Pine Bark Research Articles

Clinical Investigation of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as compared to Methylphenidate and Placebo: Part 1: Efficacy in a Randomised Trial

Graphical abstract with the main results of the clinical trial • Assessing the value of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (PBE) in ADHD therapy as compared to methylphenidate (MPH) and placebo in a 10-week randomised trial; • Teachers reported significant improvement of total and hyperactivity/impulsivity ADHD-RS scores (primary outcome) by PBE and MPH after 10 weeks compared to placebo; • Adverse effects reported five times more frequently for MPH than for PBE; • PBE is a valuable treatment option in paediatric ADHD especially for those not willing to take standard medication or experiencing side effects. Determine the effect of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (PBE; Pycnogenol®) on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) behaviour and co-morbid physical/psychiatric symptoms, compared to placebo and the medicine MPH, and to assess its tolerability. Behaviour (measured by the ADHD-Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) and Social-Emotional Questionnaire (SEQ)) and physical complaints were evaluated in weeks 5 and 10. Eighty-eight paediatric ADHD patients (70 % male, mean age 10.1 years) were randomised to placebo (n = 30), PBE (n = 32) or MPH (n = 26). Teachers reported significant improvement of total and hyperactivity/impulsivity ADHD-RS scores by PBE and MPH after 10 weeks compared to placebo. MPH also improved inattention. SEQ ratings support ADHD-RS results. Adverse effects were reported five times more frequently for MPH than for PBE. PBE appears a good alternative for MPH in paediatric ADHD and especially in the primary school environment, a fortiori when considering its almost complete lack of adverse effects.

Study of biocementation treatment to prevent erosion by concentrated water flow in a small-scale sand slope

Road drainage systems collect runoff water during rainfall; however, their malfunction or defective discharge systems may cause downslope soil erosion through scour and runoff. Under climate changes scenario it is expected the occurrence of intense rainfalls with high erosion potential, and therefore it is important to increase slope resilience against this. This study assesses the effectiveness of biocementation through enzymatically induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) technique to prevent ravine formation caused by this phenomenon. The effectiveness of the EICP treatment was evaluated by comparing the results of an erosion test performed on a small-scale laboratory slope with those found in tests where identical slopes were covered with calcareous riprap, or with mulch of pine bark, both traditional solutions adopted in Europe to solve this problem. For this purpose, five identical small-scale slopes (maximum height 15 cm, slope V:H = 1:2) were built with dry uniform grading size sand in the laboratory. The first slope was the reference case, where no treatment was applied. The second was treated by spraying with enzymes and a feeding solution, while the third was treated only with feeding solution to analyze the contribution of the soil native bacteria in carbonate precipitation. The fourth and fifth slopes were tested with the traditional cover solutions mentioned. All slopes were subjected to a water thread of 0.13 l/min simulating a culvert outflow. The untreated reference slope has developed a marked erosive channel along the entire length of the slope at the end of 9 min. Almost the same happened on the slope treated with feeding solution, showing that the amount of carbonate precipitated by soil native bacteria is not enough to prevent erosion. For the enzyme-treated slope no scour or runoff erosion have occurred, and the test was stopped only when the first signs of instability appeared, after complete saturation, at the end of 15 min. The slopes where the traditional solutions were applied exhibited resistance to runoff erosion but scour erosion has occurred. These tests ended also when the first signs of instability appeared also after saturation. Regardless of the erosion countermeasure adopted all have prevented runoff erosion of the slopes, but only EICP prevented scour erosion, proofing the efficiency of this treatment against ravine formation.

Clinical Investigation of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as compared to Methylphenidate and Placebo: Part 2: Oxidative Stress and Immunological Modulation

To evaluate the effect of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (PBE; Pycnogenol®) on immune, oxidative stress and neurochemical biomarkers in paediatric Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as compared to methylphenidate (MPH) and placebo. Paediatric ADHD patients (n = 88, 70 % male, mean age 10.1 years) were randomised (placebo (n = 30), PBE (n = 32) and MPH (n = 26)) receiving 20 mg/day if < 30 kg or 40 mg/day if ≥ 30 kg PBE, or 20 mg/day if < 30 kg or 30 mg/day if ≥ 30 kg MPH for 10 weeks. In the oxidative stress pathway, catalase (CAT) activity was nominally significant different in the PBE group with a p-value of 0.025 whereas the immunity biomarkers IgA and IgG2 were nominally significant different after MPH treatment with a p-value of 0.028 and 0.017 respectively, compared to baseline. Serum Neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels and weight were significantly lower after 10-weeks MPH. Loss of appetite and weight loss was observed for MPH, whereas no differences in NPY concentrations and a significant weight gain, which is to be an expected physiological process in this age group, was noticed for PBE. Firm evidence that PBE increases antioxidant levels, reduces oxidative damage and improves immune status in general as compared to placebo or MPH could not be obtained.

Assessment of Polluted Soil Remediation Using Bacterial Community Tolerance to Heavy Metals as an Indicator

The assessment of remediation on metal-polluted soils is usually focused on total and/or bioavailable metal content. However, these chemical variables do not provide direct information about reductions in heavy metals pressure on soil microorganisms. We propose the use of bacterial communities to evaluate the efficiency of three remediation techniques: crushed mussel shell (CMS) and pine bark (PB) as soil amendments and EDTA-washing. A soil sample was polluted with different doses of Cu, Ni, and Zn (separately). After 30 days of incubation, the remediation techniques were applied, and bacterial community tolerance to heavy metals determined. If bacterial communities develop tolerance, it is an indicator that the metal is exerting toxicity on them. Soil bacterial communities developed tolerance to Cu, Ni, and Zn in response to metal additions. After remediation, bacterial communities showed decreases in bacterial community tolerance to Cu, Ni, and Zn for all remediation techniques. For Cu and Ni, soil EDTA-washing showed the greatest reduction of bacterial community tolerance to Cu and Ni, respectively, while for Zn the soil amendment with PB was the most effective remediation technique. Thus, bacterial community tolerance to heavy metals successfully detect differences in the effectiveness of the three remediation techniques.

Removal of chlorpyrifos from water using biosorbents derived from cassava peel, crambe meal, and pinus bark

Given the widespread distribution of pesticides in our environment, it is crucial to identify low-cost interventions to mitigate their occurrence and detrimental health effects. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of agro-industrial by-products with little value (peels from cassava roots, crambe meal, and pinus barks) as biosorbents to be used unmodified or modified through adding different reagents such as H2O2, H2SO4, or NaOH. Firstly, the biosorbents were characterized by their pH of the point of zero charge (pHPZC), their surface functional groups (FT-IR), morphological (scanning electron microscopy micrographs), and textural characteristics (specific surface area, pore-volume, and pore size). Adsorption studies were also conducted to evaluate the influence of the pH, adsorbent dose, contact time between adsorbent-chlorpyrifos, and isotherm studies. The pHPZC of the sixteen materials varied from 2.05 to 8.03; the surfaces were heterogeneous with functional groups such as CC, C-O, N-H, COO-, N-O, C-N, C-H, and O-H. In addition, the adsorbents presented a low specific surface area and pore volume. Moreover, CPF adsorption is not dependent on the pH in the evaluated range (3.0–7.0). The optimal results were found using doses higher than 16 g L−1, with the physicochemical equilibrium set within 10–20 min. Finally, the best fit was obtained for pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and Freundlich, thus, suggesting multilayer CPF adsorption. Therefore, we propose using agro-industrial by-products as biosorbents as a low-cost strategy to attenuate the impact of CPF and potentially other organophosphates on water pollution.

Epidendrumradicans Fungal Community during Ex Situ Germination and Isolation of Germination-Enhancing Fungi.

Orchids exhibit varying specificities to fungi in different microbial environments. This pilot study investigated the preference of fungal recruitment during symbiotic germination of Epidendrum radicans Pav. ex Lindl. Two different orchid substrates were used for ex situ seed baiting: pine bark and rotten oak leaf, with Basidiomycota and Ascomycota as the respective dominant groups. Both substrates promoted seed germination, with a higher protocorm formation rate on pine bark (65.75%). High-throughput sequencing characterized the fungal communities of germinated protocorms. Basidiomycota was the dominant group in protocorms that symbiotically germinated on both substrates. The family-level community structures of endophytic fungi in protocorms that symbiotically germinated on both substrates were close to those of protocorms that germinated in vitro on MS1 medium. For protocorms, the dominant fungal groups recruited from substrates differed at the genus level; from pine bark, they were genera belonging to unclassified Sebacinales (41.34%), Thanatephorus (14.48%) and Fusarium (7.35%), while, from rotten oak leaf, they were Rhizoctonia (49.46%), Clitopilus (34.61%), and Oliveonia (7.96%). Four fungal isolates were successfully obtained and identified as belonging to the family Tulasnellaceae, genera Ceratobasidium and Peniophora, which could promote seed germination to the seedling stage. The data indicate that endophytic fungi for E. radicans germination on two different substrates are affected at the genus level by the substrate, with a degree of specificity at the family level.

Bark from Nordic tree species – a sustainable source for amphiphilic polymers and surfactants

AbstractMany of the amphiphilic molecules, or surfactants, are produced from fossil-based raw materials. With the increasing awareness of the climate situation, focus has shifted toward more environmentally friendly solutions to replace fossil-based products. This has led to more interest towards the forest. The circular bioeconomy is focused on making use of residues and waste and on optimizing the value of biomass over time via cascading. Nowadays, bark is seen as a waste product by industries and mainly incinerated as solid fuel. The bark contains interesting compounds but some of these are only available in low amounts, less than 1 % in the bark, while other components are present in several percentages. However, some of these components are potential candidates for the manufacture of amphiphiles and there seems to be a strong match between bark availability and surfactant demand. The global amount of bark available is approximately 359 million m3and more than 10 million m3of industrial bark are generated annually in Sweden and Finland. The bark of Norway spruce, Scots pine and silver birch contains approximately 25–32 % of extractives and part of these extractives has a potential as a surfactant backbone. This matches the global surfactant demand of about 15.6 million tons. Therefore, industrial bark has a significant potential value as a raw material source for amphiphilic molecules and polymers. This review focuses on betulin, condensed tannin and suberin. These compounds have been studied on individually and methods to extract them out from the bark are well investigated, but to utilize them as amphiphilic compounds has not been explored. With this review, we want to emphasis the potential of using bark, what today is seen as a waste product, as a raw material for production of amphiphiles. Moreover, a techno-economic analysis has been performed on betulin, tannins and suberin.

Produção e qualidade de hastes florais de gérbera em substrato suplementado com diferentes doses de nitrogênio e cálcio

Abstract Success in production and quality of gerbera flower stalks over time depends on environmental factors and on appropriate fertilization procedures. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the production and quality of flower stalks of gerberas as cut flower cultivated for 28 months (with 25 months of harvest) in a pine bark-based substrate supplemented with different doses of nitrogen and calcium. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. Three doses of nitrogen (N) (0.07 g, 0.15 g and 0.20 g L-1 substrate) and three doses of calcium (Ca) (0.02 g, 0.03 g and 0.04 g L-1 substrate) were applied every 15 days along the cultivation period. The control was considered an additional treatment to which neither N nor Ca was supplemented to the plants in the pots. Highest flower yields and best flower quality were obtained in months in which the temperatures were in the range of 20 ºC to 25 ºC. The highest number of floral stalks and the largest diameter of the capitulum had a significant quadratic adjustment according to N doses. The maximum values were obtained with 0.14 g of N L-1 substrate. Whereas for Ca fertilization, a significant positive linear adjustment was determined, i.e., the highest values were obtained with the highest dose (0.04 g Ca L-1 substrate). There was a monthly variation in the yield and quality of cut gerberas grown in commercial substrate based on pine bark regardless of the different doses of nitrogen and calcium used in the experiment.

Absorção de nutrientes pelas raízes da bromélia Aechema fasciata

Abstract The bromeliads are desirable vase plants because of the flowering bract and the usually large, bold, colored and exotic format of the leaves that forms a cistern. The main function of epiphytic bromeliads roots is the fixation on the substrate, while water and nutrients uptake are performed mainly by leaves. However, recent studies have shown that the roots of epiphytic bromeliads can also help in the absorption of water and nutrients, contributing to plant growth and development. The present study aimed to evaluate the importance of the root system in the mineral nutrition of an epiphytic ornamental bromeliad silver vase bromeliad (Aechmea fasciata) that occurs in Brazil. 80 plants were cultivated for 240 days in plastic pots (900 mL) containing composted pine bark and were subjected to 5 treatments with 50 mL of 0% (control), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% Hoagland &amp; Arnon (HA) nutrient solution, applied twice a week only onto the substrate. Biometric and biomass variables of root and shoots, as well as macro- and micronutrients content in silver vase bromeliad leaves were evaluated. Results showed that all biometric and biomass parameters increased with the application of increasing HA solution concentrations, while the nutritional content in leaves showed different responses, with increase in nitrogen and potassium, decrease in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, sulfur, iron and zinc. We conclude that silver vase bromeliad grows better when fertilized with 75% or 100% HA solution on the substrate. We emphasize that the roots of the epiphytic silver vase bromeliad are functional and plays important roles in its nutrition and growth.

Coleopterous predators of pine bark beetles in the last years of the outbreak recorded in Ukraine

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify the species composition of coleopterous predators and their occurrence in different parts of the stem depending on the health condition of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the collapsing foci of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae). The research was carried out in 2019–2021 at 38 sample plots located in five State Forestry Enterprises of Sumy region (Ukraine). All sample plots are located in pure Scots pine stands in relatively poor forest site conditions. The relative density of stocking is 0.6–0.7, and the age of stands is between 60 and 110 years. The health condition for each tree was evaluated on visual characteristics by the classes: first – healthy; second – weakened; third – severely weakened; fourth – drying up; fifth – recently died and sixth – died over a year ago. Bark beetles’ nuptial chambers and predators were counted on 25 × 25 cm pallets, which were located at the lower, middle and upper parts of the stem with thin, thick and transitional bark, respectively. The significance of differences in the performance of predator species depending on the tree part, health condition and year was analysed using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis (K–W) test. The species composition of predators in different years, stem parts and tree health condition was compared using the Sorensen–Chekanovsky index. In the collapsing foci of bark beetles, the health condition of Scots pine in 2019–2021 tended to worsen. The infestation density of Ips acuminatus (Gyllenhal, 1827) and Ips sexdentatus (Boerner, 1767) was 0.62 ± 0.032 and 0.64 ± 0.017 nuptial chambers per 1 dm2, respectively, and also decreased in 2019–2021. In the galleries of bark beetles, seven species of coleopterous predators were collected: Aulonium ruficorne (Olivier, 1790) (Zopheridae), Platysoma elongatum (Leach, 1817) (Histeridae), Rhizophagus depressus (Fabricius, 1792) (Monotomidae), Corticeus pini (Panzer, 1799) (Tenebrionidae), Thanasimus formicarius (Linnaeus, 1758), Thanasimus femoralis (Zetterstedt, 1828) (Cleridae) and Salpingus ruficollis (Linnaeus, 1761) (Salpingidae). Two more species – Glischrochilus quadripunctatus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Nitidulidae) and Pytho depressus (Linnaeus, 1767) (Pythidae) – were singly collected in the foci. T. formicarius and P. elongatum were the most abundant. The ratio of predator–prey significantly increased from the upper to the lower part of the stem with thick bark. It, however, decreased in this stem part from the fourth to the sixth class of the health condition of the host tree.

Pycnogenol® supplementation alleviates symptoms of Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment.

The aim of this pilot registry study was to assess the preventive effect of an 8-week Pycnogenol® (French maritime pine bark extract) supplementation on symptoms, such as cognitive and motor aspects, in subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD). The study was based on five types of observations: a. Karnofsky performance scale index; b. oxidative stress markers in plasma (plasma free radicals, PFR); c. the main signs and symptoms, evaluated by a physician; d. face motion and expressions and their symmetry, recorded with a high-speed video camera. A total of 79 patients were included in the study: 39 controls using only standard management (SM) and 40 subjects supplemented with Pycnogenol® 150 mg/day. At inclusion, the two groups (SM and SM+Pycnogenol®) were comparable for age, symptoms, Karnofsky performance scale rating and for the management of PD. Likewise, oxidative stress and the presence of peripheral edema were also comparable between the two groups. No side effects of supplementation were observed. There were no tolerability problems. At the end of the study after 8 weeks, the Karnofsky performance index was significantly (P<0.05) higher with Pycnogenol® compared to controls. Also, the proportion of patients with a clinically visible peripheral edema decreased significantly over 8 weeks with Pycnogenol® compared to controls (P<0.05). Plasma oxidative stress was significantly lower with Pycnogenol® (P<0.05). The scores of PD main signs/symptoms like tremor, bradykinesia, alterations in cognitive functions, rigidity and speech impairment were significantly lower in the Pycnogenol® group compared to controls (P<0.05). Face expression evaluation showed a marked asymmetry at inclusion. Over 8-week supplementation, facial expression scores for visible and subliminal asymmetry, altered facial responses, altered shoulder motion and altered emotional pattern improved significantly in the Pycnogenol® group compared to controls (P<0.05) where the scores did not change significantly. In conclusion, according to this pilot registry study, Pycnogenol® supplementation helps patients with moderate, well-controlled PD - under stable treatment - to attenuate most signs and symptoms and life-relational aspects associated with Parkinson-related cognitive impairment.

The Possibility of Using Pine Bark Particles in the Chipboard Manufacturing Process

This research evaluated the possibility of using sawmill by-products from the roundwood-processing line in the production of wood-based panels. Due to its number of favorable properties, interesting chemical composition and large reserves resulting from the lack of industrial applications, the research focused particularly on the use of bark. Manufactured variants of boards differed in the proportions of wood chips to bark (70:30, 60:40, 50:50). Moreover, the boards containing only wood chips and a mixture of chips and sawdust were used as references. Urea-formaldehyde adhesive mixed with ammonium nitrate as a hardener was applied as a binding agent for the boards. Based on the mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, internal bonding), physical properties (density, thickness swelling, water absorption) and content and emission of formaldehyde, it was found that it is possible to produce boards characterized by good properties from sawmill by-products without advanced processing. Moreover, the use of bark instead of sawdust in order to increase the homogeneity of the cross-section allows one to obtain panels with significantly lower formaldehyde emission and water uptake.

Carbon Dioxide and Release of Primary Nutrients in Contrasting Soils Incubated with Feedstocks and Biochar from Cull Potato and Pine Bark

Disposal of potato waste at landfills results in nutrient losses and pollution of air and groundwater. Biochar from the waste could minimise carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, increase storage of carbon (OC) and recycle nutrients in soil. This study determined effects of biochar from cull potato (CP) and pine bark (PB) on CO2 emission and available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in contrasting soils. Biochar pyrolysed at 350 °C (CP350; PB350) and 650 °C (CP650; PB650), and feedstocks were applied to Luvisol and Ferralsol soils at rates equivalent to 10 Mg C ha−1 and incubated at 25 °C. The carbon dioxide (CO2-C) was captured in 1 M NaOH and the solution was back-titrated with 0.5 M HCl after 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, and 84 days. A similar experiment was conducted, with destructive sampling, including after 112 and 140 days, for analysis of ammonium-N, nitrate-N, and available P and K. Biochar increased CO2 in the Luvisol but decreased it in the Ferralsol when compared with the feedstocks and the control. Higher CO2 was emitted from PB biochar than from CP in the Luvisol. Ammonium-N increased in the Luvisol, reaching a peak after 14 days, and decreased after 42 days, while, in the Ferralsol, it decreased to below detection after 21 days. Nitrate-N increased with decline in ammonium-N, except in CP, in both soils. Available P increased within 14 days and declined after 28 days, with generally higher levels in the Ferralsol. Available K increased with addition of CP and its biochar, with greater availability at higher pyrolysis temperatures for both soils throughout the incubation. The findings showed that application of CP biochar causes emission of CO2 to increase in Luvisol and decrease in Ferralsol, while available K increase, with no effects on N availability, relative to control soils.

Marmara Bölgesindeki Fıstık Çamı Ormanlarında Ağaç Bileşenle-rine Ait Karbon Konsantrasyonlarının Belirlenmesi

In accordance with the Kyoto Protocol, countries prepare their national inventory reports (NIR) every year and present it to United Nations Secretariat of the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These statements are based on AFOLU Guideline (IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories for Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use). However, countries are required to produce parameters special to their own tree species in order to make more precise statements. The aim of this study was to determine to calculate both the carbon concentration of various components (needle, wood, bark, and root) of natural stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) and the weighted carbon concentration of above ground and total tree biomass. The study was conducted in natural stone pine forests in Marmara Region of Turkey. Samples were collected in 10 sampling plots that were at mature stage (dbh=20.0-51.9 cm) and had different site characteristics. Site characteristics of the sample plots were determined. Then, needle, wood, bark, and root samples were collected from 3 trees representing the top height in each sampling plot. Carbon analysis on plant samples collected from the sampling plots (10 plots × 3 replications × 4 components = 120 samples) was carried out in the laboratory. The obtained data were evaluated by using analysis of variance and Duncan test. Statistically significant differences were found between carbon concentrations of tree components (P&amp;lt;0.001). The lowest carbon concentrations were in needle (51.65%) and in roots (51.67%), while the highest carbon concentration was in wood (54.74 %) and in barks (54.93%). The weighted carbon concentration for natural stone pine forests were found to be 54.56% and 54.07% for the above-ground biomass and for the total tree biomass, respectively. The carbon concentrations found in this study can be used to calculate the carbon stocks stored in both trees and different components of trees in natural stone pine forests.

Effect of heating antioxidants and delayed bonding on bond strength to bleached enamel

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of heating natural antioxidants on their antioxidant activity and on micro shear bond strength of composite resin to bleached enamel. Materials and methods. A hundred-eighty flowable composite cylindrical specimens of 0.8 mm diameter and 1 mm length were bonded to enamel substrate for microshear bond strength evaluation. Six study groups were created (n=30). Group 1: No bleaching, Group 2: Bleaching only, Group 3: Bleaching+ Pine Bark Extract at Room temperature, Group 4: Bleaching + Pine Bark Extract preheated to 60° C. Group 5: Bleaching+ Grape Seed Extract at Room temperature, Group 6: Bleaching+ Grape Seed Extract preheated to 60° C. All groups were tested immediately (subgroup a), after one week (subgroup b) and two weeks (subgroup c). Both extracts were tested for their antioxidant activity using DPPH assay at room temperature, 40° and 60°. Two- and one- way ANOVA were used to explore the effect of different surface treatments and bonding time on microshear bond strength. Results. DPPH results showed the heated antioxidant extracts to have significantly higher antioxidant activity than their non-heated counterparts.

Korean Red Pine (Pinus densiflora) Bark Extract Attenuates Aβ-Induced Cognitive Impairment by Regulating Cholinergic Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation.

In this study, we investigated the anti-amnesic effect of Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora) bark extract (KRPBE) against amyloid beta1-42 (Aβ1-42)-induced neurotoxicity. We found that treatment with KRPBE improved the behavioral function in Aβ-induced mice, and also boosted the antioxidant system in mice by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and reducing glutathione (GSH) levels. In addition, KRPBE improved the cholinergic system by suppressing reduced acetylcholine (ACh) content while also activating acetylcholinesterase (AChE), regulating the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), and synaptophysin. KRPBE also showed an ameliorating effect on cerebral mitochondrial deficit by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP levels. Moreover, KRPBE modulated the expression levels of neurotoxicity indicators Aβ and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, p-IκB-α, and IL-1β. Furthermore, we found that KRPBE improved the expression levels of neuronal apoptosis-related markers BAX and BCl-2 and increased the expression levels of BDNF and p-CREB. Therefore, this study suggests that KRPBE treatment has an anti-amnestic effect by modulating cholinergic system dysfunction and neuroinflammation in Aβ1-42-induced cognitive impairment in mice.

Comparative analysis of physical-chemical properties of larch and pine bark: thermal analysis and analytical pyrolysis

Comparative analysis of physical-chemical properties of larch and pine bark: thermal analysis and analytical pyrolysis

Competitive removal of textile dyes from solution by pine bark-compost in batch and fixed bed column experiments

Compost from pine bark has been previously suggested as an effective low-cost biosorbent for different classes of textile dyes, although the existing studies have been performed in non-competitive batch conditions, so the effect of competition or adsorption in continuous-flow conditions has not been assessed. In this work, the removal of Basic Violet 10 (BV10) and Direct Blue 151 (DB151) by pine bark compost from single and bi-solute mixtures has been studied in batch and fixed-bed column experiments. Adsorption capacity of pine bark compost was three times higher for BV10 than for DB151 in batch conditions, where competition reduced the uptake of both dyes, with competition factors of 0.63 for DB151 and 0.82 for BV10. Dye adsorption capacity was lower in column than in batch tests, with 112.6 and 34.7 mg g −1 for BV10 and DB151, respectively, versus 127.1 and 42.1 mg g −1 in batch conditions. The presence of both dyes in solution also reduced their affinities with respect to non-competitive conditions in column tests, with saturation capacities of 71.6 mg g −1 for BV10 and 16.8 mg g −1 for DB151. The effect of competition between dyes was higher in columns than in batch conditions, with competition factors of 0.76 for BV10 and 0.59 for DB151. The column biosorbent was effectively regenerated using ethanol, thus enabling reuse in the practical application of compost for textile dye removal. The concentration of dyes in the eluted ethanol was higher than the influent concentration, what would give compost value for pre-concentration of textile dyes. • Competitive dye removal by pine bark compost has been studied for the first time. • Competition among dyes was stronger in column studies than in batch conditions. • Maximum adsorption capacity of compost was 127 mg g -1 for BV10 and 42 mg g -1 for DB151. • Pine bark compost adsorber was effectively regenerated using ethanol, enabling reuse.

A Fine Line between Phytotoxicity and Blue When Producing Hydrangea macrophylla in a Nursery at a Low Substrate pH

Hydrangea macrophylla exhibiting blue sepals (versus purple or pink) have improved marketability; however, little research has been conducted to evaluate aluminum (Al), the element responsible for bluing, on crop growth, effectiveness of bluing sepals, and characteristics of flower clusters in an outdoor nursery. This study compared substrate Al availability, crop growth, flower color, number, and size over a 56-week period in two locations. A polymer coated (90-day release) or ground aluminum sulfate [Al2(SO4)3; water soluble] was either incorporated into a non-limed pine bark substrate, applied to the surface of the substrate as a top dress, or as a routinely applied Al2(SO4)3 drench (low concn.) or applied once (high concn.). In general, application of Al increased plant foliar Al concentration, but also decreased substrate pore-water pH and increased electrical conductivity (EC) with varying effects based on the applied product’s solubility and subsequent longevity. Aluminum sulfate increased the potential of Al phytotoxicity negatively affecting root morphology and creating an undesirable rhizosphere electrochemistry due to the pH being continually acidic, &lt;4, and the EC being temporarily increased to &gt;1.5 mS·cm−1. These suboptimal rhizosphere conditions resulted in a lower quality or smaller plant. No plants exhibited clear, deep blue flower cluster sought by consumers. Neither the effect of pore water pH or EC could, alone or in combination, account for the lack of plant vigor or blue flower clusters when substrate and foliar Al concentrations were adequate in flowering H. macrophylla. More research is needed to investigate the effect of pore-water electrochemical properties, possible mineral nutrient co-factors that provide Al synergisms or toxicity protections, and holistic plant health on ensuring blue coloration of a vigorous H. macrophylla.

Effects of Coir-Based Growing Medium with Municipal Solid Waste Compost or Biochar on Plant Growth, Mineral Nutrition, and Accumulation of Phytochemicals in Spinach.

The use of municipal solid waste compost (MSW) and biochar, two renewable resources with a low carbon footprint as components of substrates, may be an alternative to reducing peat and coir usage. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of selectively collected MSW and biochar as components of the coir-based substrate to spinach grown. An experiment was carried out to evaluate five substrates, coir and four coir-based blends (coir + biochar + perlite, coir + municipal waste compost + perlite, coir + biochar + pine bark, and coir + biochar + pine bark) with 12% (v/v) MSW or biochar and 10% (v/v) perlite or pine bark. Spinach seedlings were transplanted into Styrofoam planting boxes filled with the substrate. Each planting box was irrigated daily by drip with a complete nutrient solution. Plants grown with MSW had a higher content of calcium. Shoot Mn increased in the biochar-containing mixes. The shoot dry weight of the plants grown in the different blends was higher than those grown in coir. Fresh yield was higher in mixes with MSW and perlite (3 kg/m2) or pine bark (2.87 kg/m2). Total phenols and DPPH antioxidant activity were not affected by the substrates. However, shoot ascorbate (AsA) content was higher or equal to those plants grown in coir. MSW and biochar are alternatives to reduce the use of coir and peat.