Anandamide induces apoptosis in human cells via vanilloid receptors. Evidence for a protective role of cannabinoid receptors.

The endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) is shown to induce apoptotic bodies formation and DNA fragmentation, hallmarks of programmed cell death, in human neuroblastoma CHP100 and lymphoma U937 cells. RNA and protein synthesis inhibitors like actinomycin D and cycloheximide reduced to one-fifth the number of apoptotic bodies induced by AEA, whereas the AEA transporter inhibitor AM404 or the AEA hydrolase inhibitor ATFMK significantly increased the number of dying cells. Furthermore, specific antagonists of cannabinoid or vanilloid receptors potentiated or inhibited cell death induced by AEA, respectively. Other endocannabinoids such as 2-arachidonoylglycerol, linoleoylethanolamide, oleoylethanolamide, and palmitoylethanolamide did not promote cell death under the same experimental conditions. The formation of apoptotic bodies induced by AEA was paralleled by increases in intracellular calcium (3-fold over the controls), mitochondrial uncoupling (6-fold), and cytochrome c release (3-fold). The intracellular calcium chelator EGTA-AM reduced the number of apoptotic bodies to 40% of the controls, and electrotransferred anti-cytochrome c monoclonal antibodies fully prevented apoptosis induced by AEA. Moreover, 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid and MK886, cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, caspase-3 and caspase-9 inhibitors Z-DEVD-FMK and Z-LEHD-FMK, but not nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nomega-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, significantly reduced the cell death-inducing effect of AEA. The data presented indicate a protective role of cannabinoid receptors against apoptosis induced by AEA via vanilloid receptors

Reversed oxygen sensing using colloidal quantum wells towards highly emissive photoresponsive varnishes

Colloidal quantum wells combine the advantages of size-tunable electronic properties with vast reactive surfaces that could allow one to realize highly emissive luminescent-sensing varnishes capable of detecting chemical agents through their reversible emission response, with great potential impact on life sciences, environmental monitoring, defence and aerospace engineering. Here we combine spectroelectrochemical measurements and spectroscopic studies in a controlled atmosphere to demonstrate the 'reversed oxygen-sensing' capability of CdSe colloidal quantum wells, that is, the exposure to oxygen reversibly increases their luminescence efficiency. Spectroelectrochemical experiments allow us to directly relate the sensing response to the occupancy of surface states. Magneto-optical measurements demonstrate that, under vacuum, heterostructured CdSe/CdS colloidal quantum wells stabilize in their negative trion state. The high starting emission efficiency provides a possible means to enhance the oxygen sensitivity by partially de-passivating the particle surfaces, thereby enhancing the density of unsaturated sites with a minimal cost in term of luminescence losses

Anandamide Uptake by Human Endothelial Cells and Its Regulation by Nitric Oxide

Anandamide (AEA) has vasodilator activity, which can be terminated by cellular re-uptake and degradation. Here we investigated the presence and regulation of the AEA transporter in human umbelical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs take up AEA by facilitated transport (apparent K(m) = 190 +/- 10 nm and V(max) = 45 +/- 3 pmol. min(-1).mg(-1) protein), which is inhibited by alpha-linolenoyl-vanillyl-amide and N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonoylamide, and stimulated up to 2.2-fold by nitric oxide (NO) donors. The NO scavenger hydroxocobalamin abolishes the latter effect, which is instead enhanced by superoxide anions but inhibited by superoxide dismutase and N-acetylcysteine, a precursor of glutathione synthesis. Peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) causes a 4-fold activation of AEA transport into cells. The HUVEC AEA transporter contributes to the termination of a typical type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB(1)) -mediated action of AEA, i.e. the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase, because NO/ONOO(-) donors and alpha-linolenoyl-vanillyl-amide/N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonoylamide were found to attenuate and enhance, respectively, this effect of AEA. Consistently, activation of CB(1) cannabinoid receptors by either AEA or the cannabinoid HU-210 caused a stimulation of HUVEC inducible NO synthase activity and expression up to 2.9- and 2. 6-fold, respectively. Also these effects are regulated by the AEA transporter. HU-210 enhanced AEA uptake by HUVECs in a fashion sensitive to the NO synthase inhibitor Nomega-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. These findings suggest a NO-mediated regulatory loop between CB(1) cannabinoid receptors and AEA transporter

High-efficiency all-solution-processed light-emitting diodes based on anisotropic colloidal heterostructures with polar polymer injecting layers

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are emerging as true candidates for light-emitting diodes with ultrasaturated colors. Here, we combine CdSe/CdS dot-in-rod hetero-structures and polar/polyelectrolytic conjugated polymers to demonstrate the first example of fully solution-based quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) incorporating all-organic injection/transport layers with high brightness, very limited roll-off and external quantum efficiency as high as 6.1%, which is 20 times higher than the record QD-LEDs with all-solution processed organic interlayers and exceeds by over 200% QD-LEDs embedding vacuum-deposited organic molecules

Long-Range Exciton Diffusion in Two-Dimensional Assemblies of Cesium Lead Bromide Perovskite Nanocrystals

F\"orster Resonant Energy Transfer (FRET)-mediated exciton diffusion through artificial nanoscale building block assemblies could be used as a new optoelectronic design element to transport energy. However, so far nanocrystal (NC) systems supported only diffusion length of 30 nm, which are too small to be useful in devices. Here, we demonstrate a FRET-mediated exciton diffusion length of 200 nm with 0.5 cm2/s diffusivity through an ordered, two-dimensional assembly of cesium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals (PNC). Exciton diffusion was directly measured via steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) microscopy, with physical modeling providing deeper insight into the transport process. This exceptionally efficient exciton transport is facilitated by PNCs high PL quantum yield, large absorption cross-section, and high polarizability, together with minimal energetic and geometric disorder of the assembly. This FRET-mediated exciton diffusion length matches perovskites optical absorption depth, opening the possibility to design new optoelectronic device architectures with improved performances, and providing insight into the high conversion efficiencies of PNC-based optoelectronic devices

Impacts of different pig slurry application methods on soil quality indicators in a maize-soybean cropping sequence in the Sub-humid Pampas of Argentina

Purpose: In Argentina, pig slurry (PS) is spread in surface with N losses in ammonia form. Different methods to decrease these emissions are available, but there is poor information about their impacts on the soil-plant system. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of different PS application methods on the soil quality in a maize-soybean cropping sequence. Methods: PS application methods were evaluated: acidified (AS), incorporated (IS), surface (SS), mineral fertilization (MF) and control (C). The experimental design was arranged in a randomized block with three replicates. Chemical parameters and microbiological parameters were determined. Also, grain yields and N uptake were measured. Results: IS caused increases in anaerobic nitrogen and basal respiration of soil on soybean. Treatments with PS and/or FM showed lower values in pH than C in both crops, and higher electrical conductivity only in maize. SS treatment showed higher Pe on soybean, indicating a maintenance of the P levels with respect to those in MF and C. The concentration of NO3- increased with MF in both crops. In maize, MF presented similar concentrations to AS and SS. IS increased grain yields of maize by 16 %, whereas SS and AS increased yields of soybean by 112% and 79%, respectively, compared to C. Conclusions: The different PS application methods had similar effects on most of the indicators of soil quality. In maize, IS and AS were more efficient in retaining N within the soil-plant system, whereas, in soybean, the SS led to higher yields.EEA Marcos JuárezFil: Pegoraro, V.R. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; ArgentinaFil: Cazorla, Cristian Roman. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; ArgentinaFil: Bachmeier, O. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias. Cátedra de Edafología; Argentina.Fil: Baigorria, Tomás. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; ArgentinaFil: Boccolini, Monica Fabiola. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; ArgentinaFil: Ortiz, J. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; ArgentinaFil: Lorenzon, C.A. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; ArgentinaFil: Hang, S. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias. Cátedra de Edafología; Argentina.Fil: Zubillaga, M.S. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina

CROP DIVERSITY IMPROVES CARBON, NITROGEN AND SOIL BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS IN AN AGROECOLOGICAL SYSTEM

ABSTRACT Agroecological management is emerging as a promising alternative to current agricultural management, which is associated with deterioration of environmental quality and soil fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the conversion from conventional to agroecological management by analysing soil chemical and microbiological properties. This study was carried out in the Barrow Experimental Farm of the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina, where two treatments were evaluated: agroecological (AE) and conventional (CV) management. Samples were taken at 0 - 10 cm depth, and several soil chemical and microbiological parameters were determined. The AE management resulted in an apparent restoration of soil fertility, with increases in soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and pH of 21%, 16% and 3%, respectively. AE management also led to an increase in the activities of enzymes involved in the carbon cycle: cellobiohydrolase (CBH) and β-glucosidase (BG), nitrogen cycle: N-acetyl-b-glu-cosamine (NAG) and sulfur cycle: arylsulfatase (SUL), as well as an increase in the microbial biomass car-bon and in the diversity and richness of the bacterial community (p<0.05). Bacterial and fungal communities differed between treatments (PERMANOVA, bacteria p<0.017 r2=0.1074; fungi p<0.001, r2=0.1973). The bacterial and fungal communities of the AE management were the only ones that correlated positively and significantly with the measured properties, confirming their key role in this system. The bacterial community correlated with the parameters SOC, TN, BG and SUL, while the fungal community correlated with SOC and BG. These results confirm the importance of improving above and belowground biodiversity to maintain or restore soil fertility

Aplicación de compost de cama profunda porcina: calidad de suelo y producción de soja (Glycine max L.)

La aplicación de compost mejora la fertilidad del suelo y el crecimiento de los cultivos, sin embargo, es aún escasa la información sobre la aplicación de compost de cama profunda porcina (CPP) en soja. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de la aplicación de CPP sobre propiedades de un suelo Argiudol Típico y producción de un cultivo de soja. Se utilizó un diseño completo aleatorizado con dos tratamientos y tres repeticiones: aplicación de compost de CPP (14 t ha-1-154 kg N ha-1) comparado con un testigo sin aplicación. La aplicación de compost provocó incrementos en la materia orgánica particulada (MOP), carbono de la bio­masa microbiana (CBM) (p<0,10), nitrógeno anaeróbico (Nan) y conductividad eléctrica (p<0,05). El contenido de nitrógeno de nitrato (N-N03-) se incrementó levemente a la siembra solo en la profundidad de 60-100 cm (p<0,10), mientras que al momento de la cosecha fue a la profundidad de 100-150 cm (p<0,05). Sin embargo, la cantidad total de N-NO3- en el perfil del suelo no mostró diferencias significativas en ambos momentos. El rendimiento de soja se incrementó un 17% (p<0,10) con la aplicación de compost, mientras que el contenido de proteína y aceite no fueron modificados. El mayor rendimiento de soja pudo estar relacionado con los cam­bios provocados sobre la MOP e indicadores microbiológicos, como CBM y Nan, indicando mayor calidad del suelo durante la estación de crecimiento del cultivo.Compost application enhances soil fertility and crop growth, however, little information is available of com­posted pig bedding litter application on soybean. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of composted pig bedding litter application on the soil properties of a Typic Argiudoll and soybean crop production. The trial consisted on a randomized complete design with two treatments and three replications: application of composted pig bedding litter (14 tn ha-1-154 kg N ha-1) and control without application. Compost application increases particulate organic matter (POM) (p<0.10), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), anaerobic nitrogen (AN) and electrical conductivity (p<0.05). The N-nitrate (N03-N) contents were higher with compost application in 60-100 cm (p<0.10) depth at sowing, and in 100-150 cm (p<0.05) at harvesting. However, the total amount of soil N03-N in the profile (0-150 cm) not showed significant differences. Grain yield with compost application was 17% higher than control (p<0.10), while grain protein and oil was not modified. The increases in POM and microbiological parameters, as MBC and AN, could indicate greater soil quality during the growing season and could be one of the reasons for the higher soybean yield.EEA Marcos JuárezFil: Pegoraro, Vanesa Romina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; ArgentinaFil: Boccolini, Monica Fabiola. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; ArgentinaFil: Baigorria, Tomás. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; ArgentinaFil: Rizzo, Pedro Federico. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola. Laboratorio de Transformación de Residuos; ArgentinaFil: Lorenzon, Claudio Antonio. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; ArgentinaFil: Cazorla, Cristian Roman. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; Argentin