bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant System of Scutellum During Germination and Early Growth of Maize Seedlings
Authors: Corona-Carrillo José Isaac , González Sandra , Chávez Nájera Gerardo , Díaz-Pontones David
Published: November 2024

Maize is among the world’s three most important cereals because it is used for human consumption and agricultural feed. The embryo in monocotyledons contains a cotyledon that is the scutellum, which in Chalqueño maize constitutes approximately 80% of the embryo’s mass. The activation of metabolism during germination is accompanied by the production of reactive oxygen species, which must be maintained at a low level to avoid damage. Little is known about the oxidative state of the scutellum, but it is important to understand the control of oxidative stress during the final phase of germination and the embryo–seedling transition. Among the enzymes involved are class III peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which were observed in the scutella of isolated imbibed embryos between 0 and 36 h. The activity of SOD fluctuated over a baseline value. The activity of class III POX was greater than that of CAT, showing differences between them in germination and postgermination. The activities of CAT and POX increased during germination (0 to 18 h), stabilized towards the final phase of germination (18 to 24 h), and then increased again in postgermination (24 to 36 h). The POX activity is a biochemical marker of the scutellum metabolism and marks the transition from germination to the embryo–seedling transition.
Study of the Degradation and Utilization of Cellulose from Auricularia heimuer and the Gene Expression Level of Its Decomposition Enzyme
Authors: Shan Xianqi , Yao Fangjie , Lu Lixin , Fang Ming , Lu Jia , Sun Xu
Published: November 2024

Auricularia heimuer is a wood-rotting edible mushroom, and with the continuous development of the industry, the research on its grass-rotting cultivation is becoming more and more important. In this study, A. heimuer was cultivated using herbaceous substrate (reed) completely replacing the traditional woody substrate (oak), and the correlation between the relative expression of cellulase gene, cellulase activity, cellulose degradation and yield of different strains of A. heimuer were studied by combining qRT-PCR technology at different growth stages. The results showed that the cellulose degradation were positively correlated with the yield of reed and sawdust substrate at two growth stages, and were positively correlated with three cellulase activities. The relative expression of four cellulase genes were positively correlated with enzyme activity. There were inter-strain differences in the expression of the enzyme genes, which were basically consistent with the trend of the enzyme activity of the strains; g5372 and g7270 were more actively expressed in the mycelium period, while g9664 and g10234 were more actively expressed in the fruiting period. The results of SEM showed that the mycelium of A15 and A125 were different in their ability to degrade and utilize lignocellulose in reed substrate. The parental hybridization test further verified that qRT-PCR could be used as a rapid method to evaluate the cellulose degradation ability of A. heimuer strains. Seven strains (A12, A15, A184, A224, Z6, Z12, and Z18) with high cellulose degradation ability were screened. This study provides a reference for further understanding the role of A. heimuer cellulase genes in the degradation and metabolism of cellulose and for breeding new varieties more suitable for herbaceous substrate cultivation.
Assessment of UAV-Based Deep Learning for Corn Crop Analysis in Midwest Brazil
Authors: Martins José Augusto Correa , Hisano Higuti Alberto Yoshiriki , Pellegrin Aiesca Oliveira , Juliano Raquel Soares , de Araújo Adriana Mello , Pellegrin Luiz Alberto , Liesenberg Veraldo , Ramos Ana Paula Marques , Gonçalves Wesley Nunes , Sant’Ana Diego André , Pistori Hemerson , Junior José Marcato
Published: November 2024

Crop segmentation, the process of identifying and delineating agricultural fields or specific crops within an image, plays a crucial role in precision agriculture, enabling farmers and public managers to make informed decisions regarding crop health, yield estimation, and resource allocation in Midwest Brazil. The crops (corn) in this region are being damaged by wild pigs and other diseases. For the quantification of corn fields, this paper applies novel computer-vision techniques and a new dataset of corn imagery composed of 1416 256 × 256 images and corresponding labels. We flew nine drone missions and classified wild pig damage in ten orthomosaics in different stages of growth using semi-automatic digitizing and deep-learning techniques. The period of crop-development analysis will range from early sprouting to the start of the drying phase. The objective of segmentation is to transform or simplify the representation of an image, making it more meaningful and easier to interpret. For the objective class, corn achieved an IoU of 77.92%, and for background 83.25%, using DeepLabV3+ architecture, 78.81% for corn, and 83.73% for background using SegFormer architecture. For the objective class, the accuracy metrics were achieved at 86.88% and for background 91.41% using DeepLabV3+, 88.14% for the objective, and 91.15% for background using SegFormer.
Efficiency of Vivianite from Water Purification Depending on Its Mixing with Superphosphate and Application Method
Authors: Ayeyemi Tolulope , Recena Ramiro , García-López Ana María , Quintero José Manuel , del Campillo María Carmen , Delgado Antonio
Published: November 2024

Vivianite precipitation is gaining attention in phosphorus (P) removal from water purification. It is an iron (Fe)- and P-rich compound that can be used as a slow-release P fertilizer. However, this slow release can constrain P supply to crops in the initial growing stages. This limitation can be overcome by mixing with soluble P fertilizers and with banding application. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the fertilizer effect of vivianite and superphosphate mixtures and determine the most effective application method for vivianite and its mixture with superphosphate as a soluble fertilizer. A pot experiment was conducted by growing sunflowers in calcareous soil under controlled conditions involving two factors. The first factor was the combinations of vivianite and superphosphate: 100% Vivianite + 0% Superphosphate –T2–, 70% Vivianite + 30% Superphosphate –T3–, 30% Vivianite + 70% Superphosphate –T4–, 0% Vivianite + 100% Superphosphate –T5—at a single P rate of 50 mg P kg−1 and a non-fertilized control –T1–. The second factor was the application method: (i) mixing vivianite powder with the bulk soil and (ii) applying it in bands at three points around the plants. The dry matter (DM) yield in the roots and shoots of the sunflower when all P was applied as superphosphate was higher than when it was applied as vivianite. However, the combination of superphosphate and vivianite in different proportions (T3 and T4) led to a considerably higher DM yield compared to sole vivianite application (T2). The highest plant P uptake was observed in T5, while the lowest was in T1 and T2. The replacement values on a dry matter (PFRVDM) and P uptake (PFRVP Uptake) basis and the nutrient use efficiency of T3 and T4 were higher than that of T2. However, the PFRVDM and the PFRVP Uptake were in the same range as the proportion of the superphosphate added to the fertilizer mix. Thus, increased P use efficiency could be achieved with mixtures of vivianite and superphosphate. However, the contribution of vivianite to the fertilizer mix is difficult to access in a short growing cycle. Hence, further research is recommended on the residual effect of vivianite in such fertilizer mix on subsequent growing cycles.
Metallurgical Waste for Sustainable Agriculture: Converter Slag and Blast-Furnace Sludge Increase Oat Yield in Acidic Soils
Authors: Zakharova Olga V. , Baranchikov Peter A. , Chebotaryova Svetlana P. , Grigoriev Gregory V. , Strekalova Nataliya S. , Grodetskaya Tatiana A. , Burmistrov Igor N. , Volokhov Sergey V. , Kuznetsov Denis V. , Gusev Alexander A.
Published: November 2024

The study is the first to examine the combined use of blast-furnace sludge as a source of microelements and converter slag as a soil-deoxidizing agent in oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivation in sod-podzolic soils. It has been established that blast-furnace sludge is a highly dispersed waste, which contains about 50% iron, 7% zinc, and a small amount of calcium, silicon, magnesium, aluminum, and sulfur. Hazardous components such as lead, arsenic, etc., are not detected. Converter slag comprises porous granules up to 3 mm in size, consisting mainly of calcium compounds (CaO, Ca(CO)3, CaSiO3, CaFe2O4) and a small amount of Mn, Al, and Mg trace elements. In a laboratory experiment, blast-furnace sludge increased the germination of oats by 5–10%, regardless of the addition of a deoxidizer (slag), but at the same time suppressed the growth of stem length by a maximum of 18% at 1 g∙kg−1. The addition of slag raised substrate pH and increased the index by 8% at a sludge concentration of 0.1 g∙kg−1. Root length in deoxidizer-free variants increased by 50–60% and with the addition of slag by 27–47%. Root dry mass also increased under the addition of sludge by 85–98%; however, the addition of slag reduced the indicator to the control level. In a field experiment with the combined application of waste, an increase in yield by more than 30% was shown. When soil was treated with slag and sludge, the height of plants increased by an average of 18%. It should be noted that the introduction of waste did not affect the quality of the grain. The use of slag increased the lead content in the soil, which is probably due to the sorption properties of calcium compounds in the slag, since lead was not found in the analyzed waste. Presumably, lead is sorbed by slag from the lower soil horizons, concentrating and immobilizing it in the upper layer. This version is supported by the absence of lead accumulation in straw and oat grain. The zinc-containing sludge increased the content of this element by 33% in the soil, as well as by 6% in straw and by 14% in grain. Thus, we found that the studied metallurgical wastes can be used as nutrients for agriculture, both individually and jointly. Overall, the proposed approach will contribute both to reducing the amount of accumulated waste and to improving the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production and CO2 sequestration. However, the features of the accumulation of heavy metals in soil and plants under the influence of the analyzed types of waste require more in-depth study, including within the framework of long-term field experiments.
Optimization of Sargassum bovianum Extraction Techniques for Germination of Wheat, Canola, and Corn Under Different Salinity Stress
Authors: Derafshi Mehdi , Hassani Akbar , Amanifar Setareh , Babaakbari Mohammad , Hematimatin Narges , Asgari Lajayer Behnam , Astatkie Tess , Price G. W.
Published: November 2024

Seaweeds are a cheap, eco-friendly, and rich source of plant growth stimulators that can mitigate the adverse effects of salinity stress. This study examined the impact of Sargassum bovianum extracts obtained through different techniques using pressure, heat, and microwave radiations on the germination and growth of wheat, corn, and canola seeds under varying salinity levels (500, 3500, and 6500 µS cm−1). The findings showed that pressure, microwave, and acidic extraction methods were the most effective in extracting polysaccharides, alginate, and nutrients from S. bovianum. Seaweed extract significantly improved the mean germination time (MGT) and germination index (GI) of wheat under high salinity stress and had a positive effect on wheat plumule length (PL) and germination percentage (GP). However, seaweed extract had no significant impact on canola seeds in salinity stress, except for improved canola PL. The PL and seedling vigor index (SVI) of corn were enhanced in low salinity levels, but most treatments reduced PL and SVI in high salinity. This study suggests that using heat, pressure, and microwave techniques for seaweed extraction results in higher polysaccharides and alginate content, leading to improved germination and plant growth, particularly in wheat and canola. These findings can help growers optimize the germination and growth of these important crops.
Effects of Deficit Irrigation on Spring Wheat Lignification Process, Yield Productivity and Stalk Strength
Authors: Zhang Yaoyuan , Yin Haojie , Wang Rongrong , He Fangfang , Jiang Guiying
Published: November 2024

Moderate deficit irrigation can improve lignin metabolism, thereby increasing wheat yield and lodging resistance. The moisture-sensitive variety Xinchun 22 (XC22) and drought-resistant variety Xinchun 6 (XC6) were used as experimental materials. We set mild drought (T1, J1 and 60–65% FC, where FC is the field capacity) and moderate drought (T2, J2 and 45–50% FC) during the tillering stage (T) and the jointing stage (J). We used conventional drip irrigation as a control (CK and 75–80% FC). The results show that the activity of lignin synthesis-related enzymes decreased with the growth process, while the accumulation and monomer content of lignin increased under different water treatments. The lignin metabolism and morphological characteristics of XC6 were higher than those of XC22. Under the same processing conditions, the indicators of XC22 showed more significant changes and were more sensitive to changes in the moisture content. Compared with other treatments, the stem thickness and wall thickness of the J1 treatment increased by 0.86–23.49% and 1.72–23.58%. The yield of the T1 treatment was the highest, increasing by 3.05–44.06% compared to other treatments. In addition, by improving PAL, H-type lignin monomers, S-type lignin monomers, stem thickness and lignin metabolism, grain yield can be increased. After mild drought during the jointing stage, J1 significantly improved the lignin metabolism capacity of the stem, increased stem thickness and wall thickness, and was beneficial for improving lodging resistance. The T1 treatment favored the improvement of the production capacity of assimilates, thus promoting a high yield of spring wheat.
GWAS-Based Prediction of Genes Regulating the Weight of Mobilized Reserved Seeds in Sweet Corn
Authors: Yu Yulin , Rizwan Ahmad , Sun Tao , Wang Dongxing , Cui Nini , Chen Lei , Yu Haibing , Cheng Xinxin
Published: November 2024

Seed reserve mobilization is a crucial physiological process during seed germination. Enhancing the reserve mobilization in sweet corn is vital for seed germination and seedling growth. In this study, a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was conducted to predict candidate genes for regulating the weight of mobilized reserved seeds (WMRS) and kernel weight (KW) in sweet corn. GWAS was performed using the BLINK model with the maize 56K SNP chip. The results indicated that there was a positive correlation between the WMRS and KW, with coefficients of variation of 68.18% and 44.63%. Association analysis identified thirteen SNPs associated with two traits, and linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed that eight of these SNPs were in strong linkage. A total of 298 candidate genes were identified within the confidence interval, of which 79 were annotated. About 20 candidate genes were identified through the comparison of homologous genes in Arabidopsis. These genes were enriched in regulating ribosome biogenesis, signal transduction, hormone synthesis, and RNA degradation processes. This study provides important insights into the genetic mechanisms governing germination traits in sweet corn, aiding further research into the localization and cloning of genes involved in the mobilization of reserve materials.
A Lightweight Cotton Field Weed Detection Model Enhanced with EfficientNet and Attention Mechanisms
Authors: Zheng Lu , Long Lyujia , Zhu Chengao , Jia Mengmeng , Chen Pingting , Tie Jun
Published: November 2024

Cotton is a crucial crop in the global textile industry, with major production regions including China, India, and the United States. While smart agricultural mechanization technologies, such as automated irrigation and precision pesticide systems, have improved crop management, weeds remain a significant challenge. These weeds not only compete with cotton for nutrients but can also serve as hosts for diseases, affecting both cotton yield and quality. Existing weed detection models perform poorly in the complex environment of cotton fields, where the visual features of weeds and crops are similar and often overlap, resulting in low detection accuracy. Furthermore, real-time deployment on edge devices is difficult. To address these issues, this study proposes an improved lightweight weed detection model, YOLO-WL, based on the YOLOv8 architecture. The model leverages EfficientNet to reconstruct the backbone, reducing model complexity and enhancing detection speed. To compensate for any performance loss due to backbone simplification, CA (cross-attention) is introduced into the backbone, improving feature sensitivity. Finally, AFPN (Adaptive Feature Pyramid Network) and EMA (efficient multi-scale attention) mechanisms are integrated into the neck to further strengthen feature extraction and improve weed detection accuracy. At the same time, the model maintains a lightweight design suitable for deployment on edge devices. Experiments on the CottonWeedDet12 dataset show that the YOLO-WL model achieved an mAP of 92.30%, reduced the detection time per image by 75% to 1.9 ms, and decreased the number of parameters by 30.3%. After TensorRT optimization, the video inference time was reduced from 23.134 ms to 2.443 ms per frame, enabling real-time detection in practical agricultural environments.
Semantic Segmentation of Corn Leaf Blotch Disease Images Based on U-Net Integrated with RFB Structure and Dual Attention Mechanism
Authors: Mu Ye , Li Ke , Sun Yu , Bao Yu
Published: November 2024

Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) is caused by a fungus and can be susceptible to the disease throughout the growing period of corn, posing a significant impact on corn yield. Aiming at the problems of under-segmentation, over-segmentation, and low segmentation accuracy in the traditional segmentation model of northern corn leaf blight, this study proposes a segmentation method based on an improved U-Net network model. By introducing a convolutional layer and maximum pooling layer to a VGG19 network, the channel attention module and spatial attention module (CBAM) are fused, and the squeeze excitation (SE) attention mechanism is combined. This enhances image feature decoding, integrates feature maps of each layer, strengthens the feature extraction process, expands the sensory fields and aggregates context information, and reduces the loss of location and dense semantic information caused by the pooling operation. Findings from the study show that the proposed NCLB-Net has significantly improved the MIoU and PA indexes, reaching 92.43% and 94.71%, respectively. Compared with the traditional methods, U-Net, SETR, DAnet, OCnet, PSPNet, etc., the MIoU is improved by 20.81%, 16.10%, 9.79%, 5.27%, and 11.06%, and the PA is improved by 11.49%, 8.18%, 9.54%, 13.11%, and 6.26%, respectively.
Construction and Comparation of Critical Nitrogen Concentration Dilution Curves for Spring and Autumn Potato in China
Authors: Bai Jiacheng , Liu Yuheng , Chen Yixi , Wang Siyu , Zhang Zhi , Xu Ximing , Shu Xing , Zhao Xu , Zhu Yueming , Qiu Zhihao , Lu Guoquan , Lv Zunfu
Published: November 2024

Nitrogen is one of the essential nutrients for the growth and development of potato plants. The precise application of nitrogen can improve the yield and quality of potatoes and enhance their resistance to diseases. The changes in the critical N dilution curves of the shoot, root, and whole plants of potato were analyzed according to different N levels. The difference in the critical nitrogen concentration dilution curve of potatoes in spring and autumn was discussed. It is of great significance for the precise management of nitrogen fertilizer in spring and autumn potatoes. In this experiment, four field experiments were conducted using two potato cultivars (Zheshu956 and Yongma1) with four varying N application levels (N0–N3). Two identical varieties were planted at the same location in the spring and autumn and there was no significant difference in the selection of the same varieties between the two seasons. The dry matter and nitrogen concentration of roots, stems, leaves, and tubers were measured after transplantation at different stages. The results showed that the critical nitrogen concentration models for the shoot, root, and whole plant of potatoes were constructed as follows: spring potato shoot, N = 4.8712 W−0.203, root, Nc = 1.8477 W−0.157, and whole plant, Nc = 4.1679 W−0.293; autumn potato shoot, Nc = 3.8653 W−0.204, root, Nc = 2.1529 W−0.158; and whole plant, Nc = 3.2569 W−0.304. The critical nitrogen curves for the aboveground part and the whole plant of spring potato were significantly higher than that of autumn potato. Under N2 (160 kg ha−1) treatment, both spring and autumn potatoes reach their maximum yield. The critical nitrogen concentration dilution curve based on the whole plant was determined to be more appropriate for potatoes. The critical nitrogen concentration curves of potatoes in spring and autumn were significantly different for the aboveground part and the whole plant, but there was no significant difference for the underground part. The separately constructed nitrogen nutrition indices can be used to diagnose the nitrogen requirements of spring and autumn potatoes.
Comparative Analyses of Biologically Active Substances and Antioxidant Activity in Fresh and Stored Fruits of Apple Varieties from the Republic of Tajikistan
Authors: Kostikova Vera A. , Boboev Mariyo T. , Sharples Mathew T. , Namozov Amonullo K. , Yoqubov Saimuhammad B. , Boboev Jovidon T. , Baasanmunkh Shukherdorj , Choi Hyeok Jae , Kuznetsov Alexander A. , Kulikovskiy Maxim S. , Erst Tatyana V. , Aghayeva Saltanat , Wei Wang , Erst Andrey S.
Published: November 2024

Our purpose was to carry out a comparative phytochemical analysis of fruits (both fresh and stored for 1 month) of two local apple varieties of the Republic of Tajikistan. Assays were carried out to quantify total phenolic compounds, flavonols, catechins, tannins, phenolcarboxylic acids, pectins, and protopectins by UV spectrometry and ascorbic acid by titration. The profile and levels of phenolic compounds were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Antiradical activity was quantitated by means of free radical DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). In fresh fruits, total levels of tannins (19 mg/g) and phenolcarboxylic acids (15 mg/g) (including chlorogenic acid: 451 μg/g) and of a flavonol (quercetin: 26 μg/g) and two catechins [epigallocatechin (173 μg/g) and L-epicatechin (50 µg/g)] were shown to be higher in the Surkhseb apple variety than in the Kosimsarkori variety. The antioxidant activity of water–ethanol extracts from Surkhseb apples (20 mg/mL) was also higher in comparison with Kosimsarkori apples. In the latter, concentrations of other detected biologically active substances, such as flavonols (0.78 mg/g), ascorbic acid (65 mg/100 g), and pectins (37 mg/g), were found to be higher, suggesting that the fruits of this apple variety have biological effects other than antioxidant, potentially anti-inflammatory, or antidiabetic. Further phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Kosimsarkori fruits may identify these other potential biological effects that may be useful in the prevention of disease. Fruits of the analyzed apple varieties should preferably be consumed fresh because after the apples were stored in the refrigerator for 1 month, indicators of antioxidant activity (22 mg/g in Surkhseb apples) and levels of almost all biologically active substances (tota) levels of tannins (14 mg/g), phenolcarboxylic acids (9 mg/g) (including chlorogenic acid: 250 μg/g) and catechin L-epicatechin (30 µg/g) in Surkhseb apples decreased. This study highlights the importance of conserving local, unique varieties of major worldwide crop plants because they may unearth novel combinations of compounds beneficial to humanity.
Effects of Irrigation Amount and Salinity Levels on Maize (Zea mays L.) Growth, Water Productivity and Carbon Emissions in Arid Region of Northwest China
Authors: Zhou Qijin , Lyu Desheng , Li Wenhao , Wen Yue , Wang Zhenhua
Published: November 2024

To address the growing scarcity of freshwater resources, the use of saline water for agricultural irrigation is gaining increasing attention. This study presents findings from a two-year field experiment conducted during the 2023 and 2024 maize-growing seasons in northwestern China. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the main and interactive effects of saline irrigation water on soil water–salt dynamics, maize growth, photosynthetic characteristics, water productivity, and carbon emissions. The experiment involved nine treatments with three irrigation amounts: 4500 m3 hm−2 (W1), 5625 m3 hm−2 (W2), and 6750 m3 hm−2 (W3), combined with three water salinity levels: 0.85 g L−1 (S1, freshwater), 3 g L−1 (S2), and 5 g L−1 (S3). Results indicated that both irrigation amount and salinity level significantly affected water–salt dynamics, with more soil accumulating in the 0–100 cm soil layer under saline irrigation water; however, this effect diminished with higher irrigation amounts. The maximum leaf area index and plant height were affected by both the irrigation amount and salinity level, as well as their interaction. Photosynthetic capacity declined with increasing salinity of the irrigation water, ultimately reducing grain yield and irrigation water use efficiency. Compared to freshwater (S1), the average maize grain yield under S2 and S3 treatments decreased by 6.28% and 15.43% in 2023 and by 7.82% and 17.48% in 2024, respectively. Additionally, for the same irrigation amount, higher salinity of the irrigation water (S2, S3) significantly reduced total soil CO2 emissions, with reductions of 10.08% and 27.53% in 2023, and 11.97% and 28.01% in 2024, respectively. In summary, to optimize the utilization of saline water, enhance maize yield, and improve soil carbon sequestration, we recommend maintaining the salinity of irrigation water below 3 g L−1, and using an irrigation amount of 6750 m3 hm−2 (W3S2) for optimal outcomes in the study area.
Humic Substances from Waste-Based Fertilizers for Improved Soil Fertility
Authors: Maffia Angela , Marra Federica , Canino Francesco , Battaglia Santo , Mallamaci Carmelo , Oliva Mariateresa , Muscolo Adele
Published: November 2024

This research explores how different organic waste transformation methods influence the production of humic substances (HSs) and their impact on soil quality. Using olive and orange wastes as substrates, the study compares vermicomposting, composting, and anaerobic digestion processes to determine which method produces the most humic-substance-rich products. The characterization of HSs in each product included analyses of total organic carbon (TOC), humic and fulvic acid content, humification rate, humification degree, and E4/E6 ratio, with HSs extracted using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and analyzed via Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier-Transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy to assess structural complexity. The results revealed that the chemical composition of the input materials significantly influenced the transformation dynamics, with orange by-products exhibiting a higher humification rate and degree. Vermicomposting emerged as the most efficient process, producing fertilizers with superior humic content, greater microbial biodiversity, and enhanced cation exchange capacity, thus markedly improving soil quality. Composting also contributed to the stabilization of organic matter, albeit less effectively than vermicomposting. Anaerobic digestion, by contrast, resulted in products with lower levels of HSs and reduced nutrient content. Aerobic processes, particularly vermicomposting, demonstrated the most rapid and effective transformation, producing structurally complex, stable humus-like substances with pronounced benefits for soil health. These findings underscore vermicomposting as the most sustainable and efficacious approach for generating HS-rich organic fertilizers, presenting a powerful alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of organic waste valorization to mitigate environmental pollution and foster circular economy practices in sustainable agriculture.
Heat Stress Impairs Endometrial Function During Implantation by Regulating Autophagy in Hainan Black Goat
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Sun Yanyu , Min Yi , Wang Xinyu , Yang Diqi , Peng Hui
Published: November 2024

Heat stress (HS) is a significant factor that adversely affects the health, welfare, and productivity of domestic animals, particularly impacting embryo implantation rates. However, the effects of HS on endometrial function during the peri-implantation period in Hainan black goats remain unclear. This study explores the influence of HS on the endometrium of these goats. We collected uterine tissue samples from both control and heat-stressed goats and performed in vitro experiments using a 2 × 2 factorial design. This design included two temperature conditions (37 °C as the control and 42 °C to simulate heat stress) and two pharmacological treatments: chloroquine (CQ), an autophagy inhibitor, and rapamycin (RAPA), an autophagy activator. Our results showed that heat stress initially suppresses autophagy activity, which is subsequently enhanced with prolonged exposure. The pharmacologic modulation of autophagy, through activation or inhibition, resulted in corresponding upregulation or downregulation of the endometrial epithelial cells’ (EECs) receptivity markers. The overexpression of ATG7 partially reversed the HS-induced downregulation of these markers. Additionally, TJP1, a tight-junction marker, was degraded under the pharmacologic and genetic activation of autophagy in HS conditions but accumulated more in the EECs pre-treated with CQ. These findings suggest that autophagy plays a protective role in maintaining endometrial function under HS conditions in Hainan black goats. This study offers valuable insights into the role of autophagy in endometrial receptivity and proposes a potential strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of HS on goat reproduction.
Long-Term Effects of Early Low-Phosphorous Nutritional Conditioning on Broiler Chicken Performance, Bone Mineralization, and Gut Health Under Adequate or Phosphorous-Deficient Diets
Authors: Tous Núria , Francesch Maria , Tarradas Joan , Badiola Ignacio , Pérez de Rozas Ana M. , Fàbrega Emma , Ballester Maria , Quintanilla Raquel , Torrallardona David
Published: November 2024

Phosphorous is essential for many metabolic functions and the constitution of bones. Poultry have limited ability to use phosphorous from diets, which is mainly excreted and causes environmental concern. For this reason, diets are commonly supplemented with inorganic phosphorus and phytases. It has been suggested that chickens can adapt to an early nutrient restriction by increasing its efficiency of utilization, an adaptation that has been defined as nutritional conditioning. The aim of this study was to investigate a strategy of phosphorous nutritional conditioning by feeding low phosphorous diets during the first week of life as a strategy to improve the efficiency of phosphorous utilization later in life. To test this, 600 male broiler chickens were fed either a standard (control group) or a phosphorous-deficient diet (conditioned group) during the first week of life. Later in life, the effect of conditioning was tested using standard or P-deficient diets during the finishing phase (21–43 d). Conditioning did not affect overall performance, despite finding evidence for reduced relative phosphorous excretion between days 19 to 21, increased duodenal gene expression for the phosphorous transporter SLC34A2 at day 30 (−6% and +17%, respectively), and tendencies for improved phosphorous digestibility (+7%) and tibia mineralization (+6%) at the end of the trial. It is concluded that phosphorous nutritional conditioning early in life can increase subsequent dietary phosphorous utilization and bone mineralization in poultry, although it may not be able to counteract severe phosphorous deficiencies. Further research is required to assess the extent to which phosphorous supplementation in post-conditioning diets may be reduced with this strategy without compromising performance.
Serological and Molecular Investigation of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus in Chickens from Robe Town, Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Samuel , Ferrara Gianmarco , Getachew Belayneh , Hirpa Eyob , Moje Nebyou
Published: November 2024

Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is responsible for avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), a highly contagious acute respiratory disease affecting chickens. However, there is limited information on ILTV and its distribution in Ethiopia, particularly in the southeastern region. The aim of this study was to establish the serological prevalence and molecular evidence in commercial and backyard chickens from Robe town, Southeastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and June 2022, collecting 240 serum samples from randomly selected chickens belonging to eight kebeles (farms) using systematic random sampling. ILTV-specific antibodies were detected using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). From 240 serum samples, 26.7% were positive for ILTV antibodies. Logistic regression analysis identified the type of poultry farm (backyard) and the introduction of chickens from other farms as potential risk factors associated with ILTV exposure. Tracheal tissue and oropharyngeal and tracheal swabs were collected from suspected chickens for isolation and molecular detection. A total of six samples were successfully isolated in embryonated eggs (40%), with four of them verified with a specific PCR. These findings documented the presence of ILTV in the study area, which needs further insight to fully understand the actual spread of ILTV and quantify the damage caused to the poultry sector.
Exploring the Relationship Between the Size and Diverticular Number of Carpal Gland in Four Pig (Sus Scrofa) Populations
Authors: Cui Dengshuai , Yu Naibiao , Xiong Sanya , He Ruiqiu , Xiao Shijun , Li Longyun , Guo Yuanmei
Published: November 2024

The carpal gland is an important exocrine gland in pigs, functioning mainly through diverticula that release strongly odorous secretions. The size of the carpal gland and the number of diverticula may be related to its function. To measure its size, the gland must be dissected from the foreleg, and this procedure is time-consuming and cumbersome. The diverticulum is the outlet of the carpal gland, and its number correlates with the carpal gland size, but the correlation coefficient between them is still unknown. To explore the relationship between the size and diverticular number of the carpal gland, 788 pigs from four populations were used in this study. The length, width, thickness, weight and volume of the carpal gland were measured, together with its diverticular number. The phenotypic correlation coefficient between each pair of the recorded traits was calculated, and a two-factor analysis of variance was used to test whether sex and population have effects on the phenotypes. The carpal gland is a flat small stick with a length of 1.8–8.6 cm, width of 0.6–2.5 cm, and thickness of 0.2–0.8 cm, and its specific gravity is 0.51–1.36. Each carpal gland has 0 to 10 diverticula, and 82.3% carpal glands have 2–6 diverticula. The diverticular number correlates positively with the weight (r = 0.57 and rs = 0.58, p < 2.2 × 10−16) and volume (r = 0.55 and rs = 0.56, p < 2.2 × 10−16). Population and sex only explain 20% of the phenotypic variance, suggesting that the 80% of carpal gland influences remain unknown. In conclusion, the diverticular number can be used as a proxy for the weightand volume of the carpal gland, because it is easy to count and has a significant positive correlation with the size of thecarpal gland.
Commercial Day-Old Chicks in Nigeria Are Potential Reservoirs of Colistin- and Tigecycline-Resistant Potentially Pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Anyanwu Madubuike Umunna , Ikenna-Ezeh Nkechi Harriet , Okafor Simeon Chibuko , Ezemuoka Chinaza Francisca , Nwobi Obichukwu Chisom , Ogunniran Temitope Mofoluso , Obodoechi Lynda Onyinyechi , Okorie-Kanu Onyinye Josephine , Mgbeahuruike Anthony Christian , Okosi Ifeyinwa Riona , Jaja Ishmael Festus
Published: November 2024

Background: Frequent use of colistin (COL) and tetracyclines in the Nigerian poultry sector potentially triggers bacterial resistance against COL and tigecycline (TIG), which are last-line antibiotics used to treat multidrug-resistant infections. Aim/Objectives: This study aimed to isolate COL- and TIG-resistant E. coli from commercial day-old chicks distributed to poultry farmers in Nsukka Southeastern Nigeria, assess the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase by the isolates, and establish their pathogenic potentials. Materials and Methods: Non-duplicate cloacal swabs were systematically collected from 250 randomly selected day-old chicks. MacConkey agar with 1 µg/mL of COL and 16 µg/mL of tetracycline was used for the isolation of putative COL- and tetracycline-resistant E. coli, respectively. E. coli isolates were confirmed biochemically using the API20E Gram-negative identification kit and molecularly by polymerase chain reaction targeting the uidA gene. Phenotypic COL resistance was established using COL agar and COL disc elution tests, while TIG insusceptibility was determined with disc diffusion. ESBL and carbapenemase production was assessed by double-disc synergy and modified carbapenem inactivation methods, respectively. Pathogenic potentials were determined using phenotypic methods. Results: COL- and TIG-resistant E. coli was recovered from 95 (38.0%) and 62 (24.8%) swabs from the 250 chicks, respectively. None of the isolates were potential ESBL or carbapenemase producers. The COL-resistant isolates displayed pathogenic potentials such as biofilm formation, haemagglutination, cell surface hydrophobicity, surface layer, and gelatinase activities at rates of 30.7%, 8.4%, 33.7%, 23.5%, and 17.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, the TIG-resistant isolates exhibited their respective potentials at rates of 47.0%, 21.0%, 35.5%, 58.1%, and 43.6%. Red, dry, and rough (RDAR) was the predominant curli fimbriae, and the cellulose morphotype portrayed by both the COL- and TIG-unsusceptible potential biofilm-producing isolates. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a significant percentage of commercial day-old chicks distributed to farmers in Nsukka, southeastern Nigeria, are colonized by potentially pathogenic COL- and TIG-resistant E. coli, which could spread to humans and the environment.
The Efficacy of Calcium Sulfate/Hydroxyapatite (CaS/HA) Gentamicin in Osteomyelitis Treatment: A Case Series
Authors: Hoveidaei Amir Human , Shahul Sanoj , Esmaeili Sina , Pirahesh Kasra , Ghaseminejad-Raeini Amirhossein , Annasamudram Abijith , Shrestha Raj Krishna , Conway Janet D.
Published: November 2024

Background: Osteomyelitis is a challenging condition caused by infection and inflammation of the bone, presenting a significant economic burden to healthcare systems. Calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite (CaS/HA) is a bone void filler composed of 60% calcium sulfate and 40% hydroxyapatite. This case series aimed to report the efficacy and infection-related outcomes of CaS/HA combined with Gentamicin (CaS/HA-G) in treating osteomyelitis. Methods: Patients aged 18 and older diagnosed with osteomyelitis requiring surgical intervention and treated with CaS/HA-G during their procedure were included in the study, with a median (Q1–Q3) = 10 (7–16)-month follow-up period of time. Data collected included demographic, surgical, and outcome information. Infection eradication was determined by the normalization of the C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels, or the absence of clinical infection symptoms. Results: The case series involved 21 patients (twelve male, nine female) with a mean (SD) age of 54.8 (16.6) years. Vancomycin or/and Tobramycin were used as an additional antibiotic in 17 patients. At the last follow-up, 20 out of 21 patients (95.2%) had eradicated the infection, with a median (Q1–Q3) eradication time of 128 (71.8–233.5) days. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that CaS/HA-G is effective in controlling osseous infection in osteomyelitis while acting as an absorbable bone void filler.
Correction: Al-Ahmad et al. Biodentine Inhibits the Initial Microbial Adhesion of Oral Microbiota In Vivo. Antibiotics 2023, 12, 4
Authors: Al-Ahmad Ali , Haendel Michael , Altenburger Markus Joerg , Karygianni Lamprini , Hellwig Elmar , Wrbas Karl Thomas , Vach Kirstin , Tennert Christian
Published: November 2024

We would like to update the readership about the procedure that led to the correction of [...]
Antioxidant Valorization of PLE Extracts from Macroalgae (Cladophora glomerata): In Vitro Assessment of Nanoemulsions Against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Sáez-González Lucía , Carreño-Díaz Marcos , Blázquez-Abellán Gema , Santander-Ortega Manuel J. , Martínez-García Rosa M. , Martínez Luis A. , Carbajal Jose A. , Castro-Vázquez Lucía
Published: November 2024

Driven by a growing global interest in natural products, macroalgae have emerged as a prime source for nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical applications. In the current research, the effect of oven-drying (OD) and freeze-drying (FD), as well as the pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) conditions, were investigated in relation to the polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and tocochromanols levels in Cladophora glomerata extracts. The ethanol–water extracts (1:1) obtained with PLE-150 °C from macroalgae oven-dried (OD)-80 °C displayed the highest total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs), reaching 29.62 mg GAE/g and 5.92 mg QE/g. Aqueous extracts using PLE-200 °C were also an excellent environmentally friendly option for TPC and TFC isolation, which were the main factors accounting for the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP antioxidant activity of the extracts. The remarkable effects of drying conditions positively affect the carotenoids, chlorophyll α-tocopherol, and α-tocotrienol levels from extracts showing 1.3–6 times higher amounts in extracts of Cladophora glomerata OD at 80 °C compared with other research approaches. Nanotechnology approaches allowed the formulation of antioxidant-loaded nanoemulsions from Cladophora glomerata extracts, providing stability and a great internalization rate that ameliorates to 85% the ROS levels, attenuating the oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in J774.1 macrophage cell line.
Antioxidant Effect of a Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles’ Mix on Human Skin Fibroblasts: Induction of a Reparative Process
Authors: Di Raimo Rossella , Mizzoni Davide , Aloi Antonella , Pietrangelo Giulia , Dolo Vincenza , Poppa Giuseppina , Fais Stefano , Logozzi Mariantonia
Published: November 2024

Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) from organic agriculture (without the use of pesticides and microbicides) contain high levels of antioxidants. Organic PDEVs have shown an increased antioxidant power compared to PDEVs from single plants, suggesting a synergistic effect of the bioactives constitutively expressed in the PDEVs from single fruits. With this study, we wanted to investigate the beneficial effects of a mix of PDEVs on human skin cells. We found detectable levels of citric acid, ascorbic acid, glutathione, catalase, and SOD in a mix of PDEVs deriving from five different fruits (grape, red orange, papaya, pomegranate, and tangerine). We then treated H2O2-conditioned fibroblasts with the mix of PDEVs. The results showed that the PDEVs’ mixture reverted the H2O2-induced redox imbalance, restoring mitochondrial homeostasis, with a strong reduction of mitochondrial anion superoxide and an increase in sirtuin levels. The antioxidant action was consistent with wound repair on a lesion produced in a fibroblast’s monolayer. This result was consistent with an increased level of vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase-9, whose expression is directly related to the efficiency of the reparative processes. These data support a beneficial role of PDEVs in both preventing and treating skin injuries through their potent antioxidant and reparative activities.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Theobroma cacao L.: Insights from In Vitro, In Vivo, and Nanoparticle Studies on Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Effects
Authors: Sitarek Przemysław , Merecz-Sadowska Anna , Sikora Joanna , Osicka Weronika , Śpiewak Igor , Picot Laurent , Kowalczyk Tomasz
Published: November 2024

Theobroma cacao L., commonly known as cocoa, has been an integral part of human culture and diet for thousands of years. However, recent scientific research has highlighted its potential therapeutic properties, particularly in the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. This comprehensive review analyzes the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of Theobroma cacao extracts combined with nanoparticles using in vitro and in vivo studies. Its diverse biological activity can be attributed to its rich phytochemical profile, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. In vitro studies have found that cocoa extracts, alone or in combination with nanoparticles, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and modulate key signaling pathways in various cancer cell lines. The extracts have also been found to reduce tumor growth and enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, potentially reducing their side effects, in vivo. Its anti-inflammatory properties are based on its ability to modulate inflammatory mediators, inhibit NF-κB signaling, and regulate macrophage polarization. These effects have been observed in both cellular and animal models of inflammation. This review opens up new possibilities for future research and therapeutic applications, highlighting the potential of Theobroma cacao as a valuable complementary approach in the treatment and prevention of cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Potential Roles of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 in Alzheimer’s Disease: Beneficial or Detrimental?
Authors: Lin Tsu-Kung , Huang Chi-Ren , Lin Kai-Jung , Hsieh Yi-Heng , Chen Shang-Der , Lin Yi-Chun , Chao A-Ching , Yang Ding-I
Published: November 2024

The major pathological characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) include senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which are mainly composed of aggregated amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide and hyperphosphorylated tau protein, respectively. The excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neuroinflammation are crucial contributing factors to the pathological mechanisms of AD. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor critical for tissue adaption to low-oxygen tension. Growing evidence has suggested HIF-1 as a potential therapeutic target for AD; conversely, other experimental findings indicate that HIF-1 induction contributes to AD pathogenesis. These previous findings thus point to the complex, even contradictory, roles of HIF-1 in AD. In this review, we first introduce the general pathogenic mechanisms of AD as well as the potential pathophysiological roles of HIF-1 in cancer, immunity, and oxidative stress. Based on current experimental evidence in the literature, we then discuss the possible beneficial as well as detrimental mechanisms of HIF-1 in AD; these sections also include the summaries of multiple chemical reagents and proteins that have been shown to exert beneficial effects in AD via either the induction or inhibition of HIF-1.