Sodium Uptake Research Articles

Influence of composted manures and co-composted biochar on growth performance of saffron and soil nutrients under varying electrical conductivity soil conditions: A two-year field study

The stigmas of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) are known as “red gold” for being the most expensive spice of the world. This medicinal crop grows well in the regions with cold winter Mediterranean climate. However, salinity can be one of the limiting factors for its cultivation in these regions. Composted manures and their co-compost with wood-derived biochar as fertilizers in saline soil can reduce the salinity stress on saffron. In this study, the composted manures from dairy farms (FYM), sheep and goats (SG) and poultry (PM) and their co-compost with wood-derived biochar (FYM-B, SG-B and PM-B) were amended in non-saline (EC1:2 0.25 dS m−1, SOM; 9.9 g kg−1) and soil with natural slight salinity (EC1:2; 1.95 dS m−1, SOM; 30.9 g kg−1) soil for two consecutive years with the total amendment rate of 65 t ha−1 for each fertilizer. The saline soil was transported from an agricultural farm (30 km away from research field); whereas, the non-saline soil was not transported and was not cultivated before. The amendment of fertilizers and sowing of corms were conducted at the same time in the mid of August. The stigma yield in saline control soil was significantly lower than non-saline control in both cropping years. In non-saline soil, all fertilizers reduced stigma yield of first-year crop by 14–60 % (P < 0.05). No differences between treatments for the stigma yield of second year crop in non-saline and of first year crop in saline soil were observed. In saline soil, FYM and PM fertilizers increased stigma yield of second year crop by 44 % and 41 %, respectively (P < 0.05). The two-year cumulative agronomic efficiencies for nitrogen and phosphorus and the nitrogen use efficiency for leaf biomass were lower under fertilizer treatments than control in non-saline and saline soil. In non-saline soil the PM-B; whereas, in saline soil all fertilizers (except SG) increased the phosphorus use efficiency of leaves (P < 0.05). The two-year amendment of composted manures and FYM-B in non-saline soil resulted in high uptake of sodium in leaves (P < 0.05); whereas, such effect was not observed for saline soil. Almost all fertilizers increased ∼2–5 fold the concentration of bioavailable phosphorus and ∼2–3 fold the concentration of potassium in non-saline and saline soil (P < 0.05). The positive influence of fertilizers on stigma yield and PUE of leaves of second year crop was observed only for saline soil. Furthermore, contrary to the results for non-saline soil, these fertilizers did not cause an increased uptake of Na in leaves in saline soil. We attribute this effect to the high concentration of SOM and gradual decline in EC (0.94–1.71 dS m−1) over time in saline soil. The gradual improvement in yield (from negative to neutral in non-saline and from neutral to positive in saline soil) was observed over time. Amendment of fertilizers and sowing of corms at same time may be the reason for their negative influence on stigma yield in low SOM-containing non-saline soil.

From grass to yeast; functional insights from heterologous expression of LfHKT2;1 in ion regulation

Saccharomyces cervisceae mutants lacking the major potassium trasnporters trk1 and trk2 show hypersensitivity to aminoglycoside antibiotic hygromycin (hyg). This study demonstrates that expression of the inward K+ transporter LfHKT2;1 can suppress this hygromycin sensitivity in the trk1, trk2 double mutant strain. Growth complementation was performed on solid yeast peptone dextrose (YPD) media supplemented with hygromycin B. Both, wild type and trk1 trk2 yeast strains exhibited growth inhibition in the presence of hygromycin. However the potassium uptake-deficient trk1 trk2 strain (control) showed complete growth arrest when exposed to hygromycin, while expression of LfHKT2;1 resulted in growth recovery. Increased sodium concentrations caused cellular toxicity in the trk1 trk2 strain, which was exacerbated by the addition of hygromycin to the media. The hypersensitivity of trk1 trk2 mutant yeast cells expressing LfHKT2;1 to sodium suggested the presence of an additional sodium uptake system on the membrane, which was further confirmed by transient GFP expression assays. These results provide conclusive evidence that heterologous expression of LfHKT2;1 confers both sodium and K+ uptake capabilities in hygromycin supplemented YPD media, thereby rescuing the growth of K+ transport-deficient S. cerevisiae mutants. This highlights the potential of plant gene expression in yeast as a valuable tool for studying ion transport mechanisms and gene function under stress conditions.

Abstract P366: Co-Created Intervention Promotes Uptake of Low Sodium Iodized Salt Substitute to Control Hypertension: Results from a Large Community-based Quasi-Experimental Study from India

Introduction: India has a high burden of uncontrolled hypertension (28%) with low control rates (&lt;10%). Mean dietary sodium intake (4000mg/d) is also high, which warrants implementation of population-level sodium reduction interventions, such as using low-sodium iodized salt (LSIS). Given the low awareness about LSIS, we co-created and evaluated an intervention to promote its usage. Objective: To estimate change from baseline to end line in proportion of households reporting LSIS use post implementation of a co-created (involving multiple stakeholders) intervention to provide education (education only arm) on LSIS and education along with subsidy to purchase LSIS (education+subsidy arm). Methods: The study was implemented (8 months intervention) in rural and urban sites of north and south India. In the education only arm, trained health workers provided education on LSIS to community members using pamphlets, a short video and encouraged retailers to sell LSIS to consumers by displaying point of sale posters. In the education+subsidy arm, apart from aforementioned activities, subsidy of $ 0.24/kg (~50% of the price) to purchase LSIS was provided to the distributors, who passed this on to retailers and consumers. Results: A total of 1,602 households and 3,108 participants were interviewed. The mean(SD) age of the participants was 46.9(14.2) years. Fifty two percent were females. At baseline, proportion of households reporting ever use of LSIS was 1.3% (95%CI: 0.9–2.1) and 2.3% (1.8–2.7) respectively, in the education and education+subsidy arms. At end line, this proportion increased to 22.6% (21.1–24.1) and 49.3% (47.5-51.2%) respectively. The odds of LSIS ever use was 2.6 (1.2-5.7) times higher in the education+subsidy arm compared to education only arm. The odds of reporting LSIS use was higher if the household had ≥ one patient with hypertension (1.7[1.3-2.3]), with graduate education (1.6[1.3-2.0]) or belonged to richest quintile (1.6[1.3-2.0]). There was no significant change in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, urinary sodium, and potassium between the two arms from baseline to end line. Conclusion: We demonstrated the possibility of increasing LSIS usage through a co-created intervention providing either education only or education+subsidy to buy LSIS with a substantially higher response for the latter. This underscores the need to make LSIS accessible, available, and affordable for regular use to reduce dietary sodium intake and control hypertension.

Nutrient-coated urea mitigates deleterious impacts of salinity and supports wheat performance by enhancing antioxidant activities, photosynthetic performance and nitrogen use efficiency

Soil salinization has increased over recent years and is negatively affecting crop productivity. Nutrient application is an effective strategy to improve abiotic stress tolerance in crops. The application of coated fertilizers has emerged as an excellent approach to mitigate the adverse impacts of soil salinity. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effects of zinc and sulfur coated urea on the performance of wheat growing under saline conditions. The study comprised of diverse salinity stress levels; 0, 6 and 12 dS m−1, cross combined with normal urea (NU), zinc coated urea (ZCU) and sulfur coated urea (SCU). Salinity stress reduced wheat yield by impairing leaf water status, reducing photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes accumulation, potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) uptake while increasing sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) uptake and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL) accumulation. The application of ZCU increased the wheat yield by enhancing photosynthetic pigments, leaf water status, antioxidant activities, osmolytes accumulation, and reducing H2O2, MDA and EL accumulation. Furthermore, the significant increase in growth and yield of wheat with ZCU and SCU was also linked with improved K and N uptake, higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and reduced Na and Cl concentration. Thus, the application of ZCU could be an effective approach to improve wheat productivity under saline conditions.

Potassium Nutrition in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Higher Yield with Lower Sodium Uptake under Saline Conditions of Central Vietnam

Background: Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient, improves rice yield and contributes to salt stress tolerance. This study determined the best potassium (K) application level on yield formation and the saline resistance capability of rice under salinity field conditions of central Vietnam. Methods: Experiments were comprised of five K fertilizer application rates (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg K2O/ha) and two rice varieties, viz, OM8104 and MNR3 for two growing seasons of 2021 and 2022. All treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with 3 replicates in Duy Vinh commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province. Result: Potassium application affected the number of panicles per unit area, filled grain per panicle and actual grain yield of both rice varieties in both seasons under saline condition. Application of 50 kg K2O/ha reduced the soil salinity over the monitoring periods compared to the other K rates. EC values of soil were significantly higher during the hot season than the wet season showing high temperature effects. Application of 50 kg K2O/ha also accumulated maximum dry matter at different crop stages and produced the highest rice yield with 7.57 and 5.25 tons/ha for OM8104 and 7.35 and 5.18 tons/ha for MNR3 in both wet and hot seasons respectively. The harvest index could not affect significantly by K application irrespective of seasons and varieties. These increases in actual grain yields using 50 kg K2O/ha were attributed to increased filled grains per panicle, accumulation of high K+ content and K+/Na+ ratios in rice varieties in both seasons under saline field condition.

Exploring tolerance mechanisms and root morphological development of New Zealand spinach and quinoa across salinity levels

Soil salinity, root sodium concentration, and transpiration rate are important environmental factors impacting plant growth and productivity. This study investigates the salt-coping strategies of two plant species under varying salinity levels: New Zealand spinach species grown at three salinity levels (i.e., 0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl) and three varieties of quinoa, i.e., “Vikinga”, “Dave 407” and “Red Head”, grown with or without salt (i.e., 0 and 100 mM NaCl). The plants were grown on glass fiber sheets (rhizoslides) under controlled laboratory conditions. The relationship between transpiration rate, salinity, and root architecture was analyzed for each species. The root apparatus of New Zealand spinach was significantly more developed in plants grown at 100 mM NaCl compared to both 200 mM NaCl and control. The quinoa varieties responded differently to the increasing salt concentrations, with salt-treated “Red Head” plants significantly reducing their total root length and salt-treated “Vikinga” significantly reducing its lateral roots compared to the controls. Salt concentration near New Zealand spinach roots was lower compared to areas without roots, suggesting active salt uptake. In contrast, quinoa rhizoslides exhibited higher salt concentration in proximity to the roots, indicative of salt exclusion. The study provides insights into the adaptation and tolerance mechanisms of these two species to salinity, elucidating the mechanisms by which plants regulate their sodium uptake and root growth. The obtained results suggest that not only the selection of appropriate plant species (halophytes), but also varieties, plays a crucial role in improving crop productivity in salt-affected areas. Elucidating the salt-coping mechanisms of halophytes in relation to soil and climatic conditions is important to better predict their behavior in various saline environments.

Mitigating NaCl stress in Vigna radiata L. cultivars using Bacillus pseudomycoides

Salt stress is one of the significant abiotic stress factors that exert harmful effects on plant growth and yield. In this study, five cultivars of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) were treated with different concentrations of NaCl and also inoculated with a salt-tolerant bacterial strain to assess their growth and yield. The bacterial strain was isolated from the saline soil of Sahiwal District, Punjab, Pakistan and identified as Bacillus pseudomycoides. Plant growth was monitored at 15-days interval and finally harvested after 120 days at seed set. Both sodium and potassium uptake in above and below-ground parts were assessed using a flame photometer. Fresh and dry mass, number of pods, seeds per plant, weight of seeds per plant and weight of 100 seeds reduced significantly as the concentration of NaCl increased from 3 to 15 dSm−1. There was a significant reduction in the growth and yield of plants exposed to NaCl stress without bacterial inoculum compared to the plants with bacterial inoculum. The latter plants showed a significant increase in the studied parameters. It was found that the cultivar Inqelab mung showed the least reduction in growth and yield traits among the studied cultivars, while Ramzan mung showed the maximum reduction. Among all the cultivars, maximum Na+ uptake occurred in roots, while the least uptake was observed in seeds. The study concludes that NaCl stress significantly reduces the growth and yield of mung bean cultivars, but Bacillus pseudomycoides inoculum alleviates salt stress. These findings will be helpful to cultivate the selected cultivars in soils with varying concentrations of NaCl.

Effects of biochar types on seed germination, growth, chlorophyll contents, grain yield, sodium, and potassium uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under salt stress

Soil salinity is a significant challenge in agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Pakistan, leading to soil degradation and reduced crop yields. The present study assessed the impact of different salinity levels (0, 25, and 50 mmol NaCl) and biochar treatments (control, wheat-straw biochar, rice-husk biochar, and sawdust biochar applied @ 1% w/w) on the germination and growth performance of wheat. Two experiments: a germination study and a pot experiment (grown up to maturity), were performed. The results showed that NaCl-stress negatively impacted the germination parameters, grain, and straw yield, and agronomic and soil parameters. Biochar treatments restored these parameters compared to control (no biochar), but the effects were inconsistent across NaCl levels. Among the different biochars, wheat-straw biochar performed better than rice-husk and sawdust-derived biochar regarding germination and agronomic parameters. Biochar application notably increased soil pHs and electrical conductivity (ECe). Imposing NaCl stress reduced K concentrations in the wheat shoot and grains with concomitant higher Na concentrations in both parts. Parameters like foliar chlorophyll content (a, b, and total), stomatal and sub-stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate were also positively influenced by biochar addition. The study confirmed that biochar, particularly wheat-straw biochar, effectively mitigated the adverse effects of soil salinity, enhancing both soil quality and wheat growth. The study highlighted that biochar application can minimize the negative effects of salinity stress on wheat. Specifically, the types and dosages of biochar have to be optimized for different salinity levels under field conditions.

Alleviating renal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction following hemorrhagic shock

Resuscitation with polydatin (PD) has been shown to alleviate mitochondrial damage and ischemia reperfusion injury following hemorrhagic shock. However, whether PD has the same beneficial effect under prolonged hemorrhagic shock with delayed or limited resuscitation is unclear. Using a previously developed rat model of acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by prolonged hemorrhagic shock, we tested the hypothesis that PD preserves renal mitochondrial function, delays the onset of AKI, and decreases mortality following prolonged hemorrhagic shock without full resuscitation. Additionally, we determined whether polyethylene glycol-20k (PEG) can enhance the beneficial effects of PD via improved capillary perfusion and PD delivery into the ischemic tissues. Rats were randomized into 4 groups (n=8/group) based on treatment: saline (vehicle), PD, PEG, and PD+PEG. Trauma was induced in Inactin anesthetized rats with muscle injury and fibula fracture, followed by pressure-controlled hemorrhagic shock (mean arterial pressure (MAP) = 55 mmHg) for 45 minutes. Animals then received an intravenous injection of saline (vehicle), PD, PEG, or PD+PEG. MAP, blood gases, hematocrit, renal blood flow (RBF), and oxygen delivery were monitored for another 2 hours. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urinary sodium uptake, renal mitochondrial function, and mortality were recorded at the end of the experiment. The saline group exhibited AKI, renal mitochondrial dysfunction, and 100% mortality. PD alone showed no effect on mitochondrial function, renal injury, or mortality (100%). PD+PEG restored both complex II and IV activities, while PEG improved mitochondrial complex II function but showed no effect on complex IV. Nevertheless, PEG and PD+PEG similarly improved MAP, renal blood flow, renal oxygen delivery, GFR, sodium uptake, and mortality (PEG: 12.5%; PD+PEG: 0%). Our results suggest that polydatin requires suffcient tissue perfusion to exert its beneficial effects on the mitochondrial function of hemorrhagic shock animals. We used clinically meaningful endpoints to demonstrate the utility of PEG as a therapeutic tool for optimizing drug delivery to treat hemorrhagic shock. DoD disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the offcial policy or position of the U.S. Army Medical Department, Department of the Army, DoD, or the U.S. Government. Funding: This study was funded by US Army Medical Research and Development Command. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Global Deletion of DPP4 Prevents the Development of Salt-sensitive Hypertension in Obese Mice via Regulation of Sodium and Water Excretion

Salt-sensitivity of hypertension (HTN) occurs in up to 50% of hypertensive patients and is more common in the older population, Blacks and the obesity/diabetes/hypertension subsets. The renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS), in particular Angiotensin II (Ang II) and aldosterone known to regulate the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) and ENaC respectively, is thought to be activated in the obesity/diabetes/hypertension subsets and thereby plays an important role in salt-sensitive HTN. RAAS blockade is an acceptable treatment for salt-sensitive HTN along with the use of diuretics. However, not every patient can tolerate RAAS blockade. Recently, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) has been shown to bind to NHE3, colocalizes to the microvillar fractions with active NHE3 and DPP4 inhibition reduces sodium uptake into proximal tubule cells and isolated rat proximal tubules. In addition, DPP4 may act on more distal transporters. Furthermore, data from our lab has revealed that DPP4 knockout (DPP4KO) mice have a lower sodium balance both under conditions of high salt (1.23%) and low salt (0.02%) ingestion suggesting that DPP4 regulates sodium transport and/or balance under physiological conditions. However, whether DPP4 has any effects on salt-sensitive HTN and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that the absence of DPP4 could mitigate the development of salt-sensitive HTN in an obesity model, by improving the natriuretic and diuretic response mediated by NHE3 and/or distal mechanisms. To this end, 6-8wk old DPP4KO and C57Bl/6 littermate wild-type (WT) mice were fed a control (CD) or Western diet (WD, high in refined fats and sugars) to induce obesity. Circulating (175%) and kidney (125%) DPP4 activity were both elevated in the obese WT mice compared to the CD-fed WT mice (100%) and DPP4KO mice had minimal DPP4 activity as expected. The lack of DPP4 prevented the increase in systolic blood pressure (~15 mmHg) in the obese animals, and the absence of the development of cardiac hypertrophy in this group corroborated the pressure effect. The development of salt-sensitive HTN in the obese WT mice was associated with a lower natriuretic and diuretic response assessed by the salt overload experiment, suggesting higher tubular reabsorption of sodium and water by the nephrons. In turn, the lack of DPP4 prevented the lowering of natriuretic and diuretic response in obese mice, indicating that the beneficial effect of the absence of DPP4 on the development of salt-sensitive HTN is closely related to effects on renal tubule transport. Importantly, a high salt diet increased sodium balance and blood pressure in the obese WT mice and DPP4 deletion mitigated this increase. Furthermore, on low salt diet, the absence of DPP4 led to “salt wasting” in the obese mice similar to the CD-fed mice. Surprisingly, gene and protein expression measurements showed involvement of distal tubule sodium transporters and aquaporins and not NHE3. In contrast, assessment of the DPP4 interactome in obese mice showed binding to Myosin 6 and APN, which may regulate proximal tubule transporters and hypertension. Transdermal measurements showed no changes in the glomerular filtration rate. In conclusion, deletion of DPP4 protects against the development of salt-sensitive hypertension in obese mice by improving the natriuretic and diuretic response likely via regulation of sodium and water transporters. FAPESP, Brazil NIH K08DK115886, USA. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Growth and metabolic differences in the potential of phytoremediation between two hybrid bermudagrasses in roots, stems, and leaves under cadmium stress

Bermudagrass (Cynodon) species has been identified as a dominant plant species in cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils. Objectives of current study were to evaluate Cd tolerance of two hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon transvaalensis × Cynodon dactylon) cultivars Tifdwarf and Chuannong-3 for urban greening and slope ecological restoration and further to explore the difference in Cd tolerance associated with changes in ion absorption and distribution, antioxidant metabolism, and accumulations of phytochelatins (PCs) and metallothioneins (MTs) in roots, stems, and leaves. After exposure to equal concentration and duration of Cd stress, growth, chlorophyll content, and photochemical efficiency of both cultivars reduced significantly, but Cd-induced these inhibitory effects were more pronounced in Chuannong-3. As compared to Chuannong-3, Tifdwarf maintained significantly higher Cd concentration in roots and lower Cd concentration, bioconcentration factor, and translocation factor in aboveground parts in response to Cd stress. Each plant of Tifdwarf also accumulated more Cd in leaves, stems, and roots than each plant of Chuannong-3 due to larger biomass under Cd stress. Cd stress also significantly inhibited uptake and partitioning of iron, sodium, and potassium in two cultivars. In addition, Tifdwarf exhibited better antioxidant defense for reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging than Chuannong-3 under Cd stress, as reflected by higher antioxidant enzyme activities and antioxidant metabolites involved in ascorbic acid (ASA)-glutathione (GSH) cycle. Tifdwarf also accumulated more PCs in leaves, stems, and roots and more MTs in leaves and stems than Chuannong-3, which could help to chelate Cd to reduce cytotoxicity of Cd. Moreover, strong antioxidant property of MTs was beneficial for maintaining ROS homeostasis in plants. Therefore, better Cd tolerance of Tifdwarf could be mainly due to the inhibition of Cd uptake and partitioning, enhanced ASA-GSH cycle, and more accumulations of PCs and MTs. Tifdwarf showed better potential for Cd remediation or urban greening in Cd-polluted soils.

Molecular‐Level Design of High Flash Point Solvents Enables High‐Safety and Dual‐Function Chemical Presodiation of Hard Carbon and Alloy Anodes for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractHard carbon (HC) is subjected to low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and unsteady solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which limits the energy density and cycling performance. Meanwhile, studies related to emerging chemical presodiation have specifically focused on proper redox potential and overlooked its safety hazard. To address these drawbacks of HC and chemical presodiation, a series of high‐safety chemical presodiation solutions based on tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME) are proposed for uniform and fast presodiation of HC and Bi anodes. Among them, Na‐4‐methylbiphenyl in TEGDME solution exhibits the lowest redox potential (0.146 V vs Na+/Na), which achieves the inhibition of initial irreversible sodium uptake. Meantime, the potential‐driven decomposition of fluoroethylene carbonate endows presodiated HC (pNa‐HC) a fast‐ion conducting and robust F‐rich SEI. Accordingly, pNa‐HC delivers an ideal ICE of 99.1% compared to HC (65.28%). Meanwhile, pNa‐HC exhibits significantly enhanced rate performance and cycling life (193.39 mAh g−1 after 2300 cycles at 1000 mA g−1) benefiting from reduced kinetic energy barriers. When pNa‐HC pairs with Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, the full cell demonstrates a desirable ICE of 91.25%. This work provides a novel and universal solvent design strategy to realize high‐safety chemical pre‐metallation.

Coriander response to potassium under its medium availability in Typic Haplustepts

Field experiments were carried out with seven levels of potassium (K) (as-1K O ha ) using coriander (var. Ajmer coriander-1) on a medium fertile2sandy loam soil (Typic Haplustepts). These results revealed that plantheight and secondary branches were lower at higher level of K, while thegrowth, yield and associated attributes were statistically (p&lt;0.05) at parwith control. The reduction in seed yield per pot was 4.2 to 8.3 % beyond-1soil application of 40 kg K O ha . There was no significant (p&lt;0.05)2variation in seed nutrient content, except N and K uptake. The N content in-1seed was higher at120 kg K ha , while K content in seed was more beyondthe 60 kg of applied K. Nutrient content in coriander straw increasedmarginally with increase in doses of K. Uptake of nutrients and sodium(Na) content decreased with increase in doses of K. Potassium availability-1was more with higher doses of K; beyond the 40 kg K ha and rest ofnutrient remained at par with doses of K. Soil exchangeable Na wasenhanced slightly with doses of K and soil accumulation was more than itsinitial level. Therefore, it is recommended that there is no need to apply K incoriander, if sufficient availability of K is there in soil and irrigation waterbears an appreciable amount of K. Moreover, higher application of K anddeep irrigations (&gt;50mm) makes coriander susceptible for frost injury, if itoccurs and ultimately reduces crop yield.

Inverse regulation of SOS1 and HKT1 protein localization and stability by SOS3/CBL4 in Arabidopsis thaliana

To control net sodium (Na+) uptake, Arabidopsis plants utilize the plasma membrane (PM) Na+/H+ antiporter SOS1 to achieve Na+ efflux at the root and Na+ loading into the xylem, and the channel-like HKT1;1 protein that mediates the reverse flux of Na+ unloading off the xylem. Together, these opposing transport systems govern the partition of Na+ within the plant yet they must be finely co-regulated to prevent a futile cycle of xylem loading and unloading. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis SOS3 protein acts as the molecular switch governing these Na+ fluxes by favoring the recruitment of SOS1 to the PM and its subsequent activation by the SOS2/SOS3 kinase complex under salt stress, while commanding HKT1;1 protein degradation upon acute sodic stress. SOS3 achieves this role by direct and SOS2-independent binding to previously unrecognized functional domains of SOS1 and HKT1;1. These results indicate that roots first retain moderate amounts of salts to facilitate osmoregulation, yet when sodicity exceeds a set point, SOS3-dependent HKT1;1 degradation switches the balance toward Na+ export out of the root. Thus, SOS3 functionally links and co-regulates the two major Na+ transport systems operating in vascular plants controlling plant tolerance to salinity.

Ipomoea cairica (L.) from Mangrove Wetlands Acquired Salt Tolerance through Phenotypic Plasticity

Palmate-leaved morning glory (Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet) is a fast-growing perennial herbaceous twining vine that was recently discovered to invade mangrove wetlands in China. To understand the mechanism of its successful invasion, the salt tolerance of a coastal ecotype from Zhuhai and a terrestrial ecotype from Guangzhou were compared under salt stress. The morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters related to growth, ion homeostasis, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were measured in both ecotypes. Monitoring apoptosis showed that the protoplasts of the coastal ecotype underwent apoptosis and were later compared with those of the terrestrial ecotype. The coastal ecotype was also found to have higher regenerated stems; less water loss, sodium (Na+) uptake, and membrane damage; higher salt gland density and area; and better photosynthetic performance than the terrestrial ecotype. The coastal ecotype probably prevented salt-related damage by reducing its water loss and secreting excess Na+ through its lower stomatal density and higher density and area of salt glands. The coastal ecotype also maintained a better balance of Na+, potassium ions, nitrogen, and phosphorus under salt stress. Moreover, the coastal ecotype had higher activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, and a higher content of non-enzymatic antioxidants, including proline and anthocyanins, which indicate a stronger antioxidant ability. Our results suggest that the coastal ecotype adapts to a higher salt tolerance than the terrestrial ecotype by enhancing its exclusion of salt, adjusting its osmolytes, and through photosynthetic efficiency, which could explain its successful invasion in the mangrove wetland ecosystem.

Awareness and Availability of Low Sodium Iodized Salt: Results from Formative Research of Promoting Uptake of Low SodiUm Iodized Salt by Rural and Urban HousehoLds in India-The PLURAL Study.

Dietary sodium intake is high among adults in India. Use of low sodium iodized salt (LSIS) can help reduce sodium intake. However, contextually relevant and culturally appropriate interventions to promote LSIS uptake in India have not been developed and implemented. We carried out formative research to inform an intervention to promote uptake of LSIS among rural and urban households in north (Sonipat district) and south (Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts) India. Sixty-two in-depth interviews of six focus groups were held with a range of stakeholders-consumers, retailers and influencers. Participant views on availability, affordability, taste and safety of LSIS, along with views on hypertension, its risk factors and potential intervention design and delivery strategies were elicited. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out. While the awareness of hypertension and its risk factors was high among the participants, awareness of LSIS was low. There was also low demand for, and availability of, LSIS. Since cost of LSIS was higher than regular salt, participants preferred that a subsidy be provided to offset the cost. Based on these findings, an intervention to promote the uptake of LSIS was implemented by project staff using various educational materials such as posters, pamphlets and short videos.

Metabolic Communication by SGLT2 Inhibition.

SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors (SGLT2i) can protect the kidneys and heart, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. To gain insights on primary effects of SGLT2i that are not confounded by pathophysiologic processes or are secondary to improvement by SGLT2i, we performed an in-depth proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and metabolomics analysis by integrating signatures from multiple metabolic organs and body fluids after 1 week of SGLT2i treatment of nondiabetic as well as diabetic mice with early and uncomplicated hyperglycemia. Kidneys of nondiabetic mice reacted most strongly to SGLT2i in terms of proteomic reconfiguration, including evidence for less early proximal tubule glucotoxicity and a broad downregulation of the apical uptake transport machinery (including sodium, glucose, urate, purine bases, and amino acids), supported by mouse and human SGLT2 interactome studies. SGLT2i affected heart and liver signaling, but more reactive organs included the white adipose tissue, showing more lipolysis, and, particularly, the gut microbiome, with a lower relative abundance of bacteria taxa capable of fermenting phenylalanine and tryptophan to cardiovascular uremic toxins, resulting in lower plasma levels of these compounds (including p-cresol sulfate). SGLT2i was detectable in murine stool samples and its addition to human stool microbiota fermentation recapitulated some murine microbiome findings, suggesting direct inhibition of fermentation of aromatic amino acids and tryptophan. In mice lacking SGLT2 and in patients with decompensated heart failure or diabetes, the SGLT2i likewise reduced circulating p-cresol sulfate, and p-cresol impaired contractility and rhythm in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived engineered heart tissue. SGLT2i reduced microbiome formation of uremic toxins such as p-cresol sulfate and thereby their body exposure and need for renal detoxification, which, combined with direct kidney effects of SGLT2i, including less proximal tubule glucotoxicity and a broad downregulation of apical transporters (including sodium, amino acid, and urate uptake), provides a metabolic foundation for kidney and cardiovascular protection.

Physiologically Based Biopharmaceutics Model (PBBM) of Minimally Absorbed Locally Acting Drugs in the Gastrointestinal Tract-Case Study: Tenapanor.

A physiologically based biopharmaceutics model (PBBM) was developed to predict stool and urine sodium content in response to tenapanor administration in healthy subjects. Tenapanor is a minimally absorbed small molecule that inhibits the sodium/hydrogen isoform 3 exchanger (NHE3). It is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Its mode of action in the gastrointestinal tract reduces the uptake of sodium, resulting in an increase in water secretion in the intestinal lumen and accelerating intestinal transit time. The strategy employed was to perform drug-drug interaction (DDI) modelling between sodium and tenapanor, with sodium as the "victim" administered as part of daily food intake and tenapanor as the "perpetrator" altering sodium absorption. Food effect was modelled, including meal-induced NHE3 activity using sodium as an inducer by normalising the induction kinetics of butyrate to sodium equivalents. The presented model successfully predicted both urine and stool sodium content in response to tenapanor dosed in healthy subjects (within 1.25-fold error) and provided insight into the clinical observations of tenapanor dosing time relative to meal ingestion. The PBBM model was applied retrospectively to assess the impact of different forms of tenapanor (free base vs. HCl salt) on its pharmacodynamic (PD) effect. The developed modelling strategy can be effectively adopted to increase confidence in using PBBM models for the prediction of the in vivo behaviour of minimally absorbed, locally acting drugs in the gastrointestinal tract, when other approaches (e.g., biomarkers or PD data) are not available.

Solubility of di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) in aqueous electrolyte solutions: Studies relevant to liquid-liquid extraction

Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) is an acidic extractant frequently used in solvent extraction for metal refining. Only limited information is available on the amount and type of impurities present in commercially available D2EHPA and their effect on liquid-liquid extraction. In this paper, these impurities were identified and the importance of pre-conditioning the extractant before carrying out extractions is demonstrated. Furthermore, the solubility of D2EHPA in aqueous solutions was investigated as a function of pH, concentration of extractant and anion present in the aqueous phase (chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, methanesulfonate, thiocyanate, and nitrate). The density of the organic phases and the sodium and water uptake in the organic phase were determined as a function of the different anions present in the aqueous phase. The type of anion was found not to have a large influence on the solubility of D2EHPA in the aqueous phases. Low concentrations of salt in the aqueous phase or high pH values resulted in significant losses of D2EHPA to the aqueous phase. A very sharp increase in water content in the organic phase was observed around pH 5 (pH 6 for the nitrate system), accompanied by a significant increase in extraction of sodium ions, which explains the observed increase in density of the organic phase, and the tendency to third-phase formation. The results from this fundamental study help to better understand the behavior of liquid-liquid extraction systems in which D2EHPA is used as extractant and can help to prevent third-phase formation and losses of extractant to the aqueous phase. Moreover, the impurities present in commercially available D2EHPA and their impact on liquid-liquid extraction processes are determined.

Seed priming with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and supplementation of culture medium with biochar alleviated salinity damages in Prosopis koelziana seedlings

The Prosopis koelziana genus, a member of the Fabaceae family, is crucial to the ecology and economy of arid areas. It is commonly used to restore deserts, forests, and degraded soil with low fertility and high salt concentration. However, recent studies found that the seedlings of P. koelziana are highly susceptible to salinity stress despite having a high tolerance to it. To address this issue, an experiment was conducted to determine if plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) pretreatment and biochar application could enhance the seedlings’ tolerance to saline conditions. The research showed that salinity stress decreased seedling growth but increased proline content, soluble sugar content, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Na+ ions increased in plants under salt stress, while K+ ions decreased. The results indicated that the pretreatment of plants with biochar and bacteria increased the fresh weight of seedlings by about 23%, 58%, and 50% in 200, 400, and 600 mM NaCl, respectively, compared with non-pretreated plants. Biochar and bacteria application also increased the proline content by about 62%, 46%, 32%, and 45% in 0, 200, 400, and 600 mM NaCl. This experiment showed that bacteria and biochar pretreatment of plants reduced oxidative stress and sodium uptake (20%, 28%, and 10% decrement of root Na uptake in 200, 400, and 600 mM NaCl). Therefore, these two bio stimulators should be used together for more significant effects on the salinity mitigation of P. Koelziana seedlings and the production of resistant seedlings that have a high ability to transfer to the field.