Commercial compost amendments inhibit the bioavailability and plant uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in soil-porewater-lettuce systems.

Compost is widely used in agriculture as fertilizer while providing a practical option for solid municipal waste disposal. However, compost may also contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), potentially impacting soils and leading to PFAS entry into food chains and ultimately human exposure risks via dietary intake. This study examined how compost affects the bioavailability and uptake of eight PFAS (two ethers, three fluorotelomer sulfonates, and three perfluorosulfonates) by lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown in commercial organic compost-amended, PFAS spiked soils. After 50 days of greenhouse experiment, PFAS uptake by lettuce decreased (by up to 90.5 %) with the increasing compost amendment ratios (0-20 %, w/w), consistent with their decreased porewater concentrations (by 30.7-86.3 %) in compost-amended soils. Decreased bioavailability of PFAS was evidenced by the increased in-situ soil-porewater distribution coefficients (Kd) (by factors of 1.5-7.0) with increasing compost additions. Significant negative (or positive) correlations (R2 ≥ 0.55) were observed between plant bioaccumulation (or Kd) and soil organic carbon content, suggesting that compost amendment inhibited plant uptake of PFAS mainly by increasing soil organic carbon and enhancing PFAS sorption. However, short-chain PFAS alternatives (e.g., perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA)) were effectively translocated to shoots with translocation factors > 2.9, increasing their risks of contamination in leafy vegetables. Our findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive risk assessment of compost-borne PFAS when using commercial compost products in agricultural lands.

Phosphorus-based nanomaterials as a potential phosphate fertilizer for sustainable agricultural development.

Phosphorus-based nanomaterials (PNMs) have been reported to have substantial promise for promoting plant growth, improving plant tolerance mechanisms, and increasing resistance to pathogenic organisms. Recent scientific investigation has demonstrated that utilizing PNMs can enhance plant physiological growth, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant system, metabolism, nutrient absorption, rhizosphere secretion, and soil nutrients activation. Previous research on PNMs mostly concentrated on calcium phosphate, zeolite, and chitosan, with little systematic summarization, demanding a thorough evaluation of PNMs' broader uses. In our current review article, we address the knowledge gap by classifying PNMs according to green synthesis methods and the valence state of phosphorus while elucidating the underlying mechanisms through which these PNMs facilitate plant growth. In addition, we also targeted some strategies to improve the bioavailability of PNMs, offering valuable insights for the future design and safe implementation of PNMs in agricultural practices.

Green synthesis of metal-based nanoparticles for sustainable agriculture.

The large-scale use of conventional pesticides and fertilizers has put tremendous pressure on agriculture and the environment. In recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) have become the focus of many fields due to their cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness and high performance, especially in sustainable agriculture. Traditional NPs manufacturing methods are energy-intensive and harmful to environment. In contrast, synthesizing metal-based NPs using plants is similar to chemical synthesis, except the biological extracts replace the chemical reducing agent. This not only greatly reduces the used of traditional chemicals, but also produces NPs that are more economical, efficient, less toxic, and less polluting. Therefore, green synthesized metal nanoparticles (GS-MNPs) are widely used in agriculture to improve yields and quality. This review provides a comprehensive and detailed discussion of GS-MNPs for agriculture, highlights the importance of green synthesis, compares the performance of conventional NPs with GS-MNPs, and highlights the advantages of GS-MNPs in agriculture. The wide applications of these GS-MNPs in agriculture, including plant growth promotion, plant disease control, and heavy metal stress mitigation under various exposure pathways, are summarized. Finally, the shortcomings and prospects of GS-MNPs in agricultural applications are highlighted to provide guidance to nanotechnology for sustainable agriculture.

Ecotoxicological effects of petroleum-contaminated soil on the earthworm Eisenia fetida.

Petroleum is an important industrial raw material that enters the soil during production and use and is harmful to soil organisms. To evaluate the toxicity of petroleum-contaminated soil, earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were used as model organisms for soil ecotoxicity studies. We found that earthworm weight and cocoon production decreased significantly after exposure to petroleum-contaminated soil. In addition, soil contaminated with high concentrations of petroleum can cause damage to the DNA within earthworm seminal vesicles. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and peroxidase activities were significantly inhibited when earthworms were exposed to petroleum-contaminated soil, indicating that oxidative stress was induced by petroleum pollutants. The mRNA levels of annetocin precursor, a reproduction-related gene, was significantly inhibited after petroleum exposure. The mRNA levels of translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) and SOD exhibited a concentration-dependent relationship, and their relative expression increased with petroleum concentration.

HMGB1-mediated autophagy decreases sensitivity to oxymatrine in SW982 human synovial sarcoma cells.

Oxymatrine (OMT) is a type of alkaloid extracted from a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Sophora flavescens. Although the antitumor activities of OMT have been observed in various cancers, there are no reports regarding the effects of OMT on human synovial sarcoma. In the present study, we analyzed the antitumor activities of OMT in SW982 human synovial sarcoma cells and determine whether high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1)-mediated autophagy was associated with its therapeutic effects. We found that OMT exhibited antitumor activity in SW982 cells and facilitated increases in autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA or ATG7 siRNA increased the level of apoptosis, which indicated that OMT-induced autophagy protected cells from the cytotoxicity of OMT. Administration of OMT to SW982 cells increased the expression of HMGB1. When HMGB1 was inhibited via HMGB1-siRNA, OMT-induced autophagy was decreased, and apoptosis was increased. Furthermore, we found that HMGB1-siRNA significantly increased the expression of p-Akt and p-mTOR. OMT-induced autophagy may be mediated by the Akt/mTOR pathway, and HMGB1 plays a vital role in the regulation of autophagy. Therefore, we believe that combining OMT with an inhibitor of autophagy or HMGB1 may make OMT more effective in the treatment of human synovial sarcoma.

Assessment of the Therapeutic Effect of Total Glucosides of Peony for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in children; some clinical trials have reported the effects of total glucosides of peony (TGP) in the treatment of JIA. However, no systematic review has yet been conducted. In this study, we assessed the efficacy and safety in patients with JIA enrolled in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TGP. We extracted data for studies searched from 8 electronic databases that were searched and also evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies. We assessed the following outcome measures: overall response rate, pain, tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), duration of morning stiffness (DMS), grip strength (GS), rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and adverse effects (AEs) in short term (4-8 weeks), intermediate term (9-26 weeks), and long term (>26 weeks). The final analysis showed that TGP acted as a unique nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (nonbiologic DMARD), and its therapeutic effects were safe and efficacious for the treatment of JIA with few AEs. However, more high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these therapeutic effects.

[Effects of phosphorus fertilizer on the root system and its relationship with the aboveground part of flue-cured tobacco].

Using 'Yuyan 10' as the material, the effects of different phosphorus fertilizer application on root characteristics of tobacco, such as root dry mass and the difference of dry matter distribution and mineral nutrient accumulation between its above and underground parts were investigated. The results showed that the growth of flue-cured tobacco root system and the distribution of dry matter to the aboveground part were significantly promoted by phosphorus fertilizer application. The application of 30 kg P2O5 · hm(-2) led to the maximums of root dry mass, root volume, root activity and the minimum of root to shoot ratio. The maximum nutrient accumulation rates of root and leaf appeared 57-66 days after transplanting and 44-55 days after transplanting, respectively. Phosphorus could not only promote the mineral nutrition absorption of tobacco and the earlier appearance of maximum nutrient accumulation, but significantly promote the nutrient accumulation of the aboveground part. But, the positive effects described above would be weakened when the amount of phosphorus fertilizer was more than 30 kg P2O5 · hm(-2). Therefore, it's necessary to control the amount of phosphorus application to improve the quality of tobacco leaves.

Study of the in vitro-in vivo correlation of Danshensu and protocatechuic aldehyde in a two-step release system.

A two-step release system (TSRS) for the compound Danshen, which has drug-release behavior that is in accordance with the circadian rhythms of cardiovascular disease, was developed by combining an effervescent osmotic pump tablet and a pulsed-released tablet into one hard capsule by our lab. An in vivo study indicated that after oral administration of TSRS, two peaks of the plasma concentration of both Danshensu (DS) and protocatechuic aldehyde (PA) were observed, which suggested that the drug plasma concentration-time curve could meet the requirements for chronotherapy of cardiovascular disease after the bed-time administration of such a device. High performance liquid chromatography using an ultraviolet (UV) detector was used to simultaneously determine the concentrations of DS and PA in plasma. This method was simple, convenient, and appropriate for the quality control of DS and PA. A linear correlation model was established based on the percent absorbant data and percent in vitro dissolution data. Because the drugs were released from the device in an osmotic pressure-dependent manner and absorbed rapidly, a reasonable linear regression relationship was observed between the in vitro and in vivo performances. The current study highlights the potential use of such a device for chronopharmaceutical drug delivery.

Simultaneous determination of cyflumetofen and its main metabolite residues in samples of plant and animal origin using multi-walled carbon nanotubes in dispersive solid-phase extraction and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

A rapid and effective method for the simultaneous determination of cyflumetofen and its main metabolite residues in samples of plant and animal origin (tomato, apple, eggplant, soybean, green tea, fish, and pork liver) was developed using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Samples were extracted with acetonitrile and cleaned-up with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The determination of the presence of target compounds was achieved in less than 4.0min using an electrospray ionization source in the positive mode (ESI+) for cyflumetofen and 2-(trifluoromethyl) benzamide (B-3) and the negative mode (ESI-) for α,α,α-trifluoro-o-toluic acid (B-1). The entire method was validated by evaluating the repeatability, linearity, precision, trueness, and matrix effect. Average recoveries of the analytes were in the range of 79.3-117.6% with relative standard deviation values below 7.6%. Limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.7 to 9.8µgkg(-1), which were lower than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the cyflumetofen found in foods in Japan.

Simultaneous determination of pyrethrins residues in teas by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

A sensitive and effective method for the simultaneous quantitative determination of pyrethrin residues in teas was developed and validated using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The six major constituents of the pyrethrins (pyrethrin I and II, jasmolin I and II, and cinerin I and II) were successfully separated and independently confirmed in a single run within approximately 5 min. The multi-residue analysis of pyrethrins in teas involved simply extraction with acetonitrile, clean-up using a multilayer solid phase extraction cartridge, and subsequent separation by a hydrophilic end-capped Aquasil C18 columns with detection by tandem mass spectrometry using an electrospray ionization source in positive mode (ESI+). Recovery studies were carried out at three spiked levels (0.05, 0.1, 0.5 mg kg(-1)). The overall average recoveries using this method in green teas and black teas at the three concentration levels ranged from 76.15% to 101.86% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) in the range of 2.71-12.93% (n=5) for all analytes. The limits of detections (LODs) were below 0.009 mg kg(-1), which were lower than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of 0.5 mg kg(-1) in tea samples established by the European Union legislations in 2008, while the limits of quantification (LOQ) did not exceed 0.03 mg kg(-1). This study provides a theoretical basis for China to draw up MRLs for pyrethrins in teas.

[Study on preparation and release mechanism of effervescent osmotic pump tablet of compound Danshen].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare effervescent osmotic pump tablet (EOPTs) according to the rhythm of coronary heart disease based on efficacy material and the mechanism of compound Danshen and to study the mechanism of drug released of that tablets. METHOD: Since compound Danshen consist of compounds with polyphenolic groups or carboxyl groups, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids that they were acidic. EOPTs were prepared from tablet cores which containing NaHCO3 as effervescent, NaCL and manitol as osmotic agents, HPMC as retarding agents coating with CA membrane. And study the mechanism of drug released according to the change of tablet osmotic pressure. RESULT: The results of in vitro experiments showed that no difference was observed among the profiles of Danshensu, protocatechuic aldehyde, ginsenoside Rg1, Rb1, notoginsenoside R1 release EOPTs. The drug was completely released from the device with a zero-order release rate over 12 h. CONCLUSION: EOPTs are Successfully obtained EOPT which the drug is released from the device over 12 h and the release mechanism of EOPTs is explained.

[Preparation and release characterization in vitro of pulsed-release tablets of compound Danshen].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare pulsed-release tablet (PTS) according to the rhythm of coronary heart disease based on efficacy material and the mechanism of compound Danshen. METHOD: PTS were achieved by coating the core which contains drugs, CMS-Na, lactose, succinic acid and MCC with separation layer (Eudragit RL), swelling layer (HPMC E5), and controlled-release membrane (Eudragit RS-RL-EC). RESULT: The results of in vitro experiments showed that no difference was observed among the profiles of Danshensu, protocatechuic aldehyde, ginsenoside Rg1, Rb1, notoginsenoside R1 release from the two-step release system. And it indicated that swelling was the basis and prerequisite for drug release from PTS, and the diffusion, organic acid-induced, and osmotic pumping mechanism were involved in drug release, but the latter they were the dominant factors. CONCLUSION: Successfully obtained the PTS of a certain lag-time behind the rapid release which indicate that after bed time administration of such device, the drug plasma concentration-time curve CAN meet the requirements of chronotherapy of cardiovascular disease.

[Comparison of kinetic behavior in both plasma and tissue after intravenous administration of alpha-asarone in lipid emulsion and aqueous solution in rats and mice].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of alpha-asarone in lipid emulsion and aqueous solution for injection and study the feasibility of lipid emulsion of alpha-asarone as the parenteral drug delivery system. METHOD: HPLC was used to determine the drug concentration in rat plasma and mice tissues after intravenous (i.v.) administration of lipid emulsion and aqueous solution of alpha-asarone at a single dose (40 mg x kg(-1)), respectively. RESULT: The plasma concentration-time profiles of lipid emulsion and aqueous solution of alpha-asarone after intravenous administration of them are similar and the drug concentration-time data were fitted to a two-compartment open model. The results of tissues distribution showed that distribution contents of alpha-asarone from lipid emulsion and aqueous solution in vivo are similar in lungs but lipid emulsion increased the uptake in livers and spleens, and decreased the uptake in hearts and kidneys for alpha-asarone. CONCLUSION: The plasma concentration-time profiles of alpha-asarone in lipid emulsion and aqueous solution are similar, but lipid emulsion significantly altered the tissue distribution of alpha-asarone, which may be beneficial to decrease its potential toxicity to heart and kidney.

Effect of borneol on the distribution of gastrodin to the brain in mice via oral administration.

Both borneol and gastrodin are bioactive substances derived from traditional Chinese medicine. In this paper, the effect of borneol on the distribution of gastrodin to the brain in mice via oral administration was investigated. Gastrodin concentrations in plasma and gastrodigenin (active metabolite of gastrodin) concentrations in the brain of mice were determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, after intragastric administration of gastrodin (200 mg kg(-1)) alone or combined with different doses (200, 400 and 600 mg kg(-1)) of borneol simultaneously or the same dose (400 mg kg(-1)) of borneol given 20 and 40 min beforehand, respectively. Compared with the administration of gastrodin alone, gastrodin coadministrated with borneol could have been rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; the peak time of gastrodin in the plasma became shorter (5-15 vs. 30 min); the bioavailability of gastrodigenin in the brain was increased by 33.6-108.8%; and obvious brain-targeting effect was observed. The enhancing effect was attenuated when the dose of borneol was too high (600 mg kg(-1)), or the time interval between the administration of borneol and gastrodin was longer than 40 min. The results indicate that borneol can accelerate the absorption of gastrodin in the gastrointestinal tract and promote its distribution to the brain. Therefore, borneol is a promising promoter for oral brain-targeting drug delivery.

Novel two-step release system for the traditional Chinese medicine compound Danshen.

A novel two-step release system for the traditional Chinese medicine compound Danshen was developed by combining an effervescent osmotic pump tablet (EOPT) and a pulsed-released tablet (PT) of compound Danshen into one hard capsule. The EOPT of Danshen was prepared with sodium chloride, mannitol, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and sodium bicarbonate as osmotic agents. The osmotic pressure from EOPT was greatly enhanced by carbon dioxide generated from the reaction between sodium bicarbonate and acidic components from Danshen. It was shown that the tested Danshen components could be completely released from the prepared EOPT following a zero-order release for up to 12 h. The PT of compound Danshen was a three-layer coated tablet composed of organic acid and osmotic agents. Eudragit RL, HPMC and the mixture of EC and Eudragit RS, RL were the major constituents of the separation layer, swelling layer and controlling release membrane, respectively. The swelling test of the PT indicated that swelling is a prerequisite for drug release from this PT device. In addition, the swelling behavior further suggested the drug release mechanism of PT involves diffusion, the osmotic pumping effect, and organic acid-induced effect, among which the osmotic pumping effect was the most important. Moreover, there was no significant difference among the five active constituents in their release profiles from the final combined two-step release system of compound Danshen.