Intensive Production Research Articles

Enrichment of Phytopathogen Dominated by Volutella in the Rhizosphere May Be an Important Cause of Continuous Cropping Obstacles in Sweet Potatoes

ABSTRACTObstacles related to the continuous cropping of sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) restrict its intensive production. However, the effects of continuous cropping on soil properties and/or the rhizosphere microbial community are largely unclear. In this study, we analyzed changes in rhizosphere soil chemical properties and microbial communities of sweet potatoes across different cultivation years. We observed that the microbial diversity and complexity of the fungal ecological network in rhizosphere soils of sweet potatoes were decreased after 5 years of continuous cropping, with significant enrichment in Sphingobium, Gemmatimonas, Volutella, and Neoidriella. Tuber yield, soil pH, and available potassium (AK) content were significantly reduced after continuous cropping, with the soil microbial community having the highest correlation with pH, AK, and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+‐N). Specifically, soil pH and AK were positively correlated with Bacillus and Gaiella, and negatively correlated with some plant‐pathogenic fungi (Volutella and Neoidriella), while NH4+‐N showed the opposite trend. In addition, soil pH, AK, and the relative abundance of Bacillus were positively correlated with tuber yield, while Volutella showed the opposite trend. In summary, the continuous cropping of sweet potatoes negatively affects rhizosphere soil health, resulting in imbalanced soil fertility and an increased abundance of pathogens. These results improve our understanding of factors driving obstacles faced with the continuous cropping of sweet potatoes, enabling future studies and the development of technologies to overcome these obstacles.

High robust eddy current tuned tandem mass dampers-inerters for structures under the ground acceleration

In this work, a novel eddy current tuned tandem mass dampers-inerters, referred to as EC-TTMDI is proposed, a theoretical analysis model of the vibration control mechanism is established, and parameterized analysis and design are conducted using the intelligent optimization algorithm. This model is the single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structure with EC-TTMDI subjected to Gaussian white noise base excitation. Specifically, the expression for the displacement variance of the SDOF structure-EC-TTMDI system was firstly obtained with resorting to both the equivalent linearization of eddy current damper (ECD) and residue theorem. The optimization objective function was then defined as minimization of the displacement variance, which is product of the white noise intensity and the square of H2 norm of the model transfer function. Employing the pattern-search algorithm, the variation trends of the objective function and the optimum design parameters were subsequently scrutinized. The vibration damping mechanism of EC-TTMDI is then revealed in terms of control effectiveness, robustness, structural frequency response, suppression bandwidth, and stroke. Finally, the time history response analysis of the SDOF structure-EC-TTMDI system subjected to the near-field impulse, near-field non-impulse, and far-field earthquakes was conducted to further confirm the performance superiority of EC-TTMDI. Results demonstrates that EC-TTMDI offers higher robustness and better control effectiveness compared to TTMDI and TMDI. Furthermore, EC-TTMDI features the damping force limiting characteristic, which enhances the integrity and reliability of TTMDI.

Effects of Different Photoperiods on Growth Performance, Glucose Metabolism, Acetylcholine, and Its Relative Acetylcholine Receptor Modulation in Broiler Chickens.

Photoperiods are crucial environmental factors in the growth and health of modern intensive broiler chicken production. To date, the effects of different photoperiods on glucose metabolism, acetylcholine (ACh), and its relative acetylcholine receptor modulation in broilers remain elusive. Herein, we aimed to identify the effects of different photoperiods on regulating glucose metabolism, ACh, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 4 (α4 nAChR) mRNA, and M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3 mAChR) modulation in broilers. A total of 216 healthy 5-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) male broilers was randomly assigned to 12L:12D, 18L:6D, and 24L:0D photoperiods for 4 weeks. The results show that, compared with the 12L:12D photoperiod, the 18L:6D and 24L:0D photoperiods significantly increase the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers (p < 0.05). However, the feed efficiency (FE) of broilers significantly decreased in the 18L:6D and 24L:0D photoperiods (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the 12L:12D photoperiod, the ACh concentrations and α4 nAChR mRNA expression levels in the hypothalamus and medulla oblongata of broilers significantly increased (p < 0.05); M3 mAChR mRNA expression levels in cecum significantly reduced in the 18L:6D photoperiod and the 24L:0D photoperiod (p < 0.05). Compared with the 12L:12D photoperiod, the serum glucose (GLU), serum insulin (INS), serum triglyceride (TG) levels, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of broilers significantly enhanced in the 18L:6D and 24L:0D photoperiods (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that extending the photoperiod can promote the growth rate, ACh expression, and α4 nAChR mRNA expression of broilers while reducing the feed efficiency, inhibiting M3 mAChR mRNA expression, and inducing glucose metabolism disorders in broilers.

Camel Milk Yield and Composition and its Adjuvant Potential Impacts on Health of Consumers: A Review

Dromedaries can be integrated efficiently into an extensive and intensive management milk production systems for producing milk. Camel milk has specific nutritional values that alleviate certain diseases. The camel milk can be produced under harsh and intensive management conditions. Camel milk was given to human and experimental animal species under normal and dysfunction conditions as hyperglycemic, hyperlipidemic and hepatitis. The articles concerning management conditions of producing camel milk and its specific nutritive values were used for writing the manuscript and they were collected from google scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed databases. The results indicated that camels species were significantly produced milk either under harsh or intensive management conditions. The constituents of chemical camel milk were differed among species, stage of lactation, and management systems. The nutritional values of camel milk were explored as antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-cancer, and others. The possible biological candidates in camel milk include lactoglobulins, lactoferrin, and lysozyme. It could be concluded that camel milk has a potential nutritional therapy, where it is effected on blood glucose values, liver and kidney functions.

Optimizing Olive Harvesting Efficiency Through UAVs and AI Integration

Olive harvesting, integral to global agriculture, faces challenges with traditional gathering methods which are labor-intensive and limited in precision, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. The study explores the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in olive harvesting, with the aim to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Traditional methods, employing wood rakes, sticks, and rudimentary mechanical devices, pose challenges with high labor intensity and potential tree damage. UAVs present a transformative solution, offering aerial surveying, high-resolution imaging, and harvest timing data collection. This study evaluates existing olive harvest technologies, illuminating the superior efficiency of UAVs in minimizing damage and maximizing yield. The Potohar region in Pakistan exemplifies one area of intensive olive production, emphasizing the need for precision Agri-techniques. This study introduces the conceptual design of olive harvesting using drones, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize traditional practices, provide real-time monitoring, and enhance environmental sustainability. Results indicate substantial reductions in non-harvestable fruit and wood damage with drone-based harvesting, underscoring its promise for increased yield and reduced environmental damage. In conclusion, this study advocates for the adoption of precision agriculture techniques, integrating Artificial Intelligence and aerial technologies, to propel the olive industry&amp;#39;s productivity and environmental impact forward.

Effect of Social Isolation on Behavioural Response of Murrah Buffalo Calves Towards Novelty

Background: During the production cycle, dairy animals in intensive production systems are exposed to various challenging events including novel stimuli (e.g., handlers, food and group-mates). The welfare of an individual animal depends on the ability to cope with environmental challenges. Novelty is generally associated with negative emotions however; individual behavioural and physiological responses toward challenging events can be very variable. So, studying behavioural response of calves towards novelty can help us address the welfare needs of the buffalo calves in a holistic manner. Methods: For this study, 24 Murrah buffalo calves were selected at birth and randomly allotted to four groups (six calves each) comprising of SG group (restricted suckling and group housed), SI group (restricted suckling and individually housed), WG group (weaned at birth and group housed) and WI group (weaned at birth and individually housed) for a period of three months. All calves were trained with bottle feeding from day old of age. At 9th week of age, the behavioural response of the calves to novelty was tested in two different novel situations i.e. novel object test and social novelty test using CCTV camera. Result: The results suggest that buffalo calves separated from mother and housed individually showed increased behavioural responses characterized by increased time in decision making, higher standing idle time and more fearful to an unfamiliar calf compared to other groups. It can be concluded that social isolation of the buffalo calves increases fearfulness to novelty hence reducing their welfare in future.

Adipose tissue responds to stress-induced immunosuppression affecting immune response partially by miR-145-5p/S1PR1 pathway

Stress-induced immunosuppression (SIIS) is one of the most common problems in intensive poultry production, which can cause immunized chickens to still develop diseases and bring huge losses to production. Recently, adipose tissue, as an immunomodulatory organ, has become a hot topic of attention. However, the function and mechanism of adipose tissue involved in SIIS and its influence on the immune response are still unclear. In this study, we dynamically analyzed the correlations between the T cells migration and change of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1(S1PR1) gene in adipose tissue using chicken models with different immune states, and further explored the regulatory mechanisms and application. The results showed that SIIS could significantly change the expressions of lymphocytes migration related S1PR1 gene, and SIIS could inhibit the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) immune response partially by affecting the migration and proliferation of TCRα+ T cells in adipose tissue. Moreover, the miR-145-5p/S1PR1 pathway was a potential key mechanism to regulate T cells migration in adipose tissue, and circulating miR-145-5p had potential value as a molecular marker. This research can provide innovative reference for in-depth studying the immunoregulatory function and mechanism of adipose tissue.

Optimal aquarium shape for rearing male Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)

The aggressive behavior of male Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) necessitates their rearing in isolation in small aquaria. For intensive production, the major concerns are growth promotion and feed utilization. The small aquaria are connected to save space but little is known about the suitable characteristics of aquaria for this species. In this study, solid-red male Siamese fighting fish (0.57–0.58 g body weight) were individually housed in aquaria that had square (SQ), rectangular (RE), equilateral triangular (ET), or right triangular (RT) cross sections. The water in the aquaria had the same depth (6 cm) and volume (180 mL). At the end of the eight-week trial, fish housed in the ET and RT aquaria exhibited superior growth rate and feed utilization to fish housed in SQ or RE aquaria (P < 0.05). No differences in morphometrics, skin coloration, muscle quality, and whole-body composition were observed. Protein- and lipid-digesting enzyme activities, as well as amylase/trypsin ratios, indicated differences in feed utilization that were correlated with aquarium shape. The findings of our study indicated that the triangular aquaria were more suitable for rearing this fish in isolation. This study could be used as an animal protocol for experimental set-up, to improve betta fish farm management, and also for the development of intensive farming systems for this species.

A critical evaluation of platinum deposition techniques for hydrogen production in microbial electrolysis cells

Despite its high cost, Pt is the usual catalyst for hydrogen production in the cathode of Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs). Its effectiveness depends not only on the amount deposited but also on the availability and distribution of Pt nanoparticles on the cathode surface. This work provides a comprehensive study of the effectiveness of the Pt coating with five deposition techniques: spray, electrospray, brush painting, doctor blade and sputtering. The performance of the cathodes was studied with different Pt loadings by monitoring the current intensity and H2 production in MECs. Furthermore, cathodes were characterized morphologically using scanning electron microscopy together with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to study their Pt surface distribution and composition. Sputtering was initially discarded due to Pt detachment. When using the same amount of Pt (0.50 mg Pt cm−2), the highest current density was obtained for electrospray (2.0 mA cm−2), followed by spray (1.9 mA cm−2), brush painting (1.6 mA cm−2) and doctor blade (1.2 mA cm−2). Hence, electrospray improved 20 % the results obtained by the default method of brush painting. Electrospray and spray provided better performance because of the direct deposition of Pt on the carbon fibres creating a compact Pt layer on the electrode surface. Furthermore, it was observed that the cell performance decreased significantly with decreasing amount of Pt per cm2, observing the best performance with the highest Pt load tested (0.5 mg Pt cm−2) regardless of the deposition technique.

Conservation agriculture improves soil health and sustains crop yields after long-term warming

Climate warming threatens global food security by exacerbating pressures on degraded soils under intensive crop production. Conservation agriculture is promoted as a sustainable solution that improves soil health and sustains crop yields in a changing climate, but these benefits may be affected by long-term warming. Here, we investigate the effects of conservation agriculture compared to conventional agriculture on 17 soil properties, microbial diversity and crop yields, during eight-years’ experimental warming. An overall positive effect of warming on soil health over time under conservation agriculture is characterized by linear increases in soil organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon. Warming-triggered shifts in microbial biomass carbon and fungal diversity (saprogen richness) are directly linked to a 9.3% increase in wheat yields over eight years, but only under conservation agriculture. Overall, conservation agriculture results in an average 21% increase in soil health and supports similar levels of crop production after long-term warming compared to conventional agriculture. Our work provides insights into the potential benefits of conservation agriculture for long-term sustainable food production because improved soil health improves resilience to the effects of climate warming.

Dietary Chlorella vulgaris supplementation modulates health, microbiota and the response to oxidative stress of Atlantic salmon

Microalgae are emerging as functional feed ingredients in aquaculture due to their immune-stimulating and stress-modulating properties. We investigated the potential of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris as a feed supplement to improve the health and modulate microbiota and stress responses of Atlantic salmon. Triplicate groups of Atlantic salmon (~ 126 g) were reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) at 15 °C and received diets supplemented with 2% (CV2) or 14% (CV14) spray-dried C. vulgaris daily, 14% once weekly (CV14w), or a control diet (CD) for 8 weeks. Subsequently, all groups were exposed to an acute one-hour peracetic acid (CH3CO3H; PAA) treatment, a commonly used disinfectant in RAS. While CV14 increased feed conversion (FCR) significantly, feeding the diets CV2 and CV14w improved protein retention efficiency. CV14 significantly modulated beta-diversity in the intestinal digesta and mucosa, but this effect was already visible in fish fed CV2. Feeding CV14 and, to a lesser degree, CV2 increased the relative abundances of Paenarthrobacter and Trichococcus in the digesta and mucosa, which are able to metabolize complex carbohydrates. However, the same diets reduced the abundance of the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus and Weissella in the digesta and Floricoccus in the mucosa. Peracetic acid exposure induced systemic stress (increase in plasma glucose and cortisol) and a local immune response in the gill, with the most prominent upregulation of several immune- and stress-regulated genes (clra, cebpb, marco, tnfrsf14, ikba, c1ql2, drtp1) 18 h after exposure in fish fed the control diet. Fish receiving CV14 once a week showed a reduced transcriptional response to PAA exposure. Catalase protein abundance in the liver increased following exposure to PAA, while superoxide dismutase abundance in the gill and liver was increased in response to C. vulgaris inclusion before stress. Overall, the results highlight that a high (14%) inclusion rate of C. vulgaris in feed for Atlantic salmon impairs feed conversion and shifts the intestinal microbiota composition in digesta and mucosa. Weekly feeding of C. vulgaris proves a viable approach in improving protein retention and improving transcriptional resilience towards oxidative stress in increasingly intensive production systems. Thereby this study may motivate future studies on optimizing temporal feeding schedules for health-promoting aquafeeds.

ESTIMACIÓN DE LA REGIÓN DE CRECIMIENTO ESTÁNDAR DE GUAJOLOTES NATIVOS (Meleagris gallopavo L.) CALCULADA MEDIANTE LA ECUACIÓN DE RICHARDS

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background. &lt;/strong&gt;A variety of mathematical models explain animal growth, showing a sigmoid curve. Richards' model includes four parameters, allowing a better fit to experimental data, as evidenced by a high coefficient of determination and a low standard error of estimation. However, it does not always converge and some of its parameters are difficult to interpret biologically. It is useful to model a standard growth zone to estimate, at a given age, the weight of native turkeys within confidence limits, to obtain useful management conclusions.&lt;strong&gt; Objective. &lt;/strong&gt;To establish a standard average growth region for male native turkeys on the coast of Oaxaca, for productive purposes, using the Richards equation. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology. &lt;/strong&gt;The weights of 23 male native turkeys were recorded weekly from hatching to 54 weeks of age. Non-linear regression to fit the data to Richards' equation was performed using the free software GeoGebra®. The standard growth zone consisted of a lower and upper limit, which were determined by adding and subtracting the standard error of the estimate from Richards' model. The growth rate equation and graph were developed, showing its asymmetry, maximum value and age at which said value is reached.&lt;strong&gt; Results. &lt;/strong&gt;Determination coefficient of 0.993, standard error of the estimate of 190.5 g, and maximum growth rate of 322.11 g*week-1 at 18.22 weeks of age were obtained.&lt;strong&gt; Implications. &lt;/strong&gt;The use of the standard growth zone, under intensive production conditions, is valuable in the study and evaluation of the growth of male native turkeys&lt;strong&gt;. Conclusions. &lt;/strong&gt;The standard growth zone is a very useful concept, allowing for the establishment of weight limits that animals should have at the optimal age, facilitating decision-making to optimize management and feeding practices, as well as maximizing efficiency and performance.&lt;/p&gt;

Hubungan Intensitas Nyeri dengan Produksi ASI Padaibu Post Sectio Caesariadi RSUD Perdagangan Kecamatan Bandar Kabupaten Simalungun Tahun 2022

Sectio caesarea is a solution for handling births with complications, Sectio Caesaria in Indonesia every year deliveries with sectio caesaria are increasing. Surgical procedures such as Sectio Caesaria are actions that cause tension (stress) because this action involves removing the fetus through the abdomen (Laparotomy) which requires an incision into the uterus (Hysterotomy). The aim of this research is to find out the relationship between pain intensity and breast milk production in post-cesarean section mothers at RSUD. Data analysis using univariate, bivariate analysis. The results of this study show that there is a significant relationship between pain intensity and breast milk production in post-cesarean mothers at the Bandarkar Subdistrict, Simalungun District Trade Hospital in 2022. It can be used as a source of information for mothers who are about to give birth and postpartum mothers to know about description of the intensity of pain in mothers post Sectio Caesaria at the Trade Hospital which causes disruption in breast milk production.

B-208 Room Temperature Stable PCR Reagents Preparation Using Capillary-Mediated Vitrification Process

Abstract Background Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a sensitive, and most used molecular technique for the disease diagnosis. Reagents used for PCR is available as a one-step and ready-to-use PCR Master Mix, which contains Taq DNA polymerase, dNTPs, MgC12, PCR reaction buffer. However, to preserve bioactivity, PCR reagents must be stored and distributed as frozen. Desiccation of PCR reagents can avoid cold storage and improper handling of wet reagents and its associated errors. We discovered capillary-mediated vitrification (CMV) processes can stabilize different biomolecules and allow them to be stored at ambient temperature. Here, we hypothesized that the CMV process can preserve and improve PCR reagents thermal stability, which will reduce PCR processing time and improve the testing throughput. Methods The CMV process was performed by mixing PCR Master Mix individual or all reagents such as Taq DNA polymerase or Hot Start Taq DNA polymerase, dNTPs, 16S rRNA primers, MgC12, and PCR reaction buffer with an excipient buffer and adding the mixture to a porous scaffold. The loaded scaffolds were placed into our vitrification chamber and dried for 30 min. After drying, the CMV-stabilized sample was tested or packed in Mylar pouches and were stored at ambient and elevated temperatures for 42 days. On the day of testing, the stabilized samples were eluted with nuclease-free water and E. coli genomic DNA was added, and the 50 uL reaction was tested by conventional PCR. The PCR product was visualized under agarose gel electrophoresis. Results To assess whether the CMV process maintains PCR reagents activity and not interfering with the assay, the individual PCR reagents and as a Master mix are preserved. The CMV stabilized polymerase enzyme, primer, or dNTPs amplified DNA similar to frozen reagents and produced comparable PCR products. Notably, CMV stabilized PCR Master Mix which contains either Taq DNA polymerase or Hot Start Taq DNA polymerase enzyme, dNTPs, primers, MgC12, and reaction buffer yielded intact amplified PCR product, which is comparable to frozen reagents. Likewise, a high intense PCR product was observed in the stabilized PCR Master Mix reagents when stored at room and elevated temperatures for 42 days. Conclusions The study results indicate that the CMV process stabilized and improved the PCR Master Mix reagents activity. The study suggests that the CMV technology has the potential to enable ambient storage and shipping of PCR reagents for molecular diagnostic and other related applications.

Comparison of fattening performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and leg bone traits among three goose genotypes reared under intensive conditions.

This study aimed to evaluate fattening performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and leg bone traits in geese reared under an intensive production system, depending on genotypes. In the study, a total of 210 goslings (70 goslings for each genotype such as Linda, Toulouse, and Mast) were obtained from 168-week-old breeders. The geese were fed ad libitum with the same feeds during 12 weeks. Then, 5 males and 5 females from each goose genotype (30 birds in total) were slaughtered to determine the carcass, meat, and bone properties. The fattening performance, carcass properties, relative organ weights, and proximate analyses of breast and thigh meats did not differ among the genotype groups. The relative abdominal fat percentage weight was the highest in the Mast geese among the examined genotypes. Dry matter and crude protein values in meat were affected by genotype. The liver compositions, such as dry matter, crude fat, and crude protein, was significantly different from breast and thigh meat. It was found that the meat of Toulouse and Linda genotypes had lower SFA, n6/n3, and TI values, but higher MUFA, UFA, and crude protein values, making them superior to the meat of the Mast genotype. In the thigh meat, it was determined that lower SFA, AI, and TI values, and higher MUFA and UFA values, made it superior to the breast meat. In goose liver, DFA, NF and TI values were higher than the other tissues. Interactions were observed in the chemical composition and some fatty acids (P < 0.05). The femur and metatarsus bones of the Linda genotype were more durable than those of the Mast genotype due to their lower Robusticity indexes of femur and metatarsus bones. These results show that Linda and Toulouse geese are superior to the Mast genotype in terms of valuable fatty acids under intensive fattening. Additionally, the superior bone strength of Linda geese indicates that bone-related problems will be less common when this genotype is raised under intensive conditions.

Türkiye’de Covid-19 Salgınında Halkla İlişkiler Kampanyaları ve Gebelerin Aşı Olma Tutumları

Vaccines have been produced and released in different countries to prevent the risk of transmission of Covid-19, which is shown as the biggest global pandemic of the era, and to eliminate the pandemic situation. Public relations campaigns to promote vaccines to the global public is an issue that deserves academic scrutiny. The possible side effects of vaccines according to the age and health status of individuals and the fact that they have not been tried before have brought along doubts in the public opinion. The misinformation spread through communication tools about these doubts has also caused fear and panic in the society. The intensive production of content on social media during the pandemic period has made the dissemination of misinformation and distortion of information on the subject prominent. Although scientific data and findings have shown that vaccination is important, public panic has been tried to be dampened by public relations campaigns. Considering that vaccines are seen as a threat as much as the pandemic, especially for pregnant women, the importance of examining the role of public relations campaigns in accurate information and crisis management can be understood. For this purpose, it is aimed to reveal how public relations campaigns are perceived in individuals' decision-making and vaccination tendencies. In the study, qualitative design method was preferred and data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. For this purpose, the tendency of pregnant women to be vaccinated was questioned in interviews with 5 gynecologists from different districts of Ankara. Taking regional differences into account, the perspectives of health personnel on public relations campaigns were tried to be revealed. The study was conducted between March and June 2023. The study focuses on the concept of opinion leader of the two-stage flow model used in communication studies and focuses on how ideas about vaccination spread from opinion leaders to the society. In addition, the study utilizes social identification theory, which conducts research to understand how social norms are formed, change and function.

Comparative research on acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) and butanol (Bu) as next-generation biofuels in compression ignition engine

Increasing global energy demand, along with economic and environmental issues, have necessitated substituting fossil fuels with biofuels. ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol mixture), an intermediate product of biobutanol fermentation characterized by low-cost production, has recently emerged as a promising renewable fuel to replace biobutanol (Bu) for engine applications. This study compares ABE and Bu to determine which fuel is superior. To this end, their effects on engine operation and pollutant emissions were investigated. Each biofuel was tested on a research engine under varied loading conditions after being blended with diesel fuel at concentrations of 5, 10, 20, and 30% by volume. The results revealed that the diesel (D)-ABE and diesel-biobutanol (D-Bu) blends experienced dominant premixed combustion; however, deteriorated engine performance somewhat. ABE30 and Bu30 presented the highest increases in fuel consumption (11.67% and 7.89%, respectively), and the highest decreases in thermal efficiency (2.17% and 1.17%, respectively). All fuel blends offered a remarkable concurrent reduction in NO emission and smoke opacity. More specifically, ABE20 provided an average reduction in NO and smoke opacity (41.79% and 49.59%, respectively), as compared to diesel fuel, whereas Bu20 offered a mean reduction in NO and smoke opacity (45.42% and 54.98%, respectively). Collectively, results revealed that Bu20 and its counterpart ABE20 could be the most suitable candidates among the tested fuels. Considering ABE’s lower cost and less energy intensity production process than Bu, ABE20, which is compatible with existing engine technology and improves NOX-PM trade-off with a slight sacrifice in engine performance, emerges as a most promising biofuel.

Effect of long-term oral administration of the flavonoid quercetin on the antioxidant profile of young and adult reproductive rabbit does.

In industrialized farms, rabbit does undergo intensive production rhythms which overlap lactation and gestation, leading to a high energy mobilization and increasing oxidative stress. Accordingly, we hypothesize that administration of the flavonoid quercetin (QUR) may improve the antioxidant status of young and adult rabbit reproductive females. In this study, the effect of daily oral administration of 300 mg/kg QUR for 8 weeks was assessed on the antioxidant profile of 24 New Zealand × Californian rabbit does, assigned to 4 experimental groups: rearing young (8-16 weeks old) and adult does at the end of their reproductive life (12-14 months old, with at least 3-4 reproductive cycles) treated (YQ and AQ) or not (YC and AC) with QUR, respectively. Plasma glutathione (GSH), as well as serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured during the experimental period. To assess the health status of the animals, a physical examination was also performed. GSH plasma concentrations were significantly higher in young does at weeks 1 and 4, but not at week 8 of the experiment, irrespectively of QUR administration. An increase in GSH plasma concentration was observed during the 8-week experiment in both AQ and AC groups. Furthermore, QUR administration did not alter either SOD or MDA serum activity and concentration in any group during the experimental period. Physical examination revealed no differences between the experimental groups. In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, QUR did not modify the general clinical or the antioxidant profile of young and adult reproductive rabbit females.

Phosphorus availability influences disease-suppressive soil microbiome through plant-microbe interactions.

Soil nutrient status and soil-borne diseases are pivotal factors impacting modern intensive agricultural production. The interplay among plants, soil microbiome, and nutrient regimes in agroecosystems is essential for developing effective disease management. However, the influence of nutrient availability on soil-borne disease suppression and associated plant-microbe interactions remains to be fully explored. This study aims to elucidate the mechanistic understanding of nutrient impacts on disease suppression, using phosphorous as a target nutrient. A 6-year field trial involving monocropping of tomatoes with varied fertilizer manipulations demonstrated that phosphorus availability is a key factor driving the control of bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. Subsequent greenhouse experiments were then conducted to delve into the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon by varying phosphorus availability for tomatoes challenged with the pathogen. Results showed that the alleviation of phosphorus stress promoted the disease-suppressive capacity of the rhizosphere microbiome, but not that of the bulk soil microbiome. This appears to be an extension of the plant trade-off between investment in disease defense mechanisms versus phosphorus acquisition. Adequate phosphorus levels were associated with elevated secretion of root metabolites such as L-tryptophan, methoxyindoleacetic acid, O-phosphorylethanolamine, or mangiferin, increasing the relative density of microbial biocontrol populations such as Chryseobacterium in the rhizosphere. On the other hand, phosphorus deficiency triggered an alternate defense strategy, via root metabolites like blumenol A or quercetin to form symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which facilitated phosphorus acquisition as well. Overall, our study shows how phosphorus availability can influence the disease suppression capability of the soil microbiome through plant-microbial interactions. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing nutrient regimes to enhance disease suppression, facilitating targeted crop management and boosting agricultural productivity. Video Abstract.

How Does Cancer Occur? How Should It Be Treated? Treatment from the Perspective of Alkalization Therapy Based on Science-Based Medicine.

This review article investigates the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and cancer progression, emphasizing the metabolic shifts that promote tumor growth. Mitochondria are crucial for cellular energy production, but they also play a significant role in cancer progression by promoting glycolysis even under oxygen-rich conditions, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. This metabolic reprogramming enables cancer cells to maintain an alkaline internal pH and an acidic external environment, which are critical for their proliferation and survival in hypoxic conditions. The article also explores the acidic tumor microenvironment (TME), a consequence of intensive glycolytic activity and proton production by cancer cells. This acidic milieu enhances the invasiveness and metastatic potential of cancer cells and contributes to increased resistance to chemotherapy. Alkalization therapy, which involves neutralizing this acidity through dietary modifications and the administration of alkalizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate, is highlighted as an effective strategy to counteract these adverse conditions and impede cancer progression. Integrating insights from science-based medicine, the review evaluates the effectiveness of alkalization therapy across various cancer types through clinical assessments. Science-based medicine, which utilizes inductive reasoning from observed clinical outcomes, lends support to the hypothesis of metabolic reprogramming in cancer treatment. By addressing both metabolic and environmental disruptions, this review suggests that considering cancer as primarily a metabolic disorder could lead to more targeted and effective treatment strategies, potentially improving outcomes for patients with advanced-stage cancers.