-
The New Phytologist Jun 2024Plant water uptake from the soil is a crucial element of the global hydrological cycle and essential for vegetation drought resilience. Yet, knowledge of how the... (Review)
Review
Plant water uptake from the soil is a crucial element of the global hydrological cycle and essential for vegetation drought resilience. Yet, knowledge of how the distribution of water uptake depth (WUD) varies across species, climates, and seasons is scarce relative to our knowledge of aboveground plant functions. With a global literature review, we found that average WUD varied more among biomes than plant functional types (i.e. deciduous/evergreen broadleaves and conifers), illustrating the importance of the hydroclimate, especially precipitation seasonality, on WUD. By combining records of rooting depth with WUD, we observed a consistently deeper maximum rooting depth than WUD with the largest differences in arid regions - indicating that deep taproots act as lifelines while not contributing to the majority of water uptake. The most ubiquitous observation across the literature was that woody plants switch water sources to soil layers with the highest water availability within short timescales. Hence, seasonal shifts to deep soil layers occur across the globe when shallow soils are drying out, allowing continued transpiration and hydraulic safety. While there are still significant gaps in our understanding of WUD, the consistency across global ecosystems allows integration of existing knowledge into the next generation of vegetation process models.
Topics: Water; Trees; Soil; Seasons; Plant Roots; Ecosystem; Geography
PubMed: 38649790
DOI: 10.1111/nph.19762 -
Heliyon Apr 2024The is a notorious pest with a broad host range. It severely damages crops, mainly in areas of the globewhere maize and sorghum are grown. The pest is difficult to...
Investigation on the insecticidal activities of cyanobacterial extracts as an alternative source for the management of fall armyworm, (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
The is a notorious pest with a broad host range. It severely damages crops, mainly in areas of the globewhere maize and sorghum are grown. The pest is difficult to control due to its adaptive nature and resistance to several insecticides available in the market. So, an identification of the alternative strategy is the prime important in the present context. Insecticidal activities of cyanobacterial extracts were evaluated in the laboratory as a biocomponent against . The crude extracts of and sp. were prepared by using ethanol, methanol and petroleum ether solvents. Soxhlet apparatus was used for extraction. larvae in their second instar were given access to fragments of maize leaf that had been treated with various cyanobacterial extracts. The findings displayed that the petroleum ether extract of had the lowest LC50 value of 155.22 ppm, followed by petroleum ether extracts of , ethanol extract of methanol extract of , ethanol and methanol extract of with an LC values of 456.02, 710, 780, 1050 and 1070 ppm respectively. Later, the effect of LC values on many biological parameters like the larval duration and pupal stages, the percentage of pupation, the weight of the pupal stage, the malformation of the pupal and adult stages, adult emergence percentage, fertility and the longevity of the male and female adult stages of was examined. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyse the crude extract to identify the bioactive components that were responsible for the insecticidal properties. The major compounds detected were diethyl phthalate (19.87 %), tetradecane (5.03%), hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (4.10 %), dodecane (4.03%), octadecane (3.72%), octadecanoic acid, methyl ester (3.40 %), ethyl oleate (3.11 %), methyl ester. octadecenoic acid (3.04 %), heptadecane (3.04 %) and phytol (3.02 %). The presence of several bioactive chemicals in the cyanobacterial extracts may be the reason for their insecticidal actions, thus it can be used as an alternative and new source to combat fall armyworm and other crop pests.
PubMed: 38623187
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29060 -
Nutrients Mar 2024In cardiology, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and warfarin are among the most commonly used prophylactic therapies against thromboembolic events. Drug-drug interactions are... (Review)
Review
Potential Drug-Nutrient Interactions of 45 Vitamins, Minerals, Trace Elements, and Associated Dietary Compounds with Acetylsalicylic Acid and Warfarin-A Review of the Literature.
In cardiology, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and warfarin are among the most commonly used prophylactic therapies against thromboembolic events. Drug-drug interactions are generally well-known. Less known are the drug-nutrient interactions (DNIs), impeding drug absorption and altering micronutritional status. ASA and warfarin might influence the micronutritional status of patients through different mechanisms such as binding or modification of binding properties of ligands, absorption, transport, cellular use or concentration, or excretion. Our article reviews the drug-nutrient interactions that alter micronutritional status. Some of these mechanisms could be investigated with the aim to potentiate the drug effects. DNIs are seen occasionally in ASA and warfarin and could be managed through simple strategies such as risk stratification of DNIs on an individual patient basis; micronutritional status assessment as part of the medical history; extensive use of the drug-interaction probability scale to reference little-known interactions, and application of a personal, predictive, and preventive medical model using omics.
Topics: Humans; Vitamins; Trace Elements; Warfarin; Aspirin; Vitamin A; Vitamin K; Minerals
PubMed: 38612984
DOI: 10.3390/nu16070950 -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Apr 2024Polyalthia suberosa (Roxb.) Thwaites (Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been reported for its various pharmacological potentials, such as its anti-inflammatory,...
The impact of seasonal variation on the composition of the volatile oil of Polyalthia suberosa (Roxb.) Thwaites leaves and evaluation of its acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.
BACKGROUND
Polyalthia suberosa (Roxb.) Thwaites (Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been reported for its various pharmacological potentials, such as its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and neuropharmacological activities. This study aimed to analyze the leaf essential oils of P. suberosa (PSLO) collected in different seasons, to evaluate the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, and to corroborate the obtained results via in-silico molecular docking studies.
METHODS
The leaf essential oils of P. suberosa collected in different seasons were analyzed separately by GC/MS. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the leaves oil was assessed via colorimetric assay. In-silico molecular docking studies were elucidated by virtual docking of the main compounds identified in P. suberosa leaf essential oil to the active sites in human acetylcholinesterase crystal structure.
RESULTS
A total of 125 compounds were identified where D-limonene (0.07 - 24.7%), α-copaene (2.25 - 15.49%), E-β-caryophyllene (5.17 - 14.42%), 24-noroleana-3,12-diene (12.92%), β-pinene (0.14 - 8.59%), and α-humulene (2.49-6.9%) were the most abundant components. Results showed a noteworthy influence of the collection season on the chemical composition and yield of the volatile oils. The tested oil adequately inhibited acetylcholinesterase enzyme with an IC value of 91.94 µg/mL. Additionally, in-silico molecular docking unveiled that palmitic acid, phytol, p-cymene, and caryophyllene oxide demonstrated the highest fitting scores within the active sites of human acetylcholinesterase enzyme.
CONCLUSIONS
From these findings, it is concluded that P. suberosa leaf oil should be evaluated as a food supplement for enhancing memory.
Topics: Humans; Seasons; Acetylcholinesterase; Polyalthia; Oils, Volatile; Molecular Docking Simulation; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
PubMed: 38609961
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04443-z -
BMJ Open Quality Apr 2024Early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) at birth has been shown to improve neonatal outcomes due to enhanced cardiorespiratory stability, thermoregulation and breastfeeding...
BACKGROUND
Early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) at birth has been shown to improve neonatal outcomes due to enhanced cardiorespiratory stability, thermoregulation and breastfeeding success.
LOCAL PROBLEM
The practice of early SSC was virtually non-existent in our delivery room (DR).
METHODS AND INTERVENTIONS
The study was conducted in a newly established tertiary care teaching hospital in Western Rajasthan, India. We aimed to improve the median duration of early SSC from 0 min to at least 60 min over 24 weeks in our DR. A quality improvement (QI) team was formed, and all inborn infants ≥35 weeks born vaginally from 9 March 2017 were included. Using the tools of point-of-care QI, we found the lack of standard operating procedure, lack of knowledge among nursing staff regarding early SSC, routine shifting of all infants to radiant warmer, the practice of prioritising birthweight documentation and vitamin K administration as the major hindrances to early SSC. Various change ideas were implemented and tested sequentially through multiple plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles to improve the duration of early SSC. Interventions included framing a written policy for SSC, sensitising the nursing staff and resident doctors, actively delaying the alternate priorities, making early SSC a shared responsibility among paediatricians, obstetricians, nursing staff and family members, and continuing SSC in the recovery area of the DR complex.
RESULTS
The duration of early SSC increased from 0 to 67 min without any additional resources. The practice of SSC got well established in the system as reflected by a sustained improvement of 63 min and 72 min, respectively, at the end of 2 months and 4 years after study completion.
CONCLUSION
Using the QI approach, we established and sustained the practice of early SSC for more than 60 min in our unit by using system analysis and testing change ideas in sequential PDSA cycles.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Infant; Child; Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Quality Improvement; Kangaroo-Mother Care Method; India; Vitamin K; Time Factors
PubMed: 38589043
DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002408 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Apr 2024Maternal obesity is associated with adverse outcome for pregnancy and childbirths. While bariatric surgery may improve fertility and reduce the risk of certain...
BACKGROUND
Maternal obesity is associated with adverse outcome for pregnancy and childbirths. While bariatric surgery may improve fertility and reduce the risk of certain pregnancy-related complications such as hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus, there is a lack of evidence on the optimal nutritional monitoring and supplementation strategies in pregnancy following bariatric surgery. We aimed to assess the impact of bariatric surgery on micronutrients in post-bariatric pregnancy and possible differences between gastric bypass surgery and sleeve gastrectomy.
METHODS
In this prospective case control study, we recruited 204 pregnant women (bariatric surgery n = 59 [gastric bypass surgery n = 26, sleeve gastrectomy n = 31, missing n = 2] and controls n = 145) from Akershus university hospital in Norway. Women with previous bariatric surgery were consecutively invited to study participation at referral to the clinic for morbid obesity and the controls were recruited from the routine ultrasound screening in gestational week 17-20. A clinical questionnaire was completed and blood samples were drawn at mean gestational week 20.4 (SD 4.5).
RESULTS
The women with bariatric surgery had a higher pre-pregnant BMI than controls (30.8 [SD 6.0] vs. 25.2 [5.4] kg/m2, p < 0.001). There were no differences between groups regarding maternal weight gain (bariatric surgery 13.3 kg (9.6) vs. control 14.8 kg (6.5), p = 0.228) or development of gestational diabetes (n = 3 [5%] vs. n = 7 [5%], p = 1.000). Mean levels of vitamin K1 was lower after bariatric surgery compared with controls (0.29 [0.35] vs. 0.61 [0.65] ng/mL, p < 0.001). Multiadjusted regression analyses revealed an inverse relationship between bariatric surgery and vitamin K1 (B -0.26 ng/mL [95% CI -0.51, -0.04], p = 0.047) with a fivefold increased risk of vitamin K1 deficiency in post-bariatric pregnancies compared with controls (OR 5.69 [1.05, 30.77] p = 0.044). Compared with sleeve gastrectomy, having a previous gastric bypass surgery was associated with higher risk of vitamin K1 deficiency (OR 17.1 [1.31, 223.3], p = 0.030).
CONCLUSION
Post-bariatric pregnancy is negatively associated with vitamin K1 with a higher risk of vitamin K1 deficiency in pregnancies after gastric bypass surgery compared with after sleeve gastrectomy. Vitamin K1 deficiency in post-bariatric pregnancy have potential risk of hypocoaguble state in mother and child and should be explored in future studies.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Case-Control Studies; Gastric Bypass; Vitamin K 1; Obesity, Morbid; Bariatric Surgery; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 38566061
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06407-0 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024The plants that we consume in our daily diet and use as a risk preventer against many diseases have many biological and pharmacological activities. In this study, the...
The plants that we consume in our daily diet and use as a risk preventer against many diseases have many biological and pharmacological activities. In this study, the phytochemical fingerprint and biological activities of Beta vulgaris L. leaf extract, which are widely consumed in the Black Sea region, were investigated. The leaf parts of the plant were dried in an oven at 35 °C and then ground into powder. The main constituents in B. vulgaris were identified by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS analyses. Phenolic content, betaxanthin and betacyanin levels were investigated in the extracts obtained using three different solvents. The biological activity of the extract was investigated by anti-microbial, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative and anti-diabetic activity tests. Anti-diabetic activity was investigated by in vitro enzyme inhibition and in-silico molecular docking was performed to confirm this activity. In the LC-MS analysis of B. vulgaris extract, a major proportion of p_coumaric acid, vannilin, protecatechuic aldehyde and sesamol were detected, while the major essential oils determined by GC-MS analysis were hexahydrofarnesyl acetone and phytol. Among the solvents used, the highest extraction efficiency of 2.4% was obtained in methanol extraction, and 36.2 mg of GAE/g phenolic substance, 5.1 mg/L betacyanin and 4.05 mg/L betaxanthin were determined in the methanol extract. Beta vulgaris, which exhibited broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity by forming a zone of inhibition against all tested bacteria, exhibited anti-mutagenic activity in the range of 35.9-61.8% against various chromosomal abnormalities. Beta vulgaris extract, which did not exhibit mutagenic, sub-lethal or lethal effects, exhibited anti-proliferative activity by reducing proliferation in Allium root tip cells by 21.7%. 50 mg/mL B. vulgaris extract caused 58.9% and 55.9% inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, respectively. The interactions of coumaric acid, vanniline, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone and phytol, which are major compounds in phytochemical content, with α-amylase and α-glucosidase were investigated by in silico molecular docking and interactions between molecules via various amino acids were determined. Binding energies between the tested compounds and α-amylase were obtained in the range of - 4.3 kcal/mol and - 6.1 kcal/mol, while for α-glucosidase it was obtained in the range of - 3.7 kcal/mol and - 5.7 kcal/mol. The biological activities of B. vulgaris are closely related to the active compounds it contains, and therefore studies investigating the phytochemical contents of plants are very important. Safe and non-toxic plant extracts can help reduce the risk of various diseases, such as diabetes, and serve as an alternative or complement to current pharmaceutical practices.
Topics: Molecular Docking Simulation; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Methanol; Beta vulgaris; Chromatography, Liquid; Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Acetone; Coumaric Acids; alpha-Glucosidases; Betacyanins; Betaxanthins; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Plant Extracts; Diabetes Mellitus; Solvents; alpha-Amylases; Phytochemicals; Phytol; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38553576
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58338-7 -
Nutrients Mar 2024Zinc, magnesium, and vitamin K are important nutrients for humans. There are various factors that contribute to the development of their deficiency, which might result... (Review)
Review
Zinc, magnesium, and vitamin K are important nutrients for humans. There are various factors that contribute to the development of their deficiency, which might result in or exacerbate various diseases. These nutrients can also interact with vitamin D metabolism and activity. This review discusses the main aspects of zinc, magnesium and vitamin K metabolism and action in the body, their clinical significance, and the "crosstalk" with vitamin D, as well as providing general suggestions for clinical practice when supplementation with these nutrients might be useful, in addition to vitamin D supplementation.
Topics: Humans; Magnesium; Zinc; Vitamin K; Dietary Supplements; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 38542745
DOI: 10.3390/nu16060834 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024One mechanism to regulate pathological vascular calcification (VC) is its active inhibition. Loss or inactivation of endogenic inhibitors is a major inductor of VC. Such... (Review)
Review
One mechanism to regulate pathological vascular calcification (VC) is its active inhibition. Loss or inactivation of endogenic inhibitors is a major inductor of VC. Such inhibitors are proteins rich in gamma-glutamyl residues (Gla-proteins), whose function strongly depends on vitamin K. The current narrative review is focused on discussing the role of extrahepatic vitamin K-dependent Gla-proteins (osteocalcin, OC; matrix Gla-protein, MGP; Gla-rich protein, GRP) in cardio-vascular pathology. Gla-proteins possess several functionally active forms whose role in the pathogenesis of VC is still unclear. It is assumed that low circulating non-phosphorylated MGP is an indicator of active calcification and could be a novel biomarker of prevalent VC. High circulating completely inactive MGP is proposed as a novel risk factor for cardio-vascular events, disease progression, mortality, and vitamin K deficiency. The ratio between uncarboxylated (ucOC) and carboxylated (cOC) OC is considered as an indicator of vitamin K status indirectly reflecting arterial calcium. Despite the evidence that OC is an important energy metabolic regulator, its role on global cardio-vascular risk remains unclear. GRP acts as a molecular mediator between inflammation and calcification and may emerge as a novel biomarker playing a key role in these processes. Gla-proteins benefit clinical practice as inhibitors of VC, modifiable by dietary factors.
Topics: Humans; Osteocalcin; Vitamin K; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Vascular Calcification; Cardiovascular Diseases; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38542487
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063517 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents a highly aggressive malignancy with a lack of reliable diagnostic biomarkers. Protein induced by vitamin K absence...
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents a highly aggressive malignancy with a lack of reliable diagnostic biomarkers. Protein induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA-II) is a protein increased in various cancers (particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma), and it has recently exhibited superior diagnostic performance in PDAC detection compared to other biomarkers. The aim of our research was to identify an in vitro model to study PIVKA-II production, distribution, and release in PDAC. We examined the presence of PIVKA-II protein in a panel of stabilized pancreatic cancer cell lines by Western blot analysis and indirect immunofluorescence (IFA). After quantitative evaluation of PIVKA-II in PaCa 44, H-Paf II, Capan-1, and PANC-1, we adopted the latter as a reference model. Subsequently, we analyzed the effect of glucose addiction on PIVKA-II production in a PANC-1 cell line in vitro; PIVKA-II production seems to be directly related to an increase in glucose concentration in the culture medium. Finally, we evaluated if PIVKA-II released in the presence of increasing doses of glucose is concomitant with the expression of two well-acknowledged epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (Vimentin and Snail). According to our experimental model, we can speculate that PIVKA-II release by PANC-1 cells is glucose-dependent and occurs jointly with EMT activation.
Topics: Humans; Vitamin K; Vitamins; Biomarkers; Protein Precursors; Prothrombin; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Cell Line, Tumor; Liver Neoplasms; Models, Theoretical; Glucose; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 38542466
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063498