Avena Sativa Research Articles

Design of AsLOV2 domain as a carrier of light-induced dissociable FMN photosensitizer.

Flavin mononucleotide (FMN) is a highly efficient photosensitizer (PS) yielding singlet oxygen (1 O2 ). However, its 1 O2 production efficiency significantly decreases upon isoalloxazine ring encapsulation into the protein matrix in genetically encoded photosensitizers (GEPS). Reducing isoalloxazine ring interactions with surrounding amino acids by protein engineering may increase 1 O2 production efficiency GEPS, but at the same time weakened native FMN-protein interactions may cause undesirable FMN dissociation. Here, in contrast, we intentionally induce the FMN release by light-triggered sulfur oxidation of strategically placed cysteines (oxidation-prone amino acids) in the isoalloxazine-binding site due to significantly increased volume of the cysteinyl side residue(s). As a proof of concept, in three variants of the LOV2 domain of Avena sativa (AsLOV2), namely V416C, T418C, and V416C/T418C, the effective 1 O2 production strongly correlated with the efficiency of irradiation-induced FMN dissociation (wild type (WT) < V416C < T418C < V416C/T418C). This alternative approach enables us: (i) to overcome the low 1 O2 production efficiency of flavin-based GEPSs without affecting native isoalloxazine ring-protein interactions and (ii) to utilize AsLOV2, due to its inherent binding propensity to FMN, as a PS vehicle, which is released at a target by light irradiation.

Soil microbial community are more sensitive to ecological regions than cropping systems in alpine annual grassland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Modern agriculture emphasizes the design of cropping systems using ecological function and production services to achieve sustainability. The functional characteristics of plants (grasses vs. legumes) affect changes in soil microbial communities that drive agroecosystem services. Information on the relationship between legume-grass mixtures and soil microorganisms in different ecological zones guides decision-making toward eco-friendly and sustainable forage production. However, it is still poorly understood how cropping patterns affect soil microbial diversity in alpine grasslands and whether this effect varies with altitude. To fill this gap in knowledge, we conducted a field study to investigate the effects of growing oats (Avena sativa L.), forage peas (Pisum sativum L.), common cornflower (Vicia sativa L.), and fava beans (Vicia faba L.) in monocultures and mixtures on the soil microbial communities in three ecological zones of the high alpine zone. We found that the fungal and bacterial community structure differed among the cropping patterns, particularly the community structure of the legume mixed cropping pattern was very different from that of monocropped oats. In all ecological zones, mixed cropping significantly (p < 0.05) increased the α-diversity of the soil bacteria and fungi compared to oat monoculture. The α-diversity of the soil bacteria tended to increase with increasing elevation (MY [2,513 m] < HZ [2,661 m] < GN [3,203 m]), while the opposite was true for fungi (except for the Chao1 index in HZ, which was the lowest). Mixed cropping increased the abundance of soil fungi and bacteria across ecological zones, particularly the relative abundances of Nitrospira, Nitrososphaera, Phytophthora, and Acari. Factors affecting the bacterial community structure included the cropping pattern, the ecological zone, water content, nitrate-nitrogen, nitrate reductase, and soil capacity, whereas factors affecting fungal community structure included the cropping pattern, the ecological zone, water content, pH, microbial biomass nitrogen, and catalase. Our study highlights the variation in soil microbial communities among different in alpine ecological regions and their resilience to cropping systems. Our results also underscore that mixed legume planting is a sustainable and effective forage management practice for the Tibetan Plateau.

Establishment of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) in the context of floodplain restoration: impact of companion plant and sowing rate

Habitat loss and degradation is a leading cause of the current biodiversity crisis. In the lake Saint-Pierre floodplain, agricultural intensification has led to the loss of substantial spawning and rearing areas for the yellow perch ( Perca flavescens Mitchill). Restoring perennial vegetation cover is key to ensure the persistence of the population, but the floodplain conditions limit our ability to do so. In this study, we tested the impact of companion plants ( Avena sativa L., Lolium multiflorum L.) and sowing rate on the establishment success of reed canarygrass ( Phalaris arundinacea L.; RCG) in year 2. RCG tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions and can provide the plant cover essential to the reproduction of yellow perch. We hypothesized that companion plants would reduce weed pressure and in turn improve RCG establishment, and that increasing the sowing rate would improve the establishment success. Contrary to our expectations, using companion plants generally reduced the cover and biomass of RCG. It also led to increased weed prevalence in most treatments. In addition, sowing at high rates did not impact RCG cover and biomass. Sowing RCG alone appears to be the most effective option to establish perennial vegetation supporting the recovery of the yellow perch population.

Annual Weeds Suppression and Oat Forage Yield Responses to Crop Density Management in an Oat-Cultivated Grassland: A Case Study in Eastern China

Although weeds can be inhibited by high planting densities, canopy shading, elemental balance and soil microbial recruitment are not yet adequately considered when measuring competitive effects on weed control. The effects of oat (Avena sativa) planting density (60 to 600 plants m−2) on the biomass and shoot element balance of oat and weeds were evaluated in a field experiment. The shift in the microbial community of the dominant weed species was examined in a pot experiment by growing the weed alone and in competition with 360 oat plants m−2 (recommended planting density) under greenhouse conditions. Increasing oat planting density beyond 360 plants m−2 did not improve oat forage yield or weed suppression. Compared to 60 plants m−2, the biomass of broadleaf and grass weeds decreased by 1122% and 111%, respectively, at a density of 360 plants m−2, while oat forage biomass increased by 60% and leaf area index by 24%. The improved canopy properties suppressed competing weeds through increased shading. Typically, the C:N and C:P ratios of shoots of Echinochloa crus-galli and Digitaria sanguinalis were higher than those of Portulaca oleracea and Chenopodium album. At high planting densities, E. crus-galli and D. sanguinalis exhibited high P contents and low N:P ratios, suggesting a limited supply of N nutrients for growth. Soil bacterial community assay showed that the composition of microbial communities of the two grass weeds were shaped by the presence of oat competition, which also considerably depleted several important functional microbes associated with nutrient cycling in the weeds’ rhizosphere. These results highlight that increased crop density significantly improves the crop competitive advantage over weeds through increased shading, reduced elemental balance, and beneficial microorganisms of weeds, thereby reducing the need for herbicides or physical weed control in oat cropping system.

β-sheets mediate the conformational change and allosteric signal transmission between the AsLOV2 termini.

Avena sativa phototropin 1 light-oxygen-voltage 2 domain (AsLOV2) is a model protein of Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) superfamily, characterized by conformational changes in response to external environmental stimuli. This conformational change begins with the unfolding of the N-terminal A'α helix in the dark state followed by the unfolding of the C-terminal Jα helix. The light state is characterized by the unfolded termini and the subsequent modifications in hydrogen bond patterns. In this photoreceptor, β-sheets are identified as crucial components for mediating allosteric signal transmission between the two termini. Through combined experimental and computational investigations, the Hβ and Iβ strands are recognized as the most critical and influential β-sheets in AsLOV2's allosteric mechanism. To elucidate the role of these β-sheets, we introduced 13 distinct mutations (F490L, N492A, L493A, F494L, H495L, L496F, Q497A, R500A, F509L, Q513A, L514A, D515V, and T517V) and conducted comprehensive molecular dynamics simulations. In-depth hydrogen bond analyses emphasized the role of two hydrogen bonds, Asn482-Leu453 and Gln479-Val520, in the observed distinct behaviors of L493A, L496F, Q497A, and D515V mutants. This illustrates the role of β-sheets in the transmission of the allosteric signal upon the photoactivation of the light state.

First ever probable oats (Avena sativa) QTLs mapped on chromosome 1 and 7 for pyrenophora leaf spot resistance in India

An experiment was conducted during 2021–22 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab for the development of linkage map and identification of QTLs for pyrenophora or Helminthosporium leaf spot resistance in oats (Avena sativa L.). A total of 96 F2 plants were used which was derived from the cross EC/0007662 (resistant source) and EC/0131291 (susceptible source). Linkage map was constructed for genotypic data of 96 population lines with 24 polymorphic SSR markers using QTL cartographer. A total of 7 linkage groups (LGs) had been generated from this data. But out of 7 LGs, 5 LGs remained individually at 0 position (unlinked) i.e. belonged to different group each and LG1 and LG7 were grouped. First LG included ABAM232, ABAM493 and ABAM077 from 0 to 66.5 cM. Similarly, 7th LG had two marker position i.e. ABAM342 and ABAM425. Maximum distance between the two markers was found to be 33.4 cM (between the marker interval of ABAM232 and ABAM497. Further QTL analysis was done using cartographer with composite interval mapping to identify the QTLs associated with disease resistance by comparing the phenotypic data of F2 population for disease and genotypic data of the population. The work reported here constitutes a major step toward identification of genetic regions responsible for disease resistance. However, the utility of QTL for marker assisted selection requires that QTLs are localized in a narrow region tightly linked with associated markers. The result of the experiment can be used for marker assisted breeding to transfer such genes identified as part of our research in order to reduce disease severity and yield losses in oats.

Impact of defatting method on oat protein isolate structure-function characteristics

Oat (Avena sativa) is valued for its high protein content of 15–20% and potential health benefits. Oat also contains a notable lipid content, ranging from 6% to 10%, which can lead to rapid oxidation and rancidity, lowering product shelf life. Thus, defatting is imperative for the production of high-quality oat-based ingredients. This study focuses on evaluating the impact of various defatting techniques, including hexane-based defatting, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction with ethanol, on the structural and functional characteristics of oat protein isolate. Oat protein isolate was produced through alkaline extraction-isoelectric precipitation and assessed for its proximate composition, structural characteristics, encompassing protein profile, surface hydrophobicity, denaturation, and functional properties, including solubility, foaming capacity, and emulsification. Our results indicate that supercritical fluid methods are promising in their effectiveness in defatting oat flour although characteristics such as protein purity and solubility need improvement. Nevertheless, supercritical carbon dioxide defatting methods were found to yield oat protein with functional and structural properties closely comparable to the hexane-based method. In conclusion, given the environmental impacts associated with hexane, supercritical defatting methods can be further optimized and used as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional solvent-based fat extraction techniques.

Soil thermal properties: influence of no-till cover crops

Soil thermal properties, which determine heat transport, can influence soil health parameters and crop productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 2-year effects of no-till cover crops (CCs) and no-till no cover crop (NC) on soil thermal properties (thermal conductivity (λ), volumetric heat capacity ( CV), and thermal diffusivity ( D)). Two levels of CCs were used for this study: CC versus NC. The CCs included crimson clover ( Trifolium incarnatum L.), hairy vetch ( Vicia villosa Roth.), winter peas ( Lathyrus hirsutus L.), oats ( Avena sativa), winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), triticale ( Triticale hexaploide Lart.), flax ( Linum usitassimum L.), and barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.). Soil samples were collected at 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm depths and their λ, CV, and D were measured in the laboratory. Additionally, soil organic carbon, bulk density (BD), and volumetric water content (ϴ) at saturation, −33 kPa, and −100 kPa soil water pressures were measured. Results showed that BD was 18% and 14% higher under CC compared with NC management during 2021 and 2022, respectively. Furthermore, ϴ at all measured soil water pressures was slightly higher under CC compared with NC management during both years. As a result, λ and D were significantly higher under NC compared with CC management, while CV was significantly higher under CC compared with NC management, during both years and at all measured soil water pressures. Generally, soil thermal properties were directly proportional to ϴ, suggesting that ϴ may be the most important factor influencing soil thermal properties.

89 Improving cattle grazing efficiency with multi-functional cover crops

Abstract Grazing cool-season cover crops provides a sustainable way of extending the grazing season and reducing the impact row-crop farming systems on the environment. Cover crops promote soil health; however, the impacts of grazing cover crops on soil health in the Southeast are not well understood. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of different cover crop mixtures on a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)-peanut (Arachis hypogaea) cropping system. The experiment consisted of 18 paddocks, planted in mixtures of grass [‘Coker’ oat (Avena sativa)], grass + legume [‘Dixie’ crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum)], or grass + legume + brassica [(‘T-raptor’ brassica (Brassica napus × B. rapa)] planted at the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center (Headland, AL). Paddocks were randomly allocated to grazed or not grazed (n = 3). Grazed paddocks were grazed with yearling beef steers (266 ± 44 kg) using the put and take method to maintain a forage alloance of 1 kg DM per kg BW. Forage samples were collected every 2 wk, for biomass, botanical compositions, and nutritive value. Paddocks were grazed from 17 Jan – 22 Mar 2023 (65 d) and steer BW were taken at the beginning and end of the grazing season for calculation of average daily gain Data were analyzed using Proc Glimmix of SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) with forage sampling date considered a repeated measure. No difference in steer average daily gain was detected among grazed treatments (1.5 kg/d; P &amp;gt; 0.44). Cover crop (forage) biomass was also not different among all grazed and ungrazed treatments (1,097 kg DM/ha; P = 0.56). According to the results, grazing cool-season annual cover crops may reduce the supplementation required to maintain cattle through the winter months in the Southeast.

First report of oat crown rust caused by Puccinia coronata var. avenae f.sp. avenae in South Korea

AbstractOats (Avena sativa L. cv. Joyang), cultivated during June 2023 in experimental fields of Naju County, South Korea, exhibited crown rust symptoms resembling those caused by isolates of Puccinia coronata. Yellow urediniospores measuring 15.3 ± 3.2 × 13.6 ± 3.0 μm were identified through microscopic examination. Multilocus sequence typing of housekeeping genes in the DNA of this fungal isolate showed identity with P. coronata var. avenae f.sp. avenae, a pathogen of oats in South Korea previously lacking in taxonomic classification. This finding raises concerns of escalated crown rust disease in South Korea due to enhanced temperatures and humidity from climate shifts. Addressing these emerging concerns may require proactive strategies to protect oat cultivation in South Korea.

No‐till cover crop effects on the hydro‐physical properties of a silt loam

AbstractSoil hydraulic and physical properties can be influenced by various land management practices, and they determine water movement and storage within the vadose zone, with both agronomic and environmental effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two such practices (no‐till [NT] and cover crops [CCs]) on soil hydraulic (e.g., saturated hydraulic conductivity [Ksat], and water retention) and physical (e.g., bulk density [BD], pore size distribution, air‐filled pore spaces [AFPSs], and water‐filled pore spaces [WFPSs]) properties. The CCs used included crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), winter peas (Lathyrus hirsutus L.), oats (Avena sativa), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), triticale (Triticale hexaploide Lart.), flax (Linum usitassimum L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Soil samples were collected and analyzed during 2021 and 2022 right before CC termination at 0‐ to 10‐cm, 10‐ to 20‐cm, and 20‐ to 30‐cm depths. Results showed that, during 2021 and 2022, BD was 18% and 14% higher, respectively, under NC compared with CC management, while Ksat was 2.2 and 1.9 times higher, respectively, under CC compared with NC management. Further, the non‐capillary pores were significantly (p ≥ 0.05) higher under CC compared with NC management during both years of study. As a result, the majority of the total pores under CCs were filled with air, while the majority of total pores under NC management were filled with water. Therefore, this CC mix may be useful in lengthening the growing period during wet seasons by increasing air‐filled pore spaces.

&lt;i&gt;Avena sativa’s&lt;/i&gt; Therapeutic Potential: Exploring Antiasthmatic Effects in Guinea Pig Asthma Model

Avena sativa (oat) has emerged as a potential therapeutic candidate for asthma, a global health challenge characterized by chronic airway inflammation. This research investigates the anti-asthmatic potential of the Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Avena sativa (HAEAS) in a guinea pig asthma model induced by histamine and ovalbumin. The study explores the influence of HAEAS on oxidative stress markers, leucocytes, eosinophils, and histopathological changes in lung tissues. Results reveal that HAEAS, particularly at 400 mg/kg, significantly increases the latent period and percentage protection in histamine induced bronchospasm. In ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs, HAEAS demonstrates a notable reduction in total leucocyte count, eosinophils, neutrophils, and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, HAEAS exhibits antioxidative effects by increasing superoxide dismutase levels and decreasing malondialdehyde levels. Histopathological analysis demonstrates a decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration, hyperplasia, and bronchoconstriction. This study highlights the potential of Avena sativa as a novel therapeutic avenue for asthma, offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Enhancing the quality and technological properties of goose meat during low-temperature storage through the action of biologically active substances from oats and alfalfa

Poultry meat plays a key role as a source of high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. However, unsaturated fatty acids, especially essential ones, are prone to oxidative reactions during meat storage, which can negatively affect its quality. The object of the study is the technology of obtaining and storing poultry meat. Legart Danish geese were used as the experimental material. Oats (Avena Sativa) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) contain a large number of biologically active substances (minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants). Adding vegetative parts of oats and alfalfa to the diet of geese contributes to improving the quality of the obtained meat, especially after prolonged low-temperature storage. The geese were slaughtered on the 63rd day. The meat was stored at a temperature of –18 °C for 90 days. It was found that there was an 11.5 % increase in the live weight of the geese at an early slaughter age, an increase in protein content (by 5 %), better moisture-binding capacity (by 6–7.3 %), and a decrease in the content of lipid peroxidation products, especially on the 67th day of storage (28.3 %). There was a significant increase in the content of ω3 and ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (by 24.2 % and 10.8 %, respectively). There was an increase in the content of vitamin E and β-carotene, both before freezing (38.5 % and 19.6 %) and at the end of the storage period (50.9 % and 20 %). A tendency to increase the content of essential amino acids (threonine and methionine) was found. The results can be used in the production of goose meat to improve its nutritional characteristics, which is important for the health of consumers, meat producers, and also in scientific research on the development of technologies in the field of meat production and storage

First report of barley yellow dwarf virus PAS (Luteovirus pashordei) in oat in Australia.

Luteoviruses (family Tombusviridae) and poleroviruses (family Solemoviridae) are economically important pathogens of cereals such as wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and oat (Avena sativa). In Australia, the luteoviruses barley yellow dwarf virus PAV (BYDV PAV) and barley yellow dwarf virus MAV (BYDV MAV), along with the poleroviruses cereal yellow dwarf virus RPV (CYDV RPV) and maize yellow dwarf virus RMV (MYDV RMV), were distinguished from each other and reported in the 1980s (Sward and Lister 1988; Waterhouse and Helms 1985). The poleroviruses barley virus G (BVG) and cereal yellow dwarf virus RPS (CYDV RPS) were reported in Australia more recently (Nancarrow et al. 2019; Nancarrow et al. 2023), while the luteovirus barley yellow dwarf virus PAS (BYDV PAS) has not previously been reported in Australia. During 2010, an oat plant exhibiting yellow/ red leaf discoloration and stunted growth was collected from a roadside in Horsham, Victoria, Australia. The plant tested positive for BYDV PAV and negative for BYDV MAV, CYDV RPV and MYDV RMV by tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA) as described by Trębicki et al (2017). The virus isolate has since been continuously maintained in a glasshouse in live wheat plants using aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi). In 2021, total RNA extracted from a wheat plant infected with this isolate (Nancarrow et al. 2023) tested positive for BYDV PAV by RT-PCR using the primers BYDV-1/BYDV-2 (Rastgou et al. 2005), but negative for BYDV PAV, CYDV RPV and MYDV RMV using other published primers (Deb and Anderson 2008). A high-throughput sequencing (HTS) library was prepared from the total RNA with the NEBNext Ultra II RNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina (NEB) without ribosomal RNA depletion and sequenced on a NovaSeq 6000 (Illumina). Raw reads were trimmed and filtered using fastp v0.20.0 (Chen et al. 2018) while de novo assembly of all of the resulting 5,049,052 reads was done using SPAdes v3.15.3 (Nurk et al. 2017). BLASTn analysis of the resulting 4,067 contigs (128- 12,457 bp in length) revealed only one large virus-like contig (5,649 bp) which was most similar to BYDV PAS isolates on NCBI GenBank, sharing 87% nucleotide (nt) identity with BYDV PAS isolate OH2 (MN128939), 86% nt identity with the BYDV PAS reference sequence (NC_002160) and 82% nt identity with the BYDV PAV reference sequence (NC_004750). Additionally, 4,008 HTS reads were mapped to the assembled genome sequence with Bowtie2 v2.4.5. (Langmead and Salzberg 2012) with 100% genome coverage and an average coverage depth of 101X. Primers were designed to the assembled genome sequence to generate overlapping amplicons across the genome, and the resulting amplicons were Sanger sequenced. This confirmed the genome sequence of BYDV PAS isolate PT from Australia (5649 bp, GC content 47.9%), which was deposited in GenBank (LC782749). Ten additional plant samples collected from western Victoria, Australia, all tested positive for BYDV PAS by RT-PCR using the primers PASF and PASR (Laney et al. 2018). The additional samples consisted of one oat sample collected in 2005, one barley sample collected in 2007, three wheat samples collected in 2016 and one barley, one brome grass (Bromus sp.) and three wheat samples collected in 2020. BYDV PAS is also efficiently transmitted by R. padi but is often more prevalent and severe than BYDV PAV; it can also overcome some sources of virus resistance that are effective against BYDV PAV (Chay et al. 1996, Robertson and French 2007). To our knowledge, this is the first report of BYDV PAS in Australia. Further work is needed to determine the extent of its distribution, incidence, impacts and epidemiology in Australia, along with its relationship to other BYDV PAS isolates.

Agroforestry system construction in eastern coastal China: Insights from soil–plant interactions

AbstractAgroforestry, as a phytoremediation measure, shows great potential for mitigating land degradation by constructing multidimensional and efficient agroforestry composite systems through regulating the microenvironment of agroforestry sites and improving soil properties. However, the effects of different agroforestry composite management modes on saline soils and the interactions between soil–plant systems under salt stress conditions in coastal areas remain largely unexplored. In this study, two salt‐tolerant tree species (Sapium sebiferum (Linn.) Roxb and Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino) and four crop species (Medicago sativa, Sesbania cannabina, Sorghum bicolour, and Avena sativa) were selected for intercropping in eight composite patterns via field experiments, with dynamics of soil physicochemical properties and crop photosynthesis observed. The results showed that treatments intercropped with M. sativa had the highest soil bulk density range (1.41–1.48 g cm−3). The dynamics of topsoil (0–10 cm) chemical properties showed similar change patterns among treatments, whereas those of the 10–40 cm soil chemical properties (especially soil pH, soil organic matter [SOM], and total nitrogen [TN]) showed heterogeneity. Moreover, planting S. sebiferum (L.) Roxb under the same crop conditions increased tree height growth rate and survival rate by 75%–114% and 14%–33%, respectively, relative to planting Z. serrata (T.) Makino. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was observed between soil moisture with crop intercellular CO2 concentration (λ = −0.77), while significant positive correlations were found between crop net photosynthetic rate (Pn) with soil TN (λ = 0.71), as well as SOM with atmospheric CO2 content (λ = 0.72). Structural equation modeling showed significant direct effects between tree height growth rate with soil TN and SOM. Soil moisture (λ = 0.47) and tree height growth rate (λ = 0.53) were dominant drivers of crop Pn. Our findings provide useful information for the prevention of coastal saline soil degradation and sustainable development of agroforestry.

Avenanthramide and β-Glucan Therapeutics Accelerate Wound Healing Via Distinct and Nonoverlapping Mechanisms.

Objective: Given the significant economic, health care, and personal burden of acute and chronic wounds, we investigated the dose dependent wound healing mechanisms of two Avena sativa derived compounds: avenanthramide (AVN) and β-Glucan. Approach: We utilized a splinted excisional wound model that mimics human-like wound healing and performed subcutaneous AVN and β-Glucan injections in 15-week-old C57BL/6 mice. Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis was performed on the explanted scar tissue to assess changes in collagen architecture and cellular responses. Results: AVN and β-Glucan treatment provided therapeutic benefits at a 1% dose by weight in a phosphate-buffered saline vehicle, including accelerated healing time, beneficial cellular recruitment, and improved tissue architecture of healed scars. One percent AVN treatment promoted an extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture similar to unwounded skin, with shorter, more randomly aligned collagen fibers and reduced inflammatory cell presence in the healed tissue. One percent β-Glucan treatment promoted a tissue architecture characterized by long, thick bundles of collagen with increased blood vessel density. Innovation: AVN and β-Glucan have previously shown promise in promoting wound healing, although the therapeutic efficacies and mechanisms of these bioactive compounds remain incompletely understood. Furthermore, the healed ECM architecture of these wounds has not been characterized. Conclusions: AVN and β-Glucan accelerated wound closure compared to controls through distinct mechanisms. AVN-treated scars displayed a more regenerative tissue architecture with reduced inflammatory cell recruitment, while β-Glucan demonstrated increased angiogenesis with more highly aligned tissue architecture more indicative of fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving healing in these two naturally derived therapeutics will be important for translation to human use.

Powdered plant beverages obtained by spray-drying without carrier addition-physicochemical and chemometric studies

Plant-based beverages (PBs) are currently gaining interest among consumers who are seeking alternative sustainable options to traditional dairy drinks. The study aimed to obtain powdered plant beverages without the addition of carriers by spray drying method to implement them in the future as an alternative to the liquid form of dairy drinks. Some of the most well-known commercial beverages sources like soy, almond, rice and oat were analyzed in this work. The effect of different treatments (concentration, addition of oat fiber) and two approaches od spray drying (conventional high temperature spray drying—SD, and dehumidified air spray drying at low temperature—DASD) were presented. Moreover, moisture content, water activity, particle morphology and size of obtained powders were analyzed. It was possible to obtain PBs without the addition of carriers, although the drying yield of four basic beverages was low (16.1–37.4%). The treatments and change in spray drying approach enhanced the drying yield, especially for the concentrated beverage dried using DASD (59.2%). Additionally, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to evaluate the differences in chemical composition of powdered PBs. FTIR analysis revealed differences in the range of the absorption frequency of amide I, amide II (1700–1500 cm−1) and carbohydrate region (1200–900 cm−1). Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to study the relationship between spray dried plant beverages samples based on the fingerprint region of FTIR spectra, as well as the physical characteristics. Additionally, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was employed to explore the clustering of the powders.

Enhancement of Yield, Nitrogen use Efficiency, Production Economics of Fodder Oat through Selection of Appropriate Genotype and Nitrogen Fertilizer Application

Growing fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) genotype with high yielding potential with adequate nitrogen could enhance the fodder yield and quality to bridge the gap between demand and supply of green fodder. Therefore, an experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of different genotypes and nitrogen levels on yield, nitrogen use efficiency, production economics, and agro-meteorological parameters of fodder oat at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. Six oat genotypes, viz., Kent, JO-07-28, OS-403, OS-6, HFO-904 and HFO-906, were sown with 40, 80 and 120 kg of nitrogen per hectare. The experiment was set up using a split-plot design, with three replications of the genotypes in the main plots and N levels in sub-plots. Results revealed that genotype JO-07-28 was significantly superior to Kent (check) with respect to green fodder yield whereas both were comparable to each other with respect to dry matter yield, crude protein content and yield. Kent showed maximum N, P and K uptake and heat use efficiency, helio-thermal and photo-thermal unit efficiency. However, genotype JO-07-28 yielded the highest net returns (Rs. 27421/ha), B:C ratio (1.85), and economic efficiency (Rs. 271/ha/day). Among other nitrogen levels, application of 120 kg N/ha recorded the maximum yields of green fodder (371 q/ha) and dry matter (91 q/ha), crude protein content and yield, N uptake, net returns (Rs. 23096/ha), B:C ratio (1.71) and economic efficiency (Rs. 231/ha/day) and heat use efficiency (7.60), helio-thermal and photo-thermal unit efficiency which were statistically equivalent to 80 kg N/ha. Genotype JO-07-28 and HFO-904 were the most N efficient genotype in terms of partial factor productivity of N fertilizer and nitrogen utilization efficiency, respectively. Enhancement in level of N application reduced the nitrogen use efficiency.

Influence of material characteristics on plant-based milk alternative properties

Plant-based milk alternatives are gaining increasing relevance in the food industry, but the influence of plant proteins and fibers on the specific product properties has not yet been explored. In this study, the influence of soy protein isolate and the oat fiber β-glucan on the emulsion and powder properties of plant milk alternatives is analyzed. The components exhibit different behavior at the oil-water interface after homogenization, thereby affecting droplet size distribution, dynamic viscosity and emulsion stability in terms of electrostatic repulsion. To determine the interactions of the components at the interface, the individual raw materials soy protein isolate and oat bran as well as mixtures of both were investigated. The measurements highlight variations between the fiber component and the plant protein source at the interface. The identified differences in emulsion characteristics also manifest in spray drying with different particle sizes and lipid encapsulation efficiencies.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Oat (Avena sativa) HSP90 Gene Family Reveals Its Identification, Evolution, and Response to Abiotic Stress.

Oats (Avena sativa) are an important cereal crop and cool-season forage worldwide. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a protein ubiquitously expressed in response to heat stress in almost all plants. To date, the HSP90 gene family has not been comprehensively reported in oats. Herein, we have identified twenty HSP90 genes in oats and elucidated their evolutionary pathways and responses to five abiotic stresses. The gene structure and motif analyses demonstrated consistency across the phylogenetic tree branches, and the groups exhibited relative structural conservation. Additionally, we identified ten pairs of segmentally duplicated genes in oats. Interspecies synteny analysis and orthologous gene identification indicated that oats share a significant number of orthologous genes with their ancestral species; this implies that the expansion of the oat HSP90 gene family may have occurred through oat polyploidization and large fragment duplication. The analysis of cis-acting elements revealed their influential role in the expression pattern of HSP90 genes under abiotic stresses. Analysis of oat gene expression under high-temperature, salt, cadmium (Cd), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and abscisic acid (ABA) stresses demonstrated that most AsHSP90 genes were significantly up-regulated by heat stress, particularly AsHSP90-7, AsHSP90-8, and AsHSP90-9. This study offers new insights into the amplification and evolutionary processes of the AsHSP90 protein, as well as its potential role in response to abiotic stresses. Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for understanding oat adaptation to abiotic stress, contributing to research and applications in plant breeding.