HS Treatments Research Articles

22 Feeding the early gestating gilt during heat stress: Implications towards fetal viability, growth, and development

Abstract Gestational heat stress (GHS) directly impacts litter development and viability and has long term negative postnatal effects on offspring. However, current data on the interactions between GHS, maternal feed energy partitioning, and fetal development measures in pigs are limited. Therefore, the study objective was to gain a greater understanding of how early GHS influences fetal development and viability and whether maternal feed energy partitioning has a role. Gestating gilts (n = 23) were exposed to thermoneutral (TN; n = 11; 18.5 ± 1.2°C) or heat stress (HS; n = 12; cyclic 26 to 38°C) conditions beginning on d 6.0 ± 0.9 of gestation to 33.0 ± 1.7. The HS treatments resulted in greater (P < 0.05) respiration rates and body temperature and HS gilts grew faster (P < 0.05; 0.5 ± 0.1 kg/d) than TN gilts (0.3 ± 0.1 kg/d) as previously reported. Pregnant gilts were individually housed and limit-fed a standard gestating gilt diet (1.82 kg/d; 4.39 Mcal NE intake/d). On gestation d 33 ± 1.7, gilts were harvested and reproductive tract weight, corpus luteum (CL) counts, and fetal weights and counts were recorded. Additionally, fetal images were taken with a digital camera to assess fetal length, width, crown rump length (CRL), and viability using Image J. Fetuses were considered nonviable if CRL was more than 2 standard deviations less than the mean litter CRL or had irregular anatomical traits. All data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX with either pregnant gilt as the experimental unit for litter-based measures or individual fetus as the experimental unit for fetal based measures. Gilt NE intake efficiency [average daily gain (ADG); NE intake) was greater for HS (P = 0.04; 0.11 ± 0.01) when compared with TN gilts (0.07 ± 0.01). No fetal ADG (P = 0.26; 0.12 ± 0.04 g/d) or fetal ADG; gilt NE intake differences (P = 0.26; 0.03 ± 0.01) were detected between treatments. Total fetuses per CL were decreased for HS gilts (P = 0.01; 0.72 ± 0.03 fetuses) when compared with TN gilts (0.85 ± 0.04 fetuses). Viable fetuses per CL were reduced for HS gilts (P = 0.05; 0.69 ± 0.01 fetuses) when compared with TN gilts (0.80 ± 0.04 fetuses). The difference between total CL count and total fetuses per gilt tended to be increased for HS (P = 0.08; 6 ± 1 fetus) versus TN gilts (4 ± 1 fetus). No other fetal differences were observed (P > 0.10). In conclusion, early GHS improved gilt growth performance and NE efficiency, but resulted in decreased fertilization rates and reduced fetal viability and had no impact on fetal growth and development.

Use of hydration properties of proteins to understand their functionality and tailor texture of extruded plant-based meat analogues.

Different protein sources create distinct textures in plant-based meat due to differences in their hydration properties when exposed to different time, temperature, and shear regimes, which in turn depend upon their solubility, protein structure, and specific amino acids. This research aimed to identify these differences and manipulate them to reach a desired texture utilizing simple and reproducible analytical methods to characterize protein properties as either cold or heat swelling. Protein functionality was determined through least gelation concentration (LGC), water absorption index (WAI), and rapid visco analysis (RVA). Cold swelling or CS proteins (pea protein isolate, soy protein isolate, Arcon S soy protein concentrate) were characterized by an LGC<14% and/ or WAI>4.0 g/g, while LGC>16% and/ or WAI<4.0 g/g indicates proteins with heat swelling or HS properties (Arcon F soy protein concentrate, wheat gluten, and fava protein concentrate). An RVA peak time of around or less than 3 min (<75°C peak temperature) indicated CS properties while greater than 3.5 min (>80°C peak temperature) was considered HS. Protein mixes or treatments comprising mainly of different combinations and ratios of CS proteins were hypothesized to create a softer textured vegetable protein product or texturized vegetable protein (TVP) and those based on HS proteins a firmer TVP. Bulk density was higher for HS treatments (274-287 g/L) than for CS treatments (160-223 g/L). CS treatments exhibited a microstructure that was porous, while HS showed a dense, laminar microstructure. Texture profile analysis showed that CS treatments seemed to show a lower hardness (1154-1595 g) than the HS treatments (1893-2231 g). PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Controlling texture can be a valuable tool when producing a plant-based meat product. Different applications have various texture requirements. For example, a plant-based fish stick would require a softer texture than a hamburger or chicken nugget. By increasing the knowledge of how protein functionality affects meat analogue texture, the time needed to produce new products with novel textures can be reduced. Money could also be saved by being able to quickly replace ingredients with a more affordable or accessible protein with similar swelling abilities to preserve product quality.

An analysis of direct and indirect costs in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with recurrent nodules and abscesses that culminate in purulent discharge and scarring. It has significant physical, psychological and financial impact. This study plans to analyse patient costs associated with HS. Direct costs include prescription items. Indirect or out-of-pocket costs include dressings, analgesia, and healthcare-related travel costs. This study will also assess disease impact on quality-of-life (QOL). Patients with HS diagnosis attending dermatology OPD at our public tertiary centre were invited to participate. Ethical approval was secured, and informed consent was obtained. Participants completed an anonymous survey which was analysed to identify costs associated with HS as well as demographics and QOL impact. A total of 25 patients completed the survey; median age was 29% and 80% were female. Median time from HS onset to diagnosis was 2years, with 24% waiting >10years to be diagnosed. In the past 3months, 20% spent >€200 in both categories; prescription and non-prescription items. In the non-prescription category, 36% of patients reported expenditure >€100 in the past 3months. Dressings were the most common out-of-pocket expense (in 15/25 patients), followed by analgesia and protective clothing. Attendance at medical appointments cost 24% of patients €50-€200. Four participants reported difficulty accessing HS treatments due to associated costs. Mean number of absence days from work/education as result of HS was 8.7 in the past 3months. Two patients reported being on disability allowance, and two on unemployment benefit as result of their skin disorder. In the QOL question; 96% reported disease impact on QOL, and 11 participants reported that it affected their life 'very much'. HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with significant financial burden alongside the well-analysed biopsychosocial disease impact. Financial burden can be divided into direct prescription costs and indirect costs such as non-prescription items, protective clothing and travel costs which we have explored in this study. Further research is needed in this area to identify and optimise both the financial and QOL implications of HS in acute flares and chronic disease management.

Effects of different fertilization patterns on the dietary composition of Procambarus clarkii in a rice-crayfish coculture system

As an omnivorous species, crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) have varying feeding habits in different environments. However, little is known about the diet of crayfish under different fertilization patterns in rice-crayfish cocultures. In this study, we investigated the effect of fertilization on the growth performance, dietary composition and isotopic niche of crayfish in a rice-crayfish coculture system. Four experimental treatments were established: no fertilizer (CK), slow-release fertilizer (HS), crayfish rice fertilizer (XD) and compound fertilizer (FH). The results showed that HS and FH could significantly promote crayfish growth, and the growth of crayfish treated with HS was the best. Fertilization patterns had significant effects on the dietary composition of crayfish. The food source of unfertilized crayfish was relatively balanced. However, in the HS, XD and FH treatments, particulate organic matter increased with contribution rates of 34.04%, 56.89% and 42.86%, respectively. In addition, the artificial feed intake of crayfish in the FH group was the lowest. The isotopic niche revealed that crayfish in the HS group significantly increased in the direction of the δ15N axis. Based on routine economic indicators, slow-release fertilizer was suitable for the rice-crayfish coculture system. These findings could provide scientific guidance for the selection of fertilization modes in rice-crayfish coculture systems and the exploration of healthy crayfish culture models.

Evaluation of Ultra-High-Pressure Sterilization in Terms of Bactericidal Effect, Qualities, and Shelf Life of 'Xinli No. 7' (Pyrus sinkiangensis) Pear Juice.

In this study, ultra-high-pressure sterilization (UHPS) of Xinli No. 7 juice (XL7) was explored and optimized. A challenge to implement UHPS in juice as a full alternative to thermal treatment could be represented by the adoption of a pressure level of up to 500 MPa for 20 min at one cycle followed by the packaging in aseptic conditions. It was found that UHPS and HS treatments could effectively kill the microorganisms in XL7 juice but HS treatment would inevitably lose the nutritional quality in the juice, while UHPS treatment could better maintain the glyconic acid content, functional components, and antioxidant activity and reduce Browning degree and improve the stability of XL7 juice. The deterioration rate of UHPS and HS-treated XL7 juice increased with the increased storage temperature. The predicted shelf life of UHPS and HS-treated XL7 juice was 68 and 41 days at 4 °C, respectively. Collectively, UHPS treatment combined with low-temperature storage might be an effective way to prolong the shelf life of XL7 juice.

Effects from maritime scrubber effluent on phytoplankton and bacterioplankton communities of a coastal area, Eastern Mediterranean Sea

The few studies on the impact of vessel scrubber effluents on the marine environment indicate adverse effects. Phytoplankton and bacterioplankton, the most abundant organisms of pelagic ecosystems, are the first responders to scrubber water discharge in seawater. Understanding the scrubber effluent effects on these communities could improve our knowledge of shipping impacts on marine ecosystems. In the present work, mesocosm experiments were conducted to examine scrubber effluent effects on phytoplankton and bacterioplankton communities sampled in the Thermaikos Gulf, Eastern Mediterranean, taken from an unpolluted site and a site polluted by other sources of pollution. Diverse shifts of the phytoplankton and bacterioplankton communities were observed at high (HS: 10% v/v) and low (LS: 1% v/v) scrubber effluent treatments. Diatoms in the polluted area in HS treatments, and particularly, the dominant species Pseudo-nitzschia cf. pungens forming a harmful bloom, exhibited acute population decline in the first 24 h of exposure followed by a stationary phase with steady cell numbers till the end of the experiment. These acute adverse effects were not masked by the nitrate enrichment caused by nitrogen contents of the scrubber effluent, although a weak eutrophication signal was evident in control treatments with nitrate additions. In the unpolluted site, the dominant pico-chlorophytes were not significantly impacted, while in LS treatments no adverse effects were observed in phytoplankton and bacterioplankton abundance and composition. Phytoplankton composition changed slightly with exposure to the scrubber effluent, while a pronounced shift was observed in the bacterioplankton community towards genera known to degrade Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in both treatments (LS, HS). Network analysis indicated high functional-response diversity of PAHs degrading bacteria in the unpolluted site community, which is critical for community resistance and resilience that may sustain the ecosystem's ecological status to the previously unimpacted state.

Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) Attenuates the Adverse Effects of Cyclical Heat Stress and Modulates the Oxidative Stress-Related Genes in Broiler Chickens.

The present study was conducted to determine the possible antioxidant protection of pequi oil (PO) against cyclic heat stress in broiler chickens and to highlight the application of PO as a promising additive in broiler feed. A total of 400 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to 2 × 5 factorially arranged treatments: two temperature-controlled rooms (thermoneutral-TN or heat stress-HS for 8 h/day) and five dietary PO levels (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 g/kg diet) for 42 days. Each treatment consisted of eight replicates of five birds. The results showed that HS increased glucose (p = 0.006), triglycerides (p < 0.001), and HDL (p = 0.042) at 21 days and reduced (p = 0.005) serum total cholesterol at 42 days. The results also showed that HS increased the contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In contrast, PO linearly decreased AST (p = 0.048) and ALT (p = 0.020) at 21 and 42 days, respectively. The heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the birds under HS was higher than in those in the TN environment (p = 0.046). Heat stress decreased (p = 0.032) the relative weight of their livers at 21 days. The superoxide dismutase activity increased (p = 0.010) in the HS treatments in comparison to the TN treatments, while the glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver decreased (p < 0.001) at 42 days; however, the activity of catalase had no significant effects. Meanwhile, increasing the dietary PO levels linearly decreased plasma malondialdehyde (p < 0.001) in the birds in the HS environment. In addition, PO reduced (p = 0.027) the expression of Hsp 70 in the liver by 92% when compared to the TN treatment without PO, mainly at the 6.0 g/kg diet level. The expression of Nrf2 was upregulated by 37% (p = 0.049) in response to PO with the 6.0 g/kg diet compared to the HS treatment without PO. In conclusion, PO supplementation alleviated the adverse effects of HS on broilers due to its antioxidant action and modulation of the genes related to oxidative stress, providing insights into its application as a potential feed additive in broiler production.

The Biological Correction Using Humic Substances, Vermicompost, and Azospirillum as an Optimum Way of Optimizing Plant Production and Enhancing Soil Micronutrients in Arid Regions

Aims: This field experiment aimed to investigate the effect of using foliar treatments and applying different fertilizers on wheat (TriticumaestivumL.) growth, productivity, and soil fertility under arid conditions. Background: Agriculture is a critical socio-economic sector in Egypt, generating approximately 10 to 15% of the national gross domestic product. Abiotic stresses arising from climate change negate crop growth and yield, leading to food insecurity. Methods: Six treatments were carried out in the order: CK (control without amendment); NPK (mineral fertilizer: mineral fertilizers, 38 g/m2 of urea (46% of N), 10 g/m2 of calcium phosphate (45% of P2O5), 12 g/m2 of potassium sulfate (50% of K2O)); Azospirillum brasilense (Az), bacteria were soaked with the seeds for 4 hours before sowing and introduced three-time into the soil with irrigation water at 0.7 ml/m2; vermicompost (VC) applied to the soil (2.5 kg/m2); humic substances (0.5 ml/m2) for foliar inoculation (HS); HS + micronutrients (HS-M) soil application (1 ml/m2) with irrigation water. All treatments were applied as soil additives and foliar spray to wheat plants at 31±1 °C for the first two months from seed sowing in calcareous soil. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of experimental data showed the significance of positive effects of all treatments on soil fertility and plant growth compared to the control and NPK treatments. Results: The HS and VC treatments had positive effects on the development of plant nutrition, wheat growth, soil pH, and plant availability of micronutrients, which was also reflected in the wheat grain yield and water use efficiency. It was also evident that treating the plants and soil with HS-M increased wheat yield from 3.45 to 8.97 t ha-1 (260%) compared to the control. On the other hand, VC and Az treatments increased the grain yield by 278% and 267%, respectively, compared to control and NPK treatments. The water use efficiency (kg grain / m3) values increased by 279, 268, 262, 258, and 139% for HS-M, HS, VC, Az, and NPK treatments, respectively, compared to CK. The plants' total N, P, and K content were higher with all organic and biological treatments than NPK and control. Conclusion: This study has shown that the HS, Az, VC, and HS-M soil additives and foliar applications significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the status of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B in soil, plant growth rate, grain yield, 1000 grain weight, water use efficiency, and soil macro-nutrient of wheat plants growing on calcareous soil.

Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Evaluation Study (THESEUS): protocol for a prospective cohort study

BackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, painful, inflammatory skin disease with estimates of prevalence in the European population of 1%–2%. Despite being a relatively common condition, the evidence base for...

Interspecific Differences in Physiological and Biochemical Traits Drive the Water Stress Tolerance in Young Morus alba L. and Conocarpus erectus L. Saplings.

Mitigating climate change requires the identification of tree species that can tolerate water stress with fewer negative impacts on plant productivity. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the water stress tolerance of young saplings of C. erectus and M. alba under three soil water deficit treatments (control, CK, 90% field capacity, FC, medium stress MS, 60% FC and high stress, HS, 30% FC) under controlled conditions. Results showed that leaf and stem dry weight decreased significantly in both species under MS and HS. However, root dry weight and root/shoot ratio increased, and total dry weight remained similar to CK under MS in C. erectus saplings. Stomatal conductance, CO2 assimilation rate decreased, and intrinsic water use efficiency increased significantly in both species under MS and HS treatments. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radical, malondialdehyde and electrolyte leakage increased in both the species under soil water deficit but was highest in M. alba. The concentration of antioxidative enzymes like superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase also increased in both species under MS and HS but was highest in C. erectus. Therefore, results suggest that C. erectus saplings depicted a better tolerance to MS due to an effective antioxidative enzyme system.

Correlation Among Phenotypic Parameters Related to the Growth and Photosynthesis of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) Grown Under Various Light Intensity Conditions.

The objective of this study was to investigate characteristics of phenotypic parameters such as physiology, yield, and fruit quality responses of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) to various light intensity conditions (VLICs), and to determine the correlations among these phenotypic parameters. Strawberry plants were cultivated in a smart greenhouse separated into four areas, three of which were completely shaded by curtains from 20:00 until 10:00 (3 hS), 12:00 (5 hS), and 14:00 (7 hS), respectively. The fourth area was a non-shaded control treatment (0 hS). The ambient light intensities during the experimental period for the 0, 3, 5, and 7 hS treatments were 1,285, 1,139, 770, and 364 mol⋅m–2, respectively. Strawberry plants grown under low light intensity conditions experienced decreases in photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and sugar accumulation compared to the 0 hS. Petiole generation and fruit yield were also sharply decreased in proportion to the degree of decrease in light intensity. In contrast, photosynthetic pigment content was shown to increase under low light conditions. Organic acid contents (excluding acetic acid) and leaflet size did not change significantly under low light conditions compared to the 0 hS. Changes to light intensity are considered to induce changes to the phenotypic characteristics of strawberry plants to favor growth using the energy and carbon skeletons obtained through respiration and photosynthesis. In the 7 hS treatment, where light intensity was drastically reduced, NPQ, qP, and RFd values as chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters were significantly lowered, which could indicate their measurement as an important technique to check the stress response of plants grown in low light conditions.

Effects of fat supplements containing different levels of palmitic and stearic acid on milk production and fatty acid digestibility in lactating dairy cows

Fat supplements based on palmitic acid (PA) or stearic acid (SA) are expected to have different effects on milk production and nutrient metabolism in lactating dairy cows. In this study, the effects of prilled fat supplements containing different levels of PA and SA were tested in 12 high-producing multiparous cows (pretrial milk yield = 53.4 ± 8.7 kg/d; mean ± SD) arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatments were control (CON; no supplemental fat), an enriched PA supplement (HP; 91% C16:0), an enriched SA supplement (HS; 92.5% C18:0), and a blend of PA and SA (INT) fed at 1.95% of diet dry matter. All supplements contained oleic acid at approximately 5% of fatty acids. The HP treatment decreased dry matter intake (DMI) by 1.9 kg/d and 1.1 kg/d compared with SA and CON, respectively. Milk yield was not changed by treatment, but INT increased energy-corrected milk by 2.7 kg/d compared with HS. The HP and INT treatments increased milk fat yield by 0.11 and 0.14 kg/d compared with CON, respectively. Additionally, HP decreased yield of <16 carbon fatty acids (FA; de novo synthesized) by 44 g/d and 43 g/d compared with INT and CON, respectively. The HP treatment increased 16-carbon FA (mixed source) by 155 g/d compared with CON and 64 g/d relative to INT. No effect of treatment on apparent total-tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, or neutral detergent fiber was detectable. The INT and HS treatments decreased total-tract digestibility of 16-carbon FA by 10.3 and 10.5 percentage units compared with HP, respectively. Total-tract digestibility of 18-carbon FA was lowest in the HS diet and highest with HP. In conclusion, supplementing PA increased milk fat yield compared with control and SA, but supplementing a mixture of PA and SA increased energy-corrected milk without decreasing intake. The FA profile of fat supplements influences their digestibility and effects on DMI and milk and milk fat synthesis.

PBI2 A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and EARLY Network Meta-Analysis (ENMA) of Current and Future Treatments for Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

HS is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by skin lesions such as abscesses, inflammatory nodules (AN), and tunnels. As adalimumab is the only approved treatment, a high unmet need for new treatments exists. This research identified Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) in HS, assessed current evidence, and conducted an eNMA of current and future HS treatments. An SLR was conducted according to standard guidelines. Information on study/patient characteristics and efficacy outcomes were extracted. Outcomes assessed in the eNMA included clinical response, dermatological life quality index (DLQI), and pain score. Clinical response was evaluated using a range of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response levels (HiSCR25,50,75,90), defined as at least a 25%, 50%, 75%, or 90% reduction from baseline in the total AN count, with no increase from baseline in abscess or draining tunnel count. A random-effect model was implemented, and treatments were ranked using p-scores. Twenty RCTs were identified. Outcomes from a total of (n=438) patients and six treatments (adalimumab, anakinra, apremilast, bermekimab, bimekizumab and placebo) were considered for the eNMA. Due to insufficient data, observed inconsistencies in outcome reporting, and heterogeneity in baseline demographics, comparisons were only feasible for endpoints measured at week 12 using data from five RCTs. HiSCR25 and HiSCR90 endpoints were excluded due to a lack of reporting. Bimekizumab ranked higher compared to adalimumab and placebo for HiSCR75, change from baseline in DLQI total score, and reduction in pain score. Inconsistencies in reporting endpoints, paucity of efficacy outcomes beyond 12-week, underreporting of HiSCR thresholds other than HiSCR50, and trial heterogeneity pose methodological challenges to future assessments informed by NMAs and cost-effectiveness analyses. This eNMA confirmed the early therapeutic benefits observed in NCT03248531 with bimekizumab in the change from baseline in DLQI score, pain score, and more stringent HiSCR threshold, but warrants confirmation in future RCTs.

Dissecting the critical stage in the response of maize kernel set to individual and combined drought and heat stress around flowering

Increases in frequency and magnitude of drought and heat events are the prime abiotic constraints, which cause considerable adverse effects on maize kernel set and grain yield. However, there is little information about a comprehensive and systematical understanding to identify the critical stage in the response of kernel numbers per spike (KNS) to individual and combined drought and heat stress around flowering. Here we evaluated three successive phases (florets development, florets pollination and seed setting) of kernel set under drought, heat and combined drought and heat stress (DS, HS and DHS) with two maize hybrids using the field site ponds covered with a rain shelter in 2018 and 2019. As an average in two years, KNS was reduced by 18.9 % in DS treatment, 10.8 % in HS treatment and 37.2 % in DHS treatment compared with the control treatment. The most considerable adverse impacts during the three phases were all observed in DHS treatment, followed by DS and HS treatments. Among the three phases, the impact of stress on seed setting was more substantial than that in the other two phases for both hybrids. Kernel abortion was the main reason for the decrease in KNS due to the stress, which resulted from the prevention of sugar–starch conversion. The starch content in the kernel was reduced by 42 % in DS treatment, 29 % in HS treatment and 58 % in DHS treatment on the 8th day after silking. This finding would supply a reference for breeders to evolve strategies in developing stress-resilient and high-yielding hybrids under climate change.

Nitrogen transformation processes and gaseous emissions from a humic gley soil at two water filled pore spaces

The artificial drainage of heavy textured gley soils is prevalent on pasture. Drainage of a soil profile reduces the water filled pore space (WFPS) in the upper soil horizons with consequences for N2 and N2O emissions, the fate of nitrogen (N), transformational processes and microbial and bacterial communities. The present intact soil column study with isotopically enriched fertiliser investigates all these aspects simultaneously under two WFPS treatments (80% (HS) and 55% (LS) saturation). Results showed significant differences in nitrous oxyde (N2O) emissions, in both pattern and amount, with maxima at 11.97 mg N2O-N/m2h for HS and at 1.64 for LS. Isotopic enrichment data showed a significant predominance (74.8–97.2%) of nitrification in LS, with a possible reduction in NH4+ but a higher concentration of nitrate (NO3−) in N losses. Denitrification dominated in HS (72.5–73.4%), possibly leading to high ammonium (NH4+) losses. Enrichment values showed differential apportionment patterns. A high component of N2O emission derived from denitrification in HS (6.0% HS; 0.4% LS) with a significant amount of N2O (62.9%) transformed to N2 (3.7% LS). A higher percentage of 15N was retained in LS soil. HS showed a lower amount of unaccounted N highlighting lower losses. Differences in gene copy concentrations (GCC) were found across most analysed genes (16S, nirS, nirK, nosZ1, nosZ2, amoA and nrfA). Both HS and LS treatments showed similar potentials for N2O production and its reduction to N2, but a reduced potential for nitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) in HS. This study explained the effect of drainage and rewetting on gaseous emissions providing an explanation in terms of community switches. On the current soil type, structures to manage watertable heights would push the system towards complete denitrification with only N2 production but may present risks in terms of ammonia (NH3) and NH4+ losses.

MC4R Is Involved in Neuropathic Pain by Regulating JNK Signaling Pathway After Chronic Constriction Injury.

BackgroundNeuropathic pain can develop after nerve injury, when deleterious changes occur in injured neurons and glia cells. Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is involved in the regulation of pain due to its high expressions in brain. Moreover, MC4R could mediate the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, but whether the MC4R-regulated JNK signaling pathway participated in neuropathic pain after chronic constriction injury (CCI) is still unclear.MethodsA total of 128 Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into four experiment groups: the SHAM group, CCI + NaCl group, CCI + HS group, and CCI + SP + HS group. For the CCI + NaCl group, the sciatic nerves were ligated. For the SHAM group, an identical manner to the CCI without ligation was performed. For CCI + HS and CCI + SP + HS groups, rats were injected with MC4R inhibitor (HS014) and HS014 plus JNK inhibitor (SP600125), respectively, from days 3 to 14 after CCI. Paw withdrawal latency (PWL) and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) were used to assess the nociceptive behavior. ELISA was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines. qRT-PCR and Western blots (WB) were utilized to examine the mRNA and protein expressions of JNK signaling pathway-related genes. Meanwhile, the expression levels of MC4R and p-JNK were further evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) experiments. Finally, in order to confirm the in vivo results, astrocytes were isolated and transfected with MC4R-overexpression plasmid. Furthermore, the protein expressions of JNK signaling pathway-related genes were tested by WB.ResultsIt was showed that the values of PWL and PWT were significantly increased in CCI + HS group and CCI + SP + HS group compared with CCI + NaCl group. The increased interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion in CCI + NaCl group was lowered by HS and SP + HS. MC4R, p-JNK, ATF3, and c-Jun levels were up-regulated with CCI surgery, but down-regulated with HS and SP + HS treatments. Moreover, the IHC and IF results further revealed that MC4R and p-JNK expressions in CCI + NaCl group were remarkably higher than those in HS group and HS + SP group. In vitro data also indicated that HS, SP, and SP + HS could down-regulate the expressions of MC4R, p-JNK, ATF3, and c-Jun in M1830 astrocytes.ConclusionOur findings indicated that MC4R is involved in neuropathic pain by regulating JNK signaling pathway after CCI.

Effects of Short-Term Storage or Pre-Storage Heating of Hatching Eggs from Young Broiler Breeder Flock before Incubation on Hatching Parameters and Chick Quality

Effects of Short-Term Storage or Pre-Storage Heating of Hatching Eggs from Young Broiler Breeder Flock before Incubation on Hatching Parameters and Chick Quality Canan KOP-BOZBAY Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of short-term storage (four days) or pre-storage heating of hatching eggs from young Ross broiler breeding flocks (28 week old) on hatching parameters and chick quality. In total, 1350 hatching eggs of 1 d and 4 d of laid were individually numbered and distributed three treatments, named as NS (eggs that were not stored), S (eggs that were stored for four days before incubation) and HS (eggs that were heated at 37.7 °C and a relative humidity of 60% for 24 h and then stored for three days before incubation). The HS treatment increased the hatchabilities of set and fertil eggs compared to the NS and S treatments, whereas the S decreased the these variables compared to the NS treatment. The embrionic mortality in the HS eggs was lower than those in the NS and S eggs. The rate of discarded chicks was higher in the S group than in the HS group. The chick weight in the NS treatment was higher than those in the S and HS treatments. In conclusion, the pre-storage heating of hatching eggs from young broiler breeder flock positively affected hatchability without chick weight and quality. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v8n2a14

Organic amendment-driven removal and speciation of metals using wormwood in two contrasting soils near an abandoned copper mine

To test the hypothesis that humic acid (HA), anaerobically digested pig slurry filtrate (APS), and their combination would differently affect the chemical speciation and extractability of metals (cadmium, copper, and zinc) and their uptake by plants, we conducted a pot experiment using wormwood in two texturally contrasting soils (sandy loam and clay loam) collected from a field near an abandoned Cu mine. Four treatments were laid out: HA at 23.5 g kg−1 (HA), APS at 330 mL kg−1 (APS), HA at 23.5 g kg−1 and APS at 330 mL kg−1 (HA + APS), and a control. Each treatment affected the chemical speciation and mobility of the metals, and thereby resulting in variable patterns of plant biomass yield and metal uptake. The APS supported plant growth by increasing nutrient availability. HA supported or hindered plant growth by impacting the soil’s water and nutrient retention capacity and aeration, in a soil texture-dependent manner, while consistently enhancing the immobilization of heavy metals. Temporal increases in whole-plant dry matter yield and metal accumulation suggested that the plants were capable of metal hyperaccumulation. The results were discussed in terms of the mobility of metals and plant growth and corroborated by the 15N recovery of soil- and plant-N pools under H and HS treatments. Therefore, for effective phytoremediation of polluted soils, an appropriate combination of plant growth promoters (APS) and chelating agents (HA) should be predetermined at the site where chemical stabilization of pollutants is desired.

Effect of different vegetation restoration types on fundamental parameters, structural characteristics and the soil quality index of artificial soil

Outside soil spray seeding (OSSS), the technology of spraying an artificial soil mixture onto the surface of cut slopes for creating a bed for plant species to germinate and grow, has been widely used to restore cut slopes. The vegetation cover can effectively resist soil erosion, improve soil quality and facilitate the ecological restoration of cut slopes. However, researchers have different views on what kind of vegetation cover is best to improve artificial soil quality and enhance the structural stability of cut slopes. To evaluate the effect of different vegetation restoration types on the artificial soil of cut slopes restored with OSSS, various soil samples were obtained from four treatments [herbaceous-only vegetation restoration slopes (HS); mixed vegetation restoration type slope I, composed of herbs and shrubs (MSI); mixed vegetation restoration type slope II, composed of herbs, shrubs and trees (MSII); and natural slopes (NS)]. Three slopes were selected for HS, MSI, MSII and NS, respectively, for a total of twelve slopes. The soil properties measured included some fundamental parameters (physical, chemical and biological parameters) and structural characteristics (bias coefficients, peak convex coefficient, fractal dimension, structural failure rate and soil erodibility). Principal component analysis (PCA) and ascending and descending functions were used to determine an integrated soil quality index (SQI). The results showed that there are significant differences in fundamental parameters, structural characteristics and the SQI between HS and other treatments, while the same properties, except SQI, were not significantly different between MSI and MSII. These findings imply that the HS is not suitable for long-term restoration on cut slopes, whereas MSII is a better vegetation construction model for the ecological restoration of cut slopes. However, there is still a huge disparity in these soil properties between the cut slopes and NS; this difference is attributable to the NS having a soil optimization process with long-term no human interference. Therefore, more effective management measures should be implemented to promote the ecological restoration of cut slopes.

Temporal and spatial changes in ion homeostasis, antioxidant defense and accumulation of flavonoids and glycolipid in a halophyte Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L.

Salinity is an important environmental constraint limiting plant productivity. Understanding adaptive responses of halophytes to high saline environments may offer clues to manage and improve salt stress in crop plants. We have studied physiological, biochemical and metabolic changes in a perennial, fast growing halophyte, Sesuvium portulacastrum under 0 mM (control), 150 mM (low salt, LS) and 500 mM (high salt, HS) NaCl treatments. The changes in growth, relative water content, cation, osmolyte accumulation, H2O2 and antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT and APX) were observed under different treatment conditions. A positive correlation was revealed for sodium ion accumulation with malondialdehyde (r2 = 0.77), proline (r2 = 0.88) and chlorophyll content (r2 = 0.82) under salt treatment while a negative correlation was observed with relative tissue water content (r2 = -0.73). The roots and leaves showed contrasting accumulation of potassium and sodium ions under LS treatment. Temporal and spatial study of sodium and potassium ion content indicated differential accumulation pattern in roots and leaves, and, high potassium levels in root. Higher H2O2 content was recorded in roots than leaves and the antioxidant enzyme activities also showed significant induction under salt treatment conditions. Gene expression profiling of sodium transporters, Sodium proton exchanger (NHX3), Vacuolar ATPase (vATPase) and Salt overly sensitive1 (SOS1) showed up regulation under salt stress after 6–24 hr of NaCl treatment. Metabolite changes in the salt stressed leaves showed increased accumulation of flavonoids (3,5-dihydroxy-6,4’-dimethoxy-flavone-7-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside], and3,5-dihydroxy-6,3’,4’-trimethoxy-flavone-7-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside] in both LS and HS treatments, while a glycolipid, 1-O-linolenyl-2-O-(palmitoyl)-3-O-galactopyranosyl glycerol, accumulated more in LS over HS treatments and control. The results suggest that differential spatial and temporal cation levels in roots and leaves, and accumulation of flavanoid and glycolipid could be responsible for salt adaptation of S. portulacastrum.