bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lucerne dry matter and N-fixation, when sown with or without lime and inoculant
Authors: Berenji S. , Moot D.J. , Moir J.L. , Ridgway H.J.
Published: June 2020

This paper quantifies the effect of inoculation and lime on lucerne growth and nitrogen fixation over the establishment and following season. The field experiment at Ashley Dene, in Canterbury, had an initial soil pH of 5.2 and moderate exchangeable aluminium content (4.2 mg/kg). The 15N natural abundance (δ15N) method was used to quantify nitrogen fixation. The pH of the top-soil was increased to ca. 5.5 and the Al content was decreased to 2.0 and 1.3 mg/kg soil by the application of 1 and 2 t lime/ha, respectively. In Year 0 the dry matter yield increased from 3 to 4 t DM/ha with the addition of 2 t lime/ha. The nitrogen content of lucerne plants was 2.2% (w/w), and was unaffected by inoculant or lime in Year 0. Similarly, the δ15N was 0.81‰ and unaffected by inoculant or lime. In Year 1, the N percentage of inoculated lucerne plants was 4.2% (w/w) compared with 3.6% in uninoculated plants. The δ15N value was 0.81‰ in uninoculated plants compared with -0.23‰ in inoculated lucerne plants. The inoculated lucerne yielded 7.8 t DM/ha compared with 2.4 t DM/ha when uninoculated. The calculated proportion of legume N derived from atmospheric N2 (%Ndfa) estimated that 70% of the nitrogen content in the inoculated lucerne shoots was derived from nitrogen-fixation in Year 1. There was no effect of lime on lucerne DM, or δ15N values in Year 1. This suggests lucerne rhizobia tolerated moderate levels of Al in acidic soils. The application of lime and inoculant are therefore recommended for lucerne, particularly in areas where there is no history of lucerne. The available soil N was sufficient to meet crop demand in the establishing year. Lucerne was then reliant on biological nitrogen fixation for yield in Year 1 which suggests lucerne preferentially used soil available N in Year 0, before commencing N fixation. Keywords: Aluminium, lucerne, lime, Medicago sativa L., nitrogen fixation.
Productivity and composition of perennial lupin pastures in response to six sowing rates, lime application and lupin type at Glenmore Station, Lake Tekapo
Authors: Pollock K.M. , Moot D.J.
Published: June 2020

This study aims to identify the sowing rate necessary to produce lupin dominant and productive pastures in the New Zealand high country under low-moderate fertility, and a regime of late spring/early summer grazing. Blue and Russell lupin were sown on 12 December 2012 at rates of 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 32 kg/ha with cocksfoot at 2 kg/ha, and ± 3 t/ha lime. Low lupin sowing rates (
Liveweight production of ewes and lambs grazing a dryland lucerne monoculture with or without barley grain supplementation
Authors: Moot D.J. , Mills A.M. , Roux M.M. , Smith M.C.
Published: June 2020

In 2013/2014 (Year 1) and 2014/2015 (Year 2) at Ashley Dene, Canterbury, New Zealand, sheep grazing dryland lucerne monocultures were supplemented with barley grain. In neither year did barley grain supplementation improve lamb growth rates. In 2013/2014 total liveweight (LWt) production of lambs was 782 ± 11.5 kg LWt/ha between 3/9/2014 and 3/2/2015 when pastures were destocked. However, ewes with continuous access to barley grain gained 12.4 kg LWt/ha over the lactation period compared with those without access to grain that lost 14.0 kg LWt/ha. In 2014/2015 (Year 2), liveweight production of lambs totalled 408 ± 1.0 kg LWt/ha from those with no access to grain and 382 ± 1.0 kg LWt/ ha from those with grain supplementation. Upon restocking with weaned lambs, each lamb with access to grain gained 154 ± 9.8 g/d which was less than those without grain access (188 ± 9.7 g/d). Sheep ingested 25-83 g/d of grain with ad lib feeding. These results support previous literature that suggests liveweight responses from grain supplementation of sheep are inconsistent. Keywords: alfalfa, Medicago sativa, Hordeum vulgare, feed conversion efficiency
Moving from exploring on-farm opportunities with a single to a multi-year focus: Implications for decision making
Authors: Rendel J.M. , Mackay A.D. , Smale P.N. , Vogeler I.
Published: June 2020

In pastoral grazing farm systems there is growing awareness of the importance of including year to year variation in pasture grown when analysing and designing appropriate and more profitable systems. Few authors have clarified how an optimal farm system incorporates inter-temporal variability. This paper shows for a Whanganui hill country sheep and beef farm, that inclusion of inter-annual variation in pasture growth rate results in a more dynamic farm system than when only average pasture production data are used in a new, multi-year farm optimisation model. The variation in stock numbers, sale dates and pasture covers were quantified, as was the variation in farm profitability (measured as Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation, EBITDA). Interestingly, there was only a small difference in Net Present Value between the two approaches over 10 year's simulation. Keywords: farm systems, variability, INFORM, multiyear
Urinary nitrogen concentration from dairy heifers grazing kale supplemented with either plantain or perennial ryegrass baleage in winter
Authors: Judson H.G. , Edwards G.R.
Published: June 2020

The effect of feeding two different supplements (perennial ryegrass or plantain baleage) on urinary nitrogen (N) excretion from dairy heifers (8 months old, 180 kg liveweight (LW)) grazing kale was examined in two successive winters. Heifers (n=90 and 80 in Years 1 and 2, respectively) were offered 2.5 kg DM kale/100 kg LW/day and approximately 3 kg DM/heifer/day of either perennial ryegrass or plantain baleage. Urine samples were collected 2-4 times throughout winter, acidified and frozen before N analysis. Despite similar apparent N-intake, urinary N concentration from heifers supplemented with plantain baleage (0.36% N) was lower (P0.05) for heifers fed either supplement. The results indicate that feeding plantain baleage to dairy heifers grazing kale in winter may be a useful approach to decrease the N loading in urine patches with subsequent reductions in nitrate leaching. Keywords: dairy heifer, kale, plantain, urinary nitrogen
Implications for winter grazing managements and dead material on the performance of young cattle in spring
Authors: Stevens D.R. , Thompson B.R. , Wood G.R.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Data from an experiment investigating the impacts of winter dead material content and winter grazing intensity on spring pasture productivity and botanical composition, were used to estimate the impacts of agronomic outcomes on the potential production of young cattle during spring. The experiment was replicated at two sites (heavy and light soil types of moderate to high fertility in a cool temperate climate). Q-Graze software was used to determine liveweight gain (LWG) and grazing days of Angus steers (300 kg starting liveweight) grazing the pastures during spring at a stocking density of 20 steers/ha (an overall stocking rate of approximately 4 steers/ha). The reduction in dead material by intensive winter grazing strategies increased the estimated quality of pasture available by 0.5 MJ ME/kg DM (P=0.002). Spring pasture production was higher when winter dead material content was low or medium compared with a high winter dead material content, leading to a reduction in LWG of 0.38 kg LW/day (P
Farmer adoption of pasture renewal practices: the influence of credible information sources
Authors: Yang W. , Rijswijk K.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Effective pasture management in the dairy sector is supported by the pasture renewal practices (PRPs) undertaken by farmers. However, the rate and extent of adoption of PRPs by farmers is influenced by their attitudes toward pasture renewal. The aim of this paper was to help the understanding of drivers and barriers that could be derived from the investigation of farmer attitudes to pasture renewal, and to relate credibility of information sources to their perceptions of pasture renewal. A two-step process was applied to existing survey data of dairy farmers in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions of New Zealand. First, a factor analysis clustered the dairy farmers into different groups based on their attitudes to pasture renewal. The results show that satisfaction with previous pasture renewal experiences was an important factor affecting farmer adoption. Second, the results from a correlation analysis between the different clusters, indicates that information from local experts and farmers was valued the most by all groups as they were perceived to be the most credible. Motivated farmers also tended to seek guidance from credible publications and websites. Keywords: pasture renewal, dairy farmers, information credibility, factor analysis
Estimation of ergovaline intake of cows from grazed perennial ryegrass containing NEA2 or standard endophyte
Authors: Eady C.C. , Corkran J.R. , Bailey K.M. , Kerr G.A. , Nicol A.M.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Ergovaline concentration was measured monthly from December 2015 to April 2016 in herbage of perennial ryegrass pastures containing NEA2 or standard endophyte (SE) in the Waikato, Manawatu and Canterbury. Ergovaline concentrations were then combined with estimated pasture intake, pasture botanical composition and cow liveweight data from experimental dairy farm systems in the Waikato and Canterbury to estimate dairy cow ergovaline intake (mg/kg LW0.75/day). For the diploid ryegrass 'Trojan' with NEA2 estimated ergovaline intake ranged from 0.01 to 0.029 mg/kg LW0.75/day, levels at which no significant animal production effects have been reported. Ergovaline intake of tetraploid ryegrass 'Bealey NEA2' was at least an order of magnitude lower than this. For the diploid ryegrass, 'Bronsyn' with SE, ergovaline intake was 0.016 to 0.056 mg/kg LW0.75/day, which at the highest level carried a ~20% risk of causing animal production effects for 15% of the samples. AR1 and AR37 pastures, used as controls, contained nil or trace amounts of ergovaline. Keywords: alkaloid, Epichloë festucae var. lolii, Lolium
Levy oration - 2016 Lessons learnt and future opportunities
Authors: Green Richard
Published: June 2020

It is indeed a great honour and a privilege to be recognised by my peers with the prestigious Levy Oration award. There are so many people that have supported me throughout my career, many of whom are in this room today. I have always tried to just get on with things and do my bit for the industry, often through connecting people and ideas. Receiving an award like this is very humbling, particularly when considering how many people make a difference in their own way to our great pastoral industry. Given that I am only half way through my career, I thought I would use about half my time to reflect on and share the things I have learnt to date, and then to look ahead and share my thoughts on what I think needs to happen to realise the potential of our Agri-food industry.
Post-truth, alternative facts and the role of the Environmental Protection Authority
Authors: Rowarth J.S.
Published: June 2020

Abstract The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) administers six Acts and is charged with making net benefit decisions for New Zealand. Regulatory Science, which is supported by the research results from traditional science, enables evaluation of evidence, risks and uncertainties. To take appropriate account of the Treaty of Waitangi, an external Māori advisory group works with a focussed staff unit to ensure that Māori values are included in the decision-making process. Society is also included through consultation and hearings, and it is in the context of increasing global suspicion of government, media and science in general that the role of the EPA is increasingly about education and engagement, while continuing to make decisions that protect the environment whilst enhancing lifestyle and the economy. Keywords: communication, HSNO, net benefit, policy, regulatory science, risk analysis, RMA, trust, values
Lime application can help protect pastures against black beetle
Authors: Gerard Pj , Wilson Dj
Published: June 2020

Abstract Black beetle attacks pasture grasses in the northern and coastal North Island and with a warming climate, the beetle has extended its range and damage has become more prevalent. On-farm investigations into prevention of damaging populations suggested that black beetle density was inversely related to soil pH. Two replicated block experiments, the first in 2013-2015 on two farms, and the second on four farms in 2015-2017 investigated the effects of late spring agricultural lime applications at the rate of 5 tonne/ha on summer black beetle populations. The results showed that lime can help suppress black beetle populations. Importantly, the effect of lime persisted into the second year in Trial 2, preventing larval populations reaching damaging levels of over 40/m2. This adds to the already well-known benefits of lime in improving soil health and pasture quality, vigour and persistence. Keywords: agricultural lime, soil pH
Response of pastures to fertiliser nitrogen on two peat soils in the Waikato region
Authors: Carlson W.T. , Lucci G.L. , Sprosen M.S.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Fertiliser nitrogen (N) response trials were conducted on Waikato dairy pastures on two contrasting peat soils: a well-developed Kaipaki peat loam and a lessdeveloped Rukuhia peat. On the well-developed site the most efficient N fertiliser rate in spring was 25 kg N/ ha with a response of 22 DM/kg N applied. However, in autumn the most efficient rates of N fertiliser were 75 and 100 kg N/ha, with an average response rate of 11 kg DM/kg N. At the less-developed site, the most efficient rates in the spring were 25 to 75 kg N/ha with an average response of 18 DM/kg N applied. In autumn, the maximum response rate of 21 kg DM/kg N was reached through application of 50 and 75 kg N/ha. Results indicate that greater yields are expected from larger applications of N fertiliser on less-developed peat. However, the environmental consequences of increased N fertiliser applications have not yet been assessed. Keywords: nitrogen fertiliser, pasture production, peat
Diurnal changes in the nutritive composition of four forage species at high and low N fertiliser
Authors: Box L.A. , Edwards G.R. , Bryant R.H.
Published: June 2020

Chicory and plantain have been suggested as alternative grazed forages to perennial ryegrass for New Zealand dairy systems. While diurnal changes in plant chemical composition have been described for ryegrass there is currently little information for herbs. This experiment aimed to compare the effect of nitrogen inputs (low and high) and harvesting time (am versus pm) on the chemical composition of four forages (ryegrass, plantain, chicory and white clover). The effect of harvest time was greater than N fertiliser inputs on chemical composition for all forages. Ryegrass showed the greatest increase in water soluble carbohydrate diurnally, at the expense of neutral detergent fibre and to a lesser extent crude protein. This suggests afternoon allocation of ryegrass may be beneficial to improve the nutritive value of pasture on offer; allocation timing is less important for white clover, chicory and plantain. Keywords: chicory, clover, crude protein, plantain, ryegrass, water soluble carbohydrate
Information required from research programmes when introducing legume forage systems into challenging environments
Authors: Nelson T.A. , Zydenbos S.M. , Stevens D.R.
Published: June 2020

Abstract The use of legumes to increase animal performance is well known, but why are sheep and beef farmers not using a legume forage system in New Zealand hill country, and what information do they need before introducing a legume forage system? A co-innovation process was started to explore the challenges sheep and beef farmers face introducing a legume forage system into hill country and their information needs. The first step in this process, reported here, was to run eight workshops throughout New Zealand which 105 farmers and agribusiness representatives attended. Results showed that getting the right information from trusted sources was the highest priority for farmers looking to introduce a legume forage system. Information provided by the science community and industry needs to be region specific as the range of knowledge around legume species differs across regions. Some of the information required by farmers is already well documented, but may not be in the hands of the right people. Keywords: challenges, forage, farm system, information requirements, knowledge, legumes, sheep and beef farmers
Implications of increased use of brought-in feeds on potential environmental effects of dairy farms in Waikato
Authors: Ledgard S.F. , Bartlett N.L. , Van Boheemen P.J. , Wilton B.R. , Allen S.B. , Muggeridge D.P.
Published: June 2020

Abstract The effects of increased use of brought-in feeds were evaluated across 25 dairy farms in central Waikato. Farms were classified into low, medium and high feedinput categories based on 1200 kg DM/cow, covering a range typical of that in the main dairying regions of New Zealand. Average milksolids (MS)/ha was 1087 and 1900 kg in the low and high feed-input categories, but total land-use/tonne MS was the same when all off-farm land was accounted for. Average estimated on-farm nitrogen (N) leaching increased from 26 to 30 kg N/ha/year between the low and high feed-input categories, but off-farm leaching sources were equivalent to an increase of 20 and 84%, respectively. Greenhouse gas emissions/on-farm hectare were 61% higher on high feed-input farms, but the carbon footprint and N leaching per tonne MS were similar across feed-input categories. High feed-input farms used feed-pads and increased effluent area (66 versus 21% of farm) to increase nutrient efficiency. Mitigation analyses indicated that N leaching could be decreased by optimising effluent area, reducing N fertiliser rate and utilising low-N feeds. Keywords: nitrogen leaching, whole farm system, greenhouse gases, land use
Helicropping - early adopters' experiences
Authors: Lane P.M.S. , Willoughby B.E.
Published: June 2020

Abstract Aerial establishment of pasture and crops in hill country in New Zealand has received mixed publicity. Popularly referred to as 'spray and pray' this detracts from the success some practitioners have achieved with 'helicropping', a highly structured process that has the potential to markedly change hill country farming. Four farmers with an average of 4.5 years (range 2 to 7 years) of helicropping in New Zealand hill country were interviewed using a semi-structured snowball technique. Cross-case analysis was used to analyse themes of learning experience of helicropping, crop establishment, utilisation and economics, and the management of potential risk of soil loss from hill country cropping and harvest. Generally, all aspects ranked highly in terms of success. However, there was a strong message that this was attributable to strictly following a prescribed process that reduced risks both to a profitable return and to soil conservation. Keywords: hill country, soil conservation, pasture renovation, no tillage
Binary Time Series Classification with Bayesian Convolutional Neural Networks When Monitoring for Marine Gas Discharges
Authors: Gundersen Kristian , Alendal Guttorm , Oleynik Anna , Blaser Nello
Published: June 2020

The world’s oceans are under stress from climate change, acidification and other human activities, and the UN has declared 2021–2030 as the decade for marine science. To monitor the marine waters, with the purpose of detecting discharges of tracers from unknown locations, large areas will need to be covered with limited resources. To increase the detectability of marine gas seepage we propose a deep probabilistic learning algorithm, a Bayesian Convolutional Neural Network (BCNN), to classify time series of measurements. The BCNN will classify time series to belong to a leak/no-leak situation, including classification uncertainty. The latter is important for decision makers who must decide to initiate costly confirmation surveys and, hence, would like to avoid false positives. Results from a transport model are used for the learning process of the BCNN and the task is to distinguish the signal from a leak hidden within the natural variability. We show that the BCNN classifies time series arising from leaks with high accuracy and estimates its associated uncertainty. We combine the output of the BCNN model, the posterior predictive distribution, with a Bayesian decision rule showcasing how the framework can be used in practice to make optimal decisions based on a given cost function.
A Survey on Approximation in Parameterized Complexity: Hardness and Algorithms
Authors: Feldmann Andreas Emil , Karthik C. S. Karthik C. , Lee Euiwoong , Manurangsi Pasin
Published: June 2020

Parameterization and approximation are two popular ways of coping with NP-hard problems. More recently, the two have also been combined to derive many interesting results. We survey developments in the area both from the algorithmic and hardness perspectives, with emphasis on new techniques and potential future research directions.
Prediction of Spatiotemporal Invasive Risk by the Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in South Korea
Authors: Byeon Dae-hyeon , Lee Jong-Ho , Lee Heung-Sik , Park Youngjin , Jung Sunghoon , Lee Wang-Hee
Published: June 2020

In this study, we analyzed the potential distribution of red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in response to climate change in South Korea using CLIMEX, a species distribution model. We further attempted to evaluate the risk of the distribution/invasion and subsequent dispersion by considering climatic suitability, and functional characteristics of cities and covered cultivated areas. The climatic suitability has extended from the southern and coastal regions to inland regions due to climate change. The number of areas with EI (Ecoclimatic Index) values of more than 20 was 9 (12%) in the current climate; the value was assumed to increase to 23% (2040), 24% (2060), 42% (2080), and 62% (2100) from the South Korea coast to inland. We predicted that May to October would be the most active period in seven domestic high-habitation areas. We also analyzed the invasive risk of the red imported fire ant into covered domestic cultivation areas. Considering climatic suitability, we determined that Jeju, Pohang, Busan, Ulsan, Mokpo, and Gosan would be the most affected areas. This study can provide baseline data for the management of invasive species nationally and for regional control through predictions of the probability of settlement and direction of spread.
Base Neutralizing Capacity of Agricultural Soils in a Quaternary Landscape of North-East Germany and Its Relationship to Best Management Practices in Lime Requirement Determination
Authors: Vogel Sebastian , Bönecke Eric , Kling Charlotte , Kramer Eckart , Lück Katrin , Nagel Anne , Philipp Golo , Rühlmann Jörg , Schröter Ingmar , Gebbers Robin
Published: June 2020

Despite being a natural soil-forming process, soil acidification is a major agronomic challenge under humid climate conditions, as soil acidity influences several yield-relevant soil properties. It can be counterbalanced by the regular application of agricultural lime to maintain or re-establish soil fertility and to optimize plant growth and yield. To avoid underdose as well as overdose, lime rates need to be calculated carefully. The lime rate should be determined by the optimum soil pH (target pH) and the response of the soil to lime, which is described by the base neutralizing capacity (BNC). Several methods exist to determine the lime requirement (LR) to raise the soil pH to its optimum. They range from extremely time-consuming equilibration methods, which mimic the natural processes in the soil, to quick tests, which rely on some approximations and are designed to provide farmers with timely and cost-efficient data. Due to the higher analytical efforts, only limited information is available on the real BNC of particular soils. In the present paper, we report the BNC of 420 topsoil samples from Central Europe (north-east Germany), developed on sediments from the last ice age 10,000 years ago under Holocene conditions. These soils are predominantly sandy and low in humus, but they exhibit a huge spatial variability in soil properties on a small scale. The BNC was determined by adding various concentrations of Ca(OH)2 and fitting an exponential model to derive a titration curve for each sample. The coefficients of the BNC titration curve were well correlated with soil properties affecting soil acidity and pH buffer capacity, i.e., pH, soil texture and soil organic matter (SOM). From the BNC model, the LRs (LRBNC) were derived and compared with LRVDLUFA based on the standard protocol in Germany as established by the Association of German Agricultural Analytic and Research Institutes (VDLUFA). The LRBNC and LRVDLUFA correlated well but the LRVDLUFA were generally by approximately one order of magnitude higher. This is partly due to the VDLUFA concept to recommend a maintenance or conservation liming, even though the pH value is in the optimum range, to keep it there until the next lime application during the following rotation. Furthermore, the VDLUFA method was primarily developed from field experiments where natural soil acidification and management practices depressed the effect of lime treatment. The BNC method, on the other hand, is solely based on laboratory analysis with standardized soil samples. This indicates the demand for further research to develop a sound scientific algorithm that complements LRBNC with realistic values of annual Ca2+ removal and acidification by natural processes and N fertilization.
Ensiling Total Mixed Ration for Ruminants: A Review
Authors: Bueno Antonio Vinicius Iank , Lazzari Gustavo , Jobim Clóves Cabreira , Daniel João Luiz Pratti
Published: June 2020

The interest of ensiling total mixed rations (TMR) for ruminants reemerged in the last decades. In many situations, ensiling TMR has been a sustainable alternative to efficiently handle wet byproducts in ruminant diets. An ensiled TMR typically has a markedly higher aerobic stability than its respective fresh TMR. Ensiling a TMR increases ruminal protein degradability due to proteolysis during storage. An increase of feed efficiency by ruminants fed ensiled rations have been reported, due to the improved starch digestibility in TMR silages containing cereal grains. This manuscript brings an overview of the main nutrient transformations during the ensiling of TMR and their feeding value for ruminants.
Potentially Toxic Element Availability and Risk Assessment of Cadmium Dietary Exposure after Repeated Croppings of Brassica juncea in a Contaminated Agricultural Soil
Authors: Agrelli Diana , Duri Luigi Giuseppe , Fiorentino Nunzio , Cozzolino Eugenio , Fagnano Massimo , Adamo Paola
Published: June 2020

Phytoextraction of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is eco-friendly and cost-effective for remediating agricultural contaminated soils, but plants can only take up bioavailable forms of PTEs, thus meaning that bioavailability is the key for the feasibility of this technique. With the aims to assess the phytoextraction efficiency on an agricultural soil contaminated by Cr, Zn, Cd, and Pb and the changes induced by plants in PTE bioavailability and in human health risk due to dietary exposure, in this work we carried out a mesocosm experiment with three successive croppings of Brassica juncea, each followed by Rocket salad as bioindicator. Brassica juncea extracted more Zn and Cd than Cr and Pb, significantly reducing, after three repeated croppings, the bioavailable element concentrations in soil as a result of plant uptake and soil pH changes. For Cd, this reduction did not bring the bioavailable amounts obtained by soil extraction with NH4NO3 below the trigger value of 0.1 mg kg−1 set by some European countries. Nevertheless, the Hazard Quotient for Cd in Rocket salad decreased across three repeated croppings of Brassica juncea. This indicated the beginning of a re-equilibration process between soil PTE forms of different bioavailability, that are in a dynamic equilibrium, thus stressing the need to monitor the possible regeneration of the most readily bioavailable pool.
Impact of Chelated or Inorganic Manganese and Zinc Applications in Closed Hydroponic Bean Crops on Growth, Yield, Photosynthesis, and Nutrient Uptake
Authors: Neocleous Damianos , Nikolaou Georgios , Ntatsi Georgia , Savvas Dimitrios
Published: June 2020

In this study, we investigated the effect of individual and combined applications of manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) chelates on common bean grown in hydroponics (nutrient film technique—NFT) on physiological and agronomical responses. Inorganic sulphate forms of Mn and Zn were compared to their synthetic chelate forms, in the replenishment nutrient solution (RNS). Nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) to water uptake ratios (termed uptake concentrations; UCs), growth, pods yield and quality, photosynthetic parameters and tissue nutrient status were evaluated in different cropping seasons (spring-summer and autumn-winter crops). Mean UCs of nutrients ranged as follows: 10.1–12.4 (N), 0.8–1.0 (P), 5.2–5.6 (K), 1.8–2.2 (Ca), 0.9–1.0 (Mg) mmol L−1; 12.2–13.4 (Fe), 5.2–5.6 (Mn), 4.4–4.9 (Zn), 0.9–1.0 (Cu) μmol L−1. Tissue macronutrient status remained unaffected in both seasons, however, Mn chelates in the RNS affected Fe within plants. Pod yield and quality, growth, photosynthesis and water uptake did not differ among treatments; however, seasonal variations are presented. Results suggest that the chelate forms of Mn and/or Zn in the refill solution for NFT-grown beans do not lead to any changes, adding superiority in the yield, photosynthesis, and nutritional status of the crops compared to their mineral forms.
Tree-Ripe Mango Fruit: Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Properties and Sensory Profile of Six Mediterranean-Grown Cultivars
Authors: Farina Vittorio , Gentile Carla , Sortino Giuseppe , Gianguzzi Giuseppe , Palazzolo Eristanna , Mazzaglia Agata
Published: June 2020

Some of the key components that contribute to the acceptance of high-quality fresh mangoes by consumers are its flavour, odour, texture and chemical constituents that depend mainly on level of maturity. In the European market, the demand for tree-ripened fruit has increased in recent decades. Nevertheless, the qualitative response and the marketable characteristics of tree-ripened mango fruit grown in the Mediterranean area are not yet studied. Tree-ripened fruits of cv Keitt, Glenn, Osteen, Maya, Kensington Pride and Tommy Atkins were submitted to analytical (fruit weight, transversal diameter, longitudinal diameter, flesh firmness, total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, seed weight, peel weight, percentage of flesh and fibre, ash content, fat content, carbohydrate content, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn contents, ascorbic acid and vitamin A) and sensory evaluations. Significant differences were observed for sensory and physicochemical characteristics in a cultivar-dependent manner. The mango Keitt, in addition to its interesting physicochemical traits, content of protein and vitamin, has a higher sensory appeal. Glenn fruit showed more suitable weight, flesh firmness, soluble solids, vitamin content, total antioxidant activity and total polyphenolics content; Maya had the lowest titratable acidity and the highest soluble solid content, whereas Tommy Atkins revealed preferable ground colour, total antioxidant activity, and vitamin B2 and vitamin C contents. Tree-ripened fruits grown in the Mediterranean climate show interesting peculiarities in regard to fresh market requirements. The analytical-sensory approach established a qualitative characterization of the six observed cultivars.
Effect of Nutritional Restriction on the Hair Follicles Development and Skin Transcriptome of Chinese Merino Sheep
Authors: Lv Xuefeng , Chen Lei , He Sangang , Liu Chenxi , Han Bin , Liu Zhilong , Yusupu Mayila , Blair Hugh , Kenyon Paul , Morris Stephen , Li Wenrong , Liu Mingjun
Published: June 2020

The high concentration of secondary branched wool follicles is a distinctive feature of the Merino sheep. At present, the molecular control of the development and branching of secondary wool follicles (SF) remains elusive. To reveal the potential genes associated with the development of hair follicles, we investigated the characteristics of prenatal and postnatal development of wool follicles, and the transcriptional expression profile in fetuses/lambs from dams under either maternal maintenance or sub-maintenance (75% maintenance) nutrition. The density of SF and the ratio of SF to primary wool follicles (PF) were reduced (p < 0.05) in fetuses from day 105 to 135 of gestation under sub-maintenance nutrition. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in the binding, single-organism process, cellular process, cell and cell part Gene Ontology (GO) functional categories and metabolism, apoptosis, and ribosome pathways. Four candidate genes, SFRP4, PITX1, BAMBI, and KRT16, which were involved in secondary wool follicles branching and development, were identified. Our results indicate that nutritional intervention imposed on pregnant ewes by short-term sub-maintenance nutrition could provide a strategy for the study of wool follicle development. Overall insight into the global gene expression associated with SF development can be used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of SF branching in Merino sheep.
In Vitro Efficacy of Essential Oils from Melaleuca Alternifolia and Rosmarinus Officinalis, Manuka Honey-based Gel, and Propolis as Antibacterial Agents Against Canine Staphylococcus Pseudintermedius Strains
Authors: Meroni Gabriele , Cardin Elena , Rendina Charlotte , Herrera Millar Valentina Rafaela , Soares Filipe Joel Fernando , Martino Piera Anna
Published: June 2020

Essential oils (EOs) and honeybee products (e.g., honey and propolis) are natural mixtures of different volatile compounds that are frequently used in traditional medicine and for pathogen eradication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial properties of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) EO (TTEO), Rosmarinus officinalis EO (ROEO), manuka-based gel, and propolis against 23 strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (SP) isolated from canine pyoderma. Antimicrobial resistance screening was assessed using a panel of nine antimicrobial agents coupled with a PCR approach. An aromatogram was done for both EOs, using the disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for all the compounds. Among the 23 SP strains, 14 (60.9%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR), 11 strains (47.8%) were methicillin-resistant (MRSP), and 9 (39.1%) were non-MDR. The mean diameter of the inhibition zone for Melaleuca and Rosmarinus were 24.5 ± 8.8 mm and 15.2 ± 8.9 mm, respectively, resulting as statistically different (p = 0.0006). MIC values of TTEO and ROEO were similar (7.6 ± 3.2% and 8.9 ± 2.1%, respectively) and no statistical significances were found. Honeybee products showed lower MIC compared to those of EOs, 0.22 ± 0.1% for Manuka and 0.8 ± 0.5% for propolis. These findings reveal a significant antibacterial effect for all the tested products.
Clinical Findings and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Anaerobic Bacteria Isolated in Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Cobo Fernando , Borrego Jaime , Gómez Esther , Casanovas Isabel , Calatrava Elizabeth , Foronda Carla , Navarro-Marí José María
Published: June 2020

The objectives of this study were to report on the antimicrobial susceptibility of 141 clinically significant anaerobic bacteria isolated from bloodstream infections between January 2016 and April 2020 in a tertiary-care hospital in Granada (Spain) and to describe the main clinical features of the patients. Species identification was performed by MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker Daltonics, Billerica, MA, USA). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed against penicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, imipenem, moxifloxacin, clindamycin, metronidazole, and piperacillin-tazobactam using the gradient diffusion technique and EUCAST breakpoints, except for moxifloxacin (CLSI breakpoints). The most frequent anaerobes were Bacteroides (43.9%, n = 62), Clostridium (24.1%, n = 34) and Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPACs) (15.6%, n = 22). Almost all tested anaerobes were susceptible to imipenem and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, except for Bacteroides. High overall resistance rates to clindamycin were observed, especially for Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPACs) (54.5%) and for Bacteroides spp. (45.1%). Overall, low resistance rates to almost all antibiotics were observed for Clostridium. High resistance rates to penicillin were also observed for Gram-positive anaerobic bacilli (GPABs) (44.4%), as well as to metronidazole (22.2%), although only nine isolates were included. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for anaerobes should always be performed in severe infections, such as those localized in the bloodstream. The information obtained contributes to selecting empirical treatments according with local data on resistance.
Antibacterial Properties of Nano-Ag Coating on Healing Abutment: An In Vitro and Clinical Study
Authors: Odatsu Tetsurou , Kuroshima Shinichiro , Sato Mika , Takase Kazuma , Valanezhad Alireza , Naito Mariko , Sawase Takashi
Published: June 2020

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease with a relevant focus on the long-term success of dental implants and implant-supported prostheses. The present study focuses on the antibacterial effect of the silver nanoparticle and investigated the suppression of dental plaque adhesion on implant abutment and/or superstructure by micro-wave assistant nanosilver coating in vivo and in vitro. Nanosilver coating on pure titanium was prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In vitro studies were conducted to analyze biocompatibility using MTS assay and fluorescence microscopy with human gingival fibroblasts to evaluate antibacterial activity. During the in vivo study, nanosilver coating was applied to the healing abutments, and the prevention of plaque accumulation on nanosilver coating was confirmed by a split-mouth randomized clinical trial. The aggregation of nano-sized particles was found on the titanium surface with an antibacterial effect. The coating had no cytotoxic effect on human gingival fibroblasts. The result of the clinical trial showed that the coating suppressed the dental plaque adhesion on the healing abutments. Nanosilver coating is a promising material with antibacterial properties and can be used for implant abutments and prostheses for preventing peri-implantitis.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Plants at Various Growth Stages Subjected to Extraction—Comparison of the Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Profile
Authors: Gai Francesco , Karamać Magdalena , Janiak Michał A. , Amarowicz Ryszard , Peiretti Pier Giorgio
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the antioxidant activity and phenolic profile of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) extracts obtained from the aerial parts of plants harvested at five growth stages. In vitro assays were used to determine the antioxidant activity, i.e., ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging activity, the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the ability to inhibit β-carotene–linoleic acid emulsion oxidation. Phenolic compounds, such as mono- and dicaffeoylquinic acid isomers and caffeic acid hexose, were identified using the LC–TOF–MS/MS technique. The predominant compound during the growth cycle of the plant was 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, whose content was the highest at the mid-flowering stage. The total phenolic content was also the highest in sunflowers at the mid-flowering stage. The main phenolic compound contents were closely correlated with ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging activity and FRAP. No significant correlation was found between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity in the emulsion system. The highest antiradical activity and FRAP were generally determined in older plants (mid-flowering and late flowering stages). In conclusion, the aerial parts of sunflowers, in particular those harvested at the mid-flowering stage, are a good plant material from which to obtain phenolic compound extracts, albeit mainly of one class (esters of caffeic acid and quinic acid), with high antioxidant activity.
Glutamine Cooperatively Upregulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Nitric Oxide Production in BV2 Microglial Cells through the ERK and Nrf-2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jayasooriya Rajapaksha Gedara Prasad Tharanga , Molagoda Ilandarage Menu Neelaka , Dilshara Matharage Gayani , Choi Yung Hyun , Kim Gi-Young
Published: June 2020

Glutamine (Gln) is a nonessential α-amino acid for protein biosynthesis. However, the mechanism through which Gln regulates NO production in microglial cells is still unclear. In this study, we investigated whether the presence or absence of Gln affects NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Our data revealed that Gln depletion decreased cell viability accompanied by mild cytotoxicity, and blocked LPS-induced NO production concomitant with a significant decrease in inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression. Additionally, Gln depletion for 24 h blocked the restoration of LPS-mediated NO production in the presence of Gln, suggesting that Gln depletion caused long-term immune deprivation. In particular, sodium-coupled amino acid transporter 1 and 2 (SNAT1 and SNAT2), which are the main Gln transporters, were highly upregulated in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells, in the presence of Gln accompanied by NO production. Regardless of the presence of Gln, LPS positively stimulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, and transient Nrf2 knockdown and HO-1 inhibition stimulated LPS-induced NO production and iNOS expression; however, transient Nrf2 knockdown did not affect SNAT1 and SNAT2 expression, indicating that Gln transporters, SNAT1 and SNAT2, were not regulated by Nrf2, which downregulated the HO-1-mediated NO production. Moreover, Gln depletion significantly reduced LPS-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation; furthermore, a specific ERK inhibitor, PD98059, and transient ERK knockdown attenuated LPS-stimulated NO production and iNOS expression, in the presence of Gln, accompanied by downregulation of SNAT1 and SNAT2, suggesting that the ERK signaling pathway was related to LPS-mediated NO production via SNAT1 and SNAT2. Altogether, our data indicated that extracellular Gln is vital for NO production from microglia in inflammatory conditions.
Analysis of the Status of the Cutaneous Endogenous and Exogenous Antioxidative System of Smokers and the Short-Term Effect of Defined Smoking Thereon
Authors: Lohan Silke B. , Bühring Karl , Lauer Anna-Christina , Friedrich Annette , Lademann Jürgen , Buss Annette , Sabat Robert , Wolk Kerstin , Meinke Martina C.
Published: June 2020

The daily consumption of tobacco products leads to a boost in free radical production in tissues, promoting the risk for malignancies, metabolic alterations and chronic-inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to broaden the knowledge of the status of the antioxidative (AO) system in the skin, compared to the blood, of healthy appearing smokers. Both, the basic status compared to non-smokers and the short-term impact of controlled cigarette consumption in smokers were analyzed. Our study showed that the basic level of the AO system of smokers significantly differed from that of non-smokers. As determined by resonant Raman spectroscopy (RRS), the levels of exogenous AOs were decreased in both, the skin, in vivo (β-carotene and lycopene), and blood plasma (β-carotene only). In contrast, the levels of glutathione (GSH), the prototypical endogenous AO, which were analyzed by fluorimetric assays in cutaneous tape strips and blood plasma, were increased in the skin, although unchanged in the blood of smokers. Elevated cutaneous GSH levels were reflected by an elevated overall radical scavenging activity in the skin, as quantified by non-invasive electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Analysis of the expression of selected stress-associated genes in blood immune cells by quantitative RT-PCR in subgroups of non-smokers and smokers additionally demonstrated the downregulation of AKR1C2 in smokers, and its negative correlation with blood plasma levels of the protective immune mediator interleukin-22, assessed by the ELISA technique. Controlled cigarette consumption did not alter exogenous or endogenous AOs in the skin of smokers, but decreased lycopene levels in blood plasma. Moreover, there was a decline in blood IL-22 levels, while no relevant response of blood cell gene expressions was found after the considered short time. Our data therefore demonstrate a strengthened endogenous AO status in the skin of smokers, which may indicate a long-term adaptation to chronic oxidative stress in this specific organ. While this effect was not clearly visible in the blood, this compartment seems to be useful as an immediate indicator of the body’s AO consumption. Moreover, decreased levels of AKR1C2, which we show for the first time to be expressed in immune cells, may be a candidate marker for long-term smoking. In addition, this study demonstrates that the rate constant of a spin probe decline determined by EPR spectroscopy mainly represents the endogenous AO status of a tissue.
Alterations in the Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in the Neurodevelopmental Rat Model of Schizophrenia Induced by Glutathione Deficiency during Early Postnatal Life
Authors: Górny Magdalena , Bilska-Wilkosz Anna , Iciek Małgorzata , Hereta Marta , Kamińska Kinga , Kamińska Adrianna , Chwatko Grażyna , Rogóż Zofia , Lorenc-Koci Elżbieta
Published: June 2020

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), a glutathione (GSH) synthesis inhibitor, and GBR 12909, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, administered alone or in combination to Sprague-Dawley rats during early postnatal development (p5–p16), on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LP) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione disulfide reductase (GR) in peripheral tissues (liver, kidney) and selected brain structures (prefrontal cortex, PFC; hippocampus, HIP; and striatum, STR) of 16-day-old rats. The studied parameters were analyzed with reference to the content of GSH and sulfur amino acids, methionine (Met) and cysteine (Cys) described in our previous study. This analysis showed that treatment with a BSO + GBR 12909 combination caused significant decreases in the lipid peroxidation levels in the PFC and HIP, in spite of there being no changes in ROS. The reduction of lipid peroxidation indicates a weakening of the oxidative power of the cells, and a shift in balance in favor of reducing processes. Such changes in cellular redox signaling in the PFC and HIP during early postnatal development may result in functional changes in adulthood.