RESUMEN

Antrodia cinnamomea-derived sulfated polysaccharides (Ac-SPSs) have health benefits, but their yield is low. This study explores a strategy to increase Ac-SPS yield and elucidates the biofunctions of Ac-SPS. For this, A. cinnamomea mycelia were treated with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) administered at 1, 10, and 100 µM. Firstly, functional assay indicated that ZnSO4 increases the Ac-SPS yield by 20 %-30 % compared with the control treatment. ZnSO4 engenders a population of middle-molecular-weight (~200 kDa) Ac-SPSs. Ac-SPS (ASZ-10) from A. cinnamomea treated with 10 µM ZnSO4 exhibits the best anti-proliferation ability against lung cancer A549 cells. Co-treatment of ASZ-10 does not inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation but does induce M1-related markers of macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Secondly, immunomodulatory properties showed that ASZ-10 increases the expression of CD80+ and CD86+ in M-CSF-stimulated bone-marrow-derived macrophages. ASZ-10 induces M1 polarization through up-regulation of the AKT/mTOR pathway as confirmed by AKT and mTOR inhibitors eliminating ASZ-10-induced M1-like markers of macrophages. Through systemic chemical and functional analysis, this study shows that trace amounts (10 µM) of ZnSO4 increase Ac-SPS yield and it reveals that ASZ-10 exhibits anti-cancer activity and acts as a stimulator for M1 macrophages by stimulation of AKT and mTOR.

RESUMEN

Previous investigations on the impact of oral zinc sulfate treatment on newborns' serum bilirubin levels have produced conflicting results. As a result, the goal of this clinical study was to evaluate how oral zinc sulfate affected the levels of serum bilirubin in term infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. The study was conducted at the Neonatal Care Unit of Besat Hospital in Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province, as a double-blind randomized controlled trial. The participants included term infants (37-42 weeks of gestation) who required phototherapy and were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. A total of 290 infants were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received oral zinc sulfate supplementation at a dosage of 1 mg/kg per day in addition to phototherapy, while the placebo group received an equivalent amount of placebo daily. Bilirubin measurements were obtained at the initiation of the intervention and subsequently every 24 h until discharge. The collected data were analyzed using STATA software version 17. After the infants were randomly allocated to the zinc-sulfate and placebo groups, the study outcomes, including the average changes in bilirubin levels after intervention, the hours of phototherapy, and the number of days of hospitalization, were analyzed and compared for a total of 160 infants in the zinc sulfate group and 130 infants in the placebo group. The reduction in bilirubin levels in infants receiving zinc sulfate was (- 3.75 ± 0.19 CI 95% - 4.12, - 3.37) and for placebo group was (- 1.81 ± 0.15 CI 95% - 2.12, - 1.50) 24 h after the intervention. Furthermore, 48 and 72 h following the intervention, bilirubin levels in the intervention group demonstrated a more substantial decline. The zinc sulfate group had a shorter hospital stay (2.13 ± 0.04 vs. 2.83 ± 1.42) and required less phototherapy hours than the placebo group (6.21 ± 2.16 vs. 8.78 ± 1.40).           Conclusions: Oral zinc sulfate supplementation in term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia decreased the level of bilirubin levels, duration of phototherapy, and hospital stay.           Trial registration: IRCT, IRCT20220806055625N1. Study Registered 25 December 2022, http://irct.ir/trial/66,722 .

RESUMEN

The current research aimed to assess the feasibility of using Zn hydroxy chloride (ZnOHCl) as an alternative to ZnSO4 in pre-ruminant crossbred calves. Twenty-four male crossbred calves (Tharparkar × Holstein Friesian) were categorized into four groups according to body weight and age (body weight 31 kg; age 10 days). Experimental calves were kept on a similar feeding regimen except that different groups were supplemented with either 0 mg Zn/kg DMI (Zn-0), 80 mg Zn/kg DMI as ZnSO4 (ZnS-80), 40 mg Zn/kg DMI as ZnOHCl (ZnH-40), or 80 mg Zn/kg DMI as ZnOHCl (ZnH-80). All the calves were fed for 90 days as per ICAR (2013) feeding standard to fulfill their nutrient requirements for growth rate of 500 g/day. The study observed the influence of different sources and varying levels of Zn supplementation over a 90-day experimental period on health status, hemato-biochemical attributes, antioxidant status, immune responses, and plasma minerals and erythrocyte Zn concentrations. The data was examined using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with fixed effects of treatment, period, and their interaction. The results indicated that irrespective of the sources and levels of Zn, supplementation did not lead to significant changes in health status as assessed by fecal score, nasal score, ear score, and eye score. Hematological parameters remained unchanged following supplementation with different sources and levels of Zn. Zn-supplemented groups showed higher levels of total protein, globulin, and alkaline phosphates (ALP) compared to the non-supplemented group. However, no significant variations were detected within the Zn-supplemented groups. Zinc supplementation significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC), antioxidant enzyme activity, total immunoglobulin (Ig), immunoglobulin G (IgG), cell-mediated immunity (CMI), and humoral immunity (HI); however, no significant variations were detected among Zn-supplemented groups. Zn supplementation enhanced plasma and RBC Zn concentration without affecting the plasma concentration of other minerals. However, among the Zn-supplemented groups, 80 mg Zn/kg DMI as ZnOHCl resulted in the highest RBC Zn concentration. The study results demonstrate that Zn supplementation enhanced biomarkers of zinc status, antioxidant levels, and immune responses in pre-ruminant crossbred calves. Nevertheless, no significant variations were observed between the different Zn sources (ZnSO4 and ZnOHCl) utilized in this study. Research suggests that ZnOHCl could be a feasible alternative to ZnSO4 in the diet of pre-ruminant crossbred calves.

RESUMEN

This study aimed to address a significant challenge in the application of bacterial cellulose (BC) within tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by tackling its inherent insolubility in water and organic solvents. Our team introduced a groundbreaking approach by utilizing zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) as a solvent to render BC soluble, a novel contribution to the literature. Subsequently, the obtained soluble BC was combined with varying concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Notably, we pioneered the fabrication of BC/PVP composite scaffolds with customizable fiber surface morphology and regulated degradation rates through the electrospun technique. Several key parameters, such as PVP concentration (8%, 15%, 12%, and 20% w/v), applied voltage (22, 15, and 12 kV), and a fixed nozzle-collector distance of 10 cm with a flow rate of 0.9 mL/h, were systematically evaluated so as to find the optimum parameter created BC/PVP product with electrospun. For electrospun BC/PVP products, a voltage of 12 kV was found to be optimal. Intriguingly, our findings revealed enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation in BC/PVP electrospun products compared with using PVP membranes alone. Specifically, cell viability for PVP and PVP/BC electrospun products was determined as 50.73% and 79.95%, respectively. In terms of thermal properties, the BC/PVP electrospun product exhibited a mass loss of 82.6% at 380°C, while PVP alone experienced 90.2% mass loss at around 280°C. Furthermore, the protein adhesion capacities were measured at 62.3 ± 1.2 µg for PVP and 99.4 ± 2 µg for BC/PVP electrospun products, whereas product showed no biodegradation over 28 days and had notable water retention capacity. In conclusion, our research not only successfully attained nanofiber morphology but also showcased enhanced cell attachment and proliferation on the BC/PVP electrospun product.

RESUMEN

This study aimed to reveal the impact of MeJA and ZnSO4 treatments on the physiological metabolism of barley seedlings and the content of phenolic acid. The results showed that MeJA (100 µM) and ZnSO4 (4 mM) treatments effectively increased the phenolic acid content by increasing the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (PAL) and cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and by up-regulating the expression of genes involved in phenolic acid synthesis. As a result of the MeJA or ZnSO4 treatment, the phenolic acid content increased by 35.3% and 30.9% at four days and by 33.8% and 34.5% at six days, respectively, compared to the control. Furthermore, MeJA and ZnSO4 treatments significantly increased the malondialdehyde content, causing cell membrane damage and decreasing the fresh weight and seedling length. Barley seedlings responded to MeJA- and ZnSO4-induced stress by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and controlling their gene expression levels. Meanwhile, MeJA and ZnSO4 treatments significantly upregulated calcium-adenosine triphosphate, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-related kinase, and calmodulin-dependent protein genes in barley seedlings. This suggested that Ca2+ may be the signaling molecule that promotes phenolic acid synthesis under MeJA and ZnSO4 treatment. This study deepens the understanding of the phenolic acid enrichment process in barley seedlings under MeJA and ZnSO4 treatments.

RESUMEN

This study examined how olfaction impacts ingestive responses of mice to sugar solutions. Experiment 1 asked whether naïve C57BL/6 (B6) mice could identify 1 M glucose, fructose, or sucrose solutions based on odor cues, during a 30-min 2-bottle acceptability test. We tested mice both before and after they were rendered anosmic with ZnSO4 treatment. We used 2 indirect measures of odor-mediated response: number of trials initiated and latency to initiate licking. Before ZnSO4 treatment, the mice learned how to identify 1 M glucose and fructose (but not sucrose) solutions based on odor cues. ZnSO4 treatment eliminated their ability to identify the glucose and fructose solutions. Experiment 2 asked whether 2 d of exposure to a 1 M glucose, fructose, or sucrose solution improved the identification of the same sugar solution. Following exposure, the B6 mice identified all 3 sugar solutions based on odor cues. Experiment 3 asked whether T1R3 knockout mice (i.e. mice lacking the T1R3 subunit of the T1R2 + R3 sweet taste receptor) could learn to discriminate 0.44 M glucose and fructose solutions based on odor cues. All mice were subjected to a 1-h preference test, both before and after exposure to the 0.44 M glucose and fructose solutions. During exposure, the experimental mice received ZnSO4 treatment, whereas the control mice received saline treatment. Before exposure, neither type of mouse preferred the glucose solution. After exposure, the control mice preferred the glucose solution, whereas the experimental mice did not. Our results reveal that mice can learn to use odor cues to identify and discriminate between sugar solutions.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

According to the results of the experimental study, the main regularities of changes in morphological, structural-functional and fluorescent indices of P. cordatum were established when zinc oxide nanoparticles ZnO NPs (0.3-6.4 mg L-1) and Zn in form of salt (0.09-0.4 mg L-1) were added to the medium. The studied pollutants have cytotoxic (growth inhibition, development of oxidative stress, destruction of cytoplasmic organelles, disorganization of mitochondria) and genotoxic (changes in the morphology of nuclei, chromatin condensation) effects on microalgae, affecting almost all aspects of cell functioning. Despite the similar mechanism of action of zinc sulfate and ZnO NPs on P. cordatum cells, the negative effect of ZnO NPs is also due to the inhibition of photosynthetic activity of cells (significant decrease in the maximum quantum yield of photosynthesis and electron transport rate), reduction of chlorophyll concentration from 3.5 to 1.8 pg cell-1, as well as mechanical effect on cells: deformation and damage of cell membranes, aggregation of NPs on the cell surface. Apoptosis-like signs of cell death upon exposure to zinc sulfate and ZnO NPs were identified by flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscopy methods: changes in cell morphology, cytoplasm retraction, development of oxidative stress, deformation of nuclei, and disorganization of mitochondria. It was shown that the first signs of cell apoptosis appear at 0.02 mg L-1 Zn and 0.6 mg L-1 ZnO NPs after 72 h of exposure. At higher concentrations of pollutants, a dose-dependent decrease in algal enzymatic activity (up to 5 times relative to control) and mitochondrial membrane potential (up to 4 times relative to control), and an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (up to 4-5 times relative to control) were observed. The results of the presented study contribute to the disclosure of fundamental mechanisms of toxic effects of pollutants and prediction of ways of phototrophic microorganisms reaction to this impact.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Impaired olfactory function may be associated with the development of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety; however, knowledge on the mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders is incomplete. A reversible model of olfactory dysfunction, zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) nasal-treated mice, exhibit depression-like behavior accompanying olfactory dysfunction. Therefore, we investigated olfactory function and depression-like behaviors in ZnSO4-treated mice using the buried food finding test and tail suspension test, respectively; investigated the changes in the hippocampal microglial activity and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus by immunohistochemistry; and evaluated the inflammation and microglial polarity related-proteins in the hippocampus using western blot study. On day 14 after treatment, ZnSO4-treated mice showed depression-like behavior in the tail suspension test and recovery of the olfactory function in the buried food finding test. In the hippocampus of ZnSO4-treated mice, expression levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), cluster of differentiation 40, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, cleaved caspase-3, as well as the number of Iba1-positive cells and cell body size increased, and arginase-1 expression and neurogenesis decreased. Except for the increased IL-6, these changes were prevented by a microglia activation inhibitor, minocycline. The findings suggest that neuroinflammation due to polarization of M1-type hippocampal microglia is involved in depression accompanied with olfactory dysfunction.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 27 inorganic and organometallic zinc salts as used in cosmetic formulations; these salts are specifically of the 2+ (II) oxidation state cation of zinc. These ingredients included in this report have various reported functions in cosmetics, including hair conditioning agents, skin conditioning agents, cosmetic astringents, cosmetic biocides, preservatives, oral care agents, buffering agents, bulking agents, chelating agents, and viscosity increasing agents. The Panel reviewed the relevant data for these ingredients, and concluded that these 27 ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Despite great prospects, Zn//MnO2 batteries suffer from rampant and vertical deposition of zinc sulfate hydroxide (ZSH) at the cathode surface, which leads to a significant impact on their electrochemical performance. This phenomenon is primarily due to the drastic increase in the electrolyte pH value upon discharging, which is closely associated with the electrodissolution of Mn-based active materials. Herein, the pH value change is effectively inhibited by employing an electrolyte additive with excellent pH buffering capability. As such, the formation of ZSH at the cathode is postponed, resulting in the deposition of ZSH in a horizontal arrangement. This strategy can significantly enhance the utilization efficiency of cathode active material, while also enabling a solid electrolyte interphase layer at the Zn anode to address low Zn stripping/plating reversibility. With the optimal electrolyte, the Zn//MnO2 battery realizes a 25.6% increase in the specific capacity at 0.2 A g-1 compared to that with the baseline electrolyte, great rate capability (161.6 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1 ), and superior capacity retention (90.2% over 5,000 cycles). In addition, the pH buffering strategy is highly applicable in hydrogel electrolytes. This work underscores the importance of pH regulation for Zn//MnO2 batteries and provides enlightening insights.

RESUMEN

To investigate the effect of different sources of zinc supplements on blood serum parameters, nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology, 18 male Zandi lambs (with initial body weight of 31 ± 1.2 kg and 120 ± 8 days old) were divided into three groups, six animals each in a completely random design. Experimental treatments include (1) control treatment of basal diet without zinc supplementation, (2) basal diet with 40 mg/kg of zinc supplementation from zinc sulfate source, and (3) basal diet with 40 mg/kg of zinc supplementation with origin it was organic (Zn-peptide). All lambs were kept in individual pens with cemented floor and provision of individual feeding and watering. Mean daily weight gain increased with zinc supplementation (P < 0.05), but feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by zinc supplementation in the diet. Zinc supplementation increased the apparent digestibility of the dry matter (P < 0.05), but the digestibility of dietary fat, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were not affected by zinc supplementation. In this experiment, the addition of organic and inorganic supplements to the diet of fattening lambs had no significant effect on serum triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and glucose concentrations, and carcass traits. The concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzyme in the zinc sulfate group was significantly higher than the control and organic zinc groups (P < 0.05). Concentrations of blood urea nitrogen were lower in zinc fed lambs, compared to control (P ≤ 0.05). The villi width in the duodenum was higher in the zinc supplementation treatments (P < 0.05). Also, in the ileum section, the height of the villi in the treatment of zinc sulfate supplement was higher, compared to the complement and control (P < 0.05). The results of this study showed that Zn supplementation, regardless of its source, improved growth performance in fattening lambs. However, no effect was observed on feed intake and efficiency, carcass traits, and blood parameters.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A chick assay was conducted to determine the effects of Zn source on performance and to establish a Zn relative bioavailability value (RBV) for a new source of Zn hydroxychloride. In the assay, 8-day-old chicks were fed a Zn-deficient soy protein concentrate diet supplemented with 0, 7, and 15 mg Zn/kg from feed grade ZnSO4 monohydrate for 14 d to establish a standard response curve. The same basal diet was supplemented with 3, 7, and 10 mg Zn/kg from a new Zn hydroxychloride (SAMZn). A second source of Zn hydroxychloride (IBZn) was supplemented at 10 mg Zn/kg as a direct comparison to the highest level of SAMZn. Weight gain increased (P < 0.05) with increasing Zn level, regardless of source. Weight gain of chicks fed 7 mg Zn/kg from SAMZn was not different (P > 0.05) from chicks fed 15 mg Zn/kg from ZnSO4. Weight gain was not different (P > 0.05) when comparing the 2 sources of Zn hydroxychloride supplemented at 10 mg Zn/kg. Tibia ash Zn and total tibia Zn were increased (P < 0.05) by all Zn sources and responded linearly (P < 0.05) to Zn supplementation from ZnSO4 and SAMZn. Total tibia Zn concentration was not different (P > 0.05) for chicks fed 10 mg Zn/kg from either source of Zn hydroxychloride. Multiple linear regression of total tibia Zn on supplemental Zn intake (R2 = 0.95) resulted in a RBV of 115% for SAMZn compared with ZnSO4 (set at 100%). The RBV of SAMZn was higher (P < 0.05) than ZnSO4. In conclusion, relative bioavailability of Zn (based on tibia Zn) in Zn hydroxychloride from SAMZn was higher than feed grade ZnSO4 based on multiple regression slope-ratio analysis and was similar to that of IBZn Zn hydroxychloride based on tibia Zn responses to 10 mg/kg supplemental dietary Zn.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

This study reports on the development of nanocomposites utilizing a mineral inhibitor and a micronutrient filler. The objective was to produce a slow release fertilizer, with zinc sulfate as the filler and halloysite nanotubes as the inhibitor. The study seeks to chemically activate the intercalation of zinc into the macro-, meso-, and micropores of the halloysite nanotubes to enhance their performance. As a result, we obtained three nanocomposites in zinc sulfate solution with concentrations of 2%, 20%, and 40%, respectively, which we named Hly-7Å-Zn2, Hly-7Å-Zn20, and Hly-7Å-Zn40. We investigated the encapsulation of zinc sulfate in halloysite nanotubes using X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive spectrometer. No significant changes were observed in the initial mineral parameters when exposed to a zinc solution with a concentration of 2 mol%. It was proven that zinc was weakly intercalated in the micropore space of the halloysite through the increase in its interlayer distance from 7.2 to 7.4. With an increase in the concentration of the reacted solution, the average diameter of the nanotubes increased from 96 nm to 129 nm, indicating that the macropore space of the nanotubes, also known as the "site", was filled. The activated nanocomposites exhibit a maximum fixed content of adsorbed zinc on the nanotube surface of 1.4 wt%. The TEM images reveal an opaque appearance in the middle section of the nanotubes. S SEM images revealed strong adhesion of halloysite nanotubes to plant tissues. This property guarantees prolonged retention of the fertilizer on the plant surface and its resistance to leaching through irrigation or rainwater. Surface spraying of halloysite nanotubes offers accurate delivery of zinc to plants and prevents soil and groundwater contamination, rendering this fertilizer ecologically sound. The suggested approach of activating halloysite with a zinc solution appears to be a possible route forward, with potential for the production of tailored fertilizers in the days ahead.

RESUMEN

Improving the biopharmaceutical properties of glucocorticoids (increasing local bioavailability and reducing systemic toxicity) is an important challenge. The aim of this study was to develop a dexamethasone phosphate (DexP) delivery system based on hyaluronic acid (HA) and a water-soluble cationic chitosan derivative, diethylaminoethyl chitosan (DEAECS). The DexP delivery system was a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) resulting from interpolymer interactions between the HA polyanion and the DEAECS polycation with simultaneous incorporation of zinc ions as a cross-linking agent into the complex. The developed PECs had a hydrodynamic diameter of 244 nm and a ζ-potential of +24.4 mV; the encapsulation efficiency and DexP content were 75.6% and 45.4 µg/mg, respectively. The designed DexP delivery systems were characterized by both excellent mucoadhesion and prolonged drug release (approximately 70% of DexP was released within 10 h). In vitro experiments showed that encapsulation of DexP in polysaccharide nanocarriers did not reduce its anti-inflammatory activity compared to free DexP.

RESUMEN

Synaptosomes offer an intriguing ex vivo model system for investigating the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative processes. Lipoxygenases significantly affect the course of neurodegenerative diseases. Homeostasis of trace elements such as zinc is necessary for the continuity of brain functions. In this study, we purpose to determine whether LOXBlock-1, a 12/15 lipoxygenase inhibitor, and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) provide any biochemical protection during neurodegenerative damage in synaptosomes induced by amyloid beta 1-42 (Aß1-42). In this study, animals (30 Wistar Albino male rats 30) were divided into 5 groups (6 animals in each group): Control, 10µM Aß1-42, 10µM Aß1-42+25mM LOXBlock-1, 10µM Aß1-42+10µM ZnSO4, and 10µM Aß1-42+25mM LOXBlock-1+10µM ZnSO4. Synaptosomes were isolated from the rat cerebral cortex. Following, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels, reduced-glutathione (GSH) levels, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, and 8-OHdG levels in synaptosomes were detected according to the ELISA method. ADA and AChE expression and protein levels were analyzed. MDA, nNOS, AChE, and 8-OHdG levels in synaptosomes treated with Aß1-42 resulted in an increase, while there was a decrease in ADA, GSH, and CAT levels (p<0.001 vs. control). Conversely, LOXBlock-1 and ZnSO4 treatments in synaptosomes treated with Aß1-42 decreased MDA, nNOS, AChE, and 8-OHdG levels, while ADA, GSH, and CAT levels increased. Moreover, the most effective improvement was seen in the co-treatment group of LOXBlock-1 and ZnSO4. Our data showed that LOXBlock-1 and ZnSO4 co-treatment may protect against Aß1-42 exposure in rat brain synaptosomes.

RESUMEN

Cadmium (Cd) is considered to be one of the most toxic metals, causing serious harm to plants' growth and humans' health. Therefore, it is necessary to study simple, practical, and environmentally friendly methods to reduce its toxicity. Until now, people have applied zinc sulfate to improve the Cd tolerance of plants. However, related studies have mainly focused on physiological and biochemical aspects, with a lack of in-depth molecular mechanism research. In this study, we sprayed high (40 mM) and low (2.5 mM) concentrations of zinc sulfate on seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) plants under 0.5 mM Cd stress. Transcriptome sequencing and physiological indicators were used to reveal the mechanism of Cd tolerance. Compared with the control treatment, we found that zinc sulfate decreased the content of Cd2+ by 57.03-73.39%, and that the transfer coefficient of Cd decreased by 58.91-75.25% in different parts of plants. In addition, our results indicate that the antioxidant capacity of plants was improved, with marked increases in the glutathione content and the activity levels of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and other enzymes. Transcriptome sequencing showed that the differentially expressed genes in both the 0.5 Zn and 40 Zn treatments were mainly genes encoding GST. This study suggests that genes encoding GST in the glutathione pathway may play an important role in regulating the Cd tolerance of seashore paspalum. Furthermore, the present study provides a theoretical reference for the regulation mechanism caused by zinc sulfate spraying to improve plants' Cd tolerance.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen. We investigated the antimicrobial interaction pattern between zinc sulfate and antibiotics against K. pneumoniae biofilm on the phenotypic and genotypic levels. METHODS: Determining the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations and the transcriptomic profile of K. pneumoniae biofilm formation genes post-treatment were carried out to evaluate the effect on the phenotypic and genotypic levels, respectively. RESULTS: Zinc enhanced the antibiofilm potentials of cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and ertapenem, whereas it antagonizes the effectiveness of fluoroquinolones and meropenem on the phenotypic level. On the molecular level, zinc enhanced the anti-biofilm efficacies of cephalosporins (cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, cefpirome, and cefepime) via down-regulating the expression of biofilm-related genes by 18-, 38-, 5-, 77- and 2-folds, respectively. Zinc in combination with aminoglycosides (kanamycin, gentamicin, and amikacin) reduced the expression of biofilm-related genes by 40-, 2602- and 20-folds, respectively, and by 2-folds in combination with ertapenem. However, a reduction in the down-regulatory potentials of fluoroquinolones was recorded following combination with zinc by 2-, 2-, 15- and 14-folds, respectively, and an up-regulation in the expression levels of the tested genes by 2-folds in the case of zinc/meropenem combination. CONCLUSIONS: Results revealed variable interaction patterns between different antibiotics in combination with zinc. Current findings also shed light on the antibiofilm potentials of zinc/antibiotics combinations especially when combining zinc with fluoroquinolones or meropenem to avoid their antagonistic effects.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a rapidly propagating infectious disease of cloven-hoofed animals, especially cattle and pigs, affecting the productivity and profitability of the livestock industry. Presently, FMD is controlled and prevented using vaccines; however, conventional FMD vaccines have several disadvantages, including short vaccine efficacy, low antibody titers, and safety issues in pigs, indicating the need for further studies. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a novel bivalent vaccine containing zinc sulfate as an immunostimulant and FMD type O and A antigens (O PA2 and A YC, respectively) against FMD virus in mice and pigs. Zinc sulfate induced cellular immunity in murine peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) and porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by increasing IFNγ secretion. Additionally, FMD vaccine containing O PA2 and A YC antigens and zinc sulfate induced early, mid-, and long-term immune responses in mice and pigs, and enhanced cellular and humoral immunity by regulating the expression of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), transcription factors, co-stimulatory molecules, and cytokines in porcine PBMCs from vaccinated pigs. Overall, these results indicated that the novel immunostimulant zinc sulfate induced potent cellular and humoral immune responses by stimulating antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and T and B cells, and enhanced long-term immunity by promoting the expression of co-stimulatory molecules. These outcomes suggest that zinc sulfate could be used as a novel vaccine immunostimulant for difficult-to-control viral diseases, such as African swine fever (ASF) or COVID-19.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

This study investigated the interactive effects of zinc sulfate nanoparticles (ZnSO4 NPs) and potassium fertilizers (SOP and MOP) on growth and quality of maize (Zea mays L.) under different moisture regimes in cadmium contaminated soils. It seeks to identify how these two different sources of nutrients interact to improve the quality of maize grains and fodder production to ensure food safety and food security under abiotic stresses. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse under two moisture regimes including M1 (non-limiting regime, 20-30 %) and M2 (water-limiting, 10-15 %) at Cd contamination of 20 mg kg-1. The results showed that ZnSO4 NPs combined with potassium fertilizers significantly increased the growth and proximate composition of maize in Cd contaminated soil. Moreover, applied amendments significantly alleviated the stress induced in maize by improving the growth. The greatest increase in maize growth and quality was observed when ZnSO4 NPs were applied in combination with SOP (K2SO4). The results also showed that the interactive effects of ZnSO4 NPs and potassium fertilizers significantly affected the Cd bioavailability in soil and concentration in plants. It was observed that MOP (KCl) enhanced the Cd bioavailability in soil due to presence of Cl anion. In addition, the application of ZnSO4 NPs combined with SOP fertilizer reduced the concentration of Cd in maize grain and shoot, and significantly reduced the probable health risks to humans and cattle. It suggested that this strategy could help to reduce Cd exposure through food consumption and therefore ensure food safety. Our findings suggest that ZnSO4 NPs and SOP can be used synergistically to improve maize crop production and development of agricultural practices in areas affected by Cd contamination. Moreover, by understanding the interactive effects of these two sources of nutrients, this research could help in the management of areas affected by heavy metals contamination. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The application of zinc and potassium fertilizers can increase the biomass of maize, minimize abiotic stresses, and improve the nutritional value of the crop in Cd contaminated soils; this is particularly true when zinc sulfate nanoparticles and sulfate of potash (K2SO4) are used in conjunction. This form of fertilizer management can lead to a greater, more sustainable yield of maize under contaminated soils, which could have a major impact on global food supply. Remediation coupled with agro-production (RCA) not only improves the effectiveness of the process but will also encourage farmers to take part in soil remediation by easy management.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

In order to improve the economic utilization of quinoa bran and develop a safe and highly available zinc ion biological supplement. In this study, a four-factor, three-level response surface optimization of quinoa bran soluble dietary fiber (SDF) complexation of zinc was studied. The effect used four factors on the chelation rate was investigated: (A) mass ratio of SDF to ZnSO4.7H2O, (B) chelation temperature, (C) chelation time, and (D) pH. Based on the results of the single-factor test, the four-factor three-level response surface method was used to optimize the reaction conditions. The optimal reaction conditions were observed as mentioned here: the mass ratio of quinoa bran SDF to ZnSO4.7H2O was 1, the reaction temperature was 65°C, the reaction time was 120 min, and the pH of the reaction system was 8.0. The average chelation rate was 25.18%, and zinc content is 465.2 µg/g under optimal conditions. The hydration method rendered a fluffy quinoa bran SDF structure. The intramolecular functional groups were less stable which made the formation of the lone pairs of electrons feasible to complex with the added divalent zinc ions to form a quinoa bran soluble dietary fiber-zinc complex [SDF-Zn(II)]. The SDF-Zn(II) chelate had higher 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS+, hydroxyl radical scavenging ability, and total antioxidant capacity. Therefore, metal ion chelation in dietary fiber is of biological importance.