two different-sized ZnO NPs, ZnO-22 (22nm) and ZnO-43 (43nm), and NPs with similar size but with polyvinylpyrrolidone coating (ZnO-P, 45nm). The findings from our study suggested a time-, size-, and surface coating-dependent cytotoxicity in PC-12 cells at a concentration ≥ 10μg/ml. ZnO NP treatment significantly elevated reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species, thereby increasing oxidative stress. The exposure of ZnO-22 and ZnO-43 significantly upregulated the expression of monoamine oxidase-A and downregulated the α-synuclein gene expression associated with the dopaminergic system. The interaction of NPs enzymes in the nervous system is also hazardous. Therefore, the inhibition activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme was also studied for its interaction with these NPs, and the results indicated a dose-dependent inhibition of enzyme activity. Particle size, coating, and cellular interactions modulate ZnO NP's cytotoxicity; smaller sizes enhance cellular uptake and reactivity, while coating reduces cytotoxicity by limiting direct cell contact and potentially mitigating oxidative stress. Furthermore, the study of released zinc ions from the NPs suggested no significant contribution to the observed cytotoxicity compared to the NPs.

Effects of combined natural synergists and chemical inhibitors on yield, nitrogen utilization and balance in wheat/maize rotation system.

Urease inhibitors and nitrification inhibitors can enhance nitrogen (N) fertilizer utilization efficiency and reducing N losses through regulating urea-N transformation. Common urease or nitrification inhibitors, however, are predominantly chemically synthesized and high-cost. Furthermore, their inhibitory effects are mediated by soil pro-perties, climatic conditions, and crop systems. In this study, we conducted a field experiment using natural synergists humic acid/zeolite, along with chemical nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) and their combination to elucidate the impacts of natural synergists combined with chemical inhibitors on annual yield, nitrogen utilization efficiency, soil nitrate-N accumulation, and nitrogen balance within the wheat/maize rotation system. The treatments included no nitrogen fertilizer application (CK), single application of urea (N), urea +DCD (ND), urea + humic acid (NH), urea + zeolite (NP), urea + urease inhibitor N-butylthiophosphoric triamide + DCD (NUD), urea + humic acid + DCD (NHD), and urea + zeolite + DCD (NPD). The results showed that, compared to the treatments NH and NP, the integration of humic acid or zeolite with DCD (NHD and NPD) significantly increased maize yield (11268 and 11397 kg·hm-2) and total annual yield (20494 and 20582 kg·hm-2), which were comparable to those of combined chemical urease and nitrification inhibitors (NUD). The NHD and NPD treatments had higher nitrogen utilization efficiency and lower soil nitrate-N accumulation in 80-100 cm soil layer across all seasons relative to the N treatment, which had no significant difference compared to the NUD treatment. Furthermore, a decline in soil nitrogen surplus by 10.7% and 13.9% was observed when comparing the NHD and NPD treatments with the NH and NP treatments, respectively. These findings suggested that combined humic acid or zeolite and chemical nitrification inhibitors could effectively enhance crop yield and N utilization efficiency and meet the requirements of the green and environmental preservation of modern agriculture.

Duhuo Jisheng decoction alleviates neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain by suppressing microglial M1 polarization: a network pharmacology research

BackgroundNeuropathic pain (NP) is the most prevalent form of chronic pain resulting from nerve damage or injury. Despite the widespread use of Duhuo Jisheng decoction (DHJSD) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat chronic pain, the mechanism underlying its analgesic action remains unclear.MethodsUsing network pharmacology, we obtained DHJSD and NP-related target information from public databases to construct protein–protein interactions (PPI) and compound-target networks based on common target genes. These networks were further analyzed using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG). The interaction between molecules was verified through molecular docking using AutoDock Tools software. Additionally, we treated a chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model with DHJSD and determined the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT). We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit to determine the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, qRT-PCR was employed to analyze ACHE, NOS2, MAPK3, PTGS2, AKT1, and PPARG mRNA expression, and immunofluorescence was used to evaluate changes in microglia.ResultsOur screening of compounds and targets identified 252 potential targets of DHJSD associated with NP. PPI analysis, along with GO and KEGG analyses, revealed that the potential mechanism of DHJSD in NP treatment may be related to inflammatory reactions, the IL-17 signaling pathway, MAP kinase activity, and endocrine activity. Based on molecular docking, the core target showed significant affinity for DHJSD's active components. Moreover, DHJSD treatment repaired the CCI-induced inflammatory reaction in the spinal cord while regulating the expression of ACHE, NOS2, MAPK3, PTGS2, AKT1, and PPARG mRNA. Immunofluorescence results indicated that the active components of DHJSD may regulate microglial M1 polarization to improve neuroinflammation, PPARG may have been involved in the process.ConclusionThe multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway actions of DHJSD provide new insights into its therapeutic mechanism in NP.

Exploring Phosphorus Fraction Dynamics in Loess Soils: Impact of Long-Term Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization on Cropland and Fallow Land

Long-term cropping systems require balanced phosphorus (P) management for better yield and environmental sustainability. However, the soil P transformations under fallow rotations with and without long-term nitrogen (N) and P fertilization largely remained unknown. This study evaluated the status of P forms in loess soils in response to varied combined rates of N and P fertilizers, tillage management practices, fallow land systems (natural fallow (NF), and bare fallow (BF)). Four NP treatments (N0P0, control; N0P100, 100 kg P ha−1; N160P0, 160 kg N ha−1; and N160P100), and two treatments with no fertilizer application and crops (NF and BF) were conducted. The treatments N0P100 and N160P100 significantly increased soil total P, inorganic P (Pi), organic P (Po), and Olsen P concentrations compared to the control, NF, and BF treatments. Labile P fractions (NaHCO3-Po and NaHCO3-Pi) were 7.30% and 11.8–12.4% higher in fertilized treatments than in control, NF, and BF treatments. The moderately labile NaOH-Pi was stable in all treatments, but NaOH-Po significantly decreased in the NF (2.60%) and BF (1.40%) treatments compared to the control and fertilized treatments; however, HClD-Pi was 59.1–66.0% higher in NF and BF compared to the control and fertilized treatments. Non-labile P (HClC-Pi and HClc-Po) fractions showed no significant difference between the fertilized and unfertilized treatments. Residual P levels were substantially greater in the P fertilized (N0P100) treatment than in the fallow treatments. The conceptual framework and redundancy (RDA) analysis revealed that the labile (NaHCO3-Pi and NaHCO3-Po) and moderately labile P fractions (NaOH-Po, NaOH-Pi, and HClD-Pi) were substantially associated with Olsen P contents, grain yield, and P uptake. Higher moderate fraction concentrations in fallows and their positive correlation with yield, P uptake, and Olsen P predict the importance of reserved P in these soils upon long-term fertilization, suggesting the utilization of P legacy and optimizing fertilizer applications.

MTOR-Mediated Immunometabolic Reprogramming Nanomodulators Enable Sensitive Switching of Energy Deprivation-Induced Microglial Polarization for Alzheimer's Disease Management.

Metabolic reprogramming that senses brain homeostasis imbalances is necessary to drive detrimental microglial polarization, and specific targeting of this process contributes to the flexible control of pathological inflammatory responses in Alzheimer's disease (AD), displaying distinctive therapeutic benefits. Herein, glutathione-functionalized gold nanocages loaded with the immunosuppressant fingolimod hydrochloride are developed as brain-targeted and microglia-located immunometabolic reprogramming nanomodulators (GAF NPs) for AD management. By virtue of glutathione-mediated transport properties, this nanomodulator can cross the blood-brain barrier and localize to microglia in AD lesions. Through blocking Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathways, GAF NPs not only promote the dominated metabolic shift from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation under immune activation but also inhibit transporter-mediated glucose overconsumption by microglia. Correlation analysis based on real-time bioenergetic assessment and 18F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET reveals that brain glucose utilization and metabolism restored by GAF NP treatment can serve as a sensitive and effective indicator for microglial M1 to M2 polarization switching, ultimately alleviating neuroinflammation and its derived neurodegeneration as well as ameliorating cognitive decline in AD mice. This work highlights a potential nanomedicine aimed at modifying mTOR-mediated immunometabolic reprogramming to halt energy deprivation-induced AD progression.

Analysis on Change in Soil Organic Carbon Content of Farmland in Yangtze River Economic Belt Under Different Fertilizing Measures

The literature from a long-term fertilization experiment in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from January 1992 to May 2022 was collected, and the data of farmland soil organic carbon were extracted and integrated. Using the normalization treatment and the analysis method of relative annual variation, the overall change in soil organic carbon content in farmland in the Yangtze River Economic Belt under different long-term fertilization measures was studied, and the change differences of soil organic carbon content under three tillage modes were compared so as to judge and analyze the influence of the duration of the experiment on soil organic carbon dynamics. The results showed that under different long-term fertilization measures, the organic carbon content of farmland soil in the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China showed an overall upward trend. The NP, NPK, O, and NPKO treatments all increased the organic carbon content of agricultural soils, with that of the NPKO treatment being the largest. The sole application of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer reduced the organic carbon content of the soil. The rates of change in soil organic carbon content were 0.22 g·(kg·a)-1, 0.24 g·(kg·a)-1, and 0.16 g·(kg·a)-1for dryland, paddy, and water-dry rotation farmland, respectively. Additionally, the relatively rapid increase effect of organic carbon brought by the O and NPKO treatments could last for no more than 28 years in dryland soil but could still last for more than 28 years in paddy field and paddy-upland rotation soil. There was some variation in the rate of change of soil organic carbon content between soil types. The average rate of change of organic carbon was 0.25 g·(kg·a)-1for red soils, 0.14 g·(kg·a)-1 for brown soils, 0.19 g·(kg·a)-1 for tidal soils, and 0.15 g·(kg·a)-1 for rice soils. The trend of NPKO>O>NPK>NPK>NP>N was basically maintained for the rate of change in soil organic carbon content. The NPKO treatments were all significantly higher than the chemical fertilizer (N, NP, and NPK) treatments alone. The N treatment showed a reduction in organic carbon content in both red soil and rice soils. Considering the carbon fixation of farmland soil, the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers is a more suitable fertilization method in this area.

Emodin alleviates chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain and inflammation via modulating PPAR-gamma pathway.

Neuropathic pain has been characterized as chronic pain resulting from pathological damage to the sensorimotor system. Because of its complex nature, it remains refractory to most of the therapeutic interventions, and surgical intervention and physiotherapy alongside steroidal treatments remain the only treatment protocols with limited success, hence solidifying the need to find efficacious therapeutic alternatives. Emodin was used as a post-treatment for its potential to be neuroprotective in the treatment of chronic constriction injury-induced NP. The first day following surgery, Emodin treatment began, and it lasted until the 21st day. On days 3, 7, 14 and 21, all behavioral investigations were conducted. The sciatic nerve and spinal cord were extracted for further molecular examination. Emodin elevated response latency, was able to delay the onset of mechanical hyperalgesia in rats on days 7, 14, and 21 and reduced the CCI-induced paw deformation. Emodin treatment significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and NO levels while restoring the GST, GSH and catalase. It significantly improved the disorientation of the sciatic nerve and spinal cord confirmed by H & E staining and reduced inflammatory markers as observed by the quantification of COX-2, TNF-α, p-NFκb and up-regulated PPAR-γ levels by ELISA and PCR. According to the findings, Emodin has antinociceptive and anti-hyperalgesic properties, which reduced pain perception and inflammation. We also suggested the involvement of PPAR-γ pathway in the therapeutic potential of emodin in chronic nerve injury.

Combination Gene Delivery Reduces Spinal Cord Pathology in Rats With Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Although peripheral neuropathic pain is caused by peripheral nerve injury, it is not simply a peripheral nervous system disease. It causes abnormalities in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Pathological phenomena, such as hyperactivation of sensory neurons and inflammation, are observed in both the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord. Pain signals originating from the periphery are transmitted to the brain via the SC, and the signals are modulated by pathologically changing SC conditions. Therefore, the modulation of SC pathology is important for peripheral NP treatment. We investigated the effects of KLS-2031 (recombinant adeno-associated viruses expressing glutamate decarboxylase 65, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, and interleukin-10) delivered to the dorsal root ganglion on aberrant neuronal excitability and neuroinflammation in the SC of rats with peripheral NP. Results showed that KLS-2031 administration restored excessive excitatory transmission and inhibitory signals in substantia gelatinosa neurons. Moreover, KLS-2031 restored the in vivo hypersensitivity of wide dynamic range neurons and mitigated neuroinflammation in the SC by regulating microglia and astrocytes. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that KLS-2031 efficiently suppressed pathological pain signals and inflammation in the SC of peripheral NP model, and is a potential novel therapeutic approach for NP in clinical settings. PerspectiveOur study demonstrated that KLS-2031, a combination gene therapy delivered by transforaminal epidural injection, not only mitigates neuroinflammation but also improves SC neurophysiological function, including excitatory-inhibitory balance. These findings support the potential of KLS-2031 as a novel modality that targets multiple aspects of the complex pathophysiology of neuropathic pain.

Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by replacing inorganic fertilizer with organic fertilizer in wheat–maize rotation systems in China

Combining organic and inorganic fertilizer applications can help reduce inorganic fertilizer use and increase soil fertility. However, the most suitable proportion of organic fertilizer is unknown, and the effect of combining organic and inorganic fertilizers on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is inconclusive. This study aimed to identify the optimum ratio of inorganic fertilizer to organic fertilizer in a winter wheat–summer maize cropping system in northern China to achieve high grain yields and low GHG intensities. The study compared six fertilizer treatments: no fertilization (CK), conventional inorganic fertilization (NP), and constant total nitrogen input with 25% (25%OF), 50% (50%OF), 75% (75%OF), or 100% (100%OF) organic fertilizer. The results showed that the 75%OF treatment increased the winter wheat and summer maize yields the most, by 7.2–25.1% and 15.3–16.7%, respectively, compared to NP. The 75%OF and 100%OF treatments had the lowest nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, 187.3% and 200.2% lower than the NP treatment, while all fertilizer treatments decreased methane (CH4) absorption (by 33.1–82.0%) compared to CK. Carbon dioxide flux increased in the summer maize growing season (by 7.7–30.5%) compared to CK but did not significantly differ between fertilizer treatments. The average global warming potential (GWP) rankings across two wheat–maize rotations were NP > 50%OF > 25%OF > 100%OF > 75%OF > CK, and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) rankings were NP > 25%OF > 50%OF > 100%OF > 75%OF > CK. We recommend using 75% organic fertilizer/25% inorganic fertilizer to reduce GHG emissions and ensure high crop yields in wheat–maize rotation systems in northern China.

Silica Nanoparticles Promote the Megakaryocyte Maturation and Differentiation: Potential Implications for Hematological Homeostasis.

Silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) have been widely applied in diverse areas, thus causing the extensive release through multiple routes. Their toxicological effects, especially for the disturbance in hematological homeostasis, have raised public concern. Considering the detrimental role of excessive platelets in many cardiovascular diseases, the regulation of platelet formation offers a unique aspect for studying the blood compatibility of nanomaterials. In this study, the effects of SiO2 NPs with four sizes (80, 120, 200, and 400 nm) were investigated on the maturation and differentiation of the megakaryocytes into platelets. The results showed that SiO2 NPs promoted megakaryocyte development as manifested by the occurrence of irregular cell morphology, enlargement of cell size, increases in DNA content and DNA ploidy, and formation of spore-like protrusions. The expression of megakaryocyte-specific antigen (CD41a) was up-regulated, due to SiO2 NP treatments. The correlation analysis of SiO2 NP size with the above test bioindicators showed that the smaller the SiO2 NPs were, the stronger effects they induced. Moreover, exposure to SiO2 NPs induced the up-regulation of both GATA-1 and FLI-1, while the transcriptional expressions of aNF-E2 and fNF-E2 remained unchanged. The significant positive correlation of GATA-1 and FLI-1 with megakaryocytic maturation and differentiation suggested their crucial roles in the SiO2 NP-promoted effect. The finding herein provided new insight into the potential health risk of SiO2 NPs by perturbing the platelet-involved hematological homeostasis.