Fruit extracts from Phyllanthus emblica accentuate cadmium tolerance and accumulation in Platycladus orientalis: A new natural chelate for phytoextraction.

A key challenge for phytoextraction is the identification of high efficiency, growth-supporting, and low cost chelating agents. To date, no substance has satisfied all above criteria. This study investigated nine traditional Chinese herbs and found that Phyllanthus emblica fruit (FPE) extract could be utilised as an optimal chelate for the phytoextraction of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils. FPE application into soil at a ratio of 0.1% (w/w) significantly increased extractable Cd (by 43%) compared to the control. The success of FPE as a chelating agent was attributed to high quantities of polyphenol compounds (0.76%) and organic acids (9.6%), in particular, gallic acid (7.6%). Furthermore, antioxidative properties (1.4%) and free amino acids in FPE alleviated Cd-induced oxidant toxicity and enhanced plant biomass. FPE promoted 78% higher phytoextraction efficiency in Platycladus orientalis compared to traditional chelating agents (EDTA). Furthermore, 76% of FPE was degraded 90 days after the initial application, and there was no difference in extractable Cd between the treatment and control. FPE has been commercially produced at a lower market price than other biodegradable chelates. As a commercially available and cost-effective chelator, FPE could be utilised to treat Cd-contaminated soils without adverse environmental impacts.

Effectiveness and Safety of Standard- and Low-Dose Rivaroxaban in Asians With Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Low-dose rivaroxaban (10 mg/day) has been widely used in Asia for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), although there is a lack of evidence regarding its effectiveness. In Asians, it is unclear whether low-dose rivaroxaban is equally effective as that of the standard dose or is associated with less bleeding risk. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of standard-dose (15 or 20 mg/day) and low-dose (10 mg/day) rivaroxaban in Asians with AF. METHODS: Using data files from the National Health Insurance Research Database between May 1, 2014, and September 30, 2015, a retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted in patients diagnosed with AF or atrial flutter and treated with low- or standard-dose rivaroxaban. Patients were followed up until the first occurrence of the study outcome or the end of the observation period (December 31, 2015). RESULTS: Among 6,558 eligible patients, a total of 2,373 and 4,185 patients took low- and standard-dose rivaroxaban, respectively. Compared to standard-dose rivaroxaban, low-dose rivaroxaban was associated with a significantly higher risk of myocardial infarction (subdistribution hazard ratio: 2.26; 95% confidence interval: 1.13 to 4.52), with similar risk of ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding, and nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to standard-dose rivaroxaban, low-dose rivaroxaban in Asian patients with AF was associated with similar risks of thromboembolism and bleeding except myocardial infarction.