Immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells in peripheral nerve injury

Various immune cells and cytokines are present in the aftermath of peripheral nerve injuries (PNI), and coordination of the local inflammatory response is of great significance for the recovery of PNI. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory abilities which can accelerate tissue regeneration and attenuate inflammation, but the role of MSCs in the regulation of the local inflammatory microenvironment after PNI has not been widely studied. Here, we summarize the known interactions between MSCs, immune cells, and inflammatory cytokines following PNI with a focus on the immunosuppressive role of MSCs. We also discuss the immunomodulatory potential of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles as a new cell-free treatment for PNI.

Effect of sowing methods and weeding regimes on the yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University to observe the effect of sowing methods and weeding regimes on the yield of sesame. The experiment comprised of two factors. Two methods of sowing i.e., broadcasting and line sowing (S2), and six weeding regimes- control (T0), weed free (T1), one hand weeding at 15 DAS (T2), two hand weedings at 15 and 30 DAS (T3), three hand weedings at 15, 30 and 45 DAS (T4) and application of Panida (Pendimethalin) herbicide (T5) at 3 DAS. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Almost all the yield characters of sesame were affected significantly due to sowing methods, weeding regime and their interaction. Result showed that the l ine sowing showed better performance regarding plant height (100.40 cm), number of branches (4.983) plant–1, number of capsules plant–1 (47.82), number of seeds capsule–1 (69.66), 1000–seed weight (2.96 g), seed yield (956.90 kg ha–1), stover yield (2167.0 kg ha–1), biological yield (3123.00 kg ha–1) and harvest index (31.45%) than that of broadcasting method. Also weed free treatment had the highest plant height (101.90 cm), highest number of branches (5.00) plant-1, highest capsule (47.08) plant–1, heaviest 1000–seed weight (3.28 g), highest number of seeds capsule–1 (76.22), highest seed yield (974.30 kg ha–1), stover yield (2947.0 kg ha–1) and biological yield (3922.0 kg ha–1) as compared to other treatments while unweeded plot had least significant effect among the whole yield and yield attributes of sesame. In case of interactions, both weed free treatment and herbicidal effect with line sowing methods produced the highest plant height, number of branches and capsules plant–1, seeds capsule–1, seed yield, stover yield and biological yield (109.80 cm, 5.967, 56.57, 81.53, 1054.0 kg ha–1, 3139.0 kg ha–1 and 4193.0 kg ha–1, respectively) as compared to other interaction combinations. The results of the study reveal that the weed free treatment along with line sowing would be the proper technique for higher production of sesame. But line sowing along with application of Panida herbicide would be the best combination for obtaining higher yield of sesame since it is not feasible for the farmers to keep their field weed free throughout all the growing periods. Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.8(3): 291-299, December 2021

Avacopan, a Selective C5a Receptor Antagonist, for Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis

Avacopan, an orally administered C5a receptor (C5aR) antagonist, has been approved for the treatment of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in Japan and the United States. In ADVOCATE Phase III clinical trial, patients with active MPA or GPA received either 30 mg avacopan twice daily or prednisone on a tapering schedule in combination with rituximab or cyclophosphamide (followed by azathioprine). The trial met its two primary endpoints: avacopan showed non-inferiority to prednisone for achieving remission at week 26 (avacopan, 72.3%; prednisone, 70.1%; p < 0.001 for non-inferiority and p = 0.24 for superiority) and superiority for maintaining remission at week 52 (65.7% for avacopan, 54.9% prednisone, p < 0.001 for non-inferiority and p = 0.007 for superiority). Of several key secondary endpoints tested, the glucocorticoid toxicity index (GTI)-cumulative worsening score and GTI-aggregate improvement score were significantly lower in the avacopan group than in the prednisone group at both weeks 26 and 52. Serious adverse events related and unrelated to the worsening vasculitis were reported at 10.2% and 37.3% in the avacopan group and at 14.0% and 39.0% in the prednisone group, respectively. Avacopan has set the stage for the semi-glucocorticoid-free or glucocorticoid-free treatment of MPA and GPA.

Unprecedented Biodegradable Cellulose-Derived Polyesters with Pendant Citronellol Moieties: From Monomer Synthesis to Enzymatic Degradation

Levoglucosenone (LGO) is a cellulose-derived molecule that is present commercially on a multi-ton/year scale. Taking advantage of the α,β-conjugated ketone of LGO, a new citronellol-containing 5-membered lactone (HBO-citro) was synthesized through a one-pot two-step pathway involving oxa-Michael addition and Baeyer-Villiger oxidation. The solvent-free treatment of HBO-citro with NaBH4 at room temperature led to the full reduction of the lactone moiety which gave a novel fully renewable triol monomer having a citronellol side chain (Triol-citro). Noticeably, by simply changing the reducing agent, temperature and reaction duration, the partial reduction of HBO-citro can be achieved to yield a mixture of 5- and 6-membered Lactol-citro molecules. Triol-citro was chosen to prepare functional renewable polyesters having citronellol pendant chains via polycondensation reactions with diacyl chlorides having different chain lengths. Good thermal stability (Td5% up to 170 °C) and low glass transition temperatures (as low as −42 °C) were registered for the polyesters obtained. The polymers were then hydrolyzed using a commercial lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (Lipopan® 50 BG) to assess their biodegradability. A higher degradation profile was found for the polyesters prepared using co-monomers (acyl chlorides) having longer chain lengths. This is likely due to the decreased steric hindrance around the ester bonds which allowed enhanced accessibility of the enzyme.

Effect of Pre and Post Emergence Herbicides Application on Economics of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

An experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 at Post Graduate Research Farm, Agronomy Section, College of Agriculture, Dhule to study the effect of pre and post emergent herbicides application on economics of pearl millet production. Experiment consisted of nine treatments namely weedy check (T1), weed free (T2), atrazine @ 500 g/ha PoE (T3), 2,4-D (Dimethyl amine) @ 500 g/ha at 25-30 DAS PoE (T4), 2,4-D (Na Salt) @ 500 g/ha at 25-30 DAS PoE (T5), atrazine @ 500 g/ha PE fb 2,4-D (Dimethyl amine) @ 500 g/ha at 25-30 DAS PoE (T6), atrazine @ 500 g/ha PE fb 2,4-D (Na Salt) @ 500 g/ha at 25-30 DAS PoE (T7), pendimethalin 750 g/ha PE fb 2,4-D (Dimethyl amine) @ 500 g/ha at 25-30 DAS PoE (T8), pendimethalin 750 g/ha PE fb 2,4-D (Na Salt) @ 500 g/ha at 25-30 DAS PoE (T9) laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Among the herbicidal treatments, grain yield (kg/ha) and straw yield (kg/ha) was observed better with application of pendimethalin @ 750 g/ha PE fb 2,4-D (Na Salt) @ 500 g/ha at 25-30 DAS PoE (T9). Among the chemical weed management treatments, application of pendimethalin @ 750 g/ha PE fb 2,4-D (Na Salt) @ 500 g/ha at 25-30 DAS PoE (T9) observed higher gross and net monetary returns (₹/ha). However, the gross and net monetary returns (₹/ha) were maximum under weed free treatment but lower B:C ratio as compared to sequential application of pendimethalin @ 750 g/ha PE fb 2,4-D (Na Salt) @ 500 g/ha at 25-30 DAS PoE (T9) and pendimethalin @ 750 g/ha PE fb 2,4-D (Dimethyl amine) @ 500 g/ha at 25-30 DAS PoE (T8) due to higher cost for labour weeding.

Weeds Enhance Pollinator Diversity and Fruit Yield in Mango

Agriculture is dependent on insect pollination, yet in areas of intensive production agriculture, there is often a decline in plant and insect diversity. As native habitats and plants are replaced, often only the weeds or unwanted vegetation persist. This study compared insect diversity on mango, Mangifera indica, a tropical fruit tree dependent on insect pollination, when weeds were present in cultivation versus when they were removed mechanically. The pollinating insects on both weeds and mango trees were examined as well as fruit set and yield in both the weed-free and weedy treatment in South Florida. There were significantly more pollinators and key pollinator families on the weedy mango trees, as well as significantly greater fruit yield in the weedy treatment compared to the weed-free treatment. Utilizing weeds, especially native species, as insectary plants can help ensure sufficient pollination of mango and increase biodiversity across crop monocropping systems.

Remodeling immune microenvironment in periodontitis using resveratrol liposomes as an antibiotic-free therapeutic strategy

Background Periodontitis is a complicated inflammatory disease that damages the tooth-supporting tissues, with limited pharmacotherapy available. Macrophage-targeting therapy is promising for inflammatory diseases. Resveratrol (RSV), a nonflavonoid polyphenol, is known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, its medical application is limited by its poor stability and water-solubility, as well as its low bioavailability. Result A therapeutic resveratrol-loaded liposomal system (Lipo-RSV) was developed to treat periodontitis. The physical properties of Lipo-RSV and its ability to regulate macrophages were investigated. The results showed that Lipo-RSV had good biocompatibility and could re-educate the inflammatory macrophages from M1- to M2-like phenotype through activating p-STAT3 and downregulating p-STAT1. Besides, the Lipo-RSV could scavenge ROS and inhibit the NF-κB signal and inflammasomes, thereby reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Conclusion These results revealed that Lipo-RSV could be a potential therapeutic system for the antibiotic-free treatment for periodontal diseases. Graphical Abstract

Reducing Phenanthrene Contamination in Trifolium repens L. With Root-Associated Phenanthrene-Degrading Bacterium Diaphorobacter sp. Phe15

Some root-associated bacteria could degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in contaminated soil; however, their dynamic distribution and performance on root surface and in inner plant tissues are still unclear. In this study, greenhouse container experiments were conducted by inoculating the phenanthrene-degrading bacterium Diaphorobacter sp. Phe15, which was isolated from root surfaces of healthy plants contaminated with PAHs, with the white clover (Trifolium repens L.) via root irrigation or seed soaking. The dynamic colonization, distribution, and performance of Phe15 in white clover were investigated. Strain Phe15 could efficiently degrade phenanthrene in shaking flasks and produce IAA and siderophore. After cultivation for 30, 40, and 50 days, it could colonize the root surface of white clover by forming aggregates and enter its inner tissues via root irrigation or seed soaking. The number of strain Phe15 colonized on the white clover root surfaces was the highest, reaching 6.03 Log CFU⋅g–1 FW, followed by that in the roots and the least in the shoots. Colonization of Phe15 significantly reduced the contents of phenanthrene in white clover; the contents of phenanthrene in Phe15-inoculated plants roots and shoots were reduced by 29.92–43.16 and 41.36–51.29%, respectively, compared with the Phe15-free treatment. The Phe15 colonization also significantly enhanced the phenanthrene removal from rhizosphere soil. The colonization and performance of strain Phe15 in white clove inoculated via root inoculation were better than seed soaking. This study provides the technical support and the resource of strains for reducing the plant PAH pollution in PAH-contaminated areas.