Nano hybrid fertilizers: A review on the state of the art in sustainable agriculture

The advent of Nanohybrid (NH) fertilizers represents a groundbreaking advancement in the pursuit of precision and sustainable agriculture. This review abstract encapsulates the transformative potential of these innovative formulations in addressing key challenges faced by modern farming practices. By incorporating nanotechnology into traditional fertilizer matrices, nanohybrid formulations enable precise control over nutrient release, facilitating optimal nutrient uptake by crops. This enhanced precision not only fosters improved crop yields but also mitigates issues of over-fertilization, aligning with the principles of sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, nanohybrid fertilizers exhibit the promise of minimizing environmental impact. Their controlled release mechanisms significantly reduce nutrient runoff, thereby curbing water pollution and safeguarding ecosystems. This dual benefit of precision nutrient delivery and environmental sustainability positions nanohybrid fertilizers as a crucial tool in the arsenal of precision agriculture practices. The intricate processes of uptake, translocation, and biodistribution of nutrients within plants are examined in the context of nanohybrid fertilizers. The nanoscale features of these formulations play a pivotal role in governing the efficiency of nutrient absorption, internal transport, and distribution within plant tissues. Factors affecting the performance of nanohybrid fertilizers are scrutinized, encompassing aspects such as soil type, crop variety, and environmental conditions. Understanding these variables is crucial for tailoring nanohybrid formulations to specific agricultural contexts, and optimizing their impact on crop productivity and resource efficiency. Environmental considerations are integral to the review, assessing the broader implications of nanohybrid fertilizer application. This review offers a holistic overview of nanohybrid fertilizers in precision and sustainable agriculture. Exploring delivery mechanisms, synthesis methods, uptake dynamics, biodistribution patterns, influencing factors, and environmental implications, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted role and implications of nanohybrid fertilizers in advancing modern agricultural practices.

Harnessing nature's arsenal: Ochrobactrum bacteria metabolites in the battle against root- knot nematode - Insights from in vitro and molecular docking studies

The productivity of agriculture and plant health are seriously threatened by the root-knot nematode. The use of biocontrol agents reduces the need for chemical nematodes and improves the general health of agricultural ecosystems by offering a more environmentally friendly and sustainable method of managing nematode infestations. Plant-parasitic nematodes can be efficiently managed with the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), which are thought to be very promising biocontrol agents. This study focused on the nematicidal activity of the secondary metabolites present in the bacteria Ochrobactrum sp. identified in the EPN, Heterorhabditisindica against Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). Its effect on egg hatching and survival of juveniles of root- knot nematode (RKN) was examined. The ethyl acetate component of the cell-free culture (CFC) filtrate of the Ochrobactrum sp. bacteria was tested at four different concentrations (25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %) along with broth and distilled water as control. The bioactive compounds of Ochrobactrum sp. bacteria showed the highest suppression of M. incognita egg hatching (100 %) and juvenile mortality (100 %) at 100 % concentration within 24 h of incubation. In this study, unique metabolite compounds were identified through the Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, which were found to have anti- nematicidal activity. In light of this, molecular docking studies were conducted to determine the impact of biomolecules from Ochrobactrum sp. using significant proteins of M. incognita, such as calreticulin, sterol carrier protein 2, flavin-containing monooxygenase, pectate lyase, candidate secreted effector, oesophageal gland cell secretory protein and venom allergen-like protein. The results also showed that the biomolecules from Ochrobactrum sp. had a significant inhibitory effect on the different protein targets of M. incognita. 3-Epimacronine and Heraclenin were found to inhibit most of the chosen target protein. Among the targets, the docking analysis revealed that Heraclenin exhibited the highest binding affinity of -8.6 Kcal/mol with the target flavin- containing monooxygenase. Further, the in vitro evaluation of 3- Epimacronine confirmed their nematicidal activity against M. incognita at different concentrations. In light of this, the present study has raised awareness of the unique biomolecules of the bacterial symbiont Ochrobactrum sp. isolated from H. indica that have nematicidal properties.

Predictive Value of Day of Treatment SPECT/CT Radiomics in Lobar Y90 Radioembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) with Yttrium-90 (Y90) microspheres is a well-tolerated liver-directed therapy for patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Y90 TARE uses pretreatment and post-treatment single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT for assessment of microsphere biodistribution within tumor. Patients who develop disease progression (PD) after lobar TARE have poor overall survival (OS). Conventional radiography can require several months follow-up to assess tumor response per modified RECIST (mRECIST), resulting in treatment delays for patients with PD. Predictive models capable of identifying patients at high risk for PD could prompt close surveillance and rapid initiation of salvage therapies, enhancing disease control (DC). Predictive models in various cancers have incorporated radiomics, an analytic technique that extracts digital patterns from medical imaging. We hypothesized that radiomics of immediate post-treatment SPECT/CT can predict objective response (OR) to Y90 TARE.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 38 lobar TARE treatments were assessed retrospectively. For all treatments, the prescribed dose was 120 Gy. SPECT/CT obtained immediately after TARE underwent radiomics analysis. A total of 75 features related to gray-level (GL) co-occurrence matrices (COM), dependency matrices (DM), run length matrices (RLM), zone size matrices (ZSM), and neighborhood difference matrices (NDM) were examined and balanced between cohorts with and without OR by aid of Gaussian noise up-sampling. Top features were chosen for a weighted k-nearest neighbors (KNN) classifier based on rank as determined by the RELIEF-F algorithm. Performance of the developed classifier was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

Most patients (76%) were Child-Pugh A cirrhotic, while Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage was evenly distributed A to C. On radiographic review, 22 treatments (58%) achieved OR. The selected top features consisted of two from CT (GLNDM-based coarseness; GLDM-based small dependence low gray level emphasis) and two from SPECT (GLNDM-based coarseness; GLZSM-based zone entropy). The weighted KNN classifier built using the selected features demonstrated a relatively strong power for predicting OR, with a ROC area under curve (AUC) of 0.83.

CONCLUSION

In lobar TARE Y90 of inoperable HCC, a predictive model using texture features extracted from day of treatment SPECT/CT distinguished responders from non-responders with high accuracy. Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature and the absence of toxicity analysis. These findings suggest that predictive modeling incorporating SPECT/CT radiomics could enhance the therapeutic ratio for vulnerable HCC patients and merits further investigation in prospective clinical trials of Y90 TARE.

Technical and clinical assessment of latest technology SiPM integrated digital PETCT scanner

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to conduct a technical and clinical evaluation of a Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) integrated digital Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography (PETCT) Scanner using National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU 2- 2018 standards.

METHODS

System sensitivity was measured by using a NEMA sensitivity phantom. Scatter fraction, count-rate performance, accuracy of count loss, and timing resolution were all computed. Clinical images were acquired and image quality was assessed and compared with published studies.

RESULTS

At 1 cm, tangential, radial, and axial spatial resolutions were 3.02 mm, 3.02 mm, and 2.73 mm at full width half maximum (FWHM), respectively. Sensitivity at centre and 10 cm was 10.359 cps/kBq and 9.741 cps/kBq, respectively. The timing resolution was measured at 372 ps.

CONCLUSION

The digital PETCT exhibits a high-spatial resolution and a superior timing resolution, which advances the diagnostic ability to detect small lesions and boosts the diagnostic confidence.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Increases clinical relevance by improving the ability to detect and differentiate tiny or low-contrast lesions without compromising radiopharmaceutical dose or overall scan time.

Clinical experience with non-invasive prenatal screening for single-gene disorders

OBJECTIVE

To assess the performance of a non-invasive prenatal screening test (NIPT) for a panel of dominant single-gene disorders (SGD) with a combined population incidence of 1 in 600.

METHODS

Cell-free fetal DNA isolated from maternal plasma samples accessioned from 14 April 2017 to 27 November 2019 was analyzed by next-generation sequencing, targeting 30 genes, to look for pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants implicated in 25 dominant conditions. The conditions included Noonan spectrum disorders, skeletal disorders, craniosynostosis syndromes, Cornelia de Lange syndrome, Alagille syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, epileptic encephalopathy, SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability, CHARGE syndrome, Sotos syndrome and Rett syndrome. NIPT-SGD was made available as a clinical service to women with a singleton pregnancy at ≥ 9 weeks' gestation, with testing on maternal and paternal genomic DNA to assist in interpretation. A minimum of 4.5% fetal fraction was required for test interpretation. Variants identified in the mother were deemed inconclusive with respect to fetal carrier status. Confirmatory prenatal or postnatal diagnostic testing was recommended for all screen-positive patients and follow-up information was requested. The screen-positive rates with respect to the clinical indication for testing were evaluated.

RESULTS

A NIPT-SGD result was available for 2208 women, of which 125 (5.7%) were positive. Elevated test-positive rates were observed for referrals with a family history of a disorder on the panel (20/132 (15.2%)) or a primary indication of fetal long-bone abnormality (60/178 (33.7%)), fetal craniofacial abnormality (6/21 (28.6%)), fetal lymphatic abnormality (20/150 (13.3%)) or major fetal cardiac defect (4/31 (12.9%)). For paternal age ≥ 40 years as a sole risk factor, the test-positive rate was 2/912 (0.2%). Of the 125 positive cases, follow-up information was available for 67 (53.6%), with none classified as false-positive. No false-negative cases were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

NIPT can assist in the early detection of a set of SGD, particularly when either abnormal ultrasound findings or a family history is present. Additional clinical studies are needed to evaluate the optimal design of the gene panel, define target populations and assess patient acceptability. NIPT-SGD offers a safe and early prenatal screening option. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Esophageal squamous cell cancer in Plummer-Vinson syndrome: Is lichen planus a missing link?

This retrospective study analyzed the occurrence of esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) in a cohort of patients with Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) and mucosal lichen planus (LP). ESCC occurred in 6.2% cases of PVS, more than half of whom had associated oral LP. Mucosal LP and PVS together may increase the predisposition to ESCC.

A 10-year Audit of Penile Prosthesis Insertion

Introduction Penile prosthesis (PP) insertion is the gold standard surgical treatment option for men with refractory Erectile Dysfunction (ED). PP insertion is considered effective but has a well-documented array of complications. Our aim was to assess outcomes following single-surgeon insertion of PP for ED within an Irish cohort. Methods Following review of the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) system, a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent PP insertion over a 10-year period from 2008-2017 inclusive was performed, and an electronic database was analysed for results. Results One-hundred-and-eleven PPs were inserted in 96 patients. The most common aetiology for ED in our cohort was post-prostatectomy, affecting 25 (26%) patients. The most frequently implanted device was a 3-piece inflatable PP (3p-IPP) (AMS 700TM; American Medical Systems Inc., Minnesota, USA) and the peno-scrotal approach was utilised in the majority of patients (86, 77.5%). No intraoperative complications were recorded. Twelve (12.5%) patients developed peri-operative complications. Thirteen (13.5%) patients required device revision, the majority for device failure. Of the 71 patient satisfaction responses, 61 (85.9%) patients were satisfied with their PP. Conclusions This single-surgeon retrospective audit of PP surgery demonstrates complication rates in-line with internationally published data. Patients should be adequately counselled regarding possible complications, including device failure and erosion. PP insertion should be considered for suitable patients with refractory ED.

Naphthalenesulphonic Acid Derivatives as Potential anti-HIV-1 Agents. Chemistry, Biology and Molecular Modelling of Their Inhibition of Reverse Transcriptase

Activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the naphthalenesulphonic acid series is most pronounced in the disulphonic acid series. In this class of compounds, N-acyl derivatives of 4-amino-5-hydroxy-2,7-naphthalenedisulphonic acid demonstrate significant anti-HIV activity at non-toxic doses. The most potent compounds in this group of agents are bis naphthalenedisulphonic acids. A bis derivative containing a decamethylene spacer demonstrated activity against HIV-1, HIV-2 giant cell formation and reverse transcriptase (RT). This compound also demonstrated an in vitro therapeutic index (ratio of 50% cytotoxic concentration to 50% inhibitory antiviral concentration) of 10.6. Molecular modelling analyses of this agent, suramin, and several suramin analogues were undertaken to explain the potent anti-HIV-1 RT activity. These studies were carried out using the molecular decomposition/recomposition strategy, conformational searching, energy minimization and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The bis naphthalenedisulphonic acid derivative compound 1, having a flexible decamethylene spacer, was shown to be able to mimic the helical twist of the B-DNA backbone as a low energy conformer state.

Selective Inhibition of Myxovirus Replication by a Novel Series of Cholesterol-Naphthalenesulfonic Acid Hybrid Molecules

A novel series of hybrid molecules with cholesterol and naphthalenesulfonic acid have been synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against myxoviruses (respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], influenza A and B virus), Naphthalenesulfonic acids (compounds 1–3) and cholesterols (compounds 4 and 5) did not inhibit myxovirus-induced cytopathic-ity. However, hybrid molecules (compounds 6 and 7) proved active against RSV and influenza A virus but not influenza B virus. The antiviral effects of the hybrid compounds 6 and 7 were comparable to those of dextran sulfate. Mixtures of naphthalenesulfonic acid and cholesteryl chloroformate (compounds 1 and 5 molecules, corresponding to the hybrid molecule 6; and compounds 2 and 5, corresponding to the hybrid molecule 7) did not show antiviral activity. The mode of action of the cholesterol-linked naphthalenesulfonic acids can be attributed to inhibition of virus-cell fusion (influenza A virus) or inhibition of both virus-cell binding and fusion (RSV).

Inhibition of HIV-1-Induced Cytopathogenicity, Syncytium Formation, and Virus-Cell Binding by Naphthalenedisulphonic Acids through Interaction with the Viral Envelope gp120 Glycoprotein

Bis-naphthalenedisulphonic acid derivatives with a biphenyl spacer, 4,4′-[4,4′-biphenyldiylbis(sulphonyl-amino)]bis(5-hydroxy-2,7-naphthalenedisulphonic acid) and 3,3′-[4,4′-biphenyldiylbis(sulphonyl-amino)]bis(1,5-naphthalenedisulphonic acid), have previously been reported as potent and selective inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication in cell culture. These compounds have also proved inhibitory to syncytium formation in cocultures of MOLT-4 cells with HIV-1-infected HUT-78 cells. They also inhibit the binding of HIV-1 virions to MT-4 cells as determined by a flow cytometric (FACS) method. Further studies on their mechanism of action by the FACS have revealed that the compounds inhibit the binding of anti-gp120 monoclonal antibody to the viral envelope glycoprotein gp120. Binding of OKT4A/Leu3a monoclonal antibody to the cellular CD4 receptor is not affected by the compounds. These results suggest that the anti-HIV-1 activity of the naphthalenedisulphonic acid derivatives can be attributed to inhibition of the gp120-CD4 interaction through binding of the compounds to the viral gp120 antigen.

Bladder cancer in renal allograft recipients: risk factors and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Solid organ transplant recipients have an increased cancer risk owing to immunosuppression and oncogenic viral infections. We report on the incidence and types of bladder cancer in kidney transplant recipients in Ireland, describing possible additional risk factors and outcomes in these patients.

METHODS

We identified kidney transplant recipients diagnosed with de novo bladder cancer between January 1, 1994, and July 31, 2012, by integrating data from the Irish National Cancer Registry and National Renal Transplant Registry. We calculated the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and examined patient and tumor characteristics and 1-year survival rate.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were diagnosed with de novo bladder cancer during the study period, representing 0.48% of kidney transplant recipients. The SIR was 2.5 (95% CI, 1.4-4.2; P < .001). The mean interval between transplantation and diagnosis of bladder tumor was 8.6 years and mean age at time of diagnosis was 55.7 years. Sixty percent of patients were male. The tumor types were transitional cell carcinoma (9 patients), squamous cell carcinoma (3 patients), adenocarcinoma (1 patient), carcinoma in situ (1 patient), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (1 patient). Beside immunosuppression, risk factors associated with bladder cancer were urogenital disease (6 patients), cyclophosphamide exposure (2 patients), BK nephropathy (1 patient), analgesic nephropathy (1 patient), and extensive smoking (1 patient). Eight patients underwent radical cystectomy for invasive tumors, with resection of other pelvic organs in 7 patients. Mortality rate within the first year was 40%.

CONCLUSION

Bladder cancer occurred more commonly in kidney transplant recipients with a predominance of aggressive tumors and a high mortality. In patients with preexisting risk factors such as urologic abnormalities and cyclophosphamide exposure careful assessment before transplantation and vigilant monitoring posttransplantation with a low threshold for cystoscopy may improve outcomes.

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and Intracranial Aneurysms: Is There an Increased Risk of Treatment?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of intracranial aneurysms. Our purpose was to assess whether there is an increased risk during aneurysm coiling and clipping.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample (2000-2011). All subjects had an unruptured aneurysm clipped or coiled and were divided into polycystic kidney (n = 189) and control (n = 3555) groups. Primary end points included in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and total hospital charges. Secondary end points included the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for iatrogenic hemorrhage or infarction; intracranial hemorrhage; embolic infarction; and carotid and vertebral artery dissections.

RESULTS

There was a significantly greater incidence of iatrogenic hemorrhage or infarction, embolic infarction, and carotid artery dissection in the patients with polycystic kidney disease compared with the control group after endovascular coiling. There was also a significantly greater incidence of iatrogenic hemorrhage or infarction in the polycystic kidney group after surgical clipping. However, the hospital stay was not longer in the polycystic kidney group, and the total hospital charges were not higher. Additional analysis within the polycystic kidney group revealed a significantly shorter length of stay but similar in-hospital costs when subjects underwent coiling versus clipping.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with polycystic kidney disease face an increased risk during intracranial aneurysm treatment, whether by coiling or clipping. This risk, however, does not translate into longer hospital stays or increased hospital costs. Despite the additional catheterization-related risks of dissection and embolization, coiling results in shorter hospital stays and similar mortality compared with clipping.

Single centre experience of hypothermic machine perfusion of kidneys from extended criteria deceased heart-beating donors: a comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Kidneys from extended criteria donors are associated with higher rates of delayed graft function (DGF). Hypothermic machine perfusion (MP) for storage is associated with more favourable outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in 93 patients where the kidney was stored using hypothermic MP (LifePort(®)) and compared to an age-matched control group where the kidney was stored in cold static storage (CSS) using University of Wisconsin solution.

RESULTS

Median age was similar in both groups (59.2 years in MP vs 59.9 years in CSS, p = 0.5598). Mean cold storage time was 15.6 h in MP vs 17.9 h in CSS. Post transplant mean serum creatinine was as follows; MP group-144.7 μmol/L at 1 month; 138.3 μmol/L at 3 months and 129.5 μmol/L at 12 months. In the CSS group-163 μmol/L at 1 month; 154.9 μmol/L at 3 months and 140.2 μmol/L at 12 months. There was a statistically significant difference at 1 month (p = 0.0096) and 3 months (p = 0.0236). DGF was defined as the need for haemodialysis within 7 days post transplant. In the MP group, DGF occurred in 17.2 % patients with mean of 6 days (range 1-18). In the CSS group, 25.8 % patients with mean of 8.1 days (range 3-25). One-year graft survival rate was better in the MP group (97.85 vs 96.77 %).

CONCLUSION

Our experience to date recommends the use of hypothermic MP for storage of kidneys from extended criteria deceased heart-beating donors.

Electrochemical performance of yttrium substituted LiY(x)Ni(1-x)O2 (0.00 < or = X < or = 0.20) cathode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

Pristine LiNiO2 and yttrium substituted LiY(x)Ni(1-x)O2 (0.00 < or = X < or = 0.20) cathode materials were synthesized by sol-gel technique using aqueous solutions of metal nitrates and tartaric acid as a chelating agent. Physical properties of synthesized materials were characterized by using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray powder diffraction analysis showed an increase in lattice parameters with increasing yttrium content yttrium occupies within the layer. SEM and TEM analyses were used to visualize the nature and surface morphological aspects of the oxides. Electrochemical studies were made for the assembled cells using galvanostatic charge/discharge studies discharge rate 0.5 C in the potential range between 3 and 4.5 V. Among them, LiY0.15Ni0.85O2 behaved much better, losing about 5% of its initial capacity (195 mA h g(-1)) after 60 cycles at 185 mA h g(-1). While the pristine LiNiO2 lost about 10% of its initial capacity (164 mA h g(-1)). The substitution of Ni with yttrium, in LiY0.15Ni0.85O2 enhanced the high discharge capacity, good reversibility and best electrochemical performance of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Electrochemical performances of surface modified CePO4-coated LiMn2O4 cathode materials for rechargeable lithium ion batteries

Improved electrochemical performances of Spinel LiMn2O4 cathode was prepared by a sol-gel coating of CePO4 to the surface of the LiMn2O4 powder and subsequent heat treatment at 600 degrees C for 8 h in air. The surface modified LiMn2O4 cathode materials were characterized by using TG/DTA, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscope, cyclic voltammetry techniques and charge/discharge studies. XRD and SEM results show that no significant bulk structural differences are observed between the coated and pristine LiMn2O4. 2 wt.% CePO4 coated LiMn2O4 cathode materials was enhance the particle size compared to pristine due to small layer of CePO4 particle covered on the over the surface. XPS data illustrated that, the CePO4 was completely coated over the surface of the LiMn2O4 core materials. Galvanostatic charge/discharge studies of the uncoated and CePO4-coated LiMn2O4 cathode materials were carried out in the voltage range between 3.0 and 4.5 V at elevated temperature (50 degrees C). The composition of CePO4 coating was increased from 0.0 to 3.0 Wt.%, the initial capacity of the samples decreased slightly. But the cycling stability was increased remarkably between 3-4.5 V. 2.0 Wt.% CePO4-coated LiMn2O4 cathode has satisfied the structural stability, high reversible capacity and excellent electrochemical performances. This result indicates that, the surface treatment should be an effective way to improve the comprehensive properties of the cathode materials for lithium ion batteries.