Organic Accumulation Research Articles

Unifying the Puzzle: Cardiac Amyloidosis in the Spectrum of Generalized Edematous Syndromes

Introduction: Addressing the diagnostic challenges posed by nephrotic syndrome and congestive heart failure, this article underscores the pivotal role of comprehensive investigations in unraveling underlying etiologies. Amid the diverse spectrum of potential causes, the focus is directed towards amyloidosis—a distinct category characterized by abnormal amyloid fibril accumulation in organs. Despite its infrequency, the gravity and potential for targeted interventions accentuate the importance of considering amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis. Case Presentation: A detailed case study of a 68-year-old female with generalized edematous syndrome revealed a complex clinical scenario involving cardiac and renal manifestations. AL amyloidosis was confirmed through thorough diagnostic assessments, guiding a targeted therapeutic approach. Discussion: The discussion delves into the pathophysiology of AL amyloidosis, diagnostic considerations, and the significance of ECG and echocardiographic findings. It highlights the importance of laboratory assessments, especially immunologic tests, and emphasizes the role of biopsy in confirming the diagnosis. Conclusion: The complexity of AL amyloidosis is underscored, emphasizing the interplay of cardiac, renal, and hematologic aspects. Early diagnosis and a tailored multidisciplinary therapeutic approach yielded positive outcomes, contributing valuable insights to the evolving understanding of amyloidosis management.

Intrapancreatic fat deposition and nutritional treatment: the role of various dietary approaches.

Ectopic fat accumulation in various organs and tissues, such as the liver, muscle, kidney, heart, and pancreas, is related to impaired capacity of adipose tissue to accumulate triglycerides, as a consequence of overnutrition and an unhealthy lifestyle. Ectopic fat promotes organ dysfunction and is a key factor in the development and progression of cardiometabolic diseases. Interest in intrapancreatic fat deposition (IPFD) has developed in the last few years, particularly in relation to improvement in methodological techniques for detection of fat in the pancreas, and to growing evidence for the role that IPFD might have in glucose metabolism disorders and cardiometabolic disease. Body weight reduction represents the main option for reducing fat, and the evidence consistently shows that hypocaloric diets are effective in reducing IPFD. Changes in diet composition, independently of changes in energy intake, might offer a more feasible and safe alternative treatment to energy restriction. This current narrative review focused particularly on the possible beneficial role of the diet and its nutrient content, in hypocaloric and isocaloric conditions, in reducing IPFD in individuals with high cardiometabolic risk, highlighting the possible effects of differences in calorie quantity and calorie quality. This review also describes plausible mechanisms by which the various dietary approaches could modulate IPFD.

Z-Scheme heterojunction WO3/ZnIn2S4 solar absorber for wastewater remediation

Z-Scheme heterojunction, recognized as one of the optimal methods for the separation of electrons and holes, is extensively applied in the domain of photocatalytic. Leveraging the Z-Scheme heterojunction for photocatalytic and solar interfacial water evaporation presents a promising solution for the purification of dye wastewater and the mitigation of organic pollutant accumulation on traditional solar absorbers. In this study, WO3/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction was synthesized through a two-step solvothermal method, and resulting WO3/ZnIn2S4, which rested on a flexible substrate Ti mesh, possessed the dual functionality of interfacial water evaporation and photocatalytic treatment of dye wastewater, which not only water evaporation rate for WO3/ZnIn2S4 reached 1.26 kgꞏm−2ꞏh−1 but also the Z-Scheme heterojunction WO3/ZnIn2S4 empowered it to effectively degrade dye wastewater, with a degradation rate of Rhodamine B up to 98.6%. The harmonization of these two functionalities effectively circumvented the issue of secondary pollution commonly associated with dye wastewater treatment. This study effectively integrates photocatalysis into a cutting-edge solar-driven interfacial evaporation system, effectively expanding the capabilities of a multifunctional solar absorber and introducing novel applications for zero-discharge dye wastewater treatment.

Paleoenvironmental evolution and organic matter accumulation of the lower Cambrian Maidiping marine black shales in the intracratonic basin, western margin of Sichuan Basin, South China

ABSTRACT The Late Ediacaran to Early Cambrian marked a pivotal phase in paleoenvironmental and tectonic shifts. The Sichuan Basin, on the Yangtze platform’s western edge, developed the Mianyang-Changning intracratonic sag due to Xingkai taphrogenesis. The Maidiping Formation’s black shales, the initial fine-grained clastic deposits from the Early Cambrian, span the Sichuan Basin’s western margin. The influence of the intracratonic sag on organic matter accumulation and paleo-marine environment evolution remains unclear. Comprehensive petrological and geochemical analyses on the Qingping section revealed three distinct members within the Maidiping Formation: black shales and silicified dolomite with shales in a restricted basin (lower member), deep-water black shales (middle member), and phosphoritic turbidite sandstone with siliceous phosphorites (upper member). The lower member’s organic accumulation arose from restricted ocean circulation, leading to stratified waters and reduced oxygen at depth. The middle member’s organic build-up was influenced by enhanced intracratonic sag connectivity with the open ocean, sea-level rise, and increased productivity. The submarine hydrothermal activity might have induced anoxic conditions. The upper member saw a decline in organic matter due to phosphoritic debris and oxygenation. The Maidiping Formation augments the Lower Cambrian source rock, vital for oil and gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin’s western margin.

RNA four-way junction (4WJ) for spontaneous cancer-targeting, effective tumor-regression, metastasis suppression, fast renal excretion and undetectable toxicity

The field of RNA therapeutics has been emerging as the third milestone in pharmaceutical drug development. RNA nanoparticles have displayed motile and deformable properties to allow for high tumor accumulation with undetectable healthy organ accumulation. Therefore, RNA nanoparticles have the potential to serve as potent drug delivery vehicles with strong anti-cancer responses. Herein, we report the physicochemical basis for the rational design of a branched RNA four-way junction (4WJ) nanoparticle that results in advantageous high-thermostability and -drug payload for cancer therapy, including metastatic tumors in the lung. The 4WJ nanostructure displayed versatility through functionalization with an anti-cancer chemical drug, SN38, for the treatment of two different cancer models including colorectal cancer xenograft and orthotopic lung metastases of colon cancer. The resulting 4WJ RNA drug complex spontaneously targeted cancers effectively for cancer inhibition with and without ligands. The 4WJ displayed fast renal excretion, rapid body clearance, and little organ accumulation with undetectable toxicity and immunogenicity. The safety parameters were documented by organ histology, blood biochemistry, and pathological analysis. The highly efficient cancer inhibition, undetectable drug toxicity, and favorable Chemical, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC) production of RNA nanoparticles document a candidate with high potential for translation in cancer therapy.

Adaptation of Betula pendula Roth., Pinus sylvestris L., and Larix decidua Mill. to environmental stress caused by tailings waste highly contaminated by trace elements

The seedlings of some tree species can successfully develop in areas polluted by heavy metals. Research on such species is important in order to explore the possibility of introducing tree species for the permanent biological stabilization and reclamation of post-flotation tailings, especially after the final recycling of trace metals, but where concentrations remain much higher than in natural soils. To better understand the adaptation and reaction of Betula pendula Roth., Pinus sylvestris L., and Larix decidua Mill. seedlings to heavy metals pollution caused by tailings waste highly contaminated by trace elements: 1) the relationships between the concentration of heavy metals in the soil substrate, the efficiency of heavy metal ions accumulation in plant organs, and the biometric parameters of the seedlings; and 2) the threshold content of heavy metals in the roots above which the plant physiological response is triggered was determined. We assume that there are certain limit concentrations of heavy metals in the soil and fine roots, which depend on the tree species and beyond which the plant responds strongly to stressThe obtained results showed that Betula is a suitable species for the phytostabilization of post-flotation tailings due to its rapid growth rate and production of root biomass. The accumulation of metals in Betula roots was found to be much greater than in Pinus and Larix. Despite the high concentrations of heavy metals in the prepared substrates, there was only a slight transfer of these elements to the aboveground parts of the plant. At high soil concentrations, the heavy metals adversely affected the cellular and physiological processes of plants. In plants growing in such conditions, the activity of the antioxidant system depended both on the species and organ of the plant, as well as on the type and metal concentration.

Nano-Mediated Molecular Targeting in Diagnosis and Mitigation of Wilson Disease.

Wilson disease, a rare genetic disorder resulting from mutations in the ATP7B gene disrupts copper metabolism, leading to its harmful accumulation in hepatocytes, the brain, and other organs. It affects roughly 1 in 30,000 individuals, with 1 in 90 being gene carriers. Beyond gene mutations, the disease involves complex factors contributing to copper imbalance. Ongoing research seeks to unravel intricate molecular pathways, offering fresh insights into the disease's mechanisms. Simultaneously, there is a dedicated effort to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology-driven formulations are showing promise for both treatment and early diagnosis of Wilson disease. This comprehensive review covers the entire spectrum of the condition, encompassing pathophysiology, potential biomarkers, established and emerging therapies, ongoing clinical trials, and innovative nanotechnology applications. This multifaceted approach holds the potential to improve our understanding, diagnosis, and management of Wilson's disease, which remains a challenging and potentially life-threatening disorder.

A Comprehensive Study on Nanoparticle Drug Delivery to the Brain: Application of Machine Learning Techniques.

The delivery of drugs to specific target tissues and cells in the brain poses a significant challenge in brain therapeutics, primarily due to limited understanding of how nanoparticle (NP) properties influence drug biodistribution and off-target organ accumulation. This study addresses the limitations of previous research by using various predictive models based on collection of large data sets of 403 data points incorporating both numerical and categorical features. Machine learning techniques and comprehensive literature data analysis were used to develop models for predicting NP delivery to the brain. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of loaded drugs and NPs were analyzed through a systematic analysis of pharmacodynamic parameters such as plasma area under the curve. The analysis employed various linear models, with a particular emphasis on linear mixed-effect models (LMEMs) that demonstrated exceptional accuracy. The model was validated via the preparation and administration of two distinct NP formulations via the intranasal and intravenous routes. Among the various modeling approaches, LMEMs exhibited superior performance in capturing underlying patterns. Factors such as the release rate and molecular weight had a negative impact on brain targeting. The model also suggests a slightly positive impact on brain targeting when the drug is a P-glycoprotein substrate.

Skeletal Manifestations, Bone Pain, and BMD Changes in Albanian Type 1 Gaucher Patients Treated with Taliglucerase Alfa

Gaucher disease is a rare, genetic lysosomal disorder leading to lipid accumulation and dysfunctions in multiple organs. Bone involvement is one of the most prevalent aspects of Gaucher disease. Pain, disability, and reduced quality of life remain the most frequent characteristics of bone involvement in Gaucher patients. Patients and Method. In this study, we will take into consideration data from 24 patients diagnosed with type 1 Gaucher disease. We followed them closely for six years in progress. At baseline, all patients started therapy with taliglucerase alfa at a mean dosage of 45 UI/kg; later, during the study, two of them switched their cure toward velaglucerase alfa. Before baseline evaluations, 12 patients had been treated with imiglucerase at variable duration times. At baseline, we performed an X-ray of long bones and the spine, and each year, different standard assessments were performed, such as bone pain, MRI of the vertebral spine and pelvis, and DEXA for bone density. Four patients left the study for various reasons, two of them at baseline and two others during year 3 (FU3). Results. At baseline, we had 8 children and 16 adults. The average age was 28.7 ± 16.5 SD years. The most frequent skeletal manifestations in our patients were reduction of tibial femoral space (40%), osteonecrosis (36%), and body vertebral reduction (32%). At baseline, 15 patients presented with bone pain to different degrees. Over the years, bone pain in our patients had a gradual improvement. The most dramatic bone pain improvement was seen in a patient who presented bone crises. Another impressive finding was a significant BMD improvement during six years of treatment. Our study showed a significant improvement in BMD comparing FU5 and baseline values ( p = 0.0007). Especially children demonstrated a significant improvement in BMD ( p = 0.00061) compared to adults ( p = 0.3673). Mean BMD change was more indicative in switched patients ( p = 0.0142) compared to naïve patients ( p = 0.147). Conclusions. Skeletal manifestations are very different in Gaucher type 1 patients. In our study, as a result of long-term evaluations, it was noticed that the most frequent skeletal manifestation was a reduction of tibiofemoral space. Bone pain has gradually improved in all patients. Also, BMD values have been enhanced over six years of treatment, especially in children.

Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Recombinant Human Cyclophilin A in Mice.

Cyclophilin A (CypA) is an isomerase that functions as a chaperone, housekeeping protein, and cyclosporine A (CsA) ligand. Secreted CypA is a proinflammatory factor, chemoattractant, immune regulator, and factor of antitumor immunity. Experimental data suggest clinical applications of recombinant human CypA (rhCypA) as a biotherapeutic for cancer immunotherapy, stimulation of tissue regeneration, treatment of brain pathologies, and as a supportive treatment for CsA-based therapies. The objective of this study is to analyze the pharmacokinetics of rhCypA in a mouse model. rhCypA was isotope-labeled with 125I and injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) or subcutaneously (s/c) into female mice as a single dose of 100μg per mouse, equivalent to the estimated first-in-human dose. Analysis of 125I-rhCypA biodistribution and excretion was performed by direct radiometry of the blood, viscera, and urine of mice 0.5-72h following its administration. rhCypA showed rapid and even tissue-organ distribution, with the highest tropism (fT=1.56) and accumulation (maximum concentration,Cmax=137-167μg/g) in the kidneys, its primary excretory organ. rhCypA showed the lowest tropism to the bone marrow and the brain (fT = 0.07) but the longest retention in these organs [mean retention time (MRT)=25-28h]. This study identified promising target organs for rhCypA's potential therapeutic effects. The mode of rhCypA accumulation and retention in organs could be primarily due to the expression of its receptors in them. For the first time, rhCypA was shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain. These rhCypA pharmacokinetic data could be extrapolated to humans as preliminary data for possible clinical trials.

Single Ascending Doses of REGN7999, a Monoclonal Antibody Inhibitor of TMPRSS6, Increase Serum Hepcidin and Cause Deep, Sustained Reductions in Serum Iron in Healthy Human Volunteers

Background: Iron overload (IOL) develops in dyserythropoieses such as beta-thalassemia and myelodysplastic syndromes due both to red blood cell transfusions as well as inappropriate regulation of the hormone hepcidin, a key regulator of iron homeostasis. Hepcidin, produced in the liver, sequesters iron mainly in enterocytes and macrophages. In the setting of hepcidin down-regulation, toxic levels of labile iron can accumulate in organs such as the heart, liver, bone marrow, pancreas, and pituitary gland. The current standard-of-care for the treatment of IOL is iron chelation. Chelation solubilizes iron for renal excretion, but is associated with toxicities and limited patient satisfaction, severely limiting adoption and efficacy in certain disorders of IOL. There is a high unmet need for novel therapies which can safely reduce, and even prevent, toxic iron accumulation in organs in patients with IOL. Transmembrane serine protease 6 (TMPRSS6) is a membrane-bound serine protease whose expression is highly restricted to hepatocytes, where its only known role is inhibiting hepcidin transcription by cleaving the hemojuvelin co-receptor and thus reducing the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway driving hepcidin production. Aims: REGN7999, an investigational monoclonal antibody targeting TMPRSS6, is being developed for the treatment of IOL. We have conducted a phase 1, first-in-human, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose study in healthy volunteers (NCT05481333) to explore the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacologic effects associated with REGN7999 administration. Methods: Healthy participants at a single center were randomized 6:2 to receive R7999 or placebo in 5 ascending IV and 3 ascending SC cohorts. Key inclusion criteria included hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, and transferrin saturation at or above the lower limit of normal for age and sex. Female participants were required to be non-menstruating. The primary objective of the study was to identify the safety and tolerability of single doses of REGN7999. Key secondary and exploratory objectives included characterizing the drug concentration profile of REGN7999, and evaluating the effects of REGN7999 on serum biomarkers of iron homeostasis. Data reported uses the cutoff date of June 13, 2023. Results: In all cohorts, a total of 64 subjects were exposed. REGN7999 was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported, and no participants developed anemia. Single doses of REGN7999 (ranging from 10 to 900 mg) resulted in acute 2-fold to 12-fold increases in serum hepcidin among all the REGN7999 dose cohorts, as well as acute 50-70% reductions from baseline in serum iron with the longest sustained effects (up to 7 weeks) in the highest IV and SC dose cohorts. Conclusion: Single doses of REGN7999 are well tolerated by healthy volunteers and lead to sustained reductions in serum iron with no associated safety concerns. These findings support continued development of REGN7999 for the treatment of IOL.

Optimization of apple fruit flavor by MdVHP1-2 via modulation of soluble sugar and organic acid accumulation

For fleshy fruits, the content and ratio of organic acids and soluble sugars are key factors for their flavor. Therefore, a better understanding of soluble sugar and organic acid accumulation in vacuoles is essential to the improvement of fruit quality. Vacuolar-type inorganic pyrophosphatase (V-PPase) has been found in various plants with crucial functions based on the hydrolysis of PPi. However, the effects of V-PPase on the soluble sugar and organic acid accumulation in apple fruit remain unclear. In this study, MdVHP1-2, a V-PPase protein in the vacuolar membrane, was identified. The results showed a positive correlation between the expression of MdVHP1-2 and the sugar/acid ratio during ripening of apple fruits. A series of transgenic analyses showed that overexpression of MdVHP1-2 significantly elevated the contents of soluble sugars and organic acids as well as the sugar/acid ratio in apple fruits and calli. Additionally, transient interference induced by MdVHP1-2 expression inhibited the accumulation of soluble sugars and organic acids in apple fruits. In summary, this study provides insight into the mechanisms by which MdVHP1-2 modulates fruit flavor through mediation of soluble sugar and organic acid accumulation, thereby facilitating improvement of the overall quality of apple and other fruits.

The impact of dioctyl phthalate exposure on multiple organ systems and gut microbiota in mice

Dioctyl phthalate, commonly known as bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), is a widely used plasticizer in various industries and has been shown to directly or indirectly impact human health. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies evaluating the potential health risks associated with DEHP accumulation in different organs across various age groups. This study aimed to assess the effects of low (50 mg/kg·bw) and high (500 mg/kg·bw) doses of DEHP on five different organs in mice at young (4-week-old) and aged (76-week-old) life stages. Our findings revealed that both low and high doses of DEHP exposure led to significant dose-dependent inflammation in the liver, spleen, and kidney. Furthermore, regardless of age, DEHP exposure resulted in elevated activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the liver, as well as increased levels of creatinine (Cr) and urea in the kidney. Moreover, analysis of the fecal microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that DEHP exposure disrupted the homeostasis of the gut microbiota, characterized by an increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Desulfovibrio and Muribaculum, and a decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus. This study provides compelling evidence that DEHP at different concentrations can induce damage to multiple organs and disrupt gut microbiota composition. These findings lay the groundwork for further investigations into DEHP toxicity in various human organs, contributing to a better understanding of the potential health risks associated with DEHP exposure.

Origin and early divergence of tandem duplicated sorbitol transporter genes in Rosaceae: insights from evolutionary analysis of the SOT gene family in angiosperms.

Sorbitol is a critical photosynthate and storage substance in the Rosaceae family. Sorbitol transporters (SOTs) play a vital role in facilitating sorbitol allocation from source to sink organs and sugar accumulation in sink organs. While prior research has addressed gene duplications within the SOT gene family in Rosaceae, the precise origin and evolutionary dynamics of these duplications remain unclear, largely due to the complicated interplay of whole genome duplications and tandem duplications. Here, we investigated the synteny relationships among all identified Polyol/Monosaccharide Transporter (PLT) genes in 61 angiosperm genomes and SOT genes in representative genomes within the Rosaceae family. By integrating phylogenetic analyses, we elucidated the lineage-specific expansion and syntenic conservation of PLTs and SOTs across diverse plant lineages. We found that Rosaceae SOTs, as PLT family members, originated from a pair of tandemly duplicated PLT genes within Class III-A. Furthermore, our investigation highlights the role of lineage-specific and synergistic duplications in Amygdaloideae in contributing to the expansion of SOTs in Rosaceae plants. Collectively, our findings provide insights into the genomic origins, duplication events, and subsequent divergence of SOT gene family members. Such insights lay a crucial foundation for comprehensive functional characterizations in future studies.

Integration of Metabolomics and Transcriptomics to Explore Dynamic Alterations in Fruit Color and Quality in 'Comte de Paris' Pineapples during Ripening Processes.

Pineapple color yellowing and quality promotion gradually manifest as pineapple fruit ripening progresses. To understand the molecular mechanism underlying yellowing in pineapples during ripening, coupled with alterations in fruit quality, comprehensive metabolome and transcriptome investigations were carried out. These investigations were conducted using pulp samples collected at three distinct stages of maturity: young fruit (YF), mature fruit (MF), and fully mature fruit (FMF). This study revealed a noteworthy increase in the levels of total phenols and flavones, coupled with a concurrent decline in lignin and total acid contents as the fruit transitioned from YF to FMF. Furthermore, the analysis yielded 167 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and 2194 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Integration analysis based on DAMs and DEGs revealed that the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites, particularly the flavonol, flavonoid, and phenypropanoid pathways, plays a pivotal role in fruit yellowing. Additionally, RNA-seq analysis showed that structural genes, such as FLS, FNS, F3H, DFR, ANR, and GST, in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway were upregulated, whereas the COMT, CCR, and CAD genes involved in lignin metabolism were downregulated as fruit ripening progressed. APX as well as PPO, and ACO genes related to the organic acid accumulations were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Importantly, a comprehensive regulatory network encompassing genes that contribute to the metabolism of flavones, flavonols, lignin, and organic acids was proposed. This network sheds light on the intricate processes that underlie fruit yellowing and quality alterations. These findings enhance our understanding of the regulatory pathways governing pineapple ripening and offer valuable scientific insight into the molecular breeding of pineapples.

Irrigation depth and nitrogen rate effects on seed cotton yield, fiber quality and water-nitrogen utilization efficiency in southern Xinjiang, China

Seed cotton yield and fiber quality are two primary factors that influence the international competitiveness of cotton. To enhance the water-nitrogen utilization efficiency and promote the sustainable cotton production, field experiments were performed in 2020 and 2021 to explore the effects of irrigation depth and nitrogen (N) fertilization rate on N uptake and distribution, seed cotton yield, fiber quality traits and water-nitrogen utilization efficiency in the Korla region of southern Xinjiang, China. Three irrigation depths (W1: 60% ETc, W2: 80% ETc, W3: 100% ETc; ETc was crop water consumption) and four N rates (N0: 0 kg ha−1, N200: 200 kg ha−1, N300: 300 kg ha−1, N400: 400 kg ha−1) were applied. The results showed irrigation depth and N rate significantly influenced N uptake and distribution in plant organs, seed cotton yield, crop water productivity (WP), partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) and some fiber quality traits. Increasing irrigation depth improved plant height, leaf area index, aboveground dry matter and seed cotton yield, while increasing N rate increased and then declined these indicators. At the squaring and flowering stages, the N accumulation in all parts of cotton increased as irrigation depth and N rate increased, whereas it increased and then declined with increasing N rate at the boll-setting and harvesting stages. At the squaring and flowering stages, N was mainly accumulated in the leaves. As the growth period progressed, N was transported to bolls and the proportion of N content in leaves decreased. The proportion of N accumulation in cotton bolls was largest at the boll-setting and harvesting stages, and the N accumulation in plant organs followed the order of boll > leaf > stem > root. As irrigation depth increased, PFPN increased but WP decreased. As N rate increased, PFPN decreased but WP increased and then declined. The increases in N rate improved fiber quality. The maximum seed cotton yield (7578 kg ha−1 in 2020 and 7173 kg ha−1 in 2021) and greater WP, PFPN and fiber quality occurred in W3N300, which was recommended as a sustainable cotton production strategy in the Korla region of southern Xinjiang and elsewhere with similar environments to improve water-nitrogen utilization efficiency, seed cotton yield and alleviate soil nitrate pollution risk.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles alleviate chromium-induced oxidative stress by modulating physio-biochemical aspects and organic acids in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Extensive chromium (Cr) release into water and soil severely impairs crop productivity worldwide. Nanoparticle (NP) technology has shown potential for reducing heavy metal toxicity and improving plant physicochemical profiles. Herein, we investigated the effects of exogenous zinc oxide NPs (ZnO-NPs) on alleviating Cr stress in Cr-sensitive and tolerant chickpea genotypes. Hydroponically grown chickpea plants were exposed to Cr stress (0 and 120 μM) and ZnO-NPs (25 μM, 20 nm size) twice at a 7-day interval. Cr exposure reduced physiochemical profiles, ion content, cell viability, and gas exchange parameters, and it increased organic acid exudate accumulation in roots and the Cr content in the roots and leaves of the plants. However, ZnO-NP application significantly increased plant growth, enzymatic activities, proline, total soluble sugar, and protein and gas exchange parameters and reduced malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels, Cr content in roots, and organic acid presence to improve root cell viability. This study provides new insights into the role of ZnO-NPs in reducing oxidative stress along with Cr accumulation and mobility due to low levels of organic acids in chickpea roots. Notably, the Cr-tolerant genotype exhibited more pronounced alleviation of Cr stress by ZnO-NPs. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO-NP in regulating plant growth, reducing Cr accumulation, and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

Community Empowerment through Pala Waste Utilization: Ecoenzymes, Syrup, and Candied Nutmeg in Paya Village, Pesawaran District

This community engagement initiative unfolds in Paya Village, located in the Padang Cermin Subdistrict, Lampung Province, Indonesia. With a population of 1,190 individuals distributed across four hamlets, the village predominantly thrives on daily labor and agriculture, with nutmeg as a prominent crop. Organic waste generated from nutmeg fruit, particularly the husks and flesh, has been largely underutilized. This initiative, led by the PKK group, endeavors to empower the community, enhance household incomes, and address the issue of organic waste accumulation by converting nutmeg waste into value-added products. The program focuses on creating eco-enzymes, nutmeg syrup, and candied nutmeg. Capacity-building activities are central to this initiative, involving workshops, training, and educational programs. Regular evaluations highlight the program’s success in enhancing participants’ knowledge and awareness of nutmeg products.

Medication-Induced Hepatitis caused by Antipsychotic Drugs as a Revelation of Wilson's disease

Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that results from a mutation in the gene for a heavy metal transporter. This leads to a decrease or absence of copper transport in the bile and its accumulation in organs, particularly the brain. Affected patients have hepatic, neurological or psychiatric forms, and the diagnosis is based on clinical, biological, radiological and presumptive phenotypic arguments, as well as on associated molecular anomalies. Wilson's disease can result in behavioral disorders, depression, and psychosis: schizophrenia or manic depression. The diagnosis can be made if there is a combination of low ceruloplasmin, high cupremia, high cupruria, and a Kayser-Fleisher ring. In case of hemolysis, the cupremia may be elevated. On MRI, signal abnormalities of the basal ganglia, white matter and trunk are indicative of Wilson's disease. Genetic study is performed in case of family history. We present a clinical case of drug-induced hepatitis under antipsychotic drugs in the context of schizophrenia which was revealing of wilson's disease. Although rare, the onset of Wilson's disease can take the form of a late-onset adult psychosis, and is important to address in psychiatry. Is this a comorbidity of schizophrenia and wilson's disease, or is the psychiatric picture merely a consequence of neurological involvement with the disease?

Using Normalize Difference Vegetation Index to Infer Wetlands Salinity and Organic Contribution to Vertical Accretion Rates

AbstractVegetation is a key component controlling soil accretion in coastal wetlands through production of belowground organic matter and enhanced deposition of mineral sediments. Vegetation structure is a proxy for wetland health and degradation that can be monitored at large scales with remote sensing. Among different multispectral indices, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is generally used for this purpose. Using Google Earth Engine (GEE), NDVI time‐series are extracted around 45 monitoring stations of the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) located in Terrebonne Bay, Louisiana, USA. NDVI tends to increase from saline to freshwater wetlands. Using these NDVI observations and in situ measurements of salinity, soil accretion rates, and geomorphic metrics (i.e., elevation, distance from the bay or from the nearest channel bank), empirical models were developed to derive maps of organic mass accumulation rates and salinity. The analysis shows that NDVI can be used to reproduce the salinity gradient in Terrebonne Bay, as the index captures differences in vegetation cover, which depend on salinity. A negative relationship between NDVI and organic accumulation mass rates is also found, indicating that saline marshes tend to accumulate more organic material compared to fresh wetlands.