Diagnostic and therapeutic value of intracellular biomarker testing in chronic pain

Aim: Micronutrient and metabolic compound supplementation as a method of treating chronic pain is not well understood. Case: A 58 year-old woman presented with refractory painful neuropathy. She did not respond to conservative treatment and was seeking spinal cord stimulator implantation. She underwent a biomarker panel that revealed low intracellular levels of multiple compounds. As she supplemented her deficiencies, her symptoms fully resolved, and the implant was no longer indicated. Discussion: Micronutrient and metabolic compound testing could potentially expand non-invasive treatment options for patients with refractory chronic pain. Caution should be exercised given limited regulatory oversight in the supplement industry and actively ongoing nutritional research. Conclusion: Biomarker testing panels may be a useful adjunct in the management of refractory neuropathic pain.

Foliar Application of Different Iron Sources Improves Morpho-Physiological Traits and Nutritional Quality of Broad Bean Grown in Sandy Soil

Nano-fertilizers are a new tool that can be used to address plant production challenges, and it addresses such nutrient deficiencies through smart agriculture approaches. Iron (Fe) is a vital element for several metabolic and physiological processes; however, Fe deficiency is common in poorly fertile soils (sand soil) and in arid areas. Therefore, additional research is required to select the most efficient form of iron absorbance. This research was implemented on broad bean plants (Vicia faba L. var. major Harz) to examine the impact of three iron sources: nano-iron (FeNPs, T1), iron sulfate (T2), and chelated iron (T3) as a foliar spray on the morphological properties, physiological attributes, and nutritional status of these plants compared to the untreated plants (control). The obtained results showed that foliar spraying with FeNPs, chelated iron and sulphate iron fertilizers increased plant height by 35.01%, 26.2, and 20.4%; leaf area by 38.8%, 18.3%, and 8.1%; the fresh weight of the plant by 47%, 32.8%, and 7.3%; the dry weight of the plant by 52.9%, 37.3%, and 11.2%; and the number of branches by 47%, 31.3%, and 25.6 %, respectively, compared to the control treatment (CT). Furthermore, the application of FeNPs, chelated iron, and sulphate iron fertilizers improved the number of pods by 47.9%, 24.8%, and 6.1%; the number of seeds by 32.8%, 7.9%, and 2.8%; and seed weight by 20.8%, 9.1%, and 5.4%, compared to control treatment (CT). Additionally, foliar application of FeNPs showed the highest values of photosynthesis rate (Pn), water-use efficiency (WUE), total chlorophyll, and phytohormones (IAA, GA3) compared to all the other treatments. The anatomical structure revealed an enhancement of leaf size and thickness (epidermis cells and mesophyll tissue) affected by FeNPs treatment compared to other treatments. Foliar application of FeNPs also improved the total content of carbohydrates, crude protein, element content (N, P, K, Ca, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu), and some amino acids such as lysine, arginine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, and tyrosine in the seeds of broad beans. Based on the above results, the maximum values of all tested measurements were observed when FeNPs were used as the foliar spraying followed by chelated and sulphate iron fertilizers. Therefore, these findings suggest that using FeNPs, as a foliar treatment, could be a promising strategy for reducing the Fe deficiency in sandy soil and enhancing plant growth, pod yield, and pod quality of broad bean plants in addition to being environmentally favored in arid areas.

Ocean warming and copper pollution: implications for metabolic compounds of the agarophyte Gelidium floridanum (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta)

Ocean warming is increasing and scientific predictions suggest a rise of up to 4°C in sea water temperatures. The combination of a polluted and warmer environment may be detrimental for aquatic species, especially for primary producers such as seaweeds. This study investigated the potential for interactive effects of an increased seawater temperature in a copper-rich environment on the photosynthetic pigments and metabolic compounds of the red seaweed Gelidium floridanum. Seaweed samples were cultivated in a factorial design with temperature (24°C and 30°C), copper (0 and 3 μM), and time (7 and 14 d). The exposure of G. floridanum to copper and 30°C for 7 d resulted in a lower concentration of chlorophyll a, smaller phycobiliprotein rods and lower concentration of soluble sugars. After 14 d of cultivation, a higher concentration of chlorophyll a and soluble sugars could be observed on seaweeds cultivated under 30°C. The accumulation of carotenoids and the release of phenolic compounds indicated specific protective mechanisms against temperature and copper, respectively. Overall, seaweeds grew less when exposed to copper 3 μM at 30°C.