The Relationship Between Relative Hydration Free Energies of ^(99m)TcON_2S_2 Complexes and Their Brain Uptakes

A thermodynamic integration dual-transform method was firstly applied to calculating the relative hydration free energies of 99m TcO-N 2S 2 complexes. The relationship between the brain uptakes(B.U.) of 99m TcO-N 2S 2 complexes with different substituted functional groups and their relative hydration free energies was investigated. The simulation results show that the experiment brain uptake(B.U.) data are strongly influenced by the relative hydration free energies of 99m TcO-N 2S 2 complexes, thus the simulations can provide the useful information for the medicine design of 99m Tc brain imaging agents.

Grain yield and N uptake of maize in response to increased plant density under reduced water and nitrogen supply conditions

The development of modern agriculture requires the reduction of water and chemical N fertilizer inputs.Increasing the planting density can maintain higher yields,but also consumes more of these restrictive resources.However,whether an increased maize density can compensate for the negative effects of reduced water and N supply on grain yield and N uptake in the arid irrigated areas remains unknown.This study is part of a long-term positioning trial that started in 2016.A split-split plot field experiment of maize was implemented in the arid irrigated area of northwestern China in 2020 to 2021.The treatments included two irrigation levels:local conventional irrigation reduced by 20%(W1,3,240 m^(3)ha^(-1))and local conventional irrigation(W2,4,050 m^(3)ha^(-1));two N application rates:local conventional N reduced by 25%(N1,270 kg ha^(-1))and local conventional N(360 kg ha^(-1));and three planting densities:local conventional density(D1,75,000 plants ha^(-1)),density increased by 30%(D2,97,500 plants ha-1),and density increased by 60%(D3,120,000 plants ha^(-1)).Our results showed that the grain yield and aboveground N accumulation of maize were lower under the reduced water and N inputs,but increasing the maize density by 30% can compensate for the reductions of grain yield and aboveground N accumulation caused by the reduced water and N supply.When water was reduced while the N application rate remained unchanged,increasing the planting density by 30% enhanced grain yield by 13.9% and aboveground N accumulation by 15.3%.Under reduced water and N inputs,increasing the maize density by 30% enhanced N uptake efficiency and N partial factor productivity,and it also compensated for the N harvest index and N metabolic related enzyme activities.Compared with W2N2D1,the N uptake efficiency and N partial factor productivity increased by 28.6 and 17.6%under W1N1D2.W1N2D2 had 8.4% higher N uptake efficiency and 13.9% higher N partial factor productivity than W2N2D1.W1N2D2 improved urease activity and nitrate reductase activity by 5.4% at the R2(blister)stage and 19.6% at the V6(6th leaf)stage,and increased net income and the benefit:cost ratio by 22.1 and 16.7%,respectively.W1N1D2 and W1N2D2 reduced the nitrate nitrogen and ammoniacal nitrogen contents at the R6 stage in the 40-100 cm soil layer,compared with W2N2D1.In summary,increasing the planting density by 30% can compensate for the loss of grain yield and aboveground N accumulation under reduced water and N inputs.Meanwhile,increasing the maize density by 30% improved grain yield and aboveground N accumulation when water was reduced by 20% while the N application rate remained constant in arid irrigation areas.

Combined application of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer alleviates the kernel position effect in summer maize by promoting post-silking nitrogen uptake and dry matter accumulation

Adjusting agronomic measures to alleviate the kernel position effect in maize is important for ensuring high yields.In order to clarify whether the combined application of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer(CAOFCF)can alleviate the kernel position effect of summer maize,field experiments were conducted during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons,and five treatments were assessed:CF,100%chemical fertilizer;OFCF1,15%organic fertilizer+85%chemical fertilizer;OFCF2,30%organic fertilizer+70%chemical fertilizer;OFCF3,45%organic fertilizer+55%chemical fertilizer;and OFCF4,60%organic fertilizer+40%chemical fertilizer.Compared with the CF treatment,the OFCF1 and OFCF2 treatments significantly alleviated the kernel position effect by increasing the weight ratio of inferior kernels to superior kernels and reducing the weight gap between the superior and inferior kernels.These effects were largely due to the improved filling and starch accumulation of inferior kernels.However,there were no obvious differences in the kernel position effect among plants treated with CF,OFCF3,or OFCF4 in most cases.Leaf area indexes,post-silking photosynthetic rates,and net assimilation rates were higher in plants treated with OFCF1 or OFCF2 than in those treated with CF,reflecting an enhanced photosynthetic capacity and improved postsilking dry matter accumulation(DMA)in the plants treated with OFCF1 or OFCF2.Compared with the CF treatment,the OFCF1 and OFCF2 treatments increased post-silking N uptake by 66.3 and 75.5%,respectively,which was the major factor driving post-silking photosynthetic capacity and DMA.Moreover,the increases in root DMA and zeatin riboside content observed following the OFCF1 and OFCF2 treatments resulted in reduced root senescence,which is associated with an increased post-silking N uptake.Analyses showed that post-silking N uptake,DMA,and grain yield in summer maize were negatively correlated with the kernel position effect.In conclusion,the combined application of 15-30%organic fertilizer and 70-85%chemical fertilizer alleviated the kernel position effect in summer maize by improving post-silking N uptake and DMA.These results provide new insights into how CAOFCF can be used to improve maize productivity.

Legume green manure can intensify the function of chemical nitrogen fertilizer substitution via increasing nitrogen supply and uptake of wheat

Achieving the green development of agriculture requires the reduction of chemical nitrogen(N)fertilizer input.Previous studies have confirmed that returning green manure to the field is an effective measure to improve crop yields while substituting partial chemical N fertilizer.However,it remains unclear how to further intensify the substituting function of green manure and elucidate its underlying agronomic mechanism.In a split-plot field experiment in spring wheat,different green manures returned to the field under reduced chemical N supply was established in an oasis area since 2018,in order to investigate the effect of green manure and reduced N on grain yield,N uptake,N use efficiency(NUE),N nutrition index,soil organic matter,and soil N of wheat in 2020-2022.Our results showed that mixed sown common vetch and hairy vetch can substitute 40%of chemical N fertilizer without reducing grain yield or N accumulation.Noteworthily,mixed sown common vetch and hairy vetch under reduced N by 20%showed the highest N agronomy efficiency and recovery efficiency,which were 92.0%and 46.0%higher than fallow after wheat harvest and conventional N application rate,respectively.The increase in NUE of wheat was mainly attributed to mixed sown common vetch and hairy vetch,which increased N transportation quantity and transportation rate at pre-anthesis,enhanced N harvest index,optimized N nutrition index,and increased activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase of leaf,respectively.Meanwhile,mixed sown common vetch and hairy vetch under reduced N by 20%improved soil organic matter and N contents.Therefore,mixed sown common vetch and hairy vetch can substitute 40%of chemical N fertilizer while maintaining grain yield and N accumulation,and it combined with reduced chemical N by 20%or 40%improved NUE of wheat via enhancing N supply and uptake.

Methods,Mechanisms,and Application Prospects for Enhancing Extracellular Vesicle Uptake

Extracellular vesicles(EVs)are considered to be a new generation of bioinspired nanoscale drug delivery systems due to their low immunogenicity,natural functionality,and excellent biocompatibility.However,limitations such as low uptake efficiency,insufficient production,and inhomogeneous performance undermine their potential.To address these issues,numerous researchers have put forward various methods and applications for enhancing EV uptake in recent decades.In this review,we introduce various methods for the cellular uptake of EVs and summarize recent advances on the methods and mechanisms for enhancing EV uptake.In addition,we provide further understanding regarding enhancing EV uptake and put forward prospects and challenges for the development of EV-based therapy in the future.

Correlation between hydration properties and electrochemical performances on Ln cation size effect in layered perovskite for protonic ceramic fuel cells

PrBa_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)Co_(1.5)Fe_(0.5)O_(5+δ)(PrBSCF) has attracted much research interest as a potential triple ionic and electronic conductor(TIEC) electrode for protonic ceramic fuel cells(PCFCs). The chemical formula for Pr BSCF is AA'B_(2)O_(5+δ), with Pr(A-site) and Ba/Sr(A'-site) alternately stacked along the c-axis. Due to these structural features, the bulk oxygen ion diffusivity is significantly enhanced through the disorder-free channels in the PrO layer;thus, the A site cations(lanthanide ions) play a pivotal role in determining the overall electrochemical properties of layered perovskites. Consequently, previous research has predominantly focused on the electrical properties and oxygen bulk/surface kinetics of Ln cation effects,whereas the hydration properties for PCFC systems remain unidentified. Here, we thoroughly examined the proton uptake behavior and thermodynamic parameters for the hydration reaction to conclusively determine the changes in the electrochemical performances depending on LnBa_(0.5)Sr_(0.5)Co_(1.5)Fe_(0.5)O_(5+δ)(LnBSCF,Ln=Pr, Nd, and Gd) cathodes. At 500 ℃, the quantitative proton concentration of PrBSCF was 2.04 mol% and progressively decreased as the Ln cation size decreased. Similarly, the Gibbs free energy indicated that less energy was required for the formation of protonic defects in the order of Pr BSCF < Nd BSCF < Gd BSCF. To elucidate the close relationship between hydration properties and electrochemical performances in LnBSCF cathodes, PCFC single cell measurements and analysis of the distribution of relaxation time were further investigated.

Dredged marine soil stabilization using magnesia cement augmented with biochar/slag

Dredged marine soils(DMS)have poor engineering properties,which limit their usage in construction projects.This research examines the application of reactive magnesia(rMgO)containing supplementary cementitious materials(SCMs)to stabilize DMS under ambient and carbon dioxide(CO_(2))curing conditions.Several proprietary experimental tests were conducted to investigate the stabilized DMS.Furthermore,the carbonation-induced mineralogical,thermal,and microstructural properties change of the samples were explored.The findings show that the compressive strength of the stabilized DMS fulfilled the 7-d requirement(0.7-2.1 MPa)for pavement and building foundations.Replacing rMgO with SCMs such as biochar or ground granulated blast-furnace slag(GGBS)altered the engineering properties and particle packing of the stabilized soils,thus influencing their performances.Biochar increased the porosity of the samples,facilitating higher CO_(2) uptake and improved ductility,while GGBS decreased porosity and increased the dry density of the samples,resulting in higher strength.The addition of SCMs also enhanced the water retention capacity and modified the pH of the samples.Microstructural analysis revealed that the hydrated magnesium carbonates precipitated in the carbonated samples provided better cementation effects than brucite formed during rMgO hydration.Moreover,incorporating SCMs reduced the overall global warming potential and energy demand of the rMgO-based systems.The biochar mixes demonstrated lower toxicity and energy consumption.Ultimately,the rMgO and biochar blend can serve as an environmentally friendly additive for soft soil stabilization and permanent fixation of significant amounts of CO_(2) in soils through mineral carbonation,potentially reducing environmental pollution while meeting urbanization needs.

Intermolecular Acid-Base-Pairs Containing Poly(p-Terphenyl-co-lsatin Piperidinium)for High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

How to optimize and regulate the distribution of phosphoric acid in matrix,and pursuing the improved electrochemical performance and service lifetime of high temperature proton exchange membrane(HT-PEMs)fuel cell are significant challenges.Herein,bifunctional poly(p-terphenyl-co-isatin piperidinium)copolymer with tethered phosphonic acid(t-PA)and intrinsic tertiary amine base groups are firstly prepared and investigated as HT-PEMs.The distinctive architecture of the copolymer provides a well-designed platform for rapid proton transport.Protons not only transports through the hydrogen bond network formed by the adsorbed free phosphoric acid(f-PA)anchored by the tertiary amine base groups,but also rely upon the proton channel constructed by the ionic cluster formed by the t-PA aggregation.Thorough the design of the structure,the bifunctional copolymers with lower PA uptake level(<100%)display prominent proton conductivities and peak power densities(99 mS cm^(-1),812 mW cm^(-2)at 160℃),along with lower PA leaching and higher voltage stability,which is a top leading result in disclosed literature.The results demonstrate that the design of intermolecular acid-base-pairs can improve the proton conductivity without sacrificing the intrinsic chemical stability or mechanical property of the thin membrane,realizing win-win demands between the mechanical robustness and electrochemical properties of HT-PEMs.

Drought Tolerance and Recovery of the Sedge Carex planostachys (Cyperaceae) from Central Texas Woodlands

Carex planostachys Kunze (Cyperaceae, Cedar sedge) is an herbaceous species in a genus commonly inhabiting mesic or hydric habitats. Carex planostachys is found in arid and semi-arid Juniperus woodlands. Arid conditions impose survival challenges to plants in dry areas. Some plants have plasticity responses to soil water content and continued normal though reduced functions through droughts, but most herbaceous plants do not survive. Limited previous studies have suggested C. planostachys is tolerant of drought. Physiological responses of C. planostachys from Juniperus woodlands was examined is this study to determine how long plants could survive without water and if they are capable of recovery from very negative water potentials beyond what is considered the permanent wilting point for most herbaceous plants. Plants were placed in pots in partial shade in this experiment. Water loss from the soil with plants was an inverse 2nd order polynomial function with soil water decreasing from 32% to 8% by day 28 of the study. Leaf water potential was also an inverse 2nd order polynomial function but did not decline significantly until 14 days without watering. Leaf water potential was −10.0 MPa after 35 days without watering. Non-watered plants Anet, (photosynthetic rate) was significantly lower compared to the water treatment by day 21 as was stomatal conductance and transpiration. When non-watered plants were watered after 21, 28 or 35 days, full recovery of physiological responses occurred within 7 days. The length of time that C. planostachys was able to withstand drought was greater than the annual trends in lack of precipitation during springtime in this area. Carex planostachys can photosynthesize at water stress between −8 and −10 MPa. Carex planostachys drought and shade tolerance enables it to occupy an understory niche devoid of other herbaceous plants.

COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake and Associated Factors in Selected Communities in Two Southwestern States in Nigeria

Introduction: COVID-19 vaccine uptake and acceptance have been a major global concern due to the prevalent misinformation and disinformation that has characterized the vaccine rollout worldwide. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake and acceptance, and associated factors among selected community members in two states in southwestern Nigeria. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a multistage sampling technique. Fifty catchment settlements of 10 health facilities in each of Oyo and Ogun States targeted for a COVID-19 infection prevention and control intervention were randomly selected. Four households were targeted per settlement. All households that refused access were replaced, to ensure a minimum of four households randomly selected per settlement. The primary household decision-maker was interviewed in each household. Information elicited included respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics, health history, knowledge, risk and benefit perception about the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine uptake, and willingness to be vaccinated. The study was conducted from July–August 2021. Data were analyzed using SPSS IBM version 23. Result: Four hundred household decision-makers were surveyed in Oyo and Ogun states, after replacement. The mean age of the respondents was 43.0 ± 11.0 years. The majority, 346 (86.5%) had heard about COVID-19 vaccination, but only 47 (13.6%) had received a COVID-19 vaccination. Of the 299 respondents who reported not receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, 166 (55.5%) were willing to be vaccinated. In univariate analysis, respondents who were female had tertiary education, perceived that COVID-19 vaccines are free and accessible, perceived that COVID-19 vaccines have minimal side effects, and perceived higher benefits of COVID-19 vaccination had higher odds of being vaccinated. In contrast, younger respondents, respondents with higher knowledge scores on COVID-19 preventive measures, and with chronic illness had lower likelihoods of being vaccinated. In multivariate analysis, only the respondent’s age, perception score on COVID-19 vaccine benefits, knowledge score on IPC measures, and positive response on accessibility and safety were significant after adjusting for other factors. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine uptake rate as well as willingness to receive vaccination were low in the study setting. There is an urgent need for policymakers to embark on well-designed campaigns to address barriers to COVID-19 vaccination to increase vaccine uptake.

Socio-Demographic and Economic Factors Associated with Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccine among Pregnant Women at Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi County, Kenya

Introduction: Pregnant women are a highly vulnerable population for COVID-19 with increased risk of hospitalization, intensive-care unit admission, invasive ventilation support, and mortality. Objective: This study determined the socio-demographic and economic factors associated with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant women utilizing antenatal care services in Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Nairobi County-Kenya. Methods: The study was carried out from 15 June to 23 July 2023. Systematic sampling was used to select 302 women from whom data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS software in which bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done at a significance level of p Results: A total of 302 pregnant women participated in the study. Of these, 105 (34.8%) were aged between twenty-six (26) and thirty (30) years. The mean age of the women was 28.60 ± (SD = 5.297). The uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine was 41.1%. The common side effects reported to be associated with the vaccines were fever, headache, joint pain, vomiting and skin rash. Uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine was significantly associated with being married (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: 0.62 - 1.80, p = 0.001), having a secondary level of education (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI: 0.99 - 2.88, p = 0.001) and being employed (COR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.31 - 3.06, p = 0.001). Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination uptake remains low among pregnant women in seeking ANC in Nairobi. The individual factors associated with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant Women at Pumwani maternity hospital in Nairobi County were being married, having secondary level of education and being employed. Integration of the COVID-19 vaccine with other routine vaccinations as per the national immunization program in Kenya and the enhancement of education regarding the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy and breastfeeding and economic empowerment of women are recommended.

Prevalence and Individual-Level Determinants of Uptake of Three or More Doses of Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy in Busia County, Kenya

Background: Malaria in pregnancy causes maternal anemia, low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, and preterm deliveries. In malaria-endemic regions in Kenya, percentage of pregnant women hospitalized with malaria reach up to 60%. WHO recommends at least three doses of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy (IPTp) antenatally. This study sought to ascertain the prevalence and individual-level factors influencing the uptake of IPTp-SP3+. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study at Busia County Referral Hospital. 384 mothers were consecutively sampled at the maternity unit during delivery. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR were used to determine statistical significance of individual factors influencing uptake of three or more IPTp-SP. Results: 43.0% of participants took IPTp-SP3+. Individual factors that affected the uptake of IPTp-SP3+ included starting ANC visits in the first trimester (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.23 – 3.67, p = 0.046), having more than four ANC visits (aOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.49 – 6.50, p = 0.002), having a higher monthly income (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.24 – 5.36, p = 0.012), being aware of the advantages of IPTp-SP medications (aOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.40 – 9.74, p = 0.008), and having a positive attitude toward ANC services (aOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.61 – 6.31, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Less than half of the pregnant mothers are complyingIPTp-SP3+. There should be aggressive efforts by the County and National Ministries of Health promoting initiation of ANC attendance early and attendance of all the recommended eight visits together with ensuring availability of the drugs.

Solvation effects on brain uptakes of isomers of ^(99m)Tc brain imaging agents

Analysis of electrostatic hydration free energies of the isomers of the 99mTc-BAT and 99mTc-DADT complexes is carried out using the computer simulation technique. The results show that not only a correlation exists between the logarithm of the brain uptake and the electrostatic hydration free energy for the isomers of 99mTc-brain radiopharmaceu-ticals, but also a linear relationship exists between the logarithm of the ratio of the brain uptake of the syn isomer to that of the anti one and the difference between the electrostatic hydration free energy of the syn-isomer and that of the anti one. Furthermore, the investigation on the important factors influencing the brain uptakes of 99mTc-radiophar-maceuticals and the reasons of the different biodistribution of the isomers of the 99mTc-complexes is explored at the molecular level. The results may provide a reference for the rational drug design of brain imaging agents.

Effects of elevated CO_2 levels on root morphological traits and Cd uptakes of two Lolium species under Cd stress

This study was conducted to investigate the combined effects of elevated CO2 levels and cadmium (Cd) on the root morphological traits and Cd accumulation in Lolium multiflorum Lam.and Lolium perenne L.exposed to two CO2 levels (360 and 1000 μl/L) and three Cd levels (0,4,and 16 mg/L) under hydroponic conditions.The results show that elevated levels of CO2 increased shoot biomass more,compared to root biomass,but decreased Cd concentrations in all plant tissues.Cd exposure caused toxicity to both Lolium species,as shown by the restrictions of the root morphological parameters including root length,surface area,volume,and tip numbers.These parameters were significantly higher under elevated levels of CO2 than under ambient CO2,especially for the number of fine roots.The increases in magnitudes of those parameters triggered by elevated levels of CO2 under Cd stress were more than those under non-Cd stress,suggesting an ameliorated Cd stress under elevated levels of CO2.The total Cd uptake per pot,calculated on the basis of biomass,was significantly greater under elevated levels of CO2 than under ambient CO2.Ameliorated Cd toxicity,decreased Cd concentration,and altered root morphological traits in both Lolium species under elevated levels of CO2 may have implications in food safety and phytoremediation.

Altered O-GlcNAcylation and mitochondrial dysfunction,a molecular link between brain glucose dysregulation and sporadic Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affected over 6.5 million people in the United States in 2021,with this number expected to double in the next 40 years without any sort of treatment.Due to its heterogeneity and complexity,the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease,especially sporadic Alzheimer’s disease,remains largely unclear.Compelling evidence suggests that brain glucose hypometabolism,preceding Alzheimer’s disease hallmarks,is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.Herein,we discuss the potential causes of reduced glucose uptake and the mechanisms underlying glucose hypometabolism and Alzheimer’s disease pathology.Specifically,decreased O-Glc NAcylation levels by glucose deficiency alter mitochondrial functions and together contribute to Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis.One major problem with Alzheimer’s disease research is that the disease progresses for several years before the onset of any symptoms,suggesting the critical need for appropriate models to study the molecular changes in the early phase of Alzheimer’s disease progression.Therefore,this review also discusses current available sporadic Alzheimer’s disease models induced by metabolic abnormalities and provides novel directions for establishing a human neuronal sporadic Alzheimer’s disease model that better represents human sporadic Alzheimer’s disease as a metabolic disease.

Tiller fertility is critical for improving grain yield,photosynthesis,and nitrogen efficiency in wheat

Genetic improvement has promoted wheat’s grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE)during the past decades.Therefore,the current wheat cultivars exhibit higher grain yield and NUE than previous cultivars in the Yangtze River Basin,China since the 2000s.However,the critical traits and mechanisms of the increased grain yield and NUE remain unknown.This study explores the mechanisms underlying these new cultivars’increased grain yield and NUE by studying 21 local cultivars cultivated for three growing seasons from 2016 to 2019.Significantly positive correlations were observed between grain yield and NUE in the three years.The cultivars were grouped into high(HH),medium(MM),and low(LL)grain yield and NUE groups.The HH group exhibited significantly high grain yield and NUE.High grain yield was attributed to more effective ears by high tiller fertility and greater single-spike yield by increasing post-anthesis single-stem biomass.Compared to other groups,the HH group demonstrated a longer leaf stay-green ability and a greater flag leaf photosynthetic rate after anthesis.It also showed higher N accumulation at pre-anthesis,which contributed to increasing N accumulation per stem,including stem and leaf sheath,leaf blade,and unit leaf area at pre-anthesis,and promoting N uptake efficiency,the main contribution of high NUE.Moreover,tiller fertility was positively related to N accumulation per stem,N accumulation per unit leaf area,leaf stay-green ability,and flag leaf photosynthetic rate,which indicates that improving tiller fertility promoted N uptake,leaf N accumulation,and photosynthetic ability,thereby achieving synchronous improvements in grain yield and NUE.Therefore,tiller fertility is proposed as an important kernel indicator that can be used in the breeding and management of cultivars to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

Icariin ameliorates memory deficits through regulating brain insulin signaling and glucose transporters in 3×Tg-AD mice

Icariin,a major prenylated flavonoid found in Epimedium spp.,is a bioactive constituent of Herba Epimedii and has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease.In this study,we investigated the neuroprotective mechanism of icariin in an APP/PS1/Tau triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.We performed behavioral tests,pathological examination,and western blot assay,and found that memory deficits of the model mice were obviously improved,neuronal and synaptic damage in the cerebral cortex was substantially mitigated,and amyloid-βaccumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation were considerably reduced after 5 months of intragastric administration of icariin at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight per day.Furthermore,deficits of proteins in the insulin signaling pathway and their phosphorylation levels were significantly reversed,including the insulin receptor,insulin receptor substrate 1,phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase,protein kinase B,and glycogen synthase kinase 3β,and the levels of glucose transporter 1 and 3 were markedly increased.These findings suggest that icariin can improve learning and memory impairments in the mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease by regulating brain insulin signaling and glucose transporters,which lays the foundation for potential clinical application of icariin in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Potassium nutrition of maize:Uptake,transport,utilization,and role in stress tolerance

Potassium(K) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development and influences yield and quality of agricultural crops.Maize(Zea mays) is one of the most widely distributed crops worldwide.In China,although maize consumes a large amount of K fertilizer,the K uptake/utilization efficiency(KUE)of maize cultivars is relatively low.Elucidation of KUE mechanisms and development of maize cultivars with higher KUE are needed.Maize KUE is determined by K+uptake,transport,and remobilization,which depend on a variety of K+channels and transporters.We review basic information about K+channels and transporters in maize,their functions and regulation,and the roles of K+in nitrogen transport,sugar transport,and salt tolerance.We discuss challenges and prospects for maize KUE improvement.

Effects of mixed fertilizers formed by the compounding of two targeted controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers on yield,nitrogen use efficiency,and ammonia volatilization in double-cropping rice

One-time application of mixed fertilizer formed by the compounding of two controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers(CRUs)with targeted N supply during the periods from transplantation(TS)to panicle initiation(PI)and from PI to heading(HS)is expected to synchronize the double-peak N demand of rice.However,its effects on the yield and N use efficiency(NUE)of labor-intensive double-cropping rice were unknown.Two targeted CRU(CRU_(A)and CRU_(B))were compounded in five ratios(CRU_(A):CRU_(B)=10:0,7:3,5:5,3:7,and 0:10)to form five mixed fertilizers(BBFs):BBF1-5.A field experiment was performed to investigate the characteristics of N supply in early and late seasons under different BBFs and their effects on N uptake,yield,and ammonia volatilization(AV)loss from paddy fields of double-cropping rice.Conventional high-yield fertilization(CK,three split applications of urea)and zero-N treatments were established as controls.The N supply dropped significantly with the increased compound ratio of CRU_(B)during the period from TS to PI,but increased during the period from PI to HS.With the exception of the period from TS to PI in the late rice season,the N uptake of early and late rice maintained close synchronicity with the N supply of BBFs during the double-peak periods.Excessive N supply(BBF1 and BBF2)in the late rice season during the period from TS to PI increased N loss by AV.The effect of BBF on grain yield increase varied widely between seasons,irrespective of year.Among the BBFs,the BBF2 treatment of early rice not only stabilized the spikelets per panicle but also ensured a high number of effective panicles by promoting N uptake during the period from TS to PI and a high grain-filling percentage by appropriately reducing the N supply at the later PI stage,resulting in the highest rice yield.While stabilizing the effective panicle number,the BBF4 treatment of late rice increased the number of spikelets per panicle by promoting N uptake during the period from PI to HS,resulting in the highest rice yield.The two-year average yield and apparent N recovery efficiency of the BBF2 treatment during the early rice season were 9.6 t ha 1 and 45.3%,while those of late rice in BBF4 were 9.6 t ha 1 and 43.0%,respectively.The yield and NUE indexes of BBF2 in early rice and BBF4 in late rice showed no significant difference from those of CK.The AVs of BBF2 during the early rice season and of BBF4 during the late rice season were 50.0%and 76.8%lower,respectively,than those of CK.BBF2 and BBF4 could effectively replace conventional urea split fertilization in early and late rice seasons,ensuring rice yield and NUE and reducing AV loss in paddy fields.

Phosphorylation regulation of nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium uptake systems in plants

The uptake of ammonium,nitrate,phosphorus,and potassium ions by roots is mediated by specific ion transporter or channel proteins,and protein phosphorylation regulation events occurring on these proteins and their regulators determine their ultimate activity.Elucidating the mechanism by which protein phosphorylation modification regulates nutrient uptake will advance plant breeding for high nutrientuse efficiency.In this review,it is concluded that the root nutrient absorption system is composed of several,but not all,members of a specific ion transporter or channel family.Under nutrient-starvation conditions,protein phosphorylation-based regulation of these proteins and associated transcription factors increases ion transporter-or channel-mediated nutrient uptake capacity via direct function activity enhancement,allowing more protein trafficking to the plasma membrane,by strengthening the interaction of transporters and channels with partner proteins,by increasing their protein stability,and by transcriptional activation.Under excessive nutrient conditions,protein phosphorylation-based regulation suppresses nutrient uptake by reversing these processes.Strengthening phosphorylation regulation items that increase nutrient absorption and weakening phosphorylation modification items that are not conducive to nutrient absorption show potential as strategies for increasing nutrient use efficiency.